This is the first blog I have written in two months or so. I have distanced myself from writing simply because there was no need for me to write blogs, but now that we are back together at church I must write again.

                Speaking of distance, one of the most common used phrases in this Coronavirus era is “Social Distancing.” All the world governments have implemented quarantines, lock downs, mask wearing and a strict social distancing protocol wherever you go.

                Now we must stand at least six feet apart from each other in markets, stores and any other place that might still be open. Most businesses have even erected (plastic) walls to keep the customers at bay (what would Trump say about that?) and even placed all sorts of markings on the floor to let us know where it is safe to stand.

                I would say that here in America we have been practicing “social distancing” for quite a while. The advent of the Internet, social media and smart devices have made it possible for the people to stay “connected” without even having to speak to each other face to face. It is not surprising anymore to see entire families spend hours “together” while every member of the family is either watching TV, playing video games, texting or checking their social media.

                Even many churches practice this social distancing approach in their services, so I guess that these new government guidelines won’t affect them that much. Fellowship is a thing of the past. Now you can go to church, watch the cool band and the cooler preacher on a big screen and go home without having to talk or connect with anyone. If you happen to bring your kids, you just sign them up on the computer screen and get your number to collect them later.

                I know who needs to practice social distance: The government. Separation of church and state simply means that our government cannot dictate our faith. The Constitution of the United States grants every citizen (including Christians) many rights, including the 1 Amendment which says:

                “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the                    free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press, or the right of the                              people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

                Our government has always been very tolerant of Christianity and we have enjoyed many freedoms and benefits in this great (and free) country of ours. Lately, however, the government has not kept its distance from us and has forbidden the peaceful assembling of Christians to worship our Lord in many of our church buildings.

                I have obeyed the Social Distancing rules so far, but it is now time for our government to practice those rules as well and not interfere with our worship services under the pretense of “keeping us safe” from a virus. We will worship our God and HE will keep us safe. We will keep praying like Daniel and preaching the Gospel like Peter and getting closer to our God and our brothers and sisters!

                A. G.

                The summertime is here and with it will come an invasion of all sort of insects or “pests” as we commonly call them. I believe that all the pest control companies will receive an increase in clients and pesticide sales will go through the roof.

                There is another pest, or pestilence terrorizing our country and the world now. This pestilence is called the Covid19 or Coronavirus. This virus is truly a pest and it is expanding and killing thousands every day around the world.

                What can we do to stop this pestilence or plague?

                I am sure that it will stop one day, but I also believe that only God is able to stop it. As I referred in a previous blog and video, there are blessings from God even amid this pandemic. Fear can be overcome by Faith; the prospect of Death can lead us to Dedicate ourselves to God and even Anxiety can be defeated as we Arrange our priorities according to God’s Word.

                I call this blog or video “Pest Control” because I believe that even though we cannot end this virus or even control it on our own, God has given us precious promises in the Bible and today we turn to 2 Corinthians 7:13-14.

                ¹³ When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, 

                 ¹⁴ if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

              The first thing we notice is that bad things will happen. God says: “when” famine, droughts and pestilence (viruses) happen to us we need to do four things for Him to do some “pest control”

Humility—We must humble ourselves and recognize that we are incapable to control most things. Let us be humble and not imitate the proud people on TV.

Prayer—We need to pray for our families, brothers and sisters, coworkers and for every person affected by this pandemic.

Seeking God—This is more than prayer. This is worship and total submission to our God

Repentance—This is what “turn from…wicked ways” mean. Turn from sin/turn to God

            The promise is clear and sure. He will hear; He will forgive and He will heal our land. God will do Pest Control as we humbly pray and seek Him while we forsake sin and pride. Heal our nation and the world today, Lord.

                This is a true story.

                Many years ago, when I was a young man I went with a friend of mine to a party. There were many of us in that place. I remember that there was music and dancing and a few pretty girls (I’ll get in trouble for this one). I also remember that there was a foul-mouth bully.

                The party was lively and happy, but when this drunken troublemaker appeared on the scene everything changed. He started harassing girls and intimidating all the guys. Everyone was afraid of this strong and belligerent individual.

