4 TESTS TO DISCERN THE LORD'S BODY
(1 Corinthians 11:17-31)

1. The Unity Test: Are you united with the Body? V. 18-19

2. The Charity Test: Do you care about the Body? V. 22-23

3. The Memory Test: Do you remember His Body? V.23-26

4. The Propriety Test: Do you regard His Body? V. 27-28


Wendell S. Aquino

7 THINGS TO LEARN FROM THE CORONA VIRUS OUTBREAK

7 THINGS TO LEARN FROM THE CORONA VIRUS OUTBREAK
It's been three months now since the epidemic began last December and there seems to be a slight and yet progressive development on the containment of the virus. Although there were more severe outbreaks in the past like AIDS and the common flu that has a greater human casualty, this plague is perceived to be more deadly because there is yet no known cure. As believers in Christ though, "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). Reflecting on this passage, here are ten things we can learn from the outbreak.

1. God's Sovereignty: As in many disasters and calamities in the past, this too is under God's permission to have happened. Beyond our understanding God sees the whole picture and we only see fragments of His divine purposes and plans. This disease may be corrective, punitive or whatever, but I rest on the fact that God is in control of the universe He has created. "Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases Him." Psalm 115:3

2. Man's Mortality: It is a humbling experience that man is so fragile that it only takes a microscopic bug so lethal to put anyone down! Experts have since concluded that there is enough bacteria and virus to wipe out this generation from the face of the earth - if left unattended. This reality is enough for everyone to humbly confess as Moses did, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12

3. Shared Humanity: In times like this, the Rich and the poor, the learned and the ignorant, first nations or third world countries suffer the same fate. All are susceptible to catch this microbe and no one has immunity. Therefore, because we suffer the same vulnerability, each must be kind to one another. Let us not be drawn to conspiracies and discrimination of race, nation or creed because this disease knows no boundary. "For God does not show favoritism." Romans 2:11

4. Life's Security: The fear of the unknown grips many and indeed there is yet more to know about this virus. There is hope for a cure that is being concocted in laboratories of many high tech industries. Meanwhile let us continue to wear masks and wash our hands with rubbing alcohol even though it provides the least protection and avoid crowded places. There is no need for panic that leads to hoarding - it cause more confusion and suffering. My version of Psalm 20:7 is this "Some trust in masks and some in rubbing alcohol, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.

5. Great Opportunity: There is always a positive side to every natural or man-made disasters and that is the opportunity to learn from it. This epidemic will result in the development of new vaccines, better protocols in medical care, preventive measure and preparedness in the future. This will not only educate but strengthen us as in other times before. "...but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Romans 5:3-4

6. Good Ministry: Disasters, calamities and epidemics like this one are perfect circumstances for ministry. We read of Christians in China ministering to the sick, distributing masks and preaching the gospel with the dual threat of persecution and danger of contamination. We also heard of the many medical staff who have given their lives. Silent heroes who worked tirelessly so that we will have the chance to live. "let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

7. Some Beneficiary: This week the Hong Kong Government in its bid to stimulate the sluggish economy brought about by months of protests and now the virus have decided to give each permanent resident HKD10,000 each! Now that is not only a lifesaver but a relief indeed! Rejoice with me for I am a collateral beneficiary! Again, "All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose." Romans 5:28

Wendell S. Aquino