Dear LifeWay Family,
I find it interesting that our winter series through Acts 8-15 was all about “uncharted territory.” The early church was faced with challenges that were theological in nature, and that involved the upheaval of social structure. The early church in Jerusalem was at first a “happy and comfortable place” (see Acts 2:42-47 & 4:32-37), but overnight, their comfort was radically destroyed when Stephen, one of their deacons, was stoned to death. How did the church react? They ran away in total panic and fear (Acts 8:1)! But God used this social crisis to spread the gospel into the uncharted territory of their world and their culture.
What a perfect illustration of what we are going through right now. We have both a challenge to know how we are going to act and react, and an opportunity for the gospel. I had no idea just three weeks ago how relevant this Uncharted Territory series would be right now.
Take courage. As Christ followers we must face the reality, the unknowns, and the fear of the novel coronavirus and social upheaval with the same faith in the living God who is with us and who promises to strengthen us. Our faith in the sovereign God should make our response distinct. During plagues in the first and second centuries that killed multitudes throughout the Roman Empire, Christians didn’t desert the sick or flee from the cities like many others did. Many Christians stayed with the sick and cared for them. Many of the sick cared for by Christians recovered. They were impressed by their Christian neighbors who had loved them and risked their lives for them. Many came to follow Christ, seeing that faith in Jesus gave Christians courage in the face of death, and sacrificial love for their neighbors. The moment that is upon us right now opens the door for followers of Jesus to take this opportunity to show that faith in Christ the King, no matter what upheaval comes in this broken world. We are people who not only look out for our families and loved friends, but who care for our neighbors as well.
A word about social boundaries. Some of you may be concerned that we are overreacting, displaying unnecessary fear, and maybe even acting too worldly by canceling events or making significant changes. I personally do not like to panic or have a knee-jerk reaction to everything in the news or on social media. However, we are led biblically to follow, when we can, the guidelines of our local officials—in this case, our governor and our health professionals. Follow the Washington Department of Health for current news and instructions on how to conduct your basic life regarding COVID-19, and follow the rules and guidelines laid out for us by those officials when we do gather as a church. Whether or not you are afraid personally, you do not want to panic others around you by your behavior. Instead, be a witness and ambassador for Christ.
Stay connected with each other in a new way. We have always said we were a church of small groups. What better time to figure out how that could work for us? I will be spending time with our church leadership next week to make sure that everyone is connected to others in a meaningful ways throughout our church family. We will not have the luxury of connecting on Sunday mornings in the same ways we always have. I am counting this as a great opportunity that is forced on us. I am asking all of us, including the church leaders, to put together a personal list of those in our church family that you can pray for and watch out for — especially those who already face challenges of loneliness and isolation due to their circumstances.
Keep us posted about your situation. In a time of slightly forced isolation from each other, please let us know how you are feeling, what you are dealing with, and how we can pray for one another. Please send updates, prayer requests, and notes to the church office so the staff and leadership can take care of you appropriately.
Connect with your neighbors. Many people around you are scared right now. So many are worried about their jobs, about their health, about keeping food on the table. We have a golden opportunity to literally reach out to our immediate physical neighbors. Ask them how they are doing, how you might help, and how to pray for them. We have always said that the responsibility of telling our neighbors, co-workers and classmates about our hope in Jesus rests upon each one of us in our sphere of influence. This is your moment.
1 Peter 3:15 — Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
Stay in the Word of God. With no basketball, baseball, XFL football, or soccer matches to indulge in (how unpredictable and unbelievable is that!)…
With no movies or concerts to attend…
With no school classes to attend for 6 weeks…
With many of us working from home
With nothing but never-ending news channels or Netflix to binge on…
How about this novel thought: open your Bible and let God speak to you through His written Word.
The eternal Creator God of the universe actually has something of eternal value to say to you. Here’s what I recommend: Every day, read from the Old Testament, New Testament, and the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John). Finish with a psalm of worship. Let God be louder in your ear than all the other messages out there.
We will have more news about our church life in the days ahead. I love you all. I am praying regularly. Stay safe. See you this weekend if you are able—but no matter what, let’s use this as an opportunity to let Christ shine.
Billy Arnold, Pastor at LifeWay
& the LifeWay leadership team
Joshua 1:8 — Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.