Faith

Christian Man Fined & Sentenced Over AZ Home Bible Studies Reportedly Starts His Jail Sentence Today

On Friday, we told you about Michael Salman, the Christian man who has been fined and sentenced to 60 days in jail over his home Bible studies in Phoenix, Arizona. Initially, reports claimed that Salman would potentially be jailed within the next week. Today, a Facebook message posted to his personal profile says that he must report to the jailhouse by 10 a.m. MST.

“Today I have to report to jail at 10:00 AM to start my jail sentence,” he wrote. “While those at our home are praying and seeking the Lord’s face we ask you all to please pray for us. I want you all to know that we love you and thank you for all your support.”

Michael Salman Allegedly Told to Report to Jail Over Home Bible Studies

Salman ended the note by claiming that he believes that he and his family “will win in the end.” He also wrote, “Glory to God!”

(Related: Christian Fined & Sentenced to 60 Days in Jail Over AZ Home Bible Studies)

The Phoenix New Times reports that Salman had already gone to the Maricopa County jailhouse earlier in June in an effort to commence his sentence. Oddly, the outlet reports that he was turned away, attributing the action to city officials potentially “losing their nerve.” He has apparently been waiting for a date to report since this unfolded.

As we previously reported, Salman has been sentenced to a startling 60 days in jail, given a $12,180 fine and granted three years probation for refusing to stop hosting Bible studies at his home. Why, you ask? He‘s apparently in violation of the city’s building code laws.

City officials claim that he’s running an operation that is reminiscent of a home church — but without the required permits. And according to Fox’s Todd Starnes, Phoenix court documents show that he violated 67 codes. Unless the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals grants an emergency injunction, he will be jailed for the time given (read the rest of his story here).

Also, watch the video that Salman and his wife produced and posted on YouTube to explain the ongoing debacle:

The Blaze exchanged messages with Salman this weekend and planned to speak with him on Monday for an interview about the ongoing legal drama. Phone calls this morning to a phone number he provided went unanswered.

This is a breaking news story. Stay tuned for updates.

Comments (162)

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  • PATRIOTMAMA
    Posted on July 9, 2012 at 1:17pm

    Our prayers will hold up your arms brother!!! As Aaron did for Moses!!! Please take this as a privledge that your are able to bring this to the public light, stand and Glory will be given to God. Thank you for standing for us all as you are!!!! If God be for us then what man can be against us!!!! Stand on the promises brother!!! Be strong as a soldier for Jesus!!! We win in the end!!!!

    Report Post »  
    • PATTY HENRY
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 2:06pm

      JESUS SAID: Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s; unto GOD what is GOD !!

      Having a few visitors during the week is fine, for a birthday or other celebrations, once in a while, fine.
      These people have been warned by their City about parking problems, access problems and their neighbors. THEY should have moved to the country, had a big place where their holding anything
      commercial (donations) would be fine. INSTEAD they chose to alienate their own neighbors, disregard the law and press it forward acting like the INJURED PARTY in the name of JESUS. I think they do far more harm to helping people become introduced to our LORD by disregarding “Caesar’s laws”….and they have no defense. NO I won’t back them up. They, once they realized they had a growing ‘flock’…should have moved. I am disgusted by people who have no concern for their
      neighbors who bought their homes and every right to expect peaceful existence. This man is no hero, he has created conflict. THIS IS NOT HOW JESUS does things. I am a grateful Christian, disruption of my neighborhood for any reason would not be okay with me.

      Report Post » PATTY HENRY  
    • deeberj
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 2:31pm

      Patty, you are right, Jesus did say in Mark 12:17 “And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marvelled at him.

      But he was holding up a coin and talking about taxes. He was not referring to following each and every rule and law gov’ts can come up with. We don‘t have to follow the rules of our gov’t if they are wrong. Of course we may pay a penalty for standing up for what’s right.

      It’s people thinking like you do that allowed Nazi Germany to kill so many.

      Report Post » deeberj  
    • navydoc2008
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 2:43pm

      Paty – Your post reaks of ignorance. You must have written before hearing all of the details. Arguably I have to take the details at face value since I do not have the other side of the story, but… They stated that they had no more than 15 cars that parked on his property behind a closed fence.

      Where do you get a growing flock from? He said it was family and friends. Not growing too much if in 10 years he still has 10-15 cars.

      How do you know how his neighbors feel about it? Do you live next to him? Did they tell you? At most he could be disturbing two houses because he has a park directly across the street.

      Why should he move? Do you think we should all hide in closets? Did Jesus not offend people? If you think Jesus was politically correct please purchase and open the Bible. Many of them have Jesus’s words in red letters. Please read how he talks to the Pharasies, not too kind. He was very stern, and open about how things really are, he talked out in public, and did not hide in the wilderness.

      Educate yourself, do not be ignorant. Remember how fascism starts…
      First they came for the communists,
      and I didn‘t speak out because I wasn’t a communist.

