WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:00.560 Okay. 00:00:03.820 --> 00:00:04.459 Okay. 00:00:05.440 --> 00:00:09.320 It's hard to believe that we are in the ninth consecutive week 00:00:09.320 --> 00:00:13.280 of not meeting together in this building for worship. 00:00:14.500 --> 00:00:21.120 But Lord willing, we will be together next Sunday, May the 24th. 00:00:21.800 --> 00:00:23.260 We're going to have three services. 00:00:24.060 --> 00:00:28.400 Hopefully you already know that, that 8 o'clock at 9.30 and 11 a.m. 00:00:28.399 --> 00:00:33.679 Now, since we will be practicing social distancing, 00:00:34.500 --> 00:00:36.280 things will look a little different. 00:00:37.320 --> 00:00:42.140 But I think once we get together, everything will just feel right 00:00:42.140 --> 00:00:45.119 because we're back together as God's people, 00:00:45.820 --> 00:00:49.539 worshiping Him, praising Him, studying His Word together. 00:00:50.219 --> 00:00:51.379 It's going to be a great day. 00:00:51.799 --> 00:00:55.780 I think it'll be a real special day as we come back together 00:00:55.780 --> 00:00:57.239 after all this time apart. 00:00:57.240 --> 00:01:01.300 Now, as churches begin to regather, 00:01:02.320 --> 00:01:07.140 expect to hear and see things that are critical 00:01:07.140 --> 00:01:11.159 of the fact that we have not been meeting, 00:01:11.799 --> 00:01:17.359 that we've closed our doors in response to this COVID-19 pandemic. 00:01:18.020 --> 00:01:20.500 Some will criticize Christian leaders 00:01:20.500 --> 00:01:25.540 for not taking a stand against the government. 00:01:25.540 --> 00:01:31.320 Some are going to say all this is, is Christians have compromised. 00:01:32.080 --> 00:01:35.760 They've caved in to government overreach. 00:01:35.960 --> 00:01:38.360 In fact, some are already saying that. 00:01:39.100 --> 00:01:43.000 Well, I have refrained from addressing this issue 00:01:43.000 --> 00:01:45.840 throughout our time of being away. 00:01:45.840 --> 00:01:51.500 It's been my goal, my prayer, to bring messages from God's Word 00:01:51.500 --> 00:01:57.760 that comfort, that encourage, that give hope during this time. 00:01:58.760 --> 00:02:05.159 But today, our final time together online, 00:02:05.859 --> 00:02:09.039 away from publicly gathering together for worship. 00:02:09.039 --> 00:02:12.900 Today, I want us to look at three biblically-based reasons 00:02:12.900 --> 00:02:18.060 for why it was right for us to do what we've done 00:02:18.060 --> 00:02:23.219 and not be together as a way to combat the coronavirus. 00:02:23.899 --> 00:02:30.280 First, we have demonstrated love by stopping our large group gatherings. 00:02:30.819 --> 00:02:34.479 We have demonstrated love by not meeting together. 00:02:34.479 --> 00:02:36.879 Let me explain how that is. 00:02:37.259 --> 00:02:41.539 Most of you are familiar with the way Jesus responded to the question, 00:02:42.060 --> 00:02:44.019 what is the greatest commandment? 00:02:44.599 --> 00:02:48.959 It's recorded in Mark chapter 12 and in Matthew chapter 22. 00:02:49.479 --> 00:02:54.239 Look with me in Matthew 22 as we read this, beginning in verse 36. 00:02:54.240 --> 00:02:58.420 Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law? 00:02:59.500 --> 00:03:00.520 And he said to him, 00:03:00.980 --> 00:03:03.480 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart 00:03:03.480 --> 00:03:06.540 and with all your soul and with all your mind. 00:03:07.000 --> 00:03:10.120 This is the great and first commandment. 00:03:10.439 --> 00:03:11.840 And a second is like it. 00:03:12.140 --> 00:03:14.600 You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 00:03:15.200 --> 00:03:19.700 On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets. 00:03:20.800 --> 00:03:23.540 And note that Jesus was only asked one question. 00:03:24.319 --> 00:03:26.879 What's the greatest commandment in the law? 00:03:26.879 --> 00:03:31.180 Well, Jesus answered that question, but he continued. 00:03:31.560 --> 00:03:32.699 He did not stop. 00:03:33.019 --> 00:03:33.979 And he went on to say, 00:03:34.419 --> 00:03:36.259 And a second is like it. 00:03:36.620 --> 00:03:38.879 You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 00:03:39.379 --> 00:03:40.979 Jesus made it very clear. 00:03:42.239 --> 00:03:45.939 Our love for God cannot be separated from our love for people. 00:03:46.539 --> 00:03:51.819 If we love God, we must love people who have been created in his image. 00:03:51.819 --> 00:04:01.919 Now, Jesus further explained our responsibility to love our neighbor in Luke chapter 10 in the story of the Good Samaritan. 00:04:02.299 --> 00:04:04.239 Many of you are familiar with that story. 00:04:05.379 --> 00:04:09.659 Well, Jesus told it in response to the question, 00:04:10.560 --> 00:04:11.459 Who is my neighbor? 00:04:11.460 --> 00:04:17.360 The story of the Good Samaritan is Jesus' answer to that question. 00:04:18.199 --> 00:04:19.120 Here's the answer. 00:04:20.019 --> 00:04:25.759 Whoever God places in your path that has a need that you can meet, 00:04:26.379 --> 00:04:27.420 Well, that's your neighbor. 00:04:28.699 --> 00:04:31.800 That's who you are to love as yourself. 00:04:31.800 --> 00:04:36.840 Now, to love our neighbor as ourselves, let's just think about it practically. 00:04:37.620 --> 00:04:39.259 That means we seek the welfare. 00:04:40.540 --> 00:04:48.100 We seek the good of whoever God places in our lives to the best of our ability. 