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Following Orders



The current state of affairs around the world today is one of unprecedented rules, regulations and precautions. We are not only washing our hands, sanitizing and staying at home for weeks, but practicing the art of “social distancing.” What was once an absurd concept and not overly conceivable is now the norm of behaviors in our communities.

However, despite the precautions needed to slow down the spread of the coronavirus and guidelines issued by various governing authorities, there are those vigilantes who continue to march by the beat of their own drum. Their actions are drawing unnecessary attention.

In the realm of faith, there are those pastors who continue to open their church sanctuaries for regular services. Although the request has been to shelter in place, close services to large gatherings and not to meet in groups of more than ten, we still see those churches still gathering in large crowds on Sundays in defiance to not only rules set by governors, but the President of the United States.

So, what are we to do? What is our norm? Should we adhere by the guidelines set by our State and by the President? Here is a quick look:

- Romans 13:1 “All of you must obey those who rule over you. There are no authorities except the ones God has chosen.”

- Titus 3:1, “Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good.”

- 1 Peter 2:13-14a, “For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed.”

There are some who would be quick to come back with Acts 5:29, when Peter and the Apostles exclaimed, “We must obey God rather than men….” We cannot use this Scripture out of context to defy governing policies. The Scripture in Acts is in reference to the Apostles being threatened and under order to never speak or teach about Jesus.

The Apostles were already imprisoned for preaching and teaching others about Jesus. In the middle of the night, Angels sent by God, opened the prison doors and led the Apostles outside the Temple and told them to “…speak to the people all the words of this Life” (Acts 5:20). They did! As soon as the sun rose, they went into the Temple and began teaching!

This is a totally different situation and doesn't apply to our current governing guidance towards the coronavirus. We have not been told to shut down our Churches for good and we have not been ordered to never teach or preach about Jesus.

We have not been told we can’t minister, pray for, help or call, text, and write others. We can still have Church and pray on Facebook  “live” and continue to witness and minister by every means possible that doesn’t violate our orders to “social distance” and “shelter in place.”

Think positively! The Church is not closed….it has been DEPLOYED! Keep reaching out by all means given to you. Continue to pray, read/study Scripture, call, text, mail out  cards/letters and watch on-line or TV. Think "outside the box" because nothing has stopped us! Keep spreading the Gospel and love of Jesus to others.

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