      Then they came for the trade unionists,
      and I didn‘t speak out because I wasn’t a trade unionist.

      Then they came for the Jews,
      and I didn‘t speak out because I wasn’t a Jew.

      Then they came for me
      and there was no one left to speak out for me.

      Stand for the oppressed before it is too late!!

      Report Post »  
    • MeCpl13
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 3:07pm

      @Patty, as the others have said, you’ve taken that passage out of context and twisted it to mean what you want it to mean. It, unfortunately for you, does not apply to this situation. Point blank, if this guy was having people over on Sundays to watch football, no one would care. However, he is worshiping, and apparently that is a problem in this particular government. I guess if you want to stick with your passage, I could even go so far as to argue that he is giving unto GOD what is GOD’s… We are commanded to worship, and God‘s law is above government’s whims.

      Report Post »  
    • PATTY HENRY
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 3:13pm

      NAVYDOC…use your passion to get the Muslim in the WH defeated. Don’t take it out on me. READ the article yourself, dear. It says he applied to build an addition with seating for 40-50…this is way more
      than a few people increase. I HAVE BEEN WATCHING THIS STORY FOR MONTHS. I was sympathetic in the beginning when they met ONCE A WEEK, and had just a FEW friends come over. I live in a gated community and as much as I don’t like all the HOA rules, I love it that my neighbor can‘t decide to hold rally’s in his house 3 times a week.
      Go easy on the personal attacks. You don’t know anything about me or who I am or the work I do for our Christianity. THIS man and his wife set the cause of attracting people to JESUS (which is their goal I trust) they set the cause way back. UNLIKE muslims, we don’t need to force people to accept our faith…they are lucky if they do!! I’ll forgive your rant.

      Report Post » PATTY HENRY  
    • brother_ed
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 3:42pm

      @PATTY HENRY

      I agree.

      This is a land of laws. If you don’t like the laws, petition to change them. Protests are one of the last resorts.

      This guy reminds me of the OWS protesters who got pepper sprayed for refusing to obey police orders to clear the street, then claims police brutality.

      There is more here than meets the eye.

      Report Post » brother_ed  
    • navydoc2008
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 3:56pm

      @ Patty – No rant on my part. I’m just stating the obvious. Ignorance is not a personal attack, by definition it is lacking knowledge (which is easily remedied unlike stupidity, which I am not implying). You cant say that because he wanted to add seating for 40-50 he broke any rules. He may have WANTED to, but never got the permit. What he DID do was have family and friends over up to 3 times a week.

      I lead a bible study of up to 16 people in a home , and if we wanted to meet more often I would be horrified if we were told we could not (as I wish you would be). I’m not saying that his tactics were right, I’m not saying that he is completely innocent. I am saying that we should all be standing for our right to gather on our own personal property and worship how we see fit.

      As others have pointed out the verse you pulled out, Render unto Caesar… does not and should not apply. He is rendering worship to the Lord on HIS property, not public land.

      Down the road from me there is a Wicken group, they seem to have a gathering for everything and anything. They usually have 200-300 people there for their overnight rituals. I don’t like it. I wish they wouldn’t do it. Biblically they are wrong to do so, but that is between God and them. If we were to block them from doing so, we errode our own liberties.

      We MUST not part hairs when it comes to freedom. If we let them get away with telling us what, where, how, and when we can worship we will lose the right all toge

      Report Post »  
    • paxnhymn
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 4:01pm

      Patty Henry, I hate to be blunt, but you have absolutely NO clue of the relevance of this. The first churches in Christendom were ALL home churches! And the first Christians were ALSO arrested for worshipping in their homes! They can hide behind “ordinances” all they want, this is a targeted persecution of a Christian ( no one in this neighborhood has ever been cited for anything like this, and you can‘t tell me someone there didn’t have a birthday party, Superbowl party, etc.) and history is repeating itself. What shocks me is its happening here in America, and we’ve learned nothing from history other than there are uninformed people out there that will be led like sheeple to following the law all of the way until they are shackled, only to wake up and wonder what happened…

      Report Post » paxnhymn  
    • Hanner
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 4:48pm

      Where is the Alliance Defense Fund on this one? Doesn‘t the First Amendment forbid gov’ts from establishing any law about religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. Surely there is an argument here. The ADF must not be interested in this case. Is it money? Or, not enough media coverage? This seems like a no-brainer fight for them. I‘ll bet these people don’t have any money to hire an attorney and once again the poor are being sold for a pair of shoes in this lovely legal system of ours.

      Report Post »  
    • Hanner
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 4:59pm

      Here is a novel idea for the “christians” that read this….how about one of you that has enough money to help these people actually do so!!! Or, will you just say to the man, “pray harder brother”…or “be warm and be filled” without giving him what he actually needs to fill this need? I happen to be poor, but I know people like “BECK” and crew have plenty to help people in a jam like this. Let’s see Glenn or others with plenty just sit on the sidelines and yell “FOUL” without lifting a finger to help these people. My contribution to this situation is all the shame and guilt I can heap on your head for sitting by and not helping these people when you actually have the means to do so. You can’t outgive God you hypocrite, exercise your faith!

