To comply with our government’s request and play our part in preventing the further spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Richland Baptist Church has suspended all of our regularly scheduled Sunday and Wednesday services until further notice, but we are having Sunday morning outdoor worship services at 10:40. We are keeping up with government directives and reevaluating the situation weekly. In the meantime, please join us on our YouTube channel for daily videos and our Sunday morning messages.
This pandemic is unlike anything our world has ever faced because of the ease of air travel and how rapidly it is spreading. We need to take this seriously and truly consider what is best for our church family, our community, and the world (for the glory of God).
Our president and our governor are asking that no groups larger than 10 people gather. Some might argue, “The government can’t tell us what to do.” Indeed, God is our ultimate authority. His Word is our guide, not the government. But, His Word does tell us to obey the government (i.e. Romans 13, which was written to Christians living under the tyranny of the Roman Emperor Nero).
Granted, we also know from God’s Word that we obey no one who asks us to disobey God. So, we have to determine right now – is the government asking us to disobey God? We do not believe so. Now, if they were using this pandemic to try to oppress churches, our response would have to be different. But, they are telling all groups over 10 to stop meeting for now to help prevent the further spread of COVID-19. This is not an attack on any group or cause, but is rather an effort to save lives.
Some might say then, “Well, we are commanded by God to gather regularly for fellowship and worship, so obeying the government’s directives here would cause us to disobey God.” Again, we would disagree with that in the same way that we would tell someone who has the flu or some other contagious disease – do not attend church services until you are well. That is the wise thing to do and the best way you can love your neighbor as yourself. That is not disobeying the Word of God. That is being wise and loving.
All experts across the board agree that the CDC’s recommendations should be followed right now. We hope and pray this gets under control much faster than is being predicted. Join us in praying for a miracle! Of course, let us continue to pray for God’s wisdom and direction, too, as we seek to not only make wise, God-honoring decisions, but also as we seek to love and serve one another and our community. To God be the glory!
