of this major challenge, it is heartwarming and reassuring to see many people who really care. Christ is still building His Church and He is doing it through many of you. Thank you.


One day, and we pray it will come soon, the coronavirus will move past its pandemic state. As I write these words, there is much speculation as to just how long the pandemic will last. Perhaps by the time you read this, we will have a more certain end date. Meanwhile, I am fascinated and heartened to think what our churches will look like on “the other side” of this strange phenomenon. What an exciting day it will be when we, as believers, can worship together publicly and freely again!


Down through the ages the church of the Lord Jesus has always risen above


every crisis. Throughout her history, the church has been beleaguered, perse- cuted, and rejected. Indeed, the testimony of history demonstrates that Christ’s church repeatedly thrives out of tough times and experiences. We will thrive again and when this pandemic is over, we will be stronger than before. You wait and see!


How can I be confident? Simply because I recall, as will you, that when Jesus


spoke those words the times did not seem promising to the human hearts and minds of His followers. We can imagine that the disciples were struggling with the fact that they had just invested three years of their lives in something that looked as though it was not going to come out where they had expected it to. The rejection and the hostility of people all around them was not what they had planned. In such a setting, Jesus effectively tells them, “I know that it does not look very hopeful and the plan is not unfolding as you thought it would. I know that by all outward appearances, this is not working but I will build my church and nothing, not even hell itself, will stand in my way.”


To be sure, these are trying days. I know you know it, but remember God


has this situation. He has you, too. And, He has our ARP church. In His name, pick up the telephone and reach out to a neighbor—maybe even one who has no church affiliation—and offer help in the way of groceries or other needs. Ask what you might pray for them. Show your concern and love for the sake of the Lord Jesus. Who knows, He might even use a simple act like that to build His church through you.


I love you. The Lord Jesus will forevermore love you much more. Yours for Building Healthy Churches and Birthing Healthy Christians. Leslie Holmes?


Leslie Holmes, D.Min., Ph.D., is the Moderator of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. You can reach him at rlesholmes@aol.com.


Building Healthy Churches! Birthing Healthy Christians! May/June 2020 5


“I will build my


church and nothing, not even hell itself, will stand


in my way.”


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