From Champlain Gordon James Klingenschmitt’s “Pray in Jesus’ Name” newsletter:

“Jailed for Jesus in America…Michigan police arrest Christians for talking to Muslims

Four Christians were arrested and jailed for talking to Muslims about Jesus, by order of police chief Ronald Haddad of Dearborn Michigan, who defended the arrests one week after the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ordered those same police to let Christian evangelist George Saieg preach openly at a Muslim festival there.

‘We didn’t distribute literature, or preach anything,’ said one of the four jailed evangelists. ‘We spoke only to those people who first approached us, we talked only about Jesus’ love…and within minutes we were handcuffed and jailed.’ But Haddad was unrepentant. “We did make four arrests for disorderly conduct,’ Haddad told Worldnet Daily. ‘They did cause a stir’ [with their free speech about Jesus]. Is talking quietly about Jesus now disorderly, just because some Muslims get angry?

‘Allah Akbar!’ shouted two Muslims as the Christians were taken away in handcuffs, by police who also seized the Christians’ video camera evidence and refused to return video footage of the arrests.

The video is now on YouTube of another group of three evangelists being detained by the same police the very next day, because they distributed the Gospel of John on a public sidewalk outside the Muslim festival. This new video got 15,000 hits in 3 days, after the police told those being held that city policy states Christian literature is not allowed within 5 city blocks of the Muslim festival, creating a ‘banned-Bible zone’ in violation of the First Amendment.

‘The police are enforcing Sharia law in America,’ said one of the four arrested Christians, explaining that Muslim Sharia law is not just about putting Burkas on women, but also prohibits anyone from talking to Muslims about Jesus, and prevents listeners from escaping Islam by converting to any other religion.

Richard Thompson, President of the Thomas More Law Center (TMLC), defends the Christians from the ministry called Acts 17, saying: ‘Contrary to the comments made by [corrupt Dearborn] Police Chief Ron Haddad, our Constitution does not allow police to ban the right of free speech just because there are some hecklers. Not all police officers approve of the way their department treated these Christians.’

TMLC told Worldnet Daily, ‘Judge Paul Borman had affirmed the city’s ban on handing out Christian material near the festival. It was last year when Dearborn police threatened Saieg with arrest if he handed out information on Christianity near the event.’ The city’s ban was temporarily restrained by the Sixth Circuit, but the Police ignored the court, saying the TRO only applied to Saieg, not to any other Christians. On charges of ‘Breach of the Peace’ are: Negeen Mayel, Dr. Nabeel Qureshi, Paul Rezkalla, and David Wood. TMLC reports Mayel, an eighteen year old female, whose parents emigrated from Afghanistan and a recent convert from Islam to Christianity, was also charged with failure to obey a police officer’s orders, [because she raised her voice while being physically violated.] She was approximately 100 feet away and videotaping a discussion with some Muslims when her camera was seized.”

So, the answer to my posting headline, is, sadly, in the current climate… yes! But, make no mistake, we are to preach the Word of God in Jesus’ Name! In the book of Acts, when the disciples were confronted with the same choice, “do we preach the Gospel, or obey the authorities?” Here’s what they did, and said:

“And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.” (Acts 5:27-32)

What does God say? “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season…” (2 Timothy 4:2) During this sad season of our country, in which we see so much denial of our personal rights, we need to hearken to the Word of God, and preach the Word with boldness!

“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel…” (Eph 6:16-19)

Comedy Central has plans to put on a cartoon that will mock our Lord Jesus Christ… after withdrawing plans to mock Mohammed due to fear of radical Islam. See the quote below from the Family Research Council:

“A few months ago, Comedy Central and their parent company Viacom acquiesced to death threats from militant factions of Islam and heavily censored one of their shows from depicting the Muslim prophet Muhammad – an act that would be seen as blasphemous to the Muslim world.

It is now becoming clear that the network chiefs have even less respect for peaceful religions like Christianity. Just weeks after refusing to offend Muslims, Comedy Central is now at work advancing a ‘comedy’ that would mock the faith of those who call Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior.

