IS CORONAVIRUS A DIVINE JUDGMENT OR A CALL TO FAITH? - No matter if this is a natural plague or one sent by God, whether it is a call to believer or sinner, it reminds us why we are here and what our priorities should be - thus, it is truly a lifesaver for those who will believe - Many are wondering if the current pandemic is one of the ‘birth pains’ that presage the soon return of our Lord, where Jesus will be the final judge. The truth is, no one really knows if the current plague is a judgment from God on our unbelieving, immoral, materialistic, compromised world. No one can prove with absolute certainty that indeed coronavirus is a sign of the final judgment. But we do know this: sooner or later, the final judgment will come in its fullness. The average believer must ask for the gift of discernment as well as examine the prophet’s accuracy record. Such discernment is developed more accurately in those who have developed an intimate relationship with God. As in the Old Testament, many so-called prophets today do not have the gift of prophecy. The Bible indicates that they speak visions from their own “minds” and “imagination,” not from the mouth of the Lord. On rare occasions, disasters of one sort or another are God’s attempt to warn us that our time on this earth is but a vapor, a breath.

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Is Coronavirus a Divine Judgment or a Call to Faith?

No matter if this is a natural plague or one sent by God, whether it is a call to believer or sinner, it reminds us why we are here and what our priorities should be - thus, it is truly a lifesaver for those who will believe

Dr. David Kyle Foster

Author

From Exodus to Revelation it is clear that God does indeed send plagues and disasters upon the earth.

This begs the question: Is today’s coronavirus pandemic one of those plagues?

Let’s look at some scripture in both the Old Testament and New Testament regarding plagues:

“I will send the full force of my plagues against you and against your officials and your people, so you may know that there is no one like Me in all the earth.” (Exodus 9:14)

“The Lord will send fearful plagues on you and your descendants, harsh and prolonged disasters, and severe and lingering illnesses.” (Deuteronomy 28:59)

“A third of mankind was killed by the three plagues of fire, smoke and sulfur that came out of their mouths.” (Revelation 9:18)

“They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify Him.” (Revelation 16:9)

“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll.” (Revelation 22:18)

This historical certainty, and foreseen revelation, leads to even more questions.

Is Coronavirus a ‘Birth Pain’ before Judgment?

Many are also wondering if the current pandemic is one of the ‘birth pains’ that presage the soon return of our Lord, where Jesus will be the final judge.

Let’s look at some scripture regarding this as well:

“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.” (Matthew 24:6-8)

“This will take place on the day when God judges people’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.” (Romans 2:16)

“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead.” (2 Timothy 4:1)

We Don’t Know if the Time is Now

The truth is, no one really knows if the current plague is a judgment from God on our unbelieving, immoral, materialistic, compromised world.

No one can prove with absolute certainty that indeed coronavirus is a sign of the final judgment.

But we do know this: sooner or later, the final judgment will come in its fullness.

“It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27)

What About the Prophets?

If you believe, as I do, that the gifts of the Spirit given to the Church at Pentecost were meant to be active until Jesus’ return, then how are we to receive the modern prophetic pronouncements about the origin of the coronavirus that are at odds with each other?

Many prophets say it is a judgment from God, while others say that it isn’t.

So how is the average person supposed to know which prophecies are true?

In the Old Testament, the answer was easy. If a prophet prophesied falsely, that was a guarantee that he was not a true prophet.

Those self-appointed, so-called prophets either spoke out of rebellion against God and His will, or blindness caused by their sinfulness, imagination, presumption, or self-exaltation. The true gift, therefore, was made an infallible gift. (See Deuteronomy 13:1-5; Deuteronomy 18:21-22).

In the New Testament era, however, things are different.

Prophets today do not have a 100% batting average.

Their gift is one of many spiritual gifts that have been given the Church, all of which are given to fallible people and all of which are expressed imperfectly (see Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 13:9-12; 1 Corinthians 14:29-33; Acts 2:17-18).

Prophecy is now for everyone to whom the Holy Spirit deems to give it. And as with other spiritual gifts, the person having it is sometimes wrong.

