World Religions. Only in the Bible

 Jesus and the world religions.

Only in the Bible will you find an almighty God who loves you from His heart.

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 1 Jn 4:16 NIV

The God in the Koran is Creator and Judge, but in the Islamic scriptures there is no Father God.

And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 
For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. Lk 12:29–30 NIV

Only in the Bible will you find an almighty God who loves all people.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Jn 3:16 NIV

This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, 
who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
Only in the Bible will you find an almighty God who loves his enemies. 1 Tim 2:3–4 NIV

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. Lk 23:34 NIV

This is what Jesus prayed when he was hanging on the cross and dying.

For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Rom  5:10 NIV

Only in the Bible do we find an eternal, almighty Father God who sacrifices his eternal Son to pay our debt so that we may have eternal heavenly life through repentance and faith.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom 6:23 NIV

New Heaven New Earth

For over a hundred years, the future of humanity and our planet has been a burning issue.
For the Bolsheviks in Russia, the coming glorious age of communism was the redemption of humanity.

During the Cold War, there was a terrible fear that nuclear war would destroy us all.
In our time, the Greens are desperately fighting to save the planet.

The devoutly religious Muslims believe in a Golden Age, Dar Es Salaam, ‘House of Peace.’ In this fulfilment of their hopes, Islam is supposed to rule the whole world.

In the ‘New Age’ movement, there is song of a wonderful new era.

This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius

Harmony and understanding
Sympathy and trust abounding
No more falsehoods or derisions
Golden living dreams of visions
Mystic crystal revelation
And the mind's true liberation, Aquarius
Aquarius

Thoughts like these have been cropping up more and more frequently for over a hundred years, but as early as 150 years ago, the American poet Walt Whitman wrote a beautiful poem.

I DREAM'D in a dream I saw a city invincible to the attacks of the
         whole of the rest of the earth,
I dream'd that was the new city of Friends,
Nothing was greater there than the quality of robust love, it led the rest,
It was seen every hour in the actions of the men of that city,
And in all their looks and words.

Where do these far-reaching thoughts come from, which emerge from the depths of our hearts?
 
King Solomon reflected at length on the deep questions of life. He wrote of God:

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ec 3:11 NIV

God did not create us as mere biological machines, as Karl Marx and other 19th- and 20th-century philosophers taught.

In our time, we recognise the emptiness in our hearts to which these lifeless philosophies have led.
About a hundred years ago, German poets sensed the deep loneliness of a life without a relationship with a loving Heavenly Father.

Strange to walk in the fog!
Life is loneliness.
No man knows the other, everyone is alone. (Herman Hesse 1905)

But 2000 years ago, the Son of God came into this world to reconcile us with our dear Father God.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Jn 3:16–17 NIV

Jesus wants to give you a new life with the good Father God.
Why?

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 1 Jn 4:16 NIV

But God's plans are even more far-reaching.

God wants to save this planet and restore everything, and he will do so irresistibly.

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. Rev 21,1 NIV

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Rev 21:5 NIV

How a Muslim Girl became a Christian

 She was the baby of a large Muslim family in Central Asia. When the communist government collapsed, a terrible civil war broke out. There was hunger, murder and chaos. Women and girls were abducted, raped and murdered on a daily basis.

Her parents were educated and good people. She was tenderly loved by her parents and siblings and she wanted to honour her parents and their God.

Despite the genuine love in her family, she learnt that women were second-class people in Islam. She always aspired to become a virtuous Muslim woman in the hope of not suffering in hell.

She had a teacher at school who gave her a children's Bible. She was fascinated by Jesus, especially by the signs and miraculous healings.

Then she began to dream about Jesus. These dreams were real visitations and they kept coming back. She could feel the unspeakable love of God as Jesus explained how He loved her and that He was the only way to God.

She was very lively and loved sports and she learnt karate at school because martial arts were useful in a civil war where women and girls were always at risk. But then she could no longer pay for karate lessons.

