Kenda Creasy Dean is a minister and a professor at Princeton Theological Seminary. She has also authored a new book with a catchy and rather sobering title - "Almost Christian”. Her main premise is that many parents and pastors today are unwittingly passing on a self-serving and "mutant" form of Christianity, one she terms as "moralistic therapeutic deism." Dean states, “It's a watered-down faith that portrays God as a "divine therapist" whose chief goal is to boost people's self-esteem.”
The National Study of Youth and Religion included in-depth interviews with 3,300 American teenagers between ages 13 and 17. It included everything from Catholics to Protestants of both conservative and liberal denominations. It revealed that most American teens that called themselves Christian were indifferent and inarticulate about their faith and can't talk coherently even about their core beliefs.
Also, a great number of those surveyed seemed to practice the “gospel of niceness” – a basic belief that God simply wanted them to feel good, do good and not ruffle any feathers. This, too, misses the mark since the Bible clearly teaches that the cross of Christ is an offense to those who resist its claims and demands. A casual reading of Hebrews chapter eleven will show that radical and outspoken Christianity may well ‘ruffle feathers’ sometimes to unimaginably horrendous levels. 2 Timothy 3:11-12 substantiates the serious truth seen there by stating, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”
The ‘watering down’ of the solid and biblically-based gospel message has been a subject of concern and debate for several decades now. Many in the pulpits of America have traded the full message of personal faith in Christ for one that centers more on personal relationships with others. Their reasons vary. But the evidence is clear that this style puts more people in the pews.
For some, that is priority one. The Scriptures are about a relationship, but one that keys primarily on the union between God and man and not mainly the one between man and man.
The fact that a large percentage of teens don’t, or can’t, articulate the basic facts of the faith likely means that some have perhaps not really entered the family of God through faith. If Christianity means only what is mentioned above, that may also mean that they have no grasp on true salvation and how it changes a life from the inside out. This flies in the face of 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 where Paul the Apostle writes, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” There should be serious and noticeable changes to those who have been indwelled by God’s Spirit through the new birth!
Then a few verses later Paul adds the prime directive and responsibility for all who have become new creatures in Christ. Verse 20 begins, “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:20-21)
Also, 1 Peter 3:15 reveals the need to be able to share the clear facts and outward hope of one’s personal faith. “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” Those who cannot at all articulate their faith have a problem. At best, they are ineffective in impacting and influencing a spiritually needy and lost world. At worst, they may themselves be in desperate need and a part of that lost world.
It is beyond obvious that the church and spiritually-grounded Christian parents have their work cut out for them. Many precious children seem to be falling through the church cracks and in danger of becoming so-called “Fake Christians”. Many seem to remain confused about the core facts of true biblical salvation - not to mention the terrible possibility that they do not even possess it. Nothing is more critical than addressing this eternal issue while time remains.
As Dean’s book title reads, “Almost Christian” is simply not good enough. That position may actually be a harder place from which to spiritually correct and reach those who reside there. But it is clear that there is no ‘almost’ when it comes to true redemption in Christ – a fact clearly pointed out by the inspired words of 1 John 5:11-13.“
"And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.”
Bill Breckenridge
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Trapped Miners Set New Record
Thirty-three trapped miners in Chile equaled the all-time entrapment record today of twenty-five days, set in China last year. Amazingly, most all the workers in the gold and silver mine remain positive and upbeat. Some have even been able to send video greetings through three small drilled holes where life-sustaining food, water and medicine are dropped to keep the men alive.
Meanwhile, the rescue efforts continue by the state-owned mining company which began by boring a rescue hole Monday afternoon wide enough to pull the men up through 2,300 feet of earth. If successful, each man will eventually experience a half-hour long ride to the surface. The larger machine will slowly grind through a smaller hole forcing crushed rock to fall down into the mine shaft area near the trapped men. That means that the imprisoned workers will themselves have a huge part in their own rescue having to clear 3,000 to 4,000 tons of debris by working 24/7 shifts. Their own efforts may well determine whether the escape plan works and how long it lasts.