00:04:48.860 --> 00:04:51.060 Now, we can apply that in a lot of ways. 00:04:52.139 --> 00:04:54.660 It needs to be first applied at home. 00:04:55.319 --> 00:04:56.420 People we live with. 00:04:56.420 --> 00:05:01.000 Some of you know what it means to apply it with the people you work with, 00:05:01.060 --> 00:05:02.340 maybe the people in your neighborhood, 00:05:02.680 --> 00:05:09.120 or occasionally a stranger God brings into your life that you need to love as that good Samaritan did. 00:05:10.100 --> 00:05:18.980 But right now, let's apply the principle of love your neighbor as yourself to the coronavirus pandemic. 00:05:18.980 --> 00:05:27.660 Health care experts have found that one of the most effective ways for stopping the spread of this virus 00:05:27.660 --> 00:05:30.060 is to practice social distancing. 00:05:30.900 --> 00:05:42.620 That's why the CDC issued around mid-March a directive that called for the cancellation of any gathering over 50 people. 00:05:43.160 --> 00:05:46.020 And they said to do that for the next eight weeks. 00:05:46.019 --> 00:05:51.279 Well, you know that it wasn't long before they lowered that to 10 people. 00:05:52.079 --> 00:06:00.060 And in South Carolina, we have been told that we are to limit public gatherings to no more than three, 00:06:00.199 --> 00:06:02.180 or three are even prohibited. 00:06:03.299 --> 00:06:11.240 Now, the CDC's advisory resulted in the cancellation of virtually every large event, 00:06:11.240 --> 00:06:16.160 every large group gathering in our country, 00:06:17.220 --> 00:06:20.720 including all sports events. 00:06:21.939 --> 00:06:22.699 Now, think about that. 00:06:23.120 --> 00:06:25.840 That was huge in this country. 00:06:27.220 --> 00:06:31.000 And then it was followed by schools, restaurants, businesses. 00:06:31.000 --> 00:06:38.620 Churches were either ordered or advised to close for the same reason. 00:06:38.779 --> 00:06:45.160 All these other businesses, large group gatherings, sports, were shut down 00:06:45.160 --> 00:06:50.819 to stop the spread of the coronavirus and save lives. 00:06:52.279 --> 00:06:54.139 Loving our neighbor as ourselves, 00:06:54.139 --> 00:07:00.800 it means that we seek the welfare of the people around us. 00:07:01.659 --> 00:07:03.279 For the past two months, 00:07:04.180 --> 00:07:08.319 we have shown love by not meeting together 00:07:08.319 --> 00:07:12.659 to avoid exposing anyone to the coronavirus 00:07:12.659 --> 00:07:15.439 or spreading it. 00:07:15.439 --> 00:07:21.680 Now, everybody I know has at least in some way 00:07:21.680 --> 00:07:26.660 tried to avoid exposing themselves to this virus. 00:07:26.980 --> 00:07:30.379 I know I have, and I'm sure you have as well. 00:07:31.379 --> 00:07:32.439 Why have we done that? 00:07:33.480 --> 00:07:35.120 Well, in light of the second commandment, 00:07:35.199 --> 00:07:36.779 it's because we love ourselves. 00:07:37.420 --> 00:07:39.060 We take care of ourselves. 00:07:39.259 --> 00:07:41.819 And that's not being selfish or sinful. 00:07:41.819 --> 00:07:45.519 It's really just being human, isn't it? 00:07:46.139 --> 00:07:49.219 The reason Jesus said to love your neighbor as yourself 00:07:49.219 --> 00:07:53.279 is because we naturally love ourselves 00:07:53.279 --> 00:07:55.600 and take care of ourselves. 00:07:56.719 --> 00:08:00.500 If I go outside and cross the street, 00:08:01.039 --> 00:08:04.980 I'm going to stop and look to make sure no cars are coming. 00:08:05.639 --> 00:08:07.420 I'm going to take care of myself 00:08:07.420 --> 00:08:09.959 and not step out in front of a car. 00:08:09.959 --> 00:08:11.919 You do the same thing. 00:08:13.299 --> 00:08:15.979 You know, every year there is a rise 00:08:15.979 --> 00:08:18.379 in the number of flu cases around. 00:08:18.620 --> 00:08:21.199 Sometimes it's a large number of people 00:08:21.199 --> 00:08:22.879 coming down with the flu. 00:08:23.500 --> 00:08:25.519 Every year I take note of that. 00:08:25.979 --> 00:08:28.659 I try to avoid being around people who have the flu 00:08:28.659 --> 00:08:29.859 because I don't want to catch it. 00:08:30.599 --> 00:08:32.519 And I know most of you do the same thing. 00:08:33.559 --> 00:08:36.960 All normal people do things like that. 00:08:36.960 --> 00:08:42.200 It's a part of our God-given sense of self-preservation 00:08:42.200 --> 00:08:44.900 or self-love. 00:08:45.639 --> 00:08:50.259 Just as we try to avoid exposing ourselves 00:08:50.259 --> 00:08:52.700 to anything that would harm us, 00:08:53.440 --> 00:08:54.500 including the coronavirus, 00:08:55.800 --> 00:08:59.980 love should compel us to do the same thing for others. 00:09:00.340 --> 00:09:01.879 Just as we love ourselves, 00:09:02.200 --> 00:09:03.780 we look out for ourselves. 00:09:03.779 --> 00:09:07.079 So we should love others and look out for them. 00:09:08.000 --> 00:09:10.500 This is the reason why so many churches 00:09:10.500 --> 00:09:12.819 all across this country have voluntarily 00:09:12.819 --> 00:09:16.159 stopped meeting together publicly 00:09:16.159 --> 00:09:18.600 once it became known 00:09:18.600 --> 00:09:23.579 that it was best to avoid large public gatherings. 00:09:24.120 --> 00:09:24.959 Once it became known, 00:09:25.039 --> 00:09:26.759 that's one of the best ways to stop 00:09:26.759 --> 00:09:30.100 the spread of this terrible virus. 