Having given my life to Christ in 1983, I would never have believed that we would be in the situation in which we find ourselves in America less than 40 years later. I read this morning that Massachussetts has passed legislation which would enable the State government to force churches to accept gays into membership. There was also language in the bill which stated that the leadership and members of said churches must address transgenders by their “chosen” gender identity or face penalties.
From pjmedia.com
On October 1, 2016, the nation’s strictest LGBT non-discrimination laws will come into effect in Massachusetts. According to the “Gender Identity Guidance” released by the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) last week, even churches must refer to transgender individuals by their chosen “gender identity,” ignoring their biological sex. This effectively means churches must acknowledge transgender ideology or practice their doctrine on human sexuality in secret — putting Christianity in the closet.
The guidance specifically mentions churches as falling under the “public accommodation” restrictions against “discrimination” on the basis of gender identity: “Even a church could be seen as a place of public accommodation if it holds a secular event, such as a spaghetti supper, that is open to the general public,” the MCAD explained.
The restrictions are massive. Any “public accommodation” must allow patrons to use men’s or women’s restrooms — and locker rooms and changing rooms — “consistent with their gender identity.” Such places must also “use names, pronouns, and gender-related terms appropriate to employee’s stated gender identity in communications with employee and with others.”
These are not small asks for churches, Christian schools, and other organizations which operate on Christian principles.
The writing is on the wall
I predict (this is from me – not from God) that within the next five years, if we are still here, that government intrusion into churches about gays and marrying them, etc… will force many churches to shut down. At that point I believe that true believers will be forced to gather in secret in various homes.
The Celebrity Mega Churches
Churches such as Saddleback (Rick Warren); North Point Church (Andy Stanley); Vineyard churches (Mike Bickle and others) and countless other mega churches will stand. These churches have compromised the Word of God. They make the rules up as they go along. Their “opinions” have trumped the Holy Bible.
They are welcoming gays into positions of authority – some ordain practicing homosexuals as church leaders. The Bible is not regarded as inerrant, so they pick and choose which parts they like – and the rest falls by the wayside. These churches will always be safe under a hostile government towards Christianity.
Playing church
I truly believe that the aforementioned mega churches are, for the most part, acceptable to our government and to society in general. I sometimes call these churches “Country Club” churches. They see themselves as the elite of Protestantism, but in my humble opinion, most of these congregants and their leadership are playing church. By that I mean that very few are born again, Bible believing Christians.
Many Lost denominations are safe
Most mainline denominations have disregarded the Bible as their foundation. They loath Israel and avoid Bible prophecy. Although they may be “safe” in America – they will be shocked when the Rapture occurs, and they are left behind. These churches are made up of many people who will take the mark of the Beast. They will be lost forever – no chance for salvation.
Are you in a government compliant church?
If you belong to well known mega churches, or if you have attended one of the mainline church denominations through the years – I would HIGHLY recommend that you pray to Jesus to show you the truth. Good works do not save!
“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away” (Isaiah 64:6).
Our righteousness only comes from Christ. When we were born again, Jesus imputed His Righteousness to us. We could not pay the debt for our sinfulness, but He who had no sin, became sin so that we could be saved. His death and resurrection made it possible for sinful man to be able to stand before our Holy God, clean and justified because of Jesus. If you are confused by these words, then it’s a good indication that you have not been saved.
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Born again blood washed Christians will be strengthened under persecution
It may be a scary thought of having to go “underground” with our Praise and Worship and the Preaching of the Word. But take heart! Persecution has always been used by the Lord to cause His people to draw closer to Him. He will truly be our all and all. Of course He should be that to us right now; but our flesh is weak, and when we are comfortable, sometimes we get lazy and take much for granted.
For those who are not sure that they are saved:
Shalom b’Yeshua
MARANATHA!