MOVING TOWARD RE-ENTRY INTO WORSHIP

As we move toward re-entry into worship and fellowship, here is a great verse from God’s Word to consider. Inspired by God, 2 Peter 1:5-8 says, “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

One of the more interesting aspects of this pandemic known as Covid-19/Corona Virus is the wide spectrum of beliefs and feelings. Talking about the virus should be a rallying point since we all have to deal with it in one way or the other. It seems to me that this pandemic is just as divisive as any political issue between Republicans and Democrats. People who 3 months ago were just your well educated neighbours are now smarter than internationally renowned virologist. Others without access to first hand facts are now experts in fields they did not know existed in January.

My personal approach is to listen to the experts and believe that our President, our Governor and our Mayors have these two things in common: they want people safe and they want people working. I want to add to that the desire to see people worshipping together again. Thankfully, many churches are beginning to re-enter back into limited smaller version of gathering for worship. I have been reaching out to the churches on James Island and have been in constant contact with the Charleston Baptist Association. The CBA is doing a stellar job in helping the process information with local leaders from churches, politics, medical, legal, etc. You can check them out at www.charlestonbaptist.net. They have made their resources and research available to everyone. I made sure the James Island Ministerial Association also had access to these resources.

Now let’s get back to the Bible in 2 Peter 1. While I am very appreciative of those who have helped inform our decisions and to those who will help us implement and evaluate our decisions, I am most grateful for the guidance given by God’s Word. My opinion, your opinion or anyone else’s opinion does not trump the mandates found in God’s Word. 2 Peter calls us to add these things to our lives: faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. Here is my point: we are not somehow exempt from the command to exhibit these qualities just because we disagree with someone. There is no place for arrogance...which you may remember is listed as idolatry. It is always the time, but now in particular, to be kind, loving, faithful, good, self-controlled...did I mention kind. Mom was right when she said “If you can’t say anything good, don’t say anything at all.” Generally speaking, that is pretty sound advice.

See you soon, good Lord willing.

Pastor Tom