Yesterday a Bristol Magistrates’ Court in Great Britain convicted two men, Michael Overd and Michael Stockwell on “public order offences.”
What did they do that resulted in their arrest and conviction?
Was it public indecency? Disturbing the peace? Inciting a riot? Sexual harassment? Discharging a firearm? Disorderly conduct?
No. It was none of the above. I had to fact check this story, because it almost sounded like something from Babylon Bee.
Overd and Stockwell are “street preachers.” On June 6, 2016, they publicly proclaimed that Jesus is “the way, the truth and life” and that He is the only way to God, the Father.
According to ChristianConcern.com “during the four-day trial, prosecutor Ian Jackson, claimed: “To say to someone that Jesus is the only God is not a matter of truth. To the extent that they are saying that the only way to God is through Jesus, that cannot be a truth.”
Further the “prosecutor claimed that quoting parts of the King James Bible in the context of modern British society ‘must be considered to be abusive and is a criminal matter.”
“The prosecutor had argued that free speech must yield to multicultural reality in modern Britain, and that there was a clear threat to violence due to the words of the preachers and the criticism of Islam.”
“The men were found guilty under Section 31 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, for using ‘threatening or abusive words or behavior or disorderly behavior within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be, caused harassment, alarm or distress, thereby, and the offence was religiously aggravated.’”
Michael Phillips, the attorney, representing the street preachers, said:
“This prosecution is nothing more than a modern-day heresy trial – dressed up under the public order act.”
Mr Stockwell said: “Men should be able to proclaim the truth and have diverse differences in the public forum, agreeing to disagree without harm or repercussions. Truth today is the new hate” He charged that Islamists and other radical groups are trying to silence free speech.
Aside from British law, or other possible infractions not correctly reported, here is the Truth. Jesus proclaimed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
Jesus is the Way to God
In John’s prologue he affirms “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Then he concludes, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father…” (John 1:1,14). Jesus was and is Deity. He came in the flesh to show us God and to lead us to the Father.
Jesus is the Truth
“I am the Truth” seems pretty easy to understand. Jesus said he was the embodiment of truth. The essence of truth. The incarnation of truth. John wrote, “For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” and that He was “full of grace and truth” (v. 17,14).
Jesus is the Life
Speaking of Jesus, the Incarnate Word, John wrote, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it” (Jn 1:4-5)
In a metaphorical way Jesus himself acknowledged that He was the giver and sustainer of spiritual life. “I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.” (Jn 6:51)
Islamists may complain. Infidels may criticize. And courts may convict evangelists for preaching Christ. But the Bible is still true. Jesus is The Way. The Truth. The Life.
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
Since this post has been published, additional information has been learned. It is important that you read this follow up post. Thank you.
ThePreachersWord 
Very stirring news and article. Thanks for sharing! After visiting London this past Fall and seeing the unbelievable number of Muslims in London, it does not surprise me that they are twisting the law to their benefit and attempting to silence anyone who is not a Muslim. Western civilization has been offering Islam protection under free speech laws, however once Christians attempt to speak freely about the truth they are charged with harassment. It certainly reminds me of the environment the apostles were subjected to when preaching the gospel during the 1st century having been beaten and thrown in jail for preaching the gospel in Acts 5; and Paul and Silas being treated the same way by the Gentiles in Philippi in Acts 16. We’ve got to keep preaching the truth no matter what the personal consequence.
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Amen, Steven. Thanks for reading and sharing your pertinent observations.
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what was there sentance
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-39118846
Fined £300 each for breaching the peace by telling Muslims their God “did not exist” and called a crowd of shoppers “animals” !
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they had to take spelling lessons.
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If you claim to Preach God’s Word by criticizing that which others claim as God’s Word, and call people to anger, hatred and violence, you are NOT preaching God’s Love but man’s ignorance, hate and fear. Yes they should be prepared for the consequences of illegal, anti-Christ behaviour in word and deeds.
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If telling Simone the absolute unadulterated truth causes them to be angry and violent then the problem lies with them BTW Jesus Christ is the one and only way to the Father who is in heaven. Just because someone doesn’t believe that…..it does not change the fact that it is true. God help Britain……they are soon going to need it.
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Gods word IS an offense to those who are perishing. And Jesus said you WILL suffer for preaching in this world. If the world likes you the Truth is not in you.
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That is exactly what the apostle Paul did on Mars Hill in the book of acts. I guess that you, Coffee Brain, would feel that he was rightfully thrown in prison for such “illegal, anti-Christ behaviour in word and deeds.”
