Freedom's Foundation
by Michael Marcavage
July 14, 2005
(AgapePress) - In the small, dark, dingy jail cell in the basement of a Philadelphia police station, I waited. I waited for the freedom that was stripped away from me and my Christian brothers and sisters at the hands of those who swore an oath to protect it.
As each hour passed, I reflected on the sad state of our nation, and held onto the prison bars, while I stared at the metal walls etched with vile words. I realized that although I was imprisoned, I was free. "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:2).
In Philadelphia, the birthplace of America, the criminalization of Christianity continues, while not only its symbols are removed from the public square, but also the Christians themselves. It has become a city where the public celebration of sin is welcomed, while the public proclamation of the Gospel is now being labeled "hate speech."
However, it is this "hate speech" that brings freedom from the bondage of sin because of the shed blood of Jesus Christ. "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage," says Galatians 5:1.
I know now that as disciples of Christ on this earth, we will always be on trial, but must look forward to our vindication when we stand before our Lord. So then, I meditate daily on the cost of our liberation and seek to submit myself entirely to one who has declared: "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed" (John 8:36).
Additional Essays:
Freedom's Blessing
Freedom's Gift
Freedom's Promise
Freedom's Requirements
Freedom's Cost
Freedom's Courage
(links will be activated when essays are posted)
Michael Marcavage is the director of Repent America and one of eleven Christians arrested, jailed, and ordered to stand trial in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for evangelizing at a homosexual street festival in October 2004. Michael faced up to 47 years in prison and $90,000 in fines. The host of charges, which included three felonies, were later dismissed. This essay appeared in the July 2005 issue of AFA Journal, a monthly publication of the American Family Association.
