John MacArthur
The highly popular minister of a large California church is telling government officials who are trying to shut down his congregation's worship, through threats of fines and even jail, to "Bring it on!"
The comment comes from Pastor John MacArthur of Grace Community Church, which has been targeted by local and state officials for its worship services.
Officials simply issued executive orders telling churches they could not meet in actions that arguably violate the U.S. Constitution's protections for religion.
Additionally, those same officials have essentially ignored large gatherings of "protesters" that sometimes have turned into riots, which means one group is being treated differently because of their faith.
MacArthur confirmed his church has been threatened with thousands of dollars in fines, and he has been warned he could go to jail for six months.
He, however, related the ministry of the Apostle Paul, who, when he went into a city, didn't ask about the condition of the hotels but the jail, because he knew that's where he'd be spending times.
"I don't mind being a little apostolic … I'm open for a jail ministry," MacArthur said in the interview with Laura Ingraham on Fox.
"Bring it on!"
Ingraham pointed out state officials in many locations are using COVID-19 restrictions to cover their attacks on religion.
"Petty tyrants" are the ones prohibiting people from worshiping indoors.
MacArthur said the governor in California, along with other governmental officials are "going against the Constitution."
He pointed out that in California, one-100th of one percent of the residents have COVID.
He suggested that level of infection does not support the cancellation of constitutional rights to worship for the entire state.
He said the Constitution supports his position, and President Trump has told him personally that the church is essential during such times of trouble.
"We're open," he said.
"The church preaches the gospel of Jesus Christ. … [which] is the only source of eternal salvation," he said. "The church doesn't exist to make sure it navigates around politicians' whims."
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