Is it Safe to Attend Church?

Is it safe not to attend church?

Quite a lot is said about being safe these days. Instead of, “Have a good day,” I hear, “Stay safe,” as though I need to be reminded of all the dangers in my day.

I traveled to the Philippines, Israel, Germany, Zambia, and Zimbabwe on Christian mission trips. I can understand concerns for my safety in these instances, but not concern for just going about my daily activities. So, just pray if you’re concerned about safety. And my friends and family did pray for more than just my safety when I went on these trips. They also prayed that God’s mission and purpose would be accomplished through me and our team.

They lied to us. As I write this, “they” are still lying to us to convince us to live in fear of dying from a virus. Just shut yourself up in your home, close your business, and when you go anywhere wear a mask. Be afraid because that person who seems healthy could be carrying the germ that kills you.

What happened to,

“Fear not for the Lord your God is with you?”

I am speaking to Believers in Christ. Especially, I am speaking to those who have given up attending church out of fear. We should be standing unafraid and ready to minister care, concern, and words of encouragement to those around us. Instead I hear Believers catering to and even protecting those who state they are afraid. It sounds like this, “Of course I’ll wear a mask since you are afraid,” instead of “I’m not afraid. I will trust in God. You can too.”

In the Bible its says,  “fear not” 365 times.

Why are we allowing fear to force policies upon us that override our God given right that is protected through the US Constitution? We have the right to assemble and worship our God together. In communist countries Christians sneak around to meet in secret, even when doing so might result in imprisonment and even torture. How easily people give up their freedom these days!

No, it is not the same to just watch your church service on Zoom or another way. Look at the Scriptures that speak of gathering together:

“For where two or three come together in my name, I am there with them,” Jesus said in Matthew 18:20. There is a special blessing attached to gathering in His name. Jesus shows up. How good is that!

Let us be concerned for one another, to help one another to show love and to do good. Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer. Hebrews 10: 24-25. Meeting together needs to be a habit we don’t give up. Jesus is coming again. We prepare ourselves for His return together.

A long time ago my family that included three small children under five years moved from Southern California to northern Nevada for a job. We all camped out for a day or two in a VW bus at the Lahontan Reservoir near Fallon. On Sunday, I found a church in Fallon. I had a habit of going to church no matter where I was, so I took our children and attended. That morning I met a lovely older woman and we chatted. When she discovered we were sleeping in a VW bus, she invited us to spend the night in her home. I was surprised and very blessed. My habit of going to church, even when I knew no one there and expected nothing, resulted in a wonderful blessing.

What about obeying the authorities as taught in Romans 13:1?

When you read further to Romans 13:4, you’ll discover God’s Word tells us that the authorities are there to carry out God’s punishment on evil doers. The Bible clearly teaches that when you are forced to choose between obeying God or man, you should obey God over man. When the apostles Peter and John were told by the authorities to stop preaching in the name of Jesus, they responded by meeting with other believers after they were released. They prayed for more boldness to preach God’s message.   And they continued to preach God’s message of the gospel. See Acts 4:18-31.

Jesus fasted for forty days in the wilderness, so he was hungry. When the devil tempted Jesus to turn stones into bread, Jesus answered, “Human beings cannot live on bread alone, but need every word that God speaks.” Matthew 4:4.

The authorities said shopping for bread was essential, but assembling together to show love for one another and to hear God’s word is not.

Is it better to obey God or man?

I hope you will consider what I wrote and attend church. If you need a church, you are welcome to give us a call at 775 843-5072. We meet on Sundays at 10am.

Love and Blessings to you!