The Uncomfortable Definition of an Infidel

This is a copy of an e-mail that I have received. I have not rushed to publish it on this blog, but have eventually decided to do so on the grounds that, even if it is, in fact, apocryphal, it is also, in my opinion, a statement of truth.

"The Muslim religion is, by far, the fastest growing religion in the UK. Last month I attended my annual training session that's required for maintaining my prison security clearance. During the training session there was a presentation by three speakers representing the Church of Rome, the Reformed faiths, and Islam, each of whom explained their beliefs. I was particularly interested in what the Islamic Imam had to say. The Imam gave a great presentation of the basics of Islam, complete with a video. After the presentations, time was provided for questions and answers.
When it was my turn, I directed my question to the Imam and asked: 'Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand that most Imams and clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad [holy war] against the infidels of the world and, that by killing an infidel, which is a command to all Muslims, they are assured of a place in heaven. If that's the case, can you give me the definition of an infidel?'
There was no disagreement with my statements and, without hesitation, he replied, 'Non-believers!'
I responded, 'So, let me make sure I have this straight. All followers of Islam have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your religion so they can have a place in heaven. Is that correct?'
The expression on his face changed from one of authority and command to that of 'a little boy who had just been caught with his hand in the cookie jar.'
Sheepishly, he replied, 'Yes.'
I then stated, 'Well, I have a real problem trying to imagine PopeBenedict commanding all Catholics to kill those of your faith or Dr.Stanley [a well-known evangelical Bible teacher] ordering all Protestants to do the same in order to guarantee them a place in heaven!'
The Imam was speechless!
I continued, 'I also have a problem with being your 'friend' when you and your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me! Let me ask you a question. Would you rather have your Allah [the Arabic word for "one god"], who tells you to kill me in order for you to go to heaven, or my Jesus who tells me to love you because I am going to heaven and He wants you to be there with me?'
You could have heard a pin drop as the Imam remained speechless. Needless to say, the organizers and promoters of the 'Diversification' training seminar were not happy with this way of dealing with the Islamic Imam, and exposing the truth about the Muslims' beliefs.
Within twenty years there will be enough Muslim voters in the U.K. to elect a government of their choice, complete with sharia law. I think everyone in the U.K. should be required to read this, but with the liberal justice system, liberal media and the political correctness/madness, there is no way this will be widely publicised.
Please pass this on to all your e-mail contacts.
John Harrison MBE. MIDSc"

Eritrea

Eritrea is a relatively small African country that is situated at the southwestern coast of the Red Sea. It's a place that doesn't often appear in our news programmes in any of the media. However, it is one of almost sixty countries in which Christians are persecuted for no other reason than their steadfast allegiance to the Lord Jesus. This is a report that arrived in my mailbox today:

"Sources have confirmed that eight Christians have died while imprisoned for their faith in Eritrea in the last few years. In addition, church leaders estimate that a further 2,907 Christians, including over 100 women, are being imprisoned because of their faith.
The government campaign against Christians continued into 2009 with the arrest on 11 January of 15 male members of the Kale-Hiwot Church in Keren. Five of them are preachers. All those arrested were taken from their homes.
In early January, Mogos Hagos Kiflom (37) died at Mitire Military Confinement, as a result of the continued physical torture he endured for his refusal to recant his faith. Kiflom, who was a member of the Rhema Church, leaves behind a wife, one child and his mother.
On 16 January, Mehari Gebreneguse Asgedom (42) also died in Mitire while under solitary confinement. Sources say he died as a result of ongoing physical torture and complications from his diabetes. Asgedom was a member of the Church of the Living God in Mendefera. He leaves behind a widowed mother.
The Mitire Military Confinement was built in the north east of the country apparently for the express purpose of punishing Christians who persist in their religious activities despite the government's ban on them in 2002. Incarcerated Christians from all over the country have been moved to Mitire where they suffer physical torture and forced labour."

If you are a believer, please pray:
1. Pray for the Lord’s comfort and solace for the families and friends of Mehari Gebreneguse Asgedom and Mogos Hagos Kiflom. Ask God to provide for their needs.
2. Pray for all Christians who find themselves in Mitire Military Confinement and other Eritrean prisons. Pray that God's Spirit will keep them from despondency and through grace help them to remain full of hope and peace.
3. Pray for wisdom for all church members who have had to step into leadership positions due to the widespread arrest of pastors.

Thank you

How long has it been?

I’ve been at the gym today!! However, it was my first visit for some time, and I have to admit that it wasn’t as easy as it is when I am in the habit of much more regular visits. Of course, I didn’t go in and immediately start a full work-out. I was careful to “pace” myself, although I intend to gradually build up to my maximum again, over the next few weeks!

As I did my 20 mins. on the treadmill, I found myself thinking of the Christian life. No, not because I think of the latter as anything like a treadmill – it’s much too exciting, interesting, and even dangerous, for that. Rather, I thought of how easy it is to get out of the habit of praying frequently, of reading one’s Bible every day, of meeting with other believers for regular times of fellowship.

