BE THE CHURCH

 

Pastor Allan was speaking about the historical things happening now in our city; with the damaged spillways of our Oroville, Dam, and the recent evacuation of the city.  From my notes I present his edited sermon.

We all handle situations differently.  Especially difficult is the waiting for the unknown.  I don’t care whose fault it is, just fix it and get it done.

Three things I would like to touch on today:

1.     Don’t worry

2.     Be prepared

3.  Be the church.

1.  Don’t Worry:

In the Bible, Jesus always said, “Do not fear or be anxious about anything.  Worry does not solve the situation, and it can cause physical problems.  Worry keeps you from doing what you need to do.  Self medicating does not help, so let us be part of the solution and not become part of the problem.

We are not in the habit of displacing thousands of people, and our first concern is to protect our family.  We look at the storm, but we need to be focused on Jesus.

Use wisdom and good common sense, and pay attention to what is happening around you.  Keep calm even when others are going to pieces.

Matthew chapter 25 tells the story of the ten virgins.  Five were prepared, while five missed the wedding due to neglect.  It pays to be prepared and to be ready.

2.Be Prepared: 

Have a plan how you will react in case of any emergency.  We don’t know about tomorrow.  Where is your center of gravity?  Don’t lose your balance.  What does it take to knock you off balance?  Are you in the Word?  I don’t mean a corporate reading of the Bible, but your personal daily study of God’s Word.  Our foundation is not faith in the Oroville dam, but our trust is in God.  Focus on the Spirit instead of the physical realm. Look at this as spiritual, and flow in the Spirit. 

Understand the God has a purpose for our city.  The physical is controlled by man, and the spirit is controlled by God.  Allow God to be in control

3.  Be the Church: 

I Peter 1:1  Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ: To the temporary residents dispersed in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen.

The early Christians were scattered due to persecution and turmoil, but they used every opportunity to spread the gospel.  God used what man did to spread the gospel.

If you are evacuated for any reason, no matter where you land; be the church.  Don’t be afraid to pray in public, and share your testimony with others.  Encourage rather than join in with those who complain and find fault.  Be careful to press in and not get on the condemning side.  Be a person of prayer and be willing to pray with others who are upset and suffering.  Be a blessing;  Be the church.

I am as guilty as the next person.  We have been praying for divine appointments and fail to notice we are being given those everyday.

The bottom line is; this crisis will go away and we will get comfortable and forget to stay focused.  Keep your plan intact for when ever it is needed.

Paul often said:  “Pray for me.”  I your pastor need your prayers and you need the practice.  Pray for one another.

Don’t worry, but be watchful, sober and vigilant knowing that God is in control.

We get caught by surprise, but God looks at His watch and says, “Just in time.”

The disciples in the boat when the sudden storm came up were frantic, but what was Jesus doing?  He was asleep.  When he was awakened, he merely said, “Peace be still.”

Father, I think you for your protection and we trust in you. 

 

Prepare us to be the church.