Great Grace Needed in Tribulation
All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. 1 Corinthians 6:12
HB 272 prohibits the government from closing churches and houses of worship was signed into law last year by Governor DeWine. Praise the Lord!
That said, churches and houses of worship are not one-size-fits-all scenarios. As each pastor and para ministry leader goes before the Lord to discern the way forward to lead the ministry entrusted to you, no doubt God equally extends grace to you. The body of Christ should do no less toward every pastor and para ministry leader. After all, God is judge for our good. It says so in 1 Corinthians 11:32: But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
Why do I bring this up? Well, because we are going through a time that we’ve never walked through in our lifetime, though it has been foretold. Right is being called wrong and wrong is being called right. And because God said He would separate the wheat from the tares. In this time, the Church (emphasis on the capital C), must be one/unified, which does not mean identical. Let us guard against judging non-identical approaches as dis-unity in the body. Remember, it’s the Adversary who’s the accuser of the brethren.
Rather, pastors and para church ministers must be one/unified in the Gospel truth. One/unified in the call to be salt and light in the earth standing for truth with courage, but without guile. One/unified in the truth that God is sovereign over all and in all. Being identical is not the requirement. Having identity with God is the requirement. Worshipping God in spirit and in truth is the requirement. Doing justly, loving mercy and walking humbly before God is the requirement.
As COVID continues to linger, God continues to be ever faithful to His Church. Faithful to perfect His own which may look like pruning in some instances or blossoming in others. Nevertheless, God is in control and “upon this rock,” the petra (Greek: metaphor. a man like a rock, by reason of his firmness and strength of soul) has He built His church and “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” So, soldier on men and women of God. Only trust God, lean not to your own understanding. Your decision may not be identical, but if He’s directing your path it will be one with Him.
SOGI: The sexual revolution and all of its implications
Two of the foremost Christian thinkers of the evangelical world, Dr. Andrew T. Walker and Dr. Carl Trueman, will discuss and consider how should pastors, and church, ministry and cultural leaders talk about, and address the attack on God’s design of male and female. How do we love our neighbor while still standing against harmful legislation and policies? This is a crucial conversation you we must have. Please spread the word about this webinar to other leaders and pastors.
Join the webinar
Tuesday, February 16 at 2:00 pm (ET)
Dr. Andrew T. Walker: Professor of Christian Ethics and Apologetics and Associate Dean at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, renowned speaker, and author of numerous books including God and the Transgender Debate.
Dr. Carl Trueman: One of the foremost Christian voices, accomplished church historian, professor of Biblical and Religious Studies at Grove City College and former professor at Westminster Theological Seminary, and author of over a dozen books including The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self.
Missed the Faith Friday Call? No worries! Listen below to the audio of last week’s Faith Friday call with State Representative Tim Ginter, author of The Good Citizen, Josh Hersherger, and Matt Sharp, attorney with Alliance Defending Freedom. The topic of discussion was Reckoning with Church and State.
Mark your calendar for Friday, March 5 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am for the next Faith Friday call for pastors and ministry leaders. We will talk with Bishop Patrick Wooden of Upper Room Church in Raleigh, NC about his audacity to “Speak the Gospel Truth from the pulpit on Life and Liberty in season and out.”
Pastors' Day at the Statehouse is an opportunity for pastors to gather at the Statehouse five times a year for prayer and praise, and to connect with state lawmakers.
Join us for the inaugural Pastors’ Day at the Statehouse on Thursday, February 25, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm!
AGENDA
10:00 am—Corporate worship led by Columbus Christian Center Praise Team
10:15 am—Greetings from CCV and General Assembly Members
10:25 am—Corporate prayer led by Pastors
10:45 am—10-minute keynote from Pastor David Forbes, Jr., Columbus Christian Center
11:00 am—Tour of the Statehouse and time with Legislators
Registration is required. Please note that attendance will be capped at 30.
Refreshments will be provided!
