ISLAM
A Formidable Force!
by: Ivie Powell
Since the Gulf War, we have become acutely aware, of the fanaticism of various terrorist groups. While attention has centered around the Islamic groups, they are not the only terrorists in the world. However, they probably account for about one half of the terroristic activities in the world. Within the last 15 plus years, thousands have been maimed and murdered by these groups in Kenya, Algeria, Indonesia, Egypt, America, etc.
We are told there are some 7 million Muslims
in the Unites States and about one billion in the world. Muslims, especially
those in the United States, would have everyone believe they are a peace loving
and open minded religion. Jesus said, "Even so every good
tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil
fruit...Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them" (Matthew 7:17, 20).
As one examines the fruits of Islam, he sees a history of bloodshed and poverty
which they (especially those in the USA) would like to forget and hide from the
public. Make no mistake about it, Islam enslaves its followers in every way,
spiritually and politically! Once they have dominated a country, women are
treated as subordinate to men and religious freedom is not tolerated.
Furthermore, Muslims view Christians as infidels and they particularly look at
America as Satan. They believe there is only one God, Allah and Mohammed is his
prophet. They believe the Koran is their holy book. So, what are Christians to
do?
1. We remember that God is still in control! "The Lord looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men. From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth" (Psalms 33:13-14). This does not do away with the free moral agency of man. Note the case of Adam and Eve in Genesis 2:17 & 3:1-7. Paul informs us because of this act sin is in the world along with physical death (Romans 5:12).
2. We must have implicit faith and trust in God. "Trust ye in the Lord forever: for the Lord, Jehovah is everlasting strength" (Isaiah 26:4). "Trust ye in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not upon thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil" (Proverbs 3:3-7). "...If God be fore us, who can be against us" (Romans 8:31)?
3. Remember, Muslims, like other religious groups (Buddhist, Hindus, Jews, denominations) can and have been converted to Christ. Also remember, not all Muslims are terrorists. The great commission is universal in nature. "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth, and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." (Mark 16:15-16). Remember, the power is in the gospel of Christ, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:16)
4. Islam, though great in number (one billion), cannot destroy Christianity! Jesus told Peter, "And I say unto thee, That thou are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18). Not only does that mean the devil could not stop the establishment of the Lord's church, but that it will always be in existence! For over 2,000 years enemies of Christ have tried to destroy His church and have failed. The church will always be in existence and upon Christ's return will be delivered to the Father (1 Corinthians 15:24).
5. This is an excellent time for Christians to let, "...the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them" (2 Corinthians 4:4). To the Philippians, Paul wrote, "That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world." (Philippians 2:15). Muslims have very strong group loyalties which makes it hard to convert them on an individual basis. In the majority of these cases, where there is such extremely strong group support and loyalty, the group must be studies with to reach them with the gospel. Many Muslims, like other religious groups, have those who are not as devoted and can be reached individually.
6. Islam, like Hitler, Stalin, and Rome of old, is facing the arsenal of Almighty God! "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but might through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). Christians must, "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:11-12).
7. We have within our arsenal of weapons the power of the Word of God and prayer! "For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven" (Psalms 119:89). "God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar..." (Romans 3:4). "...The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16). "For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil" (1 Peter 3:12). "I exhort therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honest" (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Let us remember to pray for President Bush, Vice President Chaney, Secretary of State, Colin Powell, Senators, Congressmen, and others who rule over us. And let us remember also in our prayers policemen, firemen, and all servicemen and women who will be putting themselves in harms way for every American citizen.
So, what is in store for America? Only God knows, but be assured that He cares and will watch over His children. "Casting all of your care upon him; for he careth for you" (1 Peter 5:7). Again, we are encouraged by the words of inspiration, "...for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5). Remember, Christians are the only salt and light (Matthew 5:13-15) to the world. Let us, therefore, heed the words of our Savior, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).