Ministry Newsletter

Ministry Newsletter

October – November 2001

This Issue: Note From Ed • Islam Part One • The Jihad • A 911 Call To God

I was in the back seat of our family car when it was announced on the old car radio that the Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor. I remember the anguish and tears of the adults and I remember my sister and I crying, not quite sure what this all meant… But it did mean war, real war and blackouts and gas rationing and the death of friends and family. I remember where I was when President Kennedy was assassinated, and what I was doing when Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King were assassinated…things burned into my memory by the grief and pain of those terrible events.

Modern History is going to be defined by that moment in time when everything froze while these monstrous events in New York, Washington and Pittsburgh took place.

Carol and I were at pastors’ retreat and retreat we did, gathering together early that Tuesday to cry out to God in fervent prayer and supplication. For the past week since the terrorist attacks, we have been in such deep prayer, hardly eating and crying at every little and big thing.

Our church was packed on that Tuesday night. Instead of the usual dozens who come for our evening prayer vigil, hundreds came and stayed. Sunday was a day when so many millions of Americans flocked to their places of worship, gathering together as a united people. American flags are everywhere I look; people are quieter, more polite, their eyes seeking connection with others now.

I didn’t see one person on their knees calling out to the ACLU or a congressman or senator. The Nation bowed its knee and most are staying there. Others are already back to their own gods, their own pleasures. I don’t blame them…They need a place to hide if they haven’t found sanctuary in the arms of a loving Lord.

I know most of you don’t need to be told this, but let me say it anyway. Most of the Muslim people in the USA are fellow citizens who have come here to be away from the terror and tyranny of their former lands. They are here to live in peace, because this is where peace is to be found.

Please, treat them with all the loving kindness you have in Christ Jesus, as His ambassadors. They may have a faith that is not ours, some may dress far differently than we do and they may be inwardly focused because of their culture, but they are Americans and they are not our enemies. Please, let them see Jesus in your gentle concern for them.

I pray for you all at this time of national crisis. Love one another. Husbands do not leave the house without holding your wife and your children and telling them you love them. Wives, greet your husbands with hugs and kisses. Parents, kneel down and pray with your children every day before they go to school. Teach them the foundation of your faith and show them how to trust in the Lord and in His ways.

We are truly blessed to have you as a part of the ministry of Saints Alive.

Your Brother In Christ,

Ed Decker

- ISLAM -
ANOTHER GOD? ANOTHER GOSPEL?

By Ed Decker

A while back I was speaking at a State University in Utah and made the statement that Mormonism was "the American Islam." I drew a comparison between the claims of Mohammed and Joseph Smith, the Koran and the Book of Mormon. During the Question and Answer time, I faced a number of very agitated Muslims. In fact, the Muslim interaction all but overshadowed the dialogue on Mormonism. The next day, I met with two Muslim leaders and began a series of contacts that forced me to take a deep look at its history, its tenets of belief and its comparisons to orthodox Christianity.

http://www.watchman.org/ tells us this: "Islam, Muhammad: Based on the teachings and life of Muhammad (570-632 AD) in Mecca and Medina, Saudi Arabia (then Persia). Islam is the second largest world religion, and has recently become the third largest religious body in America with over 6 million adherents. Muslim-based sects such as the Nation of Islam (which appeals especially to African-Americans) and Bahai (which proclaims the unity of the human race) have special appeal to many Americans. Islam is composed of two major divisions — the mainstream Sunni (the largest) and the more radical Shiites. The mystical tradition of Sufism includes many Sunnis and some Shiites. The Arabic word Islam means "submission to the will of God" and a person who submits is called a Muslim. The Qur’an (or, Koran), the Torah, the Psalms of the Old Testament, and the Gospel of the New Testament are regarded as holy books. However, only the Qur’an is considered uncorrupted.

Islam rejects the Trinity doctrine, the deity of Christ and His Sonship, claiming that Jesus was only a great prophet. Muhammad is considered to be the greatest prophet, whose coming was allegedly predicted by Christ. Islam adheres fiercely to monotheism.

In addition to good works, salvation is sought though observance of the Five Pillars: reciting "there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger," praying five times per day, fasting, giving alms (donations to the poor), and a pilgrimage to Mecca.

Historically, Islam experienced tremendous growth often by forced proselytism — unbelievers (infidels) were offered conversion or death. While many Muslims exhibit tolerance towards other faiths, even today Islamic fundamentalism promotes jihad (holy war), against those of other religious and political views." (end of quote)

Today, there are more Muslims in the United States than all the Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses and Christian Scientists combined.

An extremely militant segment of that society has been emerging in many major cities and in every state university I have visited. As orthodox Christians, we are going to have to be ready to deal with what I believe may be the most aggressive attack on Christianity in its history.

