In this time of pandemic, what should Christians do? On a Facebook Live show conducted by PUSO TV, Pastor Bobby Chaw recently shared his thoughts on how to lean on the Holy Spirit.
On June 11, City Harvest Church’s executive pastor Bobby Chaw, also the Principal of the School of Theology, appeared on PUSO TV to speak about the role the Holy Spirit plays during this season of the COVID-19 crisis.
PUSO TV is the live media platform—using Facebook Live—of the PUSO Movement in the Philippines. PUSO TV aims to reach out and touch this generation and the next, particularly the millennials (those born between 1981 and 1996), Gen Z (1997-2010) and the Alpha Generation (2011-2025)—all born in the digital age.
The online talkshow was hosted by four anchors: Pastor Jordan Escusa, Jan Manula, Diane Bustos and Nadia Montenegro.
Pastor Bobby first spoke at the PUSO Conference in the Philippines last August 2019, where 14,000 participants were impacted by his preaching about the Holy Spirit, the hosts said at the start of the Facebook Live session.
City News extracts part of the talkshow here:
PUSO TV: How has CHC been doing this past few months? What were the major challenges your church encountered due to the pandemic? What were your reflections and lessons learned during this time?
Pastor Bobby: We can’t gather as a church physically on site. From being a big gathering, we are now watching service online, which has been a major adjustment for the church. During this season, I was reminded of the verse in John 4:23-24; “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
The true worshipper will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. We don’t need to feel distant from the Lord. We can still connect with the Lord online as long as we reach out to the Lord in spirit and in truth. We just have to stay connected with one another.
How do you minister and handle things (church-related matters) at times like these and how did CHC adjust and adapt to the way you pastor your church now?
We keep the conversation going and keep the connection going. The method has changed but the principle is still the same: find a need and meet the need; find the hurt and heal the hurt. We continue to talk to people and love them. In this season, it is so important to keep obeying Jesus.
How important is the role of the Holy Spirit during this crisis?
John 14:16 says, “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever.”
Jesus knew that the disciples might feel abandoned, that is why He sent the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is super important! During this pandemic, very often you will feel abandoned and alone. But, remember the Holy Spirit is with you. He is in you. He has come to be your Helper.
At times like this where people are scared, anxious and full of fear, how will the Holy Spirit give us boldness, courage, power, strength and success to thrive?
In Isaiah 11:2, it says, “The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—”
This kind of pandemic has never been solved before. Whom should we ask for help? Whom should we ask how to go through a pandemic like this? The Holy Spirit is wisdom and understanding. He is our Counsellor. He is knowledge and He is Almighty
Practice acknowledging and seeking Him (Prov 3:5-6). He’s the gentle leading in your heart; He’s the soft whisper in your spirit that keeps on guiding and leading you. He has a way out when there seems to be no way. When things seem impossible, with Him, they become possible.
How do we partner with the Holy Spirit?
Learn to recognize the inward leading of the Holy Spirit. Sensitize your spirit. How? By going back to the Bible—the Bible was written by the Holy Spirit. Study the Bible! Meditate on the Scriptures. Memorize the Scriptures. When you read the Bible and understand His thoughts, you will understand His heart. Read the Bible day after day.
Many consider prayer the last option that they have when facing the challenges such as what we are all experiencing now. How powerful is prayer is in our lives?
Prayer should be our first resort, not our last resort. Prayer should not just be a religious rite. It should be a conversation that we have with the Lord. Sometimes, just by sharing your heart, you find relief for your soul. Sometimes, we do not have anyone to talk to, but we have the Holy Spirit. Treat Him as your confidante. The Lord always responds to our prayer.
But how can we receive the Holy Spirit?
Luke 11:11-13 says, “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for[a] a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Ask God for the Holy Spirit! I just keep practicing what Jesus tells me: “Ask and you will receive”
There were also questions two guest callers, both SOT alumni from the Philippines.
Pastor Narwyn Santos, lead pastor of Lifegiver Church in Mobara, Japan: How can we maximize or utilize this season to be intimate with the Holy Spirit? Can you give us some practical principles?
Take time to find solitude. Pray and reach out to the Lord, sensitize your ears.
Psalm 34:1 says, ”I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Pray over the verses.
Francis Casaba, Young Pro leader, Light Church, Meycauayan Bulacan: What is the difference that you think God is asking you to make as a Christian during this pandemic?
People need hope. Prov 4:18 tells us, “The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day”.
God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. He will always [provide] a way of escape. People need hope to keep practicing and to make use of what you are gifted with.
Pastor Bobby ended the interview with a prayer for the nation of the Philippines and its people. He also encourage the PUSO Movement team to keep on sowing. He said, “Whatever you are doing in this season, you will reap a good harvest.”
