Finding Hope and Strength in God's Word
Summary
In these challenging times, we gather to find solace and strength in God's Word, recognizing the unique moment we are living through. The global pandemic has disrupted lives worldwide, affecting billions and bringing uncertainty. Yet, as Christians, we are called to stand firm on the unchanging truth of the Gospel. Our mission remains to proclaim the Gospel, teach about God's character, and care for others in need. This is a time of great need, and we pray for those on the front lines, including medical professionals and government leaders, as they work tirelessly to address the crisis.
Ligonier Ministries is committed to serving the global church by providing resources to help believers grow in their faith. We have made our entire teaching series library available for free streaming, offering over a thousand hours of teaching. This is a time to lean forward and serve, bringing reinforcements to God's people. We are also working on new initiatives to support the church during this prolonged crisis.
Dr. W. Robert Godfrey and Dr. Greg Pollan join us to provide historical and medical perspectives. Dr. Godfrey reminds us that while this moment is significant, it is not unprecedented in church history. The church has faced plagues before, and Christians have historically responded with courage and love, caring for the sick and demonstrating faith in action. Dr. Pollan shares insights into the virus and the ongoing efforts to develop vaccines and treatments. He emphasizes the importance of hope and the opportunity to share our faith during this time.
As we navigate this crisis, we are reminded of the sovereignty of God and the call to trust in His eternal plan. We are encouraged to stay in the Word, pray, and support one another. This is a time to reflect on the meaning of life and turn to God for hope and strength. We pray for the church, for those in the medical community, and for all who are affected by this pandemic. May the light of the Gospel shine through us, bringing hope to a world in need.
Key Takeaways:
1. Standing Firm on God's Word: In times of uncertainty, we are reminded that everything else is shifting sand, but God's Word remains a firm foundation. Our mission to proclaim the Gospel and teach about God's character is more crucial than ever. This is a time to lean into our faith and trust in God's eternal plan. [04:30]
2. Historical Perspective and Courage: The church has faced plagues and crises throughout history, and Christians have responded with courage and love. This moment calls us to reflect on our faith and demonstrate it through action, caring for others and sharing the hope we have in Christ. [16:11]
3. Hope in the Midst of Crisis: Despite the challenges, there is hope. Medical advancements are being made, and as believers, we have the opportunity to share the hope of the Gospel. Our faith is not in what we see today but in the promises of God for tomorrow. [14:58]
4. The Role of the Church: The church's role is to testify to the truth of Jesus, showing love and faith in action. Even in isolation, we can stay connected and support one another, demonstrating the love of Christ to a world in need. [17:22]
5. Prayer and Trust in God's Sovereignty: We are called to pray for those affected by the pandemic, for medical professionals, and for the church. Trusting in God's sovereignty, we find strength and courage, knowing that He is with us and working all things for good. [32:14]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:07] - Introduction and Gratitude
- [00:22] - Social Distancing and Strange Times
- [00:55] - Ligonier Ministries' Mission
- [01:29] - Encouragement from God's Word
- [02:15] - Guest Introductions
- [03:01] - Global Impact and Church's Role
- [04:04] - Prayers for Frontline Workers
- [05:00] - Free Resources from Ligonier
- [06:38] - Historical Perspective with Dr. Godfrey
- [08:46] - Understanding COVID-19 with Dr. Pollan
- [11:37] - Encouragement and Developments
- [14:05] - Faith and Medical Practice
- [17:00] - Love and Faith in Action
- [19:44] - Prayer and Hope in Crisis
- [23:57] - Encouragement for the Church
- [26:51] - Ligonier's Response and Resources
- [30:54] - Closing Prayer and Encouragement
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
2. Joshua 1:9 - "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
3. Luke 13:1-5 - Jesus discusses the meaning of calamity and repentance.
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Observation Questions:
1. What are some of the ways Ligonier Ministries is supporting the global church during the pandemic? [05:00]
2. How did Dr. Godfrey describe the historical response of Christians to past plagues and crises? [16:29]
3. What are some of the medical advancements mentioned by Dr. Pollan that provide hope during the pandemic? [11:55]
4. According to the sermon, what is the role of the church during this time of crisis? [15:18]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Romans 8:28 provide comfort and assurance to believers during times of crisis? How might this verse be applied to the current pandemic situation?
2. In what ways does Joshua 1:9 encourage believers to act during uncertain times? How can this be seen in the actions of Christians today? [23:38]
3. How does the historical perspective shared by Dr. Godfrey help us understand the current pandemic in the context of church history? [07:55]
4. What does Luke 13:1-5 teach us about the nature of calamity and the appropriate response of believers? How does this relate to the current global situation? [18:51]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on Romans 8:28. How can you remind yourself of God's sovereignty and goodness in your daily life, especially when facing personal challenges or global crises?
