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

Real Ramadan

Every year Muslims observe Ramadan. One dictionary defines it as “the ninth month of the Muslim year, during which strict fasting is observed from sunrise to sunset.” Muslims believe the Quran was revealed to Muhammad during Ramadan, which is referred to as the “best of times.” Because Islam follows a lunar calendar, the dates of Ramadan change every year. For 2018 it began on the evening of Tuesday, May 15 and ends this Thursday evening (June 14).

For nearly two decades the White House has hosted Ramadan dinners. President Trump had one this past Wednesday after skipping it for 2017. I’ve even seen some churches displaying signs wishing their Muslim neighbors a “blessed Ramadan.” Certainly, I’m in favor of reaching out to non-Christians. The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:22, “I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” However, I have a problem with encouraging religious practices contrary to the word of God.

Would you tell a Muslim to have a “blessed jihad”? Sounds crazy, doesn’t it? Yet that’s what people are indirectly doing by wishing Muslims a blessed Ramadan. This supposedly holy period is really a month of jihad. Mohammad’s conquest of Mecca and the Battle of Badr occurred then. The terrorist group ISIS has told followers the rewards for bloodshed are greater during Ramadan. 

Still think Islam is “a religion of peace”? Check out this extensive list of terrorist attacks. Among those that happened during Ramadan include the Pulse nightclub massacre in Orlando and an attack outside Islam’s second holiest mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia.

There are now close to 3.5 million Muslims here in the United States. If one of them invited me to a Ramadan gathering, I’d probably decline but offer to pray for my Muslim acquaintance so that he hopefully comes to know Jesus who is more than a prophet. Fasting and other works do not bring spiritual purification. It’s only through knowing the Savior.

“Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God…If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.” - 2 John 9-11

Free Radicals

To some people, the word radical has negative connotations. For example, “radical Islam” refers to Muslims carrying out suicidal bombings such as the one this past Monday in Manchester, England that killed 22 people and injured more than 100 others. Although there are peace loving Muslims who condemn such attacks, the fact is the Koran has verses endorsing acts against “infidels” who won’t convert to their religion.

The liberal media wrongly compares “radical Christians” to radical Islam. Yes, there have been a few violent acts carried out by extremists in the name of God. However, true followers of Jesus will not kill their enemies except for soldiers defending their country or officers confronting criminals. Even renowned atheist Richard Dawkins stated, “There are no Christians, as far as I know, blowing up buildings. I am not aware of any Christian suicide bombers. I am not aware of any major Christian denomination that believes the penalty for apostasy is death.”

The New Oxford American Dictionary has several definitions of radical. One is an adjective meaning “(especially of change or action) relating to or affecting the fundamental nature of something; far-reaching or thorough.” Another is a noun meaning “a person who advocates thorough or complete political or social reform.” Radical can also refer to a surgery or medical treatment that is thorough and intended to be completely curative.

Most people don’t know the word radical used to have a different meaning. Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines it as “pertaining to the root or origin.” The word originated from the Latin word radicalis, meaning “root.”

Perhaps you’ve heard of a free radical. It’s a chemistry term describing atoms with an odd (unpaired) number of electrons and can be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. Spiritually speaking, God wants us to be free radicals - free to be radical for Him. Jesus could have been considered a radical as He upset the religious leaders of His day. Today there are radical Christians who won’t let religious people suppress their gifts and callings. A radical Christian walking in love is really a normal Christian.

My life was radically changed after making Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior 26 years ago. All believers can bring radical change for good to society as well as people’s eternal destinies by obeying the Great Commission. You may not be appreciated at first by those in your sphere of influence. Regardless, our goal is to please the Lord.

“But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, ‘These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.’” - Acts 17:6

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

What Would Jesus Do in Orlando?

Pulse nightclub in Orlando

Last Sunday morning in Orlando, Florida, a Muslim man walked into a gay bar and went on a shooting spree. 49 people plus the gunman were killed. Another 53 were wounded. Not counting massacres done to Native Americans during the Westward Expansion, this was the worst mass shooting on U. S. soil.

From an eternal perspective, the greatest tragedy regarding any large loss of lives are those who died without knowing the Lord. While it’s possible there were Christians among those killed in Orlando, it’s likely most of them weren’t. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 says, “Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.” Fortunately verse 11 offers hope to those who repent, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." I posted these verses on my Facebook page along with a prayer for laborers to reach out to the survivors with the gospel so they recognize their need for salvation. 

Unfortunately, my comments were misinterpreted by a few of my Facebook friends. Four of them unfriended me. Others wrote some not-so-positive remarks. One accused me of “discriminating” against gays. In response, I pointed out that when I’m doing street evangelism and encounter homosexuals, I usually don’t witness to them differently than I would to heterosexuals. We all need the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Quoting what Scripture says regarding immoral behavior isn’t discrimination but warning of the consequences if one doesn’t repent.

Another friend mentioned Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:1 (KJV), “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” I’ve noticed many people are quick to judge murderers as hell-bound but God still used Moses and Paul to write parts of the Bible (including Scriptures opposing homosexuality). A proper interpretation of God’s word shows that a Christian is supposed to judge but without being judgmental or hypocritical. Jesus said in John 7:24, “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”

One of my other Facebook friends posted this simple question: “What would Jesus do?” Jesus would likely respond the same way He did to the woman caught in adultery in John chapter 8...extend mercy but then say, “Go and sin no more.” (verse 11) 

Jesus wouldn’t want us throwing stones but demonstrating His love towards those affected by the tragedy in Orlando. Chick-fil-A employees there showed up for work last Sunday (a day they are normally closed) to prepare and give away food to first responders and people donating blood to victims of the shooting. This certainly demonstrates Christlikeness considering Chick-fil-A experienced protests after their CEO spoke out against gay marriage in 2012.