The difficulty arises when our consciences remind us of what we should be doing, but the longer we leave it, the more difficult it is to get back into those good, and upbuilding, practices. If that’s where you find yourself, may I suggest that you do for your spiritual benefit what I was doing, today, for my physical benefit? Don’t try to read the whole of the Gospel according to Matthew at your first sitting, or try to pray for a full hour, or even try to fit in three different worship services this Sunday! Perhaps ten minutes in prayer; reading a chapter of a Bible book; attending one worship service; would be a good start. Then, as the weeks pass, you can gradually build up until you are enjoying significant times with the Lord, and with His people

Of course, all of that assumes that you have been “backsliding”, but that you do have a living relationship with Father God, through the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus, on your behalf. If you haven’t, then your starting point is to confess your sinfulness, and invite Jesus to be King and Lord in your life. When I go to the gym, I wear appropriate clothing for my time of exercise. So, when we come into the presence of Almighty God, we must “… put on the Lord Jesus …” (Rom.13:14) and be covered with His righteousness.

The apostle Paul wrote these words to his young protégé, Timothy: “Train yourself in godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life, and also for the life to come.” (I Tim.4:7-8). That still holds true today!

Change, and Hope!

Well, it's all over bar the shouting, and Barack H. Obama is now the President of the U.S.of A. in office. I didn't sit glued to the TV all day, watching the inauguration, but I did watch the highlights on the evening news programme.

The new President certainly seems to have galvanised a large percentage of the citizens of the USA - although a radio interview to which I listened in the car, this evening, clearly indicated that, in the Southern states, there remains a considerable number who have no time for this "black" leader of their nation. (Actually, he is not black, but "mixed-race". Given a good summer holiday in France, my skin is almost as dark as his!)

The two words that seem to sum up the new presidency are "change" and "hope". The campaign slogan, as I recall, was "It's time for change"; and the majority of the people seem to be of the opinion that this President brings with him new hope - not only for the USA, but even for the whole world! Time alone will tell whether, or not, Mr Obama is truly "fit for purpose"; the proof of the pudding will be in the eating thereof!

Apart from it would seem, some Islamist extremists, most of those who express any interest in such political goings-on wish the new President well. The task ahead is not going to be easy - but it seems that he is well aware of that!

As I stated in a post when his election was confirmed, there is much that is attractive about the man, although I do have reservations about some of his policy positions. However, my bigger concern is the recent use of the term "saviour" for this man. As a committed Christian I have to proclaim that there is only one Saviour of mankind - the "... one Mediator Who can reconcile God and humanity: the Man Christ Jesus." (I Tim.2:5). It is at His Name, and His Name alone, that "... every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that [He] is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Phil.210-11).

It is this same Jesus Who guarantees real change in the lives of those who truly commit themselves to Him; and Who gives real hope, not just for time, but even for eternity.

Finished!

Today (Monday!), I requested the final piece of work that I have to complete in order to receive my M.Div. degree. This means that, within a couple of weeks, I should have completed the programme even ‘though I expect it to be some time later before I receive the diploma that will proclaim my achievement to all (well, to all who climb the stairway up to my study and studio!). I will endeavour to resist the temptation to run outside shouting about my success.

Of course, there are other situations when a person’s success is easily seen, and is observed by many. By this time tomorrow, millions will have watched the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States of America; when an athlete competes, or a football team plays, supporters not only watch, but cheer encouragement to the object(s) of their support; film, and “pop”, stars are the recipients of much adulation by their adoring fans.

Almost 2,000 years ago, a Man completed the work that He had set out to accomplish. His success was very public, but was seen as defeat. There were crowds – but most of them were there to mock, or merely to watch the spectacle of yet another crucifixion. I wonder how many really understood His great shout (and it was a cry of triumph, not of submission to the inevitable) – “Tetelestai” (“Finished”). Yes, that Man was Jesus. In spite of the attacks, and the temptations, of the evil one, He had completed the work for which He had entered our human situation: taking upon His divine nature, our human flesh; leaving that dimension that we refer to as “heaven”, and entering the time/space continuum that is our experience; subjecting Himself to every temptation that we experience, yet without sinning.

When an athlete finishes the race, there may be a prize – but usually it is only for the first few to cross the finishing line; a team may end the season at the top of their particular league/group, and be rewarded accordingly. However, Jesus’ success was different. Because He accomplished His work, you and I may receive the reward! And it’s a reward that lasts, not just for a season, or even for a lifetime. It’s a reward that lasts through eternity – a personal relationship with the Creator God. Our part is to confess our own sinfulness, and accept His wonderful gift of salvation.

Success can be a strange thing – but I’m so glad that Jesus succeeded, in order that I might “… receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling …” me. (Phi.3:14). Have you received His gift? Have you?