2. Joshua 1:9 encourages strength and courage. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to be more courageous. What steps can you take this week to act on this courage? [23:38]
3. Dr. Godfrey mentioned the historical courage of Christians during plagues. How can you demonstrate similar courage and love in your community today? [16:29]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of prayer. How can you incorporate more intentional prayer for frontline workers and those affected by the pandemic into your daily routine? [04:04]
5. Consider the role of the church as described in the sermon. How can you contribute to your church's mission of proclaiming the Gospel and caring for others during this time? [15:18]
6. Dr. Pollan spoke about the opportunity to share hope. Identify one person in your life who might need encouragement. How can you share the hope of the Gospel with them this week? [14:58]
7. Reflect on the importance of staying connected with others, even in isolation. What practical steps can you take to reach out and support someone in your church or community this week? [17:22]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Word as Our Foundation
In times of uncertainty, it is crucial to remember that God's Word is the only unchanging foundation we have. While the world around us may feel like shifting sand, the truth of the Gospel remains steadfast. As Christians, we are called to lean into our faith, trusting in God's eternal plan and proclaiming His Word. This is a time to deepen our understanding of God's character and to stand firm in the mission of sharing the Gospel with others. [04:30]
"For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord." (Psalm 33:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you prioritize spending time in God's Word this week to strengthen your foundation in Him?
Day 2: Courage in Historical Context
Throughout history, the church has faced plagues and crises, and Christians have responded with courage and love. This moment in time is significant, but it is not unprecedented. We are reminded of the faithful actions of those who came before us, who cared for the sick and demonstrated their faith through action. Today, we are called to reflect on our faith and to show it through acts of love and service, sharing the hope we have in Christ with those around us. [16:11]
"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6, ESV)
Reflection: How can you demonstrate courage and love in your community today, following the example of Christians throughout history?
Day 3: Hope Amidst Crisis
Despite the challenges we face, there is hope. Medical advancements are being made, and as believers, we have the opportunity to share the hope of the Gospel. Our faith is not in the circumstances we see today but in the promises of God for tomorrow. This is a time to hold onto hope and to be a beacon of light to those who are struggling, reminding them of the eternal hope we have in Christ. [14:58]
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." (Romans 15:13, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear a message of hope today, and how can you share it with them?
Day 4: The Church's Role in Action
The role of the church is to testify to the truth of Jesus, showing love and faith in action. Even in times of isolation, we can stay connected and support one another, demonstrating the love of Christ to a world in need. This is a time to be creative in how we reach out and serve others, ensuring that the light of the Gospel shines brightly through our actions and words. [17:22]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical way you can support someone in your church community this week, even if you cannot be physically present with them?
Day 5: Trusting in God's Sovereignty
We are called to pray for those affected by the pandemic, for medical professionals, and for the church. Trusting in God's sovereignty, we find strength and courage, knowing that He is with us and working all things for good. This is a time to deepen our trust in God's eternal plan and to seek His guidance through prayer, supporting one another in faith and love. [32:14]
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally incorporate prayer into your daily routine this week, trusting in God's sovereignty over your life and the world?
Quotes
In times of uncertainty, we are reminded that everything else is shifting sand, but God's Word remains a firm foundation. Our mission to proclaim the Gospel and teach about God's character is more crucial than ever. This is a time to lean into our faith and trust in God's eternal plan. [00:04:30]
The great calling of the church is always to testify to the truth as it is in Jesus. We want to try to keep it simple. God is sovereign, the world is sinful, and Jesus is the savior. Those things are the rock foundation of Christians and it needs to be our confidence. [00:15:22]
We are called to pray for those affected by the pandemic, for medical professionals, and for the church. Trusting in God's sovereignty, we find strength and courage, knowing that He is with us and working all things for good. [00:32:14]
Part of the growth of Christianity was the willingness of Christians to stay behind and care for the sick. That was exceedingly dangerous and led to deaths amongst Christians, but the testimony of confidence that we don't live only for this life but also for the life of the world to come is remarkable. [00:17:22]
Despite the challenges, there is hope. Medical advancements are being made, and as believers, we have the opportunity to share the hope of the Gospel. Our faith is not in what we see today but in the promises of God for tomorrow. [00:14:58]
We are reminded of the sovereignty of God and the call to trust in His eternal plan. We are encouraged to stay in the Word, pray, and support one another. This is a time to reflect on the meaning of life and turn to God for hope and strength. [00:23:57]
The church's role is to testify to the truth of Jesus, showing love and faith in action. Even in isolation, we can stay connected and support one another, demonstrating the love of Christ to a world in need. [00:17:22]
We have faced pandemics and other tragedies. Yes, they can be times of judgment, but they are also times of purifying, if you will, God's world and the church. We have to view this in His sort of eternal plan. Nothing is going to happen to any one of us that is not a mercy from His hands. [00:14:05]
We are thankful for the words of our Savior that encourage us in every circumstance so that He reminds us that whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's, and that it is not for this life only that we have believed. [00:32:14]
We need to move forward with fervent prayer, just as Dr. Godfrey was talking about, with urgent action and bold Proclamation. This is God's gospel that must get out, and we know as the body of Christ that God's gospel can never be quarantined. [00:29:44]
We are so thankful for the words of our Savior that encourage us in every circumstance so that He reminds us that whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's, and that it is not for this life only that we have believed. [00:32:14]
We pray that you would give us a sense of responsibility to care for ourselves and for others, but even more than that, a sense of hope that in this life and in the life of the world to come, because of Jesus, we will live. [00:32:14]
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