One miner, 30-year-old Osman Araya, spoke as he began to cry. "Tell my mother, I love you guys so much. I'll never leave you, I will fight to the end to be with you."
Few things in life are as frightening as the thought of being literally buried alive. And even with today’s technology, many that become trapped far under the earth’s surface find that terrifying spot to be their final earthly grave if they are not reached in time. Hopefully that will not be the case in Chile this time.
Once again the wisdom of Proverbs 27 rises to the surface. Verse one declares, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” It is likely that not one of the thirty-three trapped miners ever expected the collapse of the main shaft on August 5th. Most assumed they would be home after their respective shift, enjoying the comforts of normal life and joy of their families. But now, that is water under the bridge – or more like under the ground! They are in a literal life and death struggle. And it is now that one all-important and overriding concern that quickly rises to the surface - even if they never do. That is simply each man’s personal spiritual condition before God and whether or not they are trapped in sin along with being trapped in the mine.
It is reported that some of the men are believers in Christ. These have already been rescued, spiritually speaking, and are ready to face both life and death with the hope and confidence that only salvation in Christ can bring. Hopefully their faith is their primary life-line and source of encouragement. And hopefully, this dire situation is giving these the precious time, opportunity, and motivation to share their faith with those who are doubly trapped – in the earth, and even worse, in sin.
Christians should pray fervently for the physical rescue plans to succeed and for the safe return of the thirty-three ill-fated miners. But there should also be prayer that, when the men are brought up from the depths, many will hit the surface having been likewise pulled from the power and penalty of sin through the One who says, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)
The trapped mine men in Chile have hope but a hope that still has a massive amount of work involved if they are to share in their own liberation. But those who would be freed through Christ need no such self-effort. They need only to believe and apply from the heart the words recorded in Ephesians 2:8-9. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
When this is done, the truest sense of freedom is understood and becomes a glorious and permanent rescue and reality. “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
Bill Breckenridge
Meanwhile, the rescue efforts continue by the state-owned mining company which began by boring a rescue hole Monday afternoon wide enough to pull the men up through 2,300 feet of earth. If successful, each man will eventually experience a half-hour long ride to the surface. The larger machine will slowly grind through a smaller hole forcing crushed rock to fall down into the mine shaft area near the trapped men. That means that the imprisoned workers will themselves have a huge part in their own rescue having to clear 3,000 to 4,000 tons of debris by working 24/7 shifts. Their own efforts may well determine whether the escape plan works and how long it lasts.
One miner, 30-year-old Osman Araya, spoke as he began to cry. "Tell my mother, I love you guys so much. I'll never leave you, I will fight to the end to be with you."
Few things in life are as frightening as the thought of being literally buried alive. And even with today’s technology, many that become trapped far under the earth’s surface find that terrifying spot to be their final earthly grave if they are not reached in time. Hopefully that will not be the case in Chile this time.
Once again the wisdom of Proverbs 27 rises to the surface. Verse one declares, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” It is likely that not one of the thirty-three trapped miners ever expected the collapse of the main shaft on August 5th. Most assumed they would be home after their respective shift, enjoying the comforts of normal life and joy of their families. But now, that is water under the bridge – or more like under the ground! They are in a literal life and death struggle. And it is now that one all-important and overriding concern that quickly rises to the surface - even if they never do. That is simply each man’s personal spiritual condition before God and whether or not they are trapped in sin along with being trapped in the mine.
It is reported that some of the men are believers in Christ. These have already been rescued, spiritually speaking, and are ready to face both life and death with the hope and confidence that only salvation in Christ can bring. Hopefully their faith is their primary life-line and source of encouragement. And hopefully, this dire situation is giving these the precious time, opportunity, and motivation to share their faith with those who are doubly trapped – in the earth, and even worse, in sin.
