News Article On the Plight of the Rescuers.
I was recently drafted by a Christian Newspaper in Wisconsin to write a brief article on the plight of our Christian brethren suffering draconian sentences dished out by the Biden/Harris regime. Here is the article. If you find any merit, please pass it on in your sphere of influence. Thanks!
There have been a string of harsh prison sentences that have been rendered recently against Christian brethren by the Biden/Harris regime. Some involve peaceful rescues of the preborn at abortion mills or peaceably protesting at the so-called January 6th, “Insurrection.”
Steve Lefemine from South Carolina was found guilty of violating FACE and was sentenced to 60 days in jail. Heather Idoni and two other Christians have been in federal prison for 13 months and counting. Cal Zastrow has to report to a federal prison October 15th, to serve a 6 month prison sentence. Chet Gallagher was recently sentenced to 16 months. All this for simply rescuing those unjustly sentenced to death, loving their neighbor as themselves, and speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves (Proverbs 24:11; Matthew 22:39; Proverbs 31:8).
The following brothers were not penalized for rescue, but for their participation at the rally at DC on January 6th. Isaac Yoder was sentenced to one year and has since been released. Pastor, Bill Dunfee, was recently sentenced to 30 months in a federal prison. He was immediately taken away and is now incarcerated.
In redemptive history there is an old adage, “In the days of lawlessness, those who keep the law become the outlaw.” In the case of abortion, who is the law keeper and who is the law breaker?
Our Lord answered this question in His Word. Jesus stated, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” This is a rhetorical question. Every person in that synagogue with a functioning conscience knew the self-evident answer. It is lawful to do good and save innocent lives.
This very issue is primarily responsible for God establishing civil government. Its sacred duty is to restrain evil, protect innocent life, and stop the shedding of innocent blood (Genesis 9:6; Romans 13:1-4).
Thomas Jefferson, our third president, was convinced of this truth. He stated, “The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only object of good government." He enshrined that truth in our Declaration of Independence, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
Our Constitution has decreed that no State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
What capital crime has the preborn committed that deserves capital punishment according to the US Constitution?
In light of this travesty of justice, the question for this generation to answer is what do Christians do when government betrays its sacred trust and allows for the murder of the good and protects the evildoer? Apostle Peter already told us our Christian duty; “We must obey God rather than man” (Acts 5:29).
Those languishing in jail today are following in the footsteps of those brave souls that practiced the doctrine of interposition in times past. Two recent historical examples are the Underground Railroad and hiding Jews in Nazi Germany during the Holocaust. Though considered criminals in their generation, today, we view them as heroes of the faith.
Providentially, God is using the persecution of Trump, the J6s, and the rescuers to expose the two system tier of justice and the weaponization of our federal agencies to go after their perceived political enemies. Thankfully, it is awakening the citizens of our land to the danger of totalitarianism.
In redemptive history, this statement has sustained the church through the times that try the souls of man; “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” Redemptive suffering has always moved God’s heart to unleash His mighty arm of deliverance. By faith, we should expect that pattern to be made manifest in our generation as well.
Moreover, there is a question that has been asked in the church that believes the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church, “If convicted of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict me?” Our dear brethren who are suffering behind bars have answered that question in the affirmative.
The venue for these dear saints has indeed changed, but their commitment to serve Christ and His Kingdom has not changed. When on the streets, they ministered the Gospel of the Kingdom at the gates of hell. When arrested and jailed, they minister the Gospel of the Kingdom to a captive audience. When they stand before the judge, they live out the words of our Lord, “You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles” (Matthew 10:18). As one who has been at their trials, I can testify that the Spirit of the Father spoke truth to power through them.
I’ll conclude with this passage of Scripture to remind us of our duty in light of the current distress. Hebrews 13:3 states, “Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also.”
Church, let us be mindful of their plight. Let us pray and provide the support system they need for them and their precious families. God calls us to bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). Let us be found faithful in doing our Father’s business as those chained with our brethren in Jesus name!
IN KING JESUS’ SERVICE,
Pastor Rusty Thomas
American Reformation Church Website:
