The culture of America has radically changed in recent decades. Where once we were a nation built on Judeo-Christian values, we are now being forced to accept beliefs far removed from our own long cherished values. Once beloved hallmarks of our free society are now considered a danger to our country. We have experienced the loss of freedoms previously taken for granted. Questioning this shift from conservative biblical beliefs to another unbiblical ideology often results in the questioner being "canceled".
Why do I address the loss of liberty? Those who have left Calvary Temple (and I suspect many still within CT) know why. Loss of our God-given freedoms is as evident in CT as it is in our country. Members of CT are forced to accept leadership's traditions as though they are biblical truths. There are rules in place that control many aspects of your lives even though you do not agree 100%. The teachings sometimes seem harsh and restrictive. And asking too many questions may cause you to experience a CT version of "cancel culture". You may feel "watched". Speaking out against Calvary Temple and its destructive policies may result in you being the victim of an attack on your reputations and family relationships. You will be encouraged to isolate yourself from loved ones. Even to divorce your spouse because they have questioned some of the teachings. You will find yourself labeled a heretic, backslider, or defector.
What God-ordained, biblical freedoms might you lose or already lost as a member of Calvary Temple?
- When you embrace only one another inside of CT, you lose the freedom to maintain close ties with your natural family outside of CT.
- When turning down a job promotion requiring a move or longer hours, you reject the freedom to be led by God into new areas of service and ministry.
- When believing you can only marry someone within Calvary Temple, you deny God's leading to a life's mate. (scripture says to refrain from being unevenly yoked. Marrying within CT only confirms the criticism that CT leadership believes ONLY CT can produce a godly life mate.)
- When rejecting a call into ministry not chosen by CT leadership, you allow men to guide your life rather than the freedom to be led by God.
- When you believe Calvary Temple has more of the answers (or even all), you diminish the universal church as a whole and give up the freedom to hear from other men of God.
- When you no longer believe God can move you to another church, you reject His guidance in your life.
- When you believe other churches are not "as good" as Calvary Temple, you elevate your pastor above God and diminish His work in our world.
- When you read only church approved materials, you lose freedom to learn from other men/women of God.
- When you are too busy with activities at Calvary Temple, you have lost the freedom to minister to family, friends, or neighbors inside or outside of CT.
- When you shun those who have left Calvary, you lose the freedom to hear another's perspective of why they left or to possibly speak into their lives if you see reason to do so.
- When afraid to question the decisions of CT's leadership, you place government (leadership of Calvary Temple) above God. You lose your God-ordained freedom.
Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."
Galatians 4:4-7 – "But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, "Abba, Father." Now you are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir."
Galatians 5:1 – "So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law."
