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God vs. Government: Taking a Biblical Stand When Christ and Compliance Collide
“Welcome to our peaceful protest.”
In the spring of 2020, government mandates forced churches across North America to close their doors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As societal fear and unrest increased, Christians were forced to grapple with how God wanted them to respond to these state-imposed restrictions. After all, didn’t the closure of churches pose a serious threat in a time when people needed spiritual direction more than ever?
God vs. Government follows two churches’ courageous decisions to reopen despite orders to remain closed. Guided by the command in Hebrews 10:25 that churches not forsake meeting together, pastors John MacArthur and James Coates led their congregations to return to in-person meetings—and were swiftly met by unsympathetic governing authorities ready to shut them down again. The ensuing legal battles raised important questions about religious freedom, and more importantly, illuminated what it looks like to take a stand when Christ and compliance collide.
How do we react with wisdom and discernment when the state encroaches upon the church? God vs. Government tells two incredible accounts that affirm our need to be faithful to the Lord’s commands no matter the circumstances.
In the spring of 2020, government mandates forced churches across North America to close their doors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As societal fear and unrest increased, Christians were forced to grapple with how God wanted them to respond to these state-imposed restrictions. After all, didn’t the closure of churches pose a serious threat in a time when people needed spiritual direction more than ever?
God vs. Government follows two churches’ courageous decisions to reopen despite orders to remain closed. Guided by the command in Hebrews 10:25 that churches not forsake meeting together, pastors John MacArthur and James Coates led their congregations to return to in-person meetings—and were swiftly met by unsympathetic governing authorities ready to shut them down again. The ensuing legal battles raised important questions about religious freedom, and more importantly, illuminated what it looks like to take a stand when Christ and compliance collide.
How do we react with wisdom and discernment when the state encroaches upon the church? God vs. Government tells two incredible accounts that affirm our need to be faithful to the Lord’s commands no matter the circumstances.
208 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2022
24 people are currently reading
2210 people want to read
About the author
Nathan Busenitz
28 books34 followersNATHAN BUSENITZ, (M.Div., Th.M., Ph.D., The Master's Seminary) is the Dean of Faculty and Assistant Professor of Theology at The Master's Seminary. He holds a doctorate in church history, with a specific focus on patristic theology. He has served as a full-time member of the pastoral staff at Grace Community Church, director of the Shepherd's Fellowship, managing editor of Pulpit magazine, and as the personal assistant to John MacArthur.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 2, 2022
Bold Christian Leadership wins the day
What is it like to confront government overreach by taking a principled, Biblical stand against illegal anti-Christian church suppression? While hard to believe this is even occurring in the US & Canada in the 21st century, this is the compelling story of two Pastors who stood their ground in the face of such government onslaughts. Both in America and Canada, the right to religious freedom is enshrined in revered documents of long standing that have been ignored & disrespected by political leaders at the state and provincial level. The actions of these government leaders led to forced Covid closings of churches in both countries as too many congregations caved in to fear and meekly complied. In stark contrast, John MacArthur in Los Angeles, and James Coates in Edmonton stood firmly and strongly against these pressures, to serve their congregations as shepherds with Christ’s authority that exceeds that of any earthly government when it comes to church matters. Despite the heavy handed government attacks, even to the point of jailing James Coates (who is not alone among Canadian pastors who have suffered the same penalty), these brave and principled men stood up, refused to comply and prevailed. Their courageous stands touched many people and drew many more to their congregations as a result. This is their inspiring story, told by their closest associate, Nathan Busenitz in the case of Pastor MacArthur, & by Pastor Coates himself. Believers will not be able to put this book down. Highly recommended.