The show under production at Comedy Central is no laughing matter. It seeks to openly mock Jesus and essential Christian beliefs. This is nothing new for the tasteless cable channel, which has a history of
depicting the Son of God in manners so disrespectful that I cannot, out of reverence for our Savior, show clips of them.

All of us can tolerate and even welcome discussion over religious differences. But when it comes to mocking the Person Christians believe was God in the flesh, the Savior of the world, under the guise of
humor, we’re compelled to speak out. We ask that you please email Comedy Central’s parent company Viacom, and kindly ask them to not allow this show to make it onto their schedule.

Thank you for taking action today and God bless you.”

Click here to email Comedy Central parent company Viacom to protest the planned animated series entitled “JC” that mocks and blasphemes the Lord Jesus Christ

Sometimes, someone else says it for you! I wanted to share this from the from the Family Research Council:

(U.S. Supreme Court, Church of the Holy Trinity v. U.S., 1892)

In the shadow of America’s most recognizable military stronghold, Rev. Franklin Graham stood on the sidewalk this morning and prayed. It was a poignant reminder that the world can lock its doors to faith–but it cannot keep God out. Despite the Pentagon’s best security, the prayers of the people can still permeate those walls–and every wall of government in this capital city. “Never retreat,” Franklin said yesterday. The waves of attack keep coming, even as the armies of secularism hammer away at America’s gates. Many of these battles go far deeper than the National Day of Prayer–to the very essence of our Christian heritage.

Just this morning, splashed in big letters across today’s New York Times, is a full-page condemnation of religion in society. “God & Government: A Dangerous Mix,” the ad proclaims. Lifting quotes out of their rightful context, these atheizers maintain that ours is a secular nation. At the bottom of the page is an image of Thomas Jefferson next to his statement, “Question with boldness even the existence of God.” In its cherry-picking, the group conveniently ignores that Jefferson had written this advice in a letter to a young man, encouraging him–not to deny God–but to exercise reason in his acknowledgement of Him.

For years, the Left has tried to whitewash our third President’s faith, but it cannot scrub the words etched in his own Memorial. There, Jefferson leaves no doubt as to how deeply reliant he was on God’s principles as the foundation of government. “God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that his justice cannot sleep forever.”

As more Americans are seduced by secularism, maybe they, too, will wonder about the famous words of John F. Kennedy Jr., featured on the top of the ad. “I believe in an America where the separation of church and state is absolute.” That sentence was spoken by the former President in 1960 at the Greater Houston Ministerial Association. It was meant to reassure a largely Protestant America that this Catholic would not impose the Pope’s guidance on America.

But even JFK, some 140 years after Jefferson, understood the importance of faith in government. “The world is very different now,” he said during his inaugural address. “For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life. And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe–the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God… Let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own.”

As generations can testify, the freedoms won by the fathers must be maintained by the sons. Nowhere is that more obvious than today in this great nation. More than four centuries after the Pilgrims “…having undertaken for the Glory of God and advancement of the Christian Faith… a Voyage to plant the First Colony,” America’s Christian inheritance is ours to preserve. Although we live in a world where the rooster still crows–some 2,000 years after His resurrection–this is still one nation, under God. And until we give in, it is still one people who refuse to deny Him.

This is the Europe we are supposed to be “emulating” according to liberals? This man WAS preaching, but he was arrested for something he said quietly in a “side” conversation with a man and said that God considered homosexuality a sin. And He (God) does! That is definitive if you simply read and believe the Bible. Something that has not been against the law, even in England… at least up until now.

Christian preacher arrested for saying homosexuality is a sin

“Dale McAlpine was charged with causing ‘harassment, alarm or distress’ after a homosexual police community support officer (PCSO) overheard him reciting a number of “sins” referred to in the Bible, including blasphemy, drunkenness and same sex relationships. The 42-year-old Baptist, who has preached Christianity in Wokington, Cumbria for years, said he did not mention homosexuality while delivering a sermon from the top of a stepladder, but admitted telling a passing shopper that he believed it went against the word of God.”

