I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

 I am writing to you in reference to Governor Northam’s executive order 63 that requires the wearing of face masks inside of our church. First, I want to ask you to  forgive your Pastor for not leading this flock as I should.  I fell under heavy conviction yesterday as I read Phil   Johnston’s blog, “What is a Christians duty to unjust government?”

http://teampyro.blogspot.com/ Someone tweeted their disproval of Grace Community Church (John MacArthur’s church) for not opening up for service this past Sunday because the 9th circuit court ruled 2-1 that the Governor could keep the Churches in California closed. This          individual tweeted the following, “The state does not   determine the worship of Christ. An unjust law need not be followed.”  Phil Johnston wrote, “I’m appalled at how many people who profess to believe Scripture echo that sentiment.” After reading the entire blog I went before our Lord and asked for forgiveness for my prideful heart, attitude and my failure to lead this flock. As a minster of the Gospel of Jesus Christ I am called to lay down my life for you the sheep. Often the moment that I feel my rights as a citizen are infringed upon, I want to wrap myself in the flag and wave the constitution in front of anyone who would deny me “my” freedoms.

We live in the freest nation this world has ever seen. We enjoy the comforts and leisure that freedom brings, and I thank God for His grace and mercy on us as a nation. However, we must remember that those who profess Christ as Savior are first and foremost called to live a life in submission to God. When we were outside of the faith we were slaves to sin, but now we are slaves to righteousness (Romans 6:16). A person who does not know Christ thinks they are free, but in fact they are in a bondage that will drag them into the pit of Hell. The Christian recognizes that since they have been set free from sin, they have now become slaves of righteousness.

As Christians, we are called to be light and salt in a lost and dying world. How can we be light and salt if we respond the way the world does when told to do something we don’t like? Phil Johnson wrote the following in his blog:

“Nero was emperor when Paul wrote Romans 13:1-7: ‘Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that   exist have been instituted by God…’ First Peter 2:13 was written to people suffering unjustly. (‘Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him…’) Peter goes on to say: ‘Be subject . . . also to the   unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly’ (vv. 18-19). Indeed, “to this [unjust suffering] you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an      example, so that you might follow in his steps.” (v. 21).

When someone in authority over us treats us unjustly, the example we are to follow was set for us by Christ, who simply ‘continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly’ (v. 23). The only exception to this principle is when the one in authority instructs us to sin. Then ‘we must obey God rather than men’ (Acts 5:29).”

The Governor of Virginia issued executive order 63 requiring the use of a face mask in public buildings  starting on May 29, 2020. The Elders of Grace Harvest unanimously agreed that we would comply with the     order. We understand how this has the potential to be divisive in our church, but Scripture speaks loudly and clearly concerning our submission to the Government even when we think they are wrong. We see numerous examples in scripture. Daniel being one. He served under four pagan kings Nebuchadnezzar, his son Belshazzar, Darius and Cyrus. These kings were ungodly and worshiped false Gods at some point. Yet, Daniel served them and obeyed them until they commanded him do anything that hindered his ability to be obedient to God. However, our greatest example is our Lord Himself. Jesus humbled himself, took on flesh and died for our sins (Philippians 2:4-11). When he was attacked verbally and physically, He never responded in like manner. Jesus said to each of us, that if we desire to be His, we must deny ourselves, take up our cross daily and follow Him.

I urge you my brothers and sisters in Christ to seek Gods will as we move forward with the latest order. We may not agree with it or like it, but consider about how your response looks to a world that does not know Christ. Would you be salt and light for Jesus?

Your shepherd,

Pastor Mark