Know that a man is not justified by the works of the Law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we, I say, have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the Law, because that by the works of the Law, no flesh shall be justified. Galations 2:16
This article won’t go over well with those associated with the “institutional church. It is definitely going to incite the ire of “church leadership” who have no biblical stance to assume positions of authority over God’s people. Today, many in “church leadership” are running scared – they are scared their livelihoods are at stake, and are encouraging “churchgoers” to come together even in the midst of a deadly pandemic. Why is this? I will also touch on what is now dubbed the drive-in or parking lot “church services.”
Before I explore the motive behind all this, let me say to those in “church leadership” who are still holding indoor “church services” during this pandemic, and those who plan to do so:
- SHAME ON YOU who refuse to close the doors to your “church” and are encouraging such gatherings.
- SHAME ON YOU for letting your own selfish motives take precedence over the lives of those who attend your “church.”
- SHAME ON YOU for using the name of Jesus Christ to justify your meetings particularly during this time – knowing full well it is not about Him – it is about YOU.
- SHAME ON YOU for falsely teaching and convincing believers they need to see and do something to make their faith seem more real.
- SHAME ON YOU for usurping your needs over the public’s health and of those who attend your “church.”
The worse thing of all started long before the coronavirus. We fail to realize that God’s Ecclessia transcends the physical and is the true spiritual Body of Christ. We are a spiritual force not confined by time or space, and His Ecclesia certainly does not depend on man’s religious traditions and works of the law. To continue to engage in this thing we call “church,” in the physical presence of others during this pandemic does not only impact “churchgoers” – it places all in the communities we live in at peril.
Anytime and anywhere you have a gathering of people, you present and afford the opportunity for the coronavirus to infect others. Even the so called “drive-in service” or “parking lot service,” allows and create an opportunity for individuals to get out of their cars and approach others. People need to go inside the “church building” to use the restroom, and a collection is usually taken up by some process. Attendees roll down their windows to speak with one another at too close of a distance, and no doubt other situations arise. These type of gatherings on a latent level diminish the significance of social distancing efforts put in place to help restrain the virus.
Consider the following excerpt from a recent Time Magazine article “Come As You Are in the Family Car.’ Drive-In Church Services Are Taking Off During the Coronavirus Pandemic”
The following quote is from Nathan McDonald, a drive in theater owner who is allowing “churches” to use his facility. “But McDonald says that after one service last Sunday, some church members couldn’t resist getting out of their cars. “Like true church folks, as soon as it was over, they opened their doors and all got out and started congregating,” he says. “I was like, ‘Listen. You’re missing the point here.’”
Most local municipalities on the advisement of health experts have closed down drive-in theaters because they are deemed too risky. Yet, in the case cited above in Missouri “church leaders” want to discount the riskiness and have “their services” anyway using the drive-in theater. How can it be less riskier to have a so-called “church service” among a crowd of people who know each other, than it is to close drive-in movie theater with a group of strangers? Even sitting in a crowded car with one another is not a wise situation. Health experts maintain we need to keep some physical distance between each other, even within our own families. Many people are asymptomatic, meaning they are infected with COVID-19 but do not feel realize it or feel ill. They are infecting others without having a clue. It is estimated by epidemiologist nearly 50% of those infected with COVID-19 are asymptomatic.
What kind of “church” are you attending if your spiritual connection to each other relies on being physical present with one another? If your “church” depends on a physical location than you have the wrong “church.” This is the case with all man-made “churches.” There is only one Church God created – His Ecclesia. That is believers gathered in Spirit – it is a spiritual house of believers. This thing we call “church” is not the Church in the New Testament. The Church in the New Testament always refers to people only – not buildings or organizations created by mankind. Jesus Christ says He is looking for those who worship in spirit and truth. He tell us worship is not dependent on any given place.
Jesus said unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor at Jerusalem worship the Father. Ye worship that which ye know not: we worship that which we know: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and Truth: for the Father requireth even such to worship him. God is a Spirit, and they that worship him, must worship him in Spirit and Truth. John 4:21-24
Why would “church leaders” potentially risk other people becoming infected to COVID-19? On a surface level without any thought, the parking lot or drive-in “service” presents itself as being benevolent and sentimental. “Church leaders” are touting the drive-in service as an opportunity to see one another which under their stance equates to fellowship. The flesh requires something to see. Why is it we need to do or see something to make our faith seems more real? This is nevertheless what “church leaders” strive to achieve among it members long before the arrival of COVID-19. Those in “church leadership” want to be perceived as the believer’s primary source – they serve as a mediator between man and God.