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These dear Men of God didn’t call anyone to anger, hatred or violence…Those others already had it within them..
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There was no call to violence. hatred or fear, the call is to acknowledge that Jesus Christ the Son of God is who He said He is and by that to enter into a relationship with Him. This message has been preached world-wide since the time of Jesus’ resurrection. When the proclomation of truth is characterized as hate, it only means that those who do so, hate the truth.
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get off the coffee, idiot.Islam shout that they are the only way and say those who don’t convert should be killed NOW. Christianity says you’ll find out for sure you were wrong when you die, but Christians are not CALLING for your death. BIG DIFFERENCE dink brain…I mean coffee brain
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Love without truth is death.
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This follow up post should be helpful https://thepreachersword.com/2017/03/10/clarification-and-observations-regarding-the-arrested-evangelists-post/#more-10345
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Don’ judge God servants! When is the last time you preached! and got persecuted.
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At the same time if you preach understanding, love, patience and you commit violent crimes on other faiths you also are preaching God’s word. Islam, Muslim people have the Koran that openly say they can lie to protect their cult and they are to kill all infidels they come across so how is that considered a religion, it is a cult or a satanic rule.
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I don’t know who brought the complaint to the police, but to he honest I don’t think it likely that it was a Muslim. There are Muslims here in the Uk who are fanatical and there is an undercurrent agenda with even moderate muslims to make Islam the state religion in the UK, but there is a far more sinister agenda amongst secular humanist who use Muslims as an excuse to ban that which they themselves find offensive. They are the ones bringing Christians to court for all sorts of reasons. They are the ones who try to deny freedom of speach and conscience. Moderate Muslims realise that they don’t need to fight their ground as they know humanist will do it for them, even if it is an altering motive.
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You say you “don’t know”, so leave it at that, instead of adding your biased speculation. I’ve experienced both Muslim and Christian extremism, and neither have a place in a peaceful world.
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Secularists & Muslims all have the same root, satan.
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Secularists & Muslims both have the same root, satan. They both work toward the same cause, to bring down Christ’s Church. But the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for the name of Jesus Christ!
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In times past, the Catholic cult would have burned these good men at the stake!! England is still under the influence of that godless cult.
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Amen, Brother Ken!
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This should be as surprising as it is egregious, but most of us have been anticipating the day that such an absurdity would become reality in the western world. We must not get so comfortable that it becomes a difficult decision for us to weigh what we are willing to give up to take a stand for truth. The choice should be as obvious as whether to hold the door for someone who approaches with an armful of packages. Admittedly it’s not that simple, but nothing carnal is worth a moment’s consideration versus eternity. Thanks much for sharing the story and your timely reminder.
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Thanks for reading, Dan. I appreciate your encouraging comments.
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These liars who twisted the law and convicted the preachers think they won a victory. But, in time, they will realize they cut their own freedom off. They are putting themselves into Muslim bondage.
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Thanks, Ralph. So true.
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“The court determined that these men crossed that line and used their platform to comment on other religions and sexuality using disparaging and offensive language.”
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We need to realize Islam is not a religion but a totalitarian ideology that wants to take over the world using religion as a guise. And we may shake our heads thinking we are safe from this here in America, well you may want to think again. There are over 2 dozen no go zones in USA in 9 states according to Fox news in 2015. (Terrorist training camps). The man who video taped trying to enter one explains they pick heavily wooded sparsely populated areas with little law enforcement officials. And if you have not seen the you tube video on Dearborn, MI done by a resident born and raised there, it more resembles Iraq than America. Recently in the news is various stories of infiltration of this ideology in high places of our government. While we were sleeping…….
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Thank you, Kim, for sharing your thoughts. And, of course, for reading ThePreachersWord. God bless.
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Theres nothing like spreading more hatred and ignorance to reinforce that the two “preachers” were correctly charged and convicted. You use “we” very freely, do you think that you speak for all of us? Think again, your religion is a minority one.
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Was just looking at the current state of Syria. It has been really devastated like other areas in the Middle East in the last 15 or so years. What other area in the world is so war torn? It’s because this dangerous religion of Islam has had a stronghold there. Everywhere else in the world Christianity or Christian missions have had a lasting impact.