Christians should pray fervently for the physical rescue plans to succeed and for the safe return of the thirty-three ill-fated miners. But there should also be prayer that, when the men are brought up from the depths, many will hit the surface having been likewise pulled from the power and penalty of sin through the One who says, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)
The trapped mine men in Chile have hope but a hope that still has a massive amount of work involved if they are to share in their own liberation. But those who would be freed through Christ need no such self-effort. They need only to believe and apply from the heart the words recorded in Ephesians 2:8-9. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
When this is done, the truest sense of freedom is understood and becomes a glorious and permanent rescue and reality. “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
Bill Breckenridge
Monday, August 30, 2010
The Mother Of All Traffic Jams
Few enjoy the sght of a long string of red tail lights coming into view as they round the bend on the highway expecting to arrive at their destination rested and hopefully somewhere near their appointed time. And very few who live anywhere near a larger metropolitan area have not experienced the frustration of sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic for construction or some other reason.
But now the term “traffic jam” has taken on a whole new meaning – at least near the capital of China. A section of the Beijing-Zhangjiakou highway in Huailai was the site of a sixty-mile backup. The mega-mess began with construction on August 13th on the road also known as National Highway 110.
Part of the problem stems from the fact that automobile sales in China passed the U.S. for the first time last year when 13.6 million vehicles where sold. The country is now playing catch up and racing to provide adequate roads for the scores of new drivers. To make matters worse, many existing roads are in poor condition and need improvement due to the extra wear and tear from trucks carrying illegally heavy loads.
The jam even affected downtown traffic in Beijing. And on top of the obvious irritation of those crawling through the area at a snail’s pace, some residents in the area were offering food, water and other needed items at outrageous prices to the helpless victims caught in the worst ‘web of driving woe’ ever!
The thought of a 60-mile traffic jam is beyond the ability of most of us to fathom. I sometimes get edgy when sitting at a light for 60 seconds if no one passes through the intersection as I sit there.
But patience is something spoken of at length in the Scriptures. One of the better known passages would be James 1:1-5 that states, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
Later in the same wisdom book, it is the Lord Himself who is used as the ultimate example of patience for the benefit of those of His family to emulate. “My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure." (James 5:9-11) Other examples of the value of this godly trait are seen in verses like Colossians 1:10-12 and Romans 15:4-6.
The jam in China was a vivid reminder of the difficulty, but the value, of having patience. It brought to mind a cute little song we used to play for our children – but one that impacted me as well. The main, but clever, line was, “I just can’t wait to have patience.”
But the ultimate form of patience is spoken of in 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18. It relates the need to wait patiently, and be fully ready for, the Lord’s return to claim His redeemed church. Verse 15 begins, “For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.”
The church has been waiting some 2,000 years for this great promise and may need to be patient just a little while longer. But when this most special and miraculous of all moments arrives, literally millions will rise from their graves with no worry of even a split second of delay or waiting in line. The patience sometimes desperately needed to face life’s trials will be over and the highway to heaven will be clear and lightning fast. Once in God’s presence, the difficulties of this life will be erased forever and a new life of blessing, worship, and joy will takes its place forever! Until that day, every believer should attempt to duplicate the example of their brethren in the faith in the fledgling church described in 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10.
"For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.”
Bill Breckenridge
But now the term “traffic jam” has taken on a whole new meaning – at least near the capital of China. A section of the Beijing-Zhangjiakou highway in Huailai was the site of a sixty-mile backup. The mega-mess began with construction on August 13th on the road also known as National Highway 110.
Part of the problem stems from the fact that automobile sales in China passed the U.S. for the first time last year when 13.6 million vehicles where sold. The country is now playing catch up and racing to provide adequate roads for the scores of new drivers. To make matters worse, many existing roads are in poor condition and need improvement due to the extra wear and tear from trucks carrying illegally heavy loads.
