My home Church does not have a building, so we are in a strange predicament. We used to rent a local theater for our services and that worked very well. However, for the last year we have been at the mercy of government regulations. We rent when we can, with 50 per service (as per regulations). However, just when you think things are good the government turns around and closes those options.
We are forced to meet via YouTube every Sunday and I understand we are going to be able to rent for the next month or so, as per regulations.
My pastor is rightly addiment that these virtual meetings, do not meet the Biblical qualifications of regular Lord's Day services. Yet, their hands are tied, because of our situation.
That of course does not mean that the elders are not regularly making sure health and government officials are made aware of the biblical mandate of in person Lord's Day services. Also, that how it stands the government is going against the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

We are following closely as the story unfolds in Alberta Canada with Grace Life Church and Pastor James Coates, who was recently released from prison after spending a month and a half behind bars. He is scheduled for trial May 4th, and contrary to the beliefs of some it is not just him that is on trial, it is the entire Church in Canada, that is on trial. I might add, a specific section from the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is on trial.

Up here in Canada, we have already lost some of our rights. For example, it was ruled by the Supreme Court of Canada, that all Educational Institutions must if they want to stay accredited remove all material from their Constitutions anything that they deem to be against things like premarital sex, homosexual sex etc... Unfortunately, many Christian Educational Institutions have given into these demands.
I understand that in the USA if the Equality Act is passed, they will soon be joining Canada on that front. I hear this could effect the Church soon; but I have not been able to confirm this.
My understanding is if that occurs, if a Pastor preaches the plain reading of Scripture on passages such as Leviticus 18:22; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; etc... and someone is offended, they may be sued.

As an addendum to this, I recently listened to a John MacArthur sermon, where he said that Grace Church has won all their court cases to date; mainly based on US Constitutional grounds. However, he also said that he could care less about the US Constitution because as far as he is concerned depending on it is idolatry. I can understand in a sense where he is coming from here; but how is he not guilty of idolatry, when he has won all his court cases on the basis of the Constitution?
MacArthur went onto say that he does not need any secular intervention. It was almost like he believed that God can not use secular intervention for His purposes.

Was Paul guilty of idolatry after he was arrested and was released after he said that he was a Roman citizen?

Tom

Last edited by Tom; Fri Apr 02, 2021 8:34 PM.