Are home Bible studies slowly being made illegal in many areas of the United States? Unfortunately, the headline above is not a joke. It is actually happening in many areas of the country. Many of you who are reading this have already seen some of the headlines. It just seems so bizarre that authorities are spending their time and resources going after home Bible studies when there are so many other problems out there right now. But it is happening.
Ever since the United States was created, people have gathered in their homes to study the Bible and worship God together. There has never been a time when such meetings in homes have been against the law.
Until now.
For example, it is being reported that a home Bible study group in Rancho Cucamonga, California must have a "Conditional Use Permit" by Good Friday, April 2nd, in order to continue gathering.
This is for a Friday Bible study that only has an average of 15 people attend.
Do the authorities there really need to spend time, money and resources to stop a 15 person Bible study?
No wonder this nation is spinning wildly out of control.
But sadly there are more examples of this phenomenon.
One town in Arizona has actually banned absolutely all church meetings in private homes.
Seriously.
The pastor of the Oasis of Truth Church received a cease and desist letter ordering him to terminate all religious meetings in his home, regardless of their size, nature, or frequency.
So how many members does this horribly threatening church have?
7 members.
But apparently the town of Gilbert, Arizona is prepared to go all out to keep these 7 adults and their children from having Bible studies in their homes.
What in the world has happened to the United States of America?
The truth is that we need to be able to meet in our homes. The home church movement in America is growing, because most of the "establishment churches" have sold out and have abandoned the gospel long ago.
But in the new America the churches that sell out and conform to worldly standards are the ones that get approval from the establishment.
For example, many national leaders are absolutely thrilled that the Episcopal Church has confirmed the election of an Annapolis, Maryland priest as the first openly lesbian bishop in the worldwide Anglican Communion.
But churches and Christian organizations that try to live according to God's standards increasingly find themselves being persecuted.
In fact, a new bill before Congress would prohibit Christian adoption agencies from refusing to adopt to gay and lesbian couples.
So would that cause a large number of Christian adoption agencies to shut down?
Of course.
But they don't care.
The truth is that America is increasingly becoming a hostile place for Christians.
But America is not alone.
The world is becoming an increasingly hostile place for Christians, but this is exactly what Yahshua (Jesus) told us would happen in the last days.
Persecution of Christians is only going to get worse from here on out, so you better buckle up and get ready.
This is going to be quite a ride.
I’m sorry, this is a load of crap. America was established by Puritanical Christians and though we are not a Christian nation, there is still such an ingrained sense of Christian doctrine in this country. Presently, we are a secularized nation but have nothing to fear about persecution on a federal scale. How about you go research all the facts, do more fact finding instead of throwing this hodge-podge, half ass attempt at reporting out on the internet. Please come up with more than opinion.
In many countries, it is the ‘Church’ that is behind persecution of those who have home study meetings. You are definitely correct in stating that the mainline churches of Christendom (Not Christianity) are a part of the worldly system, referred to in the Bible as Babylon the Great, the great harlot who sits on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication. Revelation 17:9-18 explains the significance of it all. A good explanation is also given @ http://tinyurl.com/yakzko9
“So would that cause a large number of Christian adoption agencies to shut down?”
Why would it? I’m a Christian too, but this just sounds like hyperbole. They would rather shut down than run the remote risk (what ratio of adopting couples are gay?) of putting a kid in a good home that *happens* to be one with two moms or dads? Because straight parents always raise straight kids, just like Christian parents always produce Christian children?
So two townships are sick of people blocking traffic in residential neighborhoods, and that amounts to the entire country becoming intolerant of Christianity. I might remind you that Christians are still a majority in America, and I all these cities have asked for is some paperwork be filed. No one is burning your cars, breaking into your homes, arresting you (this is a civil matter), or harming Christians in any way. (I would think you would be grateful for the chance to be Christ-like, but I never understood you people.) Christians however, routinely do these things to unbelievers, gays and lesbians, and minorities.