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Not justifying any hateful speech, John. Here’s our follow up to this on today’s blog post. https://thepreachersword.com/2017/03/10/clarification-and-observations-regarding-the-arrested-evangelists-post/#more-10345
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The Jews believe they are the chosen people. Christians believe Jesus is the only way, and Muslims believe only Islam will save humanity. These Abrahamic religions are somewhat monopolistic.
Meanwhile, Puritans fear that somewhere else, someone is actually enjoying themselves, and should be prevented from doing so immediately.
Out East, Buddhists are pretty chilled and believe more in experience and contemplation.
Those Hindus have the most gods, so maybe they are right?
A bit of a conundrum, what to do?
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If I were on trial for proclaiming to the world that Jesus is The Way, would there be enough evidence to convict me?
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Challenging question, Boyd. Thanks!
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“The court has determined that these men crossed that line and used their platform to comment on other religions and sexuality using disparaging and offensive language.”
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Patricia Hylton
March 5th ,2017
We are truely living in the last days, therefore , we must preach JESUS and His love at any cost . Keep the faith
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May you be blessed. Pray that we continue to stand strong & keep the faith in our Lord & Saviour, Jesus Christ. We surely are living in the last days. But we must continue to preach the salvation message! Blessings in abundance!
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Thank goodness we still have preachers out there who are not afraid to share the gospel of Christ. Where is free speech in this situation. Any one can talk about any other “religion “but not us Christians . How is THAT fair. It is NOT.!!!
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Perhaps these preachers are exactly where the greatest need is and the greatest work can be accomplished. Is it possible that God allowed this to happen so that many prisoners could hear the gospel and come to Christ through these two preachers?
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“The court has determined that these men crossed that line and used their platform to comment on other religions and sexuality using disparaging and offensive language.”
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Even when John & Charles Wesley did street preaching, they were ostracized.for their faith. London used to have a Hyde Park where there was absolute freedom as to what was proclaimed. It’s sad to see this progress to such a totalitarian suit against the “freedom of religion.”
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FYI – London still has a Hyde Park and you may be surprised that there are no mosques in it, nor synagogues or churches. Just a nice big free space for all to enjoy 🙂
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Amen! Preach it brother!! Jesus is the way, the truth and the life!
There is no other way Man can come to Eternal Life except through Jesus Christ, the Son Of God. Anything else is pure heresy !! Man has tried through the ages to get to heaven some other way, but Jesus said ”
I am the WAY and the TRUTH and the
L I F E. the road to Heaven is Narrow and only a few there will be who finish the Journey! Read your Bible for yourself. Your Decision can lead to Life or Death eternal .!
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I am so sick of the amount of evil that is abound now. This whole story has brought me to tears. Bless you all… God is Love xx
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Yes Christine I agree, the things those preachers said are so evil!
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He is and will all ways be, and one day every knee shall bow and every one well say He is the Son of God What a great day it well be.
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You could see it coming and still, it’s hard to believe that Christians would be persecuted in England AND in the United States. Why are we bowing down the moslems? I don’t want to say my thoughts as to what is happening. Prayers for the evangelists and prayers for all Christians.
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Some day all knees will bow before the king. May will fall short of the kingdom of God. Spread the gospel to all lands.
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It is not shocking today that we find ourselves in the nations that has fought for freedom and for the Word of God to be preached wherever and to whoever will listen. Satan is working and the Lord is coming soon. In distress and tribulation, I pray God will give us the strength to speak HIS HOLY and TRUE WORD OF GOD. Hold onto the faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ who is the Way , the Truth and the Life. Only One Life Twill Soon Be Past, Only What’s Done For Christ Will Last. God have mercy !!
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You sound like an imbecile; no nation has fought for the word of god to be preached…., have you not heard of separatism of State and church
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Our Nation was founded on that very Principle of Free Speech & Freedom to Worship & it WAS integrated into the very fabric of our entire Government! I think our Revolutionary War would qualify to discredit your statement! There never was intended to be a separation of Church & State!!! Just not a State Church!
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I’m not really shocked either Patricia-Zane, those Christian preachers are becoming more insulting every year, obviously encouraged by Satan, because Jesus would have told them to turn the other cheek and love thy neighbour.
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The judge has no place in British society in fact he has gone against the Queen of England that is treason against the crown. That judge should be bound over and jailed for his stupidly. Since the Queen is the head of the church of England he has no right to charge Christians with preaching the true words of the almighty God.
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No, not treason. “The court has determined that these men crossed that line and used their platform to comment on other religions and sexuality using disparaging and offensive language.”
