Turning to the Bible During Uncertain Times

Can the Bible give hope during this coronavirus pandemic and other unusual events? What solution does God give to face the fear and uncertainty we feel?

Common Problems

TRANSCRIPT

Does the Bible give us hope during times of fear and uncertainty? What is the significance of unusual events like the coronavirus pandemic, large earthquakes and pestilences like the one in Africa? What solution does God give to face the uncertain times we live in?

Want to talk to someone about this video or the specific questions you have about the fear and uncertainty you’re feeling right now due to the current state of the world?

Let’s set up some time to talk.

Brother Bob Pellien: Hello! We hope you’re well and safe during these troubled times. You know, dear friends, fear of the unknown seem… seems to be on the minds of most, nowadays. We know that some of you might be searching about what the Bible actually says about fear. Looking for any sense of hope or comfort to hold onto in these times.

[On-screen text graphics]

Turning to the Bible during uncertain times

Brother Richard Juatco: We also know that many are trying to understand what this all means, and why this is happening. Not knowing when this will end, and not even being able to see the enemy.

[On-screen graphics]

[Screenshot source: bbc.com]

The fear of coronavirus is changing our psychology

Brother Richard Juatco (cont.): In this case, a virus, which is the root of the world’s present anxiety. So it is understandable people are afraid.

[Screenshot source: cnbc.com]

When it’s all too much, here’s how to quell coronavirus anxiety, according to experts

[Screenshot source: washingtonpost.com]

Coronavirus is harming the mental health of tens of millions of people in U.S., new poll finds

Brother Bob: So dear friends, today we’re asking: how do we handle the fear of the unknown? Is there a right and wrong way to handle it? I’m Brother Bob Pellien.

Brother Richie: And I’m Brother Richie Juatco.

Brother Bob: We’ll let the Bible answer those important questions, and so much more on this special episode of The Message.

[Show open]

[On-screen graphics]

The Message Special

Brother Bob: It’s completely understandable, dear friends, why so many people are living with fear and anxiety today. The unprecedented rapid spread of this current pandemic—

[Screenshot source: washingtonpost.com]

Pandemic anxiety is making us sleepless, forgetful and angry. Here are tips for coping.

[Screenshot source: forbes.com]

Coronavirus: 36% Of Americans Say Pandemic Has Made A ‘Serious Impact’ On Their Mental Health

[Screenshot source: theguardian.com]

Rise in depression and anxiety day after UK lockdown announced – study

Brother Bob (cont.): —everyone appears to be wondering what their immediate, or even their distant, future holds. And also, they’re worried about the same for their families.

[Screenshot source: techtimes.com]

Coronavirus and Anxiety Has a Common Denominator: Shortness of Breath–Here’s How to Know the Difference and Cope with COVID-19 Threats

[Screenshot source: kcur.org]

Anxious Kansas Parents Keep Kids Home From Day Care Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

[Screenshot source: pewsocialtrends.org]

Most Americans Say Coronavirus Outbreak Has Impacted Their Lives

Brother Richie: People are, what they say, panic buying or binge shopping because they’re scared they’re going to run out of their necessities, the things that they need. We can see the stores they’re going empty even after they’re being restocked.

[Video starts – source: Janio Arrowsmith]

Video of empty shelves at Walmart, Miami Flagler

[Video ends]

Brother Bob: Aisle after aisle you go to the grocery store, aisle after aisle, after aisle it’s just empty…empty bins.

Brother Richie: And people line-up in the morning trying to get the new stock that comes in.

Brother Bob: Yes, absolutely. And hospitals are being overwhelmed every day and it’s bringing on new challenges for the whole medical profession. Now although there are people who may not

[On-screen graphics]

[Screenshot source: spokesman.com]

Shriners and St. Luke’s hospitals ready to help if coronavirus patients overwhelm system

[Screenshot source: cnn.com]

Inside a Brooklyn hospital that is overwhelmed with Covid-19 patients and deaths

[Screenshot source: newyorker.com]

A BOSTON HOSPITAL NEARS ITS LIMITS

[Screenshot source: forbes.com]

Overwhelmed NYC Hospitals Reportedly Implementing ‘Do Not Resuscitate’ Policies For Coronavirus Patients

Brother Bob (cont.): be concerned, personally getting sick, being ill, their anxiety stems from the fear of what might happen to their loved ones. Especially loved ones that may have underlying medical conditions or loved ones, parents, grandparents that may be a little bit older. But dear friends, according to the Bible, is this unprecedented pandemic, along with the many other unusual worldwide occurrences…

Brother Richie: Like that swarm of locusts terrorizing Africa.