00:09:30.100 --> 00:09:33.720 Now, we here at Pickens First Baptist, 00:09:34.379 --> 00:09:37.360 we voluntarily chose to stop meeting 00:09:37.360 --> 00:09:40.100 the week of March the 15th 00:09:40.100 --> 00:09:43.159 when the governor closed our schools. 00:09:44.040 --> 00:09:45.540 My thinking was, 00:09:46.820 --> 00:09:48.740 children, that age group, 00:09:49.240 --> 00:09:51.240 is the least likely group 00:09:51.240 --> 00:09:54.920 to have complications from the coronavirus 00:09:54.920 --> 00:09:57.580 that are serious and life-threatening. 00:09:57.580 --> 00:10:03.200 Now, if DHEC says it's time to close schools 00:10:03.200 --> 00:10:04.259 because of the coronavirus, 00:10:05.540 --> 00:10:06.940 that said to me, 00:10:07.040 --> 00:10:10.480 it's time for us to stop gathering as a church. 00:10:11.400 --> 00:10:13.840 I also realized the last Sunday that we met, 00:10:14.200 --> 00:10:15.580 on March the 15th, 00:10:16.680 --> 00:10:18.620 as I was just looking around during the services, 00:10:19.759 --> 00:10:22.560 we had a lot of individuals sitting here 00:10:22.559 --> 00:10:29.679 who are in the CDC's at-risk group 00:10:29.679 --> 00:10:34.079 for developing life-threatening complications 00:10:34.079 --> 00:10:35.979 from this coronavirus. 00:10:37.059 --> 00:10:39.279 I realized, I thought about it that morning 00:10:39.279 --> 00:10:41.039 as we were going through the service, 00:10:42.039 --> 00:10:44.319 that if we had an outbreak of this 00:10:44.319 --> 00:10:46.799 among our church family, 00:10:46.799 --> 00:10:53.439 we very well could see some of our members die from it. 00:10:54.799 --> 00:10:57.299 And then that Monday, 00:10:58.479 --> 00:10:59.819 schools were canceled. 00:11:00.759 --> 00:11:03.859 I knew we must stop meeting. 00:11:04.419 --> 00:11:06.719 And every other leader in our church 00:11:06.719 --> 00:11:08.179 was in agreement. 00:11:08.179 --> 00:11:12.039 The first and most important reason 00:11:12.039 --> 00:11:14.159 why we've stopped meeting together 00:11:14.159 --> 00:11:16.899 in our large group gatherings on Sundays 00:11:16.899 --> 00:11:20.799 is because we love our neighbor as ourselves. 00:11:21.539 --> 00:11:23.399 It's been the right thing to do, 00:11:23.539 --> 00:11:24.959 the loving thing to do. 00:11:25.459 --> 00:11:26.519 That's not the only reason. 00:11:27.079 --> 00:11:27.919 Look at this. 00:11:28.579 --> 00:11:30.139 We have done our duty 00:11:30.139 --> 00:11:32.819 by stopping our large group gatherings. 00:11:33.459 --> 00:11:35.199 We have a God-given responsibility 00:11:35.199 --> 00:11:37.639 to obey government authority 00:11:37.639 --> 00:11:40.139 unless that authority requires us 00:11:40.139 --> 00:11:41.840 to sin against God. 00:11:42.779 --> 00:11:45.399 You know the passage from Romans chapter 13 00:11:45.399 --> 00:11:47.220 that stresses this. 00:11:47.580 --> 00:11:48.659 Look with me if you would. 00:11:49.019 --> 00:11:50.319 Romans chapter 13. 00:11:50.819 --> 00:11:53.220 The entire section is verses 1 through 7. 00:11:53.519 --> 00:11:55.659 Let's just read verses 1 through 4 right now. 00:11:56.460 --> 00:11:57.399 Paul writes, 00:11:57.399 --> 00:11:59.720 Let every person be subject 00:11:59.720 --> 00:12:01.080 to the governing authorities. 00:12:01.559 --> 00:12:03.860 For there is no authority except from God, 00:12:04.019 --> 00:12:07.000 and those that exist have been instituted by God. 00:12:07.000 --> 00:12:09.799 Therefore, whoever resists the authorities 00:12:09.799 --> 00:12:11.679 resists what God has appointed, 00:12:12.120 --> 00:12:15.480 and those who resist will incur judgment. 00:12:16.299 --> 00:12:19.059 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, 00:12:19.399 --> 00:12:20.419 but to bad. 00:12:21.080 --> 00:12:23.779 Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? 00:12:24.320 --> 00:12:25.679 Then do what is good, 00:12:26.019 --> 00:12:28.000 and you will receive his approval. 00:12:28.340 --> 00:12:31.559 For he is God's servant for your good. 00:12:31.559 --> 00:12:35.719 Now think about when Paul wrote that, 00:12:36.759 --> 00:12:39.899 what his government leaders were like. 00:12:40.979 --> 00:12:45.979 Paul wrote that living under the pagan Roman government. 00:12:46.839 --> 00:12:51.139 The emperor at that time was the brutal Nero. 00:12:51.139 --> 00:12:53.600 So obviously, 00:12:54.439 --> 00:12:55.980 Paul is not commending 00:12:55.980 --> 00:12:57.740 that government 00:12:57.740 --> 00:12:59.639 or that emperor. 00:13:00.419 --> 00:13:01.779 His point though 00:13:01.779 --> 00:13:05.340 is that God uses all kinds of government, 00:13:06.000 --> 00:13:08.980 all kinds of government leaders, 00:13:09.980 --> 00:13:12.019 even evil ones, 00:13:12.439 --> 00:13:14.299 to accomplish his purpose. 00:13:15.819 --> 00:13:17.299 Now I want to be real honest. 00:13:17.299 --> 00:13:20.500 I am like most Americans today 00:13:20.500 --> 00:13:23.019 in that I don't really trust our government. 00:13:23.740 --> 00:13:25.919 I'm not very trusting at all 00:13:25.919 --> 00:13:27.299 when it comes to thinking about 00:13:27.299 --> 00:13:30.159 our government right now. 00:13:30.699 --> 00:13:32.539 I agree wholeheartedly 00:13:32.539 --> 00:13:34.419 with my favorite president, 00:13:35.000 --> 00:13:35.819 Ronald Reagan, 00:13:36.240 --> 00:13:37.259 when he said, 00:13:37.679 --> 00:13:39.000 the most terrifying words 00:13:39.000 --> 00:13:40.379 in the English language are, 00:13:40.779 --> 00:13:41.919 I'm from the government, 00:13:42.399 --> 00:13:43.779 and I'm here to help. 00:13:43.779 --> 00:13:46.299 But the Bible is clear. 