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Really disappointed to see this from 9Marks. To be sure, different churches can arrive at different conclusions, but some of the statements sprinkled throughout give me pause... 1/ https://twitter.com/9Marks/status/1287093779023921152
"our churches may have more occasions to defy government requirements in years to come. Do we want to spend down our capital on pandemics?"
Seriously? This is how we're supposed to make godly decisions? Based on what might/might not happen in the future? This is pragmatism. 2/
Seriously? This is how we're supposed to make godly decisions? Based on what might/might not happen in the future? This is pragmatism. 2/
"What’s implied in MacArthur’s statement is that his elders don’t believe there is a real threat with Covid-19."
but...
"Let’s make sure we don’t 'pass judgment on one another'...”
3/
but...
"Let’s make sure we don’t 'pass judgment on one another'...”
3/
The option of meeting outdoors is mentioned multiple times. Hasn't GCC *been* meeting outdoors? I thought I had seen references to them meeting in a courtyard on the GCC campus? 4/
Those churches didn’t insist the government had no right to “restrict our worship.”
Not a single one? How do we know that? How do we know some didn't go ahead and meet anyway? 5/
Not a single one? How do we know that? How do we know some didn't go ahead and meet anyway? 5/
Comparisons to China are shaky at best. China doesn't have a constitution guaranteeing its people freedom of religion or freedom to assemble. The US does. GCC is exercising its legal rights. We operate within the system we're citizens of. It's apples and oranges. 6/
"...restaurant&gym owners...glance...at our churches,will our refusal to abide by...restrictions...help the witness of the gospel...?"
Maybe they'll respect a church that has a backbone & will suffer for their faith, & listen to them. Blood of the martyrs>>seed of the church? 7/
Maybe they'll respect a church that has a backbone & will suffer for their faith, & listen to them. Blood of the martyrs>>seed of the church? 7/
"...let’s leave room for churches to make different decisions a la Romans 14."
I read the whole statement from GCC. I didn't see one word about other churches and their decisions having to be the same as GCC's. GCC was speaking for itself. 8/
I read the whole statement from GCC. I didn't see one word about other churches and their decisions having to be the same as GCC's. GCC was speaking for itself. 8/
"...fire codes, building codes, zoning restrictions...and more, all of which impinge on and limit our gatherings."
Seriously? Building codes "impinge on and limit our gatherings" in the same way the governor saying"You can't meet together or we'll cut your power/water," does? 9/
Seriously? Building codes "impinge on and limit our gatherings" in the same way the governor saying"You can't meet together or we'll cut your power/water," does? 9/
"...to leave one church for another, because you’ve become convinced your leaders are making the wrong call."
Or maybe we could try Heb13:17a:
"Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account."
10/end
Or maybe we could try Heb13:17a:
"Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account."
10/end