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It’s difficult to believe that the leaders of our countries are blind to what is happening to our free world. How is it that they cannot comprehend the evil ideology of Islam? Anyone who has heard of or read any of the quran, knows it’s hatred & totally off the wall teachings, Islam hates us, they call us infidels & pigs. They believe they are doing God a service by murdering, raping & torturing anyone who does not call mohamed God!!!! How in the name of heavens can any leader allow their people to be subjected to this dangerous & outrages teaching. Jesus said, “The blind shall lead the blind & they both will fall into a ditch”… Our countries are being led & governed by the blind!!! After all the horrendous events of the Hitler Regime during world war ll, after many millions of souls that gave their lives so that we can live freely, whoever thought that we would be faced with the same demonic ideology in our own countries.. Islam has same hatred for the jews & for anyone who is unlike them… but God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, so that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but shall have everlasting life. Whosoever means..Islamics, Jews, Americans, Canadians , what an amazing God ❤
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Take a look at the back of the Book and you will see how this story ends. We are told that in the end men will be blinded to the evil around them. We are now about to live as the apostles did after Christ ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit. We must win souls one Heart at a time!
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Well if you believe in every word the bible says, go out and buy yourself some slaves. Leviticus 25:44-47
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Hi Tish, tomorrow I suggest you go out and talk to some Muslims. You’ll thank God when find they do not hold the violent beliefs you think they do, and they’ll happily sit down and have a cup of tea with you. At a push, you could even become friends with them and together help bring greater peace to the world. Jesus will smile on you if you do.
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I never thought I’d see the day that Christians would be persecuted in a Christian country. The end times are definitely upon us. God bless you for being so brave teaching the truth.
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Well that’s one fallacy that’s been knocked off the shelf, ‘Because you live in a Christian country doesn’t make you a christian’, neither does giving to charity or going around doing good, so many people trying to buy their way to heaven. Only through faith in Jesus Christ, that you put your complete trust in Him, and He becomes your Saviour, Master and LORD in every area, the good, the bad and the ugly areas that He is allowed by you to change you.
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Hi Irene. Yes, all those do-gooders are just trying to get a free ticket to heaven. They should stop doing good things and just go to church every Sunday. Giving to charity should be banned as it misleadingly makes you think you can get into heaven.
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Faith without works is dead.
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This is wrong, but just the same this BBC article gies a differnet perspective on it: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-bristol-39118846
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Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three [and what follows in Luke 12:51-53] We are living in the end times but take heart, the battle has been won on the cross, through His resurrection and His ascension. He is preparing a place for all who believe that He is THE WAY.
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Go Aart!!! Yes, let’s proclaim all this biblical truth about division. Who needs social harmony when God’s on your side? We Christians are right and that’s all there is to it.
Donald Trump knows this bigly!
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what was there sentance
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-39118846
Fined £300 each for breaching the peace by telling Muslims their God “did not exist” and called a crowd of shoppers “animals” !
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Jesus was also persecuted for teaching the truth. He said in the end of times we will have to take a stand no matter what the consequences.
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God will be glorified in prison or out. He will sustain His children no matter the circumstances. The suffering of those believers that are persecuted will not be in vain. One day every knee will bow in reverence.
While it is still called ‘now’, darkness reigns on the earth but the Light will push back the darkness. Praise the Father, Son and Holly Spirit!
Prayers for these condemned preachers in England, our motherland.
Susan Brigham
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If the world doesn’t hate you, then you are a part of them.
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Fesseha – here I was thinking it is a good thing that people didn’t hate me. Thanks for putting me right on this.
Tomorrow, I’ll go out and insult lots of people and so they hate me, then I’ll be a better Christian. If they don’t hate me after I insult them, is there a passage in the bible that says I can hit to encourage their hatred? Are there any violent methods that the bible encourages Christians to use?
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Not encouraging hate, Michael. Here’s a follow up post that clarifies our position. https://thepreachersword.com/2017/03/10/clarification-and-observations-regarding-the-arrested-evangelists-post/#more-10345
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How would Christians react when or if a Muslim immigrant were to go out into the streets and start to preach their beliefs publicly?
