At the same time, what is the harm in fulfilling the building ordinances? He clearly intends for it to be a church, and built it specifically for that purpose. It seems to me that he should honor God by honoring the requests of the city government. I understand that it seems like Christianity is under attack here, but there are much clearer pictures of this across the country daily. It seems that he was being intentionally vague/dishonest with the building permits. I cannot say what God's will was/is for this situation, but I hope that He is being glorified.
I certainly agree and had the same take away, Matt. However, when it comes to code stipulations for PRIVATE residences, it's ridiculous that a poker party (of 15 people) is permissible in Phoenix but a religious gathering of the same amount violates code.
But, it appears they were being harassed before that building was built outside. Even when they were holding bible studies in their livingroom. My thought is, if the city was saying they had too many people inside their home, then why are people having a large dinner party, graduation party, after funeral gathering, etc. allowed to have theirs? And, what we don't know is...were people tithing once he built the building outside? I suppose if they were, then it would definately be more than bible studies.
I totally agree with both of you, but I think the issue is that it happened so frequently. I would hope that if a poker party became a 3+/week meeting they would be forced to also bring their building(/business?) up to code. I just hope that they are counted worthy of persecution for Christ's sake and not bringing persecution upon themselves by their supposed deception (as the city claims).
At the same time, what is the harm in fulfilling the building ordinances? He clearly intends for it to be a church, and built it specifically for that purpose. It seems to me that he should honor God by honoring the requests of the city government. I understand that it seems like Christianity is under attack here, but there are much clearer pictures of this across the country daily. It seems that he was being intentionally vague/dishonest with the building permits. I cannot say what God's will was/is for this situation, but I hope that He is being glorified.
ReplyDeleteI certainly agree and had the same take away, Matt. However, when it comes to code stipulations for PRIVATE residences, it's ridiculous that a poker party (of 15 people) is permissible in Phoenix but a religious gathering of the same amount violates code.
DeleteBut, it appears they were being harassed before that building was built outside. Even when they were holding bible studies in their livingroom. My thought is, if the city was saying they had too many people inside their home, then why are people having a large dinner party, graduation party, after funeral gathering, etc. allowed to have theirs? And, what we don't know is...were people tithing once he built the building outside? I suppose if they were, then it would definately be more than bible studies.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with both of you, but I think the issue is that it happened so frequently. I would hope that if a poker party became a 3+/week meeting they would be forced to also bring their building(/business?) up to code. I just hope that they are counted worthy of persecution for Christ's sake and not bringing persecution upon themselves by their supposed deception (as the city claims).
ReplyDeleteBlessings