Church Defied Coronavirus Order

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Mayflower

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Hi yall! So I have been off for awhile, because prego has been resting and watching what she is looking at. But I'm at home more now since the preschool has a lot less children then we usually do, so I thought I would hop back on here, and have been lurking. I hope everyone is doing okay!

Anyway, I read this interesting article tonight on a church that defied orders and had church service with hundreds and wondered yalls thoughts about it. Both churches I like attending have gone online for awhile, and it was a great blessing today! But part of me believes that God would care for His congregation if they assembled as a group. I do not pretend to know how God works. And I believe Christians are not immune to sickness. Look at Job. God allowed that hedge of protection to be removed in his case. But if this starts becoming a new "normal", I don't think online counts in the long run. We are not to forsake the assembly of the saints! We definitely need each other. I think it is wise to adhere to our leaders and be safe. But at the same time, this can easily become an excuse to stop assembly all together. I trust God in this situation, but was just curious of what y'all thought about it. I love all the different types of thinkers on here from all walks of faith!!!!

Police show up at Louisiana church that was defying coronavirus state order
 

Base12

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In my humble opinion, I believe they were setting a bad example.

They were motivated by Pride and not by the Holy Ghost.

While the rest of us were doing our part to keep disease from spreading, they were doing the opposite.

It was a very selfish act of defiance in a time where Law Enforcement resources could have been better utilized.

In addition, the more folks do this, the more the Government will have to react in a negative manner... like enabling forms of Martial Law.

As the the old saying goes... one bad apple can spoil the whole bunch. They are going to ruin it for the rest of us.

Please note that Christians are not being 'singled out' for unfair persecution. That would be a different matter entirely.

Scripture is clear about keeping those that have infectious disease SEPARATE. They obviously weren't following God's Word.
 

Giuliano

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I think people should remember that a lot of the problems in South Korea were the result of a church which held a funeral for the brother of its leader.

S Korea religious leader faces coronavirus probe

The leader of a religious sect in South Korea will be investigated over some of the country's coronavirus deaths.

The city government of the capital Seoul has asked prosecutors to charge Lee Man-hee, the founder of the Shincheonji Church, and 11 others.

They are accused of hiding the names of some members as officials tried to track patients before the virus spread.

South Korea is battling the worst coronavirus outbreak outside China.

The country has reported 3,730 cases and 21 deaths so far. More than half of all infections involve members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, a fringe Christian group.

Authorities say Shincheonji members infected one another in the southern city of Daegu last month, before fanning out around the country.


A second church thought saltwater would kill the virus. The way they used the salt water spread the virus.

Coronavirus cluster in South Korea emerges at church after salt water spray infects dozens: health official

A new cluster of coronavirus has emerged at a church in South Korea after members used a saltwater spray -- which they believed prevented the spread of the virus -- but used the same spray bottle on members without properly disinfecting the nozzle, health officials acknowledged Monday.

Officials in the city of Seongnam, located in the Gyeonggi Province south of Seoul, said 40 additional members of the River of Grace Community Church have tested positive for COVID-19 after six members, including the pastor and his wife, were confirmed in the past week to have the virus.

All of those infected may have attended the same service on March 8, according to the Yonhap News Agency.
 

historyb

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My Bishop said use Christians should set the example. I was thinking that Christ scarified His life for us, is it so hard to make a small sacrifice? This is the season of Lent and traditionally in Lent we give something up, this Lent we have to stay in to help others and Christians always should try to help others. After reading the article they guys a nut and does not care about his flock.
 
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amadeus

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While I believe we should always follow the lead of the Holy Spirit, that lead is not an arbitrary thing. If God wants people to physically meet together in direct opposition to civil law or recommendation, each of us should know that... not simply blindly follow a leader. That is, we should be hearing that from God for ourselves. Does not He speak to each of us or does He only speak to positioned ministers who then pass the word on to us?
 