Consequently, the average believer must ask for the gift of discernment as well as examine the prophet’s accuracy record.

Such discernment is developed more accurately in those who have developed an intimate relationship with God.

As in the Old Testament, many so-called prophets today do not have the gift of prophecy.

The Bible indicates that they speak visions from their own “minds” and “imagination,” not from the mouth of the Lord (Jeremiah 23:16c; Ezekiel 13:2b).

Why the difference between OT and NT criteria?

Spiritual gifts in the Body of Christ are graces that allow believers to participate in the work of the Holy Spirit, or as Scripture says, “participate in the divine nature” and the work of Christ (2 Peter 1:4).

Is Coronavirus God’s Wrath or Nature’s Fallen State?

Sometimes, disasters are simply the exigencies of nature, (which began when Adam & Eve sinned), expressing its own fallenness.

We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. (Romans 8:22)

On rare occasions, disasters of one sort or another are God’s attempt to warn us that our time on this earth is but a vapor, a breath.

“You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.” (Matthew 24:43b)

“You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” (James 4:14)

“Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.” (Psalm 144:4)

“Remember, O God, that my life is but a breath…” (Job 7:7a)

Our Eternal Fate Involves a Choice

So, what is our response to God's offer of eternal life (beyond this vapor) through Jesus Christ?

It is a choice we’re offered through trials and tribulations — that we ignore at our peril.

The truth is, all of us were born with a sinful nature.

“I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me.” (Psalm 51:5)

“Through one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned…” (Romans 5:12)

God’s Holy Fire Consumes

The problem for us as sinful humans is this: God is holy. His holiness is a fierce fire that destroys anything that is not holy.

“Our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:29)

“Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire?” (Isaiah 33:14)

As sinful people, we cannot live in the presence of His holy fire without being consumed.

Thus, for us to live in His presence, we must be made holy as He is holy. Unfortunately, our righteousness is as filthy rags.

“All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.” (Isaiah 54:6)

What Is the Antidote to Our Unrighteousness?

God has mercifully given us the antidote to our sin.

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)

“For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.” (Romans 5:19)

How does Jesus make unrighteous man righteous? Let’s follow the path through scripture:

“There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” (Romans 3:10-12)

“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)

“God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

“The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

The Present Darkness of Pandemic Is a Warning Not a Question

So, is the current pandemic a judgment from God? In truth, this is an irrelevant question. The pandemic is a manifestation of our present darkness (Ephesians 6:12).

It is a warning, if you will, whether from fallen nature or from God Himself, that we must turn to the Lord to be saved before it is too late.

And as we’ve seen, too late for us may be today!

The most important question of all is: When we do go, where will we go? Where will we be spending eternity?

And as we’ve seen already, only the Bible has the answer to that one.

It is also a call to those of us who have already been saved by the blood of the Lamb: that the purpose of our lives (whether here or in heaven) is to pursue an intimate relationship with our Creator.

That is the purpose of life itself! Why not take that seriously as well, by spending regular, quality time with the Lord.

Whether Final or Not, Choose Christ

The final day of judgment will indeed come as a thief in the night when it will be too late to choose. In such a case, suffering becomes a warning and a hard mercy.

“But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’” (Luke 12:20)

“For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” (1 Thessalonians 5:2)

No matter if this is a natural plague or one sent by God, whether it is a call to believer or sinner, it reminds us why we are here and what our priorities should be.

Thus, it is truly a lifesaver for those who will believe.

Dr. David Kyle Foster is the author of Transformed Into His Image and Love Hunger and is the founder/director of Pure Passion Media (www.PurePassion.us). His newest book is The Sexual Healing Reference Edition. You can listen to his twice-weekly podcast by going to: www.charismapodcastnetwork.com/show/purepassion.

https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/coronavirus/is-coronavirus-a-divine-judgment-or-a-call-to-faith.html?utm_source=Jeeng

