2nd August 2020 - Sunday Church Service | The Church's Witness During A Pandemic | Zac Poonen
2nd August 2020 - Sunday Church Service | The Church's Witness During A Pandemic | Zac Poonen | Charles Banna | Ian Robson
Summary
The central message is that the Christian witness, especially during times of crisis like a pandemic, must be more than just speaking the written word. Drawing from Jesus' declaration, the true light we are called to be is the manifested life of Christ within us. Therefore, the church must embody the life of Jesus in its daily conduct and interactions to truly shine as the light of the world.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The Church's witness during a pandemicJesus called believers the light of the world, and God wants us to be a pure witness for him even during times of trials and pandemics.
Keeping our conscience clearTo keep the inner lamp burning, we must keep our conscience clear by immediately confessing sin and settling any broken relationships with others.Luke 11:33–36
The fold of righteous peopleJesus describes the 99 sheep as righteous people who need no repentance because they constantly keep their accounts short with God and man.
Paul's example of a blameless conscienceThe apostle Paul stated that he always kept his conscience blameless before God and man in view of the resurrection.Acts 24:15–16
Trusting our heavenly Father for daily needsBelievers should not be anxious about sickness or finances, but instead trust a loving heavenly father who promises to care for those who seek His kingdom first.
Wearing masks and breathing God's wordJust as masks filter our breath to protect others, we must breathe in the pure life-giving breath of God's word to stay spiritually alive.Genesis 2:7
Social distancing from worldly chatterJust as we practice social distancing to avoid physical viruses, we must avoid worldly and empty chatter that leads to ungodliness.
Frequent hand washing and self-cleansingJust as we wash our hands frequently to keep germs away, we are called to cleanse ourselves from all defilements of flesh and spirit.
Boosting spiritual immunity with healthy foodJust as we eat healthy food to build physical immunity, we must long for the pure milk of God's word to grow in respect to salvation.
Guarding the heart against worry and fearTo keep our light shining brightly, we must constantly guard our hearts against anxiety and fear, which are the opposite of faith.
Claiming the shelter of Psalm 91Those who dwell in the shelter of the Most High and make the Lord their refuge can claim the protective promises found in Psalm 91.
Being anxious for nothing through prayerBelievers are instructed to be anxious for nothing, but instead make their requests known to God so that His peace can guard their hearts.
Walking by faith instead of circumstancesGod calls us to walk by faith rather than by what we see or hear, keeping our hearts free from fear and resting in His faithful preservation.
