For some time I have followed the persecuted church all over the world and found that the greatest opposition is coming from those ascribing to the Muslim faith and have had strong conviction that it will one day be the same in America.

I think we all will agree, that just because someone names the name of a religion, does not mean they are going to follow the doctrinal tenants of that faith. I think that is what Ingrid was alluding to in the program… that radical Islam is not the measure of the Muslim faith, as those that confusedmallu was referring to were not indicative of the Christian faith just because they were American. The seeming problem I find is very few in the Muslim community will openly condemn the egregious acts as they are fearful of similar retribution from this fanatical fringe. Leads one to wonder how strong do the followers of Islam really feel ‘Islam is a religion of peace’ or is it just religious verbiage?

This is also true under the guise of Christendom… we see a very similar comparison when someone does something that is clearly against the teaching of God’s word but uses ‘God and His Word’ as justification of said actions. The killing of George Tiller is a fresh example of this.

This thought process and ideology is as old as Christendom itself. We saw the religious zealots of Christ day that sought to kill Him and that for the cause of God… Christ told His disciples that one day “they shall put you out of the synagogues; and the time will come that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service”. This day in which we are living is no different. Same spirit that we see flourishing today!

If one carefully looks at religion, you can really see two different levels of spiritual intensity and it does not matter the sign that hangs upon the church, mosque, or synagogue.

1. Your have those that passively attend and are doing nothing more than religious duty. This majority lack commitment and really have little or no convictions as to what they believe and would never consider standing firm in the face of opposition. I liken their religion to what would be considered as ‘comfortable’ as like as it is comfortable to them they are fine.

2. The second of this sect would be those that are a part of the fellowship that follow much stronger conviction. They sincerely and wholeheartedly follow after their religious convictions and this conviction has a higher more fervent level of commitment.

This last element could be described as ‘hearts that are set a fire’ and that by a spirit which is different than man’s spirit. This is the level in which true spiritual battle is waged.

We can liken this last group to those in John 8 who opposed Christ and His Word… they were religious folk and the spirit that was kindling their desires was that of the devil… the lust of your father you will do.

This is the vehement opposition that we are seeing against Christianity by the hand of radical Islam and it is a spirit that is at enmity with the cross. It is this same spirit that manifest itself in the radical Hindu as they attempt to kill and destroy. We can liken this to the religious fanatic that kills under the guise of Christianity.

Granted the reasons and justifications in each mind may differ, but one can not deny “that we see things not as they are, but as we are”, and the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked.

In Christendom this 2nd and smallest group are those that like the radical religious zealot have sold out their all for their God. They will not compromise even in the face of death. They become the persecuted for the cause of Christ.

Time and time again we find that if the persecuted will deny their Saviour and renounce their faith, they will be spared and can live… but they are so radical in their commitment for their Lord that they bear their cross even unto death.

confusedmallu brings to light a very sad point that is true. Many in America and even in the church have little testimony as it pertains to modest dress and living. It tells us that in times of prosperity and blessing that the heart is bent on leaving God and His word. This is to be expected by the world but should never be in the church.

What I would like for mallu to understand from my comments is that those he is referencing to in America, if they are church-ed, are more than likely in group one and sadly the majority that are going through nothing more than the religious motions. Christ said except a man be born again… in Christendom they would fall into group 2 my friend. And their commitment to their Lord is just as fervent as those that are killing them by the actions of another spirit.

malachi

Not once in our chuch has the pastor talked about being modest in our outward appearance (both for men and women). Living in the midst of nauseating wealth in the Gulf, sincere Christians themselves are buying into and living the great American dream. Money, power and possession.

If you ask the average muslim man on the road here about his opinion of a Christian woman, the decription you will get is definitely not what Paul set down as guidelines for Godly women. Sad!

You have a good thing going here. Stay connected and may the Lord keep you !