Sometimes, like this week, our thoughts go in two different directions. Somehow, someway our thoughts have to come together. If you study on the two different ideas though, they do converge. If you are not willing to take time out to attend a church service, if you are so scared of what the world is throwing at you – you just might not be ready.
Are You Ready For This?
“If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of this world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” John 15:19
In the United States, we have been living in a spiritually protected bubble over the past 240+ years. As you may have noticed in the past few years and even months, it looks like that is rapidly changing.
In the news we see whole political movements accepting pedophilia[1], satanism[2], mass abortion[1], and yes, mass homosexuality[3]. All of these things are in direct violation of God’s Word. At some point in time, to be true to His Word, God would eventually have had to take that protection away. It looks as if that is happening as we speak. Churches being fined for meeting as a church for worship – the America that our forefathers dreamed of is being quickly eroded away.
If you have not been paying attention, for years persecution has been rampant in other countries. Christians are jailed, tortured and killed almost daily. The institution, The Voice of the Martyrs, was founded in 1967. Just peruse the website for a bit. You will get an eyeful (and hopefully an eye opening). https://www.persecution.com
Now, I am going to ask some hard questions. Are you, as a Christian, feeling any pressure living in today’s society? If you are not, is your church affiliation and your outlook on the world and society going along with the general consensus of popular culture? Do you feel any tugs at your spiritual heart about things you hear or see that go on in the world around you? Do you find yourself going against the grain, or just going along with the flow so you will not hurt someone’s feelings?
I am not going to be too long-winded with my opinions on this subject. I cannot change your heart. Only God, through His Spirit, can do that. This edition, all I will do is let the Holy Bible speak to you in His own words.
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you:”
“But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”
“If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.”
“But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evil-doer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.”
“Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” 1 Peter 4:12-16
If you are not ready, prepare yourself. It’s coming.
Footnotes:
1. Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17; Matthew 18:6; Mark 9:42
2. 2 Timothy 3:1-5; Genesis 19
3. 1 Peter 5:8; Acts 26:18; Acts 13:10
AE
on to subject 2…
Is In Person Church Worth People Dying?
I was asked this question recently on a Facebook post of mine. I did not immediately respond because this question isn’t really something that I can answer in a brief little sound bite. This requires some deep thought, and some sincere explanation. If you are someone who is also asking this question, and you truthfully want the answer as to why we are in church services during the Covid-19 pandemic, and why we should never miss a service, and why we never give in to fear, then please read the rest of this article as I do my very best to explain my extreme weirdness.
First, I do understand that most of you will not agree with anything that I am saying here, and that’s fine. We don’t have to agree, but we should be able to have discussions, and I really wanted to make sure that I answer this question because it really is extremely important. And it’s a very good question!
I was told that we could just as easily have outdoor services as indoor services. I’ve also been told that online services are just as good as in person services. I’ve been told that we as individuals are the church, and so really it should not matter at all whether or not we as a church meet in person. We can continue the work of Christ from our individual homes, and apparently from our computers.
I’m going to address each of these ideas, and some of my answers will be Bible based backed up by verses, but really there is not a pandemic clause in scripture so some of my ideas will be my own. My thoughts and my ideas do not have to be your thoughts and ideas. I’m not better than you are. If you examine scripture, and come to a different conclusion here, that is totally ok! I don’t even mind if you read what I say, and think I’m an idiot. That’s ok too.
First, why can’t we have an outdoor service? I am not opposed to outdoor services as far as outdoor services go. They are actually something that I like. I enjoy the feel of the sunshine coming down on my skin while I listen to the gospel message. I enjoy the sound of the birds, and really, I don’t even mind the bugs. It’s beautiful to be surrounded by God creation while worshipping the Creator of it all. Logistically, do churches have the funds to all buy large tents to meet under for rain, and poor weather conditions? Do they all have the equipment to be heard in the back if there is a large congregation? Do they have elderly people in the congregation who can’t sit for that long in the extreme southern heat? Beyond that, are we going to the store to buy groceries outdoors? Are our jobs requiring us to sit outside while working? This is a double standard that apparently only applies to churches. I find that not only odd, but also wrong.
This brings me to online services. Every church cannot have online streaming. They don’t have the equipment. There are people in their homes who don’t have a way to watch the service. There are technical issues that happen, and you may miss the service. When you are sitting at home with children and family trying to “attend online service” there are a million distractions. You don’t have the encouraging fellowship of fellow believers, and you don’t have the added benefit of discussing points of the message with your pastor after service. Online service was supposed to be a temporary solution to slow the spread of the virus. The year is more than half over. That’s not a temporary solution, that’s displacing the church indefinitely.
The last claim that we are the church is the one that really strikes me as the most terrifyingly unbiblical statement of all. We as individuals are members of the body of Christ. We are the bride of Christ, and we are a part of the church as a whole. We as individual beings ARE NOT THE CHURCH.
I Corinthians 12:12
For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
I Corinthians 12:14
For the body is not one member, but many.
We need to be wise. We need to read scripture. Just because you read something in a pretty meme, or you heard it somewhere please check it with scripture before sharing. Our thoughts are not his thoughts. Know truth, and stop sharing things that sound good, but are scripturally unsound.
The Bible also says in Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. The verse that follows is Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins. Basically this verse tells us that we should not forsake the gathering of the church. The following verse lets us realize the seriousness of forsaking God’s laws.
Throughout my life I have purposefully set aside Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night not because church is a fun place to be (it is), not because I have nothing else that I could be doing (I do), and not because I somehow feel like it makes me a good person (it doesn’t). I go to church because it is a command from God himself. There are a million benefits from going to church. I am encouraged to delve deeper into God’s word. I learn more about my heavenly Father. I hear his words expounded on in ways I may not have thought of on my own. I get to hear voices lifted in Praise to our Holy God. I’ve made countless amazing friends in church. I’ve formed lasting bonds with people I may not have ever met otherwise. Church is not a place for perfect people. It is a place for imperfect people to come and share fellowship one with another as they strive together to become more like Christ.
So after all of my wordiness here is my heartfelt answer. Is your in person church service worth more people dying? It is. Unequivocally, emphatically, resoundingly, yes! If we have to give every last breath, everything we own, everyone we know to follow God’s command we should. That is what being a Christian is about. Forsake all and follow him.
GA
Voice of the Introverts 
4 replies on “2 Subjects”
I enjoyed reading this. I agree that we, as American Christians, forget that Christians in other countries have faced far more persecution than we have here in the United States. We need to remember that. It puts our so-called sufferings into perspective. I would like to politely add a different perspective on the topic of COVID and church participation. If you think of church persecution in other countries, you see that for many Christians, the gathering of believers have looked much different for them. They do not neglect gathering together, but it did have to look different. Some meet in homes or have underground churches. So, although it is not exactly an equal comparison, I do think it is ok to have church look different at this time where we are living in a pandemic. My problem with Christians at this time is the rebellion against public health and safety. If people still wish to gather in a building, at least take precautions to decrease risk of the virus spread. However, many want to meet just as before with no sense of sacrifice (wearing a mask, social distancing) or regard to the more vulnerable in a congregation. I did some research and looked into how Christians in other countries are handling things in the pandemic. Most are still gathering but are taking the necessary precautions out of respect for their families and brothers and sisters in Christ. They see it as their duty not as a violation of their rights or as a means of persecution. That spoke volumes to me.
I am writing as a Christian who works in a rehab hospital and works with recovering COVID patients. I do not have a single Christian friend and only 3 family members who share my above perspective. It is disheartening. In my line of work, I have helped many people recover from this virus. My youngest is 39 right now. His whole family contracted the virus. Some family members did not make it. My patient has been with us for months, but has lost use of his arm due to nerve injury when positioned on a vent. His whole life has changed. This is just one of many stories I could tell. It is not just the deaths to be concerned about, but the neurological effects that it has also. For some, it totally changes their way of life. My point is that for a lot of people, this pandemic does not seem real or precautions necessary until it becomes personal. Until if affects you. I have had many opportunities to share the gospel with people because of my perspective. Other Christians won’t converse with them because they think it is a “hoax” or a violation of their rights. This is sad that they can’t be a light to people in such a time as this.
If you research the Spanish flu epidemic 100 years ago, believers had to neglect gathering together for a short time also. But the pandemic passed in 3 years time and things progressed back to “normal.” I am hoping this will be the same. If not, let’s walk that road with prayer, humility, and seek what God would have us to do. My trust is in Him.
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Thank you for your comment. I enjoyed reading your opinion, and I think your concerns are valid. I have yet to find any church that won’t allow us to wear a mask if we wish to wear one. It’s not really our job as individuals to create safety for one another. I believe that sugar is very dangerous, and that it will lead to diabetes, cancer, and other forms of disease. I may mention it to my friends and family, but I don’t meet them at the grocery store, and take the soda out of their shopping cart. If the elderly or sick in the congregation are afraid they are free to wear masks without any interference from anyone else. If the masks work, individuals who choose to wear them are safe. If you want to stay 6 feet apart I am sure no one will attack you and hug you. Just politely mention your concerns, and stay back. I will continue to be in church every week because I am going to follow God’s law. And I am not afraid. I do believe the virus is real, and that it is dangerous. I will live my life with courage, and when I die, it will be because God called me home.
GA
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We have not attended church since March of this year. Yes I know it has been a long time ! Yes I know I church is way better(I miss gathering), less distracting, and SO much easier to focus. But I also think (especially with the virus rampant now) we DO need to focus on the safety of others- those others could be a family member. My mom was diagnosed and has been going through treatments this whole time. Also I found out I was expecting. My husband has elderly parents who are at risk. If we wanted to be able to help my mom and dad ( or my husband’s parents) as she went through chemo or go visit her we could not go to church and be around people. Not knowing the effects this virus can have on pregnant women and unborn babies we have stayed at home . We also have avoided going out to public places unless absolutely necessary. Now I do feel if you can go shopping and everywhere else you want then not going to church because of COVID is a limp excuse not to go.but if you feel and believe it is better and safer for people to avoid large groups then watch church at home or so what you need to do. I agree with you we are all the body and bride of Christ as a collective group, but the collective group should be looking out for the healthy and safety of others. Especially with a virus that can have long term and permanent effects on others.
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Dahl, I will answer this one. Grace can be very, how you say, passionate about this. Sometimes in our new world order things are going to be not quite as black and white as normal times were. There are going to be times that we will as Christian bodies have times as a group think of the well being of everyone else. As we do this though we will have to weigh whether we are following man or following the scriptures. If you see someone wearing the masks don’t judge, but on the flip side don’t judge people who are not wearing masks or going with the flow of society. They could be following how the Holy Spirit is leading them.
AE
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