Thought for the Month - July 2008

Religious Freedom? - By Pastor Ian Wilson

There are many stories of persecuted Christians in many places in the world. In some of those countries to proclaim the Christian message of the Gospel would be considered a crime. We thank God that we live in a country where religious freedom exists.

However, for how long will that continue? Recently two church workers from Birmingham were told by a police officer, "You can't preach here, this is a Muslim area". The incident happened to Mr Arthur Cunningham and Mr Joseph Abraham as they were handing out Christian tracts on the corner of Ellesmere and Alum Rock Road in the city on 19th February this year.

The community police officer told the Christians they were committing a hate crime by attempting to convert Muslims to Christianity and that he was going to take them to the police station.

Lawyers for the two Christians have sent a strongly worded letter to the Chief Constable of West Midlands Police. The letter gives notice that the two men are entitled to bring a claim against West Midlands Police for breach of their convention rights under articles 9 and 10 of the Human Rights Act 1998.

Mr Cunningham and Mr Abraham are seeking a full and unreserved written apology, recognition that their convention rights were infringed by the conduct of the police officers and damages and reasonable legal costs.

In the word of God we find Peter and John being arrested for preaching the gospel.

Acts 4:1-2 "And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, [2] Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead."

The result of this arrest led to the command being issued.

Acts 4:18 "And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus."

Peter and John's reply is a challenge to every Christian.

Acts 4:20 "For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."

As true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ we have a duty and an obligation to share the Gospel with others. May God protect the freedoms we have in this country and save us from over zealous political correctness. Peter's words during his time of arrest emphasise the importance and exclusivity of the message we have. We must share it.

Acts 4:12 "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

Are you SURE that you have your place booked in Heaven? Read this if you're not!