Pastores Camaroneses estão Obedecendo à Grande Comissão
Louvado seja o Senhor pelo que está acontecendo nos Camarões! Nada disso seria possível sem suas orações contínuas.
Lembro-me de Jeremias 32:27 que diz: “Eu sou o Senhor, o Deus de toda a humanidade. Existe algo muito difícil para mim?”.
Você recentemente ajudou a concluir uma sessão de treinamento de dois dias em evangelismo e plantação de igrejas com 80 participantes em Douala, Camarões.
Juntos, treinamos os pastores em um novo método de evangelismo. 27 grupos saíram por duas horas após o treinamento para praticar o evangelismo com as pessoas da comunidade. Eles alcançaram 187 pessoas com o Evangelho e 54 se aceitaram o Senhor Jesus Cristo como seu Salvador.
Após o treinamento sobre Plantio de Igrejas, 61 pastores se comprometeram a compartilhar o Evangelho e a Plantar Igrejas. Eles agora têm uma direção, visão e objetivo claros para fazer discípulos e Plantar Igrejas através do Evangelismo. público de Douala a Kumba – uma viagem de quatro horas pelas estradas de terra dos Camarões. Aqui eles continuaram o treinamento de evangelismo e Plantação de Igrejas com cerca de 30 participantes em Kumba.
Esse grupo de pastores também aprendeu o método de evangelismo com os Harvesters. Nove grupos saíram para praticar e evangelizar as pessoas da vila. Eles alcançaram 58 pessoas com o Evangelho e 28 aceitaram Jesus Cristo como seu Senhor e Salvador.
19 pastores em Kumba se comprometeram a edificar o Reino de Deus.
Ambos os grupos de pastores irão treinar Pastores Estudantes e plantar Igrejas em suas comunidades e vilas remotas.
Estamos extremamente honrados e gratos ao Senhor por ter aberto o caminho para treinar pastores nos Camarões. Nós somos o instrumento de Deus e queremos honrá-Lo em tudo o que fazemos.
Place Your Trust in Jesus
The world is currently facing a strange and uncertain time. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected almost every single person across the globe – whether you are infected, know someone who has the virus, lost a loved one to the virus, had travel plans cancelled due to the virus or experienced a lockdown in your country.
The virus is causing havoc in the world economy. People are freaking out, living in fear and doing more harm than good by believing the lies that are spread by some.
You might even be experiencing or experienced a lockdown in your country. You had the opportunity to grow closer to your family members, join a virtual service and trust the Lord during this difficult time.
What if you did not know Jesus? In whom would you place your trust?
This uncertain time is not the time to keep the Gospel to yourself. During this trying time there is a great opportunity to share the Gospel and reach the lost. Many people will seek the Truth during this time.
One of our Kenyan pastors, Mathias Dickens, understands that we are the church, “The church is not closed; the building is closed. Stay home and continue to worship. The problem we have is the definition problem.”
Pastor Mathias is one of our committed pastors who trains student pastors in evangelism, discipleship and church planting in Kenya. Pastors like Mathias need your support during this difficult time to enable him to be God’s hands and feet during this challenging time.
During this uncertain time, I am reminded of Deuteronomy 31:6 that says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
It is important to continue to sow in the Kingdom of God during this pandemic. Your contribution has eternal value. Your gift will lead the lost to Christ and build God’s Kingdom in more than 60 countries worldwide.
You will empower pastors to continue with their three-year training, place a Bible in his hands and open the way for this pastor to share the Gospel with those who do not know Jesus.
Click on the link below to sign up for Harvesters Ministries monthly newsletters and e-communications:
Help Feed Starving Families in Lesotho
The COVID-19 virus has infected millions of people all across the globe. Hundreds of countries implemented lockdowns to control and curb the spreading of the virus. Because of these lockdowns, people have been unable to go to work, earn a living and provide for their families. Millions are starving.
One such country that was negatively affected by a lockdown is the mountainous kingdom of Lesotho. Lesotho is a small enclaved country within the borders of South Africa. It has a population of just over 2 million people.
The Lesotho government decided to impose a national lockdown even though there was only 1 Coronavirus case within the entire country. By God’s provision, loyal donors like you have enabled Harvesters Ministries to establish church networks here, through which needy families can be reached during this time.
Harvesters Ministries is also fortunate enough to have an HLT (Harvesters Licensed Trainer) who lives and works in the country, Francois Snyman. Francois and his family farms in Lesotho, trains Harvesters pastors, plants churches and ministers in communities.
They have seen devastating poverty in Lesotho, worsened by this lockdown. It has been possible for Francois to help 60 families in need during this lockdown. There are however hundreds more who urgently need help. You can help to make an even greater impact.
Prayerfully consider helping a starving family in Lesotho today. With your help Harvesters Ministries aims to provide 130 families in need with one month’s worth of food supply.
Click on the link below to help a family in need today:
In God’s Word we read that we as Christians must lighten the load of one another, in Proverbs 28 verse 27 it says, “Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.”
Harvesters can Reach the Lost in the Amazon
Missions and mission organisations desperately need the prayers of believers like you to reach the lost with the Gospel. Through your continued intercession you are making it possible for missionaries to reach out to people across the globe, share the Gospel with the lost and ensure that the Word of God reaches the ends of the earth. Your prayers are building God’s Kingdom.
