In listening to so many people worrying over church closures, limits of gatherings and limiting how many can gather, I’ve decided to write about what is meant by the word “church”.  In Ephesians, Paul tells us that Jesus Christ is the head of the church.  As He saves us we become His members.  With that illustration of church relationship between us and Christ, it’s harder to rely on a building or gathering as a final description.  The relationship is the crucial binding pact.  We gather to celebrate this unique and special bond.  I tell you, it’s a little tougher over Zoom or Facebook, etc., but my heart still responds to scripture and the revelation and knowledge to be gained in a pastors message.  I still look at peoples eyes over the bits and bytes and airwaves and find delight in “seeing” and greeting fellow church members “on-line”.
 

“For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body.”

– ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:23‬ ‭NASB‬‬

 

“having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone,” -‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:20‬ ‭NASB‬‬

     So, if Christ is for us, who can be against us?  Indeed.  Why do we get so wrapped up in worldly worries and arguments?  In our present world we have so many ways and means in which to engage, share and spread the gospel message.  We have people we can share fellowship with through phoning, texting and messaging.  We still have mail service and that means you can still write!  There are apps for sharing pictures and videos and live chats.  Please don’t forget bible study, which mine is offered on Facebook.  You can still holler over at neighbors and friends and even family while practicing physical distancing.  FaceTime is my personal favorite and has helped keep my grand-kids close and me current on their latest antics.  I guess I’m grateful for all the technology of our present day.  Without it this pandemic would be so much more severe and cruel.  
 
 

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.””

– ‭‭John‬ ‭16:33‬ ‭NASB‬‬

 
     On the downside;  In losing the ability to gather as before, many feel left out, spiritually bereft.  I certainly empathize with anyone who feels “lost” because their church had to close.  The reminder for those whose lives and “church” became islands, remember, it is God’s grace that saved us, not a building, person or special sermon.  How many POW’s, Holocaust survivors, slaves and abuse victims held on without tangible evidence, but hope?  These Tangible things are temporal. God is eternal.  That means He’s big enough to hold us until we meet again here or in heaven.  He’s got this.  Our faith can surpass the loss of buildings and public gatherings and so called “threats” to the church.  My church is a piece of me, wherever I am because He is in me and He is greater than he who devours!  That means I am the body of the church that even Satan cannot tear down.  However and wherever I am, in sharing the reading of scripture and pastoral messages, there also is Christ.  I cannot be where He is not.  Fellowship has to be about sharing and worshiping a God that resides in us.  That doesn’t have to be physical.  As hard as it is right now my prayer is that we move beyond the pain and rejoice in each body of believer(s)!  Rejoice in Him Who saves the “body“, mind and soul!  Rejoice with your whole heart. 💖
 

“Just as it is written, ” FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED.” But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

– ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:36-39‬ ‭NASB‬‬

 

“to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.”

– ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3:21‬ ‭NASB‬‬

One fine day!