Oregon Couple Ordered To “Cease Speaking Their Beliefs!”

Aaron and Melissa Klein, owners of “Sweet Cakes By Melissa”, the Oregon
bakers who refused to bake a cake for a same-sex wedding, have not only
been fined $135,000 for their Biblical stand, they’ve also been issued a
“cease and desist” order by Brad Avakian, Commissioner of the Oregon
Bureau of Labor and Industry.  The gag order demands that the Kleins
refrain from talking about their views on marriage to anyone!

In response to this preposterous order, Aaron Klein doubled down in
stating that he and his wife will not comply with the demand.  Legal
representation for the Kleins is claiming that Avakian has violated the
Kleins’ free speech rights, especially noting the commissioner’s desire
to “rehabilitate” the Kleins with respect to their views on marriage.

If anyone thought that last month’s ruling on same-sex marriage at the
Supreme Court would end with attempting to legalize homosexual marriage
only, this situation with the Kleins should end that incorrect idea!
No, advocates of same-sex marriage will not be content until they
silence those of us who stand unequivocally for God’s definition of
marriage!

Unbelievably inconsistent and hypocritical is the attempt to
“rehabilitate” the Kleins, while simultaneously denying the possibility
of such rehabilitation of homosexuals.  In other words, it’s legitimate
and legal to attempt to change Christian’s beliefs, but it’s not so for
those who are enslaved in the homosexual lifestyle!  It’s okay for
Christians, like the Kleins, to have their beliefs denied, even changed,
but it’s not okay for Christian ministries to counsel homosexuals,
offering them a better way–deliverance from their sinful behavior!

It is imperative that we, as believers in Jesus Christ, do as did the
Apostle Paul (Acts 22) and refuse to allow a sinful and subversive
government/culture to run roughshod over our rights as citizens!  So,
stand up, speak up, and graciously (but VERY directly) resist!  Our
right to practice our faith freely is at stake!  And, may God’s
preachers provide the path ahead for God’s church to Biblically resist
that which attempts to usurp God’s rightful position of authority!

Dave Kistler
President, HOPE Ministries International
President, North Carolina Pastors Network (NCPN)