Dear Rick Nathanson,
I read your article of December 28, subject above. As a Christian pastor, I am not offended by your article but I actually want to thank you for it. However, not for the reason you may hope for. If you know anything about church history, the church (ecclesia) has always prospered and grown when attacked for doing what churches do—meeting together by sharing the Gospel and encouraging one another in the faith and meeting one another’s needs (Hebrews 10:24-25).
The church has always been opposed to by the secular culture from folks like yourself—so to that end nothing is new. For proof of this, all one has to do is explore both the contemporary church (China, Iran, North Korea, India, Pakistan) as well as those who have gone before us beginning with the Roman Empire, to see that the church always increases and flourishes in times of persecution. Jesus even called it a “blessing” (Matthew 5:10-12).
To that end, I say, “Thank you” for doing your part. I’m sure you have been instrumental in causing many new people to seek out a Bible-believing church such as Calvary or Legacy this weekend. It would be nice to see you there, as well. Keep it up!
Blessings,
Pastor Don Kimbro
fggam.org/author/Don Kimbro