Church Under the Live Oak Tree

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.  Hebrews 10:25-31 

Since this Coronavirus thing started, we, early on, decided that we weren't going to participate in the pandemic.  Largely, life has gone on as normal.  The major thing that has changed in the last six weeks is the absence of church services.  Oh, our pastor began doing YouTube video services, and we've watched them, but it is just not the same as assembling TOGETHER with the Body of Believers in Christian fellowship to be edified by preaching from the Word of God.  We've really missed that.

Although our State is still under "lockdown" orders, our Attorney General petitioned the Governor, and we were given permission to meet together for church services as long as certain guidelines are followed.  There is a lot in that last sentence that I disagree with, but in Christian charity, I'll refrain from complaining and just be grateful that we met.

At 10:45 am on the Lord's Day, Cornerstone Baptist Church of Jennings met under the shade of a live oak tree under a blue bird sky with a cool breeze blowing.  There were 33 church members in attendance.  We sang hymns including: "He Lives," "God Will Take Care of You," and "Victory in Jesus."  Then our preacher read from the Book of Judges about having character, using the story of Samson to illustrate.  The wind started to blow so briskly, our Pastor had to call his son to come help hold the pages of the Bible down so that he could read the passage!

Our church membership probably has the average age above 70 years old.  For this reason, many of our members are at-risk during this virus outbreak.  It was very hard to meet at a distance and not shake hands or hug one another.  We are social people.  We enjoy each others' company.  Hopefully, we will get back to normal quickly!

The Pastor went through the life and times of Samson in his message, detailing his character flaws and mistakes and the pain they caused him.  He closed by making the point that many of us, like Samson, like to do things in our own strength rather than relying on God.  It was thought-provoking and convicting.

God is in control. We need to trust in Him.  In Good Times and in Bad.