You have recently helped to open the way for Harvesters Ministries to train pastors in some of the remote parts of the Amazon forest.
Praise God with us that one of the training teams could recently visit Tefé on the mighty Amazon. Tefé is one of the largest cities in the Amazon and is situated in the northern part of Brazil. Training occurred and churches leaders sat down with strategic river pastors and communities to discuss the way forward.
The pastors mapped out their areas in the Amazon in order to plant churches. Harvesters is currently working in areas where only 5 to 18 % are reached or have any access to any form of the Bible. This is quite a daunting statistic!
These people live in complete isolation.
In the Amazon there are clusters of floating houses off shore that look like little boats, but in fact they are river communities. It is very typical that there are dwellings and communities of River Peoples and indigenous people on many rivers and tributaries within Amazonia (the Amazon Basin). Tens of thousands of these communities are without a place of fellowship and have never heard the Gospel.
There are more than 10 000 villages along the banks of the Amazon river that still have no access to a church or the Gospel. Your prayers will help change this.
Going the Extra Mile – Sermon by Steven Loots
Matthew 5:38-48
Eye for Eye
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’[h] 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Love for Enemies
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour[i] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Intro
The world Jesus came into was extremely polarized, fractioned and bitter. On the one hand you had God’s people, the Israelites in bondage to Rome, a cruel and harsh master. On the other, a Jewish nation that hated the gentiles and hated those who did not interpret the law the way they did. Your brother was your enemy – the Pharisees and scribes divided people into good Israelites and bad Israelites- basically those who did not know the law.
Jesus comes with a radical new teaching: 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”
Jesus takes on the religious establishment not the Roman oppressors. He says, these teachers have used and abused the Old Testament. You have heard it said…
- An eye for an eye.
- Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.
- BUT I TELL YOU:
- This is not what the Father intended for you.
- This is not how it works in the Kingdom I am establishing.
- Here we will be returning to the Father’s intention:
- This will be a Kingdom based on love not retaliation, retribution, hate and anger.
- In this Kingdom we will not be in it for ourselves, our cliques, our likes our comfort and our power.
- Our love will go wider than our family, friends and those who love us.
- We will love the unloved,
- The unlovable,
- Even our enemies – those who oppose and persecute us.
Let us look at just one example of this radically different approach to life and changed attitudes that Jesus calls us to… 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.
Roman Rule:
Roman rule was oppressive, harsh and continued for a long time.
- They were the enemies, foreign invaders – in essence you had a police state – martial law.
- They instituted rules and laws the Jews hated.
- They taxed the people beyond their ability to cope.
- Nowhere did Jesus call for an uprising, a revolt or even a #campaign.
- Tis greatly disappointed many potential followers who wanted a political leader to give them freedom from Rome.
The rule of Requisition
This rule allowed a Roman soldier to sequester any passerby to help him carry his load – usually about 90 pounds of armour and kit for a Roman Kilometer – about 1.45 Km.
Imagine:
- You are on your way to a business deal, a social meeting, a date, school, a religious meeting.
- As you walk down the hill a soldier says, “Hey you. Pick up my load and help me take it up that hill.” You have no choice, no excuse – you stop what you are doing and do what you are told.
- It was stupid.
- It was unjust.
- It was unfair.
- It was repressive.
- It was undignified.
- It was a clear abuse of power.
- It had ramifications –
- It wasted time.
- It was hard work.
- It kept people from being gainfully employed.
- It was a social nuisance.
- It was FORCED on you – this is not something you wanted to do and a benevolent choice you made to help someone or a charitable act.
- Hatred, ANGER, RESENTMENT!
Jesus says, Change your attitude! Go an extra mile. Do more than is required – with the right attitude. Out of love.
- Hang on! That’s unfair!
- We should rather rebel! We should have a #stopthemile campaign!
- We should organize a protest, even a rebellion.
- What about my rights?
Mmm… Jesus says, As an ambassador of my Kingdom you have to obey the rules of the land you are in, whether you agree with them or not, whether they make sense or not, whether you like them or not. You represent me. Do it for ME.
Do you want to start a #stoptheextramile campaign against the teaching of Jesus?
True Christianity is radically different!
How do you respond to being forced to do things?
- Lockdown?
- Wearing a facemask?
- Shuttering your business?
- Dealing with “stupid” regulations and rules?
Note that Jesus said nothing about the actual rule, about its cruelness or the injustice of it. Jesus addressed how we deal with things the “enemy” throws at us. Your spiritual health depends a lot on how you manage the next few months, as you are again and again faced with things that are forced on you, that you have no control over – either by the virus or the authorities.
Will you lash out, rebel and blame, or will you seek out opportunities to do all things as unto Christ? Will you love rather than hate, forgive rather than blame and serve rather than stand on your rights? Will you embody the world or walk as Jesus did?
44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Sofrimento por ser Cristão
1 Pedro 4:12-19 Sofrimento por ser cristão
12 Queridos amigos, não se surpreendam com a terrível provação que veio sobre vocês para testá-los, como se algo estranho estivesse acontecendo com vocês. 13 Mas regozijai-vos por participardes nas aflições de Cristo, a fim de que sejais exultantes quando a sua glória for revelada. 14 Se você é insultado por causa do nome de Cristo, você é bem-aventurado, porque o Espírito da glória e de Deus está sobre você. 15 Se você sofre, não deve ser como assassino ou ladrão ou qualquer outro tipo de criminoso, nem mesmo como intrometido. 16 Mas, se você sofre como cristão, não se envergonhe, mas louve a Deus por levar esse nome. 17 Pois é tempo de começar o julgamento pela casa de Deus; e se começa conosco, qual será o resultado para aqueles que não obedecem ao evangelho de Deus? 18 e,
“Se é difícil para os justos serem salvos,
o que será do ímpio e do pecador? ”[a]
19 Portanto, aqueles que sofrem de acordo com a vontade de Deus devem se comprometer com seu fiel Criador e continuar a fazer o bem.
