There are many questions and lots of confusion over what we are to do or not do to protect ourselves and our families from Covid 19. People tend to misinterpret the facts and thus get into trouble such as the man who died of asphyxiation which caused him to crash his car and take his life because he was wearing his N95 mask for too long and it obstructed his intake of oxygen. It is a case of not clearly understanding when to and not to wear a mask. Other examples include people who are being poisoned or putting their bodies in harm due to the over use of certain chemicals in their house. Scientists and doctors are now in conflict as to how we should be handling the virus confusing even our government leaders. Obviously this is a dangerous and contagious illness that can affect everyone and does so whether by the illness itself, the loss of job and the altering of lifestyle in every venue and at every level. And there continues to be uncertainties ahead and perhaps for some time. From one Christian to another, I suggest you continue to trust in the Lord but at the same time not to be wreckless. Continue your prayers and at the best of your ability and comfort zone follow the suggestions made but due so with prudence and common sense.
I receive almost daily a Preacher’s note from Jim Denison of Denison Ministries located in Dallas, Texas. He reflects on the news from a Christian perspective. I have not found much to which to disagree with his thinking and theology. He wrote a paper two weeks ago entitled, “Is Online Church Really Church”? He based it on the official fact that our Churches were empty on Easter this year following a 50% rise in attendance in 2019 according to cell phone tracking data. (That should raise your concerns over the privacy of cell phones). So what did Christians do? They used some form of technology, TV, Cell Phones, Computers, to find a service to watch either live, on YouTube, internet, Facebook or another venue. Praise God we had it to use. First Christian has been using FB to reach out to those registered as friends. The number has increased and continues to do so as people are learning that we are offering services via FB. But does this suffice as going to church. Under the circumstances it remains as the best alternative since we are not even supposed to meet in small groups like our homes as they did in the New Testament before buildings came into the picture. But the small groups in homes tell you that church was recognized as a community of people who gathered together to praise God. Every indication demonstrates them meeting weekly to break bread, read scriptures, sing, hear the gospel, take up offerings, pray, and fellowship. If you watch a live or recorded church service you will notice that it is not done without others in attendance. The technology ministry is to reach those who cannot go to church for whatever reason and perhaps those who are unbelievers who may be searching particularly in times like these.
Church is a community. We are a body of many members. People tend to be individualistic and fragmented in our modern day culture. “Technology enables people to be whoever they pretend to be online and to act with little accountability” Technology has certainly enhanced our way of life and communication with one another. But Jim makes the point that when it comes to church it should only be used for the sake of community and not commercialism. Other interesting points of the paper points out that the church exists for God’s purposes, the church ministers within and without the community, and most important of all, the church belongs to Jesus. Many people refer to the church that they refer to as “my church.” That is not part of the Christian vocabulary any more than swearing like a sailor. Dr. Denison concluded the paper with this statement. “Many years ago, a very wise member of the church I was pastoring said to me, ‘Jim, it’s not about us.’
It is my prayer and the prayer of many that this virus will move people to seek Christ and seek a church to attend and find the joy in communal fellowship of praise and support.” Technology can be used to keep one another connected until we are able to meet together once again. When will church meet again? Just as soon as we are given the go ahead we will definitely have the doors open. We will probably use some precautions for everybody’s welfare until which time we can back to a normal pace of services, Bible School, Wednesday Prayer meeting and fellowships. I am sure this is teaching those who attend church how precious attendance really is. God bless you. Be Smart. Be Safe. Be Well. Be Encouraged. I will meet you in spirit and in prayer every day until then at 7 PM
Ray
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