April 26, 2020

AND YOU SHALL…
April 26, 2020
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Having friends on social media has become a way to socially interact during the pandemic of COVID 19. What type of material do you post? What do you like to read?

Open:

The past few weeks we examined the last words of Jesus as He was arrested and crucified, culminating last week in His words from Revelation, “Behold! I come quickly!” His last statements tell us two things: we must be the ones to go and tell, and Jesus is coming soon. Today we want to go deeper into these phrases, examining our own hearts to see if we are carrying out His Great Commission, or if we are hoping others will be the ones who “go and tell.”

Key Verse: Acts 1:8a: But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me….

Focal Passages: Matthew 4:19, 9:37, 24:9-14a; Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 3:15; Phil. 4:13.

Jesus commanded it

  • Read Acts 1:8a. When does the Holy Spirit take up residence in a believer? What do the words “you shall” imply?
  • What do we consider to be our options about sharing the news of salvation through Jesus Christ? What are some excuses we use not to share?

Jesus taught it

  • Read Matthew 4:19. How did Jesus live His life in order to be our pattern? What are some examples from His ministry?
  • Are there areas of your life where you have told someone, “Do as I do”? Have you used this phrase in connection with your walk with Jesus? Why or why not?

The world needs it

  • Think nationally and globally: what are some troubles that are in today’s world? What is the basic root problem?
  • Read Matthew 24:9-12. What are some of the evidences of hatred toward Christians today? How does this sound like Jesus’ words of the “last days”?
  • Can you think of other examples that may indicate we are getting close to His return?

You can do it

  • Read Matthew 24:14a. What is God’s promise in this verse? Is there any ambivalence in His statement?
  • Read Matthew 9:37. What field and harvest was Jesus referring to? Why are there few workers? Who is responsible for the work? What problem does the world need to be saved from?
  • Read 1 Peter 3:15. Who are to be the preachers? How can you make yourself ready? What does it mean to do it in meekness and fear?

Close:

Another week of isolation, social distancing, quarantine, and COVID 19, terms that were not even part of our ordinary vocabulary until perhaps the first part of December, 2019. Now we speak of them many times a day, hoping the time is soon when employees can return to work, we can mingle with the ones we love, and life regains some normalcy. As we consider the Great Commission, we want to know what can be done to “follow Christ” in this time of craziness when we are still feeling our way, trying to stay positive. What are some of the great things you are hearing about in your town? We know this is a time when churches are stepping forth, calling members on the phone to ask “How can we help you?” Food baskets and meals are being distributed (and yes, social distance is practiced), financial help is being offered, and much more. We’re hearing of parking lots at the local hospitals being filled with prayer warriors, sitting in their cars with headlights on, praying for patients who can’t have visitors or family while they are inside. Restaurants are furnishing food to shut-ins, and donations are on an upswing as the communities rally around their own. It has been amazing to see the photos of cities like Los Angeles and New York, now, compared to three months ago! The clarity of the air has been radically impacted, smog is fading, gases are controlled, and canals and streams are clearing up. Life is much healthier! The best of all the great news, however, is the number of people who are turning to Jesus Christ, understanding their need of a Savior, and hearing their sins can be forgiven. The fear of getting COVID 19 may be great, but an eternity spent in a very real place called Hell is much more fearsome. It is marvelous to see scores of people deciding it is time to take God seriously. Thank You, Lord, for the blessings You’ve given us during this time unlike no other we’ve ever known!

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