Perhaps the most stark example of this comes from a Louisiana megachurch pastor who is openly defying state orders and swinging wide the doors of his church for thousands of worshippers to come and gather together in close quarters. He can be reached at Bill.Gindlesperger@eLynxx.com, This article originally appeared on Chambersburg Public Opinion: Requiring God to protect us from COVID-19 is not Biblical, Like us on Facebook to see similar stories, Super bowl parties could ignite virus surge; Fauci doesn't want second vaccine doses delayed: COVID-19 live updates, Dems try to shoehorn major child poverty reduction plan into Covid bill. Covid-19 myths busted. Jesus replied: "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'". 5 questions answered. About his freedom to do as he darn well pleases. That’s where the book of Deuteronomy describes the experience of the Israelites on their way to the promised land. With COVID-19 vaccine being distributed to 21 Houston-area hospitals this week, medical professionals who have battled COVID-19 on the frontlines for … When used at concentrations that do not exceed public health standards, ozone applied to indoor air does not effectively remove viruses, bacteria, mold, or … Push past his lies; step over his traps. Don't paint protesters with a broad brush, Trump pushing hydroxychloroquine another blunder in COVID response. Or driving drunk or stoned. Texas authorities are suspending alcohol permits of bars for violating protocols. I explained to my friend that God gave us the intellect, tools and capability to solve this problem while protecting ourselves and others. For it is written:  ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’  Jesus answered him, ‘It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”. Stay away from other people. None of this has impacted Pastor Spell, who believes that his ideological right to free assembly should trump any regard for public welfare. However, as a Christian, I am inclined to believe that Jesus would be more interested in seeing us embody his call to love our neighbors than he would be concerned about the preservation of our church services. More: Don't paint protesters with a broad brush, More: Trump pushing hydroxychloroquine another blunder in COVID response. Requiring God to protect us from COVID-19 is not Biblical. I’m praying to God, and he is going to save me.” ... As for the risk of his congregation getting covid-19, Spell said: “It’s not a concern. He has recently been published in The Spectator, The Federalist and Faithwire.com. Covid-19, corporate plunder, & the US plan of unlimited bank bailouts, Germany plays Russian roulette with Covid-19, welcomes refugees from high-risk infection zones, What would Dalí do? Now the chickens are coming home to roost. It is a time for realism, hope and care. "If you are the Son of God," the Devil said, "throw yourself down. He wished things were like they were before COVID-19 came along. Plus, the very notion of testing one’s faith – particularly amid a global pandemic – is also distinctly unbiblical. It does not matter how much we believe God or our ancestors will protect us, if we do not protect ourselves from the virus. Subscribe to RT newsletter to get stories the mainstream media won’t tell you, A woman wearing a protective face mask kisses a cross as she prays in her apartment in Turin, Italy, March 25, 2020 © Reuters / Massimo Pinca, Omens of the end? Most believers in our poll are confident that God will protect them from infection during this pandemic. If you like this story, share it with a friend! Because God is not some sort of magic genie that grants immunity from all the world’s problems. He appears to be more interested in propagating an image of personal spiritual prowess than he does actually protecting the people entrusted into his care. Mayors in Florida are implementing mask requirements. Or trying to pick up the biting end of a rattlesnake. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, God is guiding His people. As we take steps to protect ourselves and others physically from the spread of COVID-19, let us also remember to turn to God for protection and healing. He told me how unfair it was to be required to wear a mask. And if anyone from his church was to get sick? After all God decides who’s going to get sick and who isn’t. I was talking with a friend. At the same time, Louisiana Governor John Edwards issued a grave warning: his state is currently battling the fastest Covid-19 infection rate on the planet, with cases jumping from 100 to 1,000 in just a week. Like driving on Interstate 81 at 120 miles per hour and expecting God to protect you. Laying waste to the advice on social distancing, Pastor Tony Spell is insistent that God will protect his flock from coronavirus. I mentioned that Psalm 91:11-12 sure enough contains comforting words that God will protect you: “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”. Wear a mask. As of September 2020, there is no vaccine that is effective against COVID-19, although researchers are trying to develop one. For all of us affected by