Then came Americans who taught martial arts for free. It was Taekwondo, a martial art from Korea. She was thrilled.

The teacher explained that not only the body is important in martial arts, but above all the mind and soul. He was a Christian and boldly proclaimed the love and power of God.

She was deeply touched. She heard, ‘God is love’. In the Koran, Allah has 99 names, but no name speaks of love.

She heard that God is the Father, but she had learnt in Islam from an early age that Allah has no children.

She heard that God created men and women in His own image, but this was unheard of in Islam. She had always learnt that as a woman, she was only a second-class human being. Now she heard something totally different and immeasurably better.

She was still a Muslim. She asked the second coach if he believed that Jesus was the Son of God. This idea is blasphemous to Muslims, and the missionary already knew this.

He gave her the Gospel of John and said she would find the answers she was looking for in this little book.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Jn 3:16 NIV

When she read these words, she was touched, but she was still on her journey of discovery.

She still prayed her Islamic prayers five times a day, but Allah never answered.

As a Muslim woman in a religious civil war, it was life-threatening to attend a Christian service.

Nevertheless, she wanted to attend the service with the missionary, even though she feared not only persecution and murder, but also the flames of hell because of Allah's judgement.

She could not say a word to her family. She said she went to a training session with the martial arts trainer, but she said no more.

During the service, she immediately felt the overwhelming love of God and also the love of the Christians. The light did not come from countless candles, but from the hearts of the Christians. Here was something completely different from the old Christian religion she had seen before.

Allah had never answered her daily prayers. So she had the pastor pray for her in Jesus' name. The loving touch of the Holy Spirit came upon her and she could no longer stand on her feet.

As she lay on the floor for hours, she saw Jesus on the cross in a vision. God spoke to her for hours.

‘When I was finally able to get up again, I had become a new person.’

Face to Face with Jesus: A Former Muslim's Extraordinary Journey to Heaven and Encounter with the God of Love Kindle Edition. by Bodie Thoene, Samaa Habib

Christian Love for Muslims

In 2001, two planes were hijacked by Islamic terrorists and destroyed the Twin Towers in New York. Since then, the world has not been the same. Islamic extremists have been engaged in Jihad, religious warfare, both with weapons and propaganda.

Many of us Christians have not known how to respond. I know an ex Muslim from Saudi Arabia to fearlessly shares the Christian gospel with every Muslim he sees.

God sent him to a secular university, where he completed his doctorate. There were many Muslims at that university and every one of them heard the message of Jesus.

One Muslim tried to kill him with poisoned food. A week later he met him and was astonished to find him alive. He had put enough poison in the food to kill a camel.

My Christian friend calmly answered with a promise from the Bible.

And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;

they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” Mk 16:17–18 NIV

The Muslim assassin was convinced by the power of God and became a Christian himself.

A Christian girl from England went to a holiday island in Thailand to reach out to people for Jesus. Many Muslims came to faith in Jesus, so other Muslims were determined to kill her.

When she was caught in an ambush, God made her invisible and she quietly walked away.

We must not be intimidated by Muslims. I have met a number of ex Muslims who no longer believe in Islam. Some have become Christians but others are in no-mans-land. They no longer believe in Islam but they are not converted to Christianity.

Some still believe in God and are appreciative if Christians pray for them.

I knew a young Muslim woman who wanted to know more about Christianity. She said her next door neighbour was a Christian who cared for her as if she was her own sister. They were both refugees and spoke the same language.

This woman asked me to help her learn more about Christianity, so I went to a Christian bookshop and bought a cassette tape with a reading of Mark’s Gospel in Persian.

If you are friendly with Muslims, you may be surprised to find how many are open to Christian love and truth.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Mt 28:19 NIV

Millions of Muslims are becoming Christians today. How is this happening?

Christian TV, friendship and love from Christians, miracle healings, supernatural dreams in which they encounter Jesus.

Pray for Muslims and don’t be afraid.