And you get served with paperwork twice and you call it Armageddon. You sure can dish it out, but can’t take it.
Crap. You or someone is making this crap up to scare people. Cut it out.
Oh of course its awaiting moderation we wouldn’t want any dissenters getting through.
If your religion was honest and could stand on its own as truth you would have no need to filter comments.
I hate to nit-pick but to me it seems likely that these orders to cease and desist probably stem from a fear by the government (likely a very irrational fear) that the people running these meetings are trying to get tax exemption for their house by calling a weekly bible study meeting a church service. Now that may or may not be whats going on, but the government wouldn’t know that and certainly doesn’t know that until they investigate the matter further. In all likelihood the meetings mentioned in the article will continue un-molested in a short while and christians can go back to claiming Obama is a muslim or some such, respectfully yours…a free thinker.
It’s a sad fact that most so called follower’s of the Messiah will render unto Ceaser rather than God.
“Paper’s please” <– Somehow that sounds eerily similar to a history lesson most of us seem to have failed.
I read the zoning code attached to this , and the worst case scenario is that you have to get a permit. GET THE PERMIT! By attacking every ordinance in every hick town across the country as anti-GOD, your only making yourselves look like a bunch of zealots.
In response to the comment that Christians are still the majority in the United States…I would say this. Hogwash. People who look like the world, smell like the world, think like the world and act just like the world but go to church on Sunday so they can soothe their troubled consciences are no more Christians than the rocks I have in my back yard.
You can take a rock, wrap it shiny paper and call it candy…but it’s still a rock.
Oh, if only a quarter of the people calling themselves by His great name were truly born again, living lives that were defined by His grace and love…what a different society it would be.
To the members of His body who will read this, pray for a great awakening of faith amongst the churches of America. The mission field is not only over seas but is amongst the very pews that populate our churches…
In Humble Devotion to Christ Jesus,
-Troy W. Greene
So let me ask this, Is math or any other subject or other book studies being banned? If not that is select persecution and it is against the LAW there for over ruling the banned.
Those people need to find some junk-yard dog lawyers and fight back. Those are ridiculous ordinances.
The persecution of the Church is by permission only. Fear not, I have overcome the world, Jesus said. Paul observed we are more than conquerors for those who are in Christ Jesus. You can choose to roll over, or you can choose to dot the devil in the eye.
Home churches and home group bible studies or fellowships would be covered under the US Constitution two ways: right of assembly and the free exercise of religion.
Those having home churches or fellowships should check city zoning laws and HOA covenants regarding conducting business within a residential area. But, if it is an informal gathering of friends and family to socialize and share the Bible, there should be … cannot Constitutionally be any law opposing that.
Christians, those who are by more than name only, should not accept this behavior of fellow citizens in the USA. The city, county/parish, state, and federal governments are your governments too. Get some backbone and stand your ground. Use your authority granted to you by Jesus, as documented in the Bible, and give them a ‘what for.’
The kingdom of God suffers violence and the violent take it by force. Stand up, speak up, have authority as you are instructed, or get steam-rolled by those under the influence. Your choice. As for me and my house, we stand with the Lord Jesus.
So when is someone going to sue these government agencies regarding freedom of association and freedom of religion?
And one last thing…
What motivated these government agencies to do this?
Who is behind it?
@ Troy: Kudos!! I completely agree with you, very well said, Brother! We are, at the very least, a confused nation…at worst, an evil, narcissistic, entitled one. I fear I’m seeing far too much of the latter. Above comments are a case in point. “This is going to be quite a ride” indeed.
Exhilarating! How better to profess one’s faith than to publicly fight persecution! That practicing one’s faith could be considered counterculture–it’s akin to being a present day Disciple! So get the permit and invite the clerk to your home!
Not only is this correct it started before President Busch left office. I know some people who r experiencing this persecution.