[On-screen graphics]

[Screenshot source: aljazeera.com]

Alarm as coronavirus curbs disrupt East Africa on locusts

Brother Bob: That’s right! That happened just very recently.

[Screenshot source: reuters.com]

East Africa locust swarms gather as coronavirus curbs delay pesticides

Brother Bob: And aside from this pandemic there’s also earthquakes, and tornadoes in the middle of America…

Brother Richie: Earthquakes…

Brother Bob: …this past week that was profoundly devastating to those townships.

[On-screen graphics]

[Screenshot source: newsweek.com]

UTAH HAS BEEN HIT BY OVER 700 EARTHQUAKES SINCE THE MAGNITUDE 5.7 QUAKE ON MARCH 18

[Screenshot source: abcnews.go.com]

At least 17 reported tornadoes hit Central US during severe weather outbreak

[Screenshot source: usatoday.com]

Strong storms and possible tornadoes leave damage, power outages from Mississippi to Georgia

Brother Bob: So we ask, are all of these things a streak of bad luck or something? Or was all of this forewarned? And if it was, Brother Richie, what does that tell us?

Brother Richie: Well Brother Bob, we can read what is written in the Bible that it has been written long ago, but we can see how it says something will happen, and then we can compare to what we are seeing right now. We’ll read here in Luke chapter 21, the verse is 11:

There will be mighty and violent earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences (plagues: malignant and contagious or infectious epidemic diseases which are deadly and devastating); and there will be sights of terror and great signs from heaven.

[Luke 21:11 Amplified]

Brother Richie: As we can see, what we are witnessing and experiencing today is exactly what the Lord Jesus Christ Himself said would happen.

Brother Bob: Yes, these things are not just things that are happening, the things enumerated by Christ, are not just events that are occurring, but they’re having a profound effect on peoples’ life, and livelihood all over the world, making life so so hard. And people are really feeling stressed, distressed, fearful, every synonym imaginable. People are afraid.

Brother Richie: So we ask, we have to ask, are these difficult times that we are seeing and experiencing: are they just normal, run-of-the-mill, random parts of life in our time?

Brother Bob: Or, Brother Richie, or is it an indication of the place in the Bible timeline that we’re living in? Consider what’s recorded here in the writings of apostle Paul, dear friends, in response to that question. II Timothy 3:1 says:

Remember that there will be difficult times in the last days.

[II Timothy 3:1 Today’s English Version]

Brother Bob: So according to the Holy Scriptures here, dear friends, what we’re experiencing is actually the evidence that we are living in the Last Days. The End Times.

Brother Richie: And this is so significant. Because not only that we’re going through—we can see that what is written, we’re able to experience it—it’s a proof of the quality of the words written in the Bible.

Brother Bob: Brother Richie, wait a minute, what do you mean to say that it’s a proof, you know when we see these epidemics, when we see the locusts, when we see the earthquakes… see all these things that it is an evidence (manifestation, if you will) of the quality of the words of God, what do you mean [by] that, the quality of the words of God?

Brother Richie: Well when we say quality, like the quality or characteristics of God’s words written in the Bible, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, He explains what that means. I’ll read here from what’s recorded here in John the chapter is 17, I’ll also read from verse 17 and He says this:

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

[John 17:17 New King James Version]

Brother Richie: Here in Christ’s prayer to God, He makes clear that God’s word is truth.

Brother Bob: Beloved viewers, that’s why, this is the reason why God’s words written here in the Holy Scriptures, the Bible, as we see them happening, it’s because God’s words are truth. And He’s the one that foretold what would be taking place. All these things that we’re experiencing. Be it this pandemic or so many other things, all of it proves that His words are truth. And Brother Richie, this is a… that’s something very different than man’s words, right?