      Report Post »  
    • AZindependent
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 5:01pm

      If they had been hosting Internet porn orgies at their house, or lingerie/sex toy parties, no one would have bothered them.

      They lived on 4+ acres, had fenced area to park cars, lived across from a public park, etc…. On the flip side, if the guy wants to start a church, rent a small commercial space and get it going. If you look at his other youtube videos, he was doing more than a simple home bible study.

      Report Post »  
    • FreedomPurveyor
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 7:27pm

      Every time you build or modify a structure, you have to acquire a proper building permit based on the intended use for said structure. Before being put to use, the building has to pass an inspection based on the type of permit granted.

      This guy was repeatedly and knowingly using a building for a purpose which was specifically prohibited by the permit he had, and in doing so was putting the lives of his friends and family at risk. Period, end of story, have fun in jail.

      Report Post » FreedomPurveyor  
    • armyofnibiru
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 8:43pm

      ah yes a nation of laws.fast and furious.the executive branch makeing immigration law through executive order,endrunning around congress.the courts makeing judicial mandates(not law)but carry the weight of law cause niether congress or the executive stands up to them.countless examples of government lawlesness like say a person cannot study a bible in their own home with friends and family.just remember you CHRITIANS {only you}.ceasar says stick your 2nd amendment rights up your keester,this is a land of laws,my laws .not the laws some old guys from history duely and legaly put in place long ago.I mean how would they have known we would elect gods only other son to be potus.the constitution is supposed to protect us from potus all the way down to your local zoneing boards.if he had just built a mosque no one would have said anything to him.hay they tried to defy all zoneing laws and gave them money to build a mosque at ground zero.at the same time they were telling the greek arthodox church they cant rebuild thier church on their own property that was destroyed on 911 when the towers fell on it.oh i’m sorry a nation of laws{lawlesness}.!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • Tmptd2twyt
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 11:41pm

      Oh Good Lord!! I too feel sorry for that “Neighbor”, apparently He has forsaken Jesus and wants no one else to worship. And Unfortunately it seems “God” is only good if you pay into the coffers of the Government hence the handicap parking and other nonsensical public trappings in a Home that doesn’t need it, unless, I guess they are hoping one of your followers will get hurt,
      by the “Neighbor” ? (Heaven Forbid)
      Lets not ALL FORGET that it was also Madalyn Murray O’Hare who started to get Religious Prayer out of the schools and won, now they are working on getting GOD of OUR very Homes.
      The Evil of Man is winning.. Lord Help Us all!!

      Report Post »  
    • Reclaiming Our Nation
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 11:46pm

      We are told to tear down the Cross on Mt Solidad in San Diego because it is not on private land, and now we are taken to jail for worshiping in our own homes.

      If I remember correctly, the government of Jesus’s time campaigned against him, took away his rights, took away his freedom of speech, his right to gather with his people, slandered him, made him an example, and then killed him.

      If America goes down the same path Israel did two thousand years ago, will we suffer the same fate?

      There is something fundamentaly wrong here when we begin to defend grievances committed by the government against citizens in the name of supporting unjust laws.

      If you disagree with my post, that is your right. However, we would not have become a nation if our patriotic ancestors followed all the laws and accepted the grievances committed against them by the the tyant that ruled from across the pond.

      To learn more about our great Declaration of Independence, join me on http://www.reclaimingournation.com and click on “The Story of 1776”

      God Bless us all.

      Report Post »  
    • JacobPritchett
      Posted on July 10, 2012 at 12:17am

      Patty, our government does not recognize our right to do with our property as we see fit. All of the regulations that they impose presume guilt and perpetuate the idea that we need the government’s permission to carry on in our daily lives. This must stop.

      Report Post »  
  • bemo234
    Posted on July 9, 2012 at 1:12pm

    Where are you Christians??? Are you all a bunch of spineless cowards?!?!?? Jewish, Christian citizens who believe in the constitution should be out marching on the court and prison!!!! This is an affront to your religious rights and should not be tolerated!!!

    If these people were mooslim the city would not have the balls to confront them, if you were gambling or selling pornography it would be fine but worshiping the God that inspired the birth of this country is against the law?

    LET US NOT BE SULPJECT TO THESE PAGANS AND THEIR COURTS!!!
    GET UP!!! AND SPEAK UP!!!

    Report Post » bemo234  
    • Texas Chris
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 3:36pm

      So we’e just going to sit back and let this happen…?

