As many of you have heard, the government has initiated a social distancing strategy to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Our state and local authorities have issued a statement that there should not be social or planned event gatherings of more than 50 people. The CDC has even recommended that there would not be gatherings larger than 10 individuals.
We want to share 3 things with you: what will Kingdom Church be doing, why that decision was made, and how a believer should respond in this season.
What:
For the next three weekends, March 21st, 28th and April 4th, Kingdom Church will be having online services only at 6:00PM while encouraging gatherings of people in homes to stream the service, stay connected, and to encounter God across the region. This will allow us to continue to experience community together, worship together, and to pray for one another in a way that honors the leadership of our local authorities. God can move powerfully in your home.
Why:
We came to this decision out of honor, not out of fear. While every person should make it common practice to regularly wash their hands and practice healthy hygiene, as followers of Jesus, our response to any sickness or disease is never to run from it and give fear influence in our lives.
That being said, Romans 13 instructs us to submit to and honor our governing authorities. Americans have a level of religious freedom that not every other nation in the world is privileged to enjoy. It’s important to note that the government is not targeting religion but is speaking to all of society in an effort to get ahead of something that has destructive potential. We are thankful for that and choose to honor their leadership and will soon be back to our normal gatherings. We actually believe this is an act of faith. Our faith is placed in God and trusting that he has placed governing authorities over us during this time to make tough decisions for our nation, state, and city. We think it’s important to note that our governing authorities are making these decisions out of a heart that wants to help people. We choose to honor their heart and their suggestions.
How Believers Should Respond:
Stay in faith! Pray in the spirit, rebuke things, take authority over things, command sickness to leave your house, declare Psalm 91 over your household that no plague will come near your home. Get the word of God inside your spirit and declare it. We are at an advantage, we have the blood of Jesus, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the word of God. Sickness is a tool of the enemy to destroy lives, hurt families, and sow fear into society. God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. We are a people of faith, hope, and love who have been marked by the blood of Jesus.
Stay connected to other Christians. If you haven’t heard from someone in a while, particularly the elderly, give them a call and check in on one another. With vulnerable people, make sure we are preferring them. Let’s not just hoard for ourselves but instead apply the book of Acts’ commonality and let us work to provide for anyone who lacks - especially in food, toilet paper, etc. It’s a crazy season, but it’s a time for the church to shine in generosity and love by serving the vulnerable.
If you financially support your local church or missionaries, don’t stop! Ministries and missionaries around the world who have been faithful laborers in the harvest field are temporarily having to change the expressions of how they minister, evangelize, disciple, and equip. Help them in your continued support.
Take communion and take it as often as you can. When you do you are partaking of the strength of the resurrected Jesus. Break bread and drink of the vine. It is absolutely supernatural. The blood of Jesus is more powerful than hand sanitizer, it’s more powerful than any soap, and it is more powerful than Lysol. It cleanses us from all unrighteousness and has the power to break every sickness and disease.
Pray for the government, health officials, healthcare providers, and everyone directly involved in decision making processes and treatment. These individuals need wisdom, peace, and support.
Share hope and peace with the few people you do come in contact with. Family members, coworkers, and neighbors all need Peace that surpasses all understanding.
If there is anything you need please let us know.
In love,
Kingdom Church Leadership Team