What is it like to confront government overreach by taking a principled, Biblical stand against illegal anti-Christian church suppression? While hard to believe this is even occurring in the US & Canada in the 21st century, this is the compelling story of two Pastors who stood their ground in the face of such government onslaughts. Both in America and Canada, the right to religious freedom is enshrined in revered documents of long standing that have been ignored & disrespected by political leaders at the state and provincial level. The actions of these government leaders led to forced Covid closings of churches in both countries as too many congregations caved in to fear and meekly complied. In stark contrast, John MacArthur in Los Angeles, and James Coates in Edmonton stood firmly and strongly against these pressures, to serve their congregations as shepherds with Christ’s authority that exceeds that of any earthly government when it comes to church matters. Despite the heavy handed government attacks, even to the point of jailing James Coates (who is not alone among Canadian pastors who have suffered the same penalty), these brave and principled men stood up, refused to comply and prevailed. Their courageous stands touched many people and drew many more to their congregations as a result. This is their inspiring story, told by their closest associate, Nathan Busenitz in the case of Pastor MacArthur, & by Pastor Coates himself. Believers will not be able to put this book down. Highly recommended.
June 23, 2023
This is a wonderful, captivating, encouraging and convicting book!!! I highly recommend this book!!!
March 1, 2022
Would give it 10 stars if I could.
March 29, 2022
I enjoyed this book. Broken into 2 distinct parts, it's easy to consume. The first part is in 2 sections: the first details the circumstances and actions surrounding Grace Community Church during COVID and its interactions with the California government and the second focuses on GraceLife Church in Edmonton, let by Pastor James Coates, and that situation (leading to his arrest) during COVID. The second part centers on how Christians balance our responsibilities to Christ as Christians and as a church in the face of increasing government restrictions.
I found the chapters about GraceLife in Edmonton especially interesting (and edifying), seeing how God used Pastor Coates and his church throughout that crisis. The final three chapters of the book, containing sermons preached at both GraceLife (two sermons) and Grace Community Church were also very helpful -- challenging us to think critically (Scripturally!) about who the authority of the Church is (Jesus!) and what our role and response should be as Christians.
I found the chapters about GraceLife in Edmonton especially interesting (and edifying), seeing how God used Pastor Coates and his church throughout that crisis. The final three chapters of the book, containing sermons preached at both GraceLife (two sermons) and Grace Community Church were also very helpful -- challenging us to think critically (Scripturally!) about who the authority of the Church is (Jesus!) and what our role and response should be as Christians.
March 18, 2022
*PLEASE* notice that most of the one star reviews were written well *before the book was released*, by people who obviously just don’t like the authors’ position. Ignore them and please read this book to hear their story and learn about the proper authority of government and when we are to be faithful to the government and when we are to be faithful to God over the government.
September 27, 2023
Recounting the time when the government overreached in California and Canada this book was a good summary of the arguments for why we submit and when we don’t. It was good, at times a little hard to follow but still made me think. Good stuff
March 7, 2022
Although this book arises out of a North American context, it provides doctrine and principles that are applicable in any time or place. It is helpful for any reader who genuinely wants to have a scripturally grounded view of civil authority and it's place in the church. It will equip believers to face future jurisdictional encroachment.
The book reviews the events and outcomes at churches lead by pastors John MacArthur (California) and James Coates (Alberta) during tyrannical COVID restrictions enforced by their respective governments. The first part of the book is primarily narrative with excerpts of letters and announcements. The second part of the book is adapted from sermons on the topics covered in the first part.
The authors lay out their argument for the choices they made and the reasons why, followed by the effects of such choices. It is comforting to see that even these honourable men were uncertain in the early days of the pandemic, and to see their strength of conviction when the opposition came.
As a Pastor I have struggled over these past years with the competing desires to worship God in the gathering, obey civil government and to love my neighbour through reducing the risk that we would spread disease. These recent events have exposed the shallow doctrines of authority to which many Christians hold, albeit mostly out of ignorance (IMO). This book really helped me consolidate many of the thoughts and beliefs that had formed over this tumultuous time.