Expect this kind of thing in the near future here in the US… if the current administration has it’s way, and passes the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA.) Together with the expansion of “hate crimes,” they will soon have the power to silence believers! But we will not refuse to speak the Word of God!

Yesterday, a Federal Judge ruled that the “National Day of Prayer” is unconstitutional! An email I got about this says: “Focus on the Family reports Judge Barbara Crabb ruled today [in favor of atheist complainers at the Freedom from Religion Foundation] that government recognition of prayer violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Crabb claimed her decision “carries out the Founders’ plan of preserving religious liberty to the fullest extent possible in a pluralistic society,” [she actually believes the Founding Fathers, who prayed to the Judeo-Christian God in Congress, now suddenly oppose public acts of prayer?]” Yeah, right! I checked it out to be sure it wasn’t a hoax passed around on the Internet, but it is true… sadly!

Judge: Natl Day Of Prayer Unconstitutional

Believer’s Stand United Message on this ruling

“The National Day of Prayer, honored in the United States for more than a half-century, is unconstitutional, a federal judge in Wisconsin has ruled. In a 66-page opinion issued Thursday, U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb said the holiday violates the “establishment clause” of the First Amendment, which creates a separation of church and state.”

The suit was brought by the “Freedom FROM Religion” group. Like THEY represent the majority of Americans! Riiight!

I think what this country needs right now is a National YEAR of Prayer to pray to turn around the socialist, anti-American direction our great country is descending into! They can’t keep us from praying on our own… what do you say? Let’s pray for America!

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chron. 7:14)

I recently saw a unique interview on Fox News. It was about the uproar in Canada over Ann Coulter speaking on one of their (Canada’s) college campuses. Megan Kelly interviewed a Canadian “journalist” about it. I was VERY enlightening! The “journalist” from Canada said, “We don’t have free speech here, and don’t approve of the ‘absolute free speech’ people claiming anyone should be able to speak.” OK. Makes me glad I am an American, where we DO have the right of free speech. BUT, keep in mind, as our government approves of the “Progressive” notion of government provided health care, mimicking the Canadian system, they also want to create more laws on “hate speech” that would restrict speech here… so, let’s not get too comfortable! We have to be vigilant, or we will lose the very freedoms we cherish!

Does Hell exist? A literal, actual place of eternal punishment? What does the Bible actually say about Hell? Well, there are fifty-four verses in the Bible that speak about Hell in one way or another. But what about the New Testament, Dr. Bill? We are New Testament believers, we are in a period of Grace! Well, there are twenty-three verses in the NEW Testament that deal with Hell. Jesus believed in Hell. Jesus spoke about Hell, and He warned about what to do to avoid the punishment of Hell. So, why do modern theologians seem to think that they have more insight, and information, than Jesus Himself? Bottom line is, they don’t! Hell IS real. Hell is to be avoided! How? By receiving Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior! How do you do that?

Romans 10:8 – “But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
Verse 9 – That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Verse 10 – For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Verse 11 – For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.”

“Saved” here is a Greek word transliterated as “sozo,” (pronounced as “sode-zo“) which means: “saved, delivered, healed, protected, and made whole: spirit, soul, body, financially, socially, and delivered from every temporal evil.”

Praise God! This is completely saved, totally free! So, to “miss Hell, and make Heaven” you need to:

A) Confess Jesus as your personal Lord (one in control or authority over your life) and,
B) Believe that God literally, actually raised Jesus up from the dead.

Two things… and then you are saved from Hell! This is a point to rejoice over, not lament! Because you are also freed in the “rotten here and now” NOT just freed in the “sweet by-and-by!” We are to live here in the earth “as the days of heaven upon the earth.” (Deut. 11:21) Jesus said to pray that “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” (Matt. 6:10) Jesus would not ask us to pray contrary to God’s Will! God’s Will is that we have His Will here on earth the same way it is in heaven. Is there sickness in heaven? Is there poverty in Heaven? No! Why? It is not God’s Will! If it is that way in heaven, and we are to have days of heaven upon the earth, and pray that way… then salvation covers our earthly life as well!