Brother Richie: It’s completely different from man’s word. Because man, he says, he has a lot of words. He’ll say what will happen; he’ll say how things are but we know man is limited in what he can do.

Brother Bob: But he may intend to fulfill what he has promised…?

Brother Richie: That’s true. But in terms of physical limitations, mental limitations, even though he wants to do it, many times he cannot.

Brother Bob: [He] may not have the resources or capacity to fulfill what he intends. Or sometimes people say things and what?

Brother Richie: Unfortunately they lie. But not with God.

Brother Bob: Yeah. God does not lie. But He has the power to control everything and man doesn’t.

So, dear friends, instead of them merely listening to others, listening to people regarding theories of what might happen…

Brother Richie: And many people are doing that. They’re glued to the news!

Brother Bob: Yeah, which may even sometimes cause more anxiety. People are on the edge of their seats just waiting for the next thing that sometimes these pandemic experts will say. And we’re not saying that what they’re saying is not important. And we should understand guidelines from the government. All those things like that. However, if a person is going to pay so much attention to every next word that they’re going to say…

[On-screen graphics]

[Screenshot source: washingtonpost.com]

Experts and Trump’s advisers doubt White House’s 240,000 coronavirus deaths estimate

[Screenshot source: finance.yahoo.com]

Public health experts: Americans should be wearing masks in public amid coronavirus

[Screenshot source: foxnews.com]

Amid coronavirus crisis, experts detect ‘dramatic’ hacks on the WHO and ‘negligent’ security precautions

Brother Richie: Because there’s only so much they actually know…

Brother Bob: Precisely. Much more, beloved friends, much more we should pay closer attention to the Scriptures, what’s written here in the Holy Bible. What God has said is going to happen because, well, that’s the truth.

Brother Richie: Now some of our viewers might be wondering, “Well how would a biblical truth help me at this time from what’s happening?”

Brother Bob: Right, how is it going to take care of this pandemic? How is the Bible going to fix this pandemic and this crisis in my neighborhood?

Brother Richie: Here in II Timothy, the chapter is 3, we’ll read verses 15 to 17:

and you remember that ever since you were a child, you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living, so that the person who serves God may be fully qualified and equipped to do every kind of good deed.

[II Timothy 3:15-17 Today’s English Version]

Brother Richie: So God’s words written in the Bible can correct us when we commit errors or faults. And it is the instruction we need for right living in order for us to do every kind of good deed.

Brother Bob: And dear friends, this is what we need, all the more, right now with what’s happening and taking place all over the world. That’s precisely what we need.

Brother Richie: We can ease that fear by knowing the truth of what is happening and what will happen, and learn the proper instructions to live right in the midst of these conditions.

Brother Bob: So we need God’s instructions on how to properly handle our situation, dear friends. Because well, He’s the only One that has the power to help us. It’s evident that we don’t have the power, we don’t have the control. Governments are doing everything that they can, they’re working day and night trying their very best to solve and come up with solutions for the condition of the world. If mankind had the power then, well first of all, we would not be in this situation at all, right?

Brother Richie: So Brother Bob, what should we understand about God, who is all powerful, and is the One in control of life?

Brother Bob: Dear friends, does God—let’s add this question, as well, there Brother Richie—does God take pleasure in seeing this kind of pandemic all over the world? Does God take pleasure in seeing tornadoes, and floods, and earthquakes, and fires all [over]… does He get some kind of satisfaction in seeing such kind of devastation take place?

Brother Richie: Well again the answer that we want is the truth, so well turn to the Bible. We’ll read here in the book of Lamentations, chapter is 3, we’ll read verses 34, we’ll also read 33. And it says this, this is what is recorded:

The Lord knows when our spirits are crushed in prison; He takes no pleasure in causing us grief or pain.