      Report Post »  
    • Old Truckers
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 8:45pm

      Christians are under obligation to be obedient to the superior authorities if the requirements do not conflict with God’s laws. Conforming to building codes and zoning laws are not against God’s laws, so the man is in the wrong here and the authorities have the right to enforce their laws.
      I looked this up and it is in Romans 13:1-7

      Report Post » Old Truckers  
    • armyofnibiru
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 10:47pm

      thats right.to hell with 2nd amendment .we can zone the christians right out of the country.off the planet for that matter.and like the romans feed them to the lions.no church zones ,hooray.who will feed the hungry the muslims?yah feed them copper cased lead and ignited explosives.that we invented .I don’t remember anywhere that god said zone my people off the planet.viva la constitution!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • PutMoreOnMyPlate
      Posted on July 30, 2012 at 8:38pm

      Old Truckers. You’re right we do have to be obedient to the laws. But just how easily those laws that you pointed out that could chase Christians out of their own homes. It is my understanding that he built the other building to conform to the laws after they harassed him for using his home. This isn’t something that just happened but apparently has been going on for the past five years. I admire what he’s doing by going to jail because that in itself is a statement that Christians need to wake up. Pretty soon our churches will be shut down if we don‘t preach what the government approves and we will be forced to worship in our homes and if they beat us to the punch by saying we can’t worship in our homes because of building codes?! Duh! Then it‘s a direct violation of God’s law. We as Christians are to worship God and share the gospel to anyone that will hear and if we’re not allowed to do that then we continue to do so as we should up until death! God’s wrath scares me far worse than any punishment men want to come up with. So get over yourselves and help where you can (I’m broke :() but use this as a sign of things to come!

      Report Post »  
  • BoliverBBucklenutz
    Posted on July 9, 2012 at 1:07pm

    Well that neighbor hood will have peace and quiet for a while.

    Report Post »  
    • 5.56NATO
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 2:02pm

      Alas, no one will have peace as long as this goes on. Those who are complaining about this couple, and others like them, are opening a Pandora’s Box that will savage them, and their ilk. In the end, it will not be the courts that decide, and the city’s attorneys will not be at all equipped to deal with the resolution.

      Report Post » 5.56NATO  
  • coalfired
    Posted on July 9, 2012 at 12:59pm

    So, the “Queers” have been let out of the closet, and doing quite well, I might add, and the Christians are being shoved into their vacant closets!
    Welcome to our Brave New World, another step closer to oblivion!

    Report Post »  
  • The highlander
    Posted on July 9, 2012 at 12:57pm

    What can you expect from a nation that has turned away from God. This type of persecution is going to increase. The federal and local governments are full of communist sexually degenerate operatives. They will do what the state demands regardless of how corrupt or how immoral. This is all about removing the opposition which is Bible believing Christian men who understand their Constitutional rights. Sadly the Constitution is impediment to Communist mindset – they have become so powerful they can just ignore it- the flip side is when the time comes they will not be able to ignore God. The elite want a war with American Christians – because they know they will win- one cannot fight a police state as powerful as the USA’s. Right now it has too many godless minions equipped with advanced surveillance technology and military grade weapons – any resistance would end in absolute genocide. The answer is peaceful resistance-you don’t have to bow to the godless- it may cost ones physical freedom, it may cost one financially , but it won’t cost you your soul. One must take comfort in the fact that God will vindicate the righteous and the faithful.

    Report Post »  
  • ChildofJesus
    Posted on July 9, 2012 at 12:55pm

    somehow, i don’t really feel surprised about this. I guess for awhile now I’ve been wondering when we christians here would be tested for our faith.. it’s come and has been around in small subtle ways. Jesus said anyone who followed him would suffer for his sake.

    Report Post »  
    • Bluebonnet
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 1:34pm

      Let the Muslims have their 5 times a day prayer, where ever they are; airports and businesses providing special places for them, but let a group of Christians have their prayer meetings at home (on 4acres) and all hell breaks loose.
      Where are you Joe Arpaio and Gov. Jan Brewer?
      Yes, our Christian rights are being eroded by groups of unbelievers. For myself,
      I‘ve been prepared for the day when I’d have to choose between life or Jesus
      I stand for GOD always.

      Report Post »  
    • ChildofJesus
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 1:40pm

      @bluebonnet as do I :)

      Report Post »  
    • shawn00
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 5:08pm

      The fact is if you are born you are required to suffer. The question is when? Suffer now or suffer later.

      Report Post »  
    • AppleAnnie
      Posted on July 10, 2012 at 10:33am

      Child you must not be aware of what the USGovernment – HHS – is doing to the Catholic church. As well as, I might add, Christians of faith. It is determined to take away our right to conscience. That is, what the church teaches regarding contraceptives prescribed in health insurance. The Church can not accept the HHS Mandate that says it HAS TO PAY FOR CONTRACEPTIVES in health insurance coverage. If the Church does not adhere to the Mandate, Catholic institutions…ie hospitals, universities, will be severely fined. Since when does the USGovernment have the right to tell us what we can do with our conscience? As for this article, I get a really bad feeling after reading this story. The camel’s nose is under the tent so to speak. The slightest excuse or cause will put a herd of camels into the tent.