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Mayflower

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While I believe we should always follow the lead of the Holy Spirit, that lead is not an arbitrary thing. If God wants people to physically meet together in direct opposition to civil law or recommendation, each of us should know that... not simply blindly follow a leader. That is, we should be hearing that from God for ourselves. Does not be speak to each of us or does He only speak to positioned ministers who then pass the word on to us?

I believe God will make it clear when He wants us to meet back physically. He has given us the Holy Spirit and He definitely helps with discernment and discretion. Wisdom is good to have! But I think if this goes on too long, I may be called to do at home studies where I invite a couple others over. About 4-6 of us in all coronavirus free. This is how churches used to be right? I think small groups provide so much intimacy in Bible study. But yes, we are adhering to our leaders and I am glad. I like articles like this that get me thinking though. Churches are not being targeted. And the body of Christ is not a building, but a body. I love to see how the congregations are united through this even while social distancing.
 

Jane_Doe22

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Hi yall! So I have been off for awhile, because prego has been resting and watching what she is looking at. But I'm at home more now since the preschool has a lot less children then we usually do, so I thought I would hop back on here, and have been lurking. I hope everyone is doing okay!

Anyway, I read this interesting article tonight on a church that defied orders and had church service with hundreds and wondered yalls thoughts about it. Both churches I like attending have gone online for awhile, and it was a great blessing today! But part of me believes that God would care for His congregation if they assembled as a group. I do not pretend to know how God works. And I believe Christians are not immune to sickness. Look at Job. God allowed that hedge of protection to be removed in his case. But if this starts becoming a new "normal", I don't think online counts in the long run. We are not to forsake the assembly of the saints! We definitely need each other. I think it is wise to adhere to our leaders and be safe. But at the same time, this can easily become an excuse to stop assembly all together. I trust God in this situation, but was just curious of what y'all thought about it. I love all the different types of thinkers on here from all walks of faith!!!!

Police show up at Louisiana church that was defying coronavirus state order
That's a prideful and horrible display. No one is asking you to keep worshipping the Lord. The health issue is real.

As to whatever happens long term: we'll cross that bridge when it comes, whatever it is. There will be saints supporting each other, it whatever form.
 

Paul Christensen

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Hi yall! So I have been off for awhile, because prego has been resting and watching what she is looking at. But I'm at home more now since the preschool has a lot less children then we usually do, so I thought I would hop back on here, and have been lurking. I hope everyone is doing okay!

Anyway, I read this interesting article tonight on a church that defied orders and had church service with hundreds and wondered yalls thoughts about it. Both churches I like attending have gone online for awhile, and it was a great blessing today! But part of me believes that God would care for His congregation if they assembled as a group. I do not pretend to know how God works. And I believe Christians are not immune to sickness. Look at Job. God allowed that hedge of protection to be removed in his case. But if this starts becoming a new "normal", I don't think online counts in the long run. We are not to forsake the assembly of the saints! We definitely need each other. I think it is wise to adhere to our leaders and be safe. But at the same time, this can easily become an excuse to stop assembly all together. I trust God in this situation, but was just curious of what y'all thought about it. I love all the different types of thinkers on here from all walks of faith!!!!

Police show up at Louisiana church that was defying coronavirus state order
That pastor should be arrested and locked up for breaking the law and putting his congregation at risk from the virus. If someone in his church contracts the virus and then infects someone outside of his church, that outside person would have grounds for litigation against that pastor for actions that put the outside person's life in danger.
 

marksman

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Did you hear about the young man who went out and bought himself a car? That is right. And the next day he went out and bought himself another car. And the next day he went out and bought himself another car. By the time he had bought half a dozen cars in six days, his neighbor noticed things.

The neighbour was talking over the fence to his father and asked what was going on with his son.

"Oh, nothing to worry about," said the father. "He went to see the doctor who had come across it before."

"What was the doctor's diagnosis?"

"Simple. He had a case of car owner virus. He will get over it in a few weeks."
 
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Mayflower

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Did you hear about the young man who went out and bought himself a car? That is right. And the next day he went out and bought himself another car. And the next day he went out and bought himself another car. By the time he had bought half a dozen cars in six days, his neighbor noticed things.

