Declare

The church building has always been a symbol of refuge and hope. For many of us, church culture is part of the very fabric of our lives. However, church services have been canceled across our country. Now buildings stand empty of the very people that give them life. Our encounter with church has changed. Streaming, YouTube, Zoom, a new church is emerging. We need to remember the New Testament saints experienced a church change. Long held traditions were challenged. How the church meant was uncharted and new. We simply read over their struggles with an outcome knowledge of God’s plan. Today, let us set our hearts on things above. Not focused on the familiar comfort of a church worship service. God has a perfect strategy for this day, this hour. Let us freely embrace the necessary changes God has set before us. Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Colossian 3:1

Philippians 2:6-8 Who [Jesus], being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Jesus provides a picture of the greatest example of humility. Being humble is the action of emptying out yourself. To relinquish all rights for the purpose of servanthood. Servanthood that has God's heart of redemption at the core of your serves. To be willing to lower yourself without regard to personal cost or reputation. Even, to the point of death. That is true humility.

It is good sign of a health Christian life when one desires to share Christ. For a long time, I have been sharing the gospel with others. Through the years, I have used all kinds of methods. Additionally, I had all kinds of responses form cursing to confessing Jesus as Savior. (Regardless of the method used) God is the one who draws people to Christ. Therefore, the most important part of soul winning is prayer. If possible, join with a Christian group that will encourage you to keep sharing. They will be able to help with all the Bible answers (none of us knows it all/that's why we need each other) Foremost, a group that will pray for your family and friends salvation. John 6:44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 This decision is personal accountability to God. For me, I don't purchase anything with a satanic symbol. Regardless, of the reason why the company decided to use this symbol. The symbol is part of their Marketing. Why would I use God's money to support this label? Why not purchase optional products that are not marked with occult symbols. To me, this issue is not whether it is right or wrong. Neither is it an issue of Christian freedom. It is a questions how can I honor and glorify God.

One of the hardest things to achieve in a Christian life is Godly balance. The command of "Do not temp the Lord your God" or the compassion of Jesus touching a leper. Confusion can over take us, as we bounce from scripture to scripture. It is very important and necessary for us to find the truth. Especially, with the Coronavirus spreading in across America. However, we are not the first Christians to wrestle with this problem. Martin Luther's pastoral advice during the Black Plague. "I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. Then, I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine and take it. I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to be contaminated and thus perchance inflict and pollute others and so cause their death as a results of my negligence. If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me and I have done what he has expected of me and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others. If my neighbor needs me however I shall not avoid place or person but will go freely as stated above. See this is such God-Fearing faith because it is neither brash nor foolhardy and dose not temp God." Martin Luther, Works v. 43, p. 132. Whether on may flee from a Deadly Plague written to Rev. Dr. John Hess

Because of "social distancing" I am no longer able to go out to share the gospel. I really miss sharing Jesus Christ and His saving grace with others. Especially, as I see fear driven people caught in the crisis of the Coronavirus. Do you have any ideas on how to do this in today's world? Thanks!