Wow! The world has completely changed in the last 3 months. Who would have predicted or known all that would take place since March 8, 2020. GOD DID. First with COVID-19 and now with an egregious injustice and brutality inflicted upon George Floyd leading to his unnecessary and tragic death. It is heart-breaking and disturbing to see. Then righteous peaceful protest for justice and equality followed and unfortunately - unbelievably unrighteous lawless looting and destruction of cities and property is taking place all over the county. We need to be praying like never before for our country, our leaders and mostly our own hearts. Jeremiah reminds us that
"the heart is deceitfully wicked above all else and who can know it."
Not sure if an original quote from him, but I saw that my friend and Beeson Divinity School Distinguished Professor of Preaching, Dr Robert Smith said,
"The great problem in America is not just a 'skin' problem, but a 'sin' problem and our hearts must be transformed by Christ alone."
True. Please Pray for transformation.
Well 2020 ushers in a whole new world in many ways. Some things are very good. For example, the COVID-19 quarantine has revealed the power of the Gospel and the church universal all around the world as we have been moved out of our buildings, traditions, comforts and routines into a brave new virtual world. More people are online viewing services, sermons, bible teaching than ever before in history. Also great numbers of people are coming to Christ each week. Most of our churches are thriving in some way. Financially churches are maintaining or reporting increases in giving. I am very proud of our LRBA churches in how you have responded, adapted, helped each other and especially the new ministries that are helping our community like the providing meals and food pantries! We have also seen how effective "The Church" as the body of Christ can be when striped of sacred cows, traditions and cultural trappings. As we prayerfully move forward, let's be careful to be thoroughly Biblical and Christian in everything we do and not be marred by bias and cultural baggage.
"He has told you, O man, what is good: And
w
hat does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God ?"
Micah 6:8 NASB
-Marty Dupree
