And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 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. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
When Jesus asked His disciples who people said He was, Peter answered, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Of Peter’s confession, Jesus answered, “Upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). The purpose of gates is to keep out invaders. Therefore, by implication, Jesus portrayed the Church charging the Gates of Hell.
However, that is not the image of the Church we see today. Instead, the Church is fragmented into its individual pieces all cowering in their private shelters fearful of a virus that infects a very low percentage of the population and kills even fewer. The “bread of life” is broken up into crumbs and scattered in hidden places. For now, the Gates of Hell are safe!
I have written on this topic before,[1] [2] so rehashing past articles serves little purpose. However, the Word bears repeating. “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29, emphasis mine). “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 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” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Churches that have shut their doors, mine included, are operating in the “spirit of fear”[3] regardless of the “reasons” given for their capitulation to unlawful edicts and decrees. It is time for the pastors of these cowering churches to grow a backbone, stand up against these unlawful authorities, and reopen the doors of the churches, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7, emphasis mine).
Watch and listen to this preacher, ex-Muslim, and fugitive from Iran. He says it better than I can. You may want to start viewing the YouTube video at minute 32:40.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDpVUCOmXjk
Notes:
[1] “The Right to Assemble” – https://erniecarrasco.com/2020/06/14/the-right-to-assemble/
[2] “Higher Powers” – https://erniecarrasco.com/2020/07/19/higher-powers/
[3] “Living in Fear” – https://erniecarrasco.com/2020/06/28/living-in-fear/
Ernie's Musings 
Thank you Ernie,
Great message from the pastor on this subject and if you have time watch John MacArthur’s message last week.
It turns out he didn’t ask people to come come back to church. They just showed up. No mask (actually I saw three) sitting side by side.
Thank you for challenging us Ernie.
Earl
Thank you Ernie,
Great message from the pastor on this subject and if you have time watch John MacArthur’s message last week.
It turns out he didn’t ask people to come come back to church. They just showed up. No mask (actually I saw three) sitting side by side.
Thank you Ernie.
Earl
I have mixed feelings about this. We are having church, but with precautions. Yet, within the last two weeks we have had 3 members die of Covid-19. I am 76 and in Florida. It is a hard choice.Our services are also recorded for viewing within an hour of the service. The Lord knows my heart whether I go or stay home.
I agree with you. I feel that most people have the common sense to take the appropriate measures to protect themselves, but we shouldn’t close the doors of the church. Considering the statistics, chances are very low for catching the virus and even lower for dying from it. At threescore and ten, I am in the high-risk category, but I am still strong and healthy and I am not worried about it. However, that is not the case for everyone, so use common sense, but don’t close the church.
We are open with measures in place. Stay healthy and safe.