Fwd: A Note from the Pastor
Judith L. Tuttle
From: Chris Thomas <pastor...@hotmail.com>
Date: Sat, Mar 21, 2020 at 5:24 PM
Subject: A Note from the Pastor
To: Judy Tutttle <judithl...@gmail.com>
Hi Judy, please forward this note to the GCBC mailing list.
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Dear friends,
These last week and a half have been a different season for all of us. We find ourselves in an unprecedented and unpredictable time as a community. No amount of schooling or training could ever expect to prepare us for a time such as this. I have spent the last week in Indianapolis for my final week of formal education in master’s studies. The week was spent hunkered down in the apartment in which we stayed and in the class room in which we studied. I did my best to avoid the public. We have all heard the term “social distancing” in these last few weeks. I have practiced it as “religiously” as possible. The board of elders were faced with a difficult choice. It was difficult because we love our coming together to worship but we also love the people that we have been given charge over. Our concern for them is not just spiritual but physical, emotional, and mental. With that being said, we have made the decision to not have service for the next two Sundays (March 22 and March 29). However, services are being carried out online. For those who do not have access to our live stream, we can make available the messages on DVDs. If you would like to receive the message on a DVD, feel free to contact Pastor Chris.
As a pastor, I believe that the decision made is the right one. I would like to outline the reasons below.
- In Matthew 4, we read the story of the temptation of Jesus. In the second approach of the devil to Jesus, we read the following:
Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” (Matthew 4:5-7)
The implications of Jesus here is to be wise, be smart, don’t do anything foolish. In times such as this, we must be smart.
- In Matthew 22:35-40, a Jewish lawyer approaches Jesus and asks Him what is the greatest commandment. Jesus quoting from Deuteronomy, said, “And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” He then qualifies this with a quote from Leviticus stating that this commandment is just as important as the first and that is to love your neighbor. I have spoken to people deeply involved in the medical profession and first responders. One of the great dangers of this virus is that people can be carriers of the virus and not even know it. That is why “social distancing” and the avoidance of larger public gatherings are strongly urged. Not everyone has the immune system capable of combating the symptoms of the virus. In fact, we are seeing the global ramifications of this virus. To put others at risk for the sake of coming together is not doing a good job of loving our neighbor.
- Now, I would like to turn our attention to the government. No matter what your feelings to the government may be, the Bible is clear. I want to turn our attention to Romans 13:
Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. (Romans 13:1-4)
Paul’s point here is that the government, according to God’s primary purpose for them, is to protect us. As Christian’s we must have the behavior of respect for their duty to protect us as citizens. The decision we made was not just for the sake of the people that we serve in our community but also in obedience to God’s Word and respect for the government of this great country in which we live.
As I stated before, the decision was not an easy one but I truly believe it is the right one. There is one other reason but I am trying to keep this letter as brief as possible. Although we are not meeting in person as a community of worshippers for the next two Sundays, ministry goes on. We will continue to use the avenue of technology to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all who are willing to hear. One of the important elements of biblical worship is giving and this act of worship is going to look a bit different in this short season. We give because God is the ultimate giver. You can submit your giving to:
Gove Community Bible Church
c/o finance secretary
PO Box 126 Gove, KS 67736
Finally, I have been strongly urged to be in self-quarantine due to my travel in the last 10 days. I have decided to follow that advice. It has already proven difficult since I have been away from my own family and must do due diligence to maintain a 6-foot radius from them. However, I will do my best to do ministry with the assistance of others during this very different time.
God bless each one of you. I pray daily for you. Feel free to message or email your requests so that I can maintain praying for you, for that is the #1 way I can fight for you during this time.
Sincerely,
Chris Thomas, pastor
Gove Community Bible Church