Posts by Billy Arnold (Page 9)
When Will We Get Back to Normal?
We have now been in this new COVID reality world for more than a month now, and all of us are asking the same thing about our family, our business, our shopping, our school, our stock market, sports, social interaction, and church life: When will we get back to normal? The way I see it from here is that the question really should be, What will a new normal look like? There is no way that any of us can…
When Are We Coming Back?
When do we come back to the church building? Are you asking that question yet? Well, if you are asking, here’s the answer: We just don’t know! But there are some things that we do know for sure, no matter what. We are learning a great deal about ministry with COVID-19. The following is a short list of some things we are continuing in these shut-down days, some of which we will continue after life opens up. NOW: We…
A Study of Romans 8
On Easter Sunday we launched a series of messages that we are calling Epic. I used the illustration of an epic journey, such as David Livingstone’s exploration of the middle of Africa, or Lewis and Clark’s trek across western North America. These epic journeys reshaped the future for millions to follow. To call the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus an epic event is an understatement. Everything has now changed because of what Christ has done. Romans 8 spells this…
Sunday’s Coming!
It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming! This is a line from a famous sermon that has been passed around for years. But it’s not only a famous sermon—it’s a forever truth. This is Easter week; today is Good Friday, and Easter is this Sunday. I have been carefully reading the story and contemplating Jesus’ last few days of earthly life. This year we’ve been doing nightly Passion Week devotions that have helped us walk through the story. (You can watch them…
Passion Week: Preparing for Easter
We are now in the middle of a week that reflects the last week of Jesus’ life before his crucifixion and ultimate resurrection on Easter Sunday. I hope you have been able to join in the 7 p.m. devotional readings and reflections on the significance of each particular day. I have celebrated Easter Sunday all my life, but I have never taken the time to contemplate and remember the significance of each day that led up to the cross, the…
Passion Week Begins
In the midst of business shutdowns, school closures, and a global pandemic that is affecting every country and corner of the world, we are about to enter Passion Week. We have always taken time on Good Friday for a reflective service, followed by a joyful Easter Sunday service. A few times I have led or participated in an Easter morning sunrise gathering. But I am not sure that I have ever taken the time to follow the traditional church calendar…
Reading Your Bible
For years, I have had a system for reading my Bible. I typically read in this order: an Old Testament chapter or two, a portion of the gospel story in the life of Jesus, then a New Testament chapter. Sometimes I will work my way through the Psalms to end in worship. In recent days, I have been reading through the Prophets, and I have been hit in the face with the relevant and current message that comes from the…
Message from Billy – March 27, 2020
Isolation and Insulation These terms have become a reality for us in these remarkably unusual days. In our B.C. (Before COVID-19) existence, we were all so busy with constant demands. We filled our lives with non-stop reasons to have fun. We spent our days accumulating all the stuff of life, then spent our nights constantly thinking of ways to insulate and protect it. We could only dream of an isolated retreat where we could all get away from the rat…
Message from Billy – March 24, 2020
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” — Psalm 91:1-2 On Sunday, March 22, we held our first-ever live-streamed service. Many of you joined in live, and I hope that it was encouraging to you. I must thank Kevin P once again for working so hard on this project last week. I also thank Brad Tucker, Jeremy Trivelas, Alvin Lin, and Rachel…
Service plans on March 15
This coming Sunday, March 15, the church will be open. We are a people led by the Holy Spirit to pray for and stand with each other and to pray for the lost and searching in the world. That is exactly what we are going to do. We want no one to feel pressured to interact, but for those who choose to attend, we will offer the usual two services at 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. with these changes: Multiply!…
Scheduling updates from Pastor Billy – March 13
Part 1: Current Plan for LifeWay Events Sunday services This coming Sunday, March 15, the church will be open. We are a people led by the Holy Spirit to pray for and stand with each other and to pray for the lost and searching in the world. That is exactly what we are going to do. We want no one to feel pressured to interact, but for those who choose to attend, we will offer the usual two services at…
A Word of Encouragement from Pastor Billy
Dear LifeWay Family, I find it interesting that our winter series through Acts 8-15 was all about “uncharted territory.” The early church was faced with challenges that were theological in nature, and that involved the upheaval of social structure. The early church in Jerusalem was at first a “happy and comfortable place” (see Acts 2:42-47 & 4:32-37), but overnight, their comfort was radically destroyed when Stephen, one of their deacons, was stoned to death. How did the church react? They ran…
March 6 — Coronavirus, Continued: An Update
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you by my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 Earlier this week, I told you that we would communicate any new updates and responses that we have as a church family. Important perspective about concerns, anxiety and fear As Christians we must face the reality, the unknowns, and the fear of coronavirus with faith in…
March 3 – A Letter to the Church Regarding the Coronavirus
Dear LifeWay Church Family, We have all been bombarded by the news and events of the coronavirus, which is not only around the world, but obviously right here among us. I know this is of great concern to our community, and to many of you as well — rightly so. The church staff team met on Monday, March 2, to discuss what we felt was the most prudent way to address this illness in light of upcoming church events. Here is…