When The Unthinkable Happens: What Would Jesus Do? Series

Title: When the Unthinkable Happens: What Would Jesus Do?

Text: Psalm 46:1-3 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea.3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.”

I. When the Unthinkable Happens: What Would Jesus Do?

Life is unpredictable, and moments of crisis can strike without warning. These unthinkable events can range from personal tragedies, such as the loss of a loved one, to global catastrophes, like natural disasters or pandemics.

We have various attitudes about recent events at North Bay.

In these times of overwhelming uncertainty and fear, Christians often ask, "What would Jesus do?" By examining the Bible, we can gain insights into how Jesus responded to crises and how we can emulate His actions and attitudes.

II. Here are Five things a Church Should or Should Not Do When Faced With a Crises:

A. Do Not Succumb to Fear: One of the greatest dangers in any crisis is the temptation to succumb to fear. Fear can paralyze a church, leading to inaction or poor decision-making.

Swindoll says: Fear. Ever met this beast? Sure you have. It creeps into your life by a dozen different doors. Fear of failure. Fear of heights. Fear of crowds. Fear of disease. Fear of rejection. Fear of unemployment. Fear of what others are saying about you. Fear of moving away. Fear of height or depth or distance or death. Fear of being yourself. Fear of buying. Fear of selling. Fear of financial reversal. Fear of war. Fear of the dark. Fear of being alone.

Lurking in the shadows around every imaginable corner, it threatens to poison your inner peace and outward poise. Bully that it is, the creature relies on scare tactics and surprise attacks. It watches for your vulnerable moment, then picks the lock that safeguards your security. Once inside, it strikes quickly to transform spiritual muscle into mental mush. The prognosis for recovery is neither bright nor cheery.

David's twenty-seventh psalm, however, is known to contain an unusually effective antitoxin. With broad, bold strokes, the monarch of Israel pens a prescription guaranteed to infuse iron into our bones. He meets Fear face-to-face at the door of his dwelling with two questions:

Whom shall I dread? Whom shall I fear?

He slams the door in Fear's face with the declaration: My heart will not fear . . . In spite of this I shall be confident. (Psalm 27:3)

B. Do Not Turn ON Each Other, Turn TO Each Other- Crisis situations can create stress and tension, which, if not managed properly, can lead to conflict within the church. It is easy for members to start blaming each other, questioning leadership, or engaging in gossip and division. The Bible warns against such behavior, urging believers to maintain unity and love, even in difficult times. In Galatians 5:15, Paul cautions: "If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other."

During a crisis, the church should be especially vigilant in maintaining unity. This means avoiding the blame game, refraining from divisive speech, and instead seeking to support one another with love and grace. Ephesians 4:3 encourages the church to: "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

Maintain Unity and Support One Another-A crisis can create stress and tension, which may lead to discord within the church if not managed properly. Therefore, it is crucial for the church to maintain unity and support one another during such times. The Bible emphasizes the importance of unity among believers, especially during difficult times. In addition to unity, mutual support is essential. The church is called to bear one another’s burdens, as seen in Galatians 6:2: "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

C. Do Not Lose Sight of the Mission: A crisis can easily cause a church to become inward-focused, concerned primarily with its own survival or immediate needs. While it is important to address internal challenges, the church must not lose sight of its broader mission: to make disciples, to serve others, and to be a light in the world. Jesus' Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 remains the church's mandate, regardless of circumstances: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."

In the face of a crisis, the church should resist the temptation to become insular or self-centered. Instead, it should continue to engage with the world, showing compassion, offering hope, and sharing the gospel. The church in Acts faced numerous crises, yet it continued to grow and spread the message of Christ, even under persecution.