[Lamentations 3:34, 33 Today’s English Version]

Brother Richie: As we can see, God knows our condition. He knows we’re in a pandemic due to the Novel Coronavirus. He knows when there are earthquakes. He knows when there are calamities and it’s clear He does not take pleasure in the grief or pain that they’re causing. We want to make this clear. Because there might be some that might think that their grief, fear, or anxiety is because God is being cruel, and that’s not the case.

Brother Bob: So what’s the solution then? The obvious next question, dear friends, Brother Richie, is well, what then is the solution? If it’s not what pleases God, yet it’s taking place so much, there must be a solution to it, right?

Brother Richie: Dear friends, believe with all your heart that there is a solution to all of it.

Brother Bob: So dear friends, what is the proof that although God has allowed life to be difficult for all of us, especially right now, God is also providing us, and I have to repeat that: God is also providing us with the solution to this difficult situation.

Brother Richie: Well we’ll read what God teaches here in Jeremiah chapter 29 and the verse is 11. God states this:

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

[Jeremiah 29:11 New International Version]

Brother Richie: God has a plan for each of us. The plan that God has is not to harm us, not be cruel to us but rather to give us hope and a prosperous future.

Brother Bob: So dear friends, God’s plan [are] the solutions that we need and the instructions regarding His plan are written here in the Holy Bible.

Brother Richie: Absolutely, Brother Bob.

Brother Bob: All right, so if that’s the case although many already know this truth. God’s words are truth, we’ve read that already. They are written here in the Bible, we’ve read that already. We need to follow His instructions in order to always be filled with hope and to be prosperous and get beyond the current chaos of the world nowadays.

So, why? Why are there still many who do not have the confidence in that? Why are there even some that reject the inner strength, the solution that God holds out to His creation, mankind, via His words contained here. Why is it that man hasn’t accepted the solutions that God presents?

Brother Richie: We could read the answer to that question here in Proverbs the chapter is 19, we’re going to read from verse 3. It says:

People’s own foolishness ruins their lives, but in their minds they blame the Lord.

[Proverbs 19:3 New Century Version]

Brother Richie: Well according to the Bible there are people who may think that they are living a life with God, but yet when things don’t happen the way that they expect them, they blame God.

[On-screen graphics]

[Screenshot source: nytimes.com]

Where Is God in a Pandemic?

Brother Bob: What’s the foolishness that many commit that, well in the words of the Holy Bible “ruins their life”?

Brother Richie: So we’ll allow the Bible to explain itself.

Brother Bob: Yes, please.

Brother Richie: Because it says that the foolishness, right, that’s what ruined their lives and if God had a plan, why didn’t they receive the prosperous part of the plan?

Brother Bob: Yeah, the plan that you read was very clear. It was supposed to be good, it was… wonderful… plan.

Brother Richie: Correct! So this is the foolishness that people have done. We’ll read here in Deuteronomy the chapter is 28, we’ll read verses 15 to 17, we’ll continue in19 to 22. It says this:

“But if you disobey the LORD your God and do not faithfully keep all his commands and laws that I am giving you today, all these evil things will happen to you: “The LORD will curse your towns and your fields. “The LORD will curse your grain crops and the food you prepare from them… “The LORD will curse everything you do. “If you do evil and reject the LORD, he will bring on you disaster, confusion, and trouble in everything you do, until you are quickly and completely destroyed. He will send disease after disease on you until there is not one of you left in the land that you are about to occupy. The LORD will strike you with infectious diseases with swelling and fever; he will send drought and scorching winds to destroy your crops. These disasters will be with you until you die.

[Deuteronomy 28:15-17, 19-22 Today’s English Version]

Brother Bob: Brother Riche, dear friends, that sounds like another description, a very accurate description of what we see happening. You know, locusts destroying crops there in Africa, we saw a clip of that, right? We see the pandemic going on all over the world. Disease and people dying everywhere. What the LORD had said would happen, it’s really taking place.

Brother Richie: Again, Brother Bob, we can see the quality of God’s words. It’s written, and we can see them happening.

Brother Bob: Right!

