Meetings for public worship might face restrictions but man cannot close what God has founded in eternity past

With the restrictions placed on church gatherings, I want to write to remind your faithful readers that despite what the media or certain politicians may say, the church cannot be closed.
By Alex Kane
Published 22nd Nov 2020, 19:44 BST
Updated 23rd Nov 2020, 07:59 BST
Letter to the editorLetter to the editor
Letter to the editor

Restrictions on our meeting for public worship certainly may be sombrely enacted by the civil authorities but man cannot close what God has founded in eternity past, purchased through the Son, and kept by the Spirit.

We can be grateful for the uninterrupted months of meeting with our God, Sunday by Sunday in the gathered company of His people.

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We more than any other people on these islands have been given that civil liberty to assemble from July to November and I am thankful to our executive for that.

As restrictions bear down upon our society afresh, God’s people are not closed but will be found in their homes active in prayer for our land and our executive that God may be merciful to us and deliver us.

Christian people are not given over to a spirit of complaining and disobedience but a spirit of endurance as our Master and Saviour did not turn from the cross of suffering.

We will grow in further Christlikeness through this time as we patiently endure for the sake of our neighbour and yearn for the day and hour when we can sit under the sound of the Word again in person.

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Finally, like the wind which blows over the tree and scatters its leaves and seed, so in the adversity faced there has been a great spreading of the good news of Christ through much digital activity.

This is to be welcomed and while we are not an online church it is wonderful for the Church to be online with its gospel proclamation, reflections on scriptures, children’s Bible clubs and much contact one to another.

In consideration of the days ahead, may we who are troubled rest in Christ and know the LORD as righteous in all His ways.

Rev Ben Preston, Presbyterian, Larne

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