But is the Mystery Babylon the United States?
is this for real? if it is then you should not be surprised. The bible says they will not always endure sound doctrine. Hmmmmmmmm i hope this is a joke. Be strong if it is true. God Bless
@YahtheMostHigh
Mystery Babylon is not really America to say. The woman in the beast in Revelation represents Mystery Babylon. It is a world wide false religion headed by the false prophets in the tribulation time. The bible says the ppl commit adultery with the woman on the beast, meaning they serve that religion instead of Jesus. So it’s not really America. I’m afraid to say this but i guess i have to be bold. The roman catholic church will have a major part in the Mystery Babylon. So be on alert because these are just signs that Christ is coming soon.
I’m always so surprised that so many people who are so ardently opposed to Christian thought troll Christian sites to raise hell. Why? Seems as thought the majority of posts I read above are harsh toward the notions being presented, inflammatory and abrasive. Then you get a “Christian” like John above who would dictate proper behaviors of Christian organizations such as adoption agencies that are directly contrary to those instructions given in the Bible. We’re meant to have freedom of religion here. If an adoption agency is openly a Christian organization, it’s unconstitutional to force them to adopt to gay couples because that is directly contrary to their beliefs as stated inside of their holy text. You can’t ask them to compromise! You can’t, it’s agregious to the highest degree. And before someone says that it’s a matter of homophobia, that’s simply a distraction. If an individual or organization openly ascribes to a particular faith, then you cannot ask them to disregard strict tenents of that faith based upon popular movements. I remember a day when gays demanded equal rights and protections under the law. Now it seems that they’re demanding superior status within the law, and that the rights of those who are spiritually opposed to their chosen lifestyle have lost their rights to that opposition, even though it is clearly delineated within the book of spiritual instruction which is the basis of their faith.
I would love to know, if in both towns the article mentioned, do they have groups of people who regularly meet at someone’s house on Sundays during football season to watch the games together? If so, they should have to have a permit as well or not be allowed to meet because you can’t have it both ways.
@Lee I agree with you whole-heartedly concerning the trolls. I also agree with your statements concerning the Christian adoption centers. Other religious and non-religious groups are being allowed to say and do what they wish without impunity. In fact, it’s becoming applauded and embraced, while Christians are not afforded the same freedoms to stand on their religious beliefs. If we try, it’s called hate or intolerance. But that shows that the end is near! Maranatha!!!
“House to house” was what the earliest believers practiced (Acts 2:42-47).
Amendment 1 – Freedom of Religion, Press, Expression. Ratified 12/15/1791.
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
God bless you all.
todd tomasella
Please tell anyone this is happening to to get on the net and post the phone numbers and e-mail addresses for the govn. agencies doing this…they FIRST TRIED THIS WITH MY PASTOR FRIEND DAVID JONES IN SAN DIEGO ABT 4-5 YEARS AGO AND HE GOT IT STOPPED AFTER IT WENT VIRAL ON THE NET, AND SO MANY BELIEVERS CALLED AND E-MAILED THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO THAT IT SHUT DOWN THERE BUSINESS FOR 3 DAYS AND THEY RELENTED!! I USED IT ON THEM TOO FOR MORE UNJUSTICE AND IT WORKED AGAIN!!
Ever heard of a lawyer? Sue the city, people. It’s against the law to pass such ordinances.
This is not the last days…this is the action of a few dummies that were put in power by voters not being discerning…
I really don’t see what homosexuality has to do with the original concern… Anyway, the best thing to do about this problem is ignore it. Keep meeting in homes. Break the law on purpose, in this case. If you are fined for it, don’t pay the fine. Refuse to comply. They’ll get the message sooner or later. People can have a Bible study in their home even if it is illegal. In the most extreme circumstances (other countries) they might be killed for it, but that still doesn’t mean they can’t do it. They just have to choose what they want most, and then roll with it. And they do! They actually get killed. Here in USA the consequences are ridiculously lighter than that. So get arrested for Jesus. Break the law for His glory. It’s all good.