Christianity has no room to judge. Jesus himself said he was not here to judge. There is only one judge. So why as believers and followers would we even entertain the idea of submitting to an ideology that contradicts the teaching it is founded on
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In part you are right, Jesus did not come to judge or condemn (John 3:17; 12:47), yet it is His words that will be used, in the last day, to judge all who reject Him (John 12:46-47). But you are wrong in your assumption that Christianity has no room to judge. Christians better judge – Jesus told them to! In John 7:24, Jesus instructed His followers to judge with right judgment. And in Matthew 7:1-5 Jesus was not forbidding the judgment of others. Instead He was teaching how to judge others. Please help me understand the last sentence of your comment: what ideology and what contradiction?
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I think Christians would kindly yet firmly present the Holy Word of God concerning the wrong ideas muslims were professing & show a kinder, gentler & more loving way of life! That Jesus IS the only way to The FATHER! as he said! They would extend a helping hand & offer to help & guide them in any way possible….BUT there definitely would not be a sword in that hand to cut their heads off if they refused!! Like musalims do around the World!
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They do, and, if they are not offensive, they enjoy the same right to free speech as everyone else.
Thank God we live in a (mostly) toleranr society
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welcome to lsat days where many shall be persecuted for Yeshua’s name sake!!
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Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight!
(Isaiah 5:20-21)
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God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever should believe in him should not perish but have everlasting life .. .. .. Jesus proceeded to say ” I am the truth the way and the life no man cometh unto the father but by me ” Amen!!!
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The established will reap the repercussions of Creeping Sharia like a Case of Diareah (sic). You will be dehydrated of all freedoms. Winston Churchill once pointed out (and I prarphrase…accuratly) – and he by G-d knew well – “Islam in a man is like rabies in a dog. Islam is quit probably the most retrograde force in the collective human psyche known to man.”
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This breaks my heart! But Truth will prevail!
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I think christian should demonstrate the power God before preach as written in the bible
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.
15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.
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I agree. God did not say go out and insult people, and Jesus said turn the other cheek and love thy neighbour.
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Several comments –
A) This is a freedom of speech issue – the ministers have every right to express their views. If non-christians do not like the message, then too bad. It should be noted that this is much less inflammatory than the rhetoric used my other UK based faith parties use when describing Christians.
B) I believe the prosecutor and judge should be looking for alternate employment. – this might be best served by a stint in Saudi or Kuwait. After 10 years or so, they may (will) have acquired some appreciation for the right of free speech.
C) The prosecution has attacked the Church of England and the Christian faith in general and as such should be held accountable – I am sure, if you look far enough, there will still be some laws on the books that deal with this sort of thing.
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Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life” John 14:6. This is by faith in His Word. Jesus is God the Father’s only begotten Son. There is no other pardon from God Himself but by Jesus His only begotten Son. And concerning the other statements, were they causing a rebellion or were people rebellious against what these said?
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Jesus is the only way to the father, salvation and heaven, if only I had the courage of the street preachers ….. this is only the begining tip of western christian persecution
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Len, if you truly believe, you must find this courage. There is plenty of reference material available. I suggest you start with “My Struggle” by some German guy.
Then, go forth and insult people.
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You know, God is still on the throne in Heaven. The Queen of England is the protector of the Faith! If God is for you, who can come against you. They need to do it legislatively! Straighten it up, keep Christians together! Also pray daily for the leaders of our world. That is what Christians should! That is the answers we get, praying for others! God help us!
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The Queen is only the head only the Church of England, a tiny minority of Christians. What about those hundreds of millions pesky Catholics who fought the Protestants in Ireland and say you shouldn’t use contraceptives!
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Here is a word from the book.
There is one mediator between God And Man and that is christ Jesus
Also a wee word to the judge, magistrate and prosecuted,
It is appointed unto man once to die, and after death the judgement,
And for the record, yes many roads lead to God, but only one way to heaven, and the same people who sat in judgement would take an oath on the bible so therefore they are the ones that are guilty.
But God is the only true God and it’s the way of the cross that leads home.
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And some other words from the Book – Timothy 6:1 “Let all who are under the yoke of slavery regard their masters as worthy of all honour, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be blasphemed”.
Now, didn’t the Church of England own slaves on their Caribbean sugar plantations? I think they did, and along with other British slave owners received about £16bn (in today’s money) in compensation from the British government. There’s justice in the eyes of God.
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But, until we die, let’s try and get on and be nice to each other instead of being insulting and provocative.
