More Than a Prophet

Muslims believe Jesus was only a prophet. The New Oxford American Dictionary defines prophet as “a person regarded as an inspired teacher or proclaimer of the will of God.” A prophet sent from God will tell the truth regardless of the hearer receiving it. So if a true prophet doesn’t lie, let’s examine some of Jesus’ words from the Bible (which was written 500 years before the Koran).

First, Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Notice Jesus said He was THE truth…not a truth. He also said in John 8:31-32, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Followers of Islam argue that Allah (their word for God) had no son. Jesus referred to Himself as the Son of God in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” He later said in John 3:36, “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”

The Koran encourages its followers to “kill the infidels” (Surah 9:5). Jesus said a few things contrary to that…

“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” - Matthew 5:44

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” - John 10:10

“They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me.” - John 16:2-3

Muslims deny that Jesus died on the cross. On the other hand, Jesus stated in Matthew 17:23, “…and they will kill Him, and the third day He will be raised up.”

When giving the Great Commission, Jesus said in Mark 16:17-18, “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” I’ve seen that power manifest using Jesus’ name, not Muhammed, whom Muslims esteem as the greatest prophet.

Many Muslims are concerned about their good deeds outweighing the bad. A religion (not a relationship) puts people into bondage. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Jesus also said in John 14:15, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” One of them is you must be born again. (John 3:3, 7) No amount of good works will remit sin. “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:34-36)

Based on what Jesus said, it’s obvious He is more than a prophet. He is the Son of God who is coming back again. Are you ready for His return?

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." - Acts 4:12

Hollywood and Islam

Mark Wahlberg recently suggested that “Hollywood bubble actors” stop talking about politics because “they’re pretty out of touch with the common person.” One actress who appears to be taking positive action on the latter is Sally Field. In an interview on Chelsea Handler’s Netflix show, the “real Momma Gump” announced she joined Twitter “in order to better understand how the American people could elect a man like Donald Trump.”

Ms. Field, I’d be happy to enlighten you on some things. First, this nation was founded as a Constitutional Republic…not a democracy as you and many Americans wrongly assume. I wish more celebrities who desire to use their fame for good have Judeo-Christian values like that of our Founding Fathers.

Moral reasons were given in a previous blog article as to why I vote Republican. Here I want to point out a key reason why Hillary Clinton would have been a bad president. The former Secretary of State talked of admitting 65,000 Syrian refugees (most if not all of them Muslim) into our country without examining their backgrounds. This would be a fivefold increase of the nearly 13,000 Syrian refugees already resettled across the nation this year. Although many Muslims are content to coexist with people who don’t share their religion, some take the Koran literally and wish to impose Sharia Law upon everybody else.

Ms. Field apparently forgot how living under the cloak of Islam can be a living hell. In her 1991 biopic “Not Without My Daughter”, Sally portrayed Betty Mahmoody, a Michigan woman who married an Iranian-born doctor that tricked her into moving to Iran. Dr. Mahmoody’s renewed commitment to Islam resulted in him controlling Betty’s life and regularly beating her before she and her daughter Mahtob were able to escape and return to the United States.

Ms. Field, would you invite rapists and murderers to stay in your home? If not, then why would you want our country to become like those in Europe that allowed larger numbers of Muslim immigrants? This has resulted in an increase in rapes and “honor killings.” The latter is already happening here in America. The Department of Justice reported there were 27 of them last year. 

Let me clarify I’m not labeling all Muslims rapists and murderers. I welcome those who want to legally immigrate to this country provided they adapt to our way of life and not try to force their customs upon the populace. Still, I advise all Americans to watch “Not Without My Daughter.” It shows how real Islam is not peaceful but a very intolerant religion.

I also read on Wikipedia that Sally Field is a strong supporter of LGBT rights because her youngest son is openly gay. As a Christian, I oppose homosexuality but don’t condone killing those who choose to live deviant lifestyles. Sadly that’s what happens in many Islamic nations.

Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees once told People magazine, “It’d be impossible to live here. Hollywood reminds me of a giant false religion.” I pray more celebrities and Muslims find truth not in religion but in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’” - John 8:32

The Jesus of Islam

Not too long ago during a prayer walk, I stopped to witness to two young men waiting for a bus. Both of them thought they would go to heaven for living good lives. Eventually Sayma told me he was Muslim but still prayed along with his friend Sam to get born again. Since Sayma didn’t have a Bible, I gave him a gospel of John pointing out it reveals a more accurate picture of who Jesus is.

The Koran has some verses about Jesus that agree with the Bible...

Jesus was born of a virgin (Surah 19:19-21)

Jesus taken bodily into Heaven (Surah 3:55)

Jesus was a miracle worker (Surah 2:253)

Jesus said to obey him (Surah 43:63)

However, there are Koranic verses about Jesus that conflict with Scripture...

Surah 3:59 claims Jesus was created. John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

Surahs 4:171 and 5:75 claim Jesus is no more than a messenger of Allah. Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Surah 5:116 says Jesus did not say to worship himself or Mary. This is half-right. Certainly we are not to worship Mary. 1 Timothy 2:5 says, “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.” However, Jesus received worship from people such as the Syro-Phoenician woman in Mark 7:25.

