So it seems some of the Islamic militants are concedeing on their own websites. Check out this article:
A prolific jihadist sympathizer has posted an ‘explosive’ study on one of the main jihadist websites in which he laments the dire situation that the mujaheddin find themselves in Iraq by citing the steep drop in the number of insurgent operations conducted by the various jihadist groups, most notably Al-Qaeda’s 94 percent decline in operational ability over the last 12 months when only a year and half ago Al-Qaeda accounted for 60 percent of all jihadist activity.
...
The author tallies up and compares the numbers of operations claimed by each insurgent group under four categories: a year and half ago (November 2006), a year ago (May 2007), six months ago (November 2007) and now (May 2008). He demonstrated that while Al-Qaeda’s Islamic State of Iraq could claim 334 operations in Nov. 06 and 292 in May 07, their violent output dropped to 25 in Nov. 07 and 16 so far in May 08. Keep in mind that these assessments are based on Al-Qaeda's own numbers.
...
Put that in your pipe and smoke it all ye calling for a hasty withdrawal.
For a more complete reading, see the article at http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/Printable.aspx?GUID=721F7435-B29B-4587-B45F-3C716CDEA0F4
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Angels in Baltimore
At the beginning of May my family took a preview trip of our summer missions work to Baltimore, MD. Our first morning there, had some time before our first meeting, so we decided to go down to Lexington Market, where Tara's dad had eaten when he was 18!
We drove downtonwn, and reached Lexington Market, which was literally 'inner city' Baltimore. As we walked in, the sights, the smells, the people. We had Christopher on his Elmo leash so he wouldn't wander or get lost in the bustle and snatched! The food plaza was great. It made me think of something you'd see on Rachel Ray's Tasty Travels. The plaza was immense. The main floor had hundreds of food shops, and up on the second level, there were tables seated around the sides looking down to the bustling floor below.
We entered in, and were looiking for a particular shop. Christopher loved it. He is still very trusting of people, and would run as far as I'd let him go on his leash. We meandered through the plaza, going around different corners in search of the famous crab-cake shop located somewhere inside. Finally we found it, and got in line to get a ginormous crab-ball, a little larger than a softball! And it cost $13!!! :-O Tara's mom makes a really good 'crab-puff,' so we had to try one so Tara could compare and tell her mom of the taste and ingredients (that Tara had tasted~ my wife's good!).
From there we went across the street t investigate more of the market. There were shops on the outside selling souveneirs, belts, cell phones, combs, etc. We went in the other side, and it was more of a market selling whole fishes, crabs, lobster, though there were still food shops with lines of customers. The entire market was very crowded, bustling with people in their daily routine. Pretty soon, the odor of all the dead fish, seafood and other aromas(!) began to overwhelm us, so we decided to go back onto the sidewalk, where at least the air was open.
We went onto the sidewalk, and began back the direction we had come. I was trying to direct Christopher and keep him from walking in front of a moving car. As we went up a little further, there was this little old black lady walking down the sidewalk. Her hair was short and graying. She had on glasses with thick sides. Her dress was old and faded, and she had on a shawl over her dress. She was passing by us, and didn't look at us as far as I could tell. But as she passed, I heard her say something clearly, sternly without yelling, "Jesus is coming back!"
At the time I thought it was sweet that this old lady was witnessing to people in her way, walking through the busy marketplace. Most modern day methods of evangelism would teach you more of a presentation, or that evangelism happens best in relationship. I think I would agree. As I got to thinking about it, it occurred to me, "What if that was an angel?" Theologically speaking, God has ordained for humans to play a role in the redemption of their fellow humans, showing the transforming power of His life in us, giving us compassion and love for our deceived and enslaved fellow humans. But the meaning of angel is "a messenger of God," and in scripture, we see that it appears more than just heavenly beings can be angels (Rev. 2:1, 8, 12, 18, etc.).
This morning when thinking of writing about this occurrence, and this little old lady, I thought about the prophet Jonah, and his tactics. We know that clearly we are living in the (very literally) last days, when we see that the labor pains are now much closer together than just 59 years ago, when Israel was brought back to its promised land, fulfilling Ezek. 36 & 37. This little lady did just as the prophet Jonah was directed thousands of years ago. She marched through the market, as busy and bustiling as Ninevah in Jonah's day, I dare say, and proclaimed the near return of our Lord to all who might hear her.
Oh, how much more should we all be seeking to warn people to seek refuge in our Lord, who freely offers salvation to all! 11 Knowing, then, the fear of the Lord, we persuade people.
