Do you remember this song? “To everything, turn, turn, turn there is a season, turn, turn, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” I know it was probably before your time. But this song, released by the Byrds in 1965, took most of its lyrics directly from the book of Ecclesiastes. According to Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes, there is a time for everything. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to reap and a time to sow. So, I guess my question is “what time is it?”
Have you considered joining an online lifegroup? They are awesome!
I think most of us would agree that we are in the midst of the most unusual time we have ever seen. Isolation and quarantine, masks and social distancing are all the marks of this strange time in which we live. But according to King Solomon there is a time for everything. So what time is it now? Some would say it is a time to hunker down, ride out the storm and wait for things to return to normal. But I don't see it that way. I believe we are in an incredibly significant spiritual season. Out of every hardship, God can bring blessing. And out of every crisis, God can bring opportunity.
Lately I've been asking myself what blessing will God bring from this? What opportunity is before us? The answer to those questions will help us to discern what time it is. While there is still much that is uncertain, I believe some things are becoming clear.
First, it is a time to bless. With so many in our world who are hurting, now is the time for God's people to display the love of Christ in extraordinary ways. As Christ followers, we are a people of love and hope. The world needs the love and hope of Jesus more than ever. Now is the time to find ways to bless our neighbors through acts of kindness, compassion and love. It is a time for the light of Christ to shine.
It is a time to sow. I believe we are in a season of unique spiritual receptivity. In times of crisis, when the foundation that many have built their lives upon has become shifting sand, I believe there is an openness to the truth of the gospel. I believe we are already seeing that in this season of fear and uncertainty people are seeking a solid foundation upon which to build their lives. Now is the time to sow seeds of faith and hope.
And I believe it is a time to growth. This crisis has created time in our schedules. We could fill that time binging Netflix, but I believe it is meant to be a season of growth. We have a rare opportunity to spend more time in the word of God. As a church we have launched several new online groups since the crisis began. Tomorrow we launch our new midweek service. It will be available on Facebook and on our website. This new service will be different from a Sunday morning experience. It is shorter, with a primary focus on teaching. Together we will dig into God's word in a verse by verse style that is meant to take us deeper in our understanding.
There will also be reflection/discussion questions for personal application. The service is designed to be experienced individually or as a group. The service will post at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, but will be available on demand through the following Thursday. That will allow you to share in the service at a time that works best for you or your group.
I know none of us would have chosen this situation. But I believe God brings good out of anything. So let's make the most of the opportunities that this season brings, the opportunity to bless others with the love of Christ, to sow seeds of hope and to grow deeper in our faith.
God Bless,
Pastor Steve
BTW, just a reminder that this Sunday is a communion Sunday. I would invite you to have bread and juice available so we can all share communion together online.