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The late Adrian Rogers was known to say, “Without the resurrection Christianity topples like a house of cards.” Praise the Lord, Christ is risen! May the Lord empower you to preach the Gospel boldly this Resurrection Sunday.

The leadership of Moses is legendary, and he is a hero of the Hebrew people. Not only does the Old Testament dedicate a significant portion of text with Moses as an involved character, but the New Testament mentions Moses as well.

You have probably heard many sermons from Joshua 1. As I read and study the lives of leaders in the Bible, I often come back to the episode of the mantle of leading passing from Moses to Joshua. Joshua witnessed the mighty work of God in and through Moses first-hand as his assistant.

In some reading I came across a condition I had never heard of before: “The Yips.” Just do an online search of “yips” and you can read about how traumatic and life-changing it is for those who once mindlessly, successfully did a task they ultimately found debilitatingly difficult to do.

I know many of you are pastors and church leaders, and others are actively following Jesus. Today, I want to take a moment to encourage parents. For those who may not have children, like the Apostle Paul, you can have children in the faith and pray. For those blessed with children, you no doubt wrestle with worrying about your children. As a father of a twenty-one year old, eighteen year old, and thirteen year old, I find myself desiring to be prayerful for them as much as ever. We are not perfect parents, but we can be prayerful parents.

First of all, on behalf of the SBC of Virginia, thank you for your partnership in the Gospel. Over these past months, ministry (although faced with unforeseen challenges) has, and is, taking place. Churches are revitalizing, pastors and church planters are pressing on, leaders are sharing ideas and encouraging one another, students are preparing for ministry, and missions is continuing in the midst of a global pandemic. But this is a challenging time to lead.

We can grow weary as real people walking with Christ and serving others in this fallen world.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

These days it seems that so much has changed. Remember when…

Going out to eat was more than take out?
Wearing a face mask meant you were going to perform surgery?
ESPN actually showed live ball games?
Toilet paper was taken for granted?
You could actually see the other people when you preached?

We are all learning lessons and discovering insights as we live, lead, and serve. I am been blessed to witness how God is at work through SBC of Virginia churches, pastors, and lay leaders in these days.

For the past couple of weeks church pastors and leaders have been working to lead their congregation in worship of the Lord while coming to terms with the impacts of COVID-19. Churches this Sunday will gather through online technology and some have opted to offer drive-in style services. I believe the people of God will have increased opportunities to be salt and light, to serve others, and to share the Gospel as our neighbors, communities, and indeed the nations around the world need hope that is found only in Jesus Christ.

You don’t need me to re-hash the news headlines for you. People in this world are struggling with being frustrated, fretful, and fearful. We are dealing with how to navigate a season of stress, concern, and anxiety.

Over the past few days everyone has been grappling and adjusting to this current reality of living, working, and ministering in the midst of a pandemic. In the work of gospel ministry and in our SBC of Virginia family, so many conversations have been happening among pastors and ministry leaders. A highlight I must share with you is we are seeing the Lord lead pastors and churches through this unique challenge. Much of the past several days has been focused on the hard work of rapidly learning and helping one another seek to minister in the face of these challenges.

Telecommuting and social distancing is something that everyone is hearing about as our state and country works to deal with the COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Needs for Gospel ministry are just as pressing as ever! Pastors and churches are making amazing adjustments and maintaining much needed ministry to communities. We are seeking to assist churches with ideas and resources in a number of areas related to missing in-person worship services and church meetings.