      Report Post »  
  • gbfreak
    Posted on July 9, 2012 at 12:52pm

    Step by Step, our freedoms are being taken away. This is Mao/Stalin communist suppression….not the USA! Muslims have more freedoms in the US with their shiria law infiltrations. All this man was doing was inviting people over to his PRIVATE HOME to have a Bible Study…what’s next??????

    Report Post » gbfreak  
    • Bruce P.
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 12:57pm

      Google this story. You will find it has nothing to do with a Bible study. Mr. Salman and the Blaze are lying.

      Report Post » Bruce P.  
    • 19RANDY59
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 1:02pm

      Guess what? The cops that Beck and most everyone else says, are here for our protection, would shoot this guy in the head, in a heartbeat, if ordered too. Wake up America!!! Know your enemy. They are among us.

      Report Post » 19RANDY59  
    • Ethereal
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 1:08pm

      To any of our left leaning lurkers/participators on these boards:
      Please explain why this man is being jailed for holding a private bible study out of his house? I am aware that it is being said this is considering this a “home church” which requires permits but how is this different from having a book club at your house? Under the same rules would that be considered a school classroom?

      Report Post » Ethereal  
    • guz75
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 1:25pm

      The guy applied for a permit to build a games room, when they looked at it, it contained a pulpit and seating for 40-50 people. That’s not the same thing as a book club or having a few friends around to watch the football. He was told what he needed to do to comply with the safety codes (fire exits etc.) and refused. He’s now using the religious side of this to garner support, when realistically he needs to take a little responsibility for his own actions.

      Report Post »  
    • NJBarFly
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 1:29pm

      Ethereal- Having a book club with a few people over once in a while,is a lot different than building a church with seating for 40 and holding services up to 3 times a week. Unlike a book club, this causes traffic congestion and noise. He lied on the permit when he built the building, saying it was a garage/rec room. As a church, it needs to have things like exit signs, be a certain distance from property lines, etc… The issue here is magnitude. When you have a few people over once in a while, nobody cares. When you build a church in your back yard and hold services for large numbers of people, it becomes a nuisance.

      Report Post » NJBarFly  
    • Bruce P.
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 1:29pm

      ETHERAL — because he is not holding a “bible study” out of his home. He built a church for 40 people on his property. He lied to get the permits to build the structure, saying he was converting a garage into a “game room.“ He is not having ”ad hoc” gatherings, but advertises his church services with a mechanical sign in his front yard! The structure was deemed as being not up to code and unsafe. And the courts have even said he has a right to build it and hold services there, as long as it is up to code and safe. He has refused to comply or compromise.

      Instead he prefers to lie.

      http://tinyurl.com/779kdub

      Report Post » Bruce P.  
    • vaman
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 3:31pm

      Bruce – 100% correct. The blaze and this Salman lunatic are totally lying. This guy wants to build a 4200 sq ft church in his back yard. No concern for his neighbors or any local laws. Just his own self indulgence. In no way has anyone lost freedom. Further, he wanted to add week night bible studies and loud music, workout room, basket ball court and a day care. Neighbors property values would plummet. Salman didn’t care though. He felt “real Christians” should give for his effort. Oh yeah, did you hear about his prison record? He’s a gang member that was in prison for a drive by shooting! Then after he “found god”, he was arrested again for impersonating a police officer. Last, but certainly not least, the thing that makes this guy a true christian extremist and zealot…he claims to be a member of the “Embassy of God”, meaning he does not need to follow any law of man. I hope he enjoys prison and paying that fine. Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.

      Report Post »  
    • Ethereal
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 5:58pm

      @guz75 and the rest
      Thank-you for your respectful replies! I wasnt aware about the rest of that story even as I tried to find it on line. Yes 40 or 50 people is quite excessive for a private residence even if it was just “people studying the bible” and not a full on church which can be subjective as to what a “church” is refering to so Im not going to speak to that. If in fact he did lie then he needs to be punished but I dont know that jail time is appropriate.

      Report Post » Ethereal  
  • iwillnotcomply2
    Posted on July 9, 2012 at 12:47pm

    How can this be in America?
    Guess the Lee Greenwood song is a lie today, isn’t it?
    We are no longer free men and women.
    When will good people stand up and say enough is enough?
    I‘m Mad as Hell and I Won’t take it anymore!

    I Will Not Comply!

    How about You?

    Report Post »  
    • rickc34
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 1:00pm

      The History surrounding the Christian Church (not those claiming to be Christian) is filled with trials. Evil goverments against believers and those goverments have all fallen. When Paul and Silas were put in prison God used it for his glory, the Jail Keeper and his family accepted Christ , God may also use this for his glory, pray that God would put a hedge of protection around Salman. This is no longer the USA we grew up in, Christ is coming for his Church, and leaving those that rejected him behind to go through a nightmare of their own design. God is in control and I will put my faith and trust in him. Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.

