It is, of course, a matter of great interest and concern to me that we should be told when and under what conditions we may be able to re-open our building again for meetings and services to take place. Recent comments by Government ministers and the reporting in the media raise some interesting and important points about this. The question is sometimes put like this - when can we go to church again?

In all the controversy about what is or isn't allowed under the rules for lockdown, there is the risk of losing sight of what it is all about. It is all too typical - we easily get distracted by details from the main point, we miss the wood for the trees, we debate and argue over the fine points of a matter and fall out, forgetting that we actually agree on the main thing! It is not my place to comment here on the circumstances of any controversy about who does what during the lockdown - especially as it starts to get more and more complicated as measures are relaxed...

Like so many, I'm making more of an effort than usual to get a good dose of daily exercise. For years, I've tried to walk several miles a day and during these past weeks I have lengthened the route of my daily walk to our church building to make sure I get the steps in. I've also dusted off my old bike, lubricated its chain set and started cycling again, enjoying the fine weather and quieter roads. I suppose because the gyms are shut for now, many people are exercising outdoors...

We thank God for the amazing advances in technology in many areas of life, not least in the medical sphere. We are also grateful for the means to instantly connect and communicate with each other via the internet and social media. Nevertheless, we surely must agree that the kind of “meetings” we rely on in the present circumstances fall far short, in lots of ways, of the ideal. For instance, we are deprived of real fellowship which normally would necessitate physical presence and mutual input à la Hebrews 10:25...

That God is sovereign is an indisputable fact and not a matter for discussion but for submission, worship and adoration in the obedience of faith. The Lord's concern is primarily and overwhelmingly a concern for His glory and honour. To this must be added His concern for His people and their holiness of life. Furthermore, it is evident that He is not negligent of His world but, on the contrary, is involved on a daily basis with the pursuit of justice, well-being and peace of the nations. This explains why He must judge the world and rebuke injustices and exploitation of the poor...