“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:18) I love this verse in the Bible! Although, I hear it quoted often from those who feel as if we must always do exactly what the government says! What I want to do is break this verse down and explain it to the best of my ability.

With this Corona Virus, there has been much controversary concerning governmental overreach. I will be the first to say that I believe that many government officials have most definitely have gone too far overboard in their overreach affecting churches, small business, and in our normal way of life. I will say that I am very thankful for the government officials who have adhered to the Constitution.

Is it possible to live peaceably? I believe that it is possible, but I also believe that there are times that we must stand our ground. Paul says here in scripture “If it be possible,” so I believe that it is possible. On the other hand, I also believe that sometimes it is not possible. The perfect illustration is going on right now in our nation concerning the church. We have tried our absolute best to comply and to follow this verse as best as possible, but some government officials are making it extremely hard and nearly impossible to live peaceably!

I know at our church we have, in my opinion, to the best of our ability followed the guidelines set forth. But now there has come a time that we must return back to normal as quickly as we can. Many Governors are overstepping the line when it comes to the church and the Constitution. Churches all over our nation have gone overboard in complying, but it is time to crank back up! 

I am thankful that we have won many battles in court regarding in-service church and we must return to our in-house services! I am not here to argue what we should have done or should not have done, but what I am saying is that it is time for us to get things cranked back up and as safely as we can for our church body!

“The First Amendment to the United States Constitution is a part of the United States Bill of Rights that protects freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly, freedom of the press, and right to petition”.

We have complied and we have done what was asked of us to flatten the curve. The curve has been flattened. I am not saying that we should not be careful. We should follow the guidelines as closely as we can to protect those who are the most vulnerable. I am simply stating that we must tell these tyrants that we the church are starting back! 

The Bible clearly says that the gates of hell shall not prevail. It is time for the church to return to soul-winning, running buses, Bible clubs, Sunday school, and our other programs to the best of our ability. We need to saturate our churches and ministries in prayer and come back to winning the lost and teaching those who have been born again. 

At Community Baptist we have started back our Sunday School, soul-winning, and we will kick off Bible clubs this Saturday. The Lord was good to us this past Sunday having two adults walk the aisle for salvation. With us being in this battle, another verse comes to my mind- for we will continue to have battles. 

Colossians 4:6- “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”

Whenever we are in this battle, we must ask God to help us with our words. In this fight I want to stand firm, but I also do not want to send innocent bystanders to hell. So, I pray and ask God to give me the words to use that are seasoned with salt! Even when I disagree with others, I can still use words that get my point across. 

Additionally, I do not want to destroy relationships or hurt those who I want to win for Christ. When this is all over, we will be still in our same cities. I pray that it does not take years to win back the trust of our community because of things we say or do! Furthermore, I believe that we can stand strong and firm as well as win these battles and keep a good testimony. 

For this reason, we at Community will do all we can do to comply and honor those whom honor is due! We have brought lunch to our police officers; we have brought lunch to doctors and nurses. We will also do more of these things as time goes along. 

I hope this simple article helps you to think. I am in no way trying to attack or correct anyone. Remember, in six months we will still be trying to reach our community with the Gospel. We can win and not be a jerk! 

Dan Carr