Speaking as a Christian not illegal..yet!
I am continually amazed at the immediate and vociferous action taken by certain lobby groups when someone takes an opposing stance, certain advertising is deemed discriminatory against it, or a certain incident has occurred and the media machine cranks into gear to highlight the wrong, the mistreatment or the alleged injustice.
Firstly, and in many cases there often has been a wrong committed but the issue I want to raise with you today is the deafening silence that comes from the Christian community when the Christian faith is mocked
. It appears to be ok for anyone to make a stand, cry foul, or highlight a wrong, as long as its not a Christian or about Christianity. As we read through the birth of the Church in the Book of Acts and the persecution and political pressure that was mounted against it, the disciples of Christ, the believers made a stand! Whether it be your workplace, your classroom, the lunch room or a public forum, its not against the law to declare the truths of the Word of God.
It could be that the Church is too busy arguing and debating issues that Jesus never once addressed, the early Church never defended, spoke about or took persecution for.( fill in the blanks!)
With the Spirit of grace and the wisdom of Solomon, the next time you are in the battle zone and God’s Word, our Lord Jesus Christ or the Christian Faith becomes a target for derision, mockery or disdain…speak up! Remember its not illegal here in Australia as yet, to be a follower of Jesus Christ or a contender for the faith. (Jude 3).
In the Book of Acts chapter 5 the Apostles were commanded by the dominant religious and political heavies of the time to cease from teaching in Jesus name – Acts 5:28.
Peter took the stand we need to follow and replied, We must obey God rather than men..Acts 5:29.
If you are a Christian you have the right at this moment as much as any other person about their beliefs or passions to speak. However we are to speak truth with grace at all times! The only thing a Christian should ever be arrested for….is for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was for this purpose and this purpose alone that the Apostles suffered the persecution that befell them.
2 Tim 4:2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
Tomorrow, in the workplace, in the lunchroom….let the Christian speak!