Preaching Through the Gospel of John
The Lord has blessed us richly through the study and preaching of the Gospel of John. In April of 2014, I began preaching and teaching this book, and next Sunday, Lord willing, I am preaching on the 20th chapter of John, verses 21 through 23. They deal with the Great Commission, the imparting of the person of the Holy Spirit, and the forgiving of sins in Jesus’ name, all treating of special spiritual authority given by the Lord to His Apostles, the church of our Lord being and becoming the great administrator of God’s spiritual kingdom on the earth during this present time. The Apostle Paul reveals more about the institution of our Lord, the local church, in Ephesians chapters three and four and other scriptures as well.
How the Virus Threat Is Affecting Us
I missed preaching on the Gospel of John for almost three months of closure, beginning on the fourth Sunday of March, and continuing through the end of May, because of the threat of the Covid Virus prohibiting us to assemble. We now have good attendance and intense interest on the part of the hearers because the subject matter is all new to them. We have not forsaken the assembling of ourselves, but just delayed that action. I am not afraid of the virus, but many are afraid. I am concerned that many believers are becoming lazy and do not want to assemble and are using the virus as an excuse not to assemble. They can listen to a preacher on the internet and think that they are doing the right thing, but they are not assembling to carry out the Great Commission as our Lord commands. I am hoping to resume midweek services in September.
Inconsistencies
It is beyond my ability to understand how the policies and practices being forced upon us are consistent with human behavior during this pandemic, because they are not. Our churches are limited, but the night clubs and bars are permitted to conduct their wicked business without any restraints. Our schools are open now with virtual classrooms, but the sports teams are practicing and playing football together after school. Many other examples of inconsistency could be cited. What do we do about it? Prayer, obedience, and common sense among God’s people should prevail in our hearts, and the Lord will not fail us.
By His grace and in loving gratitude,
Tim and Roxanne Parrow