wHERE WE HAVE MADE OUR sTAND
This is our letter sent to President Barack Hussein Obama, Senators George Voinovich & Sherrod Brown and the American Family Association along with our statement of position (Note; this was prior to the Manhattan Declaration being conceived)
(Intro)
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, We wish to bring to your attention that the leadership of the Marengo Christian Church (MCC) and its ministries are preachers and teachers of the Holy Bible. We preach and teach everything the Bible contains from Genesis Chapter 1 Verse 1 through Revelation Chapter 22 Verse 21.
Know that the continuing efforts of your administration, the senate and house to pass all inclusive hate crimes legislation and other subsequent attacks on Christians is a cause of concern for us. While you continue to assure us that such legislation would not target churches and in particular the leadership of those churches that preach all of the Word of god from the Holy Bible, we know that there is in fact language in the legislation that would allow an unbelieving activist to use that legislation against us and other churches who preach the same.
All of us here know by scripture that we are to remain unwavering in what the word of God teaches us in the Bible. That being the case MCC believes that it has come time to make our stand publicly known. Please find enclosed what we call the ‘Position Statement of Marengo Christian Church’ which has been approved and signed by the leadership at MCC and will make known to all that we will, regardless of any threat of persecution continue to preach and teach the Holy Bible in its entirety. We believe that the Word of God calls us to stand in the gap and we will, without faltering as it says in 2 Corinthians 12 “take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches , in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake”.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Emory Jones
Deacon,
Trustee
Marengo Christian Church
Marengo Christian Church
Position Statement
"I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the
land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none”. Ezekiel 22:30
Here at the Marengo Christian Church (MCC) we operate solely by what the Lord our God has set before us in scripture. We preach and teach the Holy Bible from the King James and New King James versions from Genesis where scripture begins with “In the beginning…” clear through Revelation where scripture ends with “The grace of our Lord be with you all” and absolutely every scripture in between.
We know for fact that there is no subject, no moral dilemma or human concern that is not directly addressed by scripture. We know the Bible to be the absolute Word of God and as such know it to be absolute inarguable truth.
We know that our God is the one true living God who loved us so much that he gave his only Son so that we would have a way out from under our sin. We know that that in John 8:11 that when Jesus tells the adulterous woman “Neither do I condemn you” but then goes on to add “go and sin no more.” That forgiving us does not come without accountability and a requirement that we repent or turn away from that sin. We know that no one comes to the Father but through Jesus. All these things we say with full confidence knowing that our instruction manual, the Holy Bible has stood the test of time, history and science not to mention 2000 years of people trying to change it, prove it wrong or eradicate it from the face of the earth.
In the world today many would have us change that, saying ‘that was then and this is now’. But God emphatically states “For I am the Lord and I do not change”. God is the same now as he has always been. What abhorred him then abhors him now. Indeed in efforts to appease and not offend those of the world many churches have chosen to ignore portions of scripture that others might find offensive. In many areas of the bible there are churches that have chosen to ignore scripture and adopt a doctrine of tolerance and acceptance of what the world would want rather than show the world what God wants and have even chosen to compromise themselves in such a way that the world sees more of itself in them rather than allowing the world to see more of God in them.
Scripture addresses this as well where in Revelation Chapter 22 Verse 18-19 If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
No matter what part you like or don’t like about the Holy Bible know that the Holy Bible is what it is and MCC will not change, add or remove one word of it nor will we preach anything other than what is contained in it to suit the so called ‘world view’
In Deuteronomy 30:11-20 it says “For this commandment which I command you today is not too mysterious for you, nor is it far off. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend into heaven for us and bring it to us that we may hear it and do it?’ Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us that we may hear it and do it?’ but the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart that you may do it’. We know from this that people as a whole know deep in their hearts what God desires of them even though they may choose to ignore, deny or not acknowledge it. We believe that when people hear what Gods word says and feel guilt or anger it is the Holy Spirit convicting them. If it was not so then we are quite sure you would not feel guilt or anger but simply believe what Gods word says to be one mans opinion and as such would be of no consequence to you.
For a good number of years there have been fair, just and effective laws against acts of hatred toward those of other races, toward those who have made a choice to live as homosexuals, lesbians and such. These laws work quite well in preventing such acts of hatred and are quite effective in their punishment of those who choose to act in such a manner without infringing on free speech or thought. While others will deny it, it is believed that the current proposed LBGT hate crimes bill will re-write those laws so that those who believe in what the Word of God professes may be prosecuted as well for nothing more than preaching Gods Word from the pulpit.
So, In light of the continuing efforts to pass the LBGT Hate Crimes Bill and ones similar to it, we the leadership of MCC and its ministries feel that the time has come where we must now make our stand for the Word of God and our values public, to be the ones who will stand in the gap. Because we have chosen to make a stand we know that in doing so there will be those who will be offended by the truth of Gods Word.