00:13:47.299 --> 00:13:48.539 God calls us 00:13:48.539 --> 00:13:51.419 to obey governmental authority 00:13:51.419 --> 00:13:53.000 whether we trust it or not. 00:13:53.919 --> 00:13:54.720 The exception, 00:13:54.980 --> 00:13:56.220 and this is obvious, 00:13:56.679 --> 00:13:58.019 the exception is that, 00:13:58.459 --> 00:14:00.439 is when that authority 00:14:00.439 --> 00:14:02.699 tries to force us 00:14:02.699 --> 00:14:04.379 to disobey God 00:14:04.379 --> 00:14:06.419 or sin against God. 00:14:06.779 --> 00:14:08.600 That happened to the early church leaders 00:14:08.600 --> 00:14:10.699 and they show us 00:14:10.699 --> 00:14:11.720 how we should respond 00:14:11.720 --> 00:14:12.519 when that happens. 00:14:12.519 --> 00:14:14.100 In Acts chapter 5, 00:14:14.179 --> 00:14:14.879 it says this, 00:14:15.439 --> 00:14:17.679 but Peter and the apostles answered, 00:14:18.500 --> 00:14:20.159 we must obey God 00:14:20.159 --> 00:14:21.539 rather than men. 00:14:22.799 --> 00:14:23.100 Now, 00:14:23.819 --> 00:14:25.079 our government 00:14:25.079 --> 00:14:26.939 and healthcare leaders 00:14:26.939 --> 00:14:28.740 have overall 00:14:28.740 --> 00:14:31.179 acted responsibly 00:14:31.179 --> 00:14:33.659 as God's servants 00:14:33.659 --> 00:14:35.079 for your good 00:14:35.079 --> 00:14:36.899 during this pandemic. 00:14:36.899 --> 00:14:38.799 They have tried 00:14:38.799 --> 00:14:39.639 to stop 00:14:39.639 --> 00:14:40.939 its spread 00:14:40.939 --> 00:14:43.259 by not allowing 00:14:43.259 --> 00:14:46.019 any large group gatherings 00:14:46.019 --> 00:14:46.899 nationwide. 00:14:49.059 --> 00:14:49.740 Churches 00:14:49.740 --> 00:14:51.120 and Christians 00:14:51.120 --> 00:14:53.159 have not been 00:14:53.159 --> 00:14:54.360 singled out. 00:14:55.720 --> 00:14:56.039 We, 00:14:56.279 --> 00:14:56.899 as individual Christians, 00:14:58.240 --> 00:14:59.759 as a church, 00:15:00.159 --> 00:15:01.659 we have not been targeted 00:15:01.659 --> 00:15:03.480 because of who we are 00:15:03.480 --> 00:15:04.539 or what we believe. 00:15:05.039 --> 00:15:05.720 Think about it. 00:15:05.720 --> 00:15:06.800 Christians 00:15:06.800 --> 00:15:08.220 have not been forbidden 00:15:08.220 --> 00:15:09.779 from practicing 00:15:09.779 --> 00:15:10.639 their faith. 00:15:11.660 --> 00:15:12.800 President Trump 00:15:12.800 --> 00:15:13.960 has issued 00:15:13.960 --> 00:15:14.740 at least 00:15:14.740 --> 00:15:15.460 two 00:15:15.460 --> 00:15:17.279 national days 00:15:17.279 --> 00:15:17.899 of prayer, 00:15:18.019 --> 00:15:18.660 you might say. 00:15:19.820 --> 00:15:20.180 Governor 00:15:20.180 --> 00:15:21.920 McMaster 00:15:21.920 --> 00:15:23.620 has begun 00:15:23.620 --> 00:15:24.779 most of his 00:15:24.779 --> 00:15:26.100 updates, 00:15:26.320 --> 00:15:27.980 his news conferences 00:15:27.980 --> 00:15:29.860 with a chaplain 00:15:29.860 --> 00:15:31.540 leading in prayer 00:15:31.540 --> 00:15:32.820 and many times 00:15:32.820 --> 00:15:33.860 ending his prayer 00:15:33.860 --> 00:15:35.139 in Jesus' name. 00:15:35.940 --> 00:15:36.500 That's something 00:15:36.500 --> 00:15:37.399 to be thankful for. 00:15:38.320 --> 00:15:38.940 Churches 00:15:38.940 --> 00:15:40.879 have not been forbidden 00:15:40.879 --> 00:15:42.740 to preach the gospel. 00:15:42.899 --> 00:15:43.879 To the contrary, 00:15:44.580 --> 00:15:45.440 churches have been 00:15:45.440 --> 00:15:45.980 encouraged 00:15:45.980 --> 00:15:47.600 by government leaders, 00:15:47.779 --> 00:15:48.080 government 00:15:48.080 --> 00:15:48.779 McMaster, 00:15:49.620 --> 00:15:50.620 President Trump 00:15:50.620 --> 00:15:51.220 and others. 00:15:51.800 --> 00:15:52.519 We have been 00:15:52.519 --> 00:15:53.399 encouraged 00:15:53.399 --> 00:15:56.200 to preach 00:15:56.200 --> 00:15:57.080 and teach, 00:15:57.440 --> 00:15:58.159 have your worship 00:15:58.159 --> 00:16:00.279 services online. 00:16:01.240 --> 00:16:01.919 WIFF. 00:16:03.120 --> 00:16:04.459 They posted 00:16:04.459 --> 00:16:05.839 on their website 00:16:05.839 --> 00:16:07.179 for several weeks 00:16:07.179 --> 00:16:08.740 a long list 00:16:08.740 --> 00:16:09.459 of churches 00:16:09.459 --> 00:16:12.240 and their websites 00:16:12.240 --> 00:16:13.699 where people 00:16:13.699 --> 00:16:14.319 could go 00:16:14.319 --> 00:16:14.939 and watch 00:16:14.939 --> 00:16:15.980 a worship service 00:16:15.980 --> 00:16:17.019 on Sunday 00:16:17.019 --> 00:16:18.059 or any other day. 00:16:18.620 --> 00:16:20.299 That was commendable 00:16:20.299 --> 00:16:21.600 of WIFF. 00:16:21.600 --> 00:16:21.860 WIFF. 00:16:22.860 --> 00:16:23.740 Think about this. 00:16:24.519 --> 00:16:25.139 Local 00:16:25.139 --> 00:16:27.300 church 00:16:27.300 --> 00:16:28.500 Bible teaching, 00:16:29.300 --> 00:16:30.320 local church 00:16:30.320 --> 00:16:31.159 preaching 00:16:31.159 --> 00:16:32.659 has been more 00:16:32.659 --> 00:16:34.040 widely available 00:16:34.040 --> 00:16:35.379 through the internet 00:16:35.379 --> 00:16:36.980 during this crisis 00:16:36.980 --> 00:16:38.860 than ever before. 