SPEAK UP BOLDLY IN 2016!

This year marks the start for many and continuance for others of showing fearless witness for Jesus the Christ. In a kind, loving and compassionate way we will share the message of the Kingdom of God wherever and whenever the Holy Spirit opens the door: at home, in our neighborhoods, in church, where we work, in the marketplace. By faith we will step out in the power of the Christ and give others the good news that leads to eternal life.

Every month thousands of believers report being bullied, strong-armed and specifically told they cannot speak the name of Jesus. All the while, other faiths are given a free pass and even promoted in those same places. Repeatedly news stories show how followers of Islam are attempting to promote Sharia law in place of American statutes in line with the US Constitution. For the most part these attempts have failed but not utterly dismissed. Islamic teachers have been able to promote prayer passages of the Qur'an and weakly cover their tracks by promoting it as calligraphy practice for homework in the American public schools.

Unless genuine Christians stand strong for the one true God today our nation will continue to slide downward in the direction of those who speak most loudly. In time America could well become an 8th century nation with 21st Century technology. We are required by Scripture to share our faith. There is someone out there that only our words can reach. To withhold the gospel and the sure hope of eternal life from them is not an act of love.

While some are frightened and distressed over the gathering darkness in this world, we must be the ones who spearhead a revival of witnessing to those who are lost and staggering blindly in the direction of hell. Witnessing is sharing the Word and the story of what the Lord has done in and through you. As the apostle Peter said: “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20)

You may be fearful you might get into legal trouble for speaking up for the Word. This is the work of the devil and his demons, paper tigers. There are organizations in this country and abroad who “have your back.” For example, the Christian Law Association, the American Center for Law and Justice, the Liberty Counsel (I am affiliated with all three and others as well). Wherever you may face a challenge: as a Church member, pastor, teacher, employer, employee, government official, a school board, a business, a church, a government body, a parent, a member of the helping professions… you have rights even in today's political climate. Indeed, we are blessed with liberties other countries can only pray for.

So do not waste your opportunity to share freely Jesus with those around you. Do not allow the devil to steal your boldness for the Lord as you carry out the great commission. The One who is in you is far greater than the one that is in this world or any group that is demonically impressed, obsessed, oppressed, or even possessed. Be the one who leads the charge and share the Word this week and every week. Testify to everyone, everywhere, all the time, under all circumstances-- using words when necessary. And never, never, never back down.

As a footnote to this post, should legal action be required, I recommend you press in a very public manner a demand not only for full restitution of everything you may have lost and all of your legitimate costs, but for considerable punitive damages as well. This will send a message that our freedoms are not to be trampled upon. Why very public? Because experience has shown that even those with the funds to litigate until the opponent may die of old age have a knee-jerk reaction to widely seen negative publicity.