Bill C-9 MIGHT BE A TURNING POINT FOR THE CHURCH, HERE'S WHY...

For several decades now, the Canadian Church has entertained somewhat of a political fetish - maybe an obsession…

At times our Christianity and politics were so intertwined, it was hard to distinguish between the pursuit of the power of Jesus and political power. 

Our goal over the years took on a certain sound. “Saving the nation.” 

Though a noble pursuit, it sometimes eclipsed the saving souls. Though we would hardly admit it, extreme nationalism (at times) took centre stage while things like discipleship, holiness, humility took a back seat to ambition and the cosmetics of power. 

Over time we watched an almost powerless Church attempting to gain power through political outcomes and the possibility of legislating righteousness, while missing the heart of the matter - Jesus within the heart of a person as the only path to righteousness. 

IDENTITY CRISIS

Due to this slow and progressive eclipsing of Christ, the Canadian Church produced some strong lobbyists but weak churches. We held some strong gatherings, protests and even “Jericho marches,” banging pots and pans outside the Parliament buildings, while real change took place on the inside where decisions are made. 

Lobbyists are needed no doubt. Petitions and political presence are crucial aspects of being a voice and being “salt and light” in the world. But even more than that, my personal opinion is we are overdue for an awakened Church, much more than attending a last minute Canadian crisis call or Christian rally. 

We must remember that this Bill C-9 outcome is not a mystery. But rather an obvious progression of wickedness unfolding over decades. Bill C-9 is a symptom of a bigger issue. An issue that with all of our attempts at “pushing the Church into action” has resulted only in continued loss of ground. 

BILL C-9 IS A SIGN

The Bill C-9 crisis saw some of the most engagement from the Church that I can remember. We laboured in every way possible, yet to no avail. Not because we are weak in faith, but the momentum of wickedness has already come to full harvest in the land. Bill C-9 (among other issues) is a natural progression and predictable outcome when a nation has lost its soul, and the Church has lost its fire. Our government is a reflection of the climate of the Canadian Church. 

So Bill C-9 is perhaps a great sign. a genuine turning point where the Church of Jesus must evaluate its priorities, its heart, its very soul. Having tried everything in our strength to lobby, to petition and see change, we are finally at the place of having no option, other than to turn to Jesus. REALLY turn to Jesus. 

ABOUT PERSECUTION

It is no secret that the Church seems to thrive best in climates of degrees of persecution. I believe this day is upon us now like never before seen in our lifetime. So this means the Church is ripe for true power. The kind of power that can only come from a dependency on Jesus in the midst of trial and darkness. A thriving Church demonstrating joy in the midst of persecution like many nations have discovered sooner than we have. What a humbling moment. 

My opinion is that the best thing for the Canadian Church would be revival with no persecution. However, the second best thing would be persecution that brings revival to the Canadian Church. 

After all, people come and go in politics. Parties lead and parties lose. Nations rise and nations fall. But for the Christian we understand our Christianity (and our peace) cannot be defined by a political victory or a political loss. No government can ever stop the voice of the Church or hinder the authority of our sacred scriptures. Our Christianity has already been defined by the extraordinary and eternal victory of the Lord Jesus Christ.

With love for Canada 🍁