00:16:40.180 --> 00:16:41.320 That's something 00:16:41.320 --> 00:16:41.960 that we need 00:16:41.960 --> 00:16:42.340 to just 00:16:42.340 --> 00:16:43.779 thank God for 00:16:43.779 --> 00:16:44.960 and thank 00:16:44.960 --> 00:16:45.480 the government 00:16:45.480 --> 00:16:46.700 leaders that we have 00:16:46.700 --> 00:16:48.139 who have done this. 00:16:48.779 --> 00:16:49.100 Now, 00:16:49.740 --> 00:16:50.960 I am well aware 00:16:50.960 --> 00:16:52.259 that there are 00:16:52.259 --> 00:16:53.440 liberal Democrat 00:16:53.440 --> 00:16:54.980 governors and mayors 00:16:54.980 --> 00:16:56.540 around this country 00:16:56.540 --> 00:16:58.100 that have done 00:16:58.100 --> 00:16:58.800 their best 00:16:58.800 --> 00:16:59.759 to prevent 00:16:59.759 --> 00:17:00.620 churches 00:17:00.620 --> 00:17:02.780 from doing 00:17:02.780 --> 00:17:04.019 what they lawfully 00:17:04.019 --> 00:17:04.840 should have done 00:17:04.840 --> 00:17:05.720 like having 00:17:05.720 --> 00:17:07.319 drive-in services. 00:17:08.259 --> 00:17:09.400 The liberal 00:17:09.400 --> 00:17:10.480 Democrat 00:17:10.480 --> 00:17:11.600 governor of Illinois 00:17:11.600 --> 00:17:12.819 right now 00:17:12.819 --> 00:17:14.700 is not allowing 00:17:14.700 --> 00:17:15.240 churches 00:17:15.240 --> 00:17:16.420 to reopen 00:17:16.420 --> 00:17:18.259 unless they 00:17:18.259 --> 00:17:19.579 limit the size 00:17:19.579 --> 00:17:20.299 of their crowd 00:17:20.299 --> 00:17:21.240 to 50 00:17:21.240 --> 00:17:22.440 or less. 00:17:23.279 --> 00:17:23.680 I'm sure 00:17:23.680 --> 00:17:24.099 there are 00:17:24.099 --> 00:17:25.039 other mayors 00:17:25.039 --> 00:17:25.720 and leaders 00:17:25.720 --> 00:17:27.279 doing something 00:17:27.279 --> 00:17:27.879 similar 00:17:27.879 --> 00:17:28.960 right now. 00:17:29.960 --> 00:17:31.339 But so far, 00:17:31.399 --> 00:17:32.019 let's be honest, 00:17:32.379 --> 00:17:33.299 so far, 00:17:34.079 --> 00:17:35.180 these actions 00:17:35.180 --> 00:17:35.659 have been 00:17:35.659 --> 00:17:36.599 the exception, 00:17:37.519 --> 00:17:38.960 not the rule. 00:17:39.899 --> 00:17:41.519 And President Trump's 00:17:41.519 --> 00:17:42.759 Justice Department, 00:17:43.759 --> 00:17:44.619 under the leadership 00:17:44.619 --> 00:17:46.279 of Attorney General Barr, 00:17:46.279 --> 00:17:48.379 they have come 00:17:48.379 --> 00:17:49.259 to the defense 00:17:49.259 --> 00:17:50.200 of these churches. 00:17:51.539 --> 00:17:52.680 They have stepped 00:17:52.680 --> 00:17:53.339 up and said, 00:17:53.599 --> 00:17:54.379 this is not right, 00:17:54.480 --> 00:17:55.039 this is not going 00:17:55.039 --> 00:17:55.660 to be allowed. 00:17:56.440 --> 00:17:57.819 They have defended 00:17:57.819 --> 00:17:59.859 our First Amendment 00:17:59.859 --> 00:18:00.799 rights 00:18:00.799 --> 00:18:03.180 to freely exercise 00:18:03.180 --> 00:18:04.319 our faith. 00:18:05.319 --> 00:18:06.359 Those are leaders 00:18:06.359 --> 00:18:06.960 that we need 00:18:06.960 --> 00:18:07.519 to commend, 00:18:07.619 --> 00:18:08.200 we need to call 00:18:08.200 --> 00:18:08.960 attention to, 00:18:09.299 --> 00:18:10.460 we need to support, 00:18:11.160 --> 00:18:12.279 we need to pray for 00:18:12.279 --> 00:18:13.460 and thank God for. 00:18:13.460 --> 00:18:15.900 We must always 00:18:15.900 --> 00:18:16.860 be on guard 00:18:16.860 --> 00:18:19.240 against government 00:18:19.240 --> 00:18:20.860 overreach. 00:18:21.860 --> 00:18:23.000 We must always 00:18:23.000 --> 00:18:23.799 be on guard 00:18:23.799 --> 00:18:25.039 against the government 00:18:25.039 --> 00:18:26.500 intrusion led by 00:18:26.500 --> 00:18:27.960 today's liberal 00:18:27.960 --> 00:18:29.039 and socialist 00:18:29.039 --> 00:18:30.140 Democrats 00:18:30.140 --> 00:18:31.240 in Congress 00:18:31.240 --> 00:18:33.120 and liberal 00:18:33.120 --> 00:18:33.740 activist 00:18:33.740 --> 00:18:34.519 judges. 00:18:35.920 --> 00:18:36.819 Always, 00:18:37.039 --> 00:18:37.539 we've got to guard 00:18:37.539 --> 00:18:38.180 against this. 00:18:38.180 --> 00:18:39.960 But in dealing 00:18:39.960 --> 00:18:40.720 with this 00:18:40.720 --> 00:18:41.620 pandemic, 00:18:42.620 --> 00:18:44.500 we as a church, 00:18:44.860 --> 00:18:45.480 along with 00:18:45.480 --> 00:18:46.840 thousands of churches 00:18:46.840 --> 00:18:47.720 across the country, 00:18:48.240 --> 00:18:49.320 we have done 00:18:49.320 --> 00:18:50.460 our duty 00:18:50.460 --> 00:18:52.200 by complying 00:18:52.200 --> 00:18:53.620 with our government's 00:18:54.299 --> 00:18:55.620 right call 00:18:55.620 --> 00:18:57.000 to stop 00:18:57.000 --> 00:18:58.340 all large group 00:18:58.340 --> 00:18:59.140 gatherings 00:18:59.140 --> 00:19:00.779 for a time 00:19:00.779 --> 00:19:02.840 to try to stop 00:19:02.840 --> 00:19:03.480 the spread 00:19:03.480 --> 00:19:04.680 of this deadly 00:19:04.680 --> 00:19:05.620 virus. 00:19:05.619 --> 00:19:07.879 Now that states 00:19:07.879 --> 00:19:09.119 are beginning 00:19:09.119 --> 00:19:09.739 to ease 00:19:09.739 --> 00:19:10.399 restrictions 00:19:10.399 --> 00:19:11.859 and allow 00:19:11.859 --> 00:19:12.879 larger groups 00:19:12.879 --> 00:19:13.479 to meet, 00:19:14.159 --> 00:19:14.619 businesses 00:19:14.619 --> 00:19:15.519 to open, 00:19:16.339 --> 00:19:17.259 it's right 00:19:17.259 --> 00:19:18.019 for churches 00:19:18.019 --> 00:19:18.779 to be among 00:19:18.779 --> 00:19:19.559 the first 00:19:19.559 --> 00:19:20.879 to resume. 00:19:22.159 --> 00:19:23.319 But churches, 00:19:24.000 --> 00:19:25.179 we must be 00:19:25.179 --> 00:19:25.819 responsible. 