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Andrea
March 9, 2017 at 1:38 PM
Hello. I live in Canada and we are just starting to witness the Muslim explosion. Signs and demands are popping up. Our Prime Minister is head over heals and willing to give them boatloads of money and pretty much what they demand. The west really has not seen a lot of persecution as has the east. We see it on TV and think how awful. I have a feeling that we will start witnessing much of it in America pretty soon. Unfortunately we are their neighbour’s and already they are claiming Canada as their new home. I don’t mean to sound callous but the Koran calls for killing people who don’t turn to muslim. I for one will not become a muslim. I am perfectly happy with my life.so what do we do? Canada is a peaceful country. I know that Christians will have a target on their backs. What are you Canadians going to do? I really want to know. I admit I am scared…
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Andrea…the Words of God will guide & Comfort you through these End Times. Read & search The Scriptures & grow strong!
Isaiah 41:10King James Version (KJV)
10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
He does not give you a ticket for the train until you need it! I understand how you feel fearful now… in the flesh I feel exactly the same! I love my comfortable, “safe” orderly world here in America….but we are not guaranteed that condition forever…read the Bible & study the battle & outcome & the rewards promised to those who hold to their faith to the end…it will all be worth it one day! HE promises to be with you until the end of the World….through every trial & issue…HE will give you the strength, the Wisdom, & the Words and supernatural ability to cover all your needs WHEN you need them! NOT necessarily before then… Trust in Him & Him alone, He will never fail you …23 Psalm fits wonderfully here….read it over & over…Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of Death…I will fear no evil….for thou art with me….
Just trust in HIM and prepare yourself to be strong in your Faith…you have already won the battle if you do. God Bless you!
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“.. Koran calls for killing people who don’t turn to Muslim” – please back this up with the relevant verse from the Koran.
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Praying that these preachers will stay the course God has set before them and that they will continue to bring thousands into the kingdom. The final judgement of this trial is not of this world and the consequences are not reflected in this worlds system. Please keep preaching the gospel to a deceived and wicked generation. We sure do need it! John 3:16.
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I don’t think insulting people is a very good recruitment tactic. They could always try being pleasant and have a civilised debate over a cup of tea.
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What is their sentence?
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Here’s what the local newspaper says …
“Overd called the crowd depraved and ignorant; said Mohammed and Buddha were both liars and a thieves and described extra-marital sex and homosexuals as filthy, depraved and perverted.”
“Meanwhile Stockwell told the crowd other religions were thieves who came to steal, kill and destroy and their God does not exist.”
The judge said …
“We have heard lengthy submissions and explanations dealing with the issue of freedom of speech and it is clear that the bar is set very high – if the courts should intervene – offending and shocking is not sufficient to cross the threshold.”
“The comments were inflammatory and extremely offensive, but taken in the context they crossed to behaviour that was abusive and in most respects were disorderly. The repeated nature of the words and the duration at an excessive volume and refusing to curb behaviour. The preaching was very loud and observed by a crowd of between 50 and 100 people. The crowd became restless and feared violence would ensue. The conduct was in sight of persons that were caused alarm or distress. We are sure that as the crowd became more restless, it would be clear to them (the defendants) their conduct was disorderly, but we are sure that they were aware their behaviour was disorderly.”
So they weren’t prosecuted for merely reading from the bible, they were prosecuted for being rude and abusive and continuing to be rude and abusive fully in the knowledge that they were causing fear and distress and behaving in a way liable to breach the peace. This was Overd’s third court appearance for the same thing. You’re being very selective with the facts to misrepresent what has happened to make it appear to be religious persecution when it is a straightforward case of two men being arseholes, looking for trouble.
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Thanks for reading ThePreachersWord and sharing this additional information. Here’s my follow up on today’s post. Again, thanks. I appreciate it. https://thepreachersword.com/2017/03/10/clarification-and-observations-regarding-the-arrested-evangelists-post/#more-10345
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Agree that sharing the gospel should not be a crime in the absence of other offenses, but there appears to be more to the story. http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-bristol-39118846
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Is there any way we can support these men? Maybe a GoFundMe acct? If not, there’s an idea!!
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When the State of Nebraska tried to outlaw Christian schools, anf jailed a pastor and seven men in his church, and padlocked his church, I and hundreds of other preachers traveled to Nebraska and cut the chains off the church door, opened his school, and announced we were ready to be arrested. Faced with around a thousand pastors willing to go to jail, which would cost the state millions of dollars to arrest and jail them, and the bad PT, the state gave in and set the pastor and his men free. Hundreds and thousands of CHRISTIANS should go to Bedford and preach the Gospel. Arresting them all would overwhelm the Muslim Jihadists who run the government and force them to stop persecuting CHRISTIANS.