It is by the Word of God we know that we are all sinners. And all sinners are welcome here at MCC. However once you come to MCC as a sinner scripture says we are to try to change. We are to strive to not arrange our lives for the world but to re-arrange our lives for Jesus Christ for it is indeed through Him and Him only that we are able to get to God.
Know that if one makes a decision to visit or attend a service at MCC that they will hear the truth of Gods Word preached. Unlike those books written by individuals such as John Smith, what we preach are not our words that we have written but Gods Word. And His Word will be preached with Love and Grace and not hatred. But by the same token we are not responsible for what the Holy Spirit convicts someone of. No matter how much the absolute truth of God may anger others, know this, we refuse to abandon the historic Biblical teaching concerning all things and in light of the LBGT bill especially the nature and purpose of human relationships. Thus, we are bound to not accept homosexual behavior as normal or moral.
In addition we absolutely refuse to wear a label of intolerance or bigotry. Neither do we see homosexuality, lesbianism, abortion or so called ‘safe sex’ as human rights issues. More specifically, we oppose those things including so called ‘same-sex marriage’ and will continue to strongly resist efforts in our public institutions to teach our children that such things are normal and/or acceptable.
On our watch as active and concerned citizens of the United States of America and as Christians we will resist any attempts by the governing bodies to impose a homosexual lifestyle on all Americans but especially on those of us who believe that this conflicts directly with what the Word of God teaches us and while the current administration has threatened such things as the removal of our tax exempt status know that the Word of God means much more to us than that and that we believe such status to be something that is readily expendable.
We very much welcome all who would like to come visit us and hopefully become an active part of the congregation. But if one is coming here with the expectation of finding a ‘theme park’ church preaching a message from a comic book bible that will appease their ears and leave them feeling all warm and fuzzy about the world view then they will most likely be disappointed and we would suggest that they seek out one of the many so called churches that they are likely to find that sort of thing taught. However, if you are seeking out that sanctuary of truth, hope and stability in a world of lies, chaos and worry then this will be the place for you. Just don’t be offended when your toes get stepped on. I can assure you that we aren’t when ours get stepped on.
In closing we leave you with this. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God’ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace be with you. Philippians 4:6-9
Approved and acknowledged this 10th day of May in the year of our Lord Two Thousand and Nine by the leadership of Marengo Christian Church
(Intro)
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, We wish to bring to your attention that the leadership of the Marengo Christian Church (MCC) and its ministries are preachers and teachers of the Holy Bible. We preach and teach everything the Bible contains from Genesis Chapter 1 Verse 1 through Revelation Chapter 22 Verse 21.
Know that the continuing efforts of your administration, the senate and house to pass all inclusive hate crimes legislation and other subsequent attacks on Christians is a cause of concern for us. While you continue to assure us that such legislation would not target churches and in particular the leadership of those churches that preach all of the Word of god from the Holy Bible, we know that there is in fact language in the legislation that would allow an unbelieving activist to use that legislation against us and other churches who preach the same.
All of us here know by scripture that we are to remain unwavering in what the word of God teaches us in the Bible. That being the case MCC believes that it has come time to make our stand publicly known. Please find enclosed what we call the ‘Position Statement of Marengo Christian Church’ which has been approved and signed by the leadership at MCC and will make known to all that we will, regardless of any threat of persecution continue to preach and teach the Holy Bible in its entirety. We believe that the Word of God calls us to stand in the gap and we will, without faltering as it says in 2 Corinthians 12 “take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches , in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake”.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Emory Jones
Deacon,
Trustee
Marengo Christian Church
Marengo Christian Church
Position Statement
"I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the
land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none”. Ezekiel 22:30
Here at the Marengo Christian Church (MCC) we operate solely by what the Lord our God has set before us in scripture. We preach and teach the Holy Bible from the King James and New King James versions from Genesis where scripture begins with “In the beginning…” clear through Revelation where scripture ends with “The grace of our Lord be with you all” and absolutely every scripture in between.
We know for fact that there is no subject, no moral dilemma or human concern that is not directly addressed by scripture. We know the Bible to be the absolute Word of God and as such know it to be absolute inarguable truth.
We know that our God is the one true living God who loved us so much that he gave his only Son so that we would have a way out from under our sin. We know that that in John 8:11 that when Jesus tells the adulterous woman “Neither do I condemn you” but then goes on to add “go and sin no more.” That forgiving us does not come without accountability and a requirement that we repent or turn away from that sin. We know that no one comes to the Father but through Jesus. All these things we say with full confidence knowing that our instruction manual, the Holy Bible has stood the test of time, history and science not to mention 2000 years of people trying to change it, prove it wrong or eradicate it from the face of the earth.
