GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH
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The world is under a curse
This epidemic is a reminder that we are living in a world that has gone wrong. The wrongness of this world is not the way it was supposed to be! In Genesis 1 there were no viruses, but when Adam and Eve gave into temptation, the curse of sin was placed upon the earth. Because of the curse of sin, we now deal with diseases and death. Corona is a reminder that the curse is still in effect.
Romans 5:12 - Wherefore, as by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned
Galatians 3:13 - Christ hath redeemed us (that is, believers) from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
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Jesus Christ is ouR Hope
Jesus, the Son of God left the perfect environment of Heaven to enter into a disease-ridden world. Jesus took the form of a man, the form of a slave, and subjected Himself to the agony and death of the cross. Christ took that curse upon Himself so that all who would believe in Him would be freed from the curse! Your hope throughout all trials is Jesus Christ! People who have had their sins forgiven through Jesus Christ enjoy immense hope in the midst of the curse because they know that Christ has already overcome the curse, and that it will one day be finally overcome for them as well.
Hebrews 2:9 - But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
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The Peace of God
Because of the curse that sin brought we all sense that something is wrong in the universe. The Bible teaches that God's justice demands separation in Hell, but God's love requires a way of escape. When Jesus died on the cross, Jesus was paying the penalty of our sin against God. Jesus' death satisfied the violated glory of God's perfection and love.
Romans 3:23 - For the Wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Peace with God comes through a heart that comes to God by faith. God desires to take away the guilt of sin and fear of separation as a gift to those who come to Him for forgiveness. Jesus Christ is God's only way of receiving God's peace.
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
God is on the Throne
One of the greatest truths we can understand is that God is on His throne and in control.
Psalm 91 - I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: My God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, And from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers,And under his wings shalt thou trust
God is in control! God is just as powerful now as He was before Corona was discovered!
How should Christians respond to Corona? Those who come to God by faith in Jesus Christ not only have peace with God but the peace of God. The mindset believers need to have in a world going wrong is to trust the Heavenly Father with their eternal home in heaven and their journey through this life.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Through the peace of God's presence in every event in life, the believer is now free to serve others. The peace of God brings the calm to pray and look for ways to encourage others in a time of crisis.