This study was taught at our Sunday morning service by Sim Forder, our assistant pastor, on the 22nd March 2020. You can listen to the audio on this web page or save it for later listening.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

Half our fears arise from neglect of the Bible

Charles Spurgeon

In this study we considered how our fear of losing things (even good things) may be a result of us having them as idols. Or how our fear arises because we are not individually in control of the current Coronavirus situation, or its affect on our lives. However, we are to place our hope and trust in God – for it is in this hope, that we have the greatest comfort of all. It is this hope, that means we really can have peace that is surpasses all understanding.

Given that hope, and the fears and concerns of many around us, we have great opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ with as many as possible. Let’s use that opportunity well!

How this pandemic has taken us back to basics! There are so many ways of interpreting what’s going on but surely one is that our idols have been taken from us, so that we have to focus on our souls. So many good things that had become God things have been removed: the Six Nations rugby and the Premiership, meeting in cafes and restaurants for meals, the health and the gyms that we take for granted, economic prosperity.

Rico Tice

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defence to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

1 Peter 3:15