TRPC Broadcast Email – Tuesday, March 24, 2020

I had the privilege to participate in a Zoom Video conference with the Virginia Department of Health and the Governor’s Office last evening (along with 500 other members of Virginia’s faith community). The purpose of this webinar was to gather the faith community in Virginia with accurate, and supportive information.  I will share what comes from this conference as it progresses. This event was far more supportive than informative. But then again, the news outlets have well covered the covid-19 situation. One thing that was clear is that is not going to be over soon. Please heed the CDC’s advice and warning to remain isolated as much as possible.

            All must yield to the government rulers. No one rules unless God

has given him the power to rule, and no one rules now without

that power from God. (Romans 13:1)

And WASH YOU HANDS; even more effective than hand sanitizer due that this is a virus – not a germ or bacteria which can be easily destroyed by alcohol-based cleaners. Soap acts to dissolve the lipid molecules which encase virus proteins. And what soap does not dissolve, it helps release it from your hands and rinse it away.

Remember… cleanliness is next to Godliness. Not exactly found in the Bible, yet the Bible contains much about being clean. (Trivia section) The phrase “cleanliness is next to Godliness” can be found in a 1778 sermon by John Wesley.

“Purge me with hyssop” prays the repentant Psalmist, “and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow” (Psalm 51:7).

Soap washes away the dirt from our bodies. But God cleanses our souls from sin. “Cleanliness is next to Godliness” sets up two separate categories, extolling what Ivory soap can do for our bodies. But true Godliness comes from an awareness that God cleanses us. He does so through the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, and through the Holy Spirit, who brings us to faith.

“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,  whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior”. (Titus 3:4-6)

Let us find joy, knowing we all rest (fully cleansed) in the Kingdom of God.

Pastor Patrick