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Now Playing: Religious Persecution in Canada

'WorldWatch' by Charles Whitaker

In Canada, religious freedom faces significant challenges due to persecution stemming from differing moral and ethical stances. The British Columbia College of Teachers denied a license to Trinity Western University, affiliated with evangelical groups, for prohibiting homosexual relationships in its student conduct code, though the college later prevailed on appeal. A print shop owner, citing religious reasons, refused to print materials for the Canadian Gay and Lesbian Archives and was fined $5,000 by the Ontario Human Rights Commission, which ruled that his beliefs did not exempt him from serving homosexual groups. A religious high school was ordered by a court to admit a male student and his boyfriend to the prom, with the case still under appeal. Legislation passed by the Canadian House of Commons added sexual orientation to 'hate speech' categories, potentially criminalizing public expression of orthodox moral judgments on homosexuality if approved by the Senate, which could penalize ministers for preaching on such matters. Additionally, the organization regulating pharmacists mandated dispensing contraceptives and abortifacients, overriding personal conscience by requiring referrals, rendering objections ineffective. A medical student faced penalties for refusing to perform abortions, with the case under review, highlighting the risk of medical schools punishing dissenting opinions on controversial procedures. These instances illustrate the precarious state of religious liberty in Canada, where it appears to be barely sustained.

Eroding Religious Freedom

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We should not be overly concerned if persecution for our faith happens to us, for He will be with us to comfort and inspire us in our responses. The truth we will speak will be so wise and right that our persecutors will have no retort. This may incite them to greater violence, even to the point of killing us, but if we patiently endure, we will surely save our eternal life. Our entrance into God's Kingdom is what truly matters, and if we are martyred for it, our reward will reflect our unflinching faithfulness to God and His way of life. We need not fear the coming days when our religious freedom will be stolen, though they will be dreadful and dark, and some will lose their lives. If we commit ourselves to living righteously, we have the assurance of our faithful Creator that we will receive salvation and great reward in His Kingdom.

Religious Liberty at Risk

Commentary by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The first amendment to the U.S. Constitution ensures that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. This right, recognized as coming from God, has faced erosion over time as governments at both state and federal levels have regulated religious practices. Instances include actions against Christian businesses refusing to serve certain customers and zoning laws prohibiting religious meetings in private homes. During the coronavirus pandemic, some governors and mayors have specifically targeted religion by prohibiting the free exercise of worship within their jurisdictions through emergency orders. In Louisville, Mayor Greg Fischer threatened action against participants of a drive-in Easter service, despite compliance with social distancing by remaining in cars. Similarly, in Nevada, Governor Steve Sisolak banned drive-in services, and in Mendocino County, California, authorities mandated that churches streaming services could not include singing due to health concerns. Other states and municipalities have imposed severe restrictions on congregational services, with some preachers arrested and services disrupted. These actions exceed constitutional authority by targeting religious believers and congregations in ways not applied to other citizens. In response, U.S. District Court Judge Justin R. Walker issued a temporary restraining order against Fischer's mandate, calling it stunning and beyond all reason unconstitutional. While many anti-Christian orders have been overturned or rescinded, the persistent agenda of progressive lawmakers continues to challenge the freedom to worship, taking advantage of crises to impose restrictions on religious practice.

Facing Persecution

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

As America continues to move away from its Christian values and heritage, the persecution of Christians is expected to rise. Recent events highlight this trend, with backlash against a fast-food chain after its president made statements supporting traditional marriage, prompting protests and boycotts from opposing groups. Though this persecution is mild compared to historical examples, such as the struggles faced by the Hebrews who endured reproaches, tribulations, and the plundering of their goods, it serves as a reminder to prepare for potential escalation. Jesus Christ and the apostles provide guidance on facing persecution with specific attitudes. Patience is foundational, as we must wait on God for deliverance, bearing up courageously through suffering. God is at work transforming our character, and trials produce endurance and perseverance, leading us to trust in His timing for salvation from persecutors. Another vital attitude is to remain positive and glorify God during persecution. Rather than succumbing to despair, we should offer praise and thanksgiving, reflecting a desire to honor Him through our words and behavior. Examples like Paul and Silas, who prayed and sang hymns while imprisoned, and the apostles who rejoiced in suffering shame for His name, illustrate this approach. Additionally, we are called to do good even amidst suffering, showing love to all, including our persecutors. This mirrors Jesus Christ's actions during His crucifixion, where He continued to comfort others, offer salvation, and seek forgiveness for His enemies. Paul also exemplified this by preaching boldly while in chains, advancing the gospel despite persecution. Finally, an attitude of joy is essential, even in fiery trials. We are to rejoice in sharing Christ's sufferings, knowing that such endurance aligns us with His glory. This joy is possible only through the strength and perspective provided by God, especially when suffering for righteousness' sake. Though no one desires persecution, it is inevitable for those who live godly lives in Christ Jesus, yet His promise remains that those persecuted for righteousness will inherit the kingdom of heaven.