The jam even affected downtown traffic in Beijing. And on top of the obvious irritation of those crawling through the area at a snail’s pace, some residents in the area were offering food, water and other needed items at outrageous prices to the helpless victims caught in the worst ‘web of driving woe’ ever!
The thought of a 60-mile traffic jam is beyond the ability of most of us to fathom. I sometimes get edgy when sitting at a light for 60 seconds if no one passes through the intersection as I sit there.
But patience is something spoken of at length in the Scriptures. One of the better known passages would be James 1:1-5 that states, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
Later in the same wisdom book, it is the Lord Himself who is used as the ultimate example of patience for the benefit of those of His family to emulate. “My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure." (James 5:9-11) Other examples of the value of this godly trait are seen in verses like Colossians 1:10-12 and Romans 15:4-6.
The jam in China was a vivid reminder of the difficulty, but the value, of having patience. It brought to mind a cute little song we used to play for our children – but one that impacted me as well. The main, but clever, line was, “I just can’t wait to have patience.”
But the ultimate form of patience is spoken of in 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18. It relates the need to wait patiently, and be fully ready for, the Lord’s return to claim His redeemed church. Verse 15 begins, “For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.”
The church has been waiting some 2,000 years for this great promise and may need to be patient just a little while longer. But when this most special and miraculous of all moments arrives, literally millions will rise from their graves with no worry of even a split second of delay or waiting in line. The patience sometimes desperately needed to face life’s trials will be over and the highway to heaven will be clear and lightning fast. Once in God’s presence, the difficulties of this life will be erased forever and a new life of blessing, worship, and joy will takes its place forever! Until that day, every believer should attempt to duplicate the example of their brethren in the faith in the fledgling church described in 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10.
"For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.”
Bill Breckenridge
Glenn Beck’s Call for Revival
Glenn Beck has pulled off one of the most impressive marches on Washington ever held. On Saturday, an estimated 500,000 or more people jammed into the area between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument to support the notion that America needs to recapture its founders’ vision and rekindle its spirit through religious revival.
The event—a reflection of Beck’s growing concern for reestablishing God in American life—is a brutal indictment of many of our churches. When Glenn Beck is promoting God-sent revival in America while many churches are find their highest calling in seeker friendliness, soft man-focused sermons, thin doctrinal discourse and musical happy hours singing only repetitive and often shallow praise and worship music, the church of the living God in America is in sad shape.
Instead of a clarion call to repentance and revival, much of contemporary Christianity in America is just that—contemporary, that is, crafted for the moment without anchorage to timeless truth as a rudder for sailing through troubled times. The very word smacks of fleeting impact. A formal meaning would suggest merely being “with the current time,” which conveys a temporary quality. The word “traditional” is almost a dirty term in some quarters.
Today’s “churchianity” seems adrift from doctrinal anchorage. Years ago, I heard someone say, “Jesus unites, but doctrine divides.” Good! Let it happen, and we’ll distinguish light from darkness and good from evil. Tradition and traditional can have an enervating effect as Christ warned, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?” (Matthew 15:3) But there is good, even commanded tradition as the Apostle Paul declared: “Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.” (2 Thessalonians 2:15)
Good tradition and sound doctrine are fine fellow travelers. As the word “doctrine” has fallen into disrepute, so has the authority of the Bible and the spiritual impact of the church. Paul spelled it out in 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Evidently, we are living in the days of negative prophecy for Paul also wrote, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” (2 Tim. 4:3-4)
But back to Glen Beck. On his weekday Fox News broadcast and at Saturday’s massive Restoring Honor rally in Washington, Beck is calling for wholesale return to the biblical revival that birthed America. It was a result of the fiery preaching of George Whitfield, Jonathan Edwards, and John Wesley, and the prodding, preaching eloquence of John Witherspoon, the only preacher to sign the Declaration of Independence.