Brother Richie: Now you asked [about] the foolishness. What was the foolishness? So as we read, the foolishness written in the Bible that people have done, it is the disobedience to God’s laws. And that’s proving unfaithfulness to Him. So instead of following God’s plan and receiving a prosperous future, God sends a curse that affects all aspects of the life of mankind. Job, livelihood, career, homes and, as we can see, even our health.

Brother Bob: And what we can also see, Brother Richie, no matter the status of the person, the wisdom or the intellect, let’s say that one may have, if one rejects God the Bible says clearly that God will bring on disaster, confusion. He said He would bring on trouble in everything that you do. Disease, infectious disease even, made mention there. And that’s what we see happening.

Brother Richie: We see that, and again, as we mentioned, we are able to witness the quality and power that are in God’s words. Whether one believes it or not, accepts it or not, it cannot be denied that what is written is true.

Brother Bob: And we can see that due to the conscious choice of people in this world nowadays, to choose not to follow God’s command, and in fact, may even be making blatant concerted effort to go against His commands, what is it that God said would happen is, in fact, really happening. That’s it!

So again, back to the question then, Brother Richie, what’s the solution then? Dear friends, what’s the solution? I know that’s what you need to hear, that’s what you want to hear. What does the Bible tell us is the solution?

Brother Richie: You know, Brother Bob, as we heard that God has good plans for us, right? And we want to be safe from the things that are happening. So that is a great question: what is the ultimate plan? What’s the master plan that God has for us so that we don’t have to fear all that is happening, all that will still happen.

Dear friends, if you want to be saved from what is happening now, from this curse, then we have to find out what is it that we should understand that we need to do? We’re going to read the truth that is in the Holy Scriptures, in Ephesians the chapter is 3, we’ll read in verses 20 to 21, this is what is the truth that we need to know. This is what it says:

Now glory be to God who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes. May he be given glory forever and ever through endless ages because of his master plan of salvation for the Church through Jesus Christ.

[Ephesians 3:20-21 The Living Bible]

Brother Richie: So although many may think they already know and are carrying out God’s plan of salvation, what is actually written in the Bible is that His plan for salvation is for the ‘Church through Jesus Christ.’

Brother Bob: What’s very noticeable there, Brother Richie, is that the plan, it’s not to give salvation or a solution, salvation to everyone and anyone who believes that they will be saved, or that they will be provided the solution. But rather, clearly indicated there, it’s for the Church, not churches—singular—through Jesus Christ.

There is one Church, therefore, that God plans to bless with salvation. And therefore, we need to be part of this particular one true Church to be within God’s master plan of salvation, which is the ultimate solution.

So dear friends, let’s together ask this: What does it mean though? What’s the meaning that God’s master plan of salvation is for the Church through Jesus Christ?

Brother Richie: So to answer the question, “Why through our Lord Jesus Christ?”, a question to lead us, to get to that answer is, “What’s the relationship between Christ and the Church?.” So that we will be able to understand, why is God’s master plan for the Church, through Jesus Christ? We’ll read here in Colossians, the chapter is 1 and the verse is 18, it says this regarding the relationship of the two. This is what it says about Jesus Christ:

And He is the head of the body, the church…

[Colossians 1:18 New King James Version]

Brother Richie: So we can see the relationship of Christ and the Church. Christ is the head of the Church, and the Church is His body. Therefore the salvation of God is for the Church through Jesus Christ.

So that Church, as you mentioned earlier, Brother Bob, it’s one particular Church, not just any church that anyone is in. So if the Church is the body of Christ, then naturally, that Church is named Church Of Christ.

Brother Bob: And in fact, that’s what the apostles called it as evidenced in Acts 20:28 it reads:

Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood.

[Acts 20:28 Lamsa]

Brother Bob: So dear friends, joining the biblical Church Of Christ that’s the solution. That’s the master plan of salvation. The solution to all the fears, to all of the worries, to all the anxieties, and trouble and chaos in this world. Being afraid of what’s going to happen in the future, no need for any of that. Because the Lord presents the solution.

And dear friends, the solution is being in the Lord’s body. His Church, the Church Of Christ where He sends a solution.

Brother Richie: Brother Bob, that’s the truth.

