Social Media Hysteria

Google, Yahoo, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snap-chat and the others. Yes they have revolutionized the way we interact and they have made the World a smaller place than even air travel did when it was first introduced.

Added to the equation the Smart-phone which is the platform that has made all of this communication possible. I would question whether this has made life better for all of us? I think there are pros and cons for the baby boomer generation and even the millennials but the younger generations could barely conceive of a world that was without smart-phones or social media.

In fact, if they woke up tomorrow morning and the Internet was gone and their smart-phones were just a brick that you could call people on. Well, all hell would break loose as petulant and unhappy youngsters demanded of their parents and the authorities to get that Internet back up. Lets face it it would be a demanding few weeks before these Social Media alcoholics dried out and started to find that face to face communication is far superior the virtual kind in any case.

In my humble opinion, this scenario only highlights how those in control of the Internet control the younger generation. Is it any wonder they launched Fortnight as a free war games platform to train them to be the army of the future. If you were the cynical  type you could suspect that those behind the scenes had not done this by chance. Those familiar with Agenda 21 would understand that reduction of the global population is an important part of the approach to stop climate change and to reach sustainability. So the reduced population would be much healthier if they were young people and much easier to control through the online virtual reality.

Oh my goodness I'm falling victim to Social Media hysteria. Which is really the point of this article. There are certainly dangers in the way that those who have control of the narrative and content on the Internet control what people say, think and do.  The way they have roped in the younger generation is breathtaking in its effectiveness. There is, however, another aspect of this situation that is strongly related to the control of the young and that is the ability to flood the Internet with information. Information that is verifiable and yet equally unverifiable. Everything that can move and affect the heart of a man. A veritable, digital. virtual Slough of Despond as John Bunyan, the author of Pilgrims Progress, called it.

Just look at the information about the Covid Pandemic. There is information about the various methods by which the virus was released and equally as much information to contradict it. Ancient Aliens, the New Age, diseases. You name it, it's all available at a click on the Internet. The issue here is that people can humor their deepest fantasies and be entrapped by their greatest fears with all the information that they will ever need to continue to grow in hysteria and in the worst situations absolute madness.

Antivax, and Anti-Covid are cases in point. Every possible opinion is available about these issues on the Net and is happily adopted by both sides of the argument. The result is that it makes people angry and pushes them to be extreme in their views about these various subjects. They lose their sense of perspective and become deeply convinced that they are right in their angst. They become agitated, provocative and outraged with those who disagree with them. Both sides of the question become caught up in the hysteria and lose sight of the real issue. The fact that they are being manipulated by those that control the Internet and while they are fighting the good fight with their evil opponents. The New World Order is quietly being rolled into place in the background.

Isaiah 33:15-16 "He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly, He who despises the gain of oppression's, Who gestures with his hands, refusing bribes, Who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed, And shuts his eyes from seeing evil. He will dwell on high; His place of defense will be the fortress of rocks; Bread will be given him, His water will be sure." NKJV

The Fearing

So, I've seen three videos in the last twenty four hours that have greatly unsettled me. One about Covid from an undertaker's perspective in Britain. https://www.bitchute.com/video/AS81lGSq9Kp1/ The second video being one from an Australian perspective about the epidemic and where in the opinion of the speaker this is all heading. South basically would be the general direction he opins. https://www.bitchute.com/video/iy8Sbvg04QSh/

 The Third video was on who owns the assets of the Global Economy. Again predictable but not very reassuring. https://www.facebook.com/messenger_media/?thread_id=1204177306311476&attachment_id=221079763399662&message_id=mid.%24gAARHMWCW2zSCJEU9vF78v_yfc9Hc

I should have learned my lesson about this many years ago but I have to admit to being  a slow learner. As a young Christian I found as many Christians do that sharing the gospel is not welcome most of the time. People don't want to hear about salvation unless circumstances in their lives align with your need to share the gospel. As a result it is often easier to use another subject as a hook.

In those days I used a similar hook to the Jehovah's Witness. For example I might start with. "What do you think about certain world events?" Then I'd talk about this war or that change in government attitudes. Something that you could steer the conversation toward the gospel.  The problem with this approach is that it is focused on fear and it not only presents a negative view of the world to the person you're dealing with. If you keep focusing on that type of negative content you can begin to be weighed down by it yourself.