The book reviews the events and outcomes at churches lead by pastors John MacArthur (California) and James Coates (Alberta) during tyrannical COVID restrictions enforced by their respective governments. The first part of the book is primarily narrative with excerpts of letters and announcements. The second part of the book is adapted from sermons on the topics covered in the first part.
The authors lay out their argument for the choices they made and the reasons why, followed by the effects of such choices. It is comforting to see that even these honourable men were uncertain in the early days of the pandemic, and to see their strength of conviction when the opposition came.
As a Pastor I have struggled over these past years with the competing desires to worship God in the gathering, obey civil government and to love my neighbour through reducing the risk that we would spread disease. These recent events have exposed the shallow doctrines of authority to which many Christians hold, albeit mostly out of ignorance (IMO). This book really helped me consolidate many of the thoughts and beliefs that had formed over this tumultuous time.
January 5, 2025
A good mix of theology and recent church history. This book brought about a range of emotions as you walk through what Pastor James Coates encountered during Covid church shutdowns in Canada. Dr. Nathan Busenitz then brings his theological analysis of how Scripture was and should be applied. Highly recommended!
March 5, 2022
What an excellent, encouraging, God glorifying book! I love that James' story begins in the Fall of 2019, which is when I first visited GLC (from out of town) & talked with him extensively after the service. His courageous stand for Christ was what opened my eyes to what was going on in Canada & the need for churches to defy government overreach. His stand was what inspired me to write my book on a similar topic. As Christians we need to evaluate all things according to Scripture, even when it costs us. Many will slander our motives in the process, but if our hearts are right before God, we will only care about what the Lord thinks, not anyone else. His Directing Government To Its Duty sermon was the groundbreaking message that opened my eyes & I think it'll go down in history as a significant sermon that changed the course of the future. We can see that already now --remember, before the Freedom Convoy, there were a handful of churches already making a stand. This book recounts the story of two pastors, one in US & the other in Canada, making a brave stand for Christ. I love how detailed it was, and it was helpful for me to consider what to expect in the future if I ever go through a similar experience. The Lord worked mightily through James both in & out of jail while he was in there, even through his wife Erin who did many interviews in his place. I loved the comment about them being a great team! But this was GLC's stand, not just James'. And there were many others in Canada who joined along, too, such as my own church (Fairview Baptist Church in Calgary). It's expected, given the controversy surrounding his situation, that this book be rated low (if it remains that way), but whether or not you agree with his stance, its a good read & certainly very moving at many points. There's enough here to convince any honest Christian of his position, which is really not his position, but the Lord's position. It ultimately comes down to this. Who is Lord over the church? Christ or Caesar? It's God vs. Government. And God always comes out victorious! Amen.
June 17, 2022
This book is a exceptional, concise, and clear delineation of the relationship between Christians and government. The first half of the book are the story of Grace Community Church, and the story of Pastor James Coates. Both episodes I fond fascinating, and challenging to my own personal resolve in the face of persecution. The second half is about the specifics of how the Christian ought to think, and act towards government (especially dystopian government). Overall it was a interesting, and easy read, and it will help anyone get a better grasp on the relationship between God and Government.
July 25, 2022
|| 5 ⭐️ ||
Most believers—especially church leaders—have had to wrestle with new questions in the past two years. What stance do we take when the government interferes with the gathering of the Church? What does it mean to submit to government and to Christ in this season? What is the best way to love and serve Jesus and others during this time?
When I was first wrestling with questions like these during the first year of the pandemic, the story of Pastor James Coates and GraceLife Church on the news really struck me in a memorable way. I was amazed at this pastor’s courage to follow his convictions and his decision to obey God to the best of his ability, even if it meant civil disobedience and major legal consequences. Watching his last sermon before his arrest was a defining and very convicting moment for me. Until this point, the pandemic really had me struggling spiritually. Hearing this sermon, everything clicked, and I knew I needed to get back with the Church. I had been negligent in following God’s design and command, and as a result it was weighing on me heavily. In hindsight, it was so spiritually damaging to abstain from being gathered with my family in Christ for so long—I am still working through the repercussions of this today—and as I have talked to other people, I know I haven’t been the only one. It is not possible to be spiritually healthy in isolation from other believers. Turns out God really does know what’s best for us, and His command for us to gather is one made out of love and for our well-being.