Brother Bob: Brother Richie, we know that our friends joining us in our study right now, they may be wondering, dear friends we know you’re wondering, “How exactly is joining the one true Church Of Christ, how is that solving all the anxiety and the fears? Where’s the connection there?” How’s it going to solve the anxieties and the troubles, and the fears of this pandemic right outside their doors?

Brother Richie: Or, Brother Bob, they could be thinking, “How does this help the fear of the immediate future?

Brother Bob: Yes!

Brother Richie: Of fear of, ultimately, what’s to come?

Brother Bob: Right! That’s it! The fear of the unknown.

Brother Richie: Well first of all, as you’ve mentioned, hopefully, is already being put to rest. Since we now know why things are happening the way that they are. And instead of listening to just anyone teaching, what they feel, or opinion they have, we now know to focus our attention on the actual truth of the Bible.

Brother Bob: For the fear of God ultimately condemning the world that we’re in. If one [follows] God’s instructions, Brother Richie, and joins the Church Of Christ, which is Christ’s body, they no longer have to have that fear.

Brother Richie: That’s right brother Bob. And the Bible explains why. We can read that here in Romans chapter 8 and the verse is 1. It says:

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

[Romans 8:1 New King James Version]

Brother Richie: The biblical truth for those in Christ Jesus, or in other words, those in His body, or those in His Church or those in the Church Of Christ is that there is no condemnation. The condemnation of the world is not for them. The curses of the world are not for them, they don’t need to fear.

Brother Bob: Yeah, that’s why they don’t need to be afraid of what’s outside their door. They don’t need to be afraid of all these dangers and calamities taking place.

“What about the fear of the immediate future?” was an important part of our question. Having a biblical promise to be safe from the condemnation of the world, well that’s great. But what about the current problems that post a danger right now, continues [to be] on the [minds] of many people, Brother Richie. We know, ok there’s no need to be afraid because the condemnation of the world, it’s not for those in the body of Christ (for those in the Church). But people are afraid of the immediate surroundings right now. They’re afraid when they see empty grocery stores, they’re afraid when they hear people on the news talking about the pandemic numbers expanding all over the world.

[On-screen graphics]

[Screenshot source: washingtonpost.com]

Violence imperils coronavirus response in conflict zones around the world

[Screenshot source: abcnews.go.com]

Coronavirus updates: US deaths top 8,000, cases top 300,000; 5-year-old dies in UK

[Screenshot source: laist.com]

4.9 Magnitude Quake Reported Near Anza

[Screenshot source: hayspost.com]

Hunkered-down Kansans brace for flood, tornado season

[Screenshot source: washingtonpost.com]

The next threat: Hunger in America

[Screenshot source:aljazeera.com]

Violence imperils coronavirus response in conflict zones around the world

[Screenshot source: nypost.com]

Domestic abuse cases could escalate during coronavirus crisis: experts

[Video starts – source: Janio Arrowsmith]

Video of empty shelves at Walmart, Miami Flagler

[Video ends]

Brother Richie: Well to ease the fear of the immediate future, and that normally happens, that causes anxiety. As you asked, what does being a member of the Church Of Christ, how does that help? Well there is a privilege…

Brother Bob: That’s it! Okay, so if we’re saying that being a member of the Church presents a privilege—and we know the meaning of the word privilege (it means that others don’t have that) so they would be the ones to have the reason to be afraid, right?—so why is it as members of the Church Of Christ, the benefit of that is to have that privilege, which is what?

Brother Richie: Let me read that privilege, Brother Bob, privilege, instruction to the members of the Church Of Christ. Because we said right now anxiety is building up, people are becoming anxious, what is that privilege and instruction that the Bible gives? We’ll read here in Philippians the chapter is 4 and the verse is 9…6, rather. It says:

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

[Philippians 4:6 New King James Version]

Brother Richie: God’s instruction to those within His master plan of salvation, for the Church Of Christ is to be ‘anxious for nothing’. Don’t let those anxieties build up and affect you. The privilege is ask God, pray. Let your requests be made known to Him.

Brother Bob: They have a capacity to pray, their prayers will be heard and answered.