Therefore, the “rotten here and now” should not be rotten! They should be blessed and a blessing! Avoid Hell, embrace heaven! Even here upon the earth!

This is a letter from Dr. Stephen Lowell Swisher of Believer’s Stand United:

“January 25th, 2010

Hello Bill,

In an historic ruling last Thursday, January 21 the Supreme Court of the United States made a bold step toward more freedom. In a 5-4 vote the Court struck down laws that banned private companies, corporations and unions from using their own money to support or oppose candidates for public office. It leaves in place laws that prohibit money being given to candidates for any use. In other words, funds must be used specifically for expenses of the campaign.

However, the Supreme Court also struck down part of the McCain-Feingold campaign finance bill that barred union and corporate paid issue ads in the closing days of election campaigns.

The importance of this information to the American people is spelled out clearly by Justice Anthony Kennedy who stated, “The censorship we now confront is vast in it’s reach.” Prior to the decision last Thursday by the Court, it was believed by many that the laws that were in place amounted to an unconstitutional restraint of free speech.

Each step forward in freedom of speech and expression is important progress for all people who desire to make their voices heard in our Nation. More importantly, for us at Believers Stand United and our more than 25,000 partners across America, this is clear evidence that a positive shift is taking place in our Country. Each decision like this one is a blow against those who wish to suppress free speech and a support for those who wish to foster it.

Thank you for your partnership!

Dr. Stephen Lowell Swisher
Kenneth Copeland Ministries”

This IS truly a very important ruling by the court… it re-establishes our right to free speech. We can now join together with other like-minded people to speak out against (or for) issues that come up! Money, IS indeed speech in these days… how else can we get the word out to folks about what the issues are?

A major denomination was polled recently, and it was found that only one third of those polled believed that Jesus was the ONLY way to salvation. So, what does the Bible say?

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.” (John 14:3-7)

What part of “no man cometh to the Father, but by me” do they not understand? The truth is, they don’t know, or care, what the Bible says! They just “feel” that there must be other ways to the Father, because they have bought into the world’s view that God is an “ooey, gooey, wishy washy” God. Here’s news. He’s not! He is God. He is right. Mankind is wrong. End of discussion. Come on folks! Realize that that you can’t accept the world’s view of what is “fair” or “right” and agree with God!

1 in 3 Presbyterians Affirm Jesus as Only Way to Salvation

How CAN you be born again, check out this link: Are you Born Again?

I pray that, if you are NOT born again, you will read the information at that link, and receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior!

Kenneth Copeland has an organization called “Believers Stand United” (BSU) run by by his son-in-law, Dr. Stephen Swisher (Kellie Copeland Swisher’s husband.) I just got this email from him to the mailing list:

“Dear BSU Partners and Friends,

Happy New Year! And what a year it’s going to be as we stand together for freedom. As a matter of fact, we have an opportunity right here at the first of the year to make our voices heard.

Again the atheist group Freedom From Religion based in Madison, Wisconsin is making another attempt to halt free exercise of faith in America. This group has filed a lawsuit to abolish the National Day of Prayer, which will be commemorated in 2010 on May 6. This group of atheists/agnostics claim that the National Day of Prayer, which has been an organized yearly event in our Nation since 1952, creates a ‘hostile environment’ for nonbelievers and that it violates the First Amendment.

You and I are aware that this day of prayer clearly does not violate the First Amendment, neither does it create a so-called hostile environment, as this day is strictly voluntary and it is open to people of all faiths, who may freely elect to be involved or not.

The great patriot Alexander Hamilton said in the heat of the American Revolution, ‘We must stand for something…or we will fall for anything.’ Now is the time to stand up and be counted for the Lord Jesus Christ.

What can you do? Two specific things:

1) E-mail the White House at www.whitehouse.gov/contact and let them know your firm support for the National Day of Prayer

2) Contact your U.S. Senator at www.senate.gov and Member of the U.S. House of Representatives at www.house.gov

Most importantly as we take action we pray for the atheists in this organization as well as other misguided people who seek to block freedom in America as opposed to foster and encourage it.”

Amen, my brother!