“But in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15 CSB).
Christians across Illinois, America, and the world are reeling from the disruption and heartache the Coronavirus has brought to mankind. Not since 9/11 have we seen such a sudden global reaction. This time, instead of extremist terrorists, leaders around the world are focused on defeating an invisible enemy. We are united in prayer for those racing to provide healthcare resources, to look for effective treatments, and to scramble for a cure.
During this global response, Illinois Baptists find themselves feeling forced to distance physically from their church families they yearn to be with most. We are collectively scrambling to find out how the church can be the church even though the way we live out our faith has changed, at least for the moment.
This is not a time to feel defeated, however. People are realizing how fragile human life is; uncertainty abounds about the future. The church has the only true answer for the questions the world is asking! We must, with love and winsomeness, advance the gospel message using every tool at our disposal.
It is encouraging to see so many creative ways churches are already sharing the gospel and loving others. Yet, we have still not done enough. We must pray for God to revive our hearts, to strengthen us, and to use us to saturate the world with the gospel in these days of challenge and opportunity.
Your testimony about Christ is uniquely yours; your church is a strategic family God wants to use to reach others. The times are challenging, but the world is waiting to hear your message! Won’t you share?
Scott Foshie is IBSA’s director of revitalization.