The rolling headlines about the coronavirus pandemic have been overtaken by attempts at a return to “normality”. Getting back to socialising, travel, business and education has never seemed more important. And it’s costly to refrain, both from a point of view of morale and finance.
In fact, there seem to be opportunities not just to return to normal, but to improve the world. What would you like to see? There are so many ideas about the ways that society can do better: dividing its time and resources more equally, and committing to support of the underprivileged and under-resourced.
There are smaller benefits as well as the opportunity for societal change. Here at the1way, we’ve already been working hard to refine our online channels and make them fit for the future. We’ve been blessed with time and opportunity to carry out technological upgrades, and our Sunday talk sessions are more easily accessible through livestreams. This may never have happened if God had not planned this time of crisis on the earth, as we have support from our community in a time of adversity. And we’ll continue to do more, wherever we can.
Opportunities for the faithful
The Apostle Paul wrote that the supposedly “bad” times are beneficial to those who have faith in God.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Paul suffered greatly for the Christian cause, having originally persecuted that very same group. He knew only too well that the hope was greater than the horror of his torture at the hands of those who despised the new religion.
Do you want to go back to normal?
Truth be told, do we want the “normality” which we now strive for? We still see an unstable world, governed by humans who often have only themselves at heart.
We also know that the rulers of Paul’s day were always struggling for a stable government in the area we now know as Israel. But God has always had a plan to set up a worldwide Kingdom centred on that country. No human ambition can get this area to settle down and live peaceably forever. Only God can.
We hope you enjoy our refreshed website, and that you can find the resources you need. Much more than this, though, we want you to have the same hope as we do. In Romans, Paul continues to explain that nothing can separate the believer from God’s boundless love.
“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.” Romans 8:35-39 (NIV)
Something different
The love of God provided a mediator – Jesus – who died to take away sins. Believe and be baptised into the name of Jesus – then you can benefit from a unique chance of redemption from the state of mankind. Don’t get back to business – look forward to something new.