As has been said, we’ve been praying for wisdom and guidance from God as to the right time to return to our complete schedule for the church. I want to begin this return with a mid-week prayer meeting where we had been meeting for Sunday services, in the Fellowship Hall on Wednesday, August 19, 2020, at 7:00 p.m.
This one service won’t include a preaching time, but will be committed to praying for our nation, our leaders, law enforcement, and for our nation’s churches.
In an era where most people, including many professing Christians, consider attending church non-essential, we need more than ever to be a testimony to the essentiality of the church in our lives. Though it is convenient to sit on our couches watching “TV services” that just is not fulfilling the Biblical mandate to assemble ourselves together, and to do it more frequently, rather than less, as we see the indications for the prospect of the return of our Saviour. (Heb. 10:24-25).
Our morning and evening services will return to the normal schedule on Sunday, August 23. Sunday School and Bible Study classes will be in their usual rooms at 10:00 a.m., and the morning and evening services will be in the Fellowship Hall at 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. We’ll continue to provide spacing and will have doors and windows open during the services as before. Master Clubs and Teens of Faith will resume on Wednesday, August 26.
As a pastoral staff we do understand the need for all those with compromised health issues to refrain from attending for the present as they see fit. Of course, we will continue to ask that anyone who may have a cold or fever or any symptoms of any illness, to remain home until they are better.
This Sunday the 16th will be our last 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. services, and we look forward to seeing you all here with us! God bless and protect you.
In the Love of Christ,
Pastor and church staff
THE ESSENTIALITY OF MEETING TOGETHER
While we willingly complied with the shutdown for a while, it is evident that we need to assemble in person for more than just one or two hours per week. The following are a few spiritual disciplines that cannot fully be fulfilled while under an indefinite ban on indoor assembly:
TEACHING
The Great Commission (given to the church in Mat. 28) includes seeing people saved, baptized, and taught in the things of Scripture. Paul instructed Timothy to teach faithful men who would be able to teach others also (see 2 Tim. 2:2). Sunday school is the teaching arm of the church, and neglecting it too long will hamper the spiritual lives of our members. We must be in the Word. Together. (Also see 1 Tim. 4:13)
SINGING
Governor Newsom’s ban on singing is our clearest example of Acts 5:29, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” We’re told in Colossians 3:16 to “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Ephesians 5 and Psalms 105 and a bunch of other texts tell us to unashamedly sing unto the Lord, which is our right, privilege, and duty to God and those around us.
PRAYER
Corporate prayer was a hallmark of the early church. The disciples met together and prayed, even in times when they feared for their lives (see John 20). Couldn’t they pray in their own homes? Maybe, but they didn’t. We want to be like them and meet together to pray. “And they continued steadfastly… in prayers.” (Acts 2:42) When Peter showed up “where many were gathered together praying,” (see Acts 12), they couldn’t believe he’d been released from jail by an angel! But there he was… in person. At church. With his praying brothers and sisters.
FELLOWSHIP
It’s no accident that fellowship continued after the apostles: Acts 2:42 “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” We can’t underestimate the spiritual value of being together, even if for no other spiritual reason than to see our church family’s smiling faces.
SPIRITUAL GIFTS
Spiritual gifts are given by the Spirit “to profit withal.” (See 1 Cor. 12:7). We must be together to obey 1 Cor. 14:12: “…seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.” Don’t get scared when you read 1 Cor. 12–14. Speaking in tongues was the example gift Paul was using to show that ALL gifts (giving, serving, mercy, etc.) are for others. (Also see Rom. 12 and Eph. 4.)
ASSEMBLY
Do your own careful study of 1 Cor. 12–14, or the book of Acts, or of any of the epistles that were written to churches about church life. Or study Hebrews 10: The doctrine of Scripture is not only a private study… it is to lead us to 1) live holy lives (v22), 2) have a deeper faith in God (v23), and 3) help each other grow (v24). How is this possible? Through church assembly (v25).
PRINCIPLE
Pastor recently referenced the article by Pastor John MacArthur that clarified the biblical distinctions between family, church, and government. The article said, “When officials restrict church attendance to a certain number, they attempt to impose a restriction that in principle makes it impossible for the saints to gather as the church. When officials prohibit singing in worship services, they attempt to impose a restriction that in principle makes it impossible for the people of God to obey the commands of Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16. When officials mandate distancing, they attempt to impose a restriction that in principle makes it impossible to experience the close communion between believers that is commanded in Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:12, and 1 Thessalonians 5:26. In all those spheres, we must submit to our Lord.”
ASSESSING THE RISK
COVID numbers fluctuate daily, and I assume we’ll have church members get it eventually. But I also assume we’ll catch colds, pray for people with cancer, and bury victims of car accidents. I drive every day knowing I might be one of 6 million accidents this year, but it’s a risk I’ve accepted. Car accidents aren’t “contagious” like a virus, but if the risk calculation is similar, I can use godly wisdom to judge the risk of death by Coronavirus (for me or others) for myself.
