Covid-19 and the regulations that are utilized to deal with it, have caused many to ask the question, “Will things ever return to normal?”  To be sure, things will change again in time, and perhaps some will see it as a return to  the old “normal,” …others will not.  But everybody should know by now, change happens, and in time, people adjust.  As to whether the change is for better or for worse, depends upon who is talking.

  We who are older seem to have a harder time dealing with change because we have so much life with which to compare, while the younger generations measure change by the experiences of their lesser years.  Who is right in their assessment of change?  God is.  He said, While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. (Genesis 8:22)” Some things will never change!   But He also says, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2 Timothy 3:1)”  So, while some things cannot be altered, others will, and those who live on planet Earth will continually have to adjust to a new normal.

  In a world that is ever changing you might be interested, and comforted, in knowing that there is a realm that never changes.  It is the realm of our Creator God. “…the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (James 1:17)”   And you can be a citizen of that realm, a bonafide member of the family of God the Father, for now and forever.  Your adoption papers are already signed and sealed by Jesus Christ, who secured this eternal relationship by His death, burial and resurrection.  Our sinful nature and daily choices to have it our way instead of God’s has separated us from our Creator God; but because of Jesus’ great sacrifice He is able to offer this invitation to you, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)”

Now wouldn’t that be a welcomed NEW NORMAL?

  On October 31, 2011, the Associated Press ran an article entitled Asia to Africa, 7 Billionth Babies Celebrated, by Jon Bambrell.  It was one of many articles that day with similar titles—all misleading.  Truth is, there was no apparent celebration intended, only alarm.  Another telling headline read, “The U.N. declared landmark, underscores the challenges faced by many countries in providing for the growing numbers of people on an already over stretched and crowded planet.”  Though the birthrate had declined since the early 1960s, it was not enough; the problem of “population explosion” was back in the news.  The decline in the birthrate came, in part, as a result of legalized abortion in 1973 (i.e. killing babies in their mother’s womb, or with their heads extending out of the birth canal).  Those who fought for abortion saw it as a partial cure for our “population problem.”  Since then it has become popular to euthanize seniors as well.  It is done in the name of “keeping them comfortable” during their last days, but it involves lethal doses of medications that slow their respiration and hasten death.

  And what about “Global Warming?”  Postulated by some extremists is the idea that the only solution to climate change is the eradication of human life on earth.  Only then will Mother Nature enjoy peace and prosperity.

 Most would agree that population is an issue in various urban centers of the world, but our planet is neither “stretched” nor “crowded.”  And who could deny that weather patterns are changing—but more times than not, it was hotter or colder on this day in yesteryear.

  My point is simply this; the answer is not to pay governments to cool the planet, or to take the lives of innocent children or helpless seniors.  The answer is a renewed dependence upon our Creator, Sustainer God, and a renewed commitment to allowing Him to dictate what is right or wrong, so that we might be blessed rather than chastened.  “And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist. (Colossians 1:17)”

  In the process of time, it has come to my attention that life happens very quickly.  Someone said, “Time flies when you’re having fun.”  You are having fun aren’t you?  My point is that we only have so much time for meaningful and lasting achievements.  For example, to learn what God has to say to you, and what He expects of you, would be a worthwhile goal.  Secondly, it would be a meaningful and lasting accomplishment if you could help all of your family and friends do the same.  Only a fool would say that there is no God, …but so many people have not taken the time to meet Him.

  God describes this very task when He says,“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,… Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. (Matthew 28:19-20).”  It is all about making disciples (followers) of Jesus Christ.  But, as we said before, you will have to first discover Him for yourself; only then can you share your treasure with others.

  Some would argue that this commission is not intended for 21st century Christians, but was spoken to a handful of disciples (followers) in the mountains of Galilee in the first century.  But, while Christ’s commissioning of His disciples was a rather exclusive event, the phrase “teach them to observe all things… I have commanded you” makes this a perpetual commission for believes of every age.  One of the things that Christ taught His disciples, was to make disciples of others.  If the first generation of disciples were obedient to this command, they would have taught the second generation of disciples to love their enemies and obey the moral laws of God, but ALSO to make third generation disciples, etc.

  Paul had the same idea when he told Timothy, “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. (2 Timothy 2:2).”

  Better hurry; you know how time flies!  You can start with a phone call!

• God created us in His own image and for His own pleasure.  “…all things were created by him, and for him: (Colossians 1:16).”

• He created us with eternal souls.  Even when our bodies lie silent in the grave, our souls will go on living.  “…and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. (Genesis 2:7).”

• Soon after the creation, Adam (the first man) sinned, and God’s fellowship with mankind was severed.  “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (Romans 5:12).”

• In the Bible, this separation from God is called spiritual death.  “For the wages of sin is death… (Romans 6:23).”

• In order for us to be restored to God, the price of forgiveness must be paid.  “…without shedding of blood is no (forgiveness). (Hebrew 9:22).”

• Because we are spiritually bankrupt, we cannot pay our debt.  “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags… (Isaiah 64:6).”

• Willingly, God sent His only Son to die for our sins.  “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: (1Corinthians 15:3-4).”

• Jesus lives to offer forgiveness and eternal life, freely to anyone who will receive it by faith.  “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9).”

• I have accepted His gift of life, and know that my sins are forgiven. In my heart I have the peace and joy that His salvation brings. You can have it too! “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (John 1:12).”

  Have you considered lately what God says about these “last days” leading up to the return of the Lord Jesus Christ?  Listen to His description; it seem so apropos in light of our current circumstances.  “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.  For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,  Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2Timothy 3:1-7).”

  This passage describes the apostasy (i.e. falling away from truth) that will be increasingly prevalent until King Jesus makes His second appearance on this sin cursed earth—this time as the “Lion of Judah” rather than the “Lamb of God.”  Perhaps that day is near! …certainly nearer.

 In light of the lateness of the hour, every born again believer should be fully engaged in God’s eternal cause.  The Second Coming of Christ marks the end of an era.  Those who have rejected the gospel and spurned the grace of God, will be forever out of time.  O that we might be found faithfully delivering the message of God’s saving grace until that very hour.  The eternal destiny of souls is at stake here.  If our neighbor were about to fall from a ladder, we would rush to his aid.  But there is no ladder, he stands on the slippery slopes of eternal hell!  We must sound the warning! 

  Secondly, let us be busy building up those who have already placed their faith in the Lord.  The matter of spiritual maturity should concern every child of God.  Our responsibility is to nurture, and be nurtured, that the Lord Jesus Christ might be glorified in and through our lives.  Lord Help Us!