I believe there were other issues surrounding the “use permit” first mentioned. And I believe it was also overturned due to possible abuse of the law quoted.
@Big Red: Imagine getting together to watch a game/fight/etc. and having {gasp!} alcohol present and being required to have a liquor license or a bar-owner’s permit. Our governments have taken our Checks & Balances system and have gone WAAAY outside of it (read: tossed it in the trash) when it doesn’t fit their needs. I’m speaking ALL levels of government, down to the city level.
Criticize and dismiss it. Mock and call people paranoid. But the ONLY way they can take away American’s freedoms and YOUR God is to erode it just a little bit at a time to where you won’t notice it and will make fun of such a small intolerance. Wake up people! How do you think we got into this mess over-all with our economy and lack of morals. It has been pushed on us for over 100 years… just a little bit at a time to where we can’t see it happening. The bully is winning but you don’t want to admit it.
I do believe that you are misinforming people because you fail to state the reason for the limit. If the Bible study in being held in a person’s home, in the city and a neighborhood, parking space is at a premium. If people would park away from the area and walk, or car pool, there should be no reason to limit the number of people, unless it is an apartment complex that would also have restrictions due to fire codes, etc. Christians are making themselves ugly when they yell persecution for no good reason…and I think this is one of those instances. Remember, we have brothers and sisters in Christ who would be glad to be under these guidelines instead of in prison in places where REAL persecution should make us ashamed to whine and cry about these things.
Followers of Jesus should know who our enemies are and with no spirit of offense, point out the obvious.
We are under attack by well orgganized anti-christ forces which have handcuffed a dumbed down churchianity conditioned to protect the very groups that would drag followers of Jesus down even to death – - the ADL and the SPLC and others.
No one dare breathe a word of truth for fear of being labeled anti-semitic.
The ADL and SPLC are wicked, woe to those who call evil good!
So what is coming will be as Jesus told us, and the sign of the exact sad case churchianity Jesus and writers of the Epistles taught would be on Earth when He returned … is here now.
I noticed that there are a lot of naysayers posting to this story. The truth is that this nation is turning against Christianity more and more. I am talking about true, biblical Christianity.
They have no problem, at present, with the so-called mainline churches, because they have already co-opted the Gospel, a la Joel Osteen & Rick Warren.
However, the truth is that Christianity has been under attack, in this country, for decades. The pro-life movement, fro example, has endured this bigotry for over 20 years, with almost no outcry from the “mainline Christians”. It is now that the Christophobic feel that they can be overt in their attacks. Hence, these examples, as provided in this story.
I find it curious, as well, that so many who hate Christ, and His people, would take the time to come on sites like these just so they can bash and poo-poo. Are you seriously telling me that they have nothing better to do with their time?
Since they took the time to come here, we should let them know that they can know true salvation, as well. They are currently on the express train to Hell, all because they have no personal relationship with their Creator, through Jesus Christ. They can get off that train, careening to destruction.
They can be done with their pettiness, worry and doubt. Knowing Jesus Christ as Savior AND Lord, having a personal relationship with Him, is the ONLY way to insure true salvation.
I couldn[t believe this article either, so I looked it up.
Here it is from Foxnews http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,589385,00.html
i DIDN’T BELIEVE THIS ARTICLE BUT LOOKED IT UP. HERE IT IS FROM FOXNEWS.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,589385,00.html
@Lee. We have the freedom of religion here. You have the right to practice whatever religion. The laws of this country are not however religious laws. No religion has the right to make the laws of the country bend to their religious beliefs. If you feel it’s wrong to allow children to be adopted into gay homes then that’s between you and and your beliefs. If the law doesn’t agree with your beliefs then you have the right not to run an adoption agency or be involved with that program, but you cannot ask the law to change simply because of your religion. No one forces people to put children up for adoption or to run an adoption agency. Individuals choose to, hence freedom.
