This past weekend, a local pastor, and dear brother and friend of this ministry, was arrested for something that should have been handled by a simple citation in the mail. At worst it should have been a citation hand-delivered by a sheriff.
Instead, to make an example of him; to publicly humiliate him; to make a political and public display of him, this pastor was ARRESTED. This pastor happens to have been very involved in fighting against many racist and controversial political and public policies in Harrisburg. Therefore, to make a point and instill fear in Christians and leaders all over our city, a photographer just so happened to be present so that his arrest could be posted on the front page of the main local newspaper. That, my friends, is called a SETUP! If it wasn't a setup, then why was a photographer there? How did the local newspaper come to know and why did they send a photographer to be at his home at just that moment?
I truly believe that this is just the beginning. After reading the news article, I looked at the comments from the public that were posted beneath the news article and most of them were filled with hatred against pastors, churches and Christians. When I saw this, then I realized that the whole point of the arrest was to stir up the emotions of the community and begin to fan the flames of hatred against God and His people.
Again I say, “It’s time to pray and get ready for the trials and tribulations that are to come.” Very soon, the only way you and I will be able to hear a sermon or any other type of Biblical message will be via internet-based churches. Eventually, this will go away, too. I’ve been sharing these things with you guys for several years now and you are watching it unfold right here in Harrisburg.
I can only continue to encourage you to get your house and home in order. Let’s continue to gather on Sundays for teaching, fellowship and prayer. This simple weekly commitment is going to fortify and prepare us for the new version of America that is being revealed every single day. There really is no such thing as freedom of speech anymore. There really is no such thing as freedom of religion anymore. There is no separation between church and state. The government is now dictating to the church how things are to be done.
This past weekend was a very clear warning to every pastor in Harrisburg, who is seeking to change this city; that they will be arrested for any misdemeanor or mistake that can be found against them; even if it is not a criminal offense. This pastor's error was not a criminal matter at all. Yet, he was arrested like a common criminal. So we have now been forewarned that for pastors and churches, there will be no due process. While drug dealers and slum lords continue to rule our city, a pastor will be the one who goes to jail for failure to meet certain city codes and ordinances.
More and more I see why God has led us to this facility and our current setting where the emphasis is on solid Biblical instruction and learning, instead of all the usual ministry hype and musical entertainment.
Eventually our friend and brother will be vindicated and his name will be cleared, but that’s not what this past weekend was about. This was about "the powers that be" sending a message. This was about drawing the line in the sand. I’m not sure if the church leaders of this city understand that. I believe it’s a signal that it’s time for us to pray and prepare. And that’s what we’re going to do.