18 Now everything is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed the message of reconciliation to us. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ; certain that God is appealing through us, we plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.” 2 Cor 5:11, 18-20 (HCSB)
Galatians 6:9 9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.
We drove downtonwn, and reached Lexington Market, which was literally 'inner city' Baltimore. As we walked in, the sights, the smells, the people. We had Christopher on his Elmo leash so he wouldn't wander or get lost in the bustle and snatched! The food plaza was great. It made me think of something you'd see on Rachel Ray's Tasty Travels. The plaza was immense. The main floor had hundreds of food shops, and up on the second level, there were tables seated around the sides looking down to the bustling floor below.
We entered in, and were looiking for a particular shop. Christopher loved it. He is still very trusting of people, and would run as far as I'd let him go on his leash. We meandered through the plaza, going around different corners in search of the famous crab-cake shop located somewhere inside. Finally we found it, and got in line to get a ginormous crab-ball, a little larger than a softball! And it cost $13!!! :-O Tara's mom makes a really good 'crab-puff,' so we had to try one so Tara could compare and tell her mom of the taste and ingredients (that Tara had tasted~ my wife's good!).
From there we went across the street t investigate more of the market. There were shops on the outside selling souveneirs, belts, cell phones, combs, etc. We went in the other side, and it was more of a market selling whole fishes, crabs, lobster, though there were still food shops with lines of customers. The entire market was very crowded, bustling with people in their daily routine. Pretty soon, the odor of all the dead fish, seafood and other aromas(!) began to overwhelm us, so we decided to go back onto the sidewalk, where at least the air was open.
We went onto the sidewalk, and began back the direction we had come. I was trying to direct Christopher and keep him from walking in front of a moving car. As we went up a little further, there was this little old black lady walking down the sidewalk. Her hair was short and graying. She had on glasses with thick sides. Her dress was old and faded, and she had on a shawl over her dress. She was passing by us, and didn't look at us as far as I could tell. But as she passed, I heard her say something clearly, sternly without yelling, "Jesus is coming back!"
At the time I thought it was sweet that this old lady was witnessing to people in her way, walking through the busy marketplace. Most modern day methods of evangelism would teach you more of a presentation, or that evangelism happens best in relationship. I think I would agree. As I got to thinking about it, it occurred to me, "What if that was an angel?" Theologically speaking, God has ordained for humans to play a role in the redemption of their fellow humans, showing the transforming power of His life in us, giving us compassion and love for our deceived and enslaved fellow humans. But the meaning of angel is "a messenger of God," and in scripture, we see that it appears more than just heavenly beings can be angels (Rev. 2:1, 8, 12, 18, etc.).
This morning when thinking of writing about this occurrence, and this little old lady, I thought about the prophet Jonah, and his tactics. We know that clearly we are living in the (very literally) last days, when we see that the labor pains are now much closer together than just 59 years ago, when Israel was brought back to its promised land, fulfilling Ezek. 36 & 37. This little lady did just as the prophet Jonah was directed thousands of years ago. She marched through the market, as busy and bustiling as Ninevah in Jonah's day, I dare say, and proclaimed the near return of our Lord to all who might hear her.
Oh, how much more should we all be seeking to warn people to seek refuge in our Lord, who freely offers salvation to all! 11 Knowing, then, the fear of the Lord, we persuade people.
18 Now everything is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed the message of reconciliation to us. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ; certain that God is appealing through us, we plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.” 2 Cor 5:11, 18-20 (HCSB)
Galatians 6:9 9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Maybe you know about Hal Lindsey, a lot of people give him a bad wrap. One thing about it, he's been watching and studying the Bible about the end-times for a long time! Most people will learn from mistakes and grow in their understanding and wisdom. I thinkt that we might ought to hear him out now. He's been watching political developments in relation to end times prophecy for decades, and the thing is, more and more are beginning to agree with what he's saying!
Everyone knows there were some devastating natural disasters this past week. Let's take a look at Lindsey's analysis:
The world has endured an almost mind-numbing series of shocks in recent weeks, from the unprecedented swarm of tornadoes across the American Midwest to the death and destruction wrought by Cyclone Nargis as it tore a path through Myanmar, better known as Burma.
There were 368 documented tornadoes in the U.S. in January and February of this year, shattering the previous record of 243 over that two-month period, set in 1999. February's total of 232 tornadoes also shattered previous records.
...
