Church Building Still CLOSED: I'm So Over It!

9 Months Later and We Are Still Closed!

It's been 9 months and my church building (and many other church buildings) are still closed. I don't know about you but I am so over it! 😒😑😐

I am fully aware of the many cases and the many deaths of this virus (even though we all know these numbers are not that accurate); however, the church has now become fearful. The church is fearful that people might contract this virus and possibly spread it unknowingly. Matter of fact, the church doesn't want to be the center of attention and criticism of coronavirus cases and possible deaths.

Don't get me wrong, I love my Pastors and church leadership but I am very disappointed and mad that the buildings are still closed. I know that forsaking ourselves together because of the fear of a virus spreading amongst us, isn't God's will for us. 

We are told in the word of God to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together. Having Zoom meetings, Microsoft Teams Prayer Calls, and Online Church on Facebook/Youtube should not be a substitute for in-person fellowship. 

Many believers, especially babes in Christ, are falling away because of this. They are isolated and left to the enemy as prey. Many believers have backslidden or have become stagnant in their relationship with God because of this. Many are feeling disconnected from others in the church. Are pastors and church leaders not thinking about this? Better yet, what will they do about these issues, and how soon? This is a problem!

Are we going to let fear or better yet, COVID-19, have dominion over us? We shouldn't but unfortunately, we have allowed them to these last 9 months. 

God Has Not Given Us a Spirit of Fear 

We know that God has not given us a spirit of fear but a spirit full of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). So, why are so many church buildings still closed? What are we really afraid of?

I have really been thinking about how this isn't pleasing to God. I know we can worship and praise God at home with our families; however, we are called to assemble together and have fellowship. If we were at least going home to home like the disciples in the Book of Acts to pray and fellowship with each other, it wouldn't be as frustrating. Believers (just like unbelievers) are afraid to go to people's homes just because of COVID-19. Believers are afraid to contract or spread the virus, so they coop up in their homes ONLY with those in their families/homes. To "slow the spread" they decide to stay home no matter what and they refuse to fellowship in-person with their brothers and sisters. 

We need to really look into ourselves and be honest about why we are staying away from in-person fellowship. If the answer is FEAR, then we need to ask God to help us get rid of ALL of our fears concerning this virus. Just like King David, we MUST seek God and expect Him to deliver us from ALL of our fears (Psalm 34:4). 

Let's look at how the true believers and disciples fellowshipped with each other:

"So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." (Acts 2:46-47)

I pray that the believers and followers of Christ in this generation will follow suit just like these disciples did. Nowadays, believers do not make time for one another to break bread and have true fellowship. This is truly sad and disturbing! I know it shouldn't be like this and I hope and pray we get it right, sooner than later.

We Must Take a Stand!

Look at California, in July the governor banned SINGING and chanting activities in church! Can you believe this? This completely goes AGAINST the word of God!

Check out these bible verses below about singing:

Psalms 95:1-2 - "O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation."

Colossians 3:16 - "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."

Psalms 147:1 - "Praise ye the LORD: for [it is] good to sing praises unto our God; for [it is] pleasant; [and] praise is comely."

James 5:13 - "Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms."

Side Note: Psalms are sacred songs or hymns. 

Praise be to God for the many bold and biblical pastors in California that took a stand against this and some even sued Governor Newsom over his discriminatory singing and chanting ban for churchgoers 👏👏👍👍👊👊👊. 

COVID-19 Church Cases

Yes, there may have been reports of churchgoers in some churches who did test positive, and some died but that will not be the case everywhere in every church. I am sure that these reports played a huge factor in churches being closed. However, look at the mass protests that took place all over our nation but no one said that these protesters couldn't chant or sing. Some protestors didn't even wear a mask😷. There was no social distancing. Yet, we didn't hear any backlash or ban about anything concerning slowing the spread while protesting. This is the bias the church faces, yet we say and do nothing. Instead, we are comfortable in staying home to watch virtual church where no one can hold us accountable in our relationship with Christ. We can worship how we want and when we want because no one is watching (except God, of course!) I pray that the church AKA  believers all over this nation will rise up and start assembling together. I pray our pastors will see the need and urgency for fellowship because people are losing faith and hope. While we are busying trying to "slow the spread", the enemy is slowly spreading out the sheep and many are scattering and no one is noticing (sigh!😣😢) God help us!

Be Blessed,

S.Harris