Let's take a look at the faith of Mohammed. When he was born in Mecca in 570 AD, the black Kaaba Stone was the religious center of all Arabia. In Mohammed's day, 365 idols were worshipped there, standing in the great courtyard. One of those deities was called Allah and was the god of the Quarish tribe, of which Mohammed was a member. When the Quarish tribe took control of Mecca, all the idols except Allah, the idol of their tribe, were destroyed.

The Koran tells us that Mohammed drove the other idols away; his god was now the only god and he was its messenger. But, he kept the Kaaba as a holy, sacred place and confirmed that the black stone had the power to take away man's sins. He obligated every believer to make a pilgrimage to the stone at least once in his lifetime. (Sura 22:26-37)

THE SIX BELIEFS OF ISLAM

God: There is one true God, named Allah.

Angels: They are the servants of God, through whom he reveals his will. The greatest angel is Gabriel who appeared to Mohammed. Everyone has two "recording angels": one to record their good deeds, the other to record their bad deeds.

The Prophets: Allah has spoken through many prophets, but the final and greatest of these is Mohammed. Other prophets include Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus.

The Holy Books: The Koran or Quran is the holiest book of Islam, believed to be Allah's final revelation to man and it supersedes all previous revelations, including the Bible. It contains Allah's word as passed on orally to Mohammed by Gabriel. It contains 114 chapters or Suras. Muslims also recognize the Law of Moses, the Psalms and the gospels but consider them to be badly corrupted.

The Day of Judgment: A terrible day on which each person's good and bad deeds will be balanced to determine his fate.

The Decree of God: Allah ordains the fate of all. Muslims are fatalistic. "If Allah, wills it", is the comment of a devout Muslim on almost every situation or decision he faces.

THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM

Affirmation: "There is no God but Allah and Mohammed is his messenger" which is recited constantly by devout Muslims.

The Fast: Faithful Muslims fast from dawn to dusk every day during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan, which is sacred.

Almsgiving: A worthy Muslim must give 2.5% of his income to the poor.

Prayer: Muslims are required to pray five times a day, kneeling and facing Mecca.

The Pilgrimage: Muslims are expected to journey to Mecca at least once in their lifetime.

IS ISLAM ANOTHER GOSPEL?

Islam teaches that God is so far above man in every way that he is virtually unknowable. He will send individuals to Paradise or Hell as he chooses.

Islam teaches that Jesus was a messenger of God, not the Son of God. Muslims deny the He is Almighty God come in the flesh. (John 1:1-14, I John 4:1,2). They deny that He is divine. (Col 2:9) They deny that He died on the Cross-for our sins (Most believe the Judas died in his place). They deny that He rose from the dead. (Matt 26: 28, John 19:20) They deny that He is the final, conclusive revelation of God. (Heb. 1: 1-2)

IS ALLAH ANOTHER GOD?

Is this stone idol the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob? Just because Mohammed said so doesn't make it so! Allah chose Hagar and her son, Ishmael for his covenant. The God of the Bible chose Abraham's other son, Isaac, as heir to His covenant. (Gen 21: 12, 22:2-18)

Allah is an impersonal being, impossible to approach or comprehend. The Bible's God befriends men like Abraham (Is. 41:8) and talks with them (Gen 18:23ff)! He loved us so much He sent His only begotten Son to die for us! (John 3:16) Allah is a god of fear and terrorism that commands destruction upon those who refuse to convert to Islam. The Bible's God delights to show His boundless mercy. His gospel is the "Good News" of peace and forgiveness.

Allah requires total obedience to Islam and weighs the works of people. Allah and the Koran relegate Jesus to just the last prophet before Mohammed, below his authority. Jesus was not the Way, and could only point the way to Mohammed. The Bible's God can only be reached through Jesus Christ and trust in Him is the only way to Heaven. (John 14:6). Allah required the works of Mohammed to complete his words of judgment to man. The God Of The Bible sent His son who did the finished work of grace for man. (John 19:30)

In the light of Allah's actual origin and his radical difference from the God of the Bible, we must conclude that Allah is not God. Nor is the name, Allah, a generic Mid-East name for God, as even many Christians think. Allah is the name of a false god who cannot save anyone from anything. Rather, through his false prophet, Mohammed, he continues to lead hundreds of millions into violence, death and eternal darkness.

The Jihad

The Jihad is a holy war, one fought to the death, a great and noble death honoring Allah in the defensive of the faith. While we are seeing Islamic clerics on TV by the scores claiming that the jihad and destruction such as seen on 9/11/01, it is a very real, core element of the Islamic faith. It is also a doctrinal teaching that has led to the deaths of millions of Muslims throughout history. Let’s look at the Holy Jihad being waged against America. It is not just a single group of militant. Would that it were. This Jihad is operating across the entire world of Islam and draws its fanatics from every corner of the faith.