00:19:26.739 --> 00:19:27.419 We must do 00:19:27.419 --> 00:19:28.699 this as safely 00:19:28.699 --> 00:19:29.839 and as wisely 00:19:29.839 --> 00:19:30.739 as we can. 00:19:31.459 --> 00:19:32.099 Now we have 00:19:32.099 --> 00:19:32.819 a plan here 00:19:32.819 --> 00:19:33.259 at Pickens 00:19:33.259 --> 00:19:33.839 for how we're 00:19:33.839 --> 00:19:34.659 going to resume. 00:19:34.660 --> 00:19:36.060 A lot of the 00:19:36.060 --> 00:19:37.000 details have been 00:19:37.000 --> 00:19:38.180 explained in a letter 00:19:38.180 --> 00:19:39.220 that went out 00:19:39.220 --> 00:19:39.700 to the church 00:19:39.700 --> 00:19:40.220 this week 00:19:40.220 --> 00:19:41.019 from Gil Stewart 00:19:41.019 --> 00:19:41.680 and me. 00:19:42.560 --> 00:19:43.500 There's information 00:19:43.500 --> 00:19:44.259 in this week 00:19:44.259 --> 00:19:45.100 and last week's 00:19:45.100 --> 00:19:45.680 newsletter. 00:19:46.580 --> 00:19:47.240 I want to encourage 00:19:47.240 --> 00:19:47.820 you to read 00:19:47.820 --> 00:19:48.680 this information. 00:19:49.519 --> 00:19:50.279 Be prepared 00:19:50.279 --> 00:19:51.320 to come 00:19:51.320 --> 00:19:52.400 next Sunday. 00:19:53.060 --> 00:19:54.100 Let's do church 00:19:54.100 --> 00:19:54.660 together 00:19:54.660 --> 00:19:57.000 in a safe way, 00:19:57.540 --> 00:19:58.980 in an orderly way, 00:19:59.660 --> 00:20:01.779 but in a good way 00:20:01.779 --> 00:20:02.340 that helps us 00:20:02.340 --> 00:20:03.220 worship the Lord. 00:20:03.220 --> 00:20:04.940 Now there's 00:20:04.940 --> 00:20:05.680 a third reason 00:20:05.680 --> 00:20:06.079 that I want 00:20:06.079 --> 00:20:06.539 to quickly 00:20:06.539 --> 00:20:07.259 point out 00:20:07.259 --> 00:20:08.079 that explains 00:20:08.079 --> 00:20:08.660 why we haven't 00:20:08.660 --> 00:20:09.220 met for public 00:20:09.220 --> 00:20:10.120 worship for nine 00:20:10.120 --> 00:20:10.380 weeks. 00:20:10.500 --> 00:20:11.059 Look at this. 00:20:11.779 --> 00:20:12.380 We have shown 00:20:12.380 --> 00:20:14.240 wisdom by stopping 00:20:14.240 --> 00:20:15.240 our large group 00:20:15.240 --> 00:20:15.920 gatherings. 00:20:17.120 --> 00:20:17.259 You know, 00:20:17.279 --> 00:20:17.640 some people 00:20:17.640 --> 00:20:18.420 refer to the 00:20:18.420 --> 00:20:19.319 book of Proverbs 00:20:19.319 --> 00:20:20.180 as a manual 00:20:20.180 --> 00:20:21.140 on wisdom 00:20:21.140 --> 00:20:22.180 and it certainly 00:20:22.180 --> 00:20:22.779 is. 00:20:23.900 --> 00:20:24.920 Among the things 00:20:24.920 --> 00:20:26.279 that it emphasizes 00:20:26.279 --> 00:20:27.160 about wisdom, 00:20:27.720 --> 00:20:28.539 it emphasizes the 00:20:28.539 --> 00:20:29.120 importance of 00:20:29.120 --> 00:20:30.220 listening to people 00:20:30.220 --> 00:20:31.180 who are wise 00:20:31.180 --> 00:20:31.900 and knowledgeable. 00:20:31.900 --> 00:20:33.120 For an example, 00:20:33.380 --> 00:20:33.840 look at this 00:20:33.840 --> 00:20:35.060 from Proverbs 23. 00:20:35.799 --> 00:20:36.779 Apply your heart 00:20:36.779 --> 00:20:37.640 to instruction 00:20:37.640 --> 00:20:38.880 and your ear 00:20:38.880 --> 00:20:40.140 to words of 00:20:40.140 --> 00:20:40.840 knowledge. 00:20:42.120 --> 00:20:42.400 You know, 00:20:42.440 --> 00:20:42.920 there's a lot 00:20:42.920 --> 00:20:43.560 that scientists 00:20:43.560 --> 00:20:44.279 and healthcare 00:20:44.279 --> 00:20:45.440 professionals do 00:20:45.440 --> 00:20:46.299 not know 00:20:46.299 --> 00:20:47.500 about the 00:20:47.500 --> 00:20:47.940 coronavirus. 00:20:49.299 --> 00:20:50.400 But there are 00:20:50.400 --> 00:20:51.620 things they do 00:20:51.620 --> 00:20:53.200 know and we 00:20:53.200 --> 00:20:53.840 need to listen 00:20:53.840 --> 00:20:55.060 to them about 00:20:55.060 --> 00:20:55.920 those things. 00:20:56.360 --> 00:20:57.279 They know that 00:20:57.279 --> 00:20:57.840 the coronavirus 00:20:57.839 --> 00:20:59.359 is highly 00:20:59.359 --> 00:21:00.139 contagious 00:21:00.139 --> 00:21:01.859 and that it 00:21:01.859 --> 00:21:02.500 is potentially 00:21:02.500 --> 00:21:03.939 fatal to anyone 00:21:03.939 --> 00:21:05.279 but especially 00:21:05.279 --> 00:21:06.879 senior adults 00:21:06.879 --> 00:21:08.480 and people 00:21:08.480 --> 00:21:09.619 with underlying 00:21:09.619 --> 00:21:11.480 health problems. 00:21:12.559 --> 00:21:13.179 They know 00:21:13.179 --> 00:21:14.579 that avoiding 00:21:14.579 --> 00:21:15.539 large group 00:21:15.539 --> 00:21:16.199 gatherings 00:21:16.199 --> 00:21:17.000 and practicing 00:21:17.000 --> 00:21:18.399 social distancing 00:21:18.399 --> 00:21:19.659 is an effective 00:21:19.659 --> 00:21:21.899 way to deal 00:21:21.899 --> 00:21:22.379 with it, 00:21:22.799 --> 00:21:23.579 to prevent 00:21:23.579 --> 00:21:24.519 it spread. 00:21:24.519 --> 00:21:25.879 therefore, 00:21:26.240 --> 00:21:27.579 I have no 00:21:27.579 --> 00:21:28.099 doubt 00:21:28.099 --> 00:21:29.660 that we have 00:21:29.660 --> 00:21:31.000 acted wisely 00:21:31.000 --> 00:21:32.579 in not having 00:21:32.579 --> 00:21:33.480 public services 00:21:33.480 --> 00:21:34.299 over these past 00:21:34.299 --> 00:21:34.839 few weeks, 00:21:34.980 --> 00:21:36.119 not having 00:21:36.119 --> 00:21:37.059 large group 00:21:37.059 --> 00:21:37.680 gatherings 00:21:37.680 --> 00:21:38.259 along with 00:21:38.259 --> 00:21:39.500 everyone else 00:21:39.500 --> 00:21:40.279 in our country. 