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Navigating Uncertain Times


There is still lots of information and knowledge being passed around about the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of it is very helpful but in days like this, we need more than information and knowledge. While Google might be your go-to source for more information about the current situation, it is not a good source of wisdom. Wisdom is about how we respond to information and what we do with our knowledge. Wisdom is about more than just understanding it is about living well. The Scriptures are meant to be our source of wisdom.  They may not give us all the details about specific issues but they reveal timeless truths for responding to issues and living life well.  They accurately depict human nature and reveal God's plan and purpose for humanity.  They contain encouragement, timeless principles, and compelling stories that give us real-life examples.  
As things continue to change let's be careful to build our lives on the wise counsel of God.  
Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." The following study guide outlines some of the categories found in each major section of the bible and how they may contribute to thinking through complex life issues: 

The Old Testament
Pentateuch The first five books of the bible are a great resource in understanding some of the big questions of life.
  • God's Intent for Humanity
  • The Problem of Sin
  • The Character/nature of God
  • Covenant/ relationship with God
Narrative / Historical (including the Pentateuch)
The Narratives of the OT provide a rich resource of in the examples of the lives of individuals, their choices, their relationship with God, their various life situations.
Psalms The psalms capture the cries of the human heart and can be very helpful in addressing internal struggles.
  • Laments and Psalms of Petition: grief, repentance, working through a tragedy or failure
  • Praise & Thanksgiving: developing a positive outlook, developing a heart that is in tune with God
  • Salvation: assurance, hope and confidence in difficult situations, gaining perspective
Wisdom Literature
  • Job: guidance when dealing with suffering and injustice
  • Proverbs: general skills in living life: Character, work, money, sex, home life, discipline of children, self-control, conflict.. Etc
  • Ecclesiastes: guidance when searching for meaning and purpose in life and dealing with life's inequity
  • Song of Songs: skill and advice in romantic love

The New Testament:
Gospels Jesus is the master shepherd and we can learn lots from his conversations with people and his teaching.
  • How to ask the right questions
  • Getting to the real problems and issues
  • A view of God's heart concerning life's issues
  • A resource for leading people to Jesus in the midst of their struggles
Acts Acts can be very helpful when dealing with people who are going through issues that have come out of serving in the church. Act's can help give perspective and hope to ministers who have encountered church conflict, burnout, or are dealing with a sense of failure.
  • Examples of how church conflict was dealt with.
  • Insight into the roles of key leaders and how they fit into the bigger picture of God’s plan
  • Encouragement and insight when feeling Disappointment, Discouragement or lack of vision
  • Vision for the Community life of the local church and how it is central to the mission
Pauline Epistles Paul's epistles deal practically with many issues that Christians deal with. They instruct us on the implications of the gospel in regard to life's problems. They layout a pattern for living that supports spiritual growth and wellbeing.
  • Early Epistles - the gospel and instructions on dealing with basic problems of new believers
  • Middle Epistles - helping believers develop life-focus and purpose, participation in community life
  • Latter Epistles - sound doctrine, developing a lifestyle that supports faith, a well-ordered home, healthy relationships, church leadership.
General Epistles These letters are particularly helpful in identifying issues that could lead to wandering from the faith or being swayed by false teaching.
  • Insight into key reasons or issues that lead to a falling away
  • Basic principles for helping believers stay with the faith


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