“The Coronavirus is a plague sent by God,” Christian TV host Rick Wiles says. He goes on, “God is about to purge a lot of sin off this planet via the Coronavirus and those who mock God will be punished.” This statement and others like it trouble me. Are we in the place to know God’s hand of judgment is behind this?
A better posture than attach God’s judgment to it would be to pray for the people of China and others around the world infected by the virus. God loves the people of China and desires that all people be brought into His family. Is it appropriate to speak of God’s judgment in light of this epidemic? Shouldn’t we speak of God’s mercy?
When bad things happen in the world my mind goes to Romans 8 when it speaks of this world being subject to futility. Romans 8 reminds us that the whole creation has been groaning since the time sin entered in the world in Genesis 3. We live in a fallen world. We groan for the new heaven and earth. This isn’t heaven. We aren’t home yet.
My mind also went to these words from our Savior’s lips, “Those eighteen who died when the tower of Siloam fell on them- do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will perish” (See Luke 13:1-9). Jesus’ point is that we all deserve to die, not just those who perish in some calamity.
Praise God that we can escape the wrath to come because God in His grace and mercy sent Jesus to take our place on the cross. The greater disaster than those who die from the coronavirus or any other disaster from this fallen world, is those who perish without Christ. We have news to share to all: Yes, this world is messed up, but Christ has conquered death and He will raise us up victorious! Isn’t that the news we are to proclaim to the world? God loves you and wants you to be in His family forever!
With the heightened media attention on the coronavirus, we can find our own hearts filled with anxiety and paralyzed by fear. Our peace is found in the work of our Savior who has secured our eternity. Our peace is found in that nothing takes God off course in His plans and purposes. So, church, walk in peace that our God is in control.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Shalom, Pastor Brian
Looking Forward
Sermon Direction
Well Begun is Not Enough
1 Samuel 9-15
Last Sunday’s Sermon
Created for Connection
EBC is hosting a marriage conference for the EBC family. This will be a two-day event, Friday night and all-day Saturday, April 3-4. Friday 7pm-9pm and Saturday 8:30am -4pm.
There will be 4 workshops to choose from that will be taught by four of our very own counselors and Pastor. Signup this Sunday. Check out the bulletin for your brochure.
Discovery Class
Join us for 4 weeks beginning March 8th on Sunday mornings at 9am. This class is for those looking for more information about our church and those considering membership.
Fellowship of Prayer
Our next prayer event will be Sunday March 15th at 6pm. Join us as we come together for a time of worship and prayer.
Black Out Night
Saturday March 7th from 6pm-8:30 pm at EBC we will be hosting a Black Out Night! Kids ages preschool – grade 5 are welcome to come for a fun night of glow in the dark dinner, games, crafts and more! Wear your white or fluorescent colors!
Love INC Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
Love INC of the Lakes Region would like to invite everyone who has volunteered in any way over the last 3 years to a volunteer appreciation dinner. Let us, the board of directors, serve you a dinner to say thank you for all you have done to help Love INC serve others within our local communities. Join us Sunday March 1st from 3pm-5pm at EBC Fellowship Hall.
Please RSVP by 2/27 to info@loveinclr.org or 366-1525
Ministry Fair
The next Ministry Fair will be Sunday 3/22 and 3/29. You will have opportunities to learn more about the ministries here at EBC and sign up to volunteer and get involved!
OWLS
“World Famous” Singers are going to entertain the OWLS on Saturday March 14th (snow date March 21st) at EBC at 1:30pm. Our very own Rob and Patsy Tacker will be sharing their singing talents with us. The Tacker’s have sung at many different venues, but several of us heard them at Patrick’s Pub last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. We are in for a special treat. Come prepared to enjoy dessert, tap your feet and relax with Rob and Patsy.
Women’s Night of Worship
Thursday March 19th Wayfarer Coffee Roasters 7:30pm-9pm Doors open at 7pm. Come out for a night or worship, prayer, and fellowship with women from our local churches. Let’s come together and minister to each other as we all gather in His name!
OnGoal
Save the date for this year’s OnGoal Soccer Camp!
June 23-27
EBC Kids
Serve once a month in the Nursery or as a teacher or teachers helper in Pre K- Grade 5! Contact the Church office or Mary Whitman for more information.
Cancellation Procedure for Sunday Mornings
In the event of bad weather that would potentially impact services, the following will be taken into consideration: the current weather in Laconia, timing of the weather event, and whether roads, walkways, parking areas will be cleared. A decision will be made by 7:30 am to cancel one or both of our services. Events in the afternoon or evening will be dealt with separately. EBC will notify of cancellation using the following: WMUR TV, Church website news feed www.laconiachurch.com , Email (weekly epistle list), and EBC public and private Facebook pages.