Hal Lindsey is one of the most knowledgeable Christians on this subject, having studied them for many years. Sign up for his daily update reports on this war. In His daily commentary at his web site, he had this to say today, 9/17/01.

"The enemy we face is far more than a certain country, or a certain race. It is multi-national and multi-racial. The enemy is found all over the world disguised in many clever guises. The enemy is organized into cell groups that can operate autonomously or can be joined into multi-cell strike groups, as on September the 11th. The enemy is fanatical and totally dedicated to the common goal of destroying the USA and Israel.

Our enemy has been created by one common all consuming core-Islam. Our enemy is blindly courageous because of the teachings of his religious leaders that when he dies attacking the enemy, he goes immediately to paradise to be given 70 beautiful virgins for his heavenly harem. Our enemy will therefore gladly volunteer to give his life in a suicide attack against the USA and its people.

All the forces of Fundamental Islam have not just declared war on the USA; they have declared a "Jihad or holy war" against us. This Jihad has been strengthened with many "Fatwahs", which give specific, murderous and explicit religious commands to kill all Americans in every place and by any means possible.

Osama Bin Laden issued such a fatwah in which he declared it to be the sacred duty to Allah for all Muslims to kill Americans at every opportunity by any means. Specifically, his fatwah ordered, "‘We with God’s help call on every Muslim who believes in God and wishes to be rewarded to comply with God’s order to kill the Americans and plunder their money wherever and whenever they find it.".

That is who Bin-Laden's enemy is. It isn't the United States. It isn't the government. It is each and every individual American -- ordinary Americans like those who now lie entombed under a million tons of rubble in Manhattan. It's you. ( http://hallindseyoracle.com/)

Is this Jihad really an Islamic doctrine? - Let’s read what the Koran, the Islamic holy scriptures, says about Jihad !

And those who perform jihad for Us, We shall certainly guide them in Our ways, and God is surely with the doers of good. Sura 39: 69

"O you who believe! Shall I guide you to a commerce that will save you from a painful torment. That you believe in Allah and His Messenger and that you strive hard and fight in the Cause of Allah with your wealth and your lives, that will be better for you, if you but know! (If you do so) He will forgive you your sins, and admit you into Gardens under which rivers flow, and pleasant dwelling in Gardens of Eternity, that is indeed the great success." Sura 61: 10-12

O you who believe! Do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people. Surah 5:51

The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His Apostle and strive to make mischief in the land is only this, that they should be murdered or crucified or their hands and their feet should be cut off on opposite sides or they should be imprisoned; this shall be as a disgrace for them in this world, and in the hereafter they shall have a grievous chastisement. Surah 5:33

So when the sacred months have passed away, then slay the idolaters wherever you find them, and take them captives and besiege them and lie in wait for them in every ambush, then if they repent and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate, leave their way free to them; surely Allah is forgiving, Merciful Surah 9:5

O Prophet! Strive hard against the unbelievers and the hypocrites and be unyielding to them; and their abode is hell, and evil is the destination. Surah 9:73

O you who believe! Fight those of the unbelievers who are near to you and let them find you in hardness; and know that Allah is with those who guard (against evil) Surah 9:123

And fight with them until there is no more persecution and religion should be only for Allah, but if they desist, then surely Allah sees what they do. Surah 8:39

"You shall prepare for them all the power you can muster, and all the equipment you can mobilize, that you may frighten the enemies of GOD, your enemies, as well as others who are not known to you; GOD knows them. Whatever you spend in the cause of GOD will be repaid to you generously, without the least injustice. If they resort to peace, so shall you, and put your trust in GOD. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient." Sura 8:60-61

The Glory of Death

The Islamic Jihad recruits young Arabs by means of religious indoctrination, and bases its terror strategy on the willingness of these young people to lay down their lives for what they see as a divine command -- the war against the infidels. Many of the Jihad's terrorist attacks are designed as suicide operations, in which the terrorist attempts to cause as many casualties as possible without planning his own escape.

In 1992, bin Laden issued a proclamation, ordering the attack of U.S. military installations in Saudi Arabia and Somalia. In early 1993, bin Laden-trained forces ambushed American troops in Somalia, killing 18 Army Rangers.

"If someone can kill an American soldier," bin Laden said in a February interview, "it is better than wasting time on other matters."

When the fighting ended, bin Laden emerged as the leader of an organization of battle-hardened veterans and religious fundamentalists crusading to oppose non-Islamic governments with violence. Bin Laden called his group al Qaeda, Arabic for "The Base."

According to court papers, al Qaeda quickly developed a strong anti-American outlook. The United States' involvement in the 1991 Gulf War and 1992 famine relief mission in Somalia only strengthened bin Laden's hatred -- al Qaeda considered the U.S. military's continued presence in the Middle East "American occupation of Islamic countries."

