Yesterday one of the pastors I mentioned in my video was arrested for opening his church. That was the crime. Note that that is now a crime in this country. Not a crime to gather at Costco or Walmart. Not a crime for NHL players (and staff) to gather in an arena, but a crime to gather for worship.
They have now released him. But we must recognize this for what it is. It is intimidation and it is persecution. This time the stay in prison was brief. The next time it will likely be longer. Like Germany and Holland (in the 30s and 40s) we are slow to wake to present realities. Most will dismiss this as insignificant because it has not happened to them... but should they remain quiet eventually it will.
The Canada my grandfather fought for is now officially history. This is a new Canada and not one I am proud of.
February 9, 2021 - I received the following admonition from a brother in Romania: You need this, brother. The Lord knows that you and your colleagues need this trial. Receive it as from Him, not as from the state: “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, IF NEED BE, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations” (1 Peter 1:6). He is, of course, absolutely right. While I grieve over the state of the nation, I do not wish for more freedoms. Our Sabbaths have never been better, and we are seeing the Lord use this to stir the hearts of men and women to seek Him. We do receive as from the Lord and with thanks.
Pastor Richardson, I do not know of your laws, but surely unequal application of them is not legal, let alone lawful? As you point out, Costco and Walmart may gather. I thank God there are leaders like you in Canada, and like John MacArthur in the US, who are not willing to render to Caesar the things that are God’s. We will be praying for you.
You need this, brother. The Lord knows that you and your colleagues need this trial. Receive it as from Him, not as from the state: “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, IF NEED BE, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations” (1 Peter 1:6).