What force can destroy the church? If you had told me last year that people in power would call for the doors of churches to be closed, I would not have believed it. But that just happened.

Hebrews 10:25f (ESV) —25 NOT NEGLECTING TO MEET TOGETHER, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. 26 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there NO LONGER REMAINS A SACRIFICE FOR SINS.

Yet, Jesus promised that His Church would find a way and survive even these days. Matthew 16:18 (ESV) — 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

So, through the lens of my “rear view mirror” I look at 2020 as a fulfillment of God’s Great Resilient promise.

• I see it as a year in which His Church rose to the occasion.

• I see our resilience in continued virtual services.

• I see this “great persecution” as a time His word left the church buildings and proliferated throughout the world.

• I see it as a year many lost souls found His eternal family through baptism.

• I see it as a year that hurting souls came in droves to our building for relief from mental and spiritual anguish.

• I see it as a year our parking lot just kept growing in anticipation of renewed growth.

• I see it as a year that His ministerial staff doubled.

• I see it as a year in which our Elders got to meet, in person, with all those who were open to visits.

I am so thankful for each one of you. Soon and very soon we will once again be able to “greet one another with the Holy Kiss”. In the meantime, “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace” (Num. 6:24–26 ESV).