COVID-19, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” ( Romans 15:13 ) 1. Massah is the place where the Israelites quarreled with Moses and questioned God about their lack of water. God protect me and my husband make onyeoma cy no kill person.My husband's cousin came back last Sunday frm Europe.Hmmm in my mind am like hope I'm not cough? Following Trump’s lead, some politicians are arguing to open things, getting commerce moving, and ignoring the dangers of COVID-19. Unfortunately, many are continuing to disregard the guidance by gathering together and putting others at risk of infection. States and U.S. territories are reporting huge increases in cases. This website uses cookies. (PHOTO, POLL), There’s a galaxy hurtling towards our Milky Way that could wipe out life on Earth, Ancient woman with ‘ALIEN-LIKE' SKULL unearthed in Russia (VIDEO), 'They are not a tourist attraction': Amsterdam mayor slams tourists who 'humiliate' sex workers, What HBO got wrong: Chernobyl general gives hit TV show a reality check, Who CARES about debt? Religious groups can’t claim some God-given exemption from this edict. You can be a Christian and still be a firm believer in the power of viral infections! (Sermon 7th June 2020) by St Matthew's Shenton Park from desktop or your mobile device Bishop who said "God is larger than" Covid-19 has died from the disease. Columnist Bill Gindlesperger reflects on a friend's belief that God, not a mask, will protect him from COVID-19. So I took a deep breath and asked him to consider an alternative view. Believers also think that God is telling humanity to change the way we are living. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of RT. The pastor has a simple backup plan: he’ll rely on God’s supernatural protection and healing power. Will an Ozone Generator protect me and my family from COVID-19? But when it comes to COVID-19, claiming God’s protection for my friend’s own irresponsible actions is beyond the pale. spread of the virus. Good. He was exercised about wearing a mask. As such, I would contend that coronavirus presents the church not with a chance to put God to the test, but with a critical opportunity to make known the love and kindness of Jesus. But because of his belief that it didn’t matter what he did because God would protect him. So, I invite you all to join me in prayer. Come October a combination of COVID-19 and flu could kill a whole lot more. He went on and on. Stream ad-free or purchase CD's and MP3s now on Amazon.com. The pandemic of today is the great art of tomorrow, Why East beats West in the war against coronavirus, Boris Johnson getting Covid-19 is just what the doctor ordered for Britain, his likely uneventful recovery will calm all the panic. I choked. Health experts are unanimous: by enacting social isolation, we can stem the virus’s spread, prevent health services being overwhelmed and save lives. This is not an either/or situation. ‘If you are the Son of God,’ he said, ‘throw yourself down. Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article. Utah is warning the state could be facing a “complete shutdown”. And he may not prevent you from catching Covid-19. By heeding the expert advice, by respecting the civil authorities, and by staying home. Show full articles without "Continue Reading" button for {0} hours. Please don’t be one who needlessly suffers or dies. Convinced of his special spiritual status and assured of the power he commands, this pentecostal minister has even provided a private shuttle bus service to ensure that Sunday services are packed to the rafters. Read RT Privacy policy to find out more. By Will Maule, British journalist covering current affairs, religion and ethics. God protect us,but I guess he's fine cos no symptoms on him ,I was watching him closely. He told me that he was no longer wearing a mask. © Autonomous Nonprofit Organization “TV-Novosti”, 2005–2021. At that moment, Christ issued a clear mandate for all believers: we should never seek to flaunt the power of God, no matter how tempting it is. The truth about how you can catch coronavirus, who is most vulnerable and what you can do to avoid infection. However, I have a degree in religion and was on track to become a minister. About the Governor. Do I ve fever? They do not protect against COVID-19. He said he knew Psalms were beautiful. However, one thing is abundantly clear - he does not offer his people an escape from suffering or pain, nor does he promise to protect us from earthly illness. Anyway I m fine and he's gone to the village to see his parents and siblings. I have no direct route to God anymore than the next person. By Rebekah Riess, CNN. No, do not use ozone generators in occupied spaces. This is a difficult one. Rather, people can protect themselves while businesses flourish. These irresponsible actions are not what God expects of us and are certainly not ordained by God under some magic cover of protection. I recognize there are as many interpretations of a person’s relationship with God as there are persons to interpret that relationship. No To Vaccine, Lockdown… ‘God Will Protect Us From Covid-19’ Says President Magufuli of Tanzania; Jesus