Introdução
O sofrimento faz parte da condição humana.
- Sofremos de dor quando caímos
- Sofremos à medida que envelhecemos e nossos corpos se deterioram
- Sofremos emocionalmente quando perdemos um ente querido
- Sofremos quando somos rejeitados por nossos amigos
- Sofremos quando perdemos um emprego e enfrentamos tempos de incerteza
A Bíblia tem muito a dizer sobre esse sofrimento, entretanto, este texto não está falando sobre o sofrimento em um sentido geral. Pedro está escrevendo para crentes que estão sofrendo diretamente por causa de sua fé.
- Eles estão sofrendo porque acreditam em Jesus Cristo
- Eles estão sofrendo porque as pessoas odeiam Jesus
- Eles estão sofrendo porque as pessoas odeiam aqueles que seguem Jesus Cristo
- Este sofrimento foi real e severo.
Alguns provavelmente estavam se perguntando o que estava acontecendo. Por que eu? Por que nós? Amamos as pessoas, servimos as pessoas, evitamos o pecado, não trapaceamos nos negócios, pagamos nossos impostos, obedecemos a lei. Por que nós? Por que somos abusados, rejeitados, espancados e presos?
Para a maioria das pessoas que vivem no Ocidente cristianizado, a perseguição é desconhecida. Tanto é assim que pensamos que estamos sendo recompensados por nossa suposta fidelidade. Frequentemente, vemos a perseguição como punição. Eles devem estar fazendo algo errado!
Com toda certeza:
- Deus quer nos abençoar
- Deus nos protege
- Deus nos dá uma vida confortável, riqueza, segurança e longevidade.
- Isso não está na Bíblia? Certamente, se tivermos fé suficiente então …
Não é bem assim!
Espere sofrimento
12 Queridos amigos, não se surpreendam com a terrível provação que veio sobre vocês para testá-los, como se algo estranho estivesse acontecendo com vocês.
Pedro escreve para pessoas que já sofrem e diz:
- Não se surpreenda com esta provação ardente que se abateu sobre você
- Sofrer por Cristo é natural
- É parte integrante da fé
- Por quê? Porque é um teste.
Bênção de Sofrimento
13 Mas regozijai-vos por participardes nas aflições de Cristo, a fim de que sejais exultantes quando a sua glória for revelada. 14 Se você é insultado por causa do nome de Cristo, você é bem-aventurado, porque o Espírito da glória e de Deus está sobre você. 15 Se você sofre, não deve ser como assassino ou ladrão ou qualquer outro tipo de criminoso, nem mesmo como intrometido. 16 Mas, se você sofre como cristão, não se envergonhe, mas louve a Deus por levar esse nome.
Como devemos reagir quando sofremos por nossa fé?
- Alegrem-se! O que? Como posso me alegrar quando sofro dor, rejeição e perda?
- Entenda o que isso traz no futuro!
- Um exemplo: Remover um dente nunca é divertido, mas um pouco depois, quando a ferida cicatriza, você reconhece a necessidade de passar pela dor.
- Pedro diz que quando sofremos por nossa fé, participamos do sofrimento de Cristo.
- Isso por si só é um tópico enorme, mas por enquanto percebemos que em nosso sofrimento temos uma amostra do que Jesus fez para nos redimir. Como era seu sofrimento.
- Somado a isso, ele garante um futuro glorioso. Aqueles que sofrem por Cristo são chamados de Vitoriosos ou Vencedores no Apocalipse.
- Quando passamos neste teste, isso nos qualifica para a glória na presença de Cristo e do Pai e de todo o céu um dia.
- para que você possa ficar muito feliz quando sua glória for revelada. (13)
De que tipo de sofrimento estamos falando?
14 Se você é insultado por causa do nome de Cristo, você é bem-aventurado, porque o Espírito da glória e de Deus está sobre você. 15 Se você sofre, não deve ser como assassino ou ladrão ou qualquer outro tipo de criminoso, nem mesmo como intrometido. 16 Mas, se você sofre como cristão, não se envergonhe, mas louve a Deus por levar esse nome.
- Insultos
- O sofrimento normalmente dado aos criminosos – espancamentos, tortura, prisão e morte
- Os criminosos deveriam ter vergonha quando sofrem por seus crimes, 16No entanto, se você sofre como cristão, não se envergonhe, mas louve a Deus por ter esse nome.
- Seja fiel até a morte
Julgamento na Casa de Deus
Por que devemos pensar que as coisas vão mudar e que sofreremos como a igreja perseguida está sofrendo?
Ouça os versículos 17-28:
17 Pois é tempo de começar o julgamento pela casa de Deus; e se começa conosco, qual será o resultado para aqueles que não obedecem ao evangelho de Deus? 18 e,
“Se é difícil para os justos serem salvos,
o que será do ímpio e do pecador? ”
O sofrimento é um teste do indivíduo para ver se você vai Superar, mas o sofrimento também é um teste para a igreja.
