The great apostle Paul reminds us that “In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence” (Ephesians 3:12). What a sobering thought, that we the Gentiles, those that were referred to as aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, strangers from the covenants of promise, who were without hope and without God in the world (Ephesians 2:12), can now approach God with freedom and with confidence. If nothing rejoices the heart of the believer and causes us to joyfully worship, this indeed should. To know that we who were afar off are now made nigh in the blood of Jesus really makes me fired up and overjoyed. That we were strangers and foreigners, alienated and cut off but now we are a part of the inner circle of God’s beloved community, should always cause us to rejoice and break out into doxologies and the singing of psalms and hymns. We have been brought from death to life, from darkness to light, from hopelessness to hope, from aliens to having full citizenship rights and liberties in Him. May we never forget during these times of this dreadful coronavirus that we may now approach God, the supremely majestic One with freedom and confidence.
Poor people, disenfranchised, marginalized people – the ordinary people, not from the chosen race or from the dominant culture may approach Him with freedom and confidence. In fact, I spoke with Him this morning without reservation, consternation or trepidation. I came freely and bowed before Him. I believe He was eager to have an audience with me. He is never too busy, preoccupied or distracted. I picture God as putting down His cell phone when we come to speak with Him. He gives us His undivided attention. We may approach God freely and confidently, His Word encourages and affirms.
Confidence is full trust, belief in the powers, trustworthiness, belief in oneself, certitude, assurance, courage, determination, boldness, cool, firmness, fearlessness, fortitude. That’s how we must come in these covid-19 times, not timid or afraid. We come resolute in these times of economic uncertainty. We come boldly in these times of social unrest and political instability. We come boldly and fearlessly believing that our God who created all humankind equal, desires for us to take a stand as His church for racial justice and equality, denouncing every form of racism, sexism and ageism in His name and to fight always for social justice, remembering always the last, the least and the lost.
We come resolute, in full assurance of faith knowing in whom we have believed. Knowing it shall be done! We are intrepid! We are not fearful or afraid! Jesus the invincible, unimpeachable Savior opened a way of access for us (Ephesians 3:12). We therefore, dare to come and we boldly came! We come without hesitation, refusing to be intimidated or cowardly afraid. We unequivocally affirm again “In Him and through faith in Him, we may approach God with freedom and confidence!
Leroy V. Greenaway
Regional Bishop – Northeast Region
September 5, 2020
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PLEASE NOTE
In collaboration with our District Overseers, the Church of God of Prophecy submits to the wisdom of continuing to ‘Shelter in Place’ for the safety and protection of the flock. This is to be observed until further notice and the present virus is better contained. Should the need arise to meet, we are advised to meet in groups of no more than 10, while we strictly observe the protocols of social distancing, wearing of masks and aggressive sanitizing of our hands and surfaces frequently touched.
Please let us patiently observe these practices to keep each other safe and alive. We are reminded that we are indeed our brother’s keeper. Stay home! Stay Healthy! Stay Hopeful! We shall soon get through this! Premature re-openings of our churches seem not to be the wisest way to go at this point. Let us continue to pray, caring for each other and staying connected.
Leroy V. Greenaway
Regional, Presiding Bishop — Northeast Region
