Message to the plods - now leave us alone!

In recent years the police have been using (or should I say mis-using) section 5 of the 1986 Public Order Act  in a vain attempt to silence Christians.  The following examples prove this to be the case:

In 2010 a Cumbrian street evangelist was nicked after telling a PCSO that homosexuality was a sin. He was initially charged but the case was dropped.   The evangelist was subsequently awarded compensation for wrongful arrest.

Earlier this year a somerset street evangelist went on trial after telling two homosexuals that what they were doing was sinful - he was cleared by a court.

Also in 2010 a Christian couple from merseyside were nicked and charged after a debate with a Muslim lady when she went whining to the coppers that she had been offended.  The case went to court but the judge threw it out and offered implied criticism of the police for their actions.

In 2011 a Christian cafe owner in Blackpool was visited by the plods and told that the advertising screen which displayed the New Testament contravened the Public Order Act, as it was allegedly homophobic.  Following negative publicity in the national press they came to their senses and apologised to the Christian.

In the latest display of Police harassment of Christians they nicked two peaceful pro-life protesters in Brighton and put them on trial, again for Public Order "offences", even though they admitted the protest was peaceful.  The two Christians (Andy Stephenson and Kathryn Sloane) were yesterday cleared by a judge.

In each of these cases the police have acted with a blatant abuse of their powers and bias against Christians. It is obvious that they are biased in favour of homosexuals, Muslims and abortionist murderers, and woe betide any Christian who dares to speak the truth about these people.  If it wasn't for the independence of the courts then all of these Christians would be facing a life with a criminal record.

Of course, we should recognise the truth of God's infallible word when it teaches that "men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil"  (John 3 v 19) and for this reason people lose all their sense of reason when facing a challenge to their sinful lifestyles.  However, would it be too much to ask that the police finally get the message - we have free speech in this country and that right extends to Christians as well as everybody else.

Clegg's got egg (on his face)

I have tried to leave the subject of homosexuality alone in recent articles on my blog; however, the latest faux pas by supporters of homo marriage makes it essential that I return to the subject.

The so-called Deputy Prime Minister, Clegg, gave a speech to "celebrity" homosexuals last night in support of gay marriage.  There is nothing unusual about that, this man has made no secret of his support for these people.  However, the original draft speech had him attacking supporters of Biblical marriage as "bigots".  When he realised the furore this caused he quickly backtracked.  Now he is in the position of having upset both sides - he upset Christians by calling us bigots, and he upset the perverts by withdrawing the "bigot" remark.  Truly this man has egg on his face - big time.

What does this sorry episode tell us about Clegg, in particular, and his ilk in general.  It tells us several things:

Firstly, those who support homo marriage are deeply spiteful.  They pay lip service to tolerance but it is tolerance on their terms.  In other words, their message states that you can believe and say what you like as long as it agrees with them.

Secondly, it confirms the reliability of the Bible in it's teachings.  In John 3 v 19 we read that people "loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil".   Those involved in homosexuality, and their supporters, are in darkness.  Not only are they content to wallow in their sin but they lash out at Christians who point out the truth of God's infallible word.

Thirdly, it is a fulfilment of Biblical prophecy.  In 2nd Peter chapter 3, verses 3-4, we are told that in the last days people would be living according to their own lusts and would have a mocking attitude to God and His word.  This is being fulfilled in front of our own eyes and is further proof that the Bible is true.

What should our response be to these matters?

Firstly, we should pray for homosexuals and their supporters.  The Bible teaches that they are in sin, but instead of having personal animosity towards them we should pray that God would be pleased to open their eyes and save their souls.

Secondly, we should be consistent in teaching the truths of God's word despite the persecution that this is likely to bring.

In conclusion let us meditate on the following verse: "Be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know, that your labour is not in vain, in the Lord". 1st Cor 15 v 58.

ECHR = Emperor Nero

I understand from the national papers that a number of persecuted Christians have taken their cases before the European Court of Human Rights.  Of course I wish them well, and it is right that we should hope and pray for their rights to be protected, but we need to bear in mind several important points.

First of all when it comes to human rights Christians are often kicked to the bottom of the pile; what I mean by this is that everyone else's human rights are respected except those who follow Jesus.

Secondly, Jesus taught that we would be hated because we stand for the the truth of God's infallible word. In John 15 v 19 He said the following: "If you were of the world the world would love it's own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out the world therefore the world hates you." This statement has been fulfilled many times in recent years in this evil country as Christians have been cast aside.

Thirdly, these judges are people who are living in darkness.  They do not accept that the Bible is the infallible word of God and so it is very unlikely that they will rule in favour of those who do believe in it.

Fourthly, for Christians to appeal for fairness from the ECHR is  akin to asking for fair treatment from Emperor Nero, or one of the other Roman rulers who persecuted believers in the Lord Jesus.

What should our response be to these evil servants of the devil, who cast aside the word of God and persecute His people?

1.  We should pray for them that God, in His sovereign mercy will yet be pleased to open their eyes and grant them repentance unto life.

2. We should remain steadfast and not be intimidated by those who oppose the Gospel, but rather, we should continue to sow the seed of God's word and be faithful in living godly lives.

3.  We should remember what Paul wrote in 1st Cor. 16 v 9 "A great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries".  When we are involved in evangelism God does open doors but the devil is also active.

God is sovereign, He will vindicate His people, He will save the souls of the elect and He will punish the ungodly in eternal torments. 

When we all get to eternity - then it is the Christians who "will have the last laugh".