- O sofrimento nos penetra
- Uma grande peneiração começou na igreja ocidental secularizada.
- Covid-19 redefinirá a maioria das igrejas
- Já existem sinais de tempos difíceis pela frente para a igreja global
- Fome, proibição de cultos, e outras restrições já estão começando a moldar a igreja de amanhã
O sofrimento pelo nome de Cristo está se tornando cada vez mais comum. Será que as pessoas atualmente membros, aquelas que apenas dois meses atrás ocuparam seus bancos, permanecerão por aqui se as coisas ficarem difíceis?
- O sofrimento separa os justos dos religiosos
- Pendentes, adeptos, “crentes” que coçam os ouvidos não vão ficar por aqui quando o sofrimento se tornar a regra e não a exceção.
- Este Julgamento sobre a família de Deus é Ele separando os vencedores daqueles que apenas buscam os benefícios do Reino. Este julgamento levará ao Julgamento final, quando o trigo é separado do joio, quando os anjos separam os piedosos dos ímpios, os salvos dos não salvos.
Isso pode realmente acontecer?
III Quem está sendo mais perseguido na Índia agora? Os muçulmanos. Por quê? Porque as pessoas os culpam pela Covid.
- Isso pode mudar em um momento.
- Uma mensagem viral do Whatsup, uma notícia falsa na TV e sua ira podem se voltar para os cristãos.
- 64AD Roma
- Nero incendiou Roma
- Queimou por vários dias
- As pessoas começaram a se rebelar
- Nero culpou os cristãos pelo incêndio – a igreja primitiva de Roma
- O que se seguiu foi terrível
- Isso pode acontecer hoje?
- Acontece o tempo todo
- Artigo recente no New York Times por Katherine Stewart culpou os evangélicos por Covid.
- Os judeus foram culpados pelos males da Europa nos anos 30 e isso levou ao holocausto
- Na África, hoje, os missionários são culpados pelo colonialismo
- Já está aumentando murmúrios, insultos e agressão direta
- Muitas vezes se transforma em violência
- Muitos países estão presenciando uma perseguição direta
- Por quê?
- As pessoas odeiam a Cristo e tudo o que Ele representa
- As pessoas odeiam o sal e a luz que trazemos ao mundo – elas odeiam a exposição de suas trevas
Por que Deus permite isso?
- Teste
- Julgamento / separação, purificação de Sua igreja
A vida continua
Nossa resposta?
19 Portanto, aqueles que sofrem de acordo com a vontade de Deus devem se comprometer com seu fiel Criador e continuar a fazer o bem.
- A vida continua.
- Vamos suportar os insultos e tudo o que o mundo jogar em nós
- Vamos sofrer e nos alegrar
- Aguardamos nosso Salvador
- Continuamos a fazer o bem.
Suffering for Christ – Sermon by Steven Loots
1 Pet 4: 12-19 Suffering for Being a Christian
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”[a]
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Intro
Suffering is part of the human condition.
- We suffer from pain when we fall.
- We suffer as we age and our bodies decay.
- We suffer emotionally when we lose a loved one.
- We suffer when we are rejected by our friends.
- We suffer when we lose a job and face uncertain times.
The Bible has a lot to say about this suffering, however, this text is not talking about suffering in a general sense. Peter is writing to believers who are suffering directly because of their faith.
- They are suffering because they believe in Jesus Christ
- They are suffering because people hate Jesus
- They are suffering because people hate those who follow Jesus Christ
- This suffering was real and it was severe.
Some were probably wondering what was going on. Why me? Why us? We love people, we serve people, we avoid sin, we don’t cheat in business, we pay our tax, we obey the law – why us? Why are we abused, rejected, beaten and imprisoned?
For most people living in the Christianized West persecution is unfamiliar. So much so that we think we are being rewarded for our supposed faithfulness. Often we see persecution as punishment. They must be doing something wrong! Surely…
- God wants to bless us.
- God protects us.
- God gives us comfortable lives, wealth, safety and longevity.
- Isn’t this in the Bible? Surely if we just have enough faith then…
Well, NO!
Expect Suffering
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
Peter write to people already suffering and says:
- Don’t be surprised by this fiery ordeal that has come on you.
- Suffering for Christ is natural.
- It is part and parcel of the faith.
- Why? Because it is a test.
Blessing of Suffering
13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
How should we respond when we suffer for our faith?
- Rejoice! What? How can I rejoice when I suffer pain, rejection and loss?
- Understand what it brings in the future!
- ILLUSTRATION: Having a tooth removed is never fun, but a while later as the wound heals you recognize the necessity of going through the pain.
- Peter says that when we suffer for our faith we participate in the suffering of Christ.
- This in itself is a huge topic, but for now realize that in our suffering we get a taste of what Jesus did to redeem us. What His suffering was like.
- Added to this it ensures a glorious future. Those who suffer for Christ are called the Victorious or Overcomers in Revelation.
- When we pass this test it qualifies us for glory in the presence of Christ and the Father and all of heaven one day.
- , so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. (13)
What sort of suffering are we talking about?
14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
- Insults.
- The suffering normally given to criminals – beatings, torture, imprisonment and death.
- Criminals should be ashamed when they suffer for their crimes, but 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
- Be faithful unto death.