Perhaps much of today’s preaching is a result of spineless timidity, a caution about losing tax-exemption or a misguided notion that biblical preaching is necessarily straight-jacketed into a few salvation verses or that ultimate pulpit safety if best attained by stressing the spiritual “feelies,” what A.W. Tozer called “The Modern, Smooth Cross.”
Glenn Beck’s astounding Washington rally first exhilarated me and then troubled me. Indeed, when a talk show host does better at promoting biblical revival than the average preacher, it can make concerned people sick, I being one them. I hope to feel better in the future. And when I can rewrite this blog when our churches are up to Beck’s speed, I will feel much, much better.
Dave Virkler
The event—a reflection of Beck’s growing concern for reestablishing God in American life—is a brutal indictment of many of our churches. When Glenn Beck is promoting God-sent revival in America while many churches are find their highest calling in seeker friendliness, soft man-focused sermons, thin doctrinal discourse and musical happy hours singing only repetitive and often shallow praise and worship music, the church of the living God in America is in sad shape.
Instead of a clarion call to repentance and revival, much of contemporary Christianity in America is just that—contemporary, that is, crafted for the moment without anchorage to timeless truth as a rudder for sailing through troubled times. The very word smacks of fleeting impact. A formal meaning would suggest merely being “with the current time,” which conveys a temporary quality. The word “traditional” is almost a dirty term in some quarters.
Today’s “churchianity” seems adrift from doctrinal anchorage. Years ago, I heard someone say, “Jesus unites, but doctrine divides.” Good! Let it happen, and we’ll distinguish light from darkness and good from evil. Tradition and traditional can have an enervating effect as Christ warned, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?” (Matthew 15:3) But there is good, even commanded tradition as the Apostle Paul declared: “Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.” (2 Thessalonians 2:15)
Good tradition and sound doctrine are fine fellow travelers. As the word “doctrine” has fallen into disrepute, so has the authority of the Bible and the spiritual impact of the church. Paul spelled it out in 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Evidently, we are living in the days of negative prophecy for Paul also wrote, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” (2 Tim. 4:3-4)
But back to Glen Beck. On his weekday Fox News broadcast and at Saturday’s massive Restoring Honor rally in Washington, Beck is calling for wholesale return to the biblical revival that birthed America. It was a result of the fiery preaching of George Whitfield, Jonathan Edwards, and John Wesley, and the prodding, preaching eloquence of John Witherspoon, the only preacher to sign the Declaration of Independence.
Perhaps much of today’s preaching is a result of spineless timidity, a caution about losing tax-exemption or a misguided notion that biblical preaching is necessarily straight-jacketed into a few salvation verses or that ultimate pulpit safety if best attained by stressing the spiritual “feelies,” what A.W. Tozer called “The Modern, Smooth Cross.”
Glenn Beck’s astounding Washington rally first exhilarated me and then troubled me. Indeed, when a talk show host does better at promoting biblical revival than the average preacher, it can make concerned people sick, I being one them. I hope to feel better in the future. And when I can rewrite this blog when our churches are up to Beck’s speed, I will feel much, much better.
Dave Virkler
Friday, August 27, 2010
The Issues with Islam and the Ground Zero Mosque
A strange multi-focus – religiously, historically and politically – is centered on a damaged building near Ground Zero in lower Manhattan. A professedly moderate Muslim imam, Faisel Rauf, who interestingly has been sent to foreign nations as an official U.S. government spokesman for better Islamic relations, wants to build a 13-story mosque two blocks from the site of the 9/11 attacks.
Critics point out that Muslims, whatever their brand, were the sole perpetrators of the disaster, and the Muslim mosque, legally permissible as it might be, merely refreshes painful memories and opens old wounds.
The imam’s wife, Daisy Khan, worsened the strife last Sunday by saying, “We are deeply concerned, because this is like a metastasized anti-Semitism.” She added, “It’s beyond Islamophobia. It’s hate of Muslims.”
