Friday, October 25, 2024
South Carolina Town Says ‘Permit Required’ for Religious Expression on Public Sidewalks
South Carolina Town Says ‘Permit Required’ for Religious Expression on Public Sidewalks


by Jorge Gomez • 1 minute
The Town of Chapin, South Carolina says you need a permit to share your faith on a public sidewalk.
In June, Ernest Giardino—a local resident—was on a public sidewalk at the intersection of Old Lexington Road and Chapin Road. He was holding a 20 x 24 inch sign attached to a short handle, which read “Trust Christ He Paid the Price” on one side and “He Saved Others—Jesus—He’ll Save You” on the other side.
He’d held similar signs on Chapin sidewalks for the previous eight months without incident. However, on that day, as Ernie was leaving, a Chapin police officer approached him and told him that he needed permission to share his message via sign.
Ernie spoke with the Code Enforcement Officer and the Chief of Police in person about this surprising development. Though cordial, both confirmed the need for a permit for his speech, handing him a permit application for participating in a demonstration. The permit ordinance forces Ernie give a 14-day advance notice of his use of a sign, limits his time to hold his sign to 30 minutes, and causes him to change sidewalk corners every 15 minutes.
First Liberty sent a letter to the town this week on behalf of Ernie. Our attorneys explain the town ordinance violates his constitutional rights by placing arbitrary and onerous burdens on his peaceful and non-obstructive religious expression.
“Mr. Giardino does not need the Town’s permission to express his faith in public,” said First Liberty Senior Counsel Nate Kellum. “The First Amendment is his permit, allowing any citizen in any city in America to peacefully share their religious beliefs on a public sidewalk. The additional requirements on his peaceful speech – 14-day advance notice, 15-minute relocation, and 30-minute cap, compound the constitutional concerns. Chapin’s ordinance is overbroad, unconstitutional, and must be repealed or enjoined.”
Of all places, Americans have a fundamental right to express their beliefs, whether religious or secular, on a public sidewalk.
#14 Revelation Love | All Things New Revelation Love: The biblical theme of “all things new” in Yeshua is a powerful reminder of God’s redemptive plan for humanity and creation. OCT 25
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#14 Revelation Love | All Things NewRevelation Love: The biblical theme of “all things new” in Yeshua is a powerful reminder of God’s redemptive plan for humanity and creation.
The reality of “all things new” in Yeshua (Jesus) is powerful revelation in the Bible, particularly in the context of the end times and the establishment of a new heaven, a new earth, and the New Jerusalem. This essay explores these themes, drawing from various biblical passages to understand the indwelling transformative power of Yeshua and the ultimate rebirth of creation.All Things New in Yeshua:The Apostle Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians, emphasizes the unchanging power of being in Christ: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). This verse encapsulates the essence of the new life believers receive through Yeshua. It signifies a complete renewal, where the old sinful nature is replaced with a new, righteous identity in Christ. The New Heaven and New EarthThe new heaven and new earth can be likened (mirrored) to the believer’s death, burial, and resurrection in Yeshua, as both represent the old must die for the new to be born.Just as a believer’s old self/nature is crucified with Christ, buried, and then raised to new life (Romans 6:4-5), the current heaven and earth will pass away, giving way to a new, perfect creation (Revelation 21:1). These parallel highlights the complete eradication of the old, corrupted state and the emergence of a new, glorified existence. In both cases, the process signifies the ultimate victory over sin and death, ushering in an eternal state of righteousness, peace, and communion with God. The believer’s personal transformation through Yeshua is a microcosm of the cosmic renewal that God will bring about in the end times. As the believer’s body must die and stay in the grave to receive their new body on Heaven’s side, so must the earth be put to death and burn eternally in outer darkness - thus, the new can be birthed.The book of Revelation provides a vivid description of the new heaven and new earth. John writes, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea” (Revelation 21:1). This passage signifies the culmination of God’s redemptive plan, where the current, corrupted creation is REPLACED with a perfect, eternal one. Since the oceans represent God’s punishment onto rebellious humanity, the flood, the absence of the sea symbolizes the removal of chaos and evil, ushering in a state of eternal peace and righteousness (Revelation 21:1). The New JerusalemJohn’s vision continues with the depiction of the New Jerusalem: “I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband” (Revelation 21:2). The New Jerusalem represents the ultimate dwelling place of God with His people. It is described as a city of unparalleled beauty and glory, adorned with precious stones and pure gold (Revelation 21:18-21). This city symbolizes the intimate and eternal relationship between God and His redeemed people. Therefore, “Jew haters” should be forwarded. The Significance of “All Things New”The declaration, “Behold, I am making all things new” (Revelation 21:5), underscores the comprehensive nature of God’s ability to “scrap” the old and re-birth something new. It is not merely a restoration of the old but a complete transformative remake into something entirely new and perfect. This rebirth extends to every aspect of creation, including the physical universe where no darkness will exist as the present cosmos presently does, new Heavenly relationships, and perfect union with Yeshua, His Father, and the Holy Spirit. The biblical TRUTH of “all things new” in Yeshua is an everlasting powerful reminder of God’s redemptive plan for the Bride of His Son and creation. Unfortunately, all those who refuse salvation, will not be a part of this eternal rebirth process. The opposite of rebirth is eternal death, Hell.Through Yeshua, authentic believers are transformed into new creations, and the promise of a New Heaven, a New Earth, and the New Jerusalem offers hope for an eternal future free from sin, suffering, and death. This ultimate rebirth reflects God’s unwavering commitment to His promise made to His Son’s Bride and His desire to dwell with His people forever.Review all the Revelation Love Letters HERE The End Times Chronicles hosts the IM Video Podcast, a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Thanks for subscribing to The End Times Chronicles. Your paid subscription helps us advance our non-profit’s mission. Dr. Stephen R. Phinney is dedicated to providing quality media and publications that advance the Life of Christ. Paid subscribers receive free eBooks, media content, and other free stuff.Hey, fellow writers/readers, would you be open to buying me a cup of coffee? Check out this fun way of supporting my writing: https://bmc.link/drphinney |