Judgement on the Household of God
Why should we think that things will change and we will suffer as the persecuted church is suffering?
Listen to verses 17-28:
17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
Suffering is a test of the individual to see if you will Overcome, but suffering is also a test for the church.
- Suffering sifts us.
- A great sifting has started in the Western, secularized church.
- COVID-19 will redefine most churches.
- Already there are signs of hard times ahead for the global church.
- Hunger, no services, other restrictions are already starting to shape tomorrow’s church.
Suffering for the Name of Christ is becoming more and more common. Will the people currently in membership, those who just two months ago filled your pews, will they stick around if the going gets tough?
- Suffering separates the righteous from the religious.
- Hangers on, adherents, itchy ear ‘believers’ are not going to stick around when suffering becomes the norm rather than the exception.
- This Judgement on the family of God is Him separating out the overcomers from those who just seek the benefits of the Kingdom. This judgement will lead to ultimate Judgement, when the wheat is separated from the chaff, when the angels separate the godly from the ungodly, the saved from the unsaved.
Can this really happen?
Illustration: Who is being persecuted the most in India right now? The Muslims. Why? Because people are blaming them for COVID.
- This could change in a moment.
- A viral WhatsApp message, a fake news story on TV and their wrath can turn to Christians.
- 64 AD Rome:
- Nero set Rome alight.
- It burnt for several days.
- People started to rebel.
- Nero blamed the fire on the Christians – the early church in Rome.
- What followed was terrible.
- Nero set Rome alight.
- Could this happen today?
- It happens all the time.
- A recent article in New York Times by Katherine Stewart blamed Evangelicals for COVID.
- Jews were blamed for the illnesses of Europe in the 30’s and this led to the holocaust.
- In Africa today missionaries are blamed for Colonialism.
- Already murmurings, insults and outright aggression is rising.
- Often it spills over into violence.
- Many countries are seeing outright persecution.
- Why?
- People hate Christ and all He stands for.
- People hate the Salt and the Light we bring into the world –they hate exposure of their darkness.
Why does God allow it?
- Test
- Judgement/separation, cleansing of His church
Life Goes On
Our response?
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
- Life goes on.
- We will bear the insults and whatever the world throws at us.
- We will suffer and rejoice.
- We await our Savior.
- We continue to do good.
Hunger Crisis 2020
Across the globe lockdowns have brought unprecedented difficulties to pastors of small churches; especially in rural areas. Reports coming from different areas are painting a similar picture. Pastors live from week to week and now many have not had any income for up to seven weeks. They are at the end of their resources. Pastors and their families are quite literally at the point of starving to death.
Harvesters and our broader Christian family must act soon.
Report from Pastor David in Southeast Asia
“From the Pastors I’ve talked to, most if not all are desperately believing God for food to feed their families. In 100 plus churches, I only know of one other church who has distributed rice to their members, and that is partly because of us providing the rice to help them.
Pastors right now have gone 7 weeks without an offering and most live day to day, hand to mouth, they don’t have a reserve or a salary to rely on, they have nothing, and if they can believe their way to feed their families, they are panicking that they are three months behind on rent and utilities. I dare say that over the next month, the vast majority of small churches will close for good and possibly lose their buildings.
We of course know that the church is more than a building and know the value of a house group, but the bigger issue here is how many people will still be in ministry at the end of this, when they’ve buried their church members and family from sickness AND starvation.
Right now, nobody is talking about evangelism or church planting or growth, they are talking about survival and if they will make it another week or month or 3 months.
Walking between villages is difficult with check points everywhere turning people away. The country is on the verge of martial law…”
You Can Help
Please help Harvesters to supply these pastors with emergency food by donating today. This will help supply one of our Harvesters pastors with a 50kg (110 pound) bag of rice or maize – enough for a family for one month.
On top of the pandemic and lockdowns, East Africa is facing a locust plague of biblical proportions. Furthermore, the UN is anticipating a severe famine in at least 36 countries within months. These are desperate times.
Partner with Harvesters and help us to maintain and preserve churches in Southeast Asia and other areas where the need is greatest. We urgently need your help as we focus on pastors and their families.
Hebrews 6: 10 “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”
Prayerfully consider making a donation today and making a life changing impact in a family’s life.
Salt and Light – Sermon by Steven Loots
Matt. 5:11-16 Living as Citizens of Heaven – Salt and Light
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Salt and Light
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Last week I shared about the fact that as believers our citizenship have been transferred to Heaven.
- When we are saved we die in Christ and are raised in Him.
- We were removed from the kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of Light.
- We are now only travelers, foreigners, aliens in the world.
- This world is not our home, our home is in heaven and we await our Saviour Jesus Christ from heaven.
- We need to keep our minds and our hearts on things above and not on earthly things.
- We serve a King and a Kingdom.
- We are Ambassadors of God bringing a message of peace and forgiveness, of reconciliation to all who believe.
In Matthew 5 Jesus lays out what it means to be a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven. What our roles are, how we must live and what we can expect from the world of darkness around us.
- You will note that it does not mean being so heavenly minded that we are of no earthly use. Far from it.
Jesus starts off by saying that we are blessed when we are poor in spirit, when we mourn, when we are meek, when we hunger and thirst for righteousness, when we show mercy, when we are pure in heart, when we act as peacemakers and even when we are persecuted because of righteousness. We are blessed when people insult us, persecute us and lie about us.