Back in 1969, the year I wrote "The Late, Great Planet Earth," the USGS identified a total of seven "significant earthquakes." I had noted in 1969 that there was a slight but discernible increase in worldwide earthquake activity since Israel's rebirth in 1948.
During the entire decade of the 1970s, the USGS recorded a total of 44 earthquakes it classified as "significant." The following decade, from January 1980 to December 1989, the USGS recorded 47 significant earthquakes. That is for the entire decade. From 1990 through the end of 1999, the USGS records 57 significant earthquakes. From 2000 thru to Monday's earthquake in Sichuan, China, the USGS recorded an astonishing 109 earthquakes of at least magnitude 7.0 and 13 earthquakes measuring between 8.0 and 9.9 on the Richter Scale.
On the other side of the world, the long-dormant Chaitan volcano erupted May 2 for the first time, say geologists, in more than 7,000 years. The BBC reported that a government volcano expert warned there could be a big eruption at any time.
...
When Jesus was asked by His disciples to tell them what "signs" would precede His return at the end of the age, He warned that "nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines, plagues and earthquakes in various places," He said (Matthew 24 and Luke 21). Using an analogy immediately understandable to all peoples in all nations, he said of these signs, "All these are the beginning of birth pains."
for full article, see: http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=64375
With all this happening at the same time on planet earth, it seems like the time is upon us. God is sending a messsage to the earth's inhabitants to turn from their wickedness and trust in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins.
There is no other name under heaven, given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts. 4:12).
Everyone knows there were some devastating natural disasters this past week. Let's take a look at Lindsey's analysis:
The world has endured an almost mind-numbing series of shocks in recent weeks, from the unprecedented swarm of tornadoes across the American Midwest to the death and destruction wrought by Cyclone Nargis as it tore a path through Myanmar, better known as Burma.
There were 368 documented tornadoes in the U.S. in January and February of this year, shattering the previous record of 243 over that two-month period, set in 1999. February's total of 232 tornadoes also shattered previous records.
...
Back in 1969, the year I wrote "The Late, Great Planet Earth," the USGS identified a total of seven "significant earthquakes." I had noted in 1969 that there was a slight but discernible increase in worldwide earthquake activity since Israel's rebirth in 1948.
During the entire decade of the 1970s, the USGS recorded a total of 44 earthquakes it classified as "significant." The following decade, from January 1980 to December 1989, the USGS recorded 47 significant earthquakes. That is for the entire decade. From 1990 through the end of 1999, the USGS records 57 significant earthquakes. From 2000 thru to Monday's earthquake in Sichuan, China, the USGS recorded an astonishing 109 earthquakes of at least magnitude 7.0 and 13 earthquakes measuring between 8.0 and 9.9 on the Richter Scale.
On the other side of the world, the long-dormant Chaitan volcano erupted May 2 for the first time, say geologists, in more than 7,000 years. The BBC reported that a government volcano expert warned there could be a big eruption at any time.
...
When Jesus was asked by His disciples to tell them what "signs" would precede His return at the end of the age, He warned that "nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines, plagues and earthquakes in various places," He said (Matthew 24 and Luke 21). Using an analogy immediately understandable to all peoples in all nations, he said of these signs, "All these are the beginning of birth pains."
for full article, see: http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=64375
With all this happening at the same time on planet earth, it seems like the time is upon us. God is sending a messsage to the earth's inhabitants to turn from their wickedness and trust in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins.
There is no other name under heaven, given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts. 4:12).
What the Hadiths say about Jihad for Allah
Here below are a selection of interesting hadiths taken from Islamic works. It appears that violent, war-like jihad is commanded from the religion of Islam. And it's only guarantee of eternal paradise is through being martyred in the cause of Allah (i.e. killing yourself for Allah's purpose).
The second best deed is to participate in Jihad
Allah's Apostle was asked, "What is the best deed?" He replied, "To believe in Allah and His Apostle (Muhammad). The questioner then asked, "What is the next (in goodness)? He replied, "To participate in Jihad (religious fighting) in Allah's Cause." The questioner again asked, "What is the next (in goodness)?" He replied, "To perform Hajj (Pilgrim age to Mecca) 'Mubrur, (which is accepted by Allah and is performed with the intention of seeking Allah's pleasure only and not to show off and without committing a sin and in accordance with the traditions of the Prophet)." Volume 1, Book 2, Number 25, Narrated Abu Huraira:
Muhammad said if someone leaves Islam, to kill him
Ali burnt some people and this news reached Ibn 'Abbas, who said, "Had I been in his place I would not have burnt them, as the Prophet said, 'Don't punish (anybody) with Allah's Punishment.' No doubt, I would have killed them, for the Prophet said, 'If somebody (a Muslim) discards his religion, kill him.'" Volume 4, Book 52, Number 260, Narrated Ikrima. Also, see Volume 9, Book 84, Number 64, Narrated 'Ali.
