March 18, 2020 - Online Bible Study

“The Church without a Building.”

Dealing with Rapid Sweeping Changes for the Church

The Reality:

• The Covid-19 virus is real
• The Covid-19 virus has real effects on real people, including our brothers and sisters
• The Covid-19 virus is a global issue effecting people, economies, travel, supply lines and Christians.
• Most, if not all of our congregations, have not dealt with a problem like this before. It is new territory.
• The choice to react or to respond is ours to make.

What to Remember:

• The church will not be beat by a virus.
• The church will survive because it is an everlasting kingdom. (Daniel 2.44)
• The church is strong. (Ephesians 4.11-16)
• This is the time for the church to shine! (Matthew 5.14-16)

Question #1 – Since we are not having services, what can we do?

• Remember, the early church survived without a building and we can too.
  • Acts 2.46
  • Acts 5.42
  • 1 Corinthians 16.19
  • Colossians 4.15
• Remember the early church suffered great problems
  • Acts 8.1-4
  • Acts 12.2
• You can still study.
  • 2 Timothy 2.15
  • Acts 17.11
• You can still pray.
  • 1 Thessalonians 5.17
  • James 5.13

Practical Ideas for Social Distancing

• Use this as a teachable moment
  • Deuteronomy 6.1-8
  • Even though we may suffer by not being together, this shows the bond of our spiritual family.
  • Remember, social distancing is not isolation.
    • Each one still has the ability to communicate with others.
    • Each one can still be of service to others.
  • Be an example that your faith is in God and not a building.
    • God dwells in a temple not made with hands. (Acts 7.48)
    • Christians are God’s temple. (1 Corinthians 3.16-17)
    • Jesus’ words to the woman and the well (John 4.20-24)

• Spend time as a family
  • Our houses can become so big, we become distant.
  • Ephesians 6.1
• Use what we have been given
  • Technology might be one of the greatest resources we have to educate ourselves, promote the message and strength our families.
  • Let this be a time to use what we are given:
    • The telephone
    • Text messages
    • Email
    • Social Media

Final Thoughts:

• The church will make it through this speed bump on the road of life.
• The world needs faithful Christians now more than ever before.
• This can be your moment to shine.