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Can We Pass the COVID-19 Test?

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By Interim Pastor Steve McCoy

Tests are dreaded by most students, but teachers have been using them for years because they work. Students strive to learn their lessons so they can advance, pass the test, and move on to the next level.

God also administers tests. Jesus writes to the church at Philadelphia about testing the whole earthly population: “Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth” (Revelation 3:10).

The good news is that this church is going to be spared from that test. The bad news is God is going to test those who call this planet home.

Interestingly enough, our world is going through a planetwide test right now since God has allowed COVID-19 to sweep the globe.

How do we and the rest of the world pass the test?

Do we pass by coping and hunkering down?

Do we pass when we discover who is to blame and hold them accountable—China, politicians, virologists?

Do we pass the test when we wear a mask, socially distance, or get a vaccine?

Just how do we pass the pandemic test?

When God was leading Israel through their wilderness wanderings, Moses disclosed to them the purpose of their trials: “to test you in order to know what was in her heart” (Deuteronomy 8:2).

God is testing me, our church, other believers, unbelievers, and the whole world with COVID-19 to see what is in our heart:

  • Do I love God more fervently than before?
  • Is my service for God as passionate as before?
  • Is my obedience more complete than in previous days?
  • Is my character more reflective of Jesus?

I want to pass the test with a heart hot after God.

Perhaps God is preparing His church to come roaring back with more vitality and passion than ever before!

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Tolerance in the Age of COVID-19

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By Bill Naron

One definition for tolerance is “acceptance of others as unique expressions of specific character qualities in varying degrees of maturity.” This definition gets to the heart of the matter in two ways. The first draws on the biblical truth that God knit us together and formed us (Psalm 139:13). We bear His image, and we bear that image in unique ways. Second, this definition acknowledges that we are all at different places and stages on our journey. This is important for us to remember as we engage with one another in our church community.

The pandemic we are in has presented the church with a unique situation. Think about the dystopian, almost apocalyptic timeframe that defines this pandemic. Cities are shut down, and many people are staying home or out of work. Riots are happening, and people are being encouraged to refrain from close contact. It almost seems like a sci-fi movie!

One of the dangers often spoken of regarding social media is that people often speak harsher than they would in person. I believe that this is truer in the COVID age than ever before. The debates are increasingly more divisive, and tensions are increased. How we talk to one another and how we handle conflict is very important.

In steps the character quality of tolerance. Many people are going to find themselves having tough conversations as churches begin to come back together. One of the often-unrecognized by-products of this political climate and this pandemic is wounded relationships. Friendships have been fractured, feelings have been hurt, and judgments have been passed. Many people have experienced hurt and we have to be willing to make amends. Tolerance helps us graciously deal with one another. One aspect of tolerance is the ability to respond graciously to others. Ephesians 4:29 states, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” We must learn to speak graciously to one another. No matter your opinion on the topics of the day, always remember that people matter more. Be gracious and kind to your brothers and sisters at this time. This is what the Lord has been dealing with my heart on and it is not easy, but it is absolutely necessary.

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How Do We Resolve Disputes?

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By Pastor Steve McCoy

Have you sensed we’re divided regarding post-virus church reopening issues?

Over my pastoral career, I’ve experienced divisiveness regarding church music, rock music, Halloween activities, educational choices, tattoos, cannabis, and others. Divisiveness seems to be part of our DNA!

Moral issues from God’s Word are incredibly clear: lying, stealing, sexual immorality, murder, drunkenness, not paying taxes owed, resisting governmental authority, etc. These are issues of right and wrong.

But, other issues in life are debatable or disputable.

This is where Romans 14 helps us navigate. But, first, let me give some background.

When the church was birthed (Acts 2) it was totally Jewish. When the gospel hopped the fence into the Gentile world (Acts 10-11) a number of disputes developed. Jewish believers had scruples; the Gentiles seemingly had none. Squabbling erupted when these two groups united in worship or in community.

Diet and days are two big issues critical to Jewish believers.

Jewish people were used to food regulations based on Levitical laws. A familiar one was no pork, but it also included many other items. In addition, Jews didn’t want to consume any food that was associated with idol worship.

Gentile believers, on the other hand, bought meat from pagan temples where sacrifices were offered. The idols didn’t eat the meat, so it was sold at the temple meat market at a good price.

This deeply disturbed Jewish believers, because to them, this was participating in idol worship. But Gentile believers regarded idols as nothing but wood, stone, or metal. “Why not take advantage of a good deal?” they thought. “After all, Jesus pronounced all things clean (Mark 7:19).”