Muhammad approves of killing someone who hurt him and having the killer lie
"Allah's Apostle said, "Who is willing to kill Ka'b bin Al-Ashraf who has hurt Allah and His Apostle?" Thereupon Muhammad bin Maslama got up saying, "O Allah's Apostle! Would you like that I kill him?" The Prophet said, "Yes," Muhammad bin Maslama said, "Then allow me to say a (false) thing (i.e. to deceive Kab). "The Prophet said, "You may say it." Then Muhammad bin Maslama went to Kab and said, "That man (i.e. Muhammad demands Sadaqa (i.e. Zakat) from us, and he has troubled us, and I have come to borrow something from you." On that, Kab said, "By Allah, you will get tired of him!" Muhammad bin Maslama said, "Now as we have followed him, we do not want to leave him unless and until we see how his end is going to be. .." Volume 5, Book 59, Number 369, Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah.
Paradise was guaranteed to the first to take part in a naval battle
That 'Umair bin Al-Aswad Al-Anasi told him that he went to 'Ubada bin As-Samit while he was staying in his house at the sea-shore of Him with (his wife) Um Haram. 'Umair said. Um Haram informed us that she heard the Prophet saying, "Paradise is granted to the first batch of my followers who will undertake a naval expedition." Um Haram added, I said, 'O Allah's Apostle! Will I be amongst them?' He replied, 'You are amongst them.' The Prophet then said, 'The first army amongst' my followers who will invade Caesar's City will be forgiven their sins.' I asked, 'Will I be one of them, O Allah's Apostle?' He replied in the negative." Volume 4, Book 52, Number 175 Narrated Khalid bin Madan:
Those who fight in Jihad have the right to the spoils of the conquered or Paradise if he dies
The Prophet said, "The person who participates in (Holy battles) in Allah's cause and nothing compels him to do so except belief in Allah and His Apostles, will be recompensed by Allah either with a reward, or booty (if he survives) or will be admitted to Paradise (if he is killed in the battle as a martyr). Had I not found it difficult for my followers, then I would not remain behind any sariya going for Jihad and I would have loved to be martyred in Allah's cause and then made alive, and then martyred and then made alive, and then again martyred in His cause." Volume 1, Book 2, Number 35, Narrated Abu Huraira.
". . . "This is the Will of Allah, "After the people returned, the Prophet sat and said, "Anyone who has killed an enemy and has a proof of that, will posses his spoils." I got up and said, "Who will be a witness for me?" and then sat down. The Prophet again said, "Anyone who has killed an enemy and has proof of that, will possess his spoils." I (again) got up and said, "Who will be a witness for me?" and sat down. Then the Prophet said the same for the third time. I again got up, and Allah's Apostle said, "O Abu Qatada! What is your story?" Then I narrated the whole story to him. A man (got up and) said, "O Allah's Apostle! He is speaking the truth, and the spoils of the killed man are with me. So please compensate him on my behalf." On that Abu Bakr As-Siddiq said, "No, by Allah, he (i.e. Allah's Apostle ) will not agree to give you the spoils gained by one of Allah's Lions who fights on the behalf of Allah and His Apostle." The Prophet said, "Abu Bakr has spoken the truth." So, Allah's Apostle gave the spoils to me. I sold that armor (i.e. the spoils) and with its price I bought a garden at Bani Salima, and this was my first property which I gained after my conversion to Islam." Volume 4, Book 53, Number 370, Narrated Abu Qatada.
". . . . While we were in this state, the Lord of the Heavens and the Earths, Elevated is His Remembrance and Majestic is His Highness, sent to us from among ourselves a Prophet whose father and mother are known to us. Our Prophet, the Messenger of our Lord, has ordered us to fight you till you worship Allah Alone or give Jizya (i.e. tribute); and our Prophet has informed us that our Lord says:-- Whoever amongst us is killed (i.e. martyred), shall go to Paradise to lead such a luxurious life as he has never seen, and whoever amongst us remain alive, shall become your master." (Al-Mughira, then blamed An-Numan for delaying the attack and) An-Nu' man said to Al-Mughira, "If you had participated in a similar battle, in the company of Allah's Apostle he would not have blamed you for waiting, nor would he have disgraced you. But I accompanied Allah's Apostle in many battles and it was his custom that if he did not fight early by daytime, he would wait till the wind had started blowing and the time for the prayer was due (i.e. after midday)." Volume 4, Book 53, Number 386, Narrated Jubair bin Haiya.
