Author: Stan Cox
COVID-19 (18) Meditate on the Good!
Today, one of the sisters who is part of our family at the West Side congregation shared with me a few thoughts on Philippians 4:8 that I want to use as the basis of our article.
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8).
What happens when you sit in your house, day after day, watching the news and pouring over article after article about the coronavirus? You get caught up watching the politicization of the pandemic, the incessant blame game that seems characteristic of the media and politicians in our partisan nation. You get fixated upon the ever increasing number of fellow citizens who have caught the disease, or died from it. You get frustrated about the often contradictory information and instructions coming from so called experts and authorities. You get more and more worried as this invisible killer seems to draw nearer and nearer to you and your loved ones. You forget to heed and implement Paul’s words in the preceding verses, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
COVID-19 (17) Trust in the Mercy of God Forever
Psalm 52, a psalm of David, describes David’s words to an enemy who sought to inform King Saul of his whereabouts. Of this man, David wrote, “Your tongue devises destruction, like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. You love evil more than good, lying rather than speaking righteousness. You love all devouring words, you deceitful tongue” (2-4). David then proclaims his confidence that “God shall likewise destroy you forever” (5).
Apparently this man, in his wickedness, had obtained financial security. David said of him, “Here is the man who did not make God his strength, but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness” (7). This description is so appropriate to our day. There are so many in our nation who have trusted in their riches.
Continue reading “COVID-19 (17) Trust in the Mercy of God Forever”
COVID-19 (16) The Shepherd Knows His Sheep
In John 10, the apostle records a confrontation between Jesus and a group of Jews who demanded (24), “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of me” (25).
What problem did the Jews have? They did not believe the evidence. It is a simple thing to review the previous chapters of John’s gospel to see such public evidence of His claims. Turning the water into wine (John 2). The healing of the nobleman’s son (John 4). The healing of the lame man at the pool of Bethesda (John 5). The feeding of 5,000 (John 6). The giving of sight to a man blind from birth (John 9).
Continue reading “COVID-19 (16) The Shepherd Knows His Sheep”
COVID-19 (15) Mr. Lonely
This article was inspired by an online Bible study by one of our members, Dennis Craig. His lesson was titled Learning the Value of Solitude. It was a great help to our members who are observing the shelter in place guidelines from local and state government.
Bobby Vinton wrote a song in the late 1950’s after being drafted into the military. He spent two years serving domestically, and wrote Mr. Lonely which later became a number one hit when released in 1964. Here are the lyrics, which more accurately describe a soldier sent overseas.
COVID-19 (14) Do You Miss Your Brethren?
Many typically active participants in worship and fellowship have not seen their brethren in a month. Preachers are standing in empty buildings or sitting in their own homes, sharing messages through the internet. But, in most cases Christians are not together.
Even the few who remain able or willing to meet on the Lord’s day have limited their time together to a single hour once a week. Staying at arm’s length and leaving quickly, the loving closeness of a spiritual family is greatly missed. It is obvious to some that a “virtual” assembly is a pale imitation of a congregational meeting to worship God. If others were not aware of the great disadvantages of these electronic communications, it is becoming obvious as the pandemic lingers.
COVID-19 (13) Do All Things Without Complaining
In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he dealt with an apparent conflict between two Christian women, Euodia and Syntyche. He specifically implored them in 4:2, to “be of the same mind in the Lord.” The concept of unity was dealt with generally in the second chapter, where admonitions such as “being likeminded”, “having the same love”, “being of one accord”, “of one mind”, “esteem others better than himself”, “look out…for the interests of others.” (2:2-4).
Such an attitude is seen in kindness, expressions of love and longsuffering, and endless demonstrations of patience. Such a humble and temperate demeanor is disarming, and those who have it are difficult to dislike. This is at its heart an expression of humility. “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (2:3).
Continue reading “COVID-19 (13) Do All Things Without Complaining”
Sermon: God Has Plans for You!
Sermon preached outside during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The lesson affirms to all who love God, that He has great plans for us!
COVID-19 (12) Are We Too Preoccupied?