It has been wisely observed that hatred of Muslim never materialized after the 9/11 attacks. Islam generally was not blamed nor were mosques set upon. But the proposed multi-story building by the Cordoba Initiative is just too similar to historic mosque-building associated with Islamic takeovers of captured churches and synagogues.
The name refers to Cordoba, Spain, which 1,000 years ago, was a great city that was dominated both politically and religiously by Islam. The imam says the name reflects the peaceful co-existence between Muslims and other faiths, but Cordoba was conquered through jihad, and the mosque there was originally a church.
Other cities where mosques were built over churches include Damascus, Jerusalem and Constantinople. Gabriel Scheinmann wrote in an August 23, 2010 blog, “Moreover, recent territories that have returned to Muslim rule following decolonization have seen the return of the conversions of religious sites into mosques. Muammar Qaddafi, the ruler of Libya, converted 78 synagogues into mosques in the 1970s. In 1975, the Great Synagogue of Oran was confiscated by the Algerian government and similarly transformed.”
Of special concern is the prominent victory memorial in Jerusalem known as the Dome of the Rock, which is a showcase of Islamic dominance, forbidden turf for Jews and a solemn warning to Christians.
Inside are inscribed these discriminatory words against Christians: “O People of the Book! Do not exaggerate in your religion nor utter aught concerning God save the truth. The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only a Messenger of God, and His Word which He conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from Him. So believe in God and His messengers, and say not ‘Three’ - Cease! (it is) better for you! - God is only One God. Far be it removed from His transcendent majesty that He should have a son. ... Whoso disbelieveth the revelations of God (will find that) lo! God is swift at reckoning!”
Little wonder that many have severe misgivings about a 13-story mosque built on a site where flaming wreckage fell on 9/11. Hundreds of years of Muslim oppression is now nominally to be restored in lower Manhattan as an example of peace and harmony.
Careful Christian students of Islamic history, while not fostering religious discrimination, will likely reject plans for a subtle Islamic victory monument in the heart of the cultural, communications and financial heartland of the Western world.
They wonder about the extra-biblical revelation given to Mohammed from the angel Gabriel in 610 AD (and for forty years following), which was years after the birth of Christ, especially since Revelation 22:17–19 says revelation is hereby finished. They wonder about a prophet who first thought his visions were the result of demon possession, who received them in sweaty fits often terrorizing those nearby.
They have trouble seeing the divine wisdom of establishing one pagan god among many as the ultimate deity and of worshipping a moon god (Al Illah) as depicted by a crescent moon atop every mosque. They are puzzled by the “Satanic verses” uttered by Mohammed which originally proposed worship of the moon god’s daughters. They wonder about a criticism of the Trinity, which Muslims falsely believe is Father God, Virgin Mary and Jesus, who Islam says was neither crucified nor rose from the dead.
Others can’t figure how four wives for any Muslim man is okay, but the Prophet Mohammed was a divinely given revelation of 13 wives as an exception. Some can’t figure out how women are demeaned as less than men in worth or for testimony purposes.
Some are curious about the killing and pillage that financed early Muslim advance. Still others can’t figure how military jihad was recommended for taking new territory if other means were ineffective.
And some wonder how the Quran freely contradicts itself yet is revered as the Word of Allah.
Currently, some question how a New York imam who declares that America has more blood on its hands than Al-Qaeda can be the honored moving force to raise millions of dollars for a mosque near Ground Zero and how the Imam can be sent world-wide to improve international Muslim relations.
They also wonder how a U.S. president can compliment Islam in international speeches while apologizing for America, can bow to a Saudi King and can sponsor a Ramadan dinner in the White House in which he gave a speech touting the constitutionality of the Ground Zero mosque. Some of the leaders at that dinner are said to be associated with anti-American causes.
Further many wonder at the wisdom of even considering including Sharia law in America’s legal system. Sharia law is a convoluted and sometimes barbaric codification of outdated Islamic regulations about every aspect of Muslim life.
