7 Good Things......

[Zam-Zam]

A man named Thom Ranier posted an article in which he focused on the seven silver linings in the Houston 'Sermon Subpoena' case:

I share the outrage of millions who were stunned when the city of Houston issued subpoenas to five area pastors. The subpoenas ordered the pastors to submit their sermons in regard to litigation against a new Houston Equal Rights Ordinance's protection based on sexual orientation.

Houston Mayor Annise Parker and others involved in this debacle are certainly disregarding the very heart of the First Amendment. In recent days, the mayor's office seems to be distancing itself from the subpoena controversy. There is little doubt, however, that the mayor and her team have disdain for many churches and Christian leaders.

I too am stunned and angered by this massive encroachment upon local churches by a governmental body. But there is an additional perspective to this horrendous act. It is not a perspective that detracts from the outrage, but one that suggests how God may be working His good in this situation. Let me suggest seven such ways.

1. Churches across the world historically thrive in times of persecution. Christ's Church will not be defeated. Attempts to suppress the gospel message have only lit a fire that burns even brighter.
2. This action is a needed wake-up call for American churches. Perhaps we will move from our posture of acute apathy to one of making a difference for Christ and His gospel.
3. Times such as these demonstrate who will really take a stand for Christ. Nominal Christians will continue to have their blasé attitudes. Real Christians will demonstrate their faith boldly.
4. Times such as these encourage us to participate with other believers of like minds and hearts. We American Christians are good at highlighting every miniscule difference between different Christian groups. The Houston subpoena controversy is making us unite over what we have in common.
5. We are able to demonstrate the love of Christ in bold ways during times of persecution. If we Christians will be Christ-like even while we protest, it will send a message to the world. Righteous indignation does not conflict with Christian love. Let us show what we are for while we protest what we are against.
6. Nitpicking criticisms tend to wane in times such as these. Social media specifically has magnified the pettiness of many Christians. Some church members spend more time criticizing others than sharing the gospel. But the Houston subpoena debacle has moved the focus to working together instead of against each other.
7. The gospel is magnified. Acts 8:1 notes the martyrdom of Stephen and the severe persecution against the church. Note what happens as the persecution begins: " . . . all except the apostles were scattered throughout the land of Judea and Samaria." In the midst of intense persecution, believers scattered throughout other regions and the gospel traveled with them.

Let us continue to take a strong stand against those who attack the very heart of the gospel. But let us, at the same time, recognize that God is not thwarted in moments such as these. We have an incredible opportunity to show gospel power and Christ-like love at the same time.


http://www.christianpost.com/news/seven-good-things-about-the-houston-subpoena-controversy-128352/

 

[as seen on tv]

i don't believe the jewish faith "thrived" under nazi persecution, but all i have are history books to go by.

political figures who "go after" segments of the public (blacks, gays, jews, muslims, etc) have too much time on their hands, and are trying to build support among their "base" of fellow haters.

last time i checked, houston had plenty for their mayor to attend to - unemployment, school dropouts, crime, narcotics, gangs . . .

how on earth did churches she disagrees with rise to the top of her agenda?

 

[Zam-Zam]

i don't believe the jewish faith "thrived" under nazi persecution, but all i have are history books to go by.

political figures who "go after" segments of the public (blacks, gays, jews, muslims, etc) have too much time on their hands, and are trying to build support among their "base" of fellow haters.

last time i checked, houston had plenty for their mayor to attend to - unemployment, school dropouts, crime, narcotics, gangs . . .

how on earth did churches she disagrees with rise to the top of her agenda?

Some background:

In May, Houston city government passed the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO) to ban discrimination based upon sexual orientation or gender identity. After passage, opponents began collecting signatures to add a ballot measure to repeal the new law.
In July, those opponents delivered over 50,000 signatures, well above the 17,269 that were needed, to add the question to the next election ballot. The city secretary approved the signatures, but that decision was later overruled by the mayor and city attorney, who decided that about 35,000 of the signatures were invalid.


The petition organizers then sued the city, arguing that the signatures were valid. As part of the process used to collect evidence for their case, the city, represented by attorneys working pro-bono, subpoenaed communications, including sermon notes and email, from five area pastors related to "HERO, the Petition, Mayor Annise Parker, homosexuality, or gender identity." The pastors were not involved in the lawsuit but were involved in encouraging people to sign the petition.

http://www.christianpost.com/news/houston-sermon-subpoena-scandal-5-things-you-need-to-know-128268/