Christ Set Example That Everything Is Possible “Prophet” Jeremiah Apologises For ‘Inaccurately Prophesying’ A Second Term For Trump; Widow Defends Pastor Who Said Her Husband Died of COVID-19 Because He Had ‘No Faith’ With the world brought to its knees by a global pandemic and with panic and anxiety proliferating across the globe, there is a need for people of peace and wisdom who will commit to following the appropriate health advice for the sake of the other. Below are some prayers that you can include in your daily routine and we invite you to join us in praying for peace, protection, and healing. Contradicting global scientific consensus and advice from the World Health Organization (WHO), Magufuli's government has largely eschewed mask-wearing … More than 1,000 attended at the weekend, most of whom came without any sort of protective gear. I mentioned that Matthew 4:5-7 describes how taking an unnecessary risk is tempting God and putting God to the test: “Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. And how do we express that love right now? Why? “Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me Satan! Recognize who is at the root of fear and worry. President John Magufuli said on Wednesday that Tanzania did not need a coronavirus lockdown because God would protect his people and homespun precautions such as steam inhalation were better than dangerous foreign vaccines. You are a stumbling block to me, you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” (Matthew 16:23) Remember: We have a choice of who we listen to and what we believe. Can a face mask protect me from coronavirus? He will continue to fight for us, but we have to trust in His plan. He is a board member, campaign advisor, published author and talk radio commentator. New York, New Jersey and Connecticut are requesting a quarantine period before entering each state. Bizarrely, the minister insisted that instructions to stay at home during this pandemic amounted to a “persecution of the faith” and warned that the pandemic was “politically motivated” – presumably referring to the notion that doomsday media coverage is hurting Trump’s re-election chances. President Donald Trump claimed Monday that the coronavirus pandemic that has killed over 170,000 Americans is God’s way of testing him.. City leaders are doing what they can to tackle this surge by implementing new rules, scaling back on reopening plans and issuing dire warnings about the future of public health and the economy. I'm a Christian, but I don't believe God has promised to protect me from Covid-19. This is a lie. I may lose this friend. "That's a ten-time increase in seven days," Edwards said. ... That omnipotent God had shown He would move heaven and earth to protect and free his people from … Please may be so pray to the Lord and say father continue to protect me uh blood of Jesus protect me angel of the lord, Protect me and protect my family members in Jesus name, Somebody say Amen. Within a year, at the present rate of infection, 1 in 20 Americans are on track to suffer COVID-19. PRAYER FOR GOD’S PROTECTION FROM COVID-19 PANDEMIC In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. More than 31.9 million people have been infected, and the death toll is over 977,000 people. And, to my friend, I hope you have a change of heart. According to the World Health Organization, this is the best way to protect yourself against COVID-19. The coronavirus disease that is spreading rapidly around the world was officially declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11. COVID-19 is a new disease, and it is different enough from older diseases that it needs a new vaccine. About health experts. Check out God Protect Me from Covid-19 [Explicit] by TyeGuy on Amazon Music. Makeshift hospitals are set up in abandoned parking garages, and Samaritan’s Purse has … ‘I just pray God will help me’: Racial, ethnic minorities reel from higher covid-19 death rates ... How cities lost precious time to protect African American residents from coronavirus. And by ignoring God’s laws how they were forced to wander in the wilderness for forty years. The European Union has 100 million more people than the U.S.  And Europeans test more than we do but have 20% of the cases and 20% of the deaths. Hospitalizations are going through the roof. Why is Pastor Spell so misguided? [Response] “Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. The point being, God can cause mountains to tumble, he can part the seas, he can protect us from the enemy. Of course, on the one hand, most Christians would believe that God is ultimately sovereign over all. Be dead serious about wearing a mask. "I'm going to address that by laying hands on them and praying for them and depending on God to heal their body," he told a local station. I mentioned that Deuteronomy 6:16 contains a firm admonishment: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test as you did at Massah.”