Posts by Tim Stephens (Page 6)
Trial Update
Yesterday marked the first time that I had the chance to testify before a judge on matters related to the enforcement of COVID-19 restrictions. Up to this point, two charges (one contempt of court and one criminal charge for breaking a court order) that sent me to jail twice for a combined stay of 21 days were withdrawn. Besides these charges, six public health act violations were levied against me and one against the church. The church matter will be…
What Women’s Ministry Looks Like
The Calgary Pride Parade took place this past Sunday. As our city (and the Western world) celebrates sexual perversity and rebellion against God and his creational norms, it is easy for us to articulate what we are against. But do we know what we are for? Could we articulate a vision of masculinity, femininity, sexuality, marriage, children, family and so forth? Could we give biblical warrant or would we base our answers on “traditional” values, however they may be defined? One…
First Semester Update
Pastor Tim here. Grace and peace to all of you and greetings from the saints at Grace Community Church. I’ve just started a three-year doctoral program at the Master’s Seminary with an emphasis on expository preaching. I’m studying under men such as John MacArthur and Steve Lawson whose preaching has been a gift to the church. Three weeks of the year I’ll be away from home and church for classes but I’ll be back and behind the pulpit to complete…
Affidavit on COVID Mandates
It was one year ago today that I was arrested a second time and jailed for 18 days for failing to comply with provincial COVID restrictions. Legal matters are still being sorted, but I wanted to share a summary argument that sets forth the Scriptural justification for how we handled COVID. I drafted the following document for my appearance in court to answer charges and fines levied against me and our church. It seeks to make clear why we were…
Suffering and the Sovereignty of God
The longer you live and the more people you know, the more familiar you will be with suffering and trials. It can be an unexpected diagnosis from the doctor, a long battle with illness or disease, a chronic pain, family caught in a war, or deep anxiety about the unknown. The list goes on and on with each situation bringing its own unique challenges. We’re tempted to respond in anger, resentment, withdrawal, depression, or fear. We’re tempted to give in…
The Lord Is King
God Is Sovereign The Scriptures are replete with examples of the rising and falling of rulers and nations. What is clear in every case is that it is the Lord God who humbles the proud, judges the nations, sends great calamity, appoints rulers, and does all these things to accomplish his purposes. “Remember this and stand firm recall it to mind, you transgressors, remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am…
The Emergencies Act and our Hopeful Endurance
This week our Prime Minister made an historic decision to invoke the Emergencies Act which is designed to give the government power to quickly handle matters of national security. The Act will give the government and police extended powers and also grant them the ability to direct financial institutions to freeze accounts they believe are a threat to national security. While it seems that all provinces are quickly moving away from COVID mandates, the federal government clings to its stance…
Good News for Truckers (and other lovers of freedom)
The following is example of sharing the gospel with those who love freedom but do not yet love Jesus. May it encourage you to be faithful in caring for the oppressed and needy, while offering the hope that is found in Jesus Christ. The Desire For Freedom You want freedom. You value freedom. You are willing to fight for freedom. We both know this is not a freedom to hate or do wrong, but a responsible-freedom to visit loved ones,…
The People are Crying (and the Way Out)
The People are Crying The events of the past week have brought international attention to working class Canadians who have been burdened beyond their breaking point by two years of government-imposed restrictions. Blue collar workers, ignited by a convoy of truckers, have cried out for freedom in their distress. This desire for freedom is part of God’s design and firmly planted in every human soul. This freedom is not an anything-goes-just-don’t-hurt-anybody-libertarian-freedom. This is a freedom to plant crops, reap a…
Pastoral Reflections on the Freedom Convoy
The following video offers pastoral reflections on the Freedom Convoy and the protesting of COVID mandates that have affected so many people over the past two years. Some Christians have too much hope in the result of this protest and others think it sinful. Here are a few points to consider. 1) “Protestant” Christians shouldn’t be immediately repulsed by protest. 2) Supporting freedom, whether for informed consent or the livelihoods (i.e., lives), is loving your neighbor. 3) Standing for truth…
A Statement on the Criminalization of Conversion Therapy
The following is a loose transcript of the video above. This past week, Bill-C4 has become law in Canada. It is now a criminal offense to advertise, promote, or engage in conversion therapy. What is conversion therapy? The law states, “conversion therapy means a practice, treatment or service designed to (a) change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual;(b) change a person’s gender identity to cisgender;(c) change a person’s gender expression so that it conforms to the sex assigned to the person at birth;(d) repress…
A Note to the Premier: End the Injustice
Hello Family, I’ve just sent this email along to our local MLAs, the Premier, and Health Minister. I’ve asked for opportunities to speak on the phone prior to this and such requests have so far been ignored. I would encourage you to write or call your MLA and press upon them the urgency of their harmful policies that are affecting the people of our community and beyond. At the same time, let us cry to the Lord for help in…