Much has changed with the pandemic. Some have really suffered. Others didn’t even realize that they had the virus. I know two preachers who died from Covid. Yet, many think officials reacted unreasonably. During past pandemics, all weren’t required to take precautions. The fearful were free to quarantine themselves. Most, however, continued as before.
Hi. I’m Weldon Langfield. Thank you for viewing. Some estimate the virus situation may last over a year longer. In efforts to contain it, Americans have lost religious freedoms. For example, health officials, not God, determine how many may worship together. California’s governor defied the Creator by ordering churches not to sing in services. Yet Ephesians 5:19 says worship must include “Singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord.” Besides seizing control of the church from Jesus and making themselves head of Christ’s body, officials have violated God’s will in other ways. Consider some:
Hi! I’m Weldon Langfield. Thank you very much for viewing. The most shameful act of tyranny against freedom of religion is a recent ruling of the United States Supreme Court. According to Fox News, “A divided Supreme Court on Friday rejected an emergency appeal by a California church that challenged state limits on attendance at worship services that have been imposed to contain the spread of the coronavirus.” The South Bay United Pentecostal Church in Chula Vista, California, argued that limits on how many can attend their services violate constitutional guarantees of religious freedom, especially since retail stores are allowed to be filled to 50% capacity in California; churches are only allowed 25%. The church had been seeking an order in time for Sunday services. These are good people striving to comply with authorities and their convictions.
Continue reading “SATAN VIA SCOTUS SCUTTLES SCRIPTURES (Pandemic Persecution)”
I’m Weldon Langfield. Thank you for viewing. When I’ve asked classes what “persecution” means, most answer that it is physical, such as burning down places of worship, torturing or killing Christians, or confiscating their possessions. Persecution is inevitable for every single disciple of Christ. Jesus promised in John 15:20, “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.” God’s son was persecuted throughout his ministry, finally to the to the point of death by crucifixion. We will be, too.
Hi! I’m Weldon Langfield. Thank you again for viewing, especially in these times troubled with persecution by pandemic. The United States Supreme Court recently refused to hear the case of a Pentecostal church in Chula Vista, California, that had been forbidden to worship as they saw fit by a lower court. That, as well as several other assaults on religious freedom in the name of containing a virus, has not been met with the outcry of people of faith that some expected. In fact, some Christians insist no persecution is taking place. Why is it that some are reluctant to recognize these persecutions that God’s word says will be a part of every Christian life?
Continue reading “WHY SOME DON’T ADMIT TO PERSECUTION (Pandemic Persecution)”
I’m Weldon Langfield. Thank you very much for watching this video. Many have heard the political cliché of a decade ago, “Never let a crisis go to waste.” Officials, ranging from appointees to elected governors, have wielded authority most folks never imagined they possessed in the name of controlling the coronavirus spread. Some have presumptuously made spiritual decisions for others who are alone responsible for their own souls. The “crisis” of the coronavirus pandemic has certainly not been wasted. This is seen in vicious assaults on the freedom to worship God.
Continue reading “WORSHIP UNDER FIRE – THREE EXAMPLES (Pandemic Persecution)”
Here is a news headline from this morning, May 11, 2020: “Washington Governor Allows One-on-One Bible Study During Coronavirus Pandemic after Lawsuit.” What a sad reminder that no other pandemic has led to government intrusion into the spiritual lives of Americans. Polio was far deadlier, killing many and paralyzing many more, yet no one dared to forbid or regulate public worship. Perhaps leaders thought worship and public prayer were just what the country needed. No chance of that now!
I don’t think conspirators met secretly to plot against religion, yet Satan always conspires to destroy Christians. I Peter 5:8 says, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”God expects us to put up a fight. James 4:7 says, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” All spiritual guidance is from either Satan or God. There is no middle ground, and there are no other spiritual forces. Matthew 12:30 says, “He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me scatters.”
Continue reading “HOW ARE YOU RESPONDING TO THIS PERSECUTION BY PANDEMIC? (Pandemic Persecution)”
In March, restrictions were placed on workers and worshippers by most state governors supposedly because of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Among the constraints, Christians were forbidden to worship in church buildings. It is assumed that worshippers are too close to each other to obey the six feet social distancing order. One group came up with a creative way to worship while maintaining social distance. Congregants stayed in their cars in the church parking lot while the minister preached to them from outside the building. We cannot help but admire their ingenious solution to social distancing edicts: They found a way to both worship and obey authorities. But instead of admiring their smart solution, authorities fined those in their cars $500! There have been many other similar incidents. Let’s, as Christians, ask ourselves some questions.