Beware Who Comes Knocking On Your Door!

Recently I came across an article written by Drew Zahn for the WORLDNETDAILY, dated May 22, 2009. It was the account of a San Diego pastor and his wife who were interrogated by a San Diego County official and warned that they faced escalating fines if they continued their Tuesday night Bible studies in their home. In the eyes of the County, such studies constituted a "religious assembly" and that, in order to continue, they would have to obtain a permit which would cost over $10,000. If they failed to obtain the permit, then they would face those escalating fines.

Now, this couple was not asked if they hosted Tupperware parties in their home. They were not asked if they hosted a Super Bowl party in their home. They were not asked if they had friends over for a weekly game of cards. No, they were interrogated because they hosted a Bible study in their home.

According to the first amendment of our Constitution, Americans have the privilege of freedom of religion without the interference of governmental actions. In fact the very words of the Constitution are: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." If I host a Bible study in my home, the Constitution of the United States declares that government cannot prohibit that free exercise.

Not all religions in America are being targeted today. Those wearing bulls-eyes on their shirts and jackets are evangelical, Bible-believing Christians. In a recent document from the United States Department of Home Land Security, it is that very group of people who are labeled as being terrorist in nature.

Why are evangelical, Bible-believing Christians viewed as a threat? First, because they view every action of people and government through the lens of Scripture. They ask themselves, "What does the Bible teach?" They are not inclined to consider popularity polls, nor do they consider compromise for the sake of acceptance. Like Daniel of old, they have resolved in their hearts not to defile themselves. In a nation where toleration has become the operative word, evangelical, Bible-believing Christians are viewed as a threat.

Second, they are viewed as a threat because their vision of the future is different from those of our nations leaders. Many today are looking to men for answers to life's difficulties; Christians look to God and eagerly anticipate the return of Jesus Christ. And what a difference that makes!

Friends, I believe the birth-pangs of the persecution of the Church of Jesus Christ are near; they are close at hand. Perhaps God will use this persecution to separate those fully committed to Christ from those just going along for the ride. Are you ready to suffer for Him? Are you ready to lose your freedoms for Him? Are you ready to even lose your life for Him? These are the questions we need to be asking ourselves. What happened in San Diego County may happen next in your County. You never know who will be knocking next upon your door.