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Is Donald Trump a Muslim Jihadist? He hides it pretty well.
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Wow, a big story. Interestingly I can’t find any reference to it on any news websites! Maybe it’s been deliberately suppressed by those jihadists in government. Please give us more details of this injustice Robert.
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A prelude to the UK become the UKM (United Kingdom of Muslims) Loss of free speech and freedom of religion.
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Truth is truth….whether we “agree with it” or not. To argue otherwise puts you in the position of “arguing” with the Law of Gravity. You may not “like” gravity. You may “disagree” with whole concept of gravity. You may even “deny” that gravity exists….but you still won’t be able to jump over the roof of your house.
Knox Bishop
Texas, USA
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Your view of this incident is an alternative truth.
“Overd called the crowd depraved and ignorant; said Mohammed and Buddha were both liars and thieves and described extra-marital sex and homosexuals as filthy, depraved and perverted.”
“Meanwhile Stockwell told the crowd other religions were thieves who came to steal, kill and destroy and their God does not exist.”
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I wish I had contact information with that court that chars these man and then contacted them. If this is available, I would like to email the judge or the court.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-39118846
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Yes, email the judge and tell him or her that these are really nice friendly men and you can’t understand why anyone was upset by what they said.
“Overd called the crowd depraved and ignorant; said Mohammed and Buddha were both liars and thieves and described extra-marital sex and homosexuals as filthy, depraved and perverted.”
“Meanwhile Stockwell told the crowd other religions were thieves who came to steal, kill and destroy and their God does not exist.”
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Standing up for Jesus
The son of God. The great I Am
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Stand up, stand up for Jesus
and insult almost everyone else
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Dear Editor, Stop being sensationalist and telling lies. Here is what actually happened. The two street preachers told Muslims their God “did not exist” and called a crowd of shoppers “animals” and have been fined £300 each They were clearly disturbing the peace in a mostly Moslem area of Bristol.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-39118846
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Thank you Hiram for the additional info. It is not the intentional of ThePreachersWord to spread false information. Here is a follow up to the original post. https://thepreachersword.com/2017/03/10/clarification-and-observations-regarding-the-arrested-evangelists-post/#more-10345
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Yes it is JESUS IS THE WAY THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE.
AMEN.
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Once again Christians are being persecuted for their beliefs . So what is next on the agenda of the persecutors ? Will Christians be thrown to the wild beasts to be torn apart , or forced to fight unarmed against gladiators ? . We already know Christians are being crucified and beheaded by Muslims , all because they are Christians
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Do you beleive the same as Overd and Stockwell? How sad.
I will pray for you.
“Overd called the crowd depraved and ignorant; said Mohammed and Buddha were both liars and a thieves and described extra-marital sex and homosexuals as filthy, depraved and perverted.”
“Meanwhile Stockwell told the crowd other religions were thieves who came to steal, kill and destroy and their God does not exist.”
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Keep on preaching. One lord, one faith, one baptism.
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Matthew 5:10-12
“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great! For in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
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Is this what you call righteousness? How sad. I’ll pray for you.
“Overd called the crowd depraved and ignorant; said Mohammed and Buddha were both liars and thieves and described extra-marital sex and homosexuals as filthy, depraved and perverted.”
“Meanwhile Stockwell told the crowd other religions were thieves who came to steal, kill and destroy and their God does not exist.”
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Religion again some think they can hide yet their the worst so sad .
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It is an absolute travesty of justice, that two men, proclaiming that Jesus is the only way to God, and that there is but one God, and saying that those who deny this are wrong, gets you CRIMINAL charges, AND a conviction, even in England! This judge, and the prosecutor, will one day stand before Christ as THEIR judge, and unless they repent and believe the gospel, their sins will be pointed out, and THEY will be found guilty! Woe unto Britain.
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In the meantime, until the day of judgement. let’s try to be nice to each other.
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I hope that every time I say Thank You Lord Jesus, or Praise God In The Name Of Jesus Christ, that it gives Muslims hives, diarrhea, headaches, makes them feel like HOT COALS have been dumped on their heads, and may it CONTINUE until they scream out the Name Of Jesus Christ in a plea for Mercy. Thank You Lord Jesus, and Praise God, In The Name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior, through whom ALL THINGS CAME TO BE, Amen.
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What a lovely kind and thoughtful man you are. Your heart must be brimming over with love and compassion for sinners, just like Jesus.
