Ephesians 5:25b
“…Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;”
1 Timothy 3:15b
“…the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”
Sometimes it appears that we are in a game where nobody really knows the rules.
It affects us all so drastically that we don’t even know when we are doing the right thing or not. You have to wear a mask and keep from touching things … but if you use your debit card, you still have to press the same buttons or use the same pen as the last person. It has a strange sort of humor to it all.
Sadly, this pandemic has closed down and redefined a lot of businesses that are needing to stay open to support the families employed there. Some business owners have been told their sales or service to the community is “non-essential” and they cannot be opened. While others are “essential” and remain open throughout the entire ordeal. Understandably, some places (like medical facilities, grocery stores, etc.) are truly essential, but we cannot forget that other places are too!
As much as America loves sports, it may be safer to have empty stadiums and arenas while smarter people figure this virus out. As much as we love eating out, the empty tables between patrons serve as an effort to keep everyone safe.
I believe that according to the word of God, there are some places that should not be in operation at all because of the damage they do to a society (bars, lounges, liquor stores and beer sales.)
However, when it comes to church, the gathering together of people intending to worship God, this must never be limited or restricted. We understand the use of common sense and utilizing safety protocols in gathering together, but never let us lose the liberty guaranteed in our Constitution.
Church is a place of COMFORT
Many a person has found refuge and help for their weary life in the house of God. Life has a way of troubling people in a variety of ways, and coming to church is a wonderful way for people to rid themselves of the overwhelming burdens and cares of life. The Bible says we can cast “all your cares” on the Lord Jesus Christ because He cares for you!
Church is a place of COUNSEL
Church is a place of CONVERSION
While every reason to go to church is a good one, there is no greater need for people to go to church than to be saved. Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. We are all lost without Christ Jesus, and in our sins are headed for the eternal judgment of God. Jesus came to save us from that fiery judgment.
Sinners don’t have to be told how hard their life is, they know it! They don’t have to be shown how broken they are, they know that too! What people of every walk of life need today is a real church where they will hear the truth about their sin, their soul, and about salvation. A salvation that if free and eternal … the kind offered by God to us in the Bible.
When you go to church, you ought to hear of this truth and trust the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour. You need to be converted and you can be converted. People are hurting and need to hear the message of hope that can only be heard consistently in church!
So keep the churches opened!
Church is essential.
Jesus loves you and He did something about it! Jesus died on the cross, was buried, and rose again from the dead to offer to me and you the opportunity to become children of God and be forgiven of all our sins.
Will you put your faith in Jesus alone to be your Saviour and Lord? Let me know if you have trusted Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour.
Leave a comment below.
God bless! See you in church!
(Pastor Jones can be reached by email pastor@faithbaptistchurch.us. Follow him on Twitter @PastorTonyJones or visit an upcoming service at Faith Baptist Church … “The Church on the Hill.”)
