The "Covid-ized" Word

“The Covid-ized Word”

Today’s sermon spoken by Pastor Bruce Zimmerman at Waxahachie Bible Church went over 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

“As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it is with you. And pray that we may be delivered from troublesome and evil people, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” -2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

The word of God can spread like covid. “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20. It is our job to spread the word. Faith comes by hearing the word of God. It was not intended to be a cul de sac, meaning once we hear it, it is our job to spread it to others. We are capable of rapidly spreading the word to those who are receptive to it, which refers to verse 1 of 2 Thessalonians 3.

However, God’s word will be met with some resistance by others. People with O+ and O- blood types were resistant to receiving the virus. Like them, in a spiritual sense, there are those who get exposed to the word and are in opposition to it. “Troublesome and evil people” or those who say it is okay to do illegal and immoral things to accomplish their goals are the ones who are in opposition to it. Why are they resentful to the word of God? Why do they marginalize those who would stand for Biblical truth? Why the hostility? Because they’re non-believers. The message of Jesus Christ is a hostile message to what they believe and to the values and convictions they hold onto.

Jesus Christ is the only way is a concept that is hostile to Jews and Gentiles alike. It is unfortunate and appalling that 150,000 people were killed last year as martyrs for their belief in Christ. There are over 300,000 churches in this country and it says “In God We Trust” on our currency. However, a school teacher was suspended for giving her student a Bible and a school coach was given a leave of absence for praying with his team during a game.

In 2019, an overall attitude towards Christianity was hostile towards the Christian message. “The most vehement and hostile towards the Christian message: wealthy, white, male, educated, and irreligious.” Some of their sinister comments were “kill them all, let their God sort it out,”… “A torturous death would be too good for them.” There have been threats to pull accreditation from Christian schools, which is in violation of the standards of this country.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 refers to “protect you from the evil one,” meaning God will protect us. There is going to be opposition for anyone trying to spread the word rapidly. The evil one instills fear. You have to figure out, “why am I afraid?” In ancient times, flaming arrows technically couldn’t hurt you because the shields were soaked in water. It was used more as a distraction. In Matthew 4, it talks about Jesus being tempted in the desert for 40 days. Bad choices, addictions and other things can and will destroy people’s lives.

There are resources for the believer. It talks about God’s faithfulness in 2 Thessalonians 3:3. You can rely upon God. He will not abandon you. It goes on to say that God will strengthen you. God’s strength can come in the form of other believers. God will also protect you. When you focus on God, the devil cannot have his way. God has unlimited power and He will use it to help you. Most importantly, you have God’s love too. “And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us” Ephesians 3: 17-20. Spread the word and “covid-ize” the word of God. Let it go viral!