At the risk of stating the obvious, we live in troubled times. Christians and especially those in ministry should understand that for the last few decades we have had it fairly easy compared to those who came before.
Jesus warned that we would have trouble or tribulation:
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33
Now is not the time to lose heart but rather, now is the time to look at how we can best obey the Lord in reaching this world for Christ while obeying the authorities placed over us.
When I read of church leaders being arrested for holding church services, my natural aversion to government is activated.
There should be concern for religious liberty even during a time of emergency such as this.
Of course, we want to obey the command in Hebrews to not forsake the gathering of ourselves, while balancing the instruction of Romans 13 to submit to the governing authorities and the use of quarantine in Leviticus 13.
Pastors should always look to the health and safety of their respective flocks and recall that the Lord provides for the needs of His people.
We live in an amazing age where we can meet for bible study on the internet but we can also use older technology to meet just a little bit closer without violating the social distancing orders issued by governors and mayors.
Last week, I was reading several articles proposing ideas that churches could try for Resurrection Sunday. One idea really appealed to me, using a legal low power FM transmitter to hold parking lot services where people tuned in on the car radio.
The great thing about this idea, as you can imagine, is that people can still see one another without violating the social distance directives.
So, I started searching for a solution for our church. With the help of Kevin at the New Mexico Baptist Convention, I found a transmitter for just under $60! I didn’t think it would arrive until after Easter but the Lord moved it along and it arrived today!
I will test it out tonight and verify how far along the parking lot it will broadcast but I believe this is a good solution in this difficult environment.
This will be one of many ways we can reach people for Jesus. Already, we have people joining us on Zoom from outside Magdalena and the state. The Lord will use these times in great and mighty ways.
We should not allow the pandemic to stop the Great Commission but look for opportunities to be overcomers.
