Tony Spell has church in spite of the ban

[Scott Pitta]

6,059 Americans have died of covid-19 so far. I doubt their families feel it is a hoax or overblown or that their loved ones died due to biased press coverage.

Compassion and care is needed during this pandemic more than inefficacious criticism.

[Nicodemus1968]

Originally Posted by Tithesmeister

What about that whip? He drove them out. I don’t think He even said pretty please.

It’s called Authority!

[Nicodemus1968]

Originally Posted by Tithesmeister

It’s called trading salvation for money (aka tithes).

Abraham, and Jacob would’ve been sad to see that tithes turned into this.

[Tithesmeister]

Originally Posted by Nicodemus1968

Abraham, and Jacob would’ve been sad to see that tithes turned into this.

I agree.

[aegsm76]

Originally Posted by CC1

Jealousy of what? Jealousy of a man who has destroyed decades of a good name by endangering his church folks and his community?

Oh good grief. I am just saddened and embarrassed at what this man is doing. It is making Christ followers look foolish because it is a foolish thing to do.

This is not a conservative vs liberal issue. This is a wise vs foolish issue.

CC - I firmly disagree with you. As I have stated before, our church has gone online and I believe that is the correct course of action.
However, I support Tony Spell's stand.
Even before Louisiana went under "lockdown", I had several conversations with people regarding the governments authority to stop or limit church services.
In my opinion, they have over-reached their authority.
Several people that I know (who are far more versed on Constitutional issues than I am), also agree with that viewpoint.
They could have "asked" that churches follow their guidelines, but to demand it is beyond their reach.
Again, in my opinion.
Now, the government does have this authority IF it is willing to declare martial law.
So, if this is that critical that our constitutional rights need to be violated, they have that option.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by CC1

Jealousy of what? Jealousy of a man who has destroyed decades of a good name by endangering his church folks and his community?

Oh good grief. I am just saddened and embarrassed at what this man is doing. It is making Christ followers look foolish because it is a foolish thing to do.

This is not a conservative vs liberal issue. This is a wise vs foolish issue.

[MawMaw]

Originally Posted by Scott Pitta

6,059 Americans have died of covid-19 so far. I doubt their families feel it is a hoax or overblown or that their loved ones died due to biased press coverage.

Compassion and care is needed during this pandemic more than inefficacious criticism.

I don't doubt the covid19 is something terrible to deal with, but at the same time, according to the CDC, between 29,000 to 59,000 have died due to influenza so far this year.

[Nicodemus1968]

Originally Posted by aegsm76

CC - I firmly disagree with you. As I have stated before, our church has gone online and I believe that is the correct course of action.
However, I support Tony Spell's stand.
Even before Louisiana went under "lockdown", I had several conversations with people regarding the governments authority to stop or limit church services.
In my opinion, they have over-reached their authority.
Several people that I know (who are far more versed on Constitutional issues than I am), also agree with that viewpoint.
They could have "asked" that churches follow their guidelines, but to demand it is beyond their reach.
Again, in my opinion.
Now, the government does have this authority IF it is willing to declare martial law.
So, if this is that critical that our constitutional rights need to be violated, they have that option.

We’ll see in the end what happens. He has the counsel of a gentleman from Alabama that was under investigation for sexual harassment. Now, Bro. Spells issue is all over the news, why? I have been asking this, what is the purpose? Does he or anyone feel like they’re being persecuted? Has the government told us not to have church? No, they have not! They have issued guidelines for no gatherings over 10. Can Bro. Spell and other leaders figure a way to meet those requirements and at the same time have service?

Instead I see this as, other church’s have shut down around him and he opens the doors like the nothing is going on. I wonder what the attendance will look like, and if is doing this for attendance God will not back him. If he is doing this for political purposes in the church, God will not back him. God will back those that make themselves of no reputation, but when your acting in a way like he is, I’m sorry I beg to differ. If the government came and locked his doors without notice, if the government asked him to denounce his faith then that’s different.

I think too many of us look for ways to become martyrs.

They could have "asked" that churches follow their guidelines, but to demand it is beyond their reach.
Ok, fair enough. His church better not be a 501.C3.

[hometown guy]

This is his conviction. He has made it clear to everyone that if they don’t want they don’t have to come and nobody will hold it against them. The people are willing going and on Sunday the parents are willing allowing their kids to get on the bus. He tried to have it outside they still hounded him. True the actual building is not the “ church but the people are but what house can they go to and fit that many people in. Church building sounds like the best place.

[hometown guy]

Originally Posted by Nicodemus1968

We’ll see in the end what happens. He has the counsel of a gentleman from Alabama that was under investigation for sexual harassment. Now, Bro. Spells issue is all over the news, why? I have been asking this, what is the purpose? Does he or anyone feel like they’re being persecuted? Has the government told us not to have church? No, they have not! They have issued guidelines for no gatherings over 10. Can Bro. Spell and other leaders figure a way to meet those requirements and at the same time have service?

Instead I see this as, other church’s have shut down around him and he opens the doors like the nothing is going on. I wonder what the attendance will look like, and if is doing this for attendance God will not back him. If he is doing this for political purposes in the church, God will not back him. God will back those that make themselves of no reputation, but when your acting in a way like he is, I’m sorry I beg to differ. If the government came and locked his doors without notice, if the government asked him to denounce his faith then that’s different.

I think too many of us look for ways to become martyrs.

They could have "asked" that churches follow their guidelines, but to demand it is beyond their reach.
Ok, fair enough. His church better not be a 501.C3.

That fine that you “ see “ it like that but this is his conviction. When everyone else closed up churches on Sundays during the flood they didn’t. Had to meet in another building but he didn’t close down. It’s call his conviction. I don’t know how it is in Louisiana but here in California we can’t even meet with 10 people. Where do we draw the line?! Well he drew it further up but good for him!