Not trying to be rude, but I am posting from an undisclosed location. I really don’t know how many there are here, or how many we are allowed, indoors or out.
I am rejoicing that the internet censorship bill has been defeated, Bill C-10, that would have an immediate and terrible effect on free speech, Even the Ontario Premier’s Doug Ford’s “online worship is permitted” could be rescinded. (By the way, I seem to be the only blogger that is still stunned by the notion that online worship needed His Worship’s permission? That statement in itself was huge, and not in a good way. it was extremely telling.)
The cancellation of C-10 is cause of rejoicing, but it must be kept in mind that there are people, with powers of legislation, who thought it was a good idea in the first place! It is very likely that the same people will survive the next election, perhaps with a majority, and “. . . this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them.” Genesis 11:6.
There are many Christians who are still arguing that lockdowns, mask mandates, vaccine quotas for assemblies, etc., are not persecution because churches are not singled out.This is false on the face of it, because mosques were allowed to meet with large numbers during Ramadan, and the vigil for a Muslim family saw all restrictions lifted for 10,000 people. There are many hypocrisies in government regulations, and the church is uniquely restricted by all of them.
But leaving that aside, Bill C-6, an anti-conversion therapy bill will pass, so it will be illegal to counsel or pray for a person of same-sex attraction or transgenderism.
Bill C-36 is an anti-hate speech law that is based on emotions. If someone doesn’t like a criticism of their sexual morality (the LGBTQ+ community) or of their religion (Islam), the law can be employed to force the speaker or writer to stop. There will be fines and possible imprisonment.
Slander of the Christian faith will be permitted, because the Christian faith is true and the father of lies (Satan) hates it. There will be no protection for Biblical Christianity in law.
The question remains for Christians, especially those who argued that churches should obey the government in closing, and refusing to participate in the Lord’s Supper (gathered), is, “How will we continue as Christians? What laws must we break? How will we obey Romans 13 and God?”
Our unrighteous submission to governing authorities (and there is a righteous submission) has set a precedent for further defeat.
Let’s resolve today, that Christ is Lord of the church, that the State has its legitimate role and authority, and its authority is not over Christ’s church.