This book expanded a lot on the importance of obedience to Christ as the highest authority, and the importance of gathering as the Church. As I read, I was challenged and encouraged by so many things:
~ I think the thing about these pastors that strikes me the most is their immense love. The love they have for God and His Word, for the Gospel, for their congregations or the “flock”, and even for the governing authorities and their enemies…
~ …Which they also treated with an insane amount of respect. Their attitude never stopped being respectful and humble and submissive, even when they were forced to disobey this government. As someone who often feels tempted to do nothing but condemn the government, this aspect was a huge challenge to me. A reminder to love them, pray for them, and respect them—because that’s what we are called to do. More than anything, the leaders of these churches want the governing authorities to hear the gospel…
~ …The gospel, which they proclaim incessantly. Every trial, and every step of those trials, they saw as an opportunity to share the gospel. The court? A chance to share the gospel. Media publicity that painted them in the most horrible light? A chance to share the gospel. Threats, invasions, fines, false accusations? A chance to share the gospel. Imprisonment? A chance to share the gospel. Even with their “enemies”. The gospel must’ve been shared even in this short book at least 5 times over. This is what following Jesus is all about, after all—bringing more people in to bring Him even more glory.
~ The leaders of these churches did not take things lightly. The decisions they made were not reckless or flippant. Everything was taken into account, including the health risks, and all of the legal/political consequences. They spent hours upon hours with their leadership teams learning, studying the Word, praying, reasoning. These decisions were not easy for them. They were ordinary weak humans who were afraid of what obeying Christ would bring—they cried, faltered, and were tempted to surrender—but they leaned into His strength and obeyed Him anyway.
I happened to be studying Acts 4, 5 and 6 in my personal devotions while reading this book—which ended up being providential. The parallels between the civil disobedience of the apostles and the modern civil disobedience of these pastors were amazing to see. Their determination to continue proclaiming Christ despite being commanded to stop multiple times. How they simply couldn’t stop talking about Jesus and what they’ve “seen and heard”, no matter the consequences.
There are so many more things I could say about this book—my notes were very extensive. But there you go. If you’re still wrestling through what a follower of Jesus is called to do in this season, or just need a fresh perspective or a deep-dive into what the Bible says about all this, this book is a great place to start.
Most believers—especially church leaders—have had to wrestle with new questions in the past two years. What stance do we take when the government interferes with the gathering of the Church? What does it mean to submit to government and to Christ in this season? What is the best way to love and serve Jesus and others during this time?
When I was first wrestling with questions like these during the first year of the pandemic, the story of Pastor James Coates and GraceLife Church on the news really struck me in a memorable way. I was amazed at this pastor’s courage to follow his convictions and his decision to obey God to the best of his ability, even if it meant civil disobedience and major legal consequences. Watching his last sermon before his arrest was a defining and very convicting moment for me. Until this point, the pandemic really had me struggling spiritually. Hearing this sermon, everything clicked, and I knew I needed to get back with the Church. I had been negligent in following God’s design and command, and as a result it was weighing on me heavily. In hindsight, it was so spiritually damaging to abstain from being gathered with my family in Christ for so long—I am still working through the repercussions of this today—and as I have talked to other people, I know I haven’t been the only one. It is not possible to be spiritually healthy in isolation from other believers. Turns out God really does know what’s best for us, and His command for us to gather is one made out of love and for our well-being.