This is no denial of the severity of Covid-19. I have had several personal friends contract the virus and tell me first hand that “it is no joke.” However, the death rate has been shown to be uniquely high among the elderly and sickly, but incredibly low among the young. (only 2/10 deaths under age 65).[*]
For those who deem the health risks too high for yourself or those around you, we gladly support you and will continue to provide the online video services. We have talked with several church members who YEARN to assemble together, and this letter is NOT a “guilt trip” to those at home who are at high risk.
For those who are at risk of being fired if they joined an in-person service, you have the biblical mandate to provide for your family, and that’s not a small factor in your decision, particularly since the lockdown is only temporary.
For those who think our testimony is tarnished if we violate the government’s orders, I believe there are an equal number of offended parties (both inside and outside the church) on both sides…
- Those who can’t believe churches are “caving to the government” and not opening
- Those who can’t believe how “unloving” or disobedient churches are to open
To group (1), we say:
We initially shut down services to mitigate the potential risk. We mitigate risks every day with seatbelts, helmets, airbags, harnesses, railings, braces, vitamins, earthquake codes, and surge protectors. We’ve never considered it caving to allow fire inspectors, roofing inspectors, foundation inspectors, and gas inspectors. We do background checks for volunteers and run security during our services, and have always complied in these areas that do not hinder us scripturally. These things mitigate risk, and we comply for the greater good of our church. Only when Bible principles are hampered should we disobey (see reasons above).
To group (2), we say:
- For the spiritual health of our church, we believe God has called us to meet together.
- Technology is a nice tool, but only a stopgap. Zoom video calls or at-home TV services were never God’s ideal for His people. A face-to-face ministry of people is always going to be better than a 2D pixel version of church.
- We have options available for everyone. Those at risk of death or being fired (or carrying that same risk to others) are encouraged to participate online and commit to join us when their conscience before God is clear.
- Locking down is unloving to a larger swath of people than opening up (lost jobs, mental health data, suicide rates, etc.)
- Our witness to the world includesthose times when we deem it unbiblical to comply (e.g. See Acts when Paul and Peter were arrested, or incited riots, or vocally opposed the governmental orders by their testimony).
- Since the church is the pillar and the ground of truth, it is the church’s duty to speak truth by example and proclamation, not only to congregants but to the government, too.
Here’s the bottom line
At some point it becomes necessary to compare the physical risks versus the spiritual risks. As we analyze the data for ourselves, it seems that if we face this virus annually, we’ll face these same spiritual principles annually, too. We cannot neglect worship, teaching, fellowship, prayer, and service to God. Christians can delay these disciplines only so long before it alters our walk with Him, so we choose to use our God-given wisdom to assess our own risk, follow the biblical example to quarantine the sick, and obey God in all areas of Scripture sooner rather than later.
This is the most loving thing we can do for a world that needs God’s truth now more than ever before.
-Pastor Ryan
[*] Source: https://www.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#demographics Aug. 12, 2020. Percentage of total U. S. deaths by age: 85+ (32%); 75+ (26%); 65+ (21%); 50+ (16%); 40+ (3%); 30+ (1.3%); 18+ (.5%).[/us_popup]
TEACHING
The Great Commission (given to the church in Mat. 28) includes seeing people saved, baptized, and taught in the things of Scripture. Paul instructed Timothy to teach faithful men who would be able to teach others also (see 2 Tim. 2:2). Sunday school is the teaching arm of the church, and neglecting it too long will hamper the spiritual lives of our members. We must be in the Word. Together. (Also see 1 Tim. 4:13)
SINGING
Governor Newsom’s ban on singing is our clearest example of Acts 5:29, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” We’re told in Colossians 3:16 to “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Ephesians 5 and Psalms 105 and a bunch of other texts tell us to unashamedly sing unto the Lord, which is our right, privilege, and duty to God and those around us.
PRAYER
Corporate prayer was a hallmark of the early church. The disciples met together and prayed, even in times when they feared for their lives (see John 20). Couldn’t they pray in their own homes? Maybe, but they didn’t. We want to be like them and meet together to pray. “And they continued steadfastly… in prayers.” (Acts 2:42) When Peter showed up “where many were gathered together praying,” (see Acts 12), they couldn’t believe he’d been released from jail by an angel! But there he was… in person. At church. With his praying brothers and sisters.
FELLOWSHIP
It’s no accident that fellowship continued after the apostles: Acts 2:42 “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” We can’t underestimate the spiritual value of being together, even if for no other spiritual reason than to see our church family’s smiling faces.