Supernatural Gifts for All Believers

When Peter preached the first Christian sermon after the cross, he proclaimed a revolutionary message. The glory of God is no longer just for prophets, kings and priests, as in the Old Testament, but for all who believe in Jesus and receive and give free rein to the Holy Spirit.

“ ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.  

Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. Acts 2:17–18 NIV

Religious tradition has robbed us of our inheritance. The spiritual gifts and manifestations of God's power and presence are severely limited or excluded in many churches.

In some churches only men and not women are allowed to speak for God.

In other churches, only pastors, preachers or leaders are allowed to speak for God.

But Peter totally abolished these rules and restrictions in his preaching.

But this was not just in one sermon.

We read something similar in the Gospel of Mark.

And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;  

they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” Mk 16:17–18 NIV

There are extremely strange cults where people play with snakes, but that's not what the Bible meant. Paul was bitten by a poisonous snake.

But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. Acts 28:5 NIV

We should not play with poison or snakes but God promises us his protection in our time of need.

I have an Arab friend who converted from extreme fundamentalist Islam to Jesus but along the way he was led astray and became a Mormon.

When God delivered him from this sect, he visited many Mormons and also helped them to escape from the evil religion.

Then all the Muslims in his neighbourhood heard about his new faith and some converted.

He was not ordained but God used him with supernatural power.

An Arab once gave him something to eat. A week later he was amazed that his Christian compatriot was still alive. He had put enough poison in the food to kill a camel.

The unsuccessful assassin converted to Jesus.

Heide Baker is a missionary in Africa. She rescues little girls from sex slavery and little boys from forced service as soldiers.

She adopts these orphans and they get to know Jesus well.

A girl of 11 became a preacher, not ordained of course. She went to a village where Islam and witchcraft were totally dominant. When she spoke loudly about Jesus, people started throwing big stones.

Suddenly she proclaimed healing for a dove among her persecutors. The deaf man dropped his stone. He could hear and cried out loudly. ‘I can hear.’

The stones stopped flying. The crowd heard the gospel and were converted en masse.

Condemned Man Refuses Pardon

 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Heb 4:15 NIV

We have a wonderful high priest. He continually cares for you. He never stops thinking about you.

All his thoughts about you are loving and kind.

You can't stop God from loving you.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Rom 5:8 NIV
 
For God took the sinless Christ and poured into him our sins. Then, in exchange, he poured God's goodness into us! 2 Corinthians 5:21 (TLB)

God wants to grant you a complete pardon and give you a whole new life.

God's love is unconditional. He loves you as you are and he loves you because he loves you.

But God grants his pardon with one condition. You cannot earn God's forgiveness, but you must accept his mercy.

In 1830, a criminal in the USA was sentenced to death, but the president wanted to pardon him.

The man, however, refused the presidential pardon and he had to die.
That was his God-given freedom of will.

You and I also have this freedom of will. We can gratefully accept or reject God's grace.

Jesus sees all your offences and failures, but he also sees your despair and feels your suffering.

His heart beats for you.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. Rev 3:20 NIV

A woman in Iran was watching a banned Christian television program. She heard the preacher quoting this invitation from Jesus. Then she heard a knock. She went to the front door and she saw Jesus. She invited him in and she immediately believed in Jesus.

Do you want to invite Jesus in too?

God will not reject you. It's up to you.

Jesus can be your Therapist

 Many pious Muslims live under the storm clouds of fear. They never know whether their submission will be enough to save them from the flames of hell.

Some compare themselves to not-so-virtuous nominal Christians and they feel proud and superior.

Others compare themselves to extremely religious Muslims and they judge themselves as failures.

Then they can become extremely fanatical because they can never be sure whether their religious virtue is enough to save them from hell.

Unfortunately, there are also some Christians who live in such a religious no-man's land.

There are Christians who are trapped in pornography addiction. They feel helpless to escape from slavery and are full of fear of God's judgement.

There are other Christians who believe in Jesus, but they have never realised that they can only receive their salvation as a gift from God. They live just like Muslims, with the belief that they must earn their salvation.