Now dear friends, you might think well, “That’s much easier said than done. How do I stop being afraid? How do I stop this anxiety, and fear, and anxiousness?” The instruction given is to pray and request God what is needed.

Truly having God, then, in our lives, dear friends, it changes a seemingly hopeless situation into one that is filled with hope. Being able to approach the all powerful God really does eliminate worry and anxiety. But remember, in order to have this privilege one has to first follow God’s instruction and be part of His master plan of salvation for the Church. The Church Of Christ.

Brother Richie: So for those that are hearing this for the first time, and have never considered making a spiritual change in your life, there’s no coincidence. This is not a coincidence that you have listened this far in our program. Maybe you already have your life planned out and this master plan of salvation was never factored in.

Brother Bob: Well we hope that hearing these biblical truths in the midst of this current crisis that we’re all in has moved you to trust more. Trust more in God’s words. And that His words will lead you to even want to learn more of what He’s instructing to us in these times.

Brother Richie, can you please also share with our viewers, if they will make that decision now, to give their life completely to the Lord and join with us here, worshiping Him inside the Church Of Christ, receiving that privilege. Become part of the master plan of salvation, how else is that going to benefit them? Because they’re saying, “Oh what’s in it for me?” People ask that question all the time, “What’s in it for me?” What more [do] the Scriptures say about that?

Brother Richie: So we’ll read, Brother Bob, as we’ve been learning that the Bible is full of words of what will happen, and they will happen. So your question is, “What’s the benefit?” What will happen if someone entrusts [themselves] to God? We can read here in Proverbs 16:3, it says this:

Entrust your efforts to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.

[Proverbs 16:3 God’s Word Translation]

Brother Richie: Trusting in the Lord and directing our efforts in His instructions will only benefit us and make us successful. So if you want to succeed, you want to succeed in the sickness that is spreading around the world. You want to succeed, maybe you got laid off, you want to restore what you lost. And maybe you think you have a good plan, remember God knows best. We might have plans but God’s plans for us are better. And when we understand and trust Him we will have a truly prosperous future. No need to be afraid of tomorrow.

Brother Bob: So dear friends for anyone who still may be skeptical of what you have heard but like many right now, do not know what to make of what is happening and how to handle it. [You] might be trying to figure out how to remain calm amidst the ever growing fears, or how to be strong for your families. Or even just how to make sense of all of this, and keep a clear mental direction towards safety when life gets even worse.

We leave you with this final bit of advice from the Holy Bible before we finish up. And I’ll quote from the book of Psalms chapter 34, here [is] what’s recorded in verse 8:

Oh, put God to the test and see how kind he is! See for yourself the way his mercies shower down on all who trust in him.

[Psalm 34:8 The Living Bible]

Brother Bob: Test and see for yourself, beloved friends, how kind and merciful God is. And do so by learning His words, following them and proving your trust by means of one’s obedience and service to the Lord come what may.

Brother Richie: We invite you to continue to learn more of the biblical truths and realize the message, this message that comes from God. And you might be wondering, “How is it that I can keep learning about the truth during this pandemic? I’m at home. Well, we invite you to visit the website incmedia.org. You’ll be able to see the different content all based on what is written in the Bible. And if you have questions go ahead and email us there on the site.

Brother Bob: Dear friends, when this pandemic is over, we’ll be looking forward to you coming to the house of worship that’s nearest to your home and you can find out which [one] that is by the directory that’s right there on the website that you mentioned, Brother Richie incmedia.org. And you’ll be able to see ministers, and Church offices, and members of the Church that will gladly assist you in learning all about the Church.

Well until then, we’ll conclude our study for today. We thank you for spending your time with us, and we’ll conclude with a short prayer.

Almighty Father, dear Lord we thank You so very much for giving to us these moments to share together in the study of Your words. May Your truths be an inspiration to all of us, including all of our visitors and guests joining us in our study. May they be moved, may they be touched by the power of Your spirit. And may they continue their search of the doctrines and teachings we embrace here inside the Church Of Christ. May You protect the homes, may You protect the families, may You protect the children.