SPIRITUAL GIFTS
Spiritual gifts are given by the Spirit “to profit withal.” (See 1 Cor. 12:7). We must be together to obey 1 Cor. 14:12: “…seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.” Don’t get scared when you read 1 Cor. 12–14. Speaking in tongues was the example gift Paul was using to show that ALL gifts (giving, serving, mercy, etc.) are for others. (Also see Rom. 12 and Eph. 4.)
ASSEMBLY
Do your own careful study of 1 Cor. 12–14, or the book of Acts, or of any of the epistles that were written to churches about church life. Or study Hebrews 10: The doctrine of Scripture is not only a private study… it is to lead us to 1) live holy lives (v22), 2) have a deeper faith in God (v23), and 3) help each other grow (v24). How is this possible? Through church assembly (v25).
PRINCIPLE
Pastor recently referenced the article by Pastor John MacArthur that clarified the biblical distinctions between family, church, and government. The article said, “When officials restrict church attendance to a certain number, they attempt to impose a restriction that in principle makes it impossible for the saints to gather as the church. When officials prohibit singing in worship services, they attempt to impose a restriction that in principle makes it impossible for the people of God to obey the commands of Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16. When officials mandate distancing, they attempt to impose a restriction that in principle makes it impossible to experience the close communion between believers that is commanded in Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:12, and 1 Thessalonians 5:26. In all those spheres, we must submit to our Lord.”
ASSESSING THE RISK
COVID numbers fluctuate daily, and I assume we’ll have church members get it eventually. But I also assume we’ll catch colds, pray for people with cancer, and bury victims of car accidents. I drive every day knowing I might be one of 6 million accidents this year, but it’s a risk I’ve accepted. Car accidents aren’t “contagious” like a virus, but if the risk calculation is similar, I can use godly wisdom to judge the risk of death by Coronavirus (for me or others) for myself.
This is no denial of the severity of Covid-19. I have had several personal friends contract the virus and tell me first hand that “it is no joke.” However, the death rate has been shown to be uniquely high among the elderly and sickly, but incredibly low among the young. (only 2/10 deaths under age 65).[*]
For those who deem the health risks too high for yourself or those around you, we gladly support you and will continue to provide the online video services. We have talked with several church members who YEARN to assemble together, and this letter is NOT a “guilt trip” to those at home who are at high risk.
For those who are at risk of being fired if they joined an in-person service, you have the biblical mandate to provide for your family, and that’s not a small factor in your decision, particularly since the lockdown is only temporary.
For those who think our testimony is tarnished if we violate the government’s orders, I believe there are an equal number of offended parties (both inside and outside the church) on both sides…
- Those who can’t believe churches are “caving to the government” and not opening
- Those who can’t believe how “unloving” or disobedient churches are to open
To group (1), we say:
We initially shut down services to mitigate the potential risk. We mitigate risks every day with seatbelts, helmets, airbags, harnesses, railings, braces, vitamins, earthquake codes, and surge protectors. We’ve never considered it caving to allow fire inspectors, roofing inspectors, foundation inspectors, and gas inspectors. We do background checks for volunteers and run security during our services, and have always complied in these areas that do not hinder us scripturally. These things mitigate risk, and we comply for the greater good of our church. Only when Bible principles are hampered should we disobey (see reasons above).
To group (2), we say:
- For the spiritual health of our church, we believe God has called us to meet together.
- Technology is a nice tool, but only a stopgap. Zoom video calls or at-home TV services were never God’s ideal for His people. A face-to-face ministry of people is always going to be better than a 2D pixel version of church.
- We have options available for everyone. Those at risk of death or being fired (or carrying that same risk to others) are encouraged to participate online and commit to join us when their conscience before God is clear.
- Locking down is unloving to a larger swath of people than opening up (lost jobs, mental health data, suicide rates, etc.)
- Our witness to the world includesthose times when we deem it unbiblical to comply (e.g. See Acts when Paul and Peter were arrested, or incited riots, or vocally opposed the governmental orders by their testimony).
- Since the church is the pillar and the ground of truth, it is the church’s duty to speak truth by example and proclamation, not only to congregants but to the government, too.
Here’s the bottom line
At some point it becomes necessary to compare the physical risks versus the spiritual risks. As we analyze the data for ourselves, it seems that if we face this virus annually, we’ll face these same spiritual principles annually, too. We cannot neglect worship, teaching, fellowship, prayer, and service to God. Christians can delay these disciplines only so long before it alters our walk with Him, so we choose to use our God-given wisdom to assess our own risk, follow the biblical example to quarantine the sick, and obey God in all areas of Scripture sooner rather than later.
This is the most loving thing we can do for a world that needs God’s truth now more than ever before.
-Pastor Ryan
[*] Source: https://www.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#demographics Aug. 12, 2020. Percentage of total U. S. deaths by age: 85+ (32%); 75+ (26%); 65+ (21%); 50+ (16%); 40+ (3%); 30+ (1.3%); 18+ (.5%).