Freedom for churches is no longer guaranteed in the U.S.A.
Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate.
I have read that the Supreme Court ruled against the appeal of a church in Nevada of attendance restrictions that made the allowance of only 50 people in a church regardless of the building size, yet they let casinos have 50% of their capacity.
In California, the governor (Gavin Newsome) has made some restrictions against churches meeting (especially indoors) as indefinite, yet they have allowed massive protests.
They also have forbidden churches singing indoors.
Some churches are going outside.
John MacArthur and the elders of Grace Community Church at first went along with not meeting for a time due to the civil governments and churches being responsible about health (like Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2), but things have changed.
If you want to read their statement, you can see it HERE.
Here in Tennessee there is more freedom for churches, but there is no guarantee that it will last in this quickly changing nation and world.
This world is not the final home of the Christian.
Our true freedom is found in Christ no matter what happens to us down here.
If we lose our freedom here on earth, we must turn all the more to Christ for our hope and His eternal promises.
People need the Gospel in whatever ways we can get it out, and believers can pray for wisdom and courage for other believers who are making difficult decisions.
Whether or not we are completely certain about all of the decisions, people's consciences toward God to rule their lives (when it's basis is Scriptural) is something that should be considered.
There is a spiritual battle going on rather than solely a physical or political one.
It should not be a matter of a desire for being rebellious or worry about what others call caving in.
It's a matter of conscience toward God.
People have to look at Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2 as well as Acts 5:29 and Ephesians 5, etc.
We should care for and pray for brothers and sisters in Christ in these times.
Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate.
So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach.
For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come.
Hebrews 13:12-14 NASB
Good post, KT. I posted it on my FB page as well as John MacArthur's
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