Reformation Charlotte reported recently that John MacArthur’s Grace Community Church is settling with both the State of California as well as Los Angeles County for a sum total of $800,000.00 amid legal challenges against unconstitutional restrictions and mandates against his church.

This morning, John MacArthur addressed the congregation and explains why it was ultimately the right thing to do to reopen the church for corporate worship while the government was threatening further legal action, including prison time, against MacArthur and Grace Community Church.

While there is certainly some valid criticism against MacArthur for shutting down originally after the state placed restrictions on the church, ultimately, the legal battle between Grace and the government has resulted in a precedent that the government cannot enforce unconstitutional restrictions against the freedom of religions.

It is certainly true that other churches across America remained open despite the unconstitutional restrictions and legal challenges against them–and those churches and pastors should be commended for their faith. But we should likewise be thankful that a church like Grace–like no other large, Bible-believing church has done–ultimately did the right thing and stood against tyranny and giving courage to other churches and pastors to also do what is right: obey God rather than man.

John explains that it wasn’t so much a matter of courage as it was a matter of faith. He explained that he trusts God that if he’s obedient, God will be glorified and protect them.