00:21:41.240 --> 00:21:42.299 It's not what 00:21:42.299 --> 00:21:43.220 we wanted to do 00:21:43.220 --> 00:21:44.460 but it was a 00:21:44.460 --> 00:21:45.619 wise thing 00:21:45.619 --> 00:21:46.079 to do. 00:21:46.079 --> 00:21:47.939 You know, 00:21:48.019 --> 00:21:48.879 we have joined 00:21:48.879 --> 00:21:49.779 with other 00:21:49.779 --> 00:21:50.299 churches 00:21:50.299 --> 00:21:51.519 voluntarily 00:21:51.519 --> 00:21:52.599 throughout our 00:21:52.599 --> 00:21:52.960 country 00:21:52.960 --> 00:21:54.559 to comply 00:21:54.559 --> 00:21:55.859 with our 00:21:55.859 --> 00:21:56.299 government 00:21:56.299 --> 00:21:56.679 and health 00:21:56.679 --> 00:21:57.339 care leaders 00:21:57.339 --> 00:21:58.379 directives 00:21:58.379 --> 00:21:59.859 in order to 00:21:59.859 --> 00:22:00.599 try to protect 00:22:00.599 --> 00:22:01.379 lives, 00:22:01.919 --> 00:22:02.639 in order to 00:22:02.639 --> 00:22:03.519 try to save 00:22:03.519 --> 00:22:04.319 lives. 00:22:05.480 --> 00:22:06.439 We've done that 00:22:06.439 --> 00:22:07.000 for the benefit 00:22:07.000 --> 00:22:07.839 of our church 00:22:07.839 --> 00:22:09.279 family and those 00:22:09.279 --> 00:22:09.740 we come in 00:22:09.740 --> 00:22:10.339 contact with 00:22:10.339 --> 00:22:11.240 outside this 00:22:11.240 --> 00:22:11.619 building. 00:22:12.619 --> 00:22:13.240 But more 00:22:13.240 --> 00:22:13.899 than that, 00:22:14.460 --> 00:22:15.339 we have sought 00:22:15.339 --> 00:22:15.959 to fulfill 00:22:15.959 --> 00:22:17.599 our God-given 00:22:17.599 --> 00:22:18.480 responsibility 00:22:18.480 --> 00:22:19.839 to love our 00:22:19.839 --> 00:22:20.399 neighbor as 00:22:20.399 --> 00:22:21.000 ourself, 00:22:21.539 --> 00:22:22.240 to fulfill 00:22:22.240 --> 00:22:23.119 our Christian 00:22:23.119 --> 00:22:23.980 duty of 00:22:23.980 --> 00:22:26.319 obeying proper 00:22:26.319 --> 00:22:27.599 governmental 00:22:27.599 --> 00:22:28.379 authority 00:22:28.379 --> 00:22:30.159 and we have 00:22:30.159 --> 00:22:31.980 acted wisely 00:22:31.980 --> 00:22:32.919 to the best 00:22:32.919 --> 00:22:33.599 of our ability. 00:22:34.599 --> 00:22:34.879 Now, 00:22:35.579 --> 00:22:36.139 the coronavirus 00:22:36.139 --> 00:22:37.359 is still a 00:22:37.359 --> 00:22:38.480 serious threat 00:22:38.480 --> 00:22:40.559 but we can't 00:22:40.559 --> 00:22:41.379 stop living 00:22:41.379 --> 00:22:42.099 life 00:22:42.099 --> 00:22:44.019 because it's 00:22:44.019 --> 00:22:44.459 present. 00:22:45.339 --> 00:22:46.299 Some liberals 00:22:46.299 --> 00:22:47.339 and socialists 00:22:47.339 --> 00:22:49.619 appear not to 00:22:49.619 --> 00:22:50.779 even care about 00:22:50.779 --> 00:22:51.659 destroying our 00:22:51.659 --> 00:22:53.419 economy and 00:22:53.419 --> 00:22:54.539 our nation. 00:22:55.539 --> 00:22:56.699 But wise 00:22:56.699 --> 00:22:58.259 leaders do 00:22:58.259 --> 00:23:00.559 care and 00:23:00.559 --> 00:23:01.419 they are 00:23:01.419 --> 00:23:02.819 leading us 00:23:02.819 --> 00:23:03.559 to start 00:23:03.559 --> 00:23:05.099 rebuilding 00:23:05.099 --> 00:23:07.279 and reopening 00:23:07.279 --> 00:23:08.759 and for 00:23:08.759 --> 00:23:09.959 churches to 00:23:09.959 --> 00:23:10.679 regather. 00:23:12.599 --> 00:23:13.419 Wise leaders 00:23:13.419 --> 00:23:14.119 are telling us 00:23:14.119 --> 00:23:14.439 we've got to 00:23:14.439 --> 00:23:14.979 be very, 00:23:15.119 --> 00:23:15.939 very careful. 00:23:16.899 --> 00:23:17.379 We've got to 00:23:17.379 --> 00:23:17.719 do this 00:23:17.719 --> 00:23:18.279 slowly. 00:23:18.679 --> 00:23:18.979 We've got to 00:23:18.979 --> 00:23:19.419 do this in 00:23:19.419 --> 00:23:20.079 steps. 00:23:20.839 --> 00:23:21.599 We've got to 00:23:21.599 --> 00:23:23.199 protect lives 00:23:23.199 --> 00:23:24.979 as we 00:23:24.979 --> 00:23:26.419 reopen the 00:23:26.419 --> 00:23:26.839 country. 00:23:28.119 --> 00:23:28.799 We're going 00:23:28.799 --> 00:23:29.279 to do our 00:23:29.279 --> 00:23:30.979 best as we 00:23:30.979 --> 00:23:32.179 regather next 00:23:32.179 --> 00:23:33.039 Sunday morning 00:23:33.039 --> 00:23:34.539 to be as 00:23:34.539 --> 00:23:35.879 careful and as 00:23:35.879 --> 00:23:36.859 safe as we 00:23:36.859 --> 00:23:37.859 possibly can. 00:23:38.359 --> 00:23:38.819 But I want to 00:23:38.819 --> 00:23:39.500 make this clear. 00:23:39.500 --> 00:23:41.339 we cannot 00:23:41.339 --> 00:23:43.019 provide a 00:23:43.019 --> 00:23:44.039 germ-free 00:23:44.039 --> 00:23:45.220 environment. 00:23:46.019 --> 00:23:46.519 It will not 00:23:46.519 --> 00:23:47.779 be a germ-free 00:23:47.779 --> 00:23:48.759 building when 00:23:48.759 --> 00:23:49.440 you come on 00:23:49.440 --> 00:23:49.859 Sunday. 