How do we react? 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Heavenly citizenship, or Kingdom living; has both immediate consequences and eternal rewards!
So why are we still here? Why can’t we just go straight to heaven? Because we are on assignment. As soldiers of Christ and Ambassadors of the Kingdom we have important roles to play. Jesus goes on to say:
Salt of the Earth
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
Salt has several important roles in the world:
- Taste/ flavour
- Preservation
The world is rotten. It is in decay. Civilization is becoming more and more sinful, further and further from God.
- The world has already been judged.
- Our role is to keep it going off completely:
- Our presence keeps the world from destruction, giving time for people to be saved.
- When the church is removed from the world utter chaos will follow, leading to Judgement.
- Our presence is a reminder of God and His way.
- ILLUSTRATION –When you enter a conversation.
- You are being salt!
But, what happens when salt losses it’s flavour? Impossible for pure salt. But when mixed with impurities like Gypsum t goes stale and is chucked out.
- Don’t allow false teaching to enter your life;
- Don’t imitate the world,
- Don’t focus on things below,
- Don’t act like citizens of the world,
- Don’t wallow in the rottenness and decay of the world.
You will lose your influence! You will be useless in the Kingdom.
Being salt is largely our silent witness to the world, a quiet influence that gives taste and keeps bad from going rotten.
Light of the World
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Being the light of the world is our overt, loud, in your face testimony of the King and His Kingdom. Light pierces the darkness and it illuminates works of darkness. People who live in darkness hate the light because it exposes their works and their hearts.
Remember:
- Jesus is the light of the world – the son is the sun.
- We are not the source of light, we are like the moon that reflects the light of the sun.
- We are not to be in the light – the spotlight or the limelight, but to reflect the glory of God into every situation.
- This is our prophetic role in the world. We not only preserve, we also proclaim!
Sadly, just as salt can be mixed with impurities and become useless, so too can we hide our light. It makes no sense to light a lamp or a candle and hide it under a bucket.
Newsletter – May 2020
Download our May 2020 newsletter to read all about new bibles for Angola, untold stories from Uganda, and the importance of multiplication – Harvester’s unique church planting strategy.
Download the USA Newsletter – May 20
Download the UK Newsletter – May 20
Download the South Africa and International Newsletter – May 20
Download the Afrikaans Newsletter – May 20
Pastors are Facing Extreme Challenges
A church leader from Southeast Asia said, “We have been in lockdown for over five weeks and we are starving.” One of the Harvesters Ministries Hub leaders in India told us, “We are living our faith out loud so that our neighbours can hear and believe.” In Guatemala, pastors are learning to use Zoom and other technologies to minister while isolated. In South Africa, most church services have moved online. The world has changed, but the Gospel hasn’t.
Over the past weeks we have been meeting online with Harvesters Ministries’ leaders around the world. Each of them has a different yet familiar story. Lockdowns are common, most church services have been cancelled, people are scared and there is already a lot of suffering.
Despite this we have been very encouraged by their faith and their willingness to find new ways to preach the Gospel. Most agree that there has never been a time like this. People are open to hearing the Good News. Many are desperate for hope in what is becoming a long battle against COVID-19. In some places, church planting through evangelism continues unabated.
As we look forward we continue to seek ways to reach the lost in what is sure to be a difficult season. Months of disruptions and intermittent lockdowns means that it cannot be business as usual. The growing economic fallout promises to bring new hardships to millions, but missions and ministry must continue. People need the Lord. 
The fallout is impacting global missionary efforts. Already churches have let us know that their missions giving is down. Is it not strange that its always the missions funding that is done away with first? This tells us something about our priorities. Surely we should be supporting the preaching of the Gospel now more than ever.
Thank you to all our faithful supporters. We need you now as never before. We are praying for you, believing that God will supply in all your needs. Pray for us as we continue to serve.
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Citizens of Heaven – Sermon by Steven Loots
Sermon: Citizens of Heaven
Phil 3:18-21 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Why is it that many pastors and influential church leaders are so caught up in the politics of the Pandemic? Many seem to have lost all perspective – they seem to have no compassion with those suffering and those who have lost loved ones. They downplay the numbers, and ignore the plight of the poor around the world who have to bear the brunt of being in lockdown. Why are so many believers angry at their loss of freedom and the erosion of their rights? There seems to be a total loss of true perspective.
Let us turn to the source of truth, the Bible, and see if we can regain some perspective about our place in the world and the role we should be playing.
- We are Citizens of Heaven
- We died
- Colossians 3:1-3 1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
- Our citizenship of this world was cancelled:
- Our primary allegiance to the people, structures, systems, values and issues of this world was transferred to a different Kingdom.
- We became part of a different culture:
- You will always feel like a stranger when you serve God fully,
- You will never be able to serve two masters,
- You will never be able to fully assimilate into the culture of the day while setting your heart and mind on things above.
- We serve a King and we are part of a Kingdom which transcends all others.
1 Pet 2: 9-12 9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
- We have a new home
- You are not HOME! Even if you are locked down, you are in your temporary home, not where you belong.
- Even with all the creature comforts, you will become dissatisfied.
- Buying more stuff will not help your feeling of homesickness.
- When we worship we get a taste of heaven…
- We are mere travelers, aliens and strangers in this world.
- Homesickness.
- So what are we doing here?