Not a few are concerned about the mathematical reality of “only” 10% of the Muslim world being radically militant. The Muslim population worldwide is estimated at 1.57 billion globally, 23% of the world’s population. Ten percent of that means more than a million and a half radicals who would be committed to violent jihad. Many say something drastic has to be done by peace-loving Muslims about their radical 10%. Building a mosque at Ground Zero doesn’t address this problem.
What are the real issues for Christians? All this may have come about because there was no Arabic translation of the Bible in 610 AD when Mohammed’s visions began. He did not know what the Bible said, which opens the mind for anything the Devil wants to say.
Divine visions beyond the conclusion of Scripture with John’s penning of Revelation, veer sharply away from God’s truth.
Paul had it right in 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.” (emphasis mine)
And Galatians 1:6-9 says, “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.” (emphasis mine)
That’s a flashback of an Old Testament disorder found in 1 Kings 13 where one prophet was deceived by another and it cost him his life. The false prophet said that an angel had spoken to him, and the true prophet believed him. Because he was taken in by falsehood, he was slain by a lion. (See 1 Kings 13 for the full story.)
This issue for believers is not about constitutional religious freedom but a clear perception of what is truth and what is error. Believers must understand that the extra-biblical system of Islam pits them against any and all competitors, and, without a strong spiritual defense, our personal freedoms and our entire country are jeopardized. Let us pray for spiritual discernment in a confused age. Let us pray for wisdom for our country’s leaders in such a confused time. And let us carefully study God’s Word and get dressed for battle.
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the Wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:10-13)
Dave Virkler
For more on this subject, listen to September 5 broadcast of "The Word And The World" at our website (www.wordandtheworld.org). After they air, broadcasts are archived there for 12 weeks.
Critics point out that Muslims, whatever their brand, were the sole perpetrators of the disaster, and the Muslim mosque, legally permissible as it might be, merely refreshes painful memories and opens old wounds.
The imam’s wife, Daisy Khan, worsened the strife last Sunday by saying, “We are deeply concerned, because this is like a metastasized anti-Semitism.” She added, “It’s beyond Islamophobia. It’s hate of Muslims.”
It has been wisely observed that hatred of Muslim never materialized after the 9/11 attacks. Islam generally was not blamed nor were mosques set upon. But the proposed multi-story building by the Cordoba Initiative is just too similar to historic mosque-building associated with Islamic takeovers of captured churches and synagogues.
The name refers to Cordoba, Spain, which 1,000 years ago, was a great city that was dominated both politically and religiously by Islam. The imam says the name reflects the peaceful co-existence between Muslims and other faiths, but Cordoba was conquered through jihad, and the mosque there was originally a church.
Other cities where mosques were built over churches include Damascus, Jerusalem and Constantinople. Gabriel Scheinmann wrote in an August 23, 2010 blog, “Moreover, recent territories that have returned to Muslim rule following decolonization have seen the return of the conversions of religious sites into mosques. Muammar Qaddafi, the ruler of Libya, converted 78 synagogues into mosques in the 1970s. In 1975, the Great Synagogue of Oran was confiscated by the Algerian government and similarly transformed.”
Of special concern is the prominent victory memorial in Jerusalem known as the Dome of the Rock, which is a showcase of Islamic dominance, forbidden turf for Jews and a solemn warning to Christians.
Inside are inscribed these discriminatory words against Christians: “O People of the Book! Do not exaggerate in your religion nor utter aught concerning God save the truth. The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only a Messenger of God, and His Word which He conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from Him. So believe in God and His messengers, and say not ‘Three’ - Cease! (it is) better for you! - God is only One God. Far be it removed from His transcendent majesty that He should have a son. ... Whoso disbelieveth the revelations of God (will find that) lo! God is swift at reckoning!”
Little wonder that many have severe misgivings about a 13-story mosque built on a site where flaming wreckage fell on 9/11. Hundreds of years of Muslim oppression is now nominally to be restored in lower Manhattan as an example of peace and harmony.
