CANCELING CHURCH AS USUAL-- PART 3 (WALKING THROUGH GOD'S OPEN DOOR)

     'I know your deeds.  See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.  
      I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my Word and have not denied 
      my name.'  (Revelation 3:8, NIV)

The purpose of this blog, to be clear, is to encourage churches within jurisdictions where churches still have choice, to shut down all on-campus activities until it is determined that it is safe and responsible to return to fully normal church operations.  As a physician and a Lead Pastor, I have no doubt that this is the safe, smart and completely Scripturally-sound approach is the world stares-down a global pandemic.

God has given us insight, wisdom, sound judgement and common sense.  His Word is clear that it is acceptable and expected to heed the advice of those in positions of authority.  There is no doubt that the church is not the building, but the church is the 'body' of 'called-out' Believers that make up the discipleship.  And we are blessed to be Believers in an age where our creativity can be buoyed by technology in order to allow us to faithfully and boldly proclaim His Gospel.  

The COVID-19 pandemic is providing our churches and ministries with opportunities to re-think and re-tool our efforts and to make course-corrections that will optimize our effectiveness.  Though the doors of the physical church are closed, our constant connection to God and our obedient receptiveness to the movement of the Holy Spirit opens doors in our ministries that give us access to impact beyond  our human imagination.

As we continue to navigate this challenging journey through this pandemic season, let us remember the undeniable power and capacity of our God and let us be fueled by the truth that there is nothing that our God can't confront and defeat.

Reverend Christopher T Conti, MD is the Lead Pastor of Emmanuel Pittsburgh, and a licensed emergency medicine physician, author and Christian life coach.

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