@ Big and many others. First of all a few towns is not many areas and is nothing to start such a stir over acting like the practicing of Christianity is banned. Most of the instances this article mentions are only requesting permits to be requested, that’s not putting a ban on practicing religion. There are good reasons for permits and it’s not unreasonable to ask Christian people to follow the law. I agree with Big there is probably more to the story that has made these permits required and it seems a simple thing simply to get a permit and continue. It would have been nice to see some real journalism here supplying information about why this has happened rather than just assuming it’s about refusing the right to practice religion, then people could have some foundation to build their opinions on and if the law is being broken perhaps would have gotten some real information to help in a lawsuit regarding a violation of rights. Since that isn’t what happened though it’s hard to take it serious.
Ignorance is bliss; this applies to all who have not done there homnework as well. Keep flappin your lips and continue to think you know something when you know nothing. Remember this, people are people no matter what “authority” they claim or have. You can still stand up and say no. And if you get killed for it, so what.(the extreme possible outcome) You’re only going home. I hope you know where your home is cause there is Life after death; Your choice. Anyhow, stand up and say no and keep walking in Truth no matter what. Don’t worry about man made laws just keep the Creator of all things Law and learn to walk in His grace. Oh ya, Yeshua say’s, “forgive so your Heavenly Father will forgive you. For if you don’t forgive, neither will your Heavenly Father forgive your sins” Yeshua is a very cool King.
opps, I should have done a spell check on my comment.
“homnework”
To those who responded at this article as rubbish, let me point out the issue here. The point being made is that a mans home is his castle unless in some states he and his family are Christians. Permit or not he purchased his home like his neighbor but his neighbor may throw a wild football party any day of the week, they may even have a book club meeting without a permit, but if your book club happens to be discussing the bible that week you better watch out cause you can be on the next episode of Cops! Let’s keep it strait people, no one is attacking the Hindu, atheist, Buddhist etc… Way of life because they simply do not intellectually, spiritually, morally, hold you accountable to your sinful actions. Sure they offer up some type of wisdom of life, but if you read the bible you would see that they are only borrowing it from an ancient source, but are leaving out all the other important stuff. However, if being made a loving, peaceful, humble, caring, man through God is so wrong, well I have no interest in being right. So if the secular world seeks to sequester us God fearing humans, and God allows it, than let it come. For I trust my God has a plan to save those who are still blinded by there selfish ambitions. That through their own philosophy he will show them their faults.
They are ‘All’ in bed with the world’s governments. And they All: “Bear The Name Of The Beast [Baal Worship].”
The: “Wedding Garment” – mentioned by Yahshua was: “The Judgments and Statutes of Yahweh.” See Malachi Chapter 4! Keeping The True Sabbath Day and His Feasts are merely part of them….
Re-reading all the responses to this article, I see the posts written by unbelievers, which are mocking and uncivil in tone and presentation. What these writers don’t see are the many who do not respond in kind, because they believe in Jesus and do their best to follow what Jesus would do. We do not respond in kind – uncivil, mocking, hurtful or hateful. We try to be patient and try to help them see the truth. The very fact these mockers troll websites like this – and post their hateful little comments – are proof we are in the last days. But we Christians, while not perfect at this, try our best to help them, because we know what’s coming for such mockers. When they stand before Almighty God and have to account for every word and deed. All their excuses will not count, because their life will be replayed for them and every fact will come out – including the comments here posted. And it will be of no use, since they did not believe. The truth is, there is life after death and we have free will to choose where we will spend eternity – either with God and His Son in Heaven, or in Hell. Please fully investigate what you are mocking before it’s too late. I pray God you chose wisely.
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We have a right to have a gathering in our own home. We have a right to talk about anything we wish, in our own home or anywhere else, for that matter. It has nothing to do with parking or space limitations or any other trumped up, stupid “reason”. It is persecution, pure and simple. The Constitution covers this three ways…Freedom of assembly, freedom of religious expression and freedom of speech. So if anyone tries to harrass you about this, just tell them to buzz off. They have no authority to do that. It is unconstitutional and they would lose in any court of law. (Except maybe the 9th Circus Court in California).
