One of my consistent prayers during 2020 has been that our church maintain attitudes of unity and the mutual encouragement and edification of one another. In our little church we have different opinions concerning the corona virus and also political issues. When Christian leaders such as John Piper and Albert Mohler have different positions, we shouldn’t be surprised that we will also! That is why I will be focusing my teaching times on the main questions that have clear answers throughout the Bible. Questions like, how should we live? how should we pray? and, what do we believe? The answers, while seen throughout the Bible, are summarized in the 10 commandments, the Lord’s Prayer, and the biblical truths seen in the Apostle’s Creed. As we focus on these truths, we can face whatever happens with confidence and security, and grace towards one another.
I just read an article in World magazine that challenges us to stay focused on the great truths and stay unified in spite of different opinions on current situations. I want to share a couple of quotes from that article (Citizens and Pilgrims, by Jamie Dean). The first is from Pastor Adam Mabry. “While the world may lose their collective marbles over an election, may it never be so for the church of Jesus Christ. When you feel the nagging draw of anxiety…remember your King is on the throne already. While the outcome may change the moment, it changes neither the mission or eternity. The world is desperate for a people who are secure enough in grace that they can flourish under Caesar, whoever he or she may be.” Next, C.S.Lewis wrote 70 years ago when many thought the world really was coming to an end (the beginning of the Atomic Age). Lewis said, “If we are all going to be destroyed by an atomic bomb, let that bomb, when it comes, find us doing sensible things – praying, working, teaching, reading, listening to music, bathing the children, playing tennis, chatting to friends…not huddled together like frightened sheep and thinking about bombs.” He then added that, “times of unease can be a gift that awakens Christians to the deeper truths…” We have been waked from a pretty dream, and now we can begin to talk about realities.
Finally, as we pray for our country and seek wisdom about how to live in this country, it’s good to be reminded of that first group sailing here on the Mayflower, seeking the freedom to worship and serve according to the Scriptures, in spite of all the challenges. William Bradford wrote of that group: “They knew they were pilgrims.”
–John Orr