Our Response to the Attack against America

Pastor Wendell Smith The City Church of Seattle

Many people are looking for answers in the midst of the shock of the recent attack on American soil. Here is a response to the crisis from the Scriptures, and a guide for prayer. Permission is granted to reprint and distribute to Churches and Christian Groups.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

1. The last days will be marked by perilous times and days of distress. (Luke 21:26; 1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Tim. 3:1; 4:1-5)

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come- 2 Tim 3:1 (NKJV)

2. Jesus Christ Himself predicted these kinds of events would happen. (Matt. 24, 25; Mark 13; Luke 21)

"But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.- Luke 21:9

3. Man is not by nature good- but rather sinful and capable of horrible evil. (Jer. 17:9; Rom. 3:10-18)

"The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it? Jer 17:9 As it is written: "There is none righteous, no, not one; whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood; Destruction and misery are in their ways; And the way of peace they have not known. There is no fear of God before their eyes. Romans 3:10, 14-18

4. In the face of these tragic events we do not blame a good God, but rather an evil devil. (John 10:10, 11; James 1:13-17; James 3:15-18)

"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. I am the good shepherd" John 10:10-11

5. Only evil men inspired by demonic powers could do something so wicked and destructive. (Mark 5:2-5; 2 Thess. 3:2; 1 Tim. 4:1)

"Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons" 1 Tim 4:1

6. Evil doers should be punished and the justice of God is meted out through God ordained authority. (Rom. 13:1-4; 1 Pet. 2:14)

"Governors…are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. 1 Peter 2:14 "For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Romans 13:4

7. The only hope for mankind is to reconcile with God through Jesus Christ. (2 Cor. 5:18-21)"And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled. Col 1:21 "For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. Romans 5:10

8. When people face life and death, the reality of eternal life becomes most important. (John 3:16)

"For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Phil 1:21 "Having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:7

9. People everywhere should call on the name of the Lord for forgiveness and repentance. (Acts 2:21; Rom. 10:13)

"And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved.' Acts 2:21 "if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chron 7:14

10. Believers worldwide should pray and intercede for kings and those in authority. (1 Tim. 3:1-4)

"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 1 Tim 2:1-2

11. Wrestling with flesh and blood leads to hatred and racism; but praying against principalities and powers brings revival, forgiveness, reconciliation and justice. (Eph. 6:12)

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Eph 6:12

12. The gospel of the Kingdom will be preached and the church will shine brightly in the last days. (Matt. 5:13-16; 24:14; 13:43)

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matt 5:16 "Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear! Matt 13:43"And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. Matt 24:14

HOW TO PRAY

1. Pray for wisdom for the President of the United States and his cabinet, congressmen and government leaders. (1 Tim. 2:1-4) Bind the spirit of confusion (Matt. 16:18)

2. Pray for comfort for the families of those who lost their lives. 2 Cor. 1 Bind the spirit of bitterness.

3. Pray for peace in our nation and the ceasing of war. (Ps. 46:9) Bind the spirit of murder and destruction. (John 10:10; Ps. 9:6-9' Ps. 103:4)

4. Pray for protection of our armed forces personnel and wisdom for their leaders. (Rom. 13:4) Bind the spirit of anarchy. (Judges 17:6)

5. Pray for compassion and love between Americans of different races. (Matt. 5:44) Bind the spirit of revenge, hatred, racism and bigotry. (Luke 9:55,56)

6. Pray for spiritual awakening and people going back to church. (Acts 9:31) Bind the spirit of unbelief and pride. (Heb. 3:12)

7. Pray for revival among believers and churches. (Rev. 2,3) Bind the spirit of division and carnality. (1 Cor. 3:3)

8. Pray for salvation and for people to call on the name of the Lord. (Acts 2:21) Bind the spirit of blindness and hard heartedness. (2 Cor. 4:4; Heb. 3:13)

9. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and upon God's people in His church worldwide. (Ps. 122:6; Gal. 6:16) Bind the spirit of antichrist. (1 John 2:18)

HOW TO HELP FINANCIALLY

We are also raising funds for the Churches of Manhattan island in New York City. Our personal friends, Pastors Danny & Giselle Bonilla will be managing those funds out of Hosanna City Church. Their facility is only 40 blocks from the attack area. They witnessed the event first-hand and have lost some of their own church members in the disaster. Emergency personnel and family members are still missing. Please pray for them as they are living in the "valley of the shadow of death". Their church is now open around the clock and ministering to people in a variety of ways.

They may be contacted at:

Rev. Danny Bonilla Hosanna City Church

2253 Third Avenue New York, NY 10035

Church: (212) 410-5970 Fax: (212) 410-4365

E-Mail: hosannacityc@aol.com

In agreement for spiritual awakening,

(signed) Pastor Wendell Smith

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