If you think like that, you can become very strictly religious and look down on Christians who are not so strictly virtuous. That's exactly how the Pharisees were.

Or you can judge yourself as inferior because you fail again and again.

If you are addicted to porn or gambling, you urgently need help, from God but also from understanding people.

Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. Jas 5:16 NRSV

Many Christians need deliverance from demons and many need good counselling or a good therapist.

Jesus did not come to burden us with guilt complexes. On the contrary.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. Jn 10:10 NRSV

Such a life is only possible in close fellowship with God. God is love. Only those who experience God's love on a daily basis have access to this abundant life.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Mt 11:28 NASB95

How do these morbid religious attitudes arise, whereby legalism, pride or guilt complexes keep us away from the love of God?

Legalistic religion, tradition, inflexible or manipulative parents or pastors, fastidious moralistic culture.

Sin, perversion, abuse, shame.

I know Christians who were molested or abused as children. That can lead to all kinds of feelings and thoughts, all kinds of wrong turns in life, so that we are full of shame.

If you can't get rid of wrong thoughts and feelings, you must know that Jesus loves you unconditionally. Let Jesus be your therapist. He wants to help you and not judge you.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Mt 11:28 NASB95

God Answers Persevering Prayer

 Time and again, Jesus taught that our faith connects us with God, that faith releases God's miracle-working power.

Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak.

She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.”

Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment. Mt 9:20–22 NIV

But is it true that you cannot receive anything from God if you do not expect God's grace and do not pray for it yourself?

The apostle Paul was not always the holy man of God.

For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 1 Cor 15:9 NIV

Did Saul, the brutal Pharisee, pray for God's mercy?

Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest… Acts 9:1 NIV

Saul was authorised by the high priest to arrest the Christians in Damascus.

As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.

He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. Acts 9:3–5 NIV

God acts when people believe, but Saul only believed when he received a visitation from Jesus.

What role did faith play? Jesus taught that we must love our enemies.

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Mt 5:44 NIV

Saul was the leader of the persecution and the Christians prayed for him. God hears our prayers for ourselves, but also for others.

In Islamic countries, Christians are cruelly persecuted, but millions of Muslims experience visitations from Jesus, mostly in dreams. Many believe immediately, but many believe later, sometimes only after years. Many probably never believe, despite God's grace. God respects our free will.

Why does this happen? Islamic countries are bombarded by evangelistic outreach, through radio, satellite TV and the internet. At the same time, millions of Christians are praying for Muslims and God is answering our prayers. The faith of Christians is sparking the intervention of God.

There was an Islamic preacher in Africa who was considered a holy fundamentalist, but he was a hypocrite who was secretly involved in sins. Then he reaped what he had sown and he was about to die with AIDS.

Then he saw Jesus next to his deathbed. Jesus healed him and he became a Christian preacher. The Christians had obviously prayed for him.

Do you have children who are mentally ill or addicted to drugs for a long time, or involved in prostitution? Please never give up!

I prayed for my family for years. My parents didn't believe until they were on their deathbeds. I have seen lost children restored after years of prayer.

Do you have enemies that torment you? Pray for your enemies. Jesus died for your enemies too.

A Muslim Girl Discovers Jesus

 She was the baby of a large Muslim family in Central Asia. When the communist government collapsed, a terrible civil war broke out. There was hunger, murder and chaos. Women and girls were abducted, raped and murdered on a daily basis.

Her parents were educated and good people. She was tenderly loved by her parents and siblings and she wanted to honour her parents and their God.

Despite the genuine love in her family, she learnt that women were second-class people in Islam. She always aspired to become a virtuous Muslim woman in the hope of not suffering in hell.

She had a teacher at school who gave her a children's Bible. She was fascinated by Jesus, especially by the signs and miraculous healings.

Then she began to dream about Jesus. These dreams were real visitations and they kept coming back. She could feel the unspeakable love of God as Jesus explained how He loved her and that He was the only way to God.

