California Christians, COVID, & Civil Obedience
Q&A: California Christians, COVID, & Masks
October 7, 2020
This past Sunday we discussed California Christians, COVID, & Masks, a sermon calling Christians to commit themselves to holy harmony, understanding when to stand for doctrine, and when to show consideration to the conscience of other believers. Join us for this live Q&A session with MBC pastors as they discuss real questions submitted by the congregation.
Saturated by Fear
October 11, 2020 • Dr. Anthony Wood • Matthew 6:24–34
We live in a fear-saturated culture. Media moguls admit using technology to exacerbate fear, doctors acknowledge a pandemic of stress-related illness, and people admit feeling confused, overwhelmed, distressed, and discouraged. A staggering 11% of America's populace has even contemplated suicide -- We are losing the battle against fear. Satan's age-old tactic of a 'hopeless tomorrow' pushes the nation toward a psychological breakdown. It's into this maelstrom that the Bible speaks hope for today, as the Son of God takes center stage, explaining to His followers why they must never worry again.
Who Am I to Judge
October 4, 2020 • Dr. Anthony Wood • Romans 14:1–2
Many churches are undergoing civil war and internal disharmony, including name-calling, and in-fighting between congregants. One church on the West Coast had members leave over a facebook post, while another in the midwest had a pastor quit over MAGA hats and mask-wearing. The unprecedented stressors of COVID and political antagonism, have clearly hurt churches. Alarmingly, most of the issues causing rupture aren't highlighted in Scripture. It seems the devil is using externals to assault eternals. This makes it vital Christians commit themselves to holy harmony, understanding when to stand for doctrine, and when to show consideration to the conscience of other believers. Join us Sunday for a special message, "Who Am I to Judge?"
One Nation Under Sin
September 27, 2020 • Dr. Anthony Wood
Presidential elections do not save people, the Lord Jesus Christ does. Hence, believers in Christ can hold great hope in their heavenly citizenship, regardless of who resides in the White House. That said, the Lord does observe the nations, and when societies stray far from Him, He abandons them to their own devices. America has long been on this downward spiral and is nearing her demise. The deification of man, the 'de-Godding' of the church, the sexual revolution, homosexual passions, gender dysphoria, and cultural chaos are all signs that God has removed His restraining graces -- No nation has ever recovered from such corruption. Thus, for the sake of our children, and grandchildren, Christians have no choice but to declare their allegiance to Christ in the public square, and to ensure that their beliefs hit the ballot box this November. Join us Sunday for this message titled, "One Nation Under Sin."
California Christians, COVID & Mortality
September 20, 2020 • Dr. Anthony Wood • 2 Corinthians 4:16—5:1
The front page of virtually every media outlet and government website shares the mortality rates of COVID-19. These rates have become a point of significant political-cultural discussion for Americans. Yet, seeing these stats should remind the believer (and unbeliever!) of one statistic greater than any party, power, or opinion: The true mortality rate is 100%. In our westernized First World, death is something everyone agrees on, but very few really reflect on. This is likely due to atheistic evolution, hubris, and untold outlets for pleasure-seeking. But, the fact remains, unless Jesus calls His church home, every single one of us, and everyone we know will soon die. The longer we live, the more people we will bury. If a global pandemic does nothing else, it should awaken us to this reality: Are we ready to die? Do we discuss our funeral? Are we fearful? Does death inhibit us from real life? Remarkably, the apostle Paul didn't fear death at all -- he even saw it as a good thing! So let's dig in this Sunday and study the true mortality rate and make some decisions about living in faith over fear.
We Must Obey God Rather Than Man
September 13, 2020 • Dr. Anthony Wood • Acts 5:17–29
Although the White House and Department of Justice have declared church "essential" and approximately 80% of American churches have reconvened, California has inexplicably limited church worship 'indefinitely.' Even post-COVID, Sacramento has indicated plans to restrict churches by 50% capacity, moving Californians into a not-so-subtle form of state-run religion. So, what should the California Christian do? Should he obey the government or God? What happens when there is conflict between the two? This Sunday we will examine the two-fold citizenship of a Christian and answer the question, "When must I obey God rather than man?"
California Christians, COVID, & Civil Obedience
May 17, 2020 • Dr. Anthony Wood
God provides a biblical warning which should carry great weight for California Christians moving to civil disobedience amidst COVID-19. This is especially true for pastors who lead people into open defiance against state officials. For many, the Bible has become wrapped in the flag. Christianity has, for many, become a protector of Democracy. Yet, God's Word commands an entirely different outlook and response from the Christian. This week, in his sermon titled “California Christians, COVID, & Civil Disobedience,” Pastor Tony discusses the recent call for Christians to disobey their governing authorities by examining what Scripture speaks to this issue.