COVID-19: Controversy, Cause & Consequence
(A Message to the Members)
(Preached Wednesday Evening, April 15, 2020)
“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, ‘Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
(Matthew 4:17)
“And he saith unto them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.”
(Matthew 4:19-20)
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ Amen.”
(Matthew 28:18-20)
- Some may say that this ministry is too focused on the above actions commanded by Jesus, the Son of God, the Son of Man, the Savior of the World.
- Some may say that this ministry is too focused on a return to serving the Lord the actual way that the Bible says to serve him, as crystalized through what Jesus said and did.
- Some may say that this ministry is too focused on things that are negative.
I. Is there a controversy?
A. Yes, there is a controversy between God and the multitudes of the world.
“Hear the word of the Lord, ye children of Israel: for the Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.” (Hosea 4:1)
B. Yes, there is a controversy between God and the ministers of his church.
“The Lord hath also a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; according to his doings will he recompense him.” (Hosea 12:2)
C. Yes, there is a controversy between God and the members of his church.
“Hear ye, O mountains, the Lord’s controversy, and ye strong foundations of the earth: for the Lord hath a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel.” (Micah 6:2)
II. Is there a cause?
“And David said, ‘What have I now done? Is there not a cause?” (1 Samuel 17:29)
“And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, ‘What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?’ And the people answered him after this manner, saying, ‘So shall it be done to the man that killeth him.’
“And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, ‘Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.’
“And David said, ‘What have I now done? Is there not a cause?’
“And he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner: and the people answered him again after the former manner.” (1 Samuel 17:26-30)
A. Yes, there is “a cause” – and it was your responsibility to get your head in the game [colloquial].
“And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, ‘What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?’
And the people answered him after this manner, saying, ‘So shall it be done to the man that killeth him.” (1 Samuel 17:26-27)
B. Yes, there is “a cause” – and it was your responsibility to ignore the haters [colloquial].
“And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, ‘Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.” (1 Samuel 17:28)
C. Yes, there is “a cause” – and it was your responsibility to stay focused on that “cause.”
“And David said, ‘What have I now done? Is there not a cause?’
“And he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner: and the people answered him again after the former manner.” (1 Samuel 17:29-30)
III. Is there a consequence?
“Shall not the day of the Lord be darkness, and not light? even very dark, and no brightness in it?” (Amos 5:20)
A. Yes, there is a consequence: COVID-19 shut down what you called church.
“I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies.” (Amos 5:21)
B. Yes, there is a consequence: COVID-19 shut down what you called church work.
“Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept them: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts.” (Amos 5:22)
C. Yes, there is a consequence: COVID-19 shut down what you called church worship.
“Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols.” (Amos 5:23)
Conclusion:
“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” (1 Timothy 3:16)
- Go and preach the gospel.
- Go and be fishers of men for Jesus.
- Go and repent for the kingdom of God is at hand.
Take away:
“Is there not a cause?” (1 Samuel 17:29)
OUTLINE:
COVID-19: Controversy, Cause & Consequence
- Is There a Controversy?
- Is There a Cause?
- Is There a Consequence?