The neighbour was talking over the fence to his father and asked what was going on with his son.

"Oh, nothing to worry about," said the father. "He went to see the doctor who had come across it before."

"What was the doctor's diagnosis?"

"Simple. He had a case of car owner virus. He will get over it in a few weeks."

Lololol!!!! That cracks me up. Thanks for this. :)
 

Nancy

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Hi yall! So I have been off for awhile, because prego has been resting and watching what she is looking at. But I'm at home more now since the preschool has a lot less children then we usually do, so I thought I would hop back on here, and have been lurking. I hope everyone is doing okay!

Anyway, I read this interesting article tonight on a church that defied orders and had church service with hundreds and wondered yalls thoughts about it. Both churches I like attending have gone online for awhile, and it was a great blessing today! But part of me believes that God would care for His congregation if they assembled as a group. I do not pretend to know how God works. And I believe Christians are not immune to sickness. Look at Job. God allowed that hedge of protection to be removed in his case. But if this starts becoming a new "normal", I don't think online counts in the long run. We are not to forsake the assembly of the saints! We definitely need each other. I think it is wise to adhere to our leaders and be safe. But at the same time, this can easily become an excuse to stop assembly all together. I trust God in this situation, but was just curious of what y'all thought about it. I love all the different types of thinkers on here from all walks of faith!!!!

Police show up at Louisiana church that was defying coronavirus state order

Hi Mayflower,
You have good questions and observations. I too had thought of the "gathering together" in all of this and you are correct, the computer will not cut it. Could this be the beginning of the great falling away?
As far as that pastor who decided to allow hundreds to gather, I think he was being foolish and not thinking rationally, that is only my opinion. We need to have wisdom and discernment not just for spiritual things but for common sense decisions on this earth. I do hope all of this will pass. I do so miss my small group as well as services. When you gonna pop dat bouncing baby man! Lol...it will be a boy, yes? I don't even remember if you had your gender party ..lol.
 

101G

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While I believe we should always follow the lead of the Holy Spirit, that lead is not an arbitrary thing. If God wants people to physically meet together in direct opposition to civil law or recommendation, each of us should know that... not simply blindly follow a leader. That is, we should be hearing that from God for ourselves. Does not be speak to each of us or does He only speak to positioned ministers who then pass the word on to us?
First thanks for the reply, and yes, correct, for the Holy Ghost has answered this question,
Romans 13:1 "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Romans 13:2 "Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
Romans 13:3 "For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
Romans 13:4 "For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
Romans 13:5 "Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

1 Peter 2:13 "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;

1 Peter 2:14 "Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
1 Peter 2:15 "For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men".

so I agree with Base 12 also. for as christian we should be the first to obey in the perseverance of life.

as this virus is a killer, what the Government is trying doing is to save lives. anything opposite of life is DEATH.

PICJAG.
 

Dcopymope

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My opinion, if God specifically tells them to congregate, then do it, otherwise, they would be testing God, which we are not supposed to do. If the government has something to say about it, then maybe they can explain why they still haven't a clue of how "viruses" actually spread, otherwise, they can buzz off and bother someone else. If they still can't tell us how the 1918 Spanish Flue spread, then they have no business telling a church to not open its doors to its members over a "virus" that hasn't even killed a quarter of those the Swine Flu killed in under six months. There was no panic over the Swine Flu then, yet we are supposed to panic over this virus.
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Hidden In Him

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But if this starts becoming a new "normal", I don't think online counts in the long run. We are not to forsake the assembly of the saints! We definitely need each other. I think it is wise to adhere to our leaders and be safe. But at the same time, this can easily become an excuse to stop assembly all together. I trust God in this situation, but was just curious of what y'all thought about it. I love all the different types of thinkers on here from all walks of faith!!!!

Police show up at Louisiana church that was defying coronavirus state order

Hey, sister!

I think what Josho was posting about smaller Home churches becoming a trend is the right answer right now. My wife started working in the nursery at her church again, and they are insisting she be there next week. I am forbidding it. Even if only 50 are in the service, she would be locked up in a room together with 10-15 germ-carrying goobers, which would most certainly NOT be a safe place for a 60 year old woman to be.

