As many of you know the lockdown here in Ontario has intensified. We have been issued stay at home orders and strongly warned against non-compliance. But today is God's day. So what are we to do?
Actually, there isn't much to deliberate. No need to pray and seek counsel. God has made His will known. On His day we gather to worship Him. Other days are for the body, this day is for the soul. Other days service is rendered to earthly masters, this day service is rendered to our King.
In a few minutes I will head out to church with my family. These days we don't know what that will mean. As unlikely as arrest seems, it has happened; and so I never know as I make my way to church if I will return home or not. It puts a whole new light on worship. Its costly now in a way it never was before.
But here's what has happened... instead of struggling under the 'burden' of this price tag, it is as if the Lord has made it light and easy. Other pastors have told me the same. More than ever we have known and sensed that He - Jesus - is worthy. If we knew it before we know it now more than ever!
No price is too great for a Saviour so matchless in beauty. And so today praise waits for God in Zion. It does. God's people will gather. We will pay whatever price is required at our hands... not murmuring, not pining, not sad - but rejoicing. This is a good day, for we serve a very good and faithful God. Happy is the people whose God is the Lord.
We have many hopes for this day. But our great hope is that our great Saviour will be magnified. He is worthy. Let us then give Him the worship and honour He is due!
It should go without saying, but I would like to assure you that during the upcoming provincial lockdown we will continue to gather as before. We will not allow the worship of our King to be altered by the regulations or traditions of men. We will...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
Court went well today. The matter has been adjourned. The lawyer will appear again in court on Thursday, May 20, at 10am, to confirm that the Charter challenge has been filed. This means that the Justice of the Peace is willing to delay given the...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
I would like to invite you to join my kids and I in memorizing the entire New Testament. Back in 2010 I set out to memorize the NT in 5 years. I made some progress but then gave up. At the end of October 2020 I renewed my commitment to Bible...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
In the last weeks I have observed something strange and troubling. Christians across the continent have been weighing in on two figures: Ravi Zacharias and James Coates. I have been amazed at the number of Christians coming to Ravi's defence. Many...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
I received news from the OPP that I will be charged again for gathering the congregation for worship on February 14. This came as a surprise since there was nothing on that day or the week following. I am told that they have been preparing what's...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
James Coates is a pastor in Edmonton Alberta arrested and currently in prison for gathering his congregation for worship. James' wife shared the following: "James has been in isolation in a cell block since yesterday morning. His hearing...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
My greatest fear is that we will go back to normal. When we first went back into lockdown (at the end of December) I knew we would not be obeying, and I felt fear. The first time I encountered the police in January again I felt fear. But in the...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
Some have asked about helping in this way. Rather than writing each of you I am using this forum. First, thank you! Second, please do not receive this as a request for financial aid. We covet your prayers more than anything, and are looking to the...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