If dietary regulations were not enough, the celebration of certain days compounded the problem. Sabbath days, feast days, and holidays were revered by Jews. Gentiles considered all days alike.

This is where Paul presents three guidelines regarding disputable things (Romans 14).

First, each believer is free to have their own individual perspective on non-critical, non-moral, disputable matters (14:2, 5-7). This allows for personal freedom.

Second, each believer is ultimately answerable to God (14:8-12, 22). This affirms individual accountability before God.

Third, each believer is to love one another.

But what does it mean to love a fellow believer? Three concepts describe love when it comes to disputable things.

First, love means I accept you with your individual peculiarities (14:1).

Second, love means I don’t judge you for your personal choices (14:3-4, 13-18). In this context “judge” means accusing you of a moral wrong when you have freedom of choice.

Third, love means I don’t want to offend you overtly with my actions (14:19-21).

We are not going to agree about the reopening process related to COVID-19. But we all need to agree to operate according to biblical guidelines with regard to disputable things.

Oh yes, by the way, you’re free to disagree with me!

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A Favorite Verse That is So Much More

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By Dan Amos

Have you ever run across a verse that acts as the proverbial two-by-four upside the head? I can definitely point to Romans 1:20 as an example. I read it. Then I re-read it over and over. I pondered it and printed it out and posted it on my monitor at work. It was such a foundational verse, one that underpins my worldview and helps to explain our current situation.

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse (Romans 1:20).

This is a verse of incredible hope to me. God created. He’s in control, always has been and always will be. While He has chosen to limit His revelation to us, enough is there that we can know, whether we are a scientist or not. There’s enough evidence to acknowledge His majesty, that we have to actively deny Him to not see it. I see how we are fearfully and wonderfully made and I know that I don’t have the kind of faith to believe inorganic matter spontaneously came alive on its own and overcame entropy to organize into the complex, interdependent organisms that are people.

The rest of the chapter is less hopeful, more instructive as it describes the consequences of our denial:

For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools ( Romans 1: 21-22)

We know the consequences of our sin and that of our ancestors. What was made very good was spoiled. Life became difficult and finite as a result. What we are experiencing today was not part of His plan, but it is redeemable even in the tragedy and loss.

I count myself fortunate and blessed in this time. I am thankful more than ever and for more than before. I have often given thanks for those who serve in our military, law enforcement and medical service. Now, I recognize my gratitude for the truckers, the clerks, the stockers. I am thankful for all those people who make everyday living possible and who continue on today under difficult conditions and often with smiles under their masks. I hope as we return to a new normal, whatever that may be, that we don’t forget how we were served so well by so many.

There are many who are making an extraordinary effort on our behalf. We have Sunday service because of many sacrificially serving. Every week because of people like Lars P. and Gregg Z., we are getting closer and closer connected while physically apart. How wonderful that they are harnessing technology to serve.

And of course the Good News is we are not doomed to condemnation without hope:

But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus (Romans 3:21-24)

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Seeking God in the Face of Adversity

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By Bill Naron

Each of us can no doubt remember a time before the COVID-19 pandemic. A time when there was no government shutdown and when churches gathered physically. In the face of our struggle against this disease, many aspects of our lives have changed. For many, the stay-at-home order and the resulting inability to gather with the ones we love is difficult. In some ways, this is a type of suffering that is not “normal” for us as Americans.

This hardship we are experiencing has disrupted our usual way of life. We are not able to go and to do the things that we would typically do. We are not able to gather with our friends and family. We are not able to corporately worship, as a body of believers, in the way we are accustomed to gathering. A suffering of this nature is not something that we, as Americans, have much experience with.

A week ago, as I was perusing YouTube, I came across a video by Francis Chan entitled “Message to the Hong Kong Church.” He read from the Psalms, specifically 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” When I heard these words, I stopped cold. It resonated with me and was like a breath of fresh air.

“Be still and know that I am God.” What a powerful statement that is and what a great reminder of Who is in control. I know that there are many different opinions about the things that are happening and how Christians should engage. As I heard these words, they reminded me of Daniel. In Daniel chapter 6, the other high officials who served King Darius deceived him into signing a law that no one could pray to any god but him for 30 days. But God’s faithful servant Daniel did what he always did – the right thing. He defied the order and continued to pray to God

Right now, as we face this hardship together as a body and as we mindfully navigate these perilous times, there are three things we should not neglect to practice. First, we need to “be still” and know that God is on His throne. Second, we need to pray for our leaders at Elim and in the Church throughout the world, and for governmental authorities. And third and finally, we need to follow the example of the prophet Daniel, who made trusting, following and pleasing God the top priority in his life, regardless of the personal cost.

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