Greetings in the wonderful name of the Lord Jesus. I have certainly missed worshipping corporately with our people. After 11 weeks of solely online worship, we are gathering together on May 31. You will find those guidelines for re-gathering in this issue of the Beacon.
These last 11 weeks have allowed me time to step back and consider some things that have resulted from this pandemic:
- The Church is a Body and not a Building. I have been reminded the Church is “who we are” and not “where we go.” ·I am not surprised the world sees the Church as “non-essential.” The disappointment is when Her membership treats the Bride as “non-essential.” I wonder when things get back to some semblance of normality, will it be any different?
- Though the Church is not non-essential, there are things we do in the Church that seem to be non-essential. Case in point, the only meetings I have attended since March 14 are weekly Staff meetings. Interestingly enough, the work of the Lord is continuing.
- It is vitally important we know how to “feed ourselves” spiritually. If the sum total of your spiritual nourishment is dependent upon a sermon, SS class, or fellowship during these last 11 weeks, then you are experiencing spiritual malnourishment.
- This time has allowed me to refocus on my priorities in ministry. Acts 6:4 says, we will give ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word. Prayer and Bible Study are not part of my work. It is the Work!
- We don’t realize how much we need the Church and miss Her until we are unable to worship corporately.
- God is Sovereign and He has either authored or allowed this pandemic. If this is true, and I believe it is, what does God want your “take away” to be? One of my takeaways in this time is the “birth pains” preceding the coming of the Lord. We need to be ready!
I love you and look forward to worshipping with you when you are comfortable to return to corporate worship.
Love in Jesus, Bro. Tommy