Careful Christian students of Islamic history, while not fostering religious discrimination, will likely reject plans for a subtle Islamic victory monument in the heart of the cultural, communications and financial heartland of the Western world.
They wonder about the extra-biblical revelation given to Mohammed from the angel Gabriel in 610 AD (and for forty years following), which was years after the birth of Christ, especially since Revelation 22:17–19 says revelation is hereby finished. They wonder about a prophet who first thought his visions were the result of demon possession, who received them in sweaty fits often terrorizing those nearby.
They have trouble seeing the divine wisdom of establishing one pagan god among many as the ultimate deity and of worshipping a moon god (Al Illah) as depicted by a crescent moon atop every mosque. They are puzzled by the “Satanic verses” uttered by Mohammed which originally proposed worship of the moon god’s daughters. They wonder about a criticism of the Trinity, which Muslims falsely believe is Father God, Virgin Mary and Jesus, who Islam says was neither crucified nor rose from the dead.
Others can’t figure how four wives for any Muslim man is okay, but the Prophet Mohammed was a divinely given revelation of 13 wives as an exception. Some can’t figure out how women are demeaned as less than men in worth or for testimony purposes.
Some are curious about the killing and pillage that financed early Muslim advance. Still others can’t figure how military jihad was recommended for taking new territory if other means were ineffective.
And some wonder how the Quran freely contradicts itself yet is revered as the Word of Allah.
Currently, some question how a New York imam who declares that America has more blood on its hands than Al-Qaeda can be the honored moving force to raise millions of dollars for a mosque near Ground Zero and how the Imam can be sent world-wide to improve international Muslim relations.
They also wonder how a U.S. president can compliment Islam in international speeches while apologizing for America, can bow to a Saudi King and can sponsor a Ramadan dinner in the White House in which he gave a speech touting the constitutionality of the Ground Zero mosque. Some of the leaders at that dinner are said to be associated with anti-American causes.
Further many wonder at the wisdom of even considering including Sharia law in America’s legal system. Sharia law is a convoluted and sometimes barbaric codification of outdated Islamic regulations about every aspect of Muslim life.
Not a few are concerned about the mathematical reality of “only” 10% of the Muslim world being radically militant. The Muslim population worldwide is estimated at 1.57 billion globally, 23% of the world’s population. Ten percent of that means more than a million and a half radicals who would be committed to violent jihad. Many say something drastic has to be done by peace-loving Muslims about their radical 10%. Building a mosque at Ground Zero doesn’t address this problem.
What are the real issues for Christians? All this may have come about because there was no Arabic translation of the Bible in 610 AD when Mohammed’s visions began. He did not know what the Bible said, which opens the mind for anything the Devil wants to say.
Divine visions beyond the conclusion of Scripture with John’s penning of Revelation, veer sharply away from God’s truth.
Paul had it right in 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.” (emphasis mine)
And Galatians 1:6-9 says, “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.” (emphasis mine)
That’s a flashback of an Old Testament disorder found in 1 Kings 13 where one prophet was deceived by another and it cost him his life. The false prophet said that an angel had spoken to him, and the true prophet believed him. Because he was taken in by falsehood, he was slain by a lion. (See 1 Kings 13 for the full story.)
This issue for believers is not about constitutional religious freedom but a clear perception of what is truth and what is error. Believers must understand that the extra-biblical system of Islam pits them against any and all competitors, and, without a strong spiritual defense, our personal freedoms and our entire country are jeopardized. Let us pray for spiritual discernment in a confused age. Let us pray for wisdom for our country’s leaders in such a confused time. And let us carefully study God’s Word and get dressed for battle.
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the Wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:10-13)
Dave Virkler
For more on this subject, listen to September 5 broadcast of "The Word And The World" at our website (www.wordandtheworld.org). After they air, broadcasts are archived there for 12 weeks.
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