For those commenters who said “Just get the permit and shut up”, I say, this may be happening to Bible Study Groups right now, but it could happen to gatherings that serve alcohol(liquor permit), or gatherings that want to grill steaks (fire permit), or gatherings that include lots of children (child-care permit), or gatherings that serve any food at all (kitchen inspections from Board of Health). Where does this crap end? Think about it, all you who agree with the need for this permit!! You may be next. In fact, you WILL be next. Watch for it. This is not just Christians, it is Big Brother intruding into our lives in every way they can.
Well I guess most of the bases are covered. It think this is the signs of the times. Obey gov´t and God at the same time sometimes isn´t possible. For you mockers out there, if a group of Muslim´s were to do this, would they be subject to the same standards? Of course they wouldn´t, so this is discrimination to say the least. It shouldn´t surprise any Cross carrying Christian.
Just posted the blog post to this FB page: http://www.facebook.com/Right2Gather
Great comments here.
Trumping freedom of assembly with “valuable” parking and building code restrictions is a secular mindset being established by our Government. The 1st amendment states that the Government, “shall not establish a religion”. Well they are–it just is not Christian.
Talk about a code violation–China house church leader Samuel Lamb stuffs over 800 people weekly into his tiny 3 story home, which is crammed into a very congested and busy downtown area of Guangzhou, China. They literally have made a science out of how many people they can fit inside a private residence so that as many people as possible can hear the Word and worship Jesus together.
The Chinese Christians have learned that, miraculously, God can open doors that no man can shut. This is a work that will happen to the Christian church in America as our Government completes the establishment of secular type religion into every corner of our society.
I see that there are only 7 adults and four children involved in the Arizona case–which only makes it more unbelievable.
Maybe these incidents are facts, but there some things EVERYONE needs to take into consideration. The main thing is that we the people have more power than we have been taught; that is where the government has gained the greatest part of its present day power. If we would do a little research into what our true power & ability (as well as our proper responsibility) we could radically change this country very quickly.
As for the legal bans being presented to these home Bible studies, the groups trying to cause trouble need to realize that the supreme court has ruled that “All laws which are repugnant to the Constitution are null and void.” Marbury vs. Madison 5 US (2 Cranch) 137, 174, 176, (1803)
Another ruling says, “Where rights secured by the Constitution are involved, there can be no rule making or legislation which would abrogate them.” Miranda vs. Arizona 384 US 436 p. 491
Also, “An unconstitutional act is not law; it confers no rights; it imposes no duties; affords no protection; it creates no office; it is in legal contemplation, AS INOPERATIVE AS THOUGH IT HAD NEVER BEEN PASSED.” (EMPHASIS ADDED) Norton vs. Shelby County 118 US 425 p. 442
These are all US supreme court cases which may be cited in a court of law, and used to secure a parties Constitutionally secured rights. These, together with a little more research into our true rights, powers & responsibilities as American citizens, could & need to be found out & used by all of us.
How sad that we Christians are always being singled out as the bad guys. It is time, long over-due, for us to stand up and be heard. Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the grave to save us from our sins so that we will live eternally in heaven with Him and God. How exciting and wonderful. My prayer is that we will ban together and stand up for our belief in Jesus Christ. Oh, what a different world this would be if we would speak up and not remain silent. If we read the Bible, we will know that we are to go into the world and spread the good news about Jesus.
Having Bible studies in private homes is a wonderful thing. I believe our home should be our own and the government should NEVER be allowed to forbid us to do anything that does NO harm to anyone else.
I am currently living in Harare, Zimbabwe, which is an african country and has sanctions on it by so called “free countries” and yet we can freely speak out about Jesus. What is that? Is America free country as it claims? No.