      Report Post »  
    • Brad Wesselmann
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 1:01pm

      This man is the first…many more will follow, and that is why “they” will fail.

      Keep the Faith! :-)

      Report Post » Brad Wesselmann  
    • 19RANDY59
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 1:07pm

      You will or be shot!!! Watch the old films of the brown shirts. Watch them shoot people, while their neighbors, and city officials stand by and watch. Then think about the similarities between them ,and say, the IRS, or EPA. You better start picking out your targets!!!

      Report Post » 19RANDY59  
  • Pray for USA
    Posted on July 9, 2012 at 12:47pm

    Absolutely insane.

    Report Post »  
  • MatthewEllise
    Posted on July 9, 2012 at 12:42pm

    If people in America do not turn their hearts back to God there will be more fires, flood, drought, hail, winds and storms than the year before.

    Report Post »  
  • woodyee
    Posted on July 9, 2012 at 12:41pm

    Prayers Hell!

    Those townsfolk ought to be storming City Hall if they know what’s good for them!

    Report Post » woodyee  
  • nolefan2
    Posted on July 9, 2012 at 12:40pm

    Wow. The good people of that town must be so relieved that this man is in jail. They can all rest easy now. Was anybody coerced to go to those bible studies? Of course not. But what about the school where it will be mandatory for the children to learn Arabic? This country is in for a real awakening and it is not far off.

    Report Post »  
  • HKS
    Posted on July 9, 2012 at 12:38pm

    Well, I don’t know about you but I really feel at ease knowing that this dangerous criminal is locked up where he belongs and taking up that space that would otherwise be holding an illegal alien, terrorist or something really bad.

    Report Post » HKS  
  • docgreen
    Posted on July 9, 2012 at 12:37pm

    Did anyone see obamas speech just now? How can he lie like he does?

    Then I found this on WND,

    http://www.wnd.com/2012/07/iran-leader-we-must-prep-for-end-of-times/

    Irans Supreme leader has never said anything like this before! Now he just stepped up and told us They are H_ll bent on leading the world there! I guess they have heard from their 12th Imam “obama”! Anyone that doesn’t believe needs to start believing!

    Report Post »  
    • docgreen
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 1:08pm

      I know most of you will think this is funny, I was over on WND “World Net Daily” and found this article. I about busted a gut laughing my butt off! What a hoot!

      http://www.wnd.com/2012/07/sign-of-the-times-vote-for-the-american/?cat_orig=politics

      Is this not the Greatest sign of all time?

      Report Post »  
    • momrules
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 1:10pm

      Docgreen………though lengthy, you might like to read this article. I found it very interesting.

      http://www.raptureready.com/terry/end_of_days.html

      Report Post »  
    • docgreen
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 1:25pm

      Just read another story saying Iraq is in a Major Meltdown into Civil War! Who do you think obama will blame this on? Wasn’t he the one making us pull those troops from Iraq? I don‘t believe there’s one country thats islamic/muslim that can police itself! They’re heathens, with hate filled ocult practices that kill their own people just because one believes their mahdi is coming out of one place and the other believes he’s going to show up somewhere else! Why? I know it runs deeper than that, I think it has to do with imams that really desire the power it has over the other. Yet when it comes down to it, their Blood Thirsty Zombies that can have NO Peace people! Their all Evil! In name Shiites and Sunnis are No different in the End! Blood thirsty Heathens!

      Report Post »  
    • docgreen
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 1:52pm

      @mom rules
      Just finshed the article! That sums it up to a T! I’m not sure how anyone could deny the truth about things taking place, and the future of the Wolrd. Its all foretold! Thanks forthe Great article!….

      Report Post »  
  • PlowMan
    Posted on July 9, 2012 at 12:32pm

    Wow! Prayers all around for this guy and his family. Paul said it is a blessing to take flake for Christ. So I guess this is a blessing.

    Report Post » PlowMan  
  • HelloWorld
    Posted on July 9, 2012 at 12:32pm

    Who was the judge?

    Report Post »  
  • momrules
    Posted on July 9, 2012 at 12:31pm

    OK Mr. Salmon, you are a Christian. Now use this experience to somehow glorify God. You are being persecuted but that is not new to the Christian and believers of Jesus Christ.

    Report Post »  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 1:14pm

      I wonder if they’ll let him do Bible studies in jail?

      Probably the only place other than a Church where it’s legal.

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • Texas Chris
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 3:43pm

      I’m betting this guy wins sould from his jail cell. God will get the glory from this. You watch.

      Report Post »  
  • ChildofJesus
    Posted on July 9, 2012 at 12:31pm

    I will gladly and willingly hold you and your family in my prayers. And I ask God go with you and bless you. Ging through fire you will come out as gold. Testing is a gift strange as it may seem. But hold on to Jesus

    Report Post »  
  • historyguy48
    Posted on July 9, 2012 at 12:29pm

    Comrade, you need to change your religion so you won’t be harrassed by the local Princes. May I suggest becoming a member of Islam! Then the local prince will think twice before imprisoning you, once before your arrest, the second time when your bomb vest goes off!

