By Dr. Mark Creech
Executive Director
Christian Action League
December 5, 2017
Could I prevail upon you to pause and pray for just a moment? Our religious liberties are seriously at stake.
Today oral arguments are scheduled to begin by 10:00 a.m. before the United States Supreme Court in the case, Masterpiece Cake Shop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission.
This court case involves a devout Christian, Jack Phillips, owner of Masterpiece Cake Shop in Denver, Colorado. Jack graciously explained to a gay couple that he could not provide a wedding cake for their same-sex wedding ceremony because of his religious convictions. But Jack’s response to their request was unacceptable, even though he has always refused to design cakes for any event objectionable to his faith, such as Halloween. For Jack, any time an event conflicts with his Christian convictions, he declines to make the cake meant to celebrate it.
Nevertheless, LGBT activists have been determined to punish Jack and the Colorado Civil Rights Commission has been their thug. Charged with sexual orientation discrimination, Jack has been ordered to celebrate gay nuptials, undergo a re-education program, and file quarterly compliance reports. Jack’s journey for justice through the court system has led him all the way to the highest court in the land, the U.S. Supreme Court.
Jack has already lost 40% of his business because he lives by the Bible, which instructs, “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (I Cor. 10:31). Jack can’t make to God’s glory something that defies God’s order, something like a cake for a same-sex marriage ceremony. He’s paying a high price for his faithfulness, but the First Amendment should protect him, and thus far it hasn’t been properly applied by the courts.
If the Supreme Court decides unfavorably, Jack, and every Christian business owner who finds his Christian convictions at odds with the state over same-sex marriage or LGBT rights is liable to be ruined. Moreover, there are likely a hundred other ways that Christians who hold homosexuality is sinful will be legally marginalized in society.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IS UNDER SIEGE AND THE QUESTION IS WHETHER THE SUPREME COURT WILL PROTECT IT.
Will you pause and pray about this right now, today, and preferably before oral arguments start this morning?
Even if you read this alert after that time, you should still pray because the Justices will be deliberating on their decision in the coming weeks.
The Scriptures tell us that God can move to direct the mind and hearts of our leaders. Proverbs says, “The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the LORD; he guides it wherever he pleases” (Prov. 21:1).
Let me suggest a prayer like this one:
Almighty God, your kingdom is everlasting and your power is infinite. Have mercy on our sinful land. Forgive us and our fathers for our many sins. Oh Lord, forgive me of my sins in whatever means I’ve been a participant or complicit in the evil ways of my countrymen. Since it is to you that I owe every good and perfect gift in my life, strengthen me to follow you faithfully in everything.
Gracious Father, thank you for your servants like Jack Phillips – men and women who demonstrate a faithful Christian walk – one that involves carrying a Cross for Christ’s sake. We ask that you will grant him and his family, as well as others like him, who are monitoring this case because of similar circumstances, your peace.
We pray you would also stretch forth the right hand of your Majesty in Jack’s defense. May he and all who would live this way be delivered from the tyranny of a government that would punish them for such consecrated service in your holy name.
Lord, we pray you would direct the lawyers who speak on Jack’s behalf in court. We pray by your Spirit they would articulate with power and grace the case for our religious liberties. We beseech you to give the Justices special gifts of wisdom and understanding, of counsel and strength, that upholding what is right, and following what is true, they may obey your holy will and fulfill your divine purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lastly, please remember the Christian Action League needs your prayers and financial support.
As you prepare your Christmas list for family and friends, would you consider putting the Christian Action League on that list?
To make a secure online gift to the League, go to this link:
https://give.cornerstone.cc/christianactionleague
To send your gift by mail, write:
Christian Action League of North Carolina, Inc.
Suite 1000
809 Spring Forest Road
Raleigh, NC 27609
Pastors and churches may also want to know that my schedule is currently wide-open for speaking engagements. Numerous Sundays in the coming months are available. Let me encourage you to contact my Administrative Assistant,
John de Rosset, and make arrangements for 2018. I’m confident our time together in your church will be a blessing to you and your church family.
Call 919.787.0606. Or you email John at office@christianactionleague.org