Allah's Apostle said, "Allah guarantees (the person who carries out Jihad in His Cause and nothing compelled him to go out but Jihad in His Cause and the belief in His Word) that He will either admit him into Paradise (Martyrdom) or return him with reward or booty he has earned to his residence from where he went out." Volume 9, Book 93, Number 555, Narrated Abu Huraira:
These were found at http://www.carm.org/islam/hadith_jihad.htm.
The second best deed is to participate in Jihad
Allah's Apostle was asked, "What is the best deed?" He replied, "To believe in Allah and His Apostle (Muhammad). The questioner then asked, "What is the next (in goodness)? He replied, "To participate in Jihad (religious fighting) in Allah's Cause." The questioner again asked, "What is the next (in goodness)?" He replied, "To perform Hajj (Pilgrim age to Mecca) 'Mubrur, (which is accepted by Allah and is performed with the intention of seeking Allah's pleasure only and not to show off and without committing a sin and in accordance with the traditions of the Prophet)." Volume 1, Book 2, Number 25, Narrated Abu Huraira:
Muhammad said if someone leaves Islam, to kill him
Ali burnt some people and this news reached Ibn 'Abbas, who said, "Had I been in his place I would not have burnt them, as the Prophet said, 'Don't punish (anybody) with Allah's Punishment.' No doubt, I would have killed them, for the Prophet said, 'If somebody (a Muslim) discards his religion, kill him.'" Volume 4, Book 52, Number 260, Narrated Ikrima. Also, see Volume 9, Book 84, Number 64, Narrated 'Ali.
Muhammad approves of killing someone who hurt him and having the killer lie
"Allah's Apostle said, "Who is willing to kill Ka'b bin Al-Ashraf who has hurt Allah and His Apostle?" Thereupon Muhammad bin Maslama got up saying, "O Allah's Apostle! Would you like that I kill him?" The Prophet said, "Yes," Muhammad bin Maslama said, "Then allow me to say a (false) thing (i.e. to deceive Kab). "The Prophet said, "You may say it." Then Muhammad bin Maslama went to Kab and said, "That man (i.e. Muhammad demands Sadaqa (i.e. Zakat) from us, and he has troubled us, and I have come to borrow something from you." On that, Kab said, "By Allah, you will get tired of him!" Muhammad bin Maslama said, "Now as we have followed him, we do not want to leave him unless and until we see how his end is going to be. .." Volume 5, Book 59, Number 369, Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah.
Paradise was guaranteed to the first to take part in a naval battle
That 'Umair bin Al-Aswad Al-Anasi told him that he went to 'Ubada bin As-Samit while he was staying in his house at the sea-shore of Him with (his wife) Um Haram. 'Umair said. Um Haram informed us that she heard the Prophet saying, "Paradise is granted to the first batch of my followers who will undertake a naval expedition." Um Haram added, I said, 'O Allah's Apostle! Will I be amongst them?' He replied, 'You are amongst them.' The Prophet then said, 'The first army amongst' my followers who will invade Caesar's City will be forgiven their sins.' I asked, 'Will I be one of them, O Allah's Apostle?' He replied in the negative." Volume 4, Book 52, Number 175 Narrated Khalid bin Madan:
Those who fight in Jihad have the right to the spoils of the conquered or Paradise if he dies
The Prophet said, "The person who participates in (Holy battles) in Allah's cause and nothing compels him to do so except belief in Allah and His Apostles, will be recompensed by Allah either with a reward, or booty (if he survives) or will be admitted to Paradise (if he is killed in the battle as a martyr). Had I not found it difficult for my followers, then I would not remain behind any sariya going for Jihad and I would have loved to be martyred in Allah's cause and then made alive, and then martyred and then made alive, and then again martyred in His cause." Volume 1, Book 2, Number 35, Narrated Abu Huraira.
