I have known a genuine Christian who is a domestic abuse survivor for over six years now. She contacted me after finding my domestic abuse sermon series online. She was in a legalistic, cruel counterfeit church at the time, and when she separated from her abuser after many, many years of misery, her “church” ex-communicated her. That is a real story in itself.

In addition, she has endured much suffering due to physical ailments from the abuse and is now disabled, unable to work. She maintains a joyful spirit through it all and I have no doubts about the reality of her Christian faith.

There is a real need right now. In spite of having a very basic income (which isn’t adequate) the federal and state governments still tax the support money she obatined in the divorce settlement and she owes $1540, due of course by April 15th.

Please pray that the Lord would provide this need and if you are able to help financially, you may send funds to:

Christ Reformation Church,
7450 Alderbrook Rd.,
Tillamook, Oregon 97141

I will keep you updated and let everyone know when the need is met.

(Published on both blogs: Unholy Charade and Light for Dark Times)

1Co 5:3-4 For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing. (4) When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus,

2Co 10:10-11 For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.” (11) Let such a person understand that what we say by letter when absent, we do when present.

Col 2:5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

Ok, I know full well that you and I as well are going to get the “hey, you are forsaking the gathering together of the saints” by doing this online church thing!”

Well, let me answer these kind.

• First, what is healthy about gathering together under a false teacher and with anti-saints? In these dark days the condition of most local churches is not “hey, no church is perfect,” but “are there any real believers there at all and is the Word preached at all?”  Where in the Bible are we commanded to gather together in a counterfeit church?
• Second, as you see in the verses above, we certainly can gather together in real fellowship even if it is not possible to be present physically. Paul did it! And this was no supposed “apostolic miracle” by which he somehow tele-transported his soul over to Corinth!  No. He was present by saying Amen to their obedience and real worship and praying for them.

There ARE circumstances which prohibit Christ’s people from being physically present and thus physically gathered together. Some people are shut ins due to health issues. Others have been so traumatized by the wicked wolves parading in wool that they literally cannot go to a church building. Others have been cast our of a local church for divorcing an abuser. And many others simply cannot find a genuine church and pastor even though they have searched and searched.

Paul couldn’t be at Corinth because he was far away. He couldn’t be at Colossae because he was in prison. Nevertheless he said he WAS present with them in spirit.

And thus we maintain that there is indeed biblical basis and justification for establishing a “virtual church” using the modern tools the Lord has blessed us with.

So don’t you arrogant types out there be trying to lay Hebrews 10:25ff on us and accusing us of disobeying the Lord. It might just be that we are obeying Him and YOU aren’t!