added by Jonathan Simcoe · updated 2y ago
Love in the Time of Coronavirus
We may see the revival of genuine Christian faith and discipleship, and the renewal of the church of Jesus Christ in the United States.
... See more
The Roman world was full of plagues. Epidemics regularly decimated cities and regions. Though ancient people did not understand the germ theory of disease, they knew enough to flee cities, if they had the means to dfrom Love in the Time of Coronavirus by journal.praxislabs.org
Jonathan Simcoe added 8mo ago
We should not say to fearful people, “You’re overreacting.”
... See more
It is absolutely true that people immersed in media of any kind react to news and rumors in unhelpful ways. But meeting anxiety with an accusation of overreacting is not likely to help. The biggest problem in most of the United States as I write is that many people, and many institutions, afrom Love in the Time of Coronavirus by journal.praxislabs.org
Jonathan Simcoe added 8mo ago
The only thing to fear, as Jesus said, is the one who can cast body and soul into hell. But we have been rescued from that fear, and having been rescued there is truly nothing that can separate us from the love of God.
from Love in the Time of Coronavirus by journal.praxislabs.org
Jonathan Simcoe added 8mo ago
We have an unprecedented chance to act redemptively in the midst of crisis and fear.
from Love in the Time of Coronavirus by journal.praxislabs.org
Jonathan Simcoe added 8mo ago
At the same time, it has never been more important to gather in small groups.
... See more
Close Christian fellowship — gathering with others who know us by name, who are our literal neighboring brothers and sisters in Christ, to study God’s Word, break bread, and pray together — is not an optional extra for Christians, but the very source of our life and flourifrom Love in the Time of Coronavirus by journal.praxislabs.org
Jonathan Simcoe added 8mo ago
We have decisions to make, and horizons to shape, which leaders at other levels cannot.
from Love in the Time of Coronavirus by journal.praxislabs.org
Jonathan Simcoe added 8mo ago
We should say, “Love is the reason we are changing our behavior.”
from Love in the Time of Coronavirus by journal.praxislabs.org
Jonathan Simcoe added 8mo ago
At this extraordinary moment, local leaders — people who lead groups of 10 to 1,000 people — have perhaps the greatest opportunity to shape culture in the United States that they have ever had.
from Love in the Time of Coronavirus by journal.praxislabs.org
Jonathan Simcoe added 8mo ago
The reason to alter our practices, especially the way we gather (see below), is not self-protection. For one thing, in the case of this particular virus, if individuals are young and healthy, infection may pose not much more threat than the ordinary seasonal flu. The change is needed because our vulnerable neighbors — those of any age with compromi
... See morefrom Love in the Time of Coronavirus by journal.praxislabs.org
Jonathan Simcoe added 8mo ago