She was very lively and loved sports and she learnt karate at school because martial arts were useful in a civil war where women and girls were always at risk. But then she could no longer pay for karate lessons.

Then came Americans who taught martial arts for free. It was Taekwondo, a martial art from Korea. She was thrilled.

The teacher explained that not only the body is important in martial arts, but above all the mind and soul. He was a Christian and boldly proclaimed the love and power of God.

She was deeply touched. She heard, ‘God is love’. In the Koran, Allah has 99 names, but no name speaks of love.

She heard that God is the Father, but she had learnt in Islam from an early age that Allah has no children.

She heard that God created men and women in His own image, but this was unheard of in Islam. She had always learnt that as a woman, she was only a second-class human being. Now she heard something totally different and immeasurably better.

She was still a Muslim. She asked the second coach if he believed that Jesus was the Son of God. This idea is blasphemous to Muslims, and the missionary already knew this.

He gave her the Gospel of John and said she would find the answers she was looking for in this little book.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Jn 3:16 NIV

When she read these words, she was touched, but she was still on her journey of discovery.

She still prayed her Islamic prayers five times a day, but Allah never answered.

As a Muslim woman in a religious civil war, it was life-threatening to attend a Christian service.

Nevertheless, she wanted to attend the service with the missionary, even though she feared not only persecution and murder, but also the flames of hell because of Allah's judgement.

She could not say a word to her family. She said she went to a training session with the martial arts trainer, but she said no more.

During the service, she immediately felt the overwhelming love of God and also the love of the Christians. The light did not come from countless candles, but from the hearts of the Christians. Here was something completely different from the old Christian religion she had seen before.

Allah had never answered her daily prayers. So she had the pastor pray for her in Jesus' name. The loving touch of the Holy Spirit came upon her and she could no longer stand on her feet.

As she lay on the floor for hours, she saw Jesus on the cross in a vision. God spoke to her for hours.

‘When I was finally able to get up again, I had become a new person.’

Face to Face with Jesus: A Former Muslim's Extraordinary Journey to Heaven and Encounter with the God of Love Kindle Edition. by Bodie Thoene, Samaa Habib

Jesus. The Way to God

Post-modern tolerance demands that we view all religions on the same level. We should respect both Mohammed and Jesus because they founded great religions.

I was once at the main railway station in Frankfurt and spoke to Jehovah's Witnesses. A young idealist joined us and began to lecture us with great enthusiasm. Discussing the Bible was a waste of time. All major religions are paths to God.

I asked him a difficult question and he was somewhat taken aback.

‘If all religions are from the same God, why does no sacred text claim that all religions lead to the same goal? You don't find that in the Bible or the Koran. You won't find it in any old world religion.
This idea came more recently, from humanism, from the Enlightenment, from German Romanticism.

If Jesus is supposed to be on the same level as Mohammed, then we must completely disregard some of Jesus' astonishing statements.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Jn 3:16–17 NIV

According to the Bible, all people must recognise Jesus as God's only Son in order to be saved.  
 
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Jn 14:6 NIV

Jesus declares that God is the Eternal Father.

In Islam, Allah is the ruler God and judge but not a father. He has no children. This is said to contradict his nature.

‘Believe in Allah and his messenger (Muhammad), but say nothing of a trinity. There is only one God, far from him, that he has a son. Verily these are unbelievers who say: Allah is Christ, the son of Mary. Whoever joins someone to Allah, Allah will exclude him from Paradise, and his dwelling place will be Hellfire’ (Suras 4, 172; 5, 73f.).

Anyone who believes in Jesus as God's eternal son is rejected by Muhammad in the Qur'an and will suffer eternally in the flames of hell, according to Muhammad.

The human heart longs for a loving father who loves us unconditionally.

Jesus died to reconcile us with our Father, if only we believe and trust.

All atheists, Hindus, communists, Muslims or mystics who recognise Jesus as God's eternal, almighty, merciful Son and also want to repent will all receive eternal life, all of them.

Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.
Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?” Jn 11:25–26 NLT

Personal Encounters with Jesus

 Many people think they are Christians, but they don't know Jesus. True Christianity means knowing God personally and voluntarily allowing him to change your life from the inside out.

For God took the sinless Christ and poured our sins into him. In exchange, he then poured God's goodness into us! 2 Corinthians 5:21 (TLB)

God wants to do all this for you and then take you on a journey through a new life that never ends.

It all begins with a supernatural personal encounter with Jesus, the Son of God. He is here with you now. He died, but he came back to life and his love now fills the universe.

Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me. Re 3:20 NRSV

A Muslim woman in Iran was watching a Christian television program and heard this message. She heard a knock at her door, and when she answered it, she saw Jesus standing there, a glorious man in a brilliant white robe. She invited him in and offered him something to eat.

That night, Jesus came into her life.

Whether you see Jesus with your natural eyes or not, makes no difference to the spiritual reality of his presence and his love for you.

When Jesus sacrificed his life on the cross, he paid the penalty for our sins, but he did not remain dead. As a real man, Jesus sacrificed his life for us, but as God he could not remain dead. God is eternal, and his supernatural life is an unquenchable fire.

When Jesus returned to life, he appeared to his disciples. Thomas was not with them and did not want to believe the story.

Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”
Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” Jn 20:28–29 NRSV

Jesus and Other Religions

 God has given us the Bible. The Bible is God's map, a totally reliable revelation. In the Bible, we find everything we need to recognise God.

In the Bible, we read that God created everything.

In the Bible, we read that many people believe in a god or gods that are different from the God of the Bible, but they are false gods.

This idea is horrible and repulsive to post-modern tolerant people, but that is exactly what the Bible says.

Many religious people claim to believe in the Ten Commandments, but they don't understand what that really means. The first commandment excludes all the other world religions.

“You shall have no other gods before me. Ex 20:3 NIV

Buddhists do not believe in an almighty creator.
The Hindus believe in many gods.

“This is what the LORD says— Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God. Is 44:6 NIV

Muslims also believe in an almighty God who created everything, controls everything and is supposed to be the judge of all people.

But is the God of the Muslims the same God? Is the God of Mohamed the God of Israel? The muftis and imams would find this idea repulsive.

But Jesus identified himself with the God of Israel.

But about the resurrection of the dead—have you not read what God said to you,
‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.” Mt 22:31–32 NIV

Many post-modern people speak of the Abrahamic religions. The father of the Arabs was Ishmael, not Isaac and Jacob.

In our time, countless Muslims are converting to Jesus, but in the Bible the King of Israel, one hundred per cent Jew and Son of God, is not an Islamic prophet.   

Jesus said to him: ‘I am the way and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

The Qur'an teaches that Jesus was a prophet of Allah, but not the son of God.

The God in the Qur'an is Creator and Judge, but there is no Father God in the Islamic scriptures.

In Islam, Allah is the ruler God and judge but not a father. He has no children. This is said to contradict his nature.

‘Believe in Allah and his Messenger (Muhammad), but say nothing of a trinity. There is only one God, far from him, that he has a son. Verily these are unbelievers who say: Allah is Christ, the son of Mary. Whoever joins someone to Allah, Allah excludes him from paradise, and his dwelling place will be hellfire’ (Suras 4, 172; 5, 73f.)

But the core of our Christian faith can be found in this wonderful statement by Jesus.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life. Jn 3:16 NIV

Do you find this teaching too narrow-minded? But have you read the Bible yourself?

It is not wise to reject a book if you have not read it.

There are also people who think they believe in the Bible to some extent, but also in other religions to some extent.

But have you really read the Bible? I know Christians who were convinced Muslims until they read the Bible for themselves.

Missionary Supernaturally Protected

 Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Mt 28:19 NIV

Has this mission already been completed? Obviously not.

How are we, as disciples of the Lord Jesus, to carry out this task?

First baptise the newly converted. In countries where Hinduism, Buddhism or Islam prevail, the people do not