". . . "This is the Will of Allah, "After the people returned, the Prophet sat and said, "Anyone who has killed an enemy and has a proof of that, will posses his spoils." I got up and said, "Who will be a witness for me?" and then sat down. The Prophet again said, "Anyone who has killed an enemy and has proof of that, will possess his spoils." I (again) got up and said, "Who will be a witness for me?" and sat down. Then the Prophet said the same for the third time. I again got up, and Allah's Apostle said, "O Abu Qatada! What is your story?" Then I narrated the whole story to him. A man (got up and) said, "O Allah's Apostle! He is speaking the truth, and the spoils of the killed man are with me. So please compensate him on my behalf." On that Abu Bakr As-Siddiq said, "No, by Allah, he (i.e. Allah's Apostle ) will not agree to give you the spoils gained by one of Allah's Lions who fights on the behalf of Allah and His Apostle." The Prophet said, "Abu Bakr has spoken the truth." So, Allah's Apostle gave the spoils to me. I sold that armor (i.e. the spoils) and with its price I bought a garden at Bani Salima, and this was my first property which I gained after my conversion to Islam." Volume 4, Book 53, Number 370, Narrated Abu Qatada.
". . . . While we were in this state, the Lord of the Heavens and the Earths, Elevated is His Remembrance and Majestic is His Highness, sent to us from among ourselves a Prophet whose father and mother are known to us. Our Prophet, the Messenger of our Lord, has ordered us to fight you till you worship Allah Alone or give Jizya (i.e. tribute); and our Prophet has informed us that our Lord says:-- Whoever amongst us is killed (i.e. martyred), shall go to Paradise to lead such a luxurious life as he has never seen, and whoever amongst us remain alive, shall become your master." (Al-Mughira, then blamed An-Numan for delaying the attack and) An-Nu' man said to Al-Mughira, "If you had participated in a similar battle, in the company of Allah's Apostle he would not have blamed you for waiting, nor would he have disgraced you. But I accompanied Allah's Apostle in many battles and it was his custom that if he did not fight early by daytime, he would wait till the wind had started blowing and the time for the prayer was due (i.e. after midday)." Volume 4, Book 53, Number 386, Narrated Jubair bin Haiya.
Allah's Apostle said, "Allah guarantees (the person who carries out Jihad in His Cause and nothing compelled him to go out but Jihad in His Cause and the belief in His Word) that He will either admit him into Paradise (Martyrdom) or return him with reward or booty he has earned to his residence from where he went out." Volume 9, Book 93, Number 555, Narrated Abu Huraira:
These were found at http://www.carm.org/islam/hadith_jihad.htm.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Great Earthqaukes & Disasters foretold in the Bible?
This morning I was reading the Bible in part of my devotion time, and I was reminded again of you. I thought I might share some of my notes with you.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, but violence takes lives. 31 If the righteous will be repaid on earth, how much more the wicked and sinful.
Prov 11:30-31 (HCSB)
· I just read this in light of the Islamic teaching of Jihad. The wicked (those who deny the testimony of the Lord Jesus - 1 John 5:10-11) are being repaid for their idolatry, and their rejoicing in the power and rage they feel when the commit these acts. The are having their earthly lives cut short, but sadly they are being taught that this is the way to paradise. And this is a sinister lie of the serpent, that sends them straight to hell.
Have you seen the news reports about the wildfires, the cyclones, the earthquakes? All of these are terrible human tradgedies. But you know, all of this was predicted by Jesus, and recorded in three different books of the Gospels (Matt. 24, Mark 13, Luke 21).
Matthew 24:5-13 5 "For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will mislead many. 6 "You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. 7 "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be bfamines and earthquakes. 8 "But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. 9 "Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. 10 "At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. 11 "Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. 12 "Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold. 13 "But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.
The bible teaches us that God is a God who punishes unrihgteousness both now and for eternity. I think we agree on that.
Romans 1:18 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
Romans 1:21-22 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,
See, this is a part of Yahweh's plan, which He has told us about it from the beginning. He took his covenant people, the Jews, descended from Isaac and Jacob, and God, who always keeps His promises, promised through the prophets thousands of years ago to take away the sin of His 'chosen' people, through whom He wanted to bless the earth.
Zechariah 12:9 - 11; 13:1 9 "And in that day I will set about to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. 10 "I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplication, so that they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn. 11 "In that day there will be great mourning in Jerusalem... Zechariah 13:1 "In that day a fountain will be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for impurity.
We see that the words of the prophets is coming true, namely because not only did the prophecies of the Messiah come true in Jesus (www.100prophecies.org), but Israel was restored in line with God's promises to Israel (Ezekiel 36, 37). And politically things are moving into position to fulfill Ezekiel 38 & 39, when Russia and her Muslim allies come against Israel. Then Yahweh Himself will fight for Israel to defend her.