Persecution Edges Closer

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Persecution against the Christian religion is occurring worldwide at an alarming rate, with evidence showing that Christianity is the most persecuted religion globally. In non-Israelitish nations, where Christian religions do not dominate, violent persecutions are rampant, fueled by a tsunami of hatred energized by satan and prophesied by God as the tribulation advancing toward us. In Israelitish nations, however, satan employs a subtler strategy, avoiding violence and instead using a gradual approach to undermine Christianity through educational institutions and the courts. This method has been eminently successful, with humanists, who prioritize man's achievements over faith in the Creator, holding virtually all leadership positions of secular authority. In America, the decline of religious liberty is a growing concern among Christians, particularly the elderly, while younger generations show less concern. Satan's influence through humanist leadership has led to a harvest of lawlessness, as trust that should be given to God is misplaced in men who lie about true authority. The current administration is confronting the Christian faith directly, not with violence but with subterfuge, as seen in policies like the Obamacare Act, which requires employers to pay for abortifacients, violating the religious conscience of many. This has led to legal battles, such as with Hercules Industries, where owners resist being complicit in abortion services, arguing against government coercion in matters of faith. The rise of such issues signals potential threats to other religious practices, highlighting a broader conflict between God's authority and secular government.

The Erosion of Religious Freedoms

'WorldWatch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Christians regard the religious landscape of America with dismay, seeing their freedom to worship as their consciences dictate steadily decline.

Persecution

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Although many have gone through sore trials, virtually no one has gone through the nightmarish persecutions suffered by the early Christians in Imperial Rome.

Facing Times of Stress: Forewarned of Persecution!

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Under the best of times, God's people are not immune to persecution. Persecution for righteousness' sake is evidence that God's people have Christ's Spirit.

The Beatitudes, Part 8: Blessed Are the Persecuted

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Persecution is a fact of life for a Christian. Jesus Christ says we are blessed if we are persecuted for righteousness' sake — here's why.

A Pattern of Persecution

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Just as the child of the flesh persecuted the child of promise, the spiritual children of God can expect persecution from those living according to the flesh.

Those Who Are Persecuted

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Persecution is already here, part and parcel in the lives of followers of Christ. If we are persecuted for following God's instructions, we will be blessed.

We Are the Enemy

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Ridicule of Christians and the biblical teachings they believe is on the rise. Christianity is under attack, putting those who believe the Bible in the crosshairs.

A Government to Fear (Part One)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

There is an ominous phenomenon gripping American culture: the imposition of government control over the way we think and act in the name of 'tolerance'.

Prudence

Sermonette by Ronny H. Graham

We should not bring about needless persecution on ourselves or on the body of Christ because of our foolish texting, posting, tweeting, or e-mailing.

The Intolerance of Liberals

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Political correctness is an intolerant point of view, demanding that orthodox religious views be condemned, and perverse lifestyles should be preferred.

Everything Is Upside Down

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

We have crossed over into a dystopian society, where wrong is right and right is wrong, bad is good and good is bad, error is truth and truth is error.

A Truly Threatening Time

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Progressive judicial powers have succeeded in taking away the civil rights of Christians, who can no longer practice their beliefs in the public square.

A Government to Fear (Part Three)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Secular-progressives are increasingly winning legal cases because of the enormous ignorance of the populace of both religious and civic knowledge.

Are You Bearing Your Cross?

'Ready Answer' by Staff

How do we, as modern Christians, bear our cross as Jesus commands? Christ meant far more than simply carrying a stake over our shoulders!

Unleavened Bread and the Holy Spirit (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God's command to eat unleavened bread teaches that He rescued His people from the bondage of sin, something they had no power to accomplish of themselves.

How Far Have We Fallen? (Part Five)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The current persecution of nominal Christians in the Middle East will crescendo until God's called-out ones will receive intense persecution as well.

They Could Not Destroy It!

Commentary by Martin G. Collins

Miraculously, each attempt to destroy the Scriptures resulted in the printers doubling their production. Christ has always supplied the means to spread the Word.

The Seven Churches (Part Four): Smyrna

Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Jesus Christ's letter to the church in Smyrna contains a rarity among the seven churches: He levels no criticism! What makes the Smyrnans so acceptable?

Is America a Christian Nation? (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Although America was not founded as a Christian nation, it was designed to accommodate a sense of morality and justice based on Judean-Christian principles.

A Nation Under God?

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

'One nation under God' means that we acknowledge God's part in our founding and in our future. It means that Americans acknowledge God's rule over them.

Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Two)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus Christ perfectly fulfilled His spiritual responsibilities and can now aid us in fulfilling ours, which includes keeping God's commandments.

Proselytism Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow (Part Two)

Article by Charles Whitaker

Though proselytism has a poor reputation now, a time is coming when it will be used properly to bring this world peace and prosperity.

Your Mouth is About to Get You in Trouble

Commentary by Martin G. Collins

Leftist attorneys have elevated animal rights over human rights, attempting to 'give back' to animals the rights that human beings have 'taken' from them.

More Than Conquerors

CGG Weekly by Martin G. Collins

Verbally vilify a homosexual, an abortion advocate, or Muslim terrorist, and it is a 'hate crime.' Do the same to a Christian, and it is free speech.

No Greater Love

'Ready Answer' by Staff

Christ says that we can show no greater love than in sacrificing our lives. We must come to the point where we are doing this daily, yet how do we do this?

Lest We Forget (2020)

Commentary by Mark Schindler

Mark Schindler, focuses upon the Separatists who fled to Leyden in 1609, to escape persecution from the Anglican Church, which although broke away politically from the Roman Catholic Church, nevertheless retained some of the customs and teachings of Catholicism which the Pilgrims found repulsive. In order to preserve their cultural identity, the Pilgrims arranged for Passage to the New World aboard the Mayflower, establishing a colony called New England, based upon Christian self-government, making faith and dependence upon God the cornerstone of an emerging great nation, a nation George Washington and our forefathers realized could be sustained only by dependence upon Our Eternal God. Lest we forget, this event ( the Mayflower Compact) took place exactly 400 years ago, prompting two major religious leaders , Franklin Graham to lead a Day of Prayer in the nations capital and Jonathan Kahn to proclaim a Shuva- or return of the nation to God, (solemnly reading Hosea 14, Micah 7, and Joel 2) 40 days before the next election lest we forget our duty to Almighty God

A Government to Fear (Part Six)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The US government has changed for the worse in the past 50 years, incrementally following collective dictatorships like Nazi Germany and Stalinist Russia.

Who Deserves Our Loyalties?

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

When we are called, we are asked to count the cost and plan accordingly. We must totally give ourselves over to becoming fashioned into His image.

Is the United States a Christian Nation? (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

America has never embraced true Christianity as its dominant faith, nor has it ever really followed Christ, but has instead embraced a counterfeit.

Facing Cultural Headwinds

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God's saints encounter great difficulties keeping their balance and moving toward the Kingdom while being buffeted by the anti-God, progressive culture.

Where Is Your Ultimate Allegiance?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

When the laws of God conflict with the laws of man, civil disobedience is the only correct response, as was patterned by Peter, Paul, and the apostles.

Smyrna: Faithful Until Death

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

The biblical city of Smyrna may be one that many know the least about. The city's name reveals the themes that the Head of the church wants us to understand.

The Beast and Babylon (Part Eight): God, Israel, and the Bible

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Though she transgressed every commandment in multiple ways, the sin through which Israel's unfaithfulness is most frequently demonstrated is gross idolatry.

Liberty and Justice for All

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

God has freed us from the bondage of sin, the breaking of His law. Liberty comes only from obeying God and accepting the positive yoke of Jesus Christ.

Suffering Disgrace For Christ's Name

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We can always expect new challenges, including persecution, and must never be content with standing still, but must press on to spiritual maturity.

Facing Times of Stress: Grieved by Various Trials

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Faith from God will be required to endure and profit from trials, bringing about character and genuineness of faith, as well as patience and trust in God.

God Meant it for Good

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

If one does good, following God's instructions, persecution is automatically promised as a consequence, just as Christ paid with His life for His good works.