Answered Prayer in Finnish ‘Bible Trial’
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Answered Prayer in Finnish ‘Bible Trial’
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Once charged for simply sharing the gospel, Finnish M.P. Päivi Räsänen and Bishop Juhana Pohjola are now free as of March 30. This is a huge answered prayer and a good sign for religious freedom worldwide.
From Rep. Chip Roy. Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21) released the following statement regarding the Helsinki District Court’s unanimous “not guilty” verdict in the prosecution of Finnish M.P. Päivi Räsänen and Bishop Juhana Pohjola for sharing their Christian faith.
“Today, I join with thousands of Americans and people around the world united in our joy and thankfulness that Finnish M.P. Päivi Räsänen and Bishop Juhana Pohjola were justly and unanimously found ‘not guilty.’ This decision is a victory for the God-given rights of free speech and religious expression both in Finland and across the globe,” Rep Roy said.
“But, the fact that there was even a prosecution is unacceptable and a reminder that we must remain vigilant in defense of our faith, our values, and the very unalienable rights that form the foundation of Western Civilization. God bless M.P. Räsänen, Bishop Pohjola, the lawyers at Alliance Defending Freedom International, and other organizations such as Family Research Council who took up their cause. Onward.”
In April 2021, Rev. Dr. Pohjola and Dr. Räsänen were both charged with “ethnic agitation” for expressing their traditional religious beliefs on what the Bible teaches about marriage. Dr. Räsänen faced additional prosecution for exercising freedom of speech in criticizing the state-backed Lutheran Church on theology and politics. The trial began on January 24th and final arguments occurred on February 14th. A unanimous verdict of “not guilty” was entered on March 30th.
Representative Roy has been an outspoken advocate for M.P. Päivi Räsänen and Bishop Juhana Pohjola, appearing on Fox News in support of their case and penning an op-ed with Tony Perkins of Family Research Council outlining the potential effects of a guilty verdict. Before the trial, Rep. Roy sent a letter of support to M.P. Päivi Räsänen and Bishop Juhana Pohjola and, last fall, he led a letter to the United States Commission of International Religious Freedom urging them to condemn the Finnish prosecution.
Are you encouraged by this? Make sure to share the good news with your friends and family!
(Press release from Rep. Chip Roy. Photo Credit: Aaron Burden on Unsplash)
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1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
1 John 5:14 in Finnish a tämä on se turva, joka meillä on häneen, että jos me jotakin anomme hänen tahtonsa jälkeen, niin hän meitä kuulee.
Dear Heavenly Father, I praise You for listening to our prayers. I praise You for M.P. Päivi Räsänen and Bishop Juhana Pohjola’s courage and fortitude which has been on display to the world. I praise You for Chip Roy, their advocate. As we continue in this life, I pray the prayers of Your faithful will be abundantly aligned in Your will and Your church will have victories, one after another. I praise You in the Name of Jesus Christ. I praise You in the Name of the Holy Spirit. I praise You HaShem, Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer God. Amen
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Praise God for powerful remnants of respect for the Bible in Finland!
Thank You Father for answering prayer! Help us to continue to pray for religious freedom in our world.
Help us to speak Your Truth in love.
In Jesus Mighty Name, amen!
So happy and thankful to learn this good news of answered prayer. This gives hope for free speech to continue not just in Finland but in other nations around the world. Thanking God for this verdict which was unanimous and for the two courageous people who were not afraid to speak God’s truth. http://www.mtothe5th.wordpress.com
Let us not cease to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters all over the world. Praise Jesus, who alone is the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father (God Almighty), except through Him!
Praise God, who allows us the opportunity to walk with Him daily. He is our wise Counselor and Defender. God’s Providence reigns forever and forever.
Amen! Praising the Lord for this good news!
Thank you Jesus for answered prayer for theses pastors overseas. We see a glimmer of Your light, as Your working. Let these little glimpses motivate Your praying church . In Christ’s mighty name. Amen