Monday, March 30, 2020

The Church Building Is Closed, But the Church Is Still Open For Business

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” – 1 Corinthians 3:16

Our routine of attending worship service on Sunday’s has been interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Like many, we are watching the pastor preach over the internet or perhaps have switched to another pastor on television.  Of course we need to hear the Word preached.  Preaching is part of the Body life.  Unfortunately, it may be one of the few times during the week that many Christians are exposed to the Word of God.  Some may see this as a problem, but I want to suggest that it is an opportunity.  I think that this season is an opportunity for Believers, who perhaps have relied too much on the Pastor and the collective church for their connection with God, to reconnect with the One Who called them to salvation.  I believe that this is an opportunity for the members of the Body to be strengthened and not weakened.  And the result will be a stronger Body of Christ – a brighter light – a more relevant testimony.

Someone once said, “Without a test there is not testimony.” This has certainly been a trying time – uncertainty seems to prevail. But only if you let the circumstances of this world be the measure of your confidence and trust.  This is a test of personal faith that we are facing.  There is a word – synergy – that I see applies to the Body of Christ – the Body of Christ that is spiritual – reflected by the physical in church congregations – large and small – and individual Christian groups of perhaps two or three.  The definition of synergy is “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts”.  Paul wrote quite a bit about the gifts – attributes of the Body and how important each one is.  Each part must be spiritually healthy to fulfill its purpose in the Body.  Oddly, I think that this time of separation is a time for spiritual reflection and an opportunity to draw close to the Lord.  The result will be a brighter light – a bolder witness – a stronger corporate, local church.

I am not ignoring the reality of the toll the COVID-19 virus is taking on the health and lives of people.  The toll it is taking on the financial well-being for the people in our country and countries all around the world. But I want to encourage you to not lose hope in this difficult time. Instead redeem it.

"Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God." – Psalm 43:5

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. …. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” – James 4:7-8,10

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

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