Read: Philippians 1:12
COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many lives across the world. Many countries have declared restrictive measures, such as lockdown, stay at home orders, and heightened sanitation, to contain the virus.
Talking about how this pandemic affected the world, our Church is not exempted. From Physical Church Services, we have adapted by conducting Online Church Services. Although most of us who are seafarers are used to communicating online via Messenger, Facebook, Zoom, or Skype, still we are experiencing huge adjustments because of this 'new normal' brought about by the pandemic. We are prevented from gathering physically, and in some ways, we are chained by this pandemic from doing the things we usually do. Nevertheless, our mission to “Go and make disciples of all nations” remains effective, and this pandemic has let us discover brand new ways to reach the lost for Jesus Christ.
There’s one moment in Apostle Paul’s life when he was imprisoned and chained because of proclaiming Jesus. The Romans thought that putting Paul behind bars would stop the Good News from being viral but it actually served in the advancement of the Gospel.
SCRIPTURE
“Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.” (Philippians 1:12 NIV)
OBSERVATION
Paul saw his imprisonment as a good thing because it has led to the advancement of the Gospel.
1) “As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.” (Philippians 1:13 NIV)
2) “And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.” (Philippians 1:14 NIV)
“Paul is in chains but the Gospel Runs Free.”
- Matthew Harmon
On the 11th of March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 to be a global pandemic. This was immediately followed by cascading effects of illnesses, deaths, unemployment, health care delivery alterations, school closings, deployment of seafarers, and many other events that altered almost everyone’s aspect of life.
As a Church, this very event froze us for a moment in the idea of how we can continue on our worship services and land/campus missions, but God reminded us of the availability of various technologies that enable us to remain faithful to “The Great Commission”, and even advance the Gospel in many brand new ways.
God allowed us to use this gift of technology in different platforms; from the live streams of our online devotions and worship services to Zoom discipleship and prayer meetings, even to the production of SCMI News videos. We praise and thank God for these gifts and privilege to be witnesses for Christ and become part of the advancement of the Gospel for His Glory even in this kind of situation.
APPLICATION
Beyond the pandemic. As Christians, we are to have the same perspective as Paul. We should see this pandemic not as chains of imprisonment but as an opportunity to share what Christ has done 2000 years ago when He died for the forgiveness of our sins and whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.
It is easy to get distracted with various activities and be discouraged by many concerns. There are temptations as you scroll down your Facebook feed all day, watch Netflix all day, play online games all day, etc. There are even temptations to give up on life because of all that’s happening around us.
But Paul’s commitment to the advancement of the gospel is a reminder for all of us. We are called to share the Gospel to the ends of the earth, and by harnessing this God-given technology, it enables us to effectively reach out to more people for Christ.
Stay connected brothers and sisters, join us in our Worship Services and Discipleship Meetings, be equipped, and take part in the advancement of the Gospel for the greater Glory of God.
“Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it.” (Philippians 1:27-30 NLT)
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