We have Jesus who NEVER said a word and Paul who used his Roman citizenship in court. 

Once during Paul's defense “Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian”

Acts 26:28

We have many examples of men of God, detained and jailed for their faith

In the Book of Acts from Acts 23 to Acts 28 it’s all about Paul before courts and Acts ends with his case sent to Rome (Acts 28). And so you know Acts does not have an ending, so those Acts should continue today.

Most of the time when we hear of a ministry getting arrested, there is a reason, he stole money or was envolved in some sexual affair.  But how often do we read where a man of God is arrested for preaching Jesus as the Christ in public.

….in America.

I have been cited, detained and arrested more times than I can remember and there is no Bible study, youtube clip or class at Bible college that will prepare you for those handcuffs cutting your wrists and hearing those metal doors slam as you are in a cell.

“And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear”

Philippians 1:14

We have a rich history of this in our Bible and remember most of the New Testament was written from a prison cell.

“The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen”

Colossians 4:18

“And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment”

Hebrews 11:36

“So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places”

Philippians 1:13

“Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel”

Philemon 1:13

“And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds”

Acts 26:29

Every week of every month of every year, we are involved in a case somewhere in this Country where someone was cited or arrested for preaching the God of the Bible.  And we fight those cases to have free speech in America. 

For example here are couple cases.  There was a law in New Orleans that at night on Bourbon Street you were not allowed to mention Jesus or talk politics. A number of men were arrested and we fought that law and won. It was over turned.

In Las Vegas they made a law that the banners or signs must be no wider than your shoulders, we fought that law and won.

We argued for the right to preach on the sidewalks of Salt Lake City and won. One city arrested a street preacher for using the word ‘whore’ and it was argued that word is in the Bible the case was dismissed.  The cities and States go on and on of free speech cases we have won, ONLY to allow you your right to stand on that sidewalk.  I do not get any money for those cases as men and women have died for my right to stand on that sidewalk.

I live in America, I vote, I own a gun, I exercise my right to freedom of the press and free speech. I love my Country and those who have did for that freedom. 

“…For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required…”

Luke 12:48

I do not wish America to be like other Countries where you are not allowed to say certain things, speak against homosexually and other religions.  IF I offend you, I am willing to go to court as I do not want to offend God. 

I know you cannot yell “Fire crowded theater” but I can shout “It’s getting hot in here” and bellow “I smell smoke” all without yelling “fire”

IF you have not been arrested for the gospel, maybe there is a reason.  Jesus said in John 7:7;

“The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil”

Rather than preaching on the love of God try preaching that their sin is evil.  THEN you will see demons manifest and you could find yourself in the back seat of a police cruiser.  YOU will taste Bible not just read it. Our motive is NOT to be arrested, however IF it happens we REJOICE!!!

It’s a shame Bible college does not teach, what to do when your Brother in Christ is arrested for evangelism or how Sunday school does not teach you how to bail your fellow Brother out of jail.

….then again they are not a threat nor a bleep on the radar with what they preach. 

Blast From The Past

Here is an old photo when I was about 19 years old preaching at a heavy metal concert in Long Beach and arguing with security for my right to stand there and preach. I did not move, they called the police and wanted me arrested but Long Beach police never came.