Christians And The Reopening of Churches

kingsley Momoh - Lagos

THE RE-OPENING OF CHURCH AND CHRISTIANS

Religious gatherings will now be allowed in Nigeria as the nation gradually ease the lockdown as a result of Covid-19. However, it is left for every state to further make guidelines for the reopening which would also be in tandem with the rules laid down by the federal government.

As a Christian, I miss Church. There are activities I do in church that I haven’t been able to effectively do at home because there is a feeling you get when you are together with fellow worshippers in the presence of GOD. This is so despite the fact that I also believe that GOD is omnipotent and omniscient. I also feel this way with the knowledge of the fact that I can pray anywhere to get the attention of GOD or praise him if that is my desire. And when it comes to fellowship, I am certain that some of you know that it is also now glaring that gatherings can be done online as has been effectively achieved by some churches.

With all the above points notwithstanding, it is also glaring that not everyone has the same level of knowledge and understanding that I laid down above; in the positive and in the negative. Arguments for and against the opening of churches hit me everyday on the airwaves and physical discussions.

No matter the side you are or level of understanding you have, it is pertinent to accept the fact that if for no other thing (because we do not all share the same beliefs); the attendance of church is part of the culture of a huge number of Nigerians and taking it away has not been easy on adherents. We savour the services and the feeling of been closer to GOD by attending these places of worship.

Although, some have rejigged their understanding of the whole concept of Christianity and the church in ways that will infuriate those who are adamant on “we must go to church to worship GOD”; it is a new dawn in worshipping GOD to via the electronic media and the internet (the church can now be everywhere).

Glaringly, there are still many who do not understand the concept of Covid-19 or are permanently suspicious of government actions (I don’t blame them). Faith which is the substance of things hoped for is missing in many of the adherents or maybe a better way to put it is that the faith level of the adherents differs and so not everyone would have same thoughts or action.

If allowed, some Christians would have damned the virus (by their faith) and go to church while of cause, others whose faith may be described of a different view will rather remain isolated at home. However, they are all Christians abi?

Covid-19 is a certified pandemic and ravaging developed worlds in Europe, Asia and Americas. What is Nigeria when compared with these nations of far much more developed health care system, environment and safety measures and mechanisms? The CHURCH of GOD transcends the building.

Thus, it is unwise to say that YOU must go to church well the government that has the capacity to know the true state of the spread of the disease tells you otherwise.

I truly look forward to church but wonder how the services will look like. Definitely the children wing of the church won't function this way.

Will parents be nursing the children was service is going on/
Are we gonna praise GOD with face masks on?
Is it possible to attend church and not make physical contacts?

Well, time will answer these questions jare!

Consider this bible passage:

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)

The CHURCH is definitely marching on as the song goes and the gates of hell shall not prevail.