Faith in the Time of COVID-19: Bible studies from the Anglican Alliance

Nothing can separate us from the Love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:39) Photo: Elizabeth Perry/Anglican Alliance

COVID-19 is now affecting every part of the world, disrupting people’s lives and creating fear, anxiety, sorrow and hardship. Where can we find strength and hope at this troubling time? What might faith look like in a time of COVID-19? How might God be calling us to respond to the impacts of the pandemic?

To help Christians reflect on their faith and scriptures in the midst of the pandemic, the Anglican Alliance has produced a series of Bible studies called “Faith in the Time of COVID-19”. These studies were written in consultation with a small group of biblical scholars, theologians and church leaders from across the world. They are designed to provoke thought, prayer and action.

In his foreword, the Archbishop of Canterbury writes,

“I am delighted to commend to you Faith in the time of Coronavirus and am deeply grateful to the Anglican Alliance for creating this resource. In such extraordinary times, it is not only helpful but vital that we engage together with God’s Word.
“Firstly, it enables us to root ourselves in the truth of God’s utter faithfulness. We discover afresh that, in Christ, we are never abandoned but are held by God, who comes alongside us. Secondly, God’s Word calls us to action. In opening Scripture together, we are reminded that we are the body of Christ, with new opportunities to serve our communities and to witness very practically to Christ’s love. And thirdly, we are filled anew with authentic hope. We can live the present and look to the future knowing the sovereignty of God and His reconciling love.
“I pray that, through these encouraging Bible studies, we will find comfort, strength and inspiration from God’s word, and be empowered by the Spirit to share that comfort and grace in these difficult days”
.
Archbishop Justin Welby, April 2020

We encourage you use these Bible studies and promote them in your churches.

Part 1 of Faith in the Time of COVID-19 contains five Bible studies:

  1. Do not be afraid: Romans 8:38-39
  2. Calming the storm: Mark 4:35-41
  3. Building hope: Hebrews 6:10-11
  4. Hope rooted in God: Isaiah 41:10 and 43:1-2
  5. Your Kingdom come: Matthew 6:9-13

A further 3 Bible studies have now been written. Beautifully illustrated by Bill Crooks, part 2 of Faith in the Time of COVID-19 contains:

6. Living in isolation: 1 Kings 16:29 – 18:1. This Bible study is in four parts:
xxxxxi) from loneliness to solitude
xxxxxii) living in the same household together;
xxxxxiii) living with challenge;
xxxxxiv) emerging changed.
7. Turning fear to love: Luke 10: 30-37.
8. What is God showing us about his kingdom? Matthew 5: 1-12

We are currently developing the next Bible study, which will address food security.