This book expanded a lot on the importance of obedience to Christ as the highest authority, and the importance of gathering as the Church. As I read, I was challenged and encouraged by so many things:
~ I think the thing about these pastors that strikes me the most is their immense love. The love they have for God and His Word, for the Gospel, for their congregations or the “flock”, and even for the governing authorities and their enemies…
~ …Which they also treated with an insane amount of respect. Their attitude never stopped being respectful and humble and submissive, even when they were forced to disobey this government. As someone who often feels tempted to do nothing but condemn the government, this aspect was a huge challenge to me. A reminder to love them, pray for them, and respect them—because that’s what we are called to do. More than anything, the leaders of these churches want the governing authorities to hear the gospel…
~ …The gospel, which they proclaim incessantly. Every trial, and every step of those trials, they saw as an opportunity to share the gospel. The court? A chance to share the gospel. Media publicity that painted them in the most horrible light? A chance to share the gospel. Threats, invasions, fines, false accusations? A chance to share the gospel. Imprisonment? A chance to share the gospel. Even with their “enemies”. The gospel must’ve been shared even in this short book at least 5 times over. This is what following Jesus is all about, after all—bringing more people in to bring Him even more glory.
~ The leaders of these churches did not take things lightly. The decisions they made were not reckless or flippant. Everything was taken into account, including the health risks, and all of the legal/political consequences. They spent hours upon hours with their leadership teams learning, studying the Word, praying, reasoning. These decisions were not easy for them. They were ordinary weak humans who were afraid of what obeying Christ would bring—they cried, faltered, and were tempted to surrender—but they leaned into His strength and obeyed Him anyway.
I happened to be studying Acts 4, 5 and 6 in my personal devotions while reading this book—which ended up being providential. The parallels between the civil disobedience of the apostles and the modern civil disobedience of these pastors were amazing to see. Their determination to continue proclaiming Christ despite being commanded to stop multiple times. How they simply couldn’t stop talking about Jesus and what they’ve “seen and heard”, no matter the consequences.
There are so many more things I could say about this book—my notes were very extensive. But there you go. If you’re still wrestling through what a follower of Jesus is called to do in this season, or just need a fresh perspective or a deep-dive into what the Bible says about all this, this book is a great place to start.
July 21, 2022
An amazing story of biblical conviction, strength and courage, unwavering devotion to God's authority, and suffering well in the face of persecution. I waited for a year to get my hands on this book after I got word that it was in the works and it most definitely did not disappoint!! So good, so biblical, so solid, so bold. Men like this are few and far between in a world of compromise in the ebb and flow of cultural conformity.
October 1, 2022
This is a self-centered author that wants to use God to justify his disobedience to governmental authorities.
I found that his actions were mainly grandstanding for publicity shown by those he lead not being ask to do the same thing. At one point his church moved around in hiding.
Waste of time.
I found that his actions were mainly grandstanding for publicity shown by those he lead not being ask to do the same thing. At one point his church moved around in hiding.
Waste of time.
March 6, 2023
Among other things, this is an excellent illustration of the fetishization of persecution within American fundamentalism.
August 9, 2023
This book was really good and an eye opener to what happened during COVID of 2020-
Churches were banned from opening because of the mandates from the government, and early on, when we didn't know anything about COVID or the sickness, that was fine.
But after months and months passed, and we're still on lockdown, unable to go outside, why aren't we allowed to go to church?
The Bible specifically says in Acts 5:29 "We will obey God rather than men." And here's the thing, many people think that when the two churches of this book stood up for their freedom and said no to the government, they were sinning against God. But they weren't. God tells us to gather in large groups to worship and honor Him, and we can't do that over technology.
This entire book was how they stood up for what was right, how the government reacted, and how one of the pastors, James Coates of Canada, ended up in jail. BECAUSE HE PASTORED A CHURCH.
Let me ask you this:
why are we allowed to have violent riots out in the streets and vandalize property but not allowed to peacefully go to church to worship God? And no, this is no longer a political thing: it's become a war against God and Satan and the fact that people don't see that is alarming.
