Essential Scriptures, Fighting Sin with Scripture, & James Coates Interview

Essential Scriptures

There is a book that is scheduled to come out on July 6, 2021 that I was excited to read about!  

It has the Scripture verses undergirding doctrines right in the book.  I tend not to look up a lot of the Bible references when they are simply listed in a book (so many of them), and this would have the verses right there in front of my nose (though I still will need glasses to read them well).

The Essential Scriptures: A Handbook of Key Texts for Key Doctrines by Kevin Zuber

Fighting Sin with Scripture

John MacArthur recently put out a blog post for TMU students that encourages learning Scripture to fight sin.  I have found that verses and prayer have helped me in the past in overcoming a sinful habit.  My mind may be rather foggy for learning now, but I have recently started trying again to go over some verses of Romans 5.  

Someone recently pointed out (not in the article) that if Christians are jailed (and they may not always give people Bibles), then knowing Scripture in your mind will be especially valuable. 

Fight Sin with Scripture by John MacArthur

James Coates Interview

For those who have not already seen this interview that a lady did of James Coates (and I know many of you have), I am putting it here for people to watch.  It was emotionally moving and also encouraging.

James Coates Update & New Books of Note

 Here is a video of James Coates up front at GraceLife Church in the Edmonton area of Alberta, Canada.

It was the first Sunday after his being released from jail for holding church....so wonderful.

Books of Note

There are a couple of new books of note that I'd like to mention this week.

One is a handbook on essential Christian doctrine.  It seems like it is somewhat of a shorter version of my Biblical Doctrine book that I am still reading.  It would be a good one for someone to give to others!

Essential Christian Doctrine: A Handbook on Biblical Truth

You may have heard people throw around the letters "CRT" & use the words "Social Justice" a lot lately.

What is going on, and why should you be concerned? 

Voddie Baucham is a man who grew up in the L.A. area, and he is also black.

He has written a book about the way people respond to events.

It is a book about how people see things, and how they should view things Biblically.

Fault Lines (Available April 6, 2021)

Pastor James Coates Freed & a Message on Gospel Courage

Freed!

Pastor James Coates in Alberta, Canada has been released from jail! 

I saw a photo of him hugging his family, and I'm updating with the video!

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 I have read the $1.500 fine the judge decided to tack on (instead of the $100) was considered paid by the time James spent in jail (which seems to mean that he doesn't owe any money). 

From what I have also read, I believe there will still be a trial/court date in May on a lesser charge.

This could help put more of a challenge - questioning the science behind the public health order demands which seems to make the RCMP (or whoever is making these "health" restrictions) think they can violate the Charter freedoms there in Canada. 

I am happy that James is out, and I'm especially glad that his family will have him home again (as well as the church will have their pastor back). 

It is to the shame of the government there that they overstepped their God-given authority.

The leaders in Canada, the U.S., China, and around the world need to turn to Christ instead of trying to persecute His people.

Yes, they may use other excuses, but they are wrong when they place their will over what Scripture teaches.

To Help You Understand

Nathan Busenitz at Grace Community Church in California preached a message recently that sheds light on why James would do what he did and what the apostles in the early church did when they were told not to preach. He also addressed persecution this last Sunday night.

Here is the message Nathan Busenitz preached a week ago Sunday:

 Gospel Courage

Here is the next message:

Blessed are the Persecuted

LSB Online, State of the Church Live-Stream, & Psalm 23 Hymn

Legacy Standard Bible

They already have the New Testament, Psalms, & Proverbs available to read online!

I'm excited about this new translation in which they worked so hard to focus on accuracy and consistency rather than simply readability.

You can find it HERE.

The State of the Church Live-Stream is scheduled for Wednesday, March 3, 2021.

The speakers scheduled are John MacArthur & Steven Lawson.

The first session starts at 10 AM Pacific (1 PM Eastern & 6 PM GMT) with John MacArthur.

The second session is a Q & A with John which is at 1 PM Pacific (4 PM Eastern & 9 PM GMT).

The third session with Steve Lawson is at 3 PM Pacific (6 PM Eastern & 11 PM GMT).

The final session (fourth) is with John MacArthur at 5 PM Pacific (8 PM Eastern & 1 AM GMT).

You should be able to watch it HERE during the time scheduled.

The Lord is My Shepherd (Psalm 23)

I've heard this song in recent times, and it's worth sharing.

It's also in the Hymns of Grace hymnal!