- You are not HOME! Even if you are locked down, you are in your temporary home, not where you belong.
- We are ambassadors of Christ
2 Corinthians 5:19-21 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
- We represent the King and His Kingdom:
- His Kingdom is not a Democracy. He is the boss.
- We are subject to His rules, laws and protection and provision.
- Our mandate is clear.
- We are on a mission.
- We have an important message: Be reconciled to God.
- We have an important plan: Make Disciples.
- Ill: What is an Ambassador?
- We are not secret agents:
- We are not to put down roots.
- We are not to emigrate back to the world = backslide.
- We are not to assimilate –we are not to be like the world.
- We are not to try be liked, accepted or even understood.
- We will always rub the culture up the wrong way.
- We are in uniform and under orders.
- We are soldiers under orders
3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 1 Tim 2:3-4.
- We are not “peacetime ambassadors”.
- We are sent to an enemy nation!!
- We do not have a cushy assignment.
- We are not there to tell them how to run their country but to lay out the terms for peace or to face destruction.
- We are ambassadors to a difficult place, a war zone, a place where sin is rampant and which HATES our King, His Kingdom and His servants.
- We are under orders.
- We are not supposed to get entangled in “civilian affairs” but to set our hearts and minds on things above.
- Remember who you are.
- Remember where home is.
- Remember what you are doing here.
- Remember who you serve.
- Remember where your allegiance lies.
- Remember who is in command.
- Remember your assignment.
- Remember to stay focused.
- Remember to set your heart and mind on things above.
- Remember that there might be a price to pay.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
1 Peter 1:3-9 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Pandemic and Anxiety – Sermon by Steven Loots
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Pandemic and Anxiety – Sermon by Steven Loots
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHrxwjLAW_c
Philippians 4: 4-9
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Introduction:
Anxiety, stress, fear and worry are all very familiar to us all. These are our natural responses to circumstances which seem beyond our control and which threaten to overwhelm us.
There are two levels of circumstances:
- The actual circumstances.
- The imagined potential circumstances created by worrying about the actual circumstances. This takes place in our mind and creates a new set of negative circumstances.
In other words: We start off facing a problem. Illustration: the loss of a job. This is a real issue, a real problem and will probably bring about real consequences in my life and the lives of my loved ones. The problem is that when I constantly think about it; worry about it; a point comes where I start to imagine the worst case scenario’s. I start to fear and this just leads to further stress and even depression; heart palpitations and sickness. Spiritually, very often, I soon find myself walking in the flesh – my behavior reflects my heart.
Most people in this situation say: “I can’t help it. I have a real issue. I am just trying to deal with it.”
We are in the midst of a real problem. A global pandemic that is causing real problems. Physical, health, economic, social and even societal issues. Most of which we have never had to deal with before. Perhaps you have lost a job, perhaps you are in lockdown – lonely and frustrated, perhaps a loved one is sick or has died and perhaps you are fearing the virus yourself. All of these are real problems that can have real consequences in your life. In most cases there is nothing you can do – and this is frustrating.
What has your response been? Are you anxious? Fearful? Are you blaming others, angry at the world? Depressed? Are you entertaining the latest conspiracy theory?
The Bible has an answer!! Now remember – I am speaking to people who have come into a saving relationship with Christ. If you have not, that would be the starting point for you!
So how do we as believers handle anxiety, stress and fear?
The Biblical answer seems almost too simple, almost simplistic. However it presupposes a few things about your worldview. Here are 5 that should be part of a believer’s thought system:
- God is in control and has a plan.
- God cares for you 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
- God is able 2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
- God answers prayer.
- You have a choice.
What does the Bible say?
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
- Rejoice, rather than stress.
- Choose your attitude.
- Let your behavior reflect your heart.
- PROMISE: The Lord is near.
ILLUSTRATION: There is a crisis: “Stay calm, the lord is near. He is in control and He has a plan greater than your circumstance.
Pray
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Do not be anxious about ANYTHING…
- Including disasters, pandemics, economic collapse, sickness or death.
- This is not denying the seriousness of the situation, its about gaining the right perspective.
PLEASE NOTE:
- The Bible does NOT go on to say:
- Declare, decree or demand of God that He change the circumstances.
- NOR that we take authority over the circumstances.
- NOR that we address the circumstances.
- NOR that we need to show a certain level of faith over the circumstances.
- NOR that we call down heaven to earth.
- NOR that we command angels to do our bidding.
Gods answer is simply: PRAY!
but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
- Wait – what about our authority, our power?
- Well, basically – you have none. If you did you would not be anxious because you would have control over the circumstances.
- The point is – WE NEED GOD!
- Recognize the situation for what it is – face reality.
- Choose your perspective.
- Recognise your inability, weakness and impotence.
- Call on the Lord – by prayer and petition.
- Exercise faith – with thanksgiving!
- Present your requests – not your demands, to God.
What does God do?
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
- It does not promise that all will be well as far as the circumstances are concerned.
- It does promise that God would do something miraculous!
- He will give us His peace. (He already knows how it will all end and He is not stressed.)
- He is give us a peace that goes beyond understanding.
- A peace that will guard our hearts and minds – a peace that will guard our emotions and our thoughts, a peace that will remove the fear and anxiety and give us a godly perspective.
- The key is the phrase “In Christ Jesus”:
- Those in Christ Jesus have life, forgiveness of sin, an eternal hope and the promise of resurrection.