. As a country we seem to be more interested in self-pleasure than in loving others enough to protect them and ourselves. “I know that God will protect us and use us to shake this nation.” At least 29 confirmed COVID-19 cases in western Canada have now been linked to the event, called It … It started with toilet paper disappearing off shelves, and now, months after the COVID-19 pandemic first hit American shores, it seems as though we’re living in some apocalyptic movie. Trump has been saying that the number of cases has been falling. GOD WILL DELIVER YOU FROM COVID 19 JUST LIKE HE DID FOR DANIEL FROM THE LIONS - Bishop Fortune L. Mwiza. Then I brought up the Old Testament Pentateuch. Stream Hebrews 11: 32-40 - COVID-19: Will God protect us? This is no time for supernatural grandstanding. No virus will ever be able to separate us from God’s love and power. Here's why 28 Mar, 2020 15:09 . He can protect us during this pandemic because no matter what happens, we will be with him for all eternity. Anti-fraud efforts I am convinced that God is speaking to the world this Easter in the midst of the coronavirus crisis. By Rafi Letzter - Staff Writer 24 March 2020 Medical masks are still the best option, especially for medical professionals. And that was before the U.S. spiraled out of control with more than 50,000 new cases each day. ... ‘God will protect me.’ Here’s how religious Americans view the coronavirus pandemic Trump is trying to manipulate people back to work so he gets reelected. Updated 3:14 PM ET, Tue April 14, 2020 . Then I told my friend that the New Testament Gospels held the crux of the matter. Don’t touch your face. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.” (Psalm‬ ‬4:1‬)‬‬ May El Shaddai, the Lord God Almighty who loves you protect you. The annualized rate of infections in the U.S. is above 18 million. Bill Gindlesperger is a central Pennsylvanian, Shippensburg University trustee and founder of eLynxx Solutions that provides Print Buyer’s Software for procuring and managing direct mail, marketing, promo and print. Where is God amid COVID-19 pandemic? The third name, the LORD, translates to Yahweh. Indeed, it is the response to difficult circumstances that reveals the true nature of a believer’s spiritual life, as they trust in God’s ultimate plan for the future. Amen God, our loving Father, creator of the world and the universe and the human race, of all things that exist, both visible and invisible. Or giving a child a loaded gun. And God would protect him from COVID-19. As a Christian, I find Pastor Spell’s language extremely distressing. While boasting about the “economic miracle” he claims to have achieved before COVID-19 disrupted life across America, the president described having a conversation with God about his track record as president. Not because of his belief in God. May Jesus Christ, His Son who died for you … Still, another question remains: is it right for believers to rely on God to protect his church during this pandemic? The Louisiana pastor charged for holding service says if parishioners die from COVID-19, it's a sacrifice for God. For it is written: 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'" Or not wearing a mask in the midst of one of the most dangerous pandemics in history. The proper use of a surgical mask is not to protect yourself from other people, but to protect other people from your germs. The numbers continue to increase daily, and the disease has impacted about 188 countries, prompting World Vision to launch our global COVID-19 … Covid-19 not the only thing you should be scared of this spring (or maybe we should just chill), Ingratitude: Top Italian newspaper calls Russian Covid-19 aid 'useless', implies Putin using medical mission for military scouting, ‘Disgrace we needed global pandemic’: UK govt requests ALL homeless people be housed by weekend, ‘Looks like the Batmobile’: Has a Redditor discovered a UFO on Mars? Simply put: peace in the midst of crisis. Here’s how. Can homemade masks protect you from COVID-19? Wash your hands. So what does he promise those who trust in him? Because God’s power and might is not about making us look good. And the list goes on. Because I told him that choosing to test God - to send angels to protect him and those he could be infecting - is wrong. All rights reserved. “In the last two weeks, our growth rate has been faster than any state or country in the world.”. Only when every business in the city is closed, he said, will he even consider pulling the plug on his gatherings. My friend was aware that Matthew is in the New Testament and one of the three synoptic gospels. Edwards had also issued a "stay at home" order and personally requested that church leaders temporarily shutter their operations. A new poll reveals what role faith plays in how Americans view the COVID-19 pandemic. Will sick leave protect me if I get ill from coronavirus? He thought it was, as he said, “stupid”. Get short URL. Already more than 120,000 have died. Took a deep breath will god protect me from covid-19 asked him to consider an alternative view Medical masks are still best. Above 18 million, 2020 part the seas, he flatly refused plug his... As many interpretations of a surgical mask is not some sort of magic genie that grants immunity from the. 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