    Report Post » historyguy48  
    • CatB
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 12:35pm

      And you will be EXEMPT from Obamacare/OBAMATAX … what a “perk”.

      Report Post »  
  • getourcountryback
    Posted on July 9, 2012 at 12:28pm

    This is complete BS. Does anyone think if it were a muslim study group a court would be sentencing them to jail? CAIR would be jumping up and down screaming about racial bias and the ACLU would be right behind. What is happening to our legal system? Doesn’t anyone have any common sense or decency any more?

    Report Post »  
  • dogpatch65
    Posted on July 9, 2012 at 12:25pm

    This country is doomed. We jail people for holding Bible meetings at their homes, and yet children are exploited by their parents and walk around free. When I saw this, my stomach turned: http://wp.me/p2filR-3mX

    I think they should grab the parents of the kid in the video and lock them up, and leave the man to his Bible studies. This country is upside down: http://wp.me/p2filR-3mW

    Report Post »  
    • Bruce P.
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 12:56pm

      They are not Bible studies. He built a structure on his land, not up to code and unsafe, and has been holding church services there. The court has said he has a right to build a church and conduct worship there, but not in an unsafe manner. He refuses to compromise.

      Report Post » Bruce P.  
    • Git-R-Done
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 5:29pm

      Bruce – What business is it of you Marxists what he does with his property? Oh that’s right, this case is just so that you can silence freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

      Report Post »  
    • Bruce P.
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 7:30pm

      The right to swing your fist ends where the other man’s nose begins. He is free to do what he wishes on his property, the city even tried to assist him with that. However, he is not free to endanger others, their peace or their fortunes while exercising his freedoms. It has nothing to do with freedom of religion or speech. At every step of the way Mr. Salman has been ample opportunity to make corrections, bring the church up to code. He refused. The same as if he had built a sports bar or a karaoke club or a political forum. His religion has nothing to do with it.

      Except that he is using his religion not only as an excuse to ignore the law and endanger others, but to dupe people into supporting him as well.

      Report Post » Bruce P.  
  • The-Monk
    Posted on July 9, 2012 at 12:25pm

    Shades of Fahrenheit 451…..

    This really, really sucks!!

    Report Post » The-Monk  
  • RANGER1965
    Posted on July 9, 2012 at 12:25pm

    When I first read this story on the Blaze, I was furious. I have since done some research into this tale, and like most tales it has 2 sides. There is a little more to this than the Blaze is reporting.

    Report Post » RANGER1965  
    • Elena2010
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 12:29pm

      And the other half of the story is???

      Report Post » Elena2010  
    • Murkman
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 12:31pm

      How about a link?

      Report Post »  
    • PlowMan
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 12:35pm

      Please, do tell.

      Report Post » PlowMan  
    • Bruce P.
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 12:40pm

      ELENA — it is not a Bible study. He built a church on his land, too close to his neighbor’s property line, threatening his neighbor’s property value. The 4,200 sq. ft. structure is not up to code. Neighbors have complained about the noise being broadcast, music and sermons, being broadcast over loud-speakers. There have been complaints about the traffic.

      The court that sentenced him says that he has a right to build a church and hold worship on his property, but not in a way that interferes with the lives and fortunes of this neighbors. However, Mr. Salman has refused to compromise. He and his supports, including the Blaze, continue to lie about the situation.

      Report Post » Bruce P.  
    • Dde13
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 12:40pm

      There’s always two sides…but Jail time? Seems excessive for a ordinance violation.

      Report Post »  
    • guz75
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 12:46pm

      Come on people, I guess your using a computer/ipad/phone with internet access, I know it goes against the grain to question what you find here, but surely you’re capable of looking something up. In fact if you took the time to find more information on most of the stories here you’ll find a lot of missing, relevant information.

      Misinformation in the media isn’t so much about telling lies, as not telling the whole truth.

      Report Post »  
    • Bruce P.
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 12:50pm

      DDE13 — this has been going on for several years. He’s been given opportunities to fix the situation but has refused. The city has tried to compromise with him. He has refused. When he surrendered himself to jail in June, the city let him go. This is not a city desperate and Gung-ho to persecute a Christian, as Salman and the Blaze have tried to spin it.

      Report Post » Bruce P.  
    • RANGER1965
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 12:53pm

      Essentially, (Bruce P.) above is correct. When I hear the phrase “Home Bible Study” I picture a group of people sitting in someone’s living room. Apparently it was more like an outdoor Christian concert, with loud speakers, and 50+ worshippers.

      He was ******* off his neighbors, who asked the city to help them. And they did, as only a big lumbering bureaucratic machine can help. Clumsily.