- Those in Chris Jesus have no reason to fear death.
One Step Further
Satan will try reminding you of the circumstances and cause you to fear, so now you need to exercise a second choice.
What will I allow my mind to dwell on? You can choose to replace those negative, fear inducing thoughts with:
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Gods Glorious Promise
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
And the God of peace will be with you.
The peace of God and the God of peace will be with you. When? When you look to Him rather than to the circumstances of your life. Circumstances are opportunities to see God in action. When we have the right perspective and put our faith in God not in myself, or a politician or the world, God promises me His peace and His presence.
Stand Together in Prayer
Whenever I face a challenge I think of Philippians 4: 6–7 “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.”
It is very important not to allow fear to overtake our thoughts during a possible pandemic and crisis. We have been reading about the Coronavirus in every newspaper, magazine and on every social media platform. The Coronavirus is on every news channel and on most people’s lips.
This virus has claimed more than 90 000 people’s lives already and is infecting people in 120 countries.
The world and Harvesters Ministries urgently need your prayers.
Despite the fact that this highly infectious virus is infecting people all across the globe – there is no better time than now to make an impact in the world. The work that you are helping Harvesters to do – training pastors in evangelism, discipleship, pastoral training and church planting – needs to continue in the more than 60 countries where the ministry is currently working.
We sincerely need your help to carry the ministry through this difficult and uncertain time. Pray that Harvesters-trained pastors will be able to continue with the important work in their villages and communities.
Please pray with us especially in the month that is lying ahead. You can keep believers all across the globe in your prayers.
Hope in Grief in the Midst of COVID-19 – Sermon by Steven Loots
Our Current Reality
- Daily the pandemic spreads. Now about two million people infected, soon many millions.
- For those who watched and speculated, who theorised and expressed doubt, for those who falsely prophesied that it would all be over soon; it has started to become a reality.
- Daily the death total grows. In the US over a thousand deaths per day – and climbing.
- This week someone died that I knew.
- As we come to grips with the reality and severity of what we are facing, many find themselves on an emotional roller coaster. We don’t really know how to deal with death. Especially when it strikes as widely as it is now doing. In the weeks to come we are going to be overwhelmed by the sheer numbers and deeply distressed to find out that we are familiar with the roll call of the departed.
- In some cases it will be deeply personal. Within our own churches and even in our homes.
Our comfort is not found in denying reality; by closing our ears like a child and fending off the truth.
- It is not found in false promises, false prophecies or fake stories.
- It is not found in blaming others or in conspiracy theories.
- Our hope lies in the truth. We know the Truth and the TRUTH sets us free – also free from fear.
In John 11 we find the story of Lazarus.
- Lazarus, a friend of Jesus and the brother of Mary and Martha took ill.
- The sisters called on Jesus to come and heal him.
- Jesus deliberately took his time, and by the time he got there Lazarus had been dead for 4 days.
- Jesus knew full well what had happened and what He was about to do.
- Yet, as Jesus sees the grief of the family and those who came to comfort them, He is deeply moved.
- JESUS WEPT John 11:35
- Why? He knew He was about to raise Lazarus. Because Jesus saw what death does to people – not only to the dying, but to those left behind.
- Jesus saw their loss, their desperation, their anguish, their grief.
- Death had come to a loved one. It is permanent – Lazarus is forever gone.
- Death causes separation. It leaves other needy, broken and lonely.
- It takes away all hope of reconciliation with people and with God.
- People everywhere recognize the hopelessness of death – that is why they grieve. It is final, permanent.
Then Jesus does the impossible!
- Jesus commands a dead man to come out of the grave – and he does!
- Lazarus is alive again!
Next week is Easter. An Easter like no other we have ever celebrated. A time when we will focus on another death and resurrection = that of Christ Himself.
- Jesus did not just weep and do nothing.
- Jesus took on Himself the cause of death and then overcame death itself.
- Jesus made it possible for all – not just Lazarus to be resurrected!
Now we find these words in 1 Thess. 4:13-14” 13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.”
Note:
- The Bible does not say that we will not grieve, but that we will not grieve like the world (like the rest of mankind).
- We view the death of a believer as if they have fallen asleep and will soon wake up again. ILLUSTRATION: Time zone…
We are going to face death in new ways, perhaps millions across the world; but we have hope.
- We will not fear death for ourselves.
- We will not grieve over believers as though there is no hope.
- Resurrection awaits!!
- However, we need to grieve the loss of unbelievers, recognizing their lost-ness without Christ. They have no hope.
- Better still – introduce them to the hope that lives in you now.
We need others to see our hope in these days.
- Our hope is our testimony to people who fear death.
- Our hope is a bright light, drawing others into its comfort.
- Ill: Believers in lockdown in India – living out their faith loudly!
Please don’t express false hope in this time.
- Rather say nothing than say things the Bible does not promise.
- No, the death of Jesus did not save all humanity.
- He died for all, but without faith there can be no salvation.
As you deal with the grief of others recognize that there are no words that can dull the pain; but The Bible teaches us that the Holy Spirit is the COMFORTER.
- God Himself will bind up the wounds when people turn to Him.
- Point to God in a loving way and pray that the Holy Spirit will bring peace to broken hearts.
Be strong. Study the Word. Speak the truth. Express your hope. Look up. We know where our hope comes from.