THINGS THE CHURCH MUST DO IN RESPONSE TO THE CORONAVIRUS - The media usually garners followers by sensationalizing everything that happens so as to drive traffic toward their platform (to acquire more advertising sponsors). The church has to learn to see beyond groupthink, politics and media, and discern the difference between hype and reality. The church has an obligation to post relative information related to public health measures that must be practiced to curtail the spread of the virus. Since the body of Christ has consistent, weekly gatherings, it is a matter of stewardship that we cooperate with reasonable guidelines disseminated by public health and city officials. Pray for the opportunity to share the gospel with people afraid of dying. Times like these confront humanity with their own mortality and force them to think about eternity. True Christ followers should have no fear of death; consequently, everyone we meet walking in fear should be a candidate to hear the gospel during these days. Earnestly fast and pray for a global spiritual awakening. The whole world, with its vast scientific, technological advances and burgeoning affluence, is being confronted with their frailty and fragility. They continually find out that there are many things that are beyond their control!

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10 Things the Church Must Do in Response to the Coronavirus

Joseph Mattera

In all my years I have never seen this kind of panic related to the potential spread of an illness.

The kind of panic and fear I observe regularly on the faces of the public almost rivals what I observed when I was in Manhattan after the Twin Towers were toppled and the Pentagon attacked on Sept. 11, 2001!

As always, I try to ponder how the church should respond during these experiences.

The following are 10 things the church must do during this present global situation:

·     Discern between political hyperbole and reality.

I am amazed with how opportunistic so many political leaders are during this crisis! Unfortunately, the media usually garners followers by sensationalizing everything that happens so as to drive traffic toward their platform (to acquire more advertising sponsors).

The church has to learn to see beyond groupthink, politics and media, and discern the difference between hype and reality.

·     Teach public and private health.

The church has an obligation to post relative information related to public health measures that must be practiced to curtail the spread of the virus.

Since the body of Christ has consistent, weekly gatherings, it is a matter of stewardship that we cooperate with reasonable guidelines disseminated by public health and city officials.

·     Pray for the opportunity to share the gospel with people afraid of dying.

This is an amazing opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus! Jesus has already destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. (See 2 Timothy 1:10.)

Times like these confront humanity with their own mortality and force them to think about eternity.

True Christ followers should have no fear of death; consequently, everyone we meet walking in fear should be a candidate to hear the gospel during these days.

·    Earnestly fast and pray for a global spiritual awakening.

The whole world, with its vast scientific, technological advances and burgeoning affluence, is being confronted with their frailty and fragility.

They continually find out that there are many things that are beyond their control!

I believe the time is ripe for a global "Great Awakening," as the pride of humanity is being brought low and masses of people are being unsettled by this virus and other huge challenges.

·     Pray for our nation's leaders.

One of the primary things all churches should do when they gather is pray for our political leaders (see 2 Timothy 2:1-4).

The potential problems associated with a pandemic are way beyond the scope of their learning and expertise.

The present issues related to public health are negatively affecting global travel, the stock market, numerous businesses and national security.

In light of all this, it is very difficult to plan for adequate contingencies.

Now, more than ever, the body of Christ needs to intercede for leaders and believe that God will grant them a spirit of humility, cooperation (instead of political competition) and wisdom as they interface with experts in the fields of health, national security, commerce and international relations.

·     Care for vulnerable church members.

The Bible makes it clear that the church is called to do good to all men — but especially to the household of faith (see Galatians 6:10).

We especially need to look out for older and disabled church members who do not have the adequate resources from family members to get by.

We also have to make sure they have adequate food and hygienic supplies if panic shopping precludes their ability to purchase these necessities.

·     Look for ways to love our neighbor.

In every community there are vulnerable people. During a panic, the population goes into survival mode and its default position is "every man is for himself."

We need to look out for ways to behave differently from the world in this present distress.

Part of how we can do this is by making sure the elderly, disabled and other groups of vulnerable people have all they need regarding food, toiletries and care.

In the midst of this atmosphere, believers can shine like bright lights to the world (see Philippians 2:15) as they put others before themselves and mimic the attitude of the Lord Jesus (see Philippians 2:4-12).

·     Proactively learn preventative health, not only divine healing.

I rarely get sick — even if I am around people who have the flu and other contagious ailments.

In 36 plus years of overseeing a local church, I have never missed a Sunday service because of a sickness.