Isaiah 33:15  "He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly, He who despises the gain of oppressions, Who gestures with his hands, refusing bribes, Who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed, And shuts his eyes from seeing evil..." NKJV

You can become hopelessly depressed and hopelessly depressing to be around. It can damage your world view as well. Many Christians are afraid of their own shadow. They fear their non Christian neighbors. They fear other  Christians. They fear the government. They fear whats happening around the world. So if you aren't careful you can end up being very isolated and very isolationist. 

 It has taken me forty years to reach this perspective and I'm not entirely out of the woods yet on this issue. I guess what I saying from a Christian viewpoint is "What is wrong with this picture?" What I mean by this is, it has always been my opinion that Christians should be the coolest people in society. We have the Holy Spirit in us revealing the nature of Christ Jesus. We should be exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. We should be as Christ Jesus to the folk around us. A real breath of fresh air.

Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."

Instead, we tend to be self centered, legalistic and judgemental. Overly negative and not very pleasant to be around at all. It raises the question "How can we fix this?" or, "What do Christians who are walking in the Spirit do that is different?" What is it that gives them an air peace and grace?" "How do they walk with such assurance and calm?" What can we do to change ourselves from negative nay sayers into Christians who are living  the Christian life. To be as Christ Jesus to those around us and loving our neighbor as we love ourselves?

I think it comes down to the need to stay away from negative sources. Be careful what you watch and read. Embrace the advice that Jesus gave and take life day by day because each day had it's own troubles. Realize that you don't need to seek a relationship with Christ Jesus. You already have one. Be assured that the Holy Spirit indwells you  and is revealing the nature of Jesus in your heart. You have the Law of God inscribed in your heart. You need only ask and God will hear your prayers and give you answers. Be aware that God speaks his answers into your heart and if you think about it you will know what you have to do. Don't forget to talk to God and read His word. And remember you are a child of God and you already have a relationship with God. You are hidden in God with Christ. Go in peace and joy.

Taking Stock... No, not stealing Cows...

 

So... I just want to explain my position as a Christian Kiwi in 2021...

Firstly, I feel privileged to be alive in 2021. What ever is going down I'm here to see it and I can remember being a teenager and not believing I would be here in 2021

As a Christian I'm a pre-millennial. Which means I believe that our Lord Jesus Christ will return before establishing a kingdom that will last for a millennium.

I also believe that the re-establishment of the nation of Israel was extremely significant. It indicates we are in a time just prior to the Tribulation. Which is a period of seven years of war and destruction on a global level. At the end of that period Jesus will return in glory and establish His millennial kingdom.

This could apply to what is happening right now in that the pandemic is getting people used to being dominated by a totalitarian regime. I think most of us at a deeper level realize, that we are not going back to the time prior to November 2019. It's in the air. Everyone senses that something is a foot.

What does this mean to the future. Well the establishment of a global world government for a start. Look at the way the WHO and media have orchestrated the pandemic response on a global level with a global strategy. World government is an obvious next step.

In New Zealand Aotearoa we are witnessing the establishment of a socialist continuation of Neo-liberalism. Gradually heading toward and Orwellian state? Maybe... An example could be that the use of masks is wide spread and mandated by the state. In the USA certain states have instructed citizens to wear masks in their houses. Big Brother is watching you ??? Could be...

What happens after the pandemic? Well I don't know if the pandemic will end. Just continue to have new variants and lockdowns etc.. I think Climate Change will enter the thrall and there will be strongly state mandated steps toward consolidation of urbanisation and reduction of the population.

Bear in mind my mindset as a Christian is looking toward the return of Jesus Christ. While I hope for all of our sakes that things just whind down and return to normal. I'm seeing signs that we could be in for tumultuous times. I'm just saying keep your eyes open. If I'm anywhere near correct you won't have to listen to me just open your eyes.

Bear in mind these things happen. Anyone familiar with the rise of the Nazi's in Germany prior to WWll will understand what I'm saying here. A storm may be gathering and we need to be aware of the times in which we live.

Matthew 24:42
Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. NKJV

The Vaccine

 

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 

 

Hebrews 13:2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 

 

Luke 15 4-7 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. 

 

So I've had the Vaccine. As a Christian I've been skeptical as to whether I should have. I've sought the Lord about it and I've agonised as to whether I should have taken it or not. What if it's like the mark of the beast and I'm excluded from Heaven?

You know one of the strongest reasons I have for taking the vaccine is that I'm in with the crowd. I'm a Kiwi and I love my country men and women. If they're getting jab I'm getting it too and if we screwed it up this time. We did it together.