This book is heavily equipped with Scripture, good questions and answers, and a firm foundation as to why these two churches did what they did.
Please read this book, because it will give you a new perspective of our world, and it's good to be prepared for the coming days.
10/10
Churches were banned from opening because of the mandates from the government, and early on, when we didn't know anything about COVID or the sickness, that was fine.
But after months and months passed, and we're still on lockdown, unable to go outside, why aren't we allowed to go to church?
The Bible specifically says in Acts 5:29 "We will obey God rather than men." And here's the thing, many people think that when the two churches of this book stood up for their freedom and said no to the government, they were sinning against God. But they weren't. God tells us to gather in large groups to worship and honor Him, and we can't do that over technology.
This entire book was how they stood up for what was right, how the government reacted, and how one of the pastors, James Coates of Canada, ended up in jail. BECAUSE HE PASTORED A CHURCH.
Let me ask you this:
why are we allowed to have violent riots out in the streets and vandalize property but not allowed to peacefully go to church to worship God? And no, this is no longer a political thing: it's become a war against God and Satan and the fact that people don't see that is alarming.
This book is heavily equipped with Scripture, good questions and answers, and a firm foundation as to why these two churches did what they did.
Please read this book, because it will give you a new perspective of our world, and it's good to be prepared for the coming days.
10/10
July 25, 2022
Agreed with maybe 75-80% of it. I was pleasantly surprised by their understanding that it is legitimate for churches to have a pursued a different approach than they did. My main critique of the book is I think there was a lack of consistency in terms of how their stated 'sphere sovereignty' works, particularly in terms of issues that are tricky because there is an overlap of the 'spheres.' This was strange, because the book itself uses examples of issues where an overlap occurs. This being the case, I do believe that what happened in the 1660s in England, for example, is a qualitatively different thing than covid laws (though I strongly oppose both and am huge fan of whoever gets rid of Justin Trudeau in the future).
In the midst of some of my disagreements with what's laid out here, it must be said that James Coates does seem to be a measured and sincere pastor, who truly loves Christ and his people. From where I'm sitting, the Canadian govt messed with a godly, measured, and sincere man (albeit one I would quibble with on this topic).
In the midst of some of my disagreements with what's laid out here, it must be said that James Coates does seem to be a measured and sincere pastor, who truly loves Christ and his people. From where I'm sitting, the Canadian govt messed with a godly, measured, and sincere man (albeit one I would quibble with on this topic).
January 17, 2023
Incredibly moving and inspiring. It feels like just yesterday we were experiencing the, for lack of a better word, weird, year that was 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic. It is still among us, even though the government and media have strangely become increasingly silent regarding that tumultuous time and the virus that is still infecting, and now we are feeling the heavy economic ramifications of the shutdowns and government policies.
This book focuses on the compelling accounts of two pastors (John MacArthur and James Coates) who faced and opposed the government overreach that was the COVID-19 shutdowns. It displays their resistance to political and societal pressures while upholding their Biblical convictions, while maintaining moral integrity and humbleness before people in authority or government.
I was particularly moved by James Coate's story as he was able to spread the gospel to inmates and police officers while in jail, and his humbleness and grace towards those who obviously opposed and hated him. What a godly example to follow!
Absolutely would recommend this book.
This book focuses on the compelling accounts of two pastors (John MacArthur and James Coates) who faced and opposed the government overreach that was the COVID-19 shutdowns. It displays their resistance to political and societal pressures while upholding their Biblical convictions, while maintaining moral integrity and humbleness before people in authority or government.
I was particularly moved by James Coate's story as he was able to spread the gospel to inmates and police officers while in jail, and his humbleness and grace towards those who obviously opposed and hated him. What a godly example to follow!
Absolutely would recommend this book.
May 9, 2023
A sobering account of the struggles of the church during the pandemic and modern day persecution in the west. A lesson which should not be soon forgotten.
August 9, 2023
Such a good book 10/10 recommend for Christians who love politics.
