Victory for free speech

The news has come through of a magnificent victory for free speech for which we should give thanks to the Lord.

Street preacher Michael Overd was arrested by the police last year after he upset two sodomites by pointing out what the Bible teaches. Of course, when the sodomites complained to the plods they took their side (they always do) and nicked Michael. He was charged under the infamous Public Order Act and stood trial this week. However, in a stunning victory for free speech, and a blow to pervert rights campaigners, the courts threw out the case against him.

Only a short while ago it was almost deemed illegal to tell homos that they were sinful and a number of preachers were harassed or even arrested for speaking the truth. However, true warriors of the cross continued to stand for Jesus and His word despite the probable consequences. I am reminded of Stephen Green who got nicked in Cardiff after giving out leaflets about the issue but the case was dropped; then there was the persecution of Dale McAlpine in Workington who was also nicked and charged after upsetting a sodomite plastic copper (PCSO) by telling him it was sinful to do gay stuff. I salute these soldiers of the cross - they are not chocolate soldiers but true champions who "dared to be a Daniel" and stood firm when others (even "Christians") may have cautioned against being too direct and pointed in their preaching.

It should be stated that one should not threaten homos with violence or incite hatred against them; moreover, the Christian Gospel is a positive Gospel because it has the power to change people's lives. Even those steeped in the sin of homosexuality can be transformed by the Lord - as the Bible says "If anyone be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things have passed away, behold all things have become new" 2nd Corinthians 5 v 17.

As this country becomes even darker spiritually we need to stand firm and declare the truth of the Bible and not water it down for the sake of expediency.

Michael Overd joins the ranks of those who know what it is to be persecuted for Jesus and we should give thanks to the Lord for giving strength to him during this stressful time. Let us also give thanks to the Lord for delivering this great victory and re-double our efforts to spread the Gospel - whatever the consequences.

"Let God arise...His enemies be scattered" Psalm 68 v 1