So how does that play out as a Christian. Abstract concept at best. My brothers and sisters in Christ would be expecting me to side with them and I do... But... Yes there's a but... God is waiting his return that none of my Kiwi brethren might be lost. If He can help it.

 

I'm being kind to my non Christian Kiwi brothers and sisters so that they might be saved. I'm their Christian brother and I got the jab as well for them. That none of them might be lost... And some might even be found.

Just remember that all of the Angels in Heaven rejoice over just one new saved soul. So maybe having the jab might have consequences I don't like or want. Maybe it will have consequences to all who take it. But I can tell you I won't be alone. Maybe God can use that ???

Walking by Sight...

 

There is a fine line as a Christian where you are sharing warnings that are bible based or, trying to stem the tide of unrighteousness in the world by telling everyone how they should live their lives. 

 

There is also a real danger of being consumed by fear and anxiety generated by the content of your own warnings. If you're not careful you put everything that is happening in daily life through the lens of loathing and distrust. You can end up burned out, isolated and very unhappy with life in general.

 

Excuse me for asking this but is that how a Christian should be living? Mistrusting everyone and everything including other Christians. Being overtly and covertly judgmental of everyone and everything to the point of being paranoid.

There is also a distinct possibility of living your Christian life in the flesh by allowing the judgmental nature of your warnings to tap into traits like anger, intolerance, condemnation and even hatred.

 

I think that many Christians who indulge in this type of Christian living believe they are obedient to God. Faithful and Spiritual in character and are absolutely convinced of the truth of their narrative and their piety before God.

 

But they are not walking in Faith. In actuality they are walking by sight and not by Faith. Many of those other Christians they despise are actually just humble folk, obedient to their Savior and walking by Faith as best they can. 

 

People who are good citizens and strong Christians just walking with the Lord in simple faith. Shouldn't they be encouraged instead of being judged by supposed High Flying Christians. Who are so much more spiritual in their own eyes.

 

When Christians walk by sight we contrast what read in the word with every aspect of the world around us. We look for error and if we can we call it out. The faithful Christian life of trusting Christ Jesus and committing our burdens to him is pushed down the list of important issues we have to rail at the world about.

 

People wonder why there are so many denominations and yet there should be only one Church. The bride of Christ. One of the main causes is Christians walking by sight and becoming stuck in the flesh. Never in the Spirit.

 

Those who walk in the Spirit do so prayerfully and humbly seeking God to show them the how and the where, the when and why of life. They don't rail at the world. They seek to bring the gospel to the lost, healing to the sick and peace to all  who surround them. 

 

Where are these remarkable people? They are found in every denomination. They are actually usually quite unremarkable. When people are in need they are there. When the lost are loosing their loved ones these are the folk who bring Christ to them. They bake, they support, they pray and help with experience in matters of burying the dead.

 

These meek and often gentle folk are prayer warriors, quiet witnesses and when the world is heading in new and ever more dreadful directions. They don't rail against it they pray for God to intervene and hope for revival.

 

You can't force Christ on the unwilling. You can't legislate righteousness upon non Christian people. You can try but you'll end up with a civil war. You have to do it the hard way and win the nation to Jesus Christ. Then all those issues the sight walkers complain about will gradually begin to disappear. 

 

The quietly faithful Christians who trust God with all of their burdens have peace because they are hidden in God with Christ and walk in the Spirit rather than by sight. Let God carry your burdens my friend. Don't walk another step in your own power.

 

 

 

Fear in the Covid World

 

Fear in the Covid World

There are very many things to be afraid of today. So, as a Christian what should our position be on day to day challenges like getting Covid, getting a Vaccination, enduring Climate Change, the New World Order, the decline of the influence of Christianity in society, the rise of Paganism, the rise of Secularism, the rise of Islam?

What does the bible say about fearfulness and what promises can we rely on in scripture to help us negotiate these fears? Romans 8: 35-39 says “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”KJV

So nothing can separate us from the love of Christ Jesus. Yet we can’t see God and we struggle to have faith in a God that no one else can see either. Even though, any believer worth their salt can vouch that they have seen the hand of God in their lives. That they have seen specific prayers answered and experienced the attacks of Satan at a physical and spiritual level. To their minds and to my mind the bible checks out one hundred percent. Their is no doubt of the Creator or His creation or that humanity is His handy work. We have no need to fear.

An example of the awesome power of the Living God and His Heavenly host is given in II Kings chapter six verses 15-18 “When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, “Strike this army with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked. NASB

Even when we think we’re sunk. God is there behind the scenes holding our hand, sending support, carrying us when He needs too. We may not be able to see God or His powerful host but be assured He and they are there, ready to helps us in ways that we cannot even imagine.