Surah 9:30 claims you are cursed if you say Jesus is God's Son. John 3:36 says the exact opposite, “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”

Muslims also claim Jesus was never crucified and is the Messiah for Jews only. Romans 3:29 says, “Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also”

In these last days, discernment is so important. Even supernatural manifestations of Jesus need to be judged by Scripture. Five years ago at a revival meeting, I heard Pastor John Kilpatrick talk about an incident that happened when he was 15 years old. A figure that looked like Jesus appeared before him in his bedroom. As John was about to fall down and worship this being, a voice inside him asked, “Where are his nail prints?” John then commanded this spirit figure to go away. 

Which Jesus do you preach and worship? Make sure He’s the one described in the Holy Bible. Otherwise, you are bowing down to a false Christ that cannot save you.

“But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!” - 2 Corinthians 11:3-4

Coexisting with the "Tolerant"

One objection to Christianity I sometimes hear from non-believers is that religious differences have supposedly caused more wars than anything else. As a result, we are now seeing similarly designed bumper stickers urging people to “coexist” and have “tolerance” of one other.

The New Oxford American Dictionary defines coexist as “exist in mutual tolerance despite different ideologies or interests.” Ironically, many people who advocate tolerance are in reality intolerant of Christianity because of Scripture that won’t condone their lifestyle choices. Ronald Reagan once said, “The frustrating thing is that those who are attacking religion claim they are doing it in the name of tolerance. Question: Isn’t the real truth that they are intolerant of religion?”

Jesus did pray for unity in John chapter 17 but only amongst believers. The Lord doesn’t like strife and division within His body. Psalm 101:5 (NLT) says, “I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors. I will not endure conceit and pride.” We are also commanded in Ephesians 4:27 to give no place to the devil.

There is such a thing as being too narrow-minded when it comes to God wanting to do new things through His people. Rodney Howard-Browne says, “Some people are so narrow-minded that they can look through a keyhole with both eyes.” In Acts 5:38-39, Gamaliel offered sound advice about reacting to new moves of God. Unless disciples are obviously promoting dangerous practices, it is wiser to be tolerant than repressive. Otherswise, we might find ourselves “fighting against God.”

But one thing Christians cannot tolerate is doctrine opposing the Word of God. One YouTuber wrote to me claiming, “All religions teach the same truth.” Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to Father except through Me.” Notice Jesus said He was THE truth…not a truth.

Nevertheless, Christians should be compassionate towards those that don’t know the truth of God’s word. Some of you might have co-workers or even a spouse who are non-believers. Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”

But some men don’t want to live in peace. Take a look at Islam for example. The God of the Koran is certainly not tolerant of non-Muslims...

“I will throw fear into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Then smite the necks and smite of them each finger. That is because they opposed Allah and His messenger. Whoso opposeth Allah and His messenger, (for him) lo! Allah is severe in punishment.” - Surah 8:12-13

Some people reading this might ask, “What about the Crusades?” Throughout history, atrocities have been carried out in the name of God. But that doesn’t mean God Himself was behind those things.  Jesus said in Matthew 5:44 to “love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” Of course, we must resist evil in cases of war and confronting criminals.

As “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20), we are to be in this world but not of it. Therefore, I exhort you to be intolerant of sin but tolerant of people who hold views contrary to Christianity. By speaking the truth in love, God can use you to lead some of them to Him.

“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord”

- Hebrews 12:14

God’s Word Does Not Return Void

Occasionally when fulfilling the Great Commission, you will encounter individuals who claim the Bible has contradictions. I often respond to this objection by pulling out a Bible and asking, “Will you show me one?” Many times these folks cannot think of any. Others will point out something in the Scriptures that they consider a contradiction.

I had once such incident tonight while taking out the trash. Three boys were coming up the sidewalk and seeing this as a witnessing opportunity, I put down the bag of garbage and handed out tracts. The boys continued walking away as I attempted to minister to them more. It appeared they were focused on going somewhere.

Not long afterwards, a man watching me asked what I had just said to his son (this is why in some situations it’s best to avoid witnessing to young children unless you receive their parent’s permission first). I replied that I was a minister sharing the gospel. Then I proceeded to ask this man where he would spend eternity when his life ended. This man replied he didn’t believe in heaven or hell. It's possible he might have been a Black Muslim since he was with two men in suits who had been selling “The Final Call” newspaper at a nearby intersection.

This man went on to say that there could be no eternal death if Jesus said we will “inherit the earth.” I pointed out that when Jesus comes back to set up His millennial reign, many saints will rule with Him (Romans 8:17 says we are joint-heirs with Christ). This man had a mocking spirit and walked away as I attempted to share more Scripture with him. Still I consider this encounter a divine appointment. The two Black Muslims he was with also heard the truth of God’s word. Our labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” – Isaiah 55:11

(Bible photo by Jimmy MacDonald)