Directives from the Top, the VERY Top

The coronavirus crisis is engulfing our city, state, and nation.  On almost every level, unprecedented action is being taken to help us deal with this world-wide pandemic. My brothers and sisters we live in difficult and amazing times.

As citizens of New York City, New York State and the United States of America we are being asked to personally take this virus very seriously. The directives we are being given are what the Mayor, the Governor, the President and their teams think will keep us safest; “flatten the curve” of this virus, shorten its effect, and save lives.

We should do our best to obey the directives of the government authorities around us. As 1 Peter 2:13-15 reminds us: “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, ¹⁴ or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. ¹⁵ For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. “

The only exception to this principle is when the commands of the authorities come in conflict with the laws of God. Peter himself tells us “We must obey God rather than men“ Acts 5:29. At times like these it is wise and good to remember that as proud as we may be of any earthly citizenship we have, we owe our ultimate allegiance to a Higher Power. Paul tells us that “…our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” Philippians 3:20

So, above all else, we are citizens of Heaven – members of the kingdom of God. As such, we might do well to know and follow the directives given to us by our King, the Lord Jesus Christ. After all, His directives trump Trump’s, Cuomo’s, DeBlasio’s and anyone else’s for that matter.

There are two passages of Scripture that are very instructional in this matter. They are found in the gospel of Matthew which reveals Jesus to us as our King. Both passages are very familiar.  Here is the first which we call “The Great Commandment”.

^“And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. ³⁸ This is the great and first commandment. ³⁹ And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. ⁴⁰ On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew 22:37-40

The directives here are easy to spot aren’t they? We are to love God with all that we have and we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. Said differently, we need to be absolutely committed to God with all that we have. In addition, we are to be as committed to the well-being of our neighbor as we are to the well-being of ourselves. This is pretty strong stuff from King Jesus!! Our Lord goes on to tell us that the Law and the Prophets, most of the Old Testament, depend (tie together) on these two commandments. They are that important.

The other passage is found in the Sermon on the Mount. We know it as “The Golden Rule”. It states:   “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew 7:12

So if we wouldn’t want it done to us we shouldn’t do it to our neighbor, and vice versa. This time King Jesus adds that the reason for living this way is that “this is the Law and the Prophets”.  It is that important. It’s almost an equation here. The Golden Rule = The Law and the Prophets. The 613 commandments of the Old Testament summed up in one simple statement. Only Jesus could pull that off.

These are difficult and amazing times. These times call for some very special measures. As those who claim to follow Christ, those who say that Jesus is their King, it is time to live like…..Christians. That requires that we follow the directives to:

1. Love God with all we have
2. Love our neighbor as ourselves
3. Treat others as we would have them treat us

Everything we do and plan to do needs to be run through a grid that includes these three directives.  It affects all matters from acquiring ventilators, to making sure the most vulnerable are protected to social distancing to how much toilet paper we hoard and everything else involved in this crisis.  Living this way is so critical, especially now. We need to be Jesus to our world almost like we have never needed to be before.

The various government directives are very important, but without the words of Jesus they have no soul and are reduced to being pragmatic commands of a bureaucracy. The salt and light of society right now, the soul if you will, are to be the followers of Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:16).

Why should our world buy into Jesus’ directives if His people; His church, those who claim to be the citizens of His kingdom, have not yet done so. May the Lord give us the strength to walk our talk. We need, with His help, to practice the Great Commandment and the Golden Rule. They come from the top, the VERY top.

Blessings,

Pastor Dave Watson

Church’s Prayer Bulletin – downloadable

MARCH 2020 PRAYER BULLETIN

After hearing the World Health Organizations recommendations and in consolutation with other Pastors in the city we have decided that there will be no cafe, no life groups, no grief group, or spanish life group/service or children’s church tomorrow or next week. We will have two services, 9am and 11:15am with only nursery provided. We will also have our mid- week prayer service Wednesday at 7:30pm.

Because of the nature of the Tuesday night Recovery Group it will still meet.

We are still evaluating NYIBS classes for this week and moving forward.

I am sorry for an inconvience this late change may cause you. Our primary concern is everyone’s health. We are doing our best to do the right thing to insure that. We are seeking to live our neighbir as ourself.

And again

We will be broadcasting both our services live on facebook (@calvarychapelsi ) as we do every week, and the 11:15 am is service  live streamed and  we broadcast live on 570am wmca beginning at 11:30P.M 

We are encouraging sensitivity in regards to shaking hands and hugs and the what not at our services. Everyone’s comfort level is different.

If you are uncomfortable in any way attending services please stay home.

If you have an underlining health issue please don’t risk it. Stay home.

If you are sick, please stay home.

Use one of our other options.

