Has California Told Christians, including John MacArthur, to Sin

[John of Japan]

Thanks John.

I am not certain that the requirements set forth in this document apply to John MacArthur's church. The following excerpts are not as restrictive as Pastor MacArthur stated in the video.

These quotes were found after a cursory scanning of the document. However, they serve my purpose of demonstrating my confusion of what he states without supplying supporting documentation.

https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-places-of-worship.pdf

Shorten services to limit the length of time congregants/visitors spend at facilities whenever possible. This could include limiting speeches, asking congregants/visitors to put on garments at home before arrival, etc.


"Consider implementing a reservation system to limit the number of congregants/visitors attending facilities at a time. This can include the use of digital platforms or other types of tools."


"Encourage congregants/visitors to physically distance themselves from others outside their household, avoid touching surfaces, and to leave the facility if they do not feel well."


"Consider limiting touching for religious and/or cultural purposes, such as holding hands, to members of the same household."

What is your take?

I see several of these as encouraging churches to disobey the Lord. For example, limiting the number of people coming is a huge overreach by the government. We invite people to church to get them saved, and are obeying Scripture--the government has no say whatsoever.

All in all, the CA list I linked to shows that the writer of the regulations has no clue about churches, much less religion. For example, "limiting speeches" is completely ignorant.Really--speeches??? And as a preacher, no one limits my sermons except God and the pastor where I am preaching at that time. My brother recently tried to tell me what to preach, but only the Lord can do that.

 

[just-want-peace]

IMHO, these juvenile regulations (?) just prove more & more daily that this is a POLITICAL pandemic. Other than restricting visits to nursing homes & assisted living homes, I have seen NONE of this garbage that we see daily now when the flu bug was flying last few years!? (Can't let a crisis go to waste, can we??)
In all likelihood this idiocy will be immediately discarded after Nov.: If ds win, because it's no longer needed; if the rs win, because it's a bunch of ----- anyway!!

 

[Wesley Briggman]

I am not taking John MacArthur at face value. I need to see the stringent requirements, in writing, he claims he is required to meet.

Unfortunately, his church website does not give a email address. I plan to call the church next week seeking the documentation I want. If that is unfruitful, I plan to mail him a registered letter.

If anyone has ideas where the documents might be found, please let me know where they are.

 

[Steven Yeadon]

I am not taking John MacArthur at face value. I need to see the stringent requirements, in writing, he claims he is required to meet.

Unfortunately, his church website does not give a email address. I plan to call the church next week seeking the documentation I want. If that is unfruitful, I plan to mail him a registered letter.

If anyone has ideas where the documents might be found, please let me know where they are.

Here are the documents out from the State of California.

These are the guidelines,
Industry guidance to reduce risk - Coronavirus COVID-19 Response

These are the level of lockdown by county,
Blueprint for a Safer Economy - Coronavirus COVID-19 Response

 

[Wesley Briggman]

Here are the documents out from the State of California.

These are the guidelines,
Industry guidance to reduce risk - Coronavirus COVID-19 Response

These are the level of lockdown by county,
Blueprint for a Safer Economy - Coronavirus COVID-19 Response

Thanks Steve. The first document is the same one that John shared (my response post #40). I need to verify with GCC that these are the recommendations/requirements they need to meet. If so, John MacArthur, in the video, appears to be embellishing the document.

 

[Wesley Briggman]

Our Associations supports a missionary in the Caribbean. I believe the name of the church is Seaside Church. Every Sunday - they set up the chairs on the beach and have church service. Not sure what they do when it snows.

You arrive at the correct address - but the pastor is not there. Therefore, "you cannot leave the package as you are not at the church.
Sounds silly - doesnt it!

 

[Calminian]

I see several of these as encouraging churches to disobey the Lord. For example, limiting the number of people coming is a huge overreach by the government. We invite people to church to get them saved, and are obeying Scripture--the government has no say whatsoever.

All in all, the CA list I linked to shows that the writer of the regulations has no clue about churches, much less religion. For example, "limiting speeches" is completely ignorant.Really--speeches??? And as a preacher, no one limits my sermons except God and the pastor where I am preaching at that time. My brother recently tried to tell me what to preach, but only the Lord can do that.

MacArthur sees through the nonsense and feels a calling to push back. The irony is, he's encouraging believers and unbelievers. Many unbelievers are impressed with this courage, which translates to his testimony.

BTW, I just found out from someone who attends there that they have still not successfully been evicted from the overflow lot they were leasing, and now a close-by Jewish synagog has offered them their parking lot as well. So they actually have more parking than ever before!

 

[just-want-peace]

MacArthur sees through the nonsense and feels a calling to push back. The irony is, he's encouraging believers and unbelievers. Many unbelievers are impressed with this courage, which translates to his testimony.

BTW, I just found out from someone who attends there that they have still not successfully been evicted from the overflow lot they were leasing, and now a close-by Jewish synagog has offered them their parking lot as well. So they actually have more parking than ever before!

I never cease to be amazed at how God moves people & events as per Rom 8:28.
That is why I'm totally amazed at the timing of Ginsberg' passing.

 

[John of Japan]

MacArthur sees through the nonsense and feels a calling to push back. The irony is, he's encouraging believers and unbelievers. Many unbelievers are impressed with this courage, which translates to his testimony.

BTW, I just found out from someone who attends there that they have still not successfully been evicted from the overflow lot they were leasing, and now a close-by Jewish synagog has offered them their parking lot as well. So they actually have more parking than ever before!

This is a great time to share the Gospel. There are many frightened and discouraged people out there who will listen. Our pastor recently talked to a neighbor who was grateful he was openly pastoring, saying that there is a great need for men of God now.