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:5
True fellowship, however, transcends walls and anything mankind can build. Anytime a believer interacts with other believers by any means, (by phone, in person, by email, etc.) they are engaged in fellowship. What is true fellowship according to Jesus Christ? For where two or three are gathered together in my Name, there am I in the midst of them (Matthew 18:20). It is a gathering of the Spirit that does not require places or things.
“Church leaders” are afraid of the coronavirus – not because of it’s severity and too often fatal results, but they fear their “church members” will become accustomed to not attending their weekly oratories. They are afraid of loosing financial support which basically equates to maintaining their livelihoods. Life Tabernacle Church Pastor Tony Spell who repeatedly chose not to comply with a Louisiana ordinance, unabashedly asked for “his church members” to hand over their stimulus checks to him. He also had one of “his church members” die from the COVID-19. Most are a little more subtle than he, but can be just as deadly.
“Church leaders” are afraid of losing their power and hold over “churchgoing” believers – who are and remain ignorant of God’s Word. Primarily due to legal ordinances against gatherings of 10 or more people, most “church leaders” are now live-streaming their “church services.” A few even went to streaming “services” before it was legally mandated in most states, and I applaud them for that. Although the ‘institutional church” is not biblical, this the prudent thing to do given the pandemic.
There are a very small number of “church leaders” who are blind to the truth. I believe the Holy Spirit has prompted them to see the truth or will at some point, but they have their livelihoods at stake. It easy to convince yourself of something if your salary depends on it. These few do not intentionally try to deceive God’s people, although that is exactly what they are doing. Some arrange the drive-in “church services,” knowing their members think they must be physically present to have fellowship with one another. Or on some level they believe they are offering some form of support given the pandemic situation. But these type of gatherings lead to a greater propensity of people becoming infected by the coronavirus, which often is the result of circumstances not planned for. Any pastor on the other hand, continuing to preach business as usual inside a “church building,” do not have “their members” best interest at heart .
Bishop Gerald Glen of the “New Deliverance Evangelistic Church” in Virginia, unfortunately died of coronavirus after failing to abide by urgent warnings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC in early March urged that everyone stop gatherings of 10 or more people. Now four other of his family members are now fighting the virus. A “church” in Chicago through the passing of the collection plate infected 3 of its’ members. You will find more examples if you are inclined to investigate.
All crowds and gatherings leads to one being vulnerable to the coronavirus. I don’t care what it is; whether it’s a sporting event, this thing we call “church,” or even school. In some places the numbers are plateauing, but that does not negate the fact that the virus is still extremely contagious and is just as deadly. Even where there has been a drop, the number of cases and deaths are still significant and dire. Many other places have not reached it’s peak yet.
My point is this: You should not risk anything that potentially harms you, your family, or those you love during this deadly pandemic. Anyone who put your well being in peril unnecessarily do not have your best interest in mind – period. You can say God will protect me, but if you see a twister coming for example, and do not seek shelter you are placing yourself at peril. Or if you are walking alone in a high crime area known for gang activity, you are putting yourself at peril. Why ask for company to join you and place other people in jeopardy as well? It begs the question why would someone do that?
For the desire of money is the root of all evil, which while some lusted after they erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:10
Use the brain God gave you – He has given you this for a reason. Our actions effect each other – we all have a responsibility in responding to the Coronavirus. You may want to believe “church leaders” have your best interest in mind, but if they are placing others in a potentially vulnerable situation, whether intentionally or ignorance, they are not putting your well-being first. And if they are pushing people to return to building in the physical presence of each other, I can assure you they hold their own needs paramount over everyone else, including God. Hat’s off to the“church leaders” in areas where restrictions have been removed, that are making the decision to keep their doors closed as of now. God does not want you to act recklessly – you have a part to play concerning His protection over you and others. God expects us to have faith, but He is not to be used as a “catch all” when we do things we should not do.
Last thing I want to say – pray for each other. Pray for God’s protection over your life and the ones’ you love. He is our only true source – not any man or woman with a religious title. Nor is it this building or this thing we call “church.” Pray that a vaccine will be found to cure Covid-19 soon. Again, we have only one true source – Jesus Christ. Please everyone – stay safe.