Myself or one of our elders will be doing our best to reach out to all of our members and friends to see how we can best minister to our congregation during this time.

Please don’t forget to continue to support Calvary. If you can’t make it out please consider texting “ccsi give” to 77977 or better yet download the app by texting “ccsi app” to 77977.Let’s keep each other in prayer. I’ve written a piece on “Dealing with the Coronavirus and the Corona Virus-Hysteria”  which can be seen here: https://nycshepherd.com/2020/03/12/coronavirus-dealing-with-the-corona-virus-and-corona-virus-hysteria/

Join us in person at 9:00 AM or 11:15 AM (Spanish Service at 1;00 P.M)

Join us on Facebook at 9:00 AM and 11:15 AM – @Calvarychapelsi

Join us on live stream at 11:15 A.M. at http://www.calvarychapelsi.org

Join us live on 570AM the Mission, WMCA Radio beginning at 11:30 AM

Important notes

• We are encouraging sensitivity in regards to shaking hands and hugs and the what not at our services. Everyone’s comfort level is different. An elbow bump or a wave will probably due just fine.

• If you are uncomfortable in any way attending services please stay home.

• If you have an underlining health issue please don’t risk it. Stay home.

• If you are sick, please stay home.

• Use one of our other options.

Please don’t forget to continue to support Calvary. If you can’t make it out please consider texting “ccsi give” to 77977 or better yet download the app by texting “ccsi app” to 77977.

Click here for  “Dealing with the Coronavirus and the Corona Virus-Hysteria”  https://nycshepherd.com/2020/03/12/coronavirus-dealing-with-the-corona-virus-and-corona-virus-hysteria/

The Corona Virus is a major concern in both our world and our nation right now. Our national, state and local governments are taking unprecedented steps to avoid the spread of this virus. We should take this situation seriously and follow the suggestions and guidance given by our medical professionals and our governmental leaders to the best of our abilities. After all, the Scriptures refer to our leaders as “ministers of God on our behalf.” (Romans 13:6)

The cold hard truth about the coronavirus is that most of us will not be infected by it; however, all of us will be affected by it on some level. There is another malady right now, however, that our country, state and city are in immediate danger of contracting. As a result of our 24 hour news cycle and our smart phones, tablets and computers, we all are being exposed to “coronavirus-hysteria”. It doesn’t present an immediate physical danger but it is extremely bad for our mental and spiritual state. It easily can rob us of our sense of security, our peace, our joy and to some degree our sanity. Let me make a few strong suggestions to keep ourselves from being infected by this hysteria.

1. Know if you are among the vulnerable population. The actual coronavirus is very dangerous to those with compromised immune systems. If our spiritual immune system is weak, we are susceptible to the hysteria surrounding the virus. I need to ask myself if my walk with God is compromised by living in unconfessed and unrepented sin. If so, I need to take immediate steps to get myself right with God by restoring my fellowship with Him. We are warned that if we regard sin in our hearts the Lord will not hear us (Psalm 66:18). Remember the Scriptural promise that “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) Restoration is only a sincere prayer of confession away.

2. Cultivate a strong immune system. When one is physically healthy they can fight off the corona-virus and may not even know they have it. Similarly, good spiritual health, a healthy spiritual immune system if you will, gives us the ability to fight off coronavirus-hysteria. I cultivate a healthy spiritual life by maintaining the spiritual disciplines of daily prayer, daily Bible reading, regular fellowship with other believers and the consistent sharing of my faith. It is never too late to begin to get spiritually healthy. You can start, or restart, those disciplines today. Paul tells Timothy to “train yourself toward godliness.” (1 Timothy 4:7)

3. Wash your hands frequently. This is one of the main ways we are told we can protect ourselves from contracting the coronavirus. Doing this disinfects us and makes us unlikely to carry the germs with us. Did you know that the Scriptures are sometimes referred to as water? In fact, we are told that God is sanctifying us (disinfecting us) by the washing of the water by the Word (Ephesians 5:26). Jesus, in fact, prayed to His Father with reference to his disciples to “Sanctify them (disinfect them) through Your truth, Your Word is truth.”(John 17:17) Our minds and hearts right now are being bombarded with all kinds of information — some true, some troubling, some hyped, some false and misleading. How do I sort out life in these crazy times? God’s Word, which brings us back to God’s View of things, is the key. We would all do well to write out some important Scriptures like Philippians 4:6-7 on file cards or slips of paper and meditate on them daily.