In no way do I condone what happened in Orlando. If I were to know any of the victims' family members, I would be compassionate towards them regarding the loss of their loved ones. However, if I was asked to speak at their funeral, it would be dishonest for me to say they are “in a better place” if I wasn’t certain they knew the Lord and lived their lives for Him.

Homosexuality can be a very sensitive subject especially around those who have close friends that are part of the LGBT community. Nevertheless, Christians should never be afraid to speak the truth of God’s word. We can reach out to homosexuals with Christ’s love without condoning their lifestyles.

“He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” - Proverbs 28:13

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

Holy Fire?

This Saturday will be the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In response, a church in Gainesville, Florida is planning to burn copies of the Koran. Senior Pastor Terry Jones of Dove World Outreach Center has declared, "It is indeed a radical message but a very clear, radical message to Muslims, to Sharia law, that that is not welcome in America." This upcoming event has drawn protests from both Christians and Muslims. The city of Gainesville has refused to grant a burn permit to Dove World Outreach Center. Nevertheless, the church is going forward with its “International Burn A Koran Day.”

One might point out there is a Scriptural precedent for burning books that oppose God’s word. Acts chapter 19 describes a group of sorcerers in Ephesus who publicly renounced their faith in the occult…

18 And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds.

19 Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver.

20 So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.

Once I attended a church service on Halloween night where congregation members brought books, records, and other non-Christian materials to be burned. If an ex-Muslim carried his copy of the Koran to such a gathering, I would be supportive of his decision to burn it. Otherwise, that unused Koran could fall into the hands of someone who becomes deceived into following its false doctrine.

But as a fellow minister of the gospel, I do not support Dove World Outreach Center’s “International Burn A Koran Day.” Romans 12:21 says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Pastor Jones himself stated, “Most people who criticize are also the people who don’t do anything…If they do not like our method, then they should do something themselves.” He even suggested Christians going door-to-door distributing Christian literature about the love of Jesus. That’s certainly a better way to reach out to Muslims with the gospel. The Great Commission does not include burning books.

A century before the Nazis took control of Germany, Heinrich Heine (a German Jew who converted to Christianity) prophetically wrote, “Where books are burned, they will, in the end, burn people, too.” Rather than burning Korans, I advise the congregation of Dove World Outreach Center to focus on getting the word of God burning in people’s hearts.

“And they said to one another, ‘Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?’ - Luke 24:32

Bible Misinterpretations By Muslims

Muslims believe that Jesus was a prophet but not the Son of God. When I encounter a Muslim while street evangellizing, I’ll first ask him if he agrees that a true prophet of God doesn’t lie. When the Muslim says, “yes,” then I mention that Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) I also point out that Jesus called Himself the Son of God in John 3:16; “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…”

Muslims seek to undermine the credibility of the Bible by calling sections of it “corrupt” that conflict with their religious book, the Koran, which was written over 500 years after the New Testament. Nevertheless, Muslims will select Bible verses taken out of context in an attempt to validate Mohammed as a prophet of God. One of which is Deuteronomy 18:18...

“I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him.”

Notice “Prophet” in this verse is capitalized meaning it refers to deity. Muslims will not worship a prophet. Therefore this Prophet is none other than Jesus, the Son of the Living God.

An Islamic booklet one Muslim gave me also made reference to John 1:19-21...

19 Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”

20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.”

21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.”

This Islamic booklet stated that Bibles with cross-references link the words “the Prophet” with the prophecy of Deuteronomy. Therefore, Muslims conclude that Jesus Christ is not the prophet mentioned in Deuteronomy 18:18. Yet John the Baptist later declared in John 1:29, “Behold! The Lamb of God [Jesus] who takes away the sin of the world.” Muslims ignore the sin issue by focusing on good works, hoping they will do enough of them to receive eternal life.

Islam correctly affirms that in Genesis 21, Abraham had two sons named Ishmael and Isaac. But then Muslims claim that the prophet spoken of was not to come from among the Jews but from the Ishmaelites. Matthew 1:2 clearly states the Messiah descended from Isaac, not Ishmael.

Muslims also declare that Isaiah 42:1-13 is about the Servant of the Lord. This is true regarding the first nine verses where the Lord is speaking. But then there are no quotation marks around the next four verses, which is a commandment directly from the prophet Isaiah. Look specifically at verses 10 and 11...

10 Sing to the LORD a new song, and His praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you coastlands and you inhabitants of them!

11 Let the wilderness and its cities lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar inhabits. Let the inhabitants of Sela sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains.

Muslims claim Isaiah 42:11 is about their “awaited one” because Genesis 25:13 makes reference to a man named Kedar who was the second son of Ishmael, supposedly an ancestor of Mohammad. But again the Messiah clearly descended from Isaac, not Ishmael!

Always remember to speak the truth in love when ministering to a Muslim. Avoid getting into an argument. Whether or not the Muslim prays with you, end the conversation politely by thanking him for his time and say, "Jesus Loves You."

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." - 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)