COVID-19 (1): Do Not Fear

Hey Everybody,

My name is Parker and I’m the pastor of Pinewood Church. Thank you for joining us today.

I recognize that feels very strange for all of us. Our routines have been wrecked. School is out for an unknown length of time and many of you are wondering what you’re going to do with your kids. Our companies are trying to manage the tension between isolation and staying open.

For those of you that are going through a difficult time with your work, family, or school, I want you to know that we see you, we love you, and we want to help. These are pivotal moments for the church.

I believe that in times of crisis, historically we have seen the body of Christ rise up.

Every one of us has to make a choice… we are either going to become overwhelmed, or we’re going to overcome.

1. We can have real concerns and not live in fear.
   1. Real concerns - health of your kids or grandparents. Health of our nation. Concerns of your job. Concerned for the kids in our community that need food. Concerned for the elderly.
   2. Concerns can be a great force for good. Concerns cause of us lean in and help people, fear can cause us to shrink back and resort to self preservation.
   3. We are free from fear because we have hope. There’s a bigger story than our current circumstances.
   4. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” - 2 Timothy 1:7 CSB
   5. Power - not an inner strength, but a divine power given by the Holy Spirit. Power to not shrink in fear but rise up in faith
   6. Love - even in the most trying of times we have one truth that will never fail, and that is love. Love Never Fails.
   7. Sound judgement - we use the wisdom that God has given us to make sound decisions.
   8. “No weapon formed against you will succeed, and you will refute any accusation raised against you in court. This is the heritage of the Lord’s servants, and their vindication is from me.” This is the Lord’s declaration.” - Isaiah 54:17 CSB
   9. FEAR VS. FAITH
      1. Fear is a liar. Faith is a foundational
      2. Don’t shrink back in fear, rise up in faith
      3. Pray for courage, pray for trust, pray for strength...

2. We can have significant challenges and not be anxious.

   1. Significant challenges - work, the virus spreading, kids with no school our childcare,

   2. Be anxious for nothing

      1. “Can any of you add one moment to his life span by worrying?” - Matthew 6:27 CSB

      2. Worry will actually cause your immune system to decline. In addition to your overall quality of life.

         3. Where is God? He’s on His throne where He’s always been. He has not left us or abandoned His post. He is faithful and will see us through.

      3. God is in control and will give you peace, comfort, confidence, and joy during these difficult times.

         4. The disciples on the boat
         5. Joseph - He is with you
      4. We can have physical isolation, and not be alone
         1. God has also given us each other. You are never alone. We are here for you!
         2. We are here to pray, here to serve, and here to listen.

3. Our Response:

   1. Pray

      1. we can choose to be fearful or prayerful. Prayer is our first response.

      2. “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6-7 CSB

         2. Serve

      3. Follow us on our website. Working with VOAD & Boulder County

         3. Unite

      4. Allow this opportunity to bring people together, maybe not physically, but emotionally, and spiritually.

      5. We can build something special together if we make a decision to be a builder and unifier and not someone who insights division.

Check out our website for details about our live broadcast, prayer initiatives, and ways that you can serve. pinewoodboulder.com.

We love you. We’re praying for you. And we’re here for you.