Ministers of Jesus Christ Church

Date: March 22, 2020

To all the Saints of God,

During this Coronavirus Pandemic, remember the second great commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves. We are following the guideline of the health and governmental authorities for the safety of all people. We have complete faith that God will hear our prayers and continue to provide a way for us through these uncertain times. Please focus on the royal law and love our neighbors whether they are poor or rich. Read James 2:1 – 9 and focus on verses 8 and 9 for this week’s encouraging words of growth.

JAMES 2:08 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:

JAMES 2:09 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

For those who are worrying about forsaking the assembling of yourselves, please remember love and good works

HEBREWS 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

HEBREWS 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

HEBREWS 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

We hope to begin assembly of 10 or less Saints with the proper personal protective equipment as recommended by the health authorities when they can be purchased from the stores. Most item are presently sold out.

As I guided you in the text messages sent to all the local Saints in the canceling of services in obedience to the government and health authorities, I am sending to you the recommendations of David K. Bernard Superintendent of the United Pentecostal Church who has also complied with the authorities for the health of all people until we can assemble again in a way to prevent or slow the spread of this virus.

1. Trust God and Pray. Move from fear to faith, from panic to peace. Replace worry with prayer. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7, NKJV). Ask God to protect, to heal, and to supply both individual and church needs. In time of plague, pray for the salvation and healing of the nation (II Chronicles 7:13–14). Pray for the peace of the city (Jeremiah 29:7). Pray for civic leaders, that God will grant them wisdom to make good decisions for peace, security, and advancement of the gospel (I Timothy 2:1–4). One intercessor can make a difference, and a righteous minority can save a city (Genesis 18:17–32).

2. Respect Governmental Authority. (See Romans 13:1–7; I Peter 2:13–17.) Follow instructions of governmental and medical authorities in their areas of responsibility. Doing so is for our own benefit, for the benefit of society, and part of our Christian witness.

3. Use Wisdom. (See Colossians 4:5; James 1:5; 3:13.) Protect ourselves and our fellow citizens by following recommended practices for hygiene, health, and safety. Don’t test God by unnecessarily putting ourselves or others in harm’s way. (See Matthew 4:5–7; Mark 16:18.) Unfortunately, a large church in Korea caused much of the initial outbreak of coronavirus there, for which its leader apologized publicly.

4. Continue the Church’s Mission and Function. Preach, teach, worship together, have fellowship, and support the church financially. (See Acts 2:42–47.)

The Bible teaches us to obey God rather than humans (Acts 5:29). While we are supposed to obey government, we must continue to proclaim the gospel even when the government forbids it.

Thus, we must not only take precautions for our own sake but for the sake of others. We must also consider our Christian witness; we don’t want to be responsible for spreading sickness and death in our community. There could be legal liability for doing so. We are our brother’s keeper.

In the short term, we can take all reasonable precautions and follow the directions of our government without harming the mission of the church. If everyone follows the best medical advice, we hope to get through this crisis in a relatively short time. By following this advice, we are not compromising the Word of God but doing what is best for both the church and the community.

Remember always, we cancel services for storms when we see that it will be a danger to the Saints to assemble.

Apostle Dennis G. Smith