LOOK TO SCRIPTURE.
THE CHURCH AND ITS PURPOSE
Romans 12:2 ESV
- Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
The church's purpose is to be a place of fellowship for believers to be taught about the Bible and worship God together, while also reaching out to the world to help those in need. Through teachings of pastors, Christians are being equipped to go out into the world and show God's love, while not being tainted by the evil that lives within the world. The church can also be a dwelling place for people that are struggling and in need of mental or emotional counseling. Through the community of a church, counseling comes in many ways: pastoral counseling, friendships, and prayer.
THE PANDEMIC'S AFFECTS
Ephesians 4:2-6 NIV
-Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
The church has always remained a common dwelling place for believers. Unfortunately, with the recent safety guidelines due to COVID-19, Christians have not been able to meet up in churches to worship together. Not being able to meet, as a congregation, has caused some anxiety throughout churches. Many people have complained to church staff or government about how the safety guidelines is unfair or unconstitutional. On the other hand, many church members are taking advantage of this time by reaching out to the community even more than before, with extra time on their hands.
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CALL TO FOLLOW THE LAW
Romans 13: 1 NIV
-Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Christians are called to respect those who are in office, even if they don't agree with them. People are put into authority for a reason: God's reasoning. Many times, it is hard for people to respect those in authority when it does not match up with their own ideology, but as Christians, it is important to remember God's plan is better than our own. Especially during this time, it is very easy to complain, as there are many safety guidelines, due to COVID-19. Many people argue about how to handle all the regulations that are connected to COVID-19, but it is best to respect the guidelines, as God has a plan with each of those in government authority.
HOW YOU CAN SERVE
Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV
-And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
This time is a call to action for Christians to decide what is important in their day to day life, find ways to worship God, and serve others. You know your community better than anyone else, so it is best for you to pick specific ways to show God's love to your community. Even if you can't meet in person, there are still ways to encourage one another through prayer and/or social-distanced communication.
Contact your local church to find out specific ways to serve! Take action!