John MacArthur welcomed the Grace Community Church‘s congregation on Sunday morning by saying, “Good morning everyone. I am so happy to welcome you to the Grace Community Church peaceful protest.“
The welcoming was followed by a thunderous applause by the congregants, in which MacArthur smiled and said, “Are you glad to be here?”
“Everything for us is based on the Word of God,” he continued. “That means we are pro-life, pro-family, pro-law-and-order, and pro-church of the Lord Jesus Christ.” MacArthur then introduced Chaplain Morehouse from the LAPD to open Grace Community Church in prayer. Which was also followed by a loud and long applause from those in attendance.
Morehouse read two verses:
Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name.
Psalm 91:14
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
James 1:5
Chaplain Morehouse then prayed for a ‘strong wall’ and a ‘mighty shield’ of protection around the church. He prayed the pastors, elders, and church members of Grace Community Church would have “the wisdom and faith to weather all of the things going on in church and outside church.” Morehouse asked God to help those of faith to push back against the ‘evil one’, because he (Satan) tries to break our spirit, but with God on our side we won’t be broken.
John MacArthur and Grace Community Church have been in the news the last few weeks because they have taken the stance they won’t follow the Governor’s orders that have banned indoor worship services due to the spread of COVID-19. MacArthur has stated that “Christ, not Caesar, Is Head of the Church” and announced last week that they have received legal representation.
On Wednesday Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti held a press conference threatening to shut off utilities for houses, businesses, and ‘large gatherings’ that violate health orders given to the state due to the spread of COVID-19.
The entire sermon can be watched here.