                Well, almost everyone. Out of nowhere a new man came to the party. He was taller, stronger and very courageous. He took one good look at the bully, headed in his direction and after a few choice words, the “dangerous” man fled the scene and the party was even better than before.

                Satan was this bully. He terrorized our lives for many years (Isaiah 14:16-17). We were his prisoners until Jesus came to set us free (Psalm 146:7; Isaiah 61:1). Our life before Christ was a “party” without music; a banquet without food and an existence without real life.

                Jesus came and He changed everything. He conquered death; He defeated the kingdom of darkness and He destroyed the power of sin and the dominion of Satan. This victory is illustrated in the following biblical passage:

“…So He called them to Himself and said to them in parables: “How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself,  that house cannot stand.  And if Satan has risen up against himself, and is divided, he cannot stand, but has an end.  No one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. And then he will plunder his house.” (Mark 3:23-27)

              Satan is the strong man, but Jesus is the STRONGEST Man. He plundered the house of the enemy and has given us freedom, forgiveness and a future filled with love, joy, hope and life. Rejoice in the victory of our Eternal King and if you are ever afraid of the “strong man,” remember to call the Stronger, Perfect and Glorious Son of Man and He will come to your rescue and keep you safe.

               And life will be a glorious party once again.

               A. G.

                Our world is engulfed in a never-seen-before pandemic. It is called the “Corona Virus” and at this point (March, 2020) there are almost 7,000 deaths due to this killer virus. There is much fear and perhaps some overreaction over it, as air travel has been suspended, schools are closed, sports are cancelled and even churches are shut down…and it can get even worse.

                The problem with the virus is that it is very contagious and it spreads easily from person to person. The incubation period is around two weeks and a person at this stage is already carrying (and spreading) the virus, even when symptoms are not present yet.

                I hope that by the time you read this blog at church, the pandemic has already subsided. I also pray that it does not affect any of our members and that health of our brothers and sisters all around the world remains strong.

                On the other hand, I pray that we become very contagious and that we spread it all around. No, I am not referring to any virus or illness, but I am praying that we become contagious Christians. If an evil virus is capable of turning the world upside down, our victorious faith in Christ can do the same, and even more.

                A contagious Christian:

                Loves God with all his heart and mind (Matthew 22:37)

                Loves others with the love of Christ (John 13:35)

                Is filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18)

                Studies and preaches the Word of God (1 Timothy 2:15)

                Is filled with peace and joy (Philippians 4:4)

                Lives by faith and walks in holiness (Romans 1:17)

                Is the light of the world and salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13-16)

                The fact is that all believers can be contagious Christians, but in order to be so we need to remove all the masks that cover our faith and message from the rest of the world. We don’t need to quarantine the Gospel as if it was a malicious and infectious disease.

                I see people everywhere with masks on their faces to avoid the spread of the Corona virus. This is wise and worthy to imitate. I also see many Christians that are afraid to spread the Gospel of love, life and liberty in Christ.

                Brother or sister, remove all your masks and become a contagious Christian today. Let your light shine brightly for Christ so others can see that the “cure” for their sin is not found in religion, morality or anything else, but only in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

                A. G.

          Do you know what a flashlight is? I ask, because people now use the phone for everything (camera, music, movies, games and lights).

          Well, I like flashlights. They are very useful during a storm or on dark night in the country.

          Christians are like flashlights, in fact the Bible calls us the “light of the world” (Matthew 5:18). We are also called the “children of light” (Ephesians 5:8) and we must walk in the light in this dark world (Philippians 2:15).

          A flashlight needs:

         Power (Ephesians 5:8). Christ is our Source of life and power (like the battery) and we need to walk actively in the light of Jesus (in His power)

         To be Pressed (John 8:12). Turn to Jesus and follow Him (Turn on the light)

         Public (Matthew 5:14-16) — Do not hide Christ. Be a Public testimony that attracts others to Christ

(Shine your light to God, not on their face)

          Pure (Philippians 2:15). Don’t let sin mess your shine

          We are now walking in the “daylight savings time.” Let us also walk in the saving light of Christ.

          Follow the Light; walk in the Light and be a light for Christ.