Zechariah 12:8-9 8 "In that day the LORD will defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the one who is feeble among them in that day will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the LORD before them. 9 "And in that day I will set about to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
I hope my friend, that you will hear God's Word.
John 1:14 14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
1 John 5:9-12 9 If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater; for the testimony of God is this, that He has testified concerning His Son. 10 The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son. 11 And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, but violence takes lives. 31 If the righteous will be repaid on earth, how much more the wicked and sinful.
Prov 11:30-31 (HCSB)
· I just read this in light of the Islamic teaching of Jihad. The wicked (those who deny the testimony of the Lord Jesus - 1 John 5:10-11) are being repaid for their idolatry, and their rejoicing in the power and rage they feel when the commit these acts. The are having their earthly lives cut short, but sadly they are being taught that this is the way to paradise. And this is a sinister lie of the serpent, that sends them straight to hell.
Have you seen the news reports about the wildfires, the cyclones, the earthquakes? All of these are terrible human tradgedies. But you know, all of this was predicted by Jesus, and recorded in three different books of the Gospels (Matt. 24, Mark 13, Luke 21).
Matthew 24:5-13 5 "For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will mislead many. 6 "You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. 7 "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be bfamines and earthquakes. 8 "But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. 9 "Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. 10 "At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. 11 "Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. 12 "Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold. 13 "But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.
The bible teaches us that God is a God who punishes unrihgteousness both now and for eternity. I think we agree on that.
Romans 1:18 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
Romans 1:21-22 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,
See, this is a part of Yahweh's plan, which He has told us about it from the beginning. He took his covenant people, the Jews, descended from Isaac and Jacob, and God, who always keeps His promises, promised through the prophets thousands of years ago to take away the sin of His 'chosen' people, through whom He wanted to bless the earth.
Zechariah 12:9 - 11; 13:1 9 "And in that day I will set about to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. 10 "I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplication, so that they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn. 11 "In that day there will be great mourning in Jerusalem... Zechariah 13:1 "In that day a fountain will be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for impurity.
We see that the words of the prophets is coming true, namely because not only did the prophecies of the Messiah come true in Jesus (www.100prophecies.org), but Israel was restored in line with God's promises to Israel (Ezekiel 36, 37). And politically things are moving into position to fulfill Ezekiel 38 & 39, when Russia and her Muslim allies come against Israel. Then Yahweh Himself will fight for Israel to defend her.
Zechariah 12:8-9 8 "In that day the LORD will defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the one who is feeble among them in that day will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the LORD before them. 9 "And in that day I will set about to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
I hope my friend, that you will hear God's Word.
John 1:14 14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
1 John 5:9-12 9 If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater; for the testimony of God is this, that He has testified concerning His Son. 10 The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son. 11 And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Iran's Supernatural leader?
No, I'm not speaking of A-jad. I'm speaking of a something that A-jad said in a recent speech he was making. I read this on Joel Rosenberg's most recent blog. This is incredible, what this guy is saying. Some Shiites may beleive the 12th Imam is guiding the country, but as Chrisitans we know what spiritual force is guiding this man and this nation.
Ahmadinejad has always been a devotee of the Mahdi, the twelfth imam of Shiite Islam, who Shiites believe disappeared more than a thousand years ago and who will return one day to usher in a new era of peace and harmony. But in a speech to theology students broadcast by state television on Monday, Ahmadinejad went further than ever before in emphasising his belief that the Mahdi is playing a critical role in Iran's day-to-day politics. 'The Imam Mahdi is in charge of the world and we see his hand directing all the affairs of the country,' he said in the speech, which appears to date from last month but has only now been broadcast. 'We must solve Iran's internal problems as quickly as possible. Time is lacking. A movement has started for us to occupy ourselves with our global responsibilities, which are arriving with great speed.' http://joelrosenberg.blogspot.com/
Of course, as Christians we know and understand who is in true control, but I do believe that Ahmadinehad is in contact with a spiritual being who claims to be the 12th Imam, and that is working to steer events to carry out his will (1 Jn 5:19).
