The gospel cannot be quarantined. When disasters strike, pandemics hit, and circumstances make it seem that the enemy of this world is winning, this is the exact place and time God shows up and demonstrates his power and goodness.
The apostle Paul, while in prison chains, wrote to the church in Philippi. He informed them that his unfortunate circumstances of being arrested and in prison had actually advanced the gospel. “Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.” (Phil 1:12)
You see, the gospel doesn’t take a timeout during difficult circumstances. If anything, that is the time where the kingdom of God advances on earth. This is the mission of the Church: to take action, demonstrate God’s love to others, and cause the gospel to advance. When trouble strikes we have an opportunity to reach out to those in need, making Christ known in a very real and tangible way.
As you likely know, we as a church have looked for ways to come alongside the staff and teachers at Lynnwood High School over the years that we have shared the school building as our place of worship. Some of you have donated food and clothes to help students in need, some have served breakfast and coffee for our annual back-to-school teacher appreciation event, and many other unique demonstrations of God’s love over the years.
Most recently, you have shown an enormous amount of generosity in providing groceries and gift cards for food, clothes, and medicine during this current pandemic, COVID-19. In response, the staff and teachers of LHS have sent us a touching video thanking us for this great demonstration of God’s generosity and love in our community. Please watch the video below and let it be an encouragement to you, and also serve as a reminder that God is at work in and through his Church.
COVID-19 may be keeping churches around the world from gathering each week in person as they have for centuries, but the Church will continue to worship the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. And the gospel will continue to go out among the nations, and people will continue to receive the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ.
Church, thank you for your generosity! And let us continue to seek the Lord for wisdom, creative ways to love our neighbors, demonstrate his goodness and generosity, and for boldness to proclaim the gospel. Join us in celebrating the ways God is using our church to love those in need during this trying time. I love you church family, and I pray we will make much of Jesus in all that we do.