May 1, 2022
I will be doing a Live book review with Tim Frisch on my YouTube channel "Dear Woke Christian" in a few weeks.
August 22, 2024
God vs. Government was such a great read! I listened to the audiobook and had no trouble following along. I remember following the news regarding Grace Community Church and the government in 2020, so it was interesting to hear the story from their perspective. Being several years past that time, it's crazy to think about all that happened -especially with the pastor in Canada. This book is a great read and reminder of the biblical view of these types of things.
December 18, 2025
Busenitz and Coates have put together an important record of the governmental overreach that pushed the church to articulate what the Bible teaches about submission to authority and then put it into practice in real-time.
The book is a bit uneven, being a collection of doctrine taught in different contexts, and re-telling of how different churches responded to covid mandates.
The church needs to know these stories and rally around these men who were willing to forsake everything to be faithful to Christ.
The book is a bit uneven, being a collection of doctrine taught in different contexts, and re-telling of how different churches responded to covid mandates.
The church needs to know these stories and rally around these men who were willing to forsake everything to be faithful to Christ.
September 5, 2022
“God has not granted civic rulers authority over the doctrine, practice, or polity of the church.”
“Government totalitarianism not only remains on the rise in Canada, it seems to be on the rise globally. Regardless of what the future holds, God will always be faithful.”
“If Scripture declares the Lord Jesus to be the head of the church, is it appropriate for the government to interfere in the way the church of Christ worships her Lord?”
“Government totalitarianism not only remains on the rise in Canada, it seems to be on the rise globally. Regardless of what the future holds, God will always be faithful.”
“If Scripture declares the Lord Jesus to be the head of the church, is it appropriate for the government to interfere in the way the church of Christ worships her Lord?”
May 18, 2022
Some great material in this book. Here is an interesting quote from chapter 14 (Directing Government to Its Duty)
... if you listen to our government officials, you will notice they talk about trying to balance the infringement on our civil liberties with the harms stemming from the lockdowns. That is an acknowledgment they are stepping outside of their God-ordained lane. In effect, the government is seeking co play the role of God. Only God is sovereign over death and disease. In a push to protect people from an uncontrollable virus, the government has stripped its citizens of their God-given rights and subjected them to all kinds of suffering. What is their justification? That our health system could become overwhelmed. What is amazing is that our government actually acknowledges the harms of lockdown measures. (...)
Is the virus the government's fault? No, of course not. To our knowledge, our government has no culpability regarding the presence of the virus. (...) But what if someone dies as a result of governmental lockdown measures? Does that bring culpability before God? I would say yes. Why? Because the government has stepped outside of its God-ordained role. It is no longer functioning in accord with its God-intended purpose. Therefore, the harms that result from such actions fall to them as their responsibility. They will have to give an account to God for those harms. That is significant. (pp. 179-180)
March 24, 2022
This book will inevitably be viewed through a largely negative lens by the church. The reasons for this in my mind are threefold;
1. The church has an inadequate theology of the Word of God.
2. The church has an inadequate theology of the church.
3. The church has an inadequate theology of the cost of discipleship or suffering for the Lord Jesus Christ.
To put it another way, the “church” in America and Canada does not consider the Bible as inspired, infallible, and sufficient for all of life and righteousness. Nor does the church view the gathering of the people of God to be vital and necessary. Even if churches believe in the first two points, and especially if they do not, many churches do not desire to make culturally or politically controversial decisions that would cause any sort of persecution and resulting suffering.
For these reasons, the “church” will view this book in a negative light despite the staunchly biblical case the authors make from a multitude of texts to prove the foundation for the decisions both churches made to stay open amid the pandemic despite governmental mandates to the contrary.
Read this book with an open Bible and allow the unfolding revelation of the Word of God to shape and mold your views, not cultural, political, and social opinions.