00:23:50.500 --> 00:23:50.839 Therefore, 00:23:51.779 --> 00:23:52.779 if you are in 00:23:52.779 --> 00:23:53.880 the at-risk 00:23:53.880 --> 00:23:54.779 group for 00:23:54.779 --> 00:23:55.359 developing 00:23:55.359 --> 00:23:56.380 serious 00:23:56.380 --> 00:23:57.240 complications 00:23:57.240 --> 00:23:58.319 from the 00:23:58.319 --> 00:23:58.759 coronavirus, 00:23:59.839 --> 00:24:00.440 I want to 00:24:00.440 --> 00:24:01.099 encourage you to 00:24:01.099 --> 00:24:01.859 prayerfully and 00:24:01.859 --> 00:24:03.180 carefully evaluate 00:24:03.180 --> 00:24:04.859 whether or not 00:24:04.859 --> 00:24:06.119 you should come 00:24:06.119 --> 00:24:07.160 back to church 00:24:07.160 --> 00:24:08.540 right now. 00:24:09.480 --> 00:24:09.940 I think you 00:24:09.940 --> 00:24:10.180 ought to be 00:24:10.180 --> 00:24:11.000 very careful 00:24:11.000 --> 00:24:13.380 about going 00:24:13.380 --> 00:24:14.180 out in public 00:24:14.180 --> 00:24:14.740 and just going 00:24:14.740 --> 00:24:15.500 about your life 00:24:15.500 --> 00:24:16.460 as you used to 00:24:16.460 --> 00:24:17.980 right now. 00:24:19.440 --> 00:24:20.560 Know this for 00:24:20.560 --> 00:24:20.860 sure. 00:24:21.440 --> 00:24:22.580 You will not be 00:24:22.580 --> 00:24:23.320 sinning against 00:24:23.320 --> 00:24:24.259 God if you wait 00:24:24.259 --> 00:24:25.120 a while longer 00:24:25.120 --> 00:24:26.180 to come back to 00:24:26.180 --> 00:24:26.640 church. 00:24:27.779 --> 00:24:29.019 You will not be 00:24:29.019 --> 00:24:29.620 doing anything 00:24:29.620 --> 00:24:31.580 wrong or cowardly 00:24:31.580 --> 00:24:32.740 if you don't just 00:24:32.740 --> 00:24:33.960 get out and about 00:24:33.960 --> 00:24:34.680 and pretend that 00:24:34.680 --> 00:24:35.560 all is well. 00:24:35.559 --> 00:24:38.799 But for all who 00:24:38.799 --> 00:24:39.740 are planning to 00:24:39.740 --> 00:24:41.940 come, please 00:24:41.940 --> 00:24:43.559 practice social 00:24:43.559 --> 00:24:44.440 distancing and 00:24:44.440 --> 00:24:45.240 follow directions 00:24:45.240 --> 00:24:45.960 next Sunday. 00:24:46.619 --> 00:24:47.700 We're trying to 00:24:47.700 --> 00:24:48.500 make our building 00:24:48.500 --> 00:24:50.019 as safe as 00:24:50.019 --> 00:24:51.740 possible for 00:24:51.740 --> 00:24:52.720 all of us. 00:24:53.539 --> 00:24:54.220 But once we 00:24:54.220 --> 00:24:55.000 get here next 00:24:55.000 --> 00:24:57.099 Sunday, once we 00:24:57.099 --> 00:24:58.859 get here and 00:24:58.859 --> 00:25:00.359 get focused 00:25:00.359 --> 00:25:02.619 together, let's 00:25:02.619 --> 00:25:03.299 forget about the 00:25:03.299 --> 00:25:04.980 coronavirus, the 00:25:04.980 --> 00:25:06.079 pandemic and all 00:25:06.079 --> 00:25:06.519 this. 00:25:07.380 --> 00:25:08.319 Let's worship the 00:25:08.319 --> 00:25:10.079 Lord wholeheartedly 00:25:10.079 --> 00:25:11.920 together as the 00:25:11.920 --> 00:25:12.420 Pickens First 00:25:12.420 --> 00:25:13.220 Baptist family. 00:25:13.920 --> 00:25:14.620 I'm looking 00:25:14.620 --> 00:25:15.460 forward to it. 00:25:15.799 --> 00:25:16.420 I'm looking 00:25:16.420 --> 00:25:17.420 forward to seeing 00:25:17.420 --> 00:25:17.920 you. 00:25:19.259 --> 00:25:21.660 I hope if it's 00:25:21.660 --> 00:25:22.700 wise for you to 00:25:22.700 --> 00:25:24.140 get out, I hope 00:25:24.140 --> 00:25:25.680 to see you next 00:25:25.680 --> 00:25:26.420 Sunday morning, 00:25:26.880 --> 00:25:27.620 either at 8, 00:25:27.720 --> 00:25:30.460 9, 30 or 11 as 00:25:30.460 --> 00:25:31.779 we join together 00:25:31.779 --> 00:25:33.240 to worship and 00:25:33.240 --> 00:25:34.480 praise our great 00:25:34.480 --> 00:25:35.000 God. 00:25:35.840 --> 00:25:36.900 Let's pray together 00:25:36.900 --> 00:25:37.220 now. 00:25:37.799 --> 00:25:38.240 Father, 00:25:39.240 --> 00:25:42.059 Father, we pray 00:25:42.059 --> 00:25:42.960 that as we come 00:25:42.960 --> 00:25:44.900 together next 00:25:44.900 --> 00:25:45.600 Sunday morning, 00:25:45.600 --> 00:25:47.900 that you will help 00:25:47.900 --> 00:25:48.960 us to truly 00:25:48.960 --> 00:25:52.779 enjoy being in your 00:25:52.779 --> 00:25:55.460 presence, being with 00:25:55.460 --> 00:25:58.400 one another, and 00:25:58.400 --> 00:25:59.539 being the people of 00:25:59.539 --> 00:26:00.819 God at worship. 00:26:02.319 --> 00:26:03.299 Lord, we pray that 00:26:03.299 --> 00:26:03.900 you will keep us 00:26:03.900 --> 00:26:04.319 safe. 00:26:05.860 --> 00:26:06.880 We pray, Father, 00:26:06.940 --> 00:26:07.559 that you will 00:26:07.559 --> 00:26:09.799 enable us to act 00:26:09.799 --> 00:26:11.079 wisely and 00:26:11.079 --> 00:26:11.960 responsibly. 00:26:12.240 --> 00:26:12.960 We pray that for 00:26:12.960 --> 00:26:13.900 all churches. 00:26:15.720 --> 00:26:16.480 And Lord, we pray 00:26:16.480 --> 00:26:18.759 that throughout our 00:26:18.759 --> 00:26:21.360 country, as more and 00:26:21.359 --> 00:26:22.199 more businesses 00:26:22.199 --> 00:26:24.699 open, that you'll 00:26:24.699 --> 00:26:25.479 keep us safe. 00:26:26.399 --> 00:26:27.279 We pray, Father, 00:26:27.339 --> 00:26:28.179 that we will not 00:26:28.179 --> 00:26:31.559 see a big jump in 00:26:31.559 --> 00:26:32.439 the number of 00:26:32.439 --> 00:26:33.899 coronavirus cases. 00:26:35.179 --> 00:26:36.259 Lord, bring it to 00:26:36.259 --> 00:26:37.199 an end, we pray. 00:26:38.459 --> 00:26:39.479 And help us to 00:26:39.479 --> 00:26:41.679 restart our country. 00:26:42.719 --> 00:26:43.919 Help us to reopen 00:26:43.919 --> 00:26:44.679 businesses. 00:26:45.639 --> 00:26:46.139 And help us, 00:26:46.479 --> 00:26:47.619 Father, to 00:26:47.619 --> 00:26:49.000 regather as your 00:26:49.000 --> 00:26:49.479 people. 00:26:51.359 --> 00:26:51.939 And help us, 00:26:52.119 --> 00:26:53.059 Father, to live as 00:26:53.059 --> 00:26:53.679 your people. 00:26:55.119 --> 00:26:55.939 Loving you, 00:26:57.359 --> 00:26:58.219 loving others, 00:26:59.219 --> 00:27:00.299 in the best 00:27:00.299 --> 00:27:01.159 possible way. 00:27:02.219 --> 00:27:02.959 And it's in Jesus' 00:27:03.119 --> 00:27:03.819 name we pray. 00:27:04.679 --> 00:27:05.000 Amen.