In the world today many would have us change that, saying ‘that was then and this is now’. But God emphatically states “For I am the Lord and I do not change”. God is the same now as he has always been. What abhorred him then abhors him now. Indeed in efforts to appease and not offend those of the world many churches have chosen to ignore portions of scripture that others might find offensive. In many areas of the bible there are churches that have chosen to ignore scripture and adopt a doctrine of tolerance and acceptance of what the world would want rather than show the world what God wants and have even chosen to compromise themselves in such a way that the world sees more of itself in them rather than allowing the world to see more of God in them.
Scripture addresses this as well where in Revelation Chapter 22 Verse 18-19 If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
No matter what part you like or don’t like about the Holy Bible know that the Holy Bible is what it is and MCC will not change, add or remove one word of it nor will we preach anything other than what is contained in it to suit the so called ‘world view’
In Deuteronomy 30:11-20 it says “For this commandment which I command you today is not too mysterious for you, nor is it far off. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend into heaven for us and bring it to us that we may hear it and do it?’ Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us that we may hear it and do it?’ but the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart that you may do it’. We know from this that people as a whole know deep in their hearts what God desires of them even though they may choose to ignore, deny or not acknowledge it. We believe that when people hear what Gods word says and feel guilt or anger it is the Holy Spirit convicting them. If it was not so then we are quite sure you would not feel guilt or anger but simply believe what Gods word says to be one mans opinion and as such would be of no consequence to you.
For a good number of years there have been fair, just and effective laws against acts of hatred toward those of other races, toward those who have made a choice to live as homosexuals, lesbians and such. These laws work quite well in preventing such acts of hatred and are quite effective in their punishment of those who choose to act in such a manner without infringing on free speech or thought. While others will deny it, it is believed that the current proposed LBGT hate crimes bill will re-write those laws so that those who believe in what the Word of God professes may be prosecuted as well for nothing more than preaching Gods Word from the pulpit.
So, In light of the continuing efforts to pass the LBGT Hate Crimes Bill and ones similar to it, we the leadership of MCC and its ministries feel that the time has come where we must now make our stand for the Word of God and our values public, to be the ones who will stand in the gap. Because we have chosen to make a stand we know that in doing so there will be those who will be offended by the truth of Gods Word.
It is by the Word of God we know that we are all sinners. And all sinners are welcome here at MCC. However once you come to MCC as a sinner scripture says we are to try to change. We are to strive to not arrange our lives for the world but to re-arrange our lives for Jesus Christ for it is indeed through Him and Him only that we are able to get to God.
Know that if one makes a decision to visit or attend a service at MCC that they will hear the truth of Gods Word preached. Unlike those books written by individuals such as John Smith, what we preach are not our words that we have written but Gods Word. And His Word will be preached with Love and Grace and not hatred. But by the same token we are not responsible for what the Holy Spirit convicts someone of. No matter how much the absolute truth of God may anger others, know this, we refuse to abandon the historic Biblical teaching concerning all things and in light of the LBGT bill especially the nature and purpose of human relationships. Thus, we are bound to not accept homosexual behavior as normal or moral.
In addition we absolutely refuse to wear a label of intolerance or bigotry. Neither do we see homosexuality, lesbianism, abortion or so called ‘safe sex’ as human rights issues. More specifically, we oppose those things including so called ‘same-sex marriage’ and will continue to strongly resist efforts in our public institutions to teach our children that such things are normal and/or acceptable.
On our watch as active and concerned citizens of the United States of America and as Christians we will resist any attempts by the governing bodies to impose a homosexual lifestyle on all Americans but especially on those of us who believe that this conflicts directly with what the Word of God teaches us and while the current administration has threatened such things as the removal of our tax exempt status know that the Word of God means much more to us than that and that we believe such status to be something that is readily expendable.
We very much welcome all who would like to come visit us and hopefully become an active part of the congregation. But if one is coming here with the expectation of finding a ‘theme park’ church preaching a message from a comic book bible that will appease their ears and leave them feeling all warm and fuzzy about the world view then they will most likely be disappointed and we would suggest that they seek out one of the many so called churches that they are likely to find that sort of thing taught. However, if you are seeking out that sanctuary of truth, hope and stability in a world of lies, chaos and worry then this will be the place for you. Just don’t be offended when your toes get stepped on. I can assure you that we aren’t when ours get stepped on.
In closing we leave you with this. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God’ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace be with you. Philippians 4:6-9
Approved and acknowledged this 10th day of May in the year of our Lord Two Thousand and Nine by the leadership of Marengo Christian Church
