Witch Hunt Begins in Houston - Local Pastors Subpoenaed

While at the Feast, a chilling event occurred that is significant,
not only for me, but for all of God’s people living in the
United States. What made the newsworthy event stand out was
that it occurred in our hometown of Houston. An elder
attending the Feast in Jekyll Island noted that I was from
Houston and sent me an article from Investor’s Business
Daily.

The article was posted online on 10/15/2014. The title: “Witch
Hunt Begins in Houston As Pastors Subpoenaed.”

The article notes that Houston city hall is demanding five local
pastors turn over sermons in which they talked about
Houston’s new nondiscrimination law. The law is supposed to
bar biased treatment based on “sex, race, color, ethnicity,
national origin, age, familial status, marital status, military
status, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic
information, gender identity or pregnancy.”

The bill allows men to use the ladies’ restroom and women to
use the men’s room.

A coalition of roughly 400 local churches gathered more than
50,000 signatures asking that the law be placed on a voter
referendum in November. However, the petition was tossed
out and the opponents filed a lawsuit.

As a result of opposition to the bill, Houston city attorneys
began issuing subpoenas to pastors, who are part of the
lawsuit, to turn over their sermons and all communications
with their congregations regarding the law and the petition.

This is a clear violation of the First Amendment and a clear
attempt to limit free speech and the free exercise of religion.

The chilling point is that we have come to a time in society in
which people who hold fast to biblical beliefs are coming
under attack by the government. The attack in this case is
against pastors, their sermons and communications, but if the
trend continues the attack will move to any who hold to the
views of the pastors.

Should we be surprised by this turn of events? Recall what
Christ told His followers, “These things I have spoken to you,
that you should not be made to stumble. They will put you out
of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills
you will think that he offers God service. And these things
they will do to you because they have not known the Father
nor Me. But these things I have told you, that when the time
comes, you may remember that I told you of them.
(John 16:1-4).

Are we in danger of imminent death? Not at this time. But
we can be called to account for our biblical beliefs.

This event is just a reminder of how crucial it is to be focused
upon the truths that were laid before us during the fall festival
season. Christ is coming. Satan will be removed. Christ will
rule for a 1,000 years and more. If we endure to the end, we
can be a part of a Kingdom where righteousness reigns.

Most importantly, we are told, “For He Himself has said, "I
will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say:
"The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to
me?" (Hebrews 13:5-6).

We must continue our journey to the Kingdom of God with
the confidence that God will be with us to the end.

Have a most pleasant and profitable Sabbath.

Gary Smith

But They Shall Dwell Safely

In Memphis, Tennessee a violent attack that was caught on camera — and now, police in Memphis say they have arrested and charged four juveniles.
The attack happened in the parking lot of a Kroger grocery store on Saturday, September 6th.
Fox6’s sister station, Wreg in Memphis reports a 15-year-old has been charged with aggravated riot and acting in concert: to wit aggravated assault.
Wreg reports the teen was out on gun-related charges at the time of the attack. Wreg says the teen wasn’t enrolled in school, and his mother was previously charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Wreg reports a 16-year-old is also charged with aggravated riot, and acting in concert: to wit aggravated assault. A 15-year-old and a 17-year-old are charged with aggravated riot.

“It was nonsense violence. I can say that for sure. It seemed very unprovoked. They weren’t about anything, that it was fun for them. They were out having a good time. They were all smiling they were laughing,” the man said.

Laughing, as they knocked out a 17-year-old Kroger employee — kicking him in the head and throwing large pumpkins on him as he laid on the ground.

The man new to town says several Kroger employees were recording video of the incident — but one man seen at the end of the video knocked out, actually stepped in to defend him and the 17-year-old Kroger employee knocked unconscious.

Most likely a number of us living here in Houston shop at a Kroger store, or at one of the many other grocery stores in our communities. Such an incident, as what happened at this particular Kroger store, should cause us to think carefully about where we shop and areas that we frequent. It should also be a reminder that we need to be aware of our surroundings.

Sadly, assaults, break-ins, car-jacking’s, and thefts are all too common realities in this 21st century. Being aware of these threats certainly leads us to pray for God’s protection not only for ourselves, but also for our families and for God’s people as we all go about our daily lives.

The good news is that there is coming a time when our safety will no longer be uncertain. The prophets give us a couple of reassuring promises concerning safety in the world to come.

Micah 4:4 But everyone shall sit under his vine and under his fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid; For the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken.

How wonderful it will be to sit under our grape arbor or fig tree in the cool of the evening and not be afraid of anyone or anything. We will have confidence in God’s watching over us.

The prophet Ezekiel was also given insight into the safety of God’s Kingdom, “And they shall no longer be a prey for the nations, nor shall beasts of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and no one shall make them afraid.” (Ezekiel 34:28).

Many times, those who assault, steal, and vandalize are like predators looking for the weak and vulnerable to prey upon. Under Christ’s rule, we will dwell safely in our homes and communities and no one will make us afraid.

The Sabbath Day reminds us of the coming Kingdom of God, where peace and safety will abound.

Enjoy a most positive Sabbath Day.

Gary Smith