“Peace if possible, truth at all costs.” -Martin Luther
1. The church has an inadequate theology of the Word of God.
2. The church has an inadequate theology of the church.
3. The church has an inadequate theology of the cost of discipleship or suffering for the Lord Jesus Christ.
To put it another way, the “church” in America and Canada does not consider the Bible as inspired, infallible, and sufficient for all of life and righteousness. Nor does the church view the gathering of the people of God to be vital and necessary. Even if churches believe in the first two points, and especially if they do not, many churches do not desire to make culturally or politically controversial decisions that would cause any sort of persecution and resulting suffering.
For these reasons, the “church” will view this book in a negative light despite the staunchly biblical case the authors make from a multitude of texts to prove the foundation for the decisions both churches made to stay open amid the pandemic despite governmental mandates to the contrary.
Read this book with an open Bible and allow the unfolding revelation of the Word of God to shape and mold your views, not cultural, political, and social opinions.
“Peace if possible, truth at all costs.” -Martin Luther
April 25, 2023
Informative read. Very good presentation from Scriptures delineating Church and Government authorities as designed, authorized and enabled by God. Authors solve the mystery around how, when, why churches should exercise civil disobedience against all levels of Government. Without a doubt, authors show The Scriptures, the Word of God, that God, Creator of Heaven and Earth, has establish Christ as the Head, Leader, Director of The Church not Caesar.
When the time comes which will you choose to obey in performing functions of the Church? Don’t decide until you’ve read the boo God vs. Government.
When the time comes which will you choose to obey in performing functions of the Church? Don’t decide until you’ve read the boo God vs. Government.
December 22, 2023
Taking a stand for what you believe in will cost you something. Friends, family, freedom, or in extreme cases, your life. During the pandemic, our lives were turned upside down in ways we never saw coming. And it didn't take long to wonder what the cost was going to be. When places began putting restrictions on churches, the tides changed. Our own local church shut its doors, so we opened our house to be the church. Obeying God comes at a cost. Through the stories of these two churches, you will get a glimpse at the reality of faith and government as well as what standing for faith looks like in our current age. Standing with God is always the place to be.
December 11, 2022
Using the facts that each church dealt with from the government in dealing with the pandemic, the authors, painted a great picture of how churches should obey, and/or stand up to government authority according to the Bible. However, my favorite part of the book was the last three chapters, that was a clear lesson on the biblical view of government authority, and where it originated. Throughout those last three chapters were clear presentations of the gospel, and the need for repentance for salvation. Highly recommend this book.
January 12, 2023
- This was an excellent book for someone who might have been on the fence about churches being open during lockdown. For me, it was an interesting look into a situation that I followed quite closely with Grace Life Edmonton, but otherwise I didn't get much out of the book.
- My biggest takeaway is that the churches and Christians that either never stopped meeting, or that started up quickly after realizing that they shouldn't have stopped, didn't receive the treatment that these churches did. I'm not sure why that is, but it is striking.
- My biggest takeaway is that the churches and Christians that either never stopped meeting, or that started up quickly after realizing that they shouldn't have stopped, didn't receive the treatment that these churches did. I'm not sure why that is, but it is striking.
February 13, 2023
Obey God rather than men!
This is such an amazing book that churches, church leaders, and church goers all should read. We have lost sight of who rules the church, and the power that government legally has in that area.
I appreciated his detailed outline of what exactly went down, as many of us know, media likes to paint a picture of their own rather than the truth. He detailed exact time lines, and letters put out to the church describing why they chose to do as they did. Everything desicion made was made with scripture to back it up. Very good book.
This is such an amazing book that churches, church leaders, and church goers all should read. We have lost sight of who rules the church, and the power that government legally has in that area.
I appreciated his detailed outline of what exactly went down, as many of us know, media likes to paint a picture of their own rather than the truth. He detailed exact time lines, and letters put out to the church describing why they chose to do as they did. Everything desicion made was made with scripture to back it up. Very good book.
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