One of our members forwarded a post today that mirrors some things that my son and I have been discussing the last several weeks. It is on the mind of many, and has been stated by the President himself when he said that we must make sure the “cure isn’t worse than the disease.” Justin’s post read:
“There isn’t actually any contradiction in the beliefs that (A) the virus is dangerous, (B) mass unemployments is dangerous, and (C) authoritarian government policies are dangerous. There needn’t be any cognitive dissonance holding all three at once; they’re not mutually exclusive.” – Caitlin Johnstone
COVID-19 (11) Remembering
Today marks 38 years of marriage for Debbie and me. 38 years, 6 houses, 4 kids, 6 grandkids and counting. It means a lot of memories. We have an album of our grandkids that scrolls on our TV, and we fully enjoy the chronicling of their lives from birth to the present. As Babs would say, “Memories light the corners of my mind.” Remembering is an enjoyable thing, and can be instructive as well.
The Passover feast for the Jew was established as a remembrance. “So this day shall be to you a memorial; and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord throughout your generations” (Exodus 12:14). In the same way, Jesus instituted His supper for us to remember His death on the cross. “And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me'” (Luke 22:19). By remembering His death for us, we are thankful, and strengthened in our faith.
COVID-19 (10) The Most Contagious and Fatal of Diseases
The COVID-19 virus is highly contagious. How contagious is yet to be determined. The worst case scenario posted by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) posits between 160 and 214 million people could be infected this year, with deaths between 200,000 and 1.7 million. Those are big numbers, and especially with the death estimates, widely ranging. We should pray that our tactics to combat the spread of the virus are successful, and that the numbers are much smaller.
A big part of the problem is that the virus is new. You have heard the word “novel” being used to describe it. Before the latter part of 2019, no one had ever seen it. No one knew how it was transmitted, how easily it could be spread, how contagious it was. And, no one knew how to treat it.
Continue reading “COVID-19 (10) The Most Contagious and Fatal of Diseases”
COVID-19 (9) For What Is Your Life?
James referred to a specific arrogance present among his readers. “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit'” (4:13). Doesn’t that perfectly describe our culture, pre-COVID-19? The world was speeding along, unconcerned, living life to the fullest. Few were worried about the possibility of a pandemic that would cripple the world’s economy, and would inspire talk of a “new normal” that would include social distancing and foundational changes.
We have been given a wake up call. James answered those mentioned in the above verse with these words, “whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (2:14). All of us today are a bit more aware of our own mortality. Though the virus is not deadly to all, the daily count that we see on every news program is sobering. Carefree days are over. People are scared, and are beginning to realize the frailty of life. We are not quite as in control as we thought we were.
COVID-19 (8) Show Kindness and Mercy to One Another
My wife and I were talking this morning about the Virginia governor’s shelter in place order that extends to June 10th. It seems that as the weather changed, hundreds in Virginia were heading to Virginia’s beaches, ignoring the government’s suggested limitations. So, the suggestion was made into an order, and for the next 10-11 weeks, all will stay home except for necessary outings.
This, of course, is to keep people from getting sick, and to save lives. But, I told her, think of all those who are in domestic situations that include abuse. Wives, and children, cooped up with abusive husbands and fathers, who may be losing jobs, depressed, (and the “necessary” liquor stores are still open)!
Continue reading “COVID-19 (8) Show Kindness and Mercy to One Another”
COVID-19 (7) It’s Time to Practice Our Religion
The tendency of our time is to minimize religion. For many, a self designed “spirituality” has taken the place of religion. In this view, the concept of belief in God (or something out there) is divorced from any concept of religious duty or involvement.
I am convinced a reason for this is the self-sufficiency of our nation. The first world countries that enjoy a measure of material prosperity and reasonable health care are almost always secular and dismissive of any dependence upon deity. In fact, it is common to look down upon the religious as fanatical, superstitious and backwards.
Continue reading “COVID-19 (7) It’s Time to Practice Our Religion”
Sermon: God is Our Refuge and Strength
Sermon preached outside during COVID-19 Pandemic.
The text of Psalm 46 is used to express the great protection and strength granted to us as His children.
COVID-19 (6) Continue Earnestly in Prayer
Paul requested prayers from his brethren in Colosse, writing to them, “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak” (4:2-4).
It is interesting that during times of physical distress, prayers are encouraged. It is right for us to do this. “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them prayer over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord” (James 5:14).
Continue reading “COVID-19 (6) Continue Earnestly in Prayer”