This is because — as a matter of godly stewardship — I have taken the time to study nutrition, get enough sleep, exercise regularly and practice regular fasting.

Most of the deaths from the coronavirus are among those who already had underlying health issues, whose immune system was already compromised.

Consequently, the average person who is constantly eating processed food, snacking in between their (many) meals, as well as eating late at night, will compromise their immune system.

This is because much of our body's energy is going toward digesting food; hence, if your body's energy is depleted, it doesn't have enough in the tank to restore itself and focus on fighting off sickness and disease.

Also, if you are consuming a lot of animal-based products and processed food, it takes a huge toll on your body, since these are difficult to digest (which leads to inflammation, which is the root cause of cancer, arthritis and other serious maladies).

The plant-based diet of Genesis 1:29 is actually the "species specific" diet God granted to human beings.

Thankfully, more and more scientific studies are confirming the amazing health benefits of this diet. (Out of the numerous studies there are now some compelling documentaries, such as The Game Changers on Netflix, Fork Over Knives, as well as countless others (Dr. Jason Fung is known as a health expert on the benefits of water fasting and there are numerous videos of his teaching on YouTube).

Consequently, I only eat two to three meals per day, with no eating in between meals, and I fast about 15-20 hours most days.

I have enough energy to keep a demanding schedule while participating in rigorous physical training.

This discipline related to my biological health enables me to frequently travel, write, preach, pray and spend quality time with my family in spite of the fact that I am over 60 years old.

Also, if a person wants to take further precaution before traveling and going into a public space, taking strong probiotics first thing in the morning and having adequate doses of Vitamin C may aid in immunity enhancement.

Unfortunately, many believers think they can violate natural law and live recklessly because they can pray for divine healing.

However, the same God who said "I am the Lord who heals you" (Exodus 15:26) is the same God who gave us species specific guidelines related to diet (Genesis 1:29).

Although I am a huge proponent of divine healing, I also believe it is a matter of stewardship to do our part in caring for our physical health.

·     Stay on top of current events.

The church is called to function on the leading edge of proactive prophetic action as well as rapid response.

In order to function this way, we need to operate similar to the "sons of Issachar," who were men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do (see 1 Chronicles 12:32).

Consequently, every believer has to be regularly informed regarding current events and be mobilized to serve in the workplace, not just within church buildings.

·     Fear not!

With the nonstop panic being generated by incessant media hype related to the spread of the coronavirus, the general populace is engulfed with a spirit of fear.

This is an opportune time for Christ followers to arise and be the exemplars who operate in faith and wisdom instead of fear.

How can we do this? Is it because believers embrace a form of fideism or mysticism, or is our faith rooted in reality?

Scripture makes it clear that we are to "fear not" and that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, of love and of a sound mind (see Isaiah 41:10 and 2 Timothy 1:7).

This is because believers are rooted and grounded in the God of creation who alone should be their trust, fortress and foundation of faith.

Hence, since we are grounded in the One who created the cosmos, we are commanded to fear not, even when the earth is quaking and unstable (see Psalm 46).

Moreover, because Jesus conquered death through His resurrection and has the keys of hell and death, He also tells His followers to "fear not"! (See Revelation 1:17-18).

In conclusion, Christ followers are not to fear what the world fears (see Jeremiah 10:2) and are not to be conformed to this world system (Romans 12:1-2).

Whenever a global crisis breaks out, the church is called to discern the times, know what to do, and function as the salt of the earth and light of the world.

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Dr. Joseph Mattera is an internationally-known author, consultant, and theologian whose mission is to influence leaders who influence culture. He is the founding pastor of Resurrection Church, and leads several organizations, including The U.S. Coalition of Apostolic Leaders and Christ Covenant Coalition. Dr. Mattera is the author of 12 bestselling books, including his latest “The Jesus Principles,” and is renown for applying Scripture to contemporary culture. To order his books or to join the many thousands who subscribe to his newsletter go to www.josephmattera.org.

https://www.charismanews.com/opinion/the-pulse/80276-10-things-the-church-must-do-in-response-to-the-coronavirus

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