Ahmadinejad has always been a devotee of the Mahdi, the twelfth imam of Shiite Islam, who Shiites believe disappeared more than a thousand years ago and who will return one day to usher in a new era of peace and harmony. But in a speech to theology students broadcast by state television on Monday, Ahmadinejad went further than ever before in emphasising his belief that the Mahdi is playing a critical role in Iran's day-to-day politics. 'The Imam Mahdi is in charge of the world and we see his hand directing all the affairs of the country,' he said in the speech, which appears to date from last month but has only now been broadcast. 'We must solve Iran's internal problems as quickly as possible. Time is lacking. A movement has started for us to occupy ourselves with our global responsibilities, which are arriving with great speed.' http://joelrosenberg.blogspot.com/
Of course, as Christians we know and understand who is in true control, but I do believe that Ahmadinehad is in contact with a spiritual being who claims to be the 12th Imam, and that is working to steer events to carry out his will (1 Jn 5:19).
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Homosexuals advance attack on Churches!
Many of you may remember a past blog speaking about the Homosexual group Soulforce, which is planning an invastion into a number of prominent Protestant churches. Their intent for this is obvious, to confront these churches trying to persaude them to openly accept the homosexual lifestyle. And they aren't playing games! This is a matter of serious prayer for our nation's pastors, but especially those of these churches they will target. Let's be a shield of prayer about them!
Soulforce is on the march again. On my radio program two years ago, I featured the Provost of Bethel University in St. Paul, MN, my alma mater. The Provost had decided the best option with regards to Soulforce, a militant gay organization led by Mel White, was to welcome them in and let them deal with students as they wished. Other Twin Cities' Christian colleges had literally barred the doors to protect the students. Bethel gave them a lot of room and grace.
...
Calling this "adventure" the "American Family Outing," Soulforce will enter Lakewood Church (Joel Osteen), The Potter's House (T.D. Jakes), Saddleback Church (Rick Warren), Willow Creek Community Church (Bill Hybels), Hope Christian Church (Harry Jackson), and New Missionary Church (Eddie Long). Again Soulforce has not been invited, but these churches aren't turning them away. Perhaps there is always the underlying hope that these colleges and churches can make a difference in the lives of Soulforce men and women.
Soulforce states on its Web site that they wish to "begin a process of changing hearts and minds" in those churches and to educate the national public through the media on the issues of faith, family, and sexuality."
...
This alert is sent out mainly for prayer purposes. The Soulforce campaign runs from Mother's Day through Father's Day, and is a great slap in the face to the traditional family. They will challenge what the Bible says, cause disruption and likely stand and turn their back to the preachers in the pulpit. Pray for wisdom for church leaders who will come under this oppression and for opportunities to share the true gospel with these men and women, even though they are hostile to all things biblical.
http://www.olivetreeviews.org/articles/Breaking_News.shtml#newsitemEkEpEVAZAVDvoVToTp
I strongly encourage everyone to visit Jan's site to see the rull article/prayer request. It's www.olivetreeviews.org. Let us stand closer together more than ever as the time approaches for our Savior to come for His children. Let us try to have as much impact for holiness and righteousness as we can in this last time!
Soulforce is on the march again. On my radio program two years ago, I featured the Provost of Bethel University in St. Paul, MN, my alma mater. The Provost had decided the best option with regards to Soulforce, a militant gay organization led by Mel White, was to welcome them in and let them deal with students as they wished. Other Twin Cities' Christian colleges had literally barred the doors to protect the students. Bethel gave them a lot of room and grace.
...
Calling this "adventure" the "American Family Outing," Soulforce will enter Lakewood Church (Joel Osteen), The Potter's House (T.D. Jakes), Saddleback Church (Rick Warren), Willow Creek Community Church (Bill Hybels), Hope Christian Church (Harry Jackson), and New Missionary Church (Eddie Long). Again Soulforce has not been invited, but these churches aren't turning them away. Perhaps there is always the underlying hope that these colleges and churches can make a difference in the lives of Soulforce men and women.
Soulforce states on its Web site that they wish to "begin a process of changing hearts and minds" in those churches and to educate the national public through the media on the issues of faith, family, and sexuality."
...
This alert is sent out mainly for prayer purposes. The Soulforce campaign runs from Mother's Day through Father's Day, and is a great slap in the face to the traditional family. They will challenge what the Bible says, cause disruption and likely stand and turn their back to the preachers in the pulpit. Pray for wisdom for church leaders who will come under this oppression and for opportunities to share the true gospel with these men and women, even though they are hostile to all things biblical.
http://www.olivetreeviews.org/articles/Breaking_News.shtml#newsitemEkEpEVAZAVDvoVToTp
I strongly encourage everyone to visit Jan's site to see the rull article/prayer request. It's www.olivetreeviews.org. Let us stand closer together more than ever as the time approaches for our Savior to come for His children. Let us try to have as much impact for holiness and righteousness as we can in this last time!
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