About this guy's statements:
"The virus, we believe, is politically motivated,” Spell told WAFB. “We hold our religious rights dear and we are going to assemble no matter what someone says.” Spell said his church, which normally has more than 1,000 attendees on Sunday across five locations, will be distributing “anointed handkerchiefs” to provide members with “healing virtues.”

He'd better be able to back this up or he will be forever remembered for killing people. And by leading off with the statement that it is "politically motivated," he's not striking me as someone who is hearing from God so much as possibly hearing more from Fox News. Without wanting to down-mouth them too much, I think Fox has been somewhat irresponsible in telling people that for awhile now as well. It's possible that its creation was politically motivated, but that cat got out of the bag a long time ago. The motivation of governments throughout the world now is to save lives, and that pastor could be setting himself up for disaster, by potentially being categorized with those whose primary motivation is money (whether true or not).
 

Enoch111

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I think people should remember that a lot of the problems in South Korea were the result of a church which held a funeral for the brother of its leader.
Not a "church" but a cult. Big difference.

However, we need to be careful that COVID-19 does not become an excuse for governments to overreach, become high handed, and take away religious freedoms. China has already shown what a totalitarian government can do.
 

Paul Christensen

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Did you hear about the young man who went out and bought himself a car? That is right. And the next day he went out and bought himself another car. And the next day he went out and bought himself another car. By the time he had bought half a dozen cars in six days, his neighbor noticed things.

The neighbour was talking over the fence to his father and asked what was going on with his son.

"Oh, nothing to worry about," said the father. "He went to see the doctor who had come across it before."

"What was the doctor's diagnosis?"

"Simple. He had a case of car owner virus. He will get over it in a few weeks."

I love it! :p:p
 
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Giuliano

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Not a "church" but a cult. Big difference.
Some evangelical ministers strike me as leaders of cults with their slavish adoration of Donald Trump.
However, we need to be careful that COVID-19 does not become an excuse for governments to overreach, become high handed, and take away religious freedoms. China has already shown what a totalitarian government can do.
Bush and Obama both undermined religious freedom in my opinion, and Trump is too. All three sought to "buy" the favor of religious leaders by giving them money and special favors. We have lost track of what an "independent church" is when so many religious leaders, eager to keep the federal dollars flowing to them, flatter the President, campaign for him, and excuse their shortcomings.

Hitler bought the Lutherans and Catholics in Germany by promising to keep the money flowing to them. He bought their silence. We haven't reached that point yet here in America; but I think it's time for churches to start being independent of federal dollars.

Churches and especially their schools are now so dependent on the government for their funding, they can be manipulated by politicians. You say Trump isn't doing that? Oh, what if a Democrat gets elected and threatens to cut off the money? You see there is more than one way for government to undermine religion: One way is to use violence, the other is to seduce them using money and favors.
 

Mayflower

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Some evangelical ministers strike me as leaders of cults with their slavish adoration of Donald Trump.
Bush and Obama both undermined religious freedom in my opinion, and Trump is too. All three sought to "buy" the favor of religious leaders by giving them money and special favors. We have lost track of what an "independent church" is when so many religious leaders, eager to keep the federal dollars flowing to them, flatter the President, campaign for him, and excuse their shortcomings.

Hitler bought the Lutherans and Catholics in Germany by promising to keep the money flowing to them. He bought their silence. We haven't reached that point yet here in America; but I think it's time for churches to start being independent of federal dollars.

Churches and especially their schools are now so dependent on the government for their funding, they can be manipulated by politicians. You say Trump isn't doing that? Oh, what if a Democrat gets elected and threatens to cut off the money? You see there is more than one way for government to undermine religion: One way is to use violence, the other is to seduce them using money and favors.

So tired of President Trump being brought into conversations to be attacked when the conversation isn't even about him. People are dying from this virus and people just want to point fingers and blame people. Our president is working very hard to help this country. People just need to shut their mouths about it. I don't want to be crude, but just sick of the Trump bashing.