      Using zoning laws and code violations was just a pretext. And jail time and fines of tens of thousands of dollars is excessive.

      But I can‘t help but think that he could have managed to have his Christian meetings in a way that wouldn’t have turned his entire neighborhood against him. Perhaps a little diplomacy, a little tact?

      I see a lot of pride and bruised ego’s in this affair. On both sides.

      Report Post » RANGER1965  
    • JediKnight
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 1:10pm

      @Bruce P: No offense, but I lived in a neighborhood with people like what you describe. They’re nothing but a bunch of busy bodies. I don‘t live there anymore and I’m so much happier that I live on a block where people can have parties and play loud music without worrying about a visit from the cops.

      Assuming he’s keeping the music down after curphew (assuming that exists in AZ), it sounds like just more busy bodies to me. To close to the property line that it might affect his neighbors property value? That’s a bs excuse (and yes, I have heard it before). Even the city I live in has a mostly unenforced ordinance about that. Like I said, I like that my neighbors are busy actually living their lives so they don’t complain about things like this. I’ve also found that the neighbors who do make the property value claim have the least kept properties.

      Do I have any neighbors that throw loud parties every weekend? No. Would I mind if they did? Probably not. I’ve read some more on this story too. He was having it in his house and they told him he couldn’t. That‘s when he built the structure in his backyard and now they aren’t happy with that.

      I do not care if you want to call it a bible study or a church. Find the law that says he can‘t host worship services on his property and you’ll find a law that’s unconstitutional.

      Report Post »  
    • SREGN
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 1:15pm

      If it was a mosque or a scientology meeting he’d be a free man.

      Report Post »  
    • SquidVetOhio
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 1:20pm

      How do we know that the city and his neighbors aren’t lying and using the “noise” as an excuse? Do they not have noise ordinances? They could have arrested him then. Also, so what if built something on his property. I don‘t care if it’s about to fall down! If he’s not inviting the public to it, he can do what he wants on his own property. Zoning laws are crap. They have reached too far. So what you guys are saying is that he can do what he wants on his property, as long as the government says it’s ok. Does that sound like freedom to you?

      Report Post » SquidVetOhio  
    • JediKnight
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 1:26pm

      @Bruce P and Ranger: According to this link:

      http://blog.beliefnet.com/watchwomanonthewall/2012/07/christian-fined-sentenced-to-60-days-in-jail-over-az-home-bible-studies.html

      he was given a permit for the structure.

      His point is valid. The city is defining it as a church because they’re reading about and worshiping God. If he were hosting Monday Night Football viewings, there would be no problems. My parents use to host Bible studies in our home when I was a kid. They had 10+ people over at a time. Seems like the city here would have a problem with that too. I use to hold bible studies at my home with 4 people. If I had enough land, I’d definitely build a structure in my backyard for parties, bible studies, etc (not really enough room in the house yet :)).

      Maybe the fact is that no one really thought about what an ordinance like that really meant. Now this guy is showing us what it really means. People like you guys want a bible study and worship service to fit into certain definitions. When you see ones that don’t, you come out against them. Maybe we should be more angry that the city is deciding that this guy has a church on his property. If he isn’t asking for tax exempt status, then why is it a bother?

      Report Post »  
    • Bruce P.
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 1:51pm

      SQUIDVETOHIO — Sure…ALL of those people are lying and he is the only one telling the truth. Right. Sure, it’s possible. But is it probable? No.

      Report Post » Bruce P.  
    • NJBarFly
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 2:08pm

      JediKnight- He was given a permit to build a game room in his garage. Obviously, this was a lie. He did not have a permit to build a large 40+ person church on his property complete with load speakers.

      Report Post » NJBarFly  
    • Bruce P.
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 2:38pm

      JEDIKNIGHT — no one said that he cannot worship there. In fact, the city even tried HELPING him get compliant with the laws and codes. They just want him to do it in a safe manner that does not disturb the peace. He refuses.

      Report Post » Bruce P.  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 2:57pm

      @RANGER1965
      “Essentially, (Bruce P.) above is correct. When I hear the phrase “Home Bible Study” I picture a group of people sitting in someone’s living room…”

      I envisioned the same thing.

      Report Post » The-Monk  
  • AJAYW
    Posted on July 9, 2012 at 12:24pm

    When will holder and obama report to jail for their crimes aginst the people of USA?

    Report Post »  
    • historyguy48
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 12:40pm

      Comrade that is schedule to happen either the second Tuesday of next week, or when the sun rises in the west and sets in the east. Whichever happens first!
      Jails aren’t for Kings and Princes, they are only for serfs like you and me!

      Report Post » historyguy48  
    • HKS
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 12:41pm

      Good thing lying is not a crime.

      Report Post » HKS  
  • The-Monk
    Posted on July 9, 2012 at 12:23pm

    He‘s lucky he didn’t have a lemonade stand set up also.

    This really sucks!

    Report Post » The-Monk  
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