4. Limit your exposure to those who may be infected with the coronavirus. This is a surefire way to stop the transmission of illness to ourselves and our family. In a similar way, we need to avoid the sources of coronavirus-hysteria. I have in mind here people in our lives that are freaking out and have bought more toilet paper than food in the last week. I also mean the media sources that are continually hyping the worst case scenarios, in some part, because they think this drives up their ratings. Please, please, please, socially distance from people who are hysterical and from the media that is hyper-hysterical. Get the news you need and then shut them out and off. Paul’s words to the Philippians are helpful here. He says “ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”(Philippians 4:8)

5. If we show symptoms of the coronavirus we are told to: see a doctor, get tested and self-quarantine. Heed that advice. That is also good advice for us if we show symptoms of coronavirus-hysteria. If we are the ones who bought more toilet paper than food, if we are so anxious we can’t pray or think about what we have to do, if we find we are talking like we have had too much caffeine….then we need to see a physician…. the Great Physician that is. We need to self-quarantine and let Him do a thorough exam on us. We need to get alone with God, shut everything out and listen for His still, small calming voice. We need to “be still and know that He is God.” (Psalm 46:10).

Before I close I would be amiss if I didn’t mention that a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ is crucial, not just now, but always. Jesus came to deal with our deepest problem, our sin, and to bring us into a right relationship with God. Peter reminds us that “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit.”(1 Peter 3:18) We can have unending peace with God because of what Christ has done for us. (Romans 5:1)

It is very possible that this crisis is going to get worse before it gets better. If so, the hysteria will grow with it. We live in uncertain times, but as Christians we can be certain that our God is in control and that for those who love Him He will work all things for their good (Romans 8:28) – even this hideous virus. Please take a moment and re-read the suggested passages above and implement them into your life. If we do this, we will not suffer from the hysteria and panic that seems to be mounting around us. Instead, we will have peace in the midst of this storm.

Blessings,

Pastor Dave Watson

A word about our Church Services and the Coronavirus

We will be having all of our regular services and programs this Sunday at Calvary Chapel as usual. Though we can’t see into the future I don’t anticipate us doing anything different going forward.  I am asking though that we are all conscious and are sensitive to one another’s tolerance level regarding handshakes, hugs and embraces. Please don’t take it personally if someone gives you a wave or a nod instead of an embrace or tight handshake. We won’t be giving out complimentary hand sanitizers again this week so please bring your own. If you are sick, especially with a fever, please stay home. Don’t forget to turn your clock ahead one hour. I hope to see you Sunday.

Pastor Dave Watson

A word about the Christian and Coronavirus

Brothers and Sisters in Christ

I trust this note finds you well. With world and national events as they are, I am finding that many people are very anxious. As I write to you the Coronavirus has a lot of people on edge. The media is in a frenzy. The World Health Organization is issuing dire warnings.  The stock market is up and down like a yo-yo. Conferences are being canceled. The price of medical masks and hand sanitizers has become astronomical. Yes, we are all a little uptight.

I am not an expert in public health. I’ll let the professionals advise us in those matters. However, the Scriptures have a lot to say about our private health, our mental health. So let me remind myself and you of God’s prescription for sanity in the midst of stressful circumstances.

Jesus, in His most famous of messages, the Sermon the Mount, speaks to the issue of anxiety. He reminds His audience of some important truths. He says:

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” – Matthew 6:25

and

“And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” – Matthew 6:27

and

“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” – Matthew 6:31-34

In other words, replace your worry with perspective from God. God has our back.

While in prison, the apostle Paul, no stranger to opportunities to be stressed out, gives advice to the Philippian Church which was under stress because of persecution. He says:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

In other words, replace your worry with prayer to God. God will hear our prayers and give our hearts peace that transcends our ability to figure things out.

The Northern Kingdom of Israel was dispersed by the Assyrians in 722 B.C. The Southern Kingdom, Judah, was understandably anxious about their own future with the same enemy stalking them. To them the LORD through Isaiah says:

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.” – Isaiah 26:3-4

In other words, replace your worry with a constant pondering on God and who God is. The LORD is our Rock and worthy of our eternal trust.

The apostle Peter, who is later martyred for the faith, writes to the believers scattered because of persecution throughout the Roman Empire. Yes, they were stressed. At the end of his first epistle he tells his readers:

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:6-7

In other words, replace your worry with the promise of God. I can give all my concerns to God because God has made me His concern.

Jesus, Paul, Isaiah and Peter give us sound, life-calming advice. The Perspective from God, Prayer to God, Pondering on God and Promise of God are great prescriptions for dealing with our anxieties. You and I might be wise to follow them. They are prescriptions that will keep our hearts and minds healthy. When you feel anxiety creeping in please read these prescriptions again and again if necessary. Do what they tell you to do.  They are good medicine for the soul. As we deal with our worries this way we will find our anxiety level dropping. We will also be a positive testimony to the world around us of the reality of our faith in very anxious times.

Blessings,

Pastor Dave Watson