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I’m… don’t they remember that the King James of the King James Bible was in fact a (duh) British King?! Turning traitor to their own now!
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I don’t for one moment agree with what the two gents were preaching. In my view all religion is a cause of conflict. However, I dislike even more their prosecution. We live in a country which has, for the last couple of hundred years or so, been tolerant of all religions but that tolerance is under attack by those who consider themselves tolerant.
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What the men said was not tolerance. I am intolerant of intolerance.
“Overd called the crowd depraved and ignorant; said Mohammed and Buddha were both liars and thieves and described extra-marital sex and homosexuals as filthy, depraved and perverted.”
“Meanwhile Stockwell told the crowd other religions were thieves who came to steal, kill and destroy and their God does not exist.”
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If you care to re-read my previous, you will note that said nothing about what these two men were saying. Sadly many people misuse other’s words to further their own aims.
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This is happening all over, the devil is a liar, but read the bible God wins in the end, hallelujah praise His holy name, Jesus!
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Pingback: Clarification and Observations Regarding The Arrested Evangelists Post | ThePreachersWord
God bless these men. They will recieve great rewards in heaven. It is sad that the evangelical church in britain has not come forward to help these men. Anyway , god is their refuge. Jesus is the only way to God. That’s wat the bible teaches. It is ironic that Muslims can shout aloud in Britain and have sharia courts and demand sharia law but native Christians are not allowed to proclaim the Gospel.
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Thank you all for reading ThePreachersWord and for taking the time to comment. I’m sorry I lack the time to respond to each one individually. But in a general way, some of the comments are a bit extreme both to the right and left of this issue. In fact, there may be one or two I will remove. I sincerely appreciate all who had provided additional information on this story. That is helpful. And it advances the narrative in a positive way. So, I have followed up with a new post today which addresses the concerns that several of you have posted. Thank you. https://thepreachersword.com/2017/03/10/clarification-and-observations-regarding-the-arrested-evangelists-post/#more-10345
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Reblogged this on EclecticChoices and commented:
Free Speech treaded upon in the UK? Is there any sanity left in this world? Fundamental freedoms hindered and obliterated by the courts?
“Islamists may complain. Infidels may criticize. And courts may convict evangelists for preaching Christ. But the Bible is still true. Jesus is The Way. The Truth. The Life.”
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No body has a right to judge these to men unless you were there. Not everyone who preaches the Word of God will be liked. Give me a break.
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Reblogged this on Revolution for Jesus and commented:
The U.K. like Australia has introduced laws against preaching the truth. These two street evangelist were prosecuted for preach Christ in the U.K.. Christ said He is “the way, the truth and the life”. There is no other.
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Funny how the Muslims can scream out Allah at the top of their lungs, and through megaphones…and not get charged.
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They spoke the truth,
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They spoke the truth
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Ok, so will imams, anarchists, street performers, folkies, and partisan political advocates be next? Bad move UK
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The attempt to silence “truth” and a glaring “hatred”for God grows by day. This is fulfilling Bible prophecy. A fact to proof the inerrancy of the Christians faith against any other faith. Just one lesson ‘be heaven ready with holy living in and for Christ. More persecution will rise. Christians be prepare for it. Love you and Shalom.
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Pingback: Post #1500: A Major Milestone (10 Lessons I’ve Learned in Blogging) | ThePreachersWord
And courts may convict evangelists for preaching Christ. At the same time if you preach understanding, love, patience and you commit violent crimes on other faiths you also are preaching God’s word.
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And courts may convict evangelists for preaching Christ. And courts may convict evangelists for preaching Christ.
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Wow…and so it begins!!! Thank you so much! Truly an eye opener. God bless you!
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Reblogged this on In God's Service.
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Pingback: Two Evangelists Charged. Tried. Convicted. – In God's Service
Not everyone who preaches the Word of God will be liked. com via: Two Evangelists Charged.
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Blessed are those who are persecuted.
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Living proof of the world we live in today. I’ve learned that people only become “offended” when something true is said.
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Reblogged this on ThePreachersWord and commented:
Today, we conclude our top 10 posts of the year. This one is unique for 2 reasons. It is our first post to receive well over 100,000 reader views. Also due to some additional information, it required a follow-up clarification which was the #2 post of the year. You can click the link at the bottom of the post to read the follow-up, which I hope you do. Regardless, of the specific facts concerning the men involved, the point of both posts remains valid. Read with that thought in mind.
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