Sometimes we go fearfully astray. Even on those occasions God loves us, forgives and makes everything turn out alright in the end. King David of Israel coveted the wife of Uriah the Hittite, Bathsheba. He sent Uriah to the front line of the battle and there he was killed. David then took Bathsheba to be his wife. God sent his prophet, Nathan to see David and confront him about this terrible situation. ‘It is I who anointed you king over Israel and it is I who delivered you from the hand of Saul. II Samuel chapter 12 verses 8-10 recounts God’s judgment to Daniel “I also gave you your master’s house and your master’s wives into your care, and I gave you the house of Israel and Judah; and if that had been too little, I would have added to you many more things like these! Why have you despised the word of the Lord by doing evil in His sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword, have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the sons of Ammon. Now therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised Me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife..”NASB

It seems like David’s in real trouble this time and that he will never live this misdemeanour down. David repents. II Samuel chapter 12 verses 13-14 “Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has taken away your sin; you shall not die. However, because by this deed you have given occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born to you shall surely die.”NASB

God has forgiven David’s sin and he will not die but there will be consequences. David’s first child with Bathsheba died. II Samuel chapter 12 verses 15 – 23 “Then the Lord struck the child that Uriah’s widow bore to David, so that he was very sick. David therefore inquired of God for the child; and David fasted and went and lay all night on the ground. The elders of his household stood beside him in order to raise him up from the ground, but he was unwilling and would not eat food with them. Then it happened on the seventh day that the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Behold, while the child was still alive, we spoke to him and he did not listen to our voice. How then can we tell him that the child is dead, since he might do himself harm!” But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David perceived that the child was dead; so David said to his servants, “Is the child dead?” And they said, “He is dead.” So David arose from the ground, washed, anointed himself, and changed his clothes; and he came into the house of the Lord and worshipped. Then he came to his own house, and when he requested, they set food before him and he ate. Then his servants said to him, “What is this thing that you have done? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept; but when the child died, you arose and ate food.” He said, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who knows, the Lord may be gracious to me, that the child may live.’ But now he has died; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.” NASB

So why have I shared this story from the Old Testament with you as a testimony against fearfulness? Well King David was the Lord’s anointed King of Israel. David sinned grievously against God by arranging a murder and stealing another man’s wife. If you or I did that we would be in prison. But because David was God’s anointed, God forgave him but brought consequences of his actions upon him. David repented and sought God’s forgiveness and with prayer and fasting asked that God to spare the child. The child died and there were consequences further down the timeline of David’s reign as well. Great sadness and more loss.

We also are God’s anointed in Christ Jesus. The love, and incredible forgiveness, that God showed David he will show to us. Yes even murderer’s are forgiven in Christ Jesus. They still face the consequences of their actions in this world but God is merciful. If you read the story of King David’s life in the books of Samuel, Chronicles, Kings and the book of Psalms you will read of David’s great depression and fearfulness and how his deep relationship with God profoundly changed his life and carried him on to greatness. Yet like us he was only a broken man but like him we have no need to fear because those in Christ Jesus are the children of God.

A relationship with God through his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, is available to you also. You never need to be fearful when you belong to such a wonderful caring Father in heaven. God’s blessings are there for you at any time and even when you think God isn’t there then the armies of God can be all around you as they were for Elisha and Gehazy.

You need not fear at all. Mark chapter 16 verse 18 says “They will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” NASB So those afraid of vaccinations or in need of healing might take note of that wonderful promise of God.

In the book of Hebrews the author discusses faith in God and describes how some of the nation of Israel’s founders believed on God and it was counted to them as faith. Faith is the means of Salvation for those who believe that Christ Jesus bore their sins upon the Cross at Calvary. If you have faith you need no longer be afraid because you belong to God. Hebrews chapter 11verses 1-9 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead. By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith. By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. NASB

You need only believe in God and that Christ Jesus bore your sin upon the Cross and your belief will be counted as faith by God. Your faith will be counted as righteousness and by the Law of Faith you will have Salvation. You need not fear. Only believe and God will support you in your every day life.

Joshua was a leader of the nation of Israel who led the people to conquer the land of Canaan. He took the reigns of power after Moses, who led Israel out of Egypt had died. He was fearful of the task before him but God encouraged him with these words. Joshua chapter 1 verses 1- 9 “After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' assistant, “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory. No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” ESV We as Christians do not follow the law on tablets of stone. God’s law is in fact written on our hearts and revealed in our hearts as the person of Jesus Christ the only begotten Son of God, by the Holy Spirit of God. Thus we have a permanent helper to comfort and guide us in following the will of God. We need not fear at anytime.

Finally, I would share two last scriptures. Romans chapter 8 verse 28 which says this “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” ESV So all things work together for good who are walking in line with God’s will and who love God. Having a strong prayerful relationship with God through Christ Jesus and knowing the presence of God in the person of the Holy Spirit of God is the most important defense against fear that anyone can have. Also, remember Isaiah chapter 26 verse 3 “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” ESV Constantly stay in communion with God. Speak to Him in prayer at any time and seek to do His will and that which is right with God in Christ Jesus.

Covid World -What is the Role of a Christian

 

Christians around the World would be wondering what is our role in the current Covid driven World? Do we trust the authorities that the epidemic is simply a natural occurrence and the vaccine or should call it a gene therapy is safe to use?



Well a question that might bring some clarity is “What would Jesus do?” You know Christ could have come as the King of Kings. He could have come to Jerusalem and chased the Romans out. Set Israel free as the people of the time wanted him to do. Established His eternal kingdom right there and then.

Instead He came as a man. Became a rabbi; gathered a team of twelve disciples; Preached a gospel of repentance; Claimed to be the Son of God; Entered Jerusalem on a donkey colt; Was crucified as a sacrifice for all men; Raised from the dead on the third day; Became the propitiation for the sins of all men and specifically those who believe on Him.

Christ Jesus didn’t stray from the task before him. He could have taken up arms; Called the angels; Destroyed the Pharisees; Judged the wicked; Ruled the Earth. Don’t think he wasn’t tempted. Instead he stayed the path and became our Saviour.

We as Christians are called to share the gospel with the lost; baptise them with the water and the Spirit; lead them into a relationship with Christ Jesus; Teach them from the Holy Scriptures; Build Christ’s bride.

Jesus said in Revelation 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. KJV

Revelation 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. KJV

Revelation 2: 17 To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it... KJV

Revelation 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations...” KJV

Revelation 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. KJV

Revelation 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

Revelation 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.KJV

Our commission as Christians is to carry the gospel to the nations but our mission is to overcome all of the challenges and trials the this world and its Prince throw at us. If we overcome then all of the rewards that the Savior has promised the Seven Churches in Revelation chapter two and three will be ours.

There is one other challenge that Jesus mentioned in His message to the Angel of the Church at Smyrna in Revelation 2:10

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. KJV

So we as Christians can endure prison, trial and tribulation but if we faithful unto death we will receive a crown of life. So it’s pointless to cry and wail about Covid and Vaccinations and the government because that isn’t in our remit as Christians.

We are soldiers at war with the Prince of this World and as such we can expect persecution and tribulations. Our job is to lead the lost to Christ Jesus by sharing the gospel and allowing God to reach the lost. We are vessels and instruments of Yahweh Elohim. The Creator and the Living God. Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

A second question that might be useful to discuss is “Why do we obey the government?” The simple answer from a Christian perspective is because the Bible tells us that we should listen to the government and be obedient to our rulers.

The apostle Paul says in Romans 13:1-7 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. ...” ESV

The apostle Peter says in 1 Peter 2:13-15 Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. ESV

So when the government says to lock down and stay at home because there is a Covid epidemic or there is a vaccine that you need to take. The least disruption and objection should come from the Christians. God has instituted government and placed it in authority for the betterment of all men.

Bearing in mind scriptures like l John 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. So we are in Gods love and we need not fear. ESV

Further, John 16:33 “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” ESV

And a final wise word from the book of Proverbs chapter 3 verses 1- 4 My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. ... ESV

So trust in the Lord. If we abide in his love we have no need to fear. We need not worry about the World or the consequences of obeying the rulers that God has set over us. Rather trust in God and be obedient to his will and sensitive to the bidding of the Holy Spirit. Remember that we will have tribulation in this world but we need not fear for Christ Jesus has said “Take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Remember the importance of love as a Christian. l Corinthians 4:7-13 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. ESV

l John 4:8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. ESV

Remember to love your enemies Luke 6:35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. ESV

Otherwise, our job in the Covid World as Christians is to be salt and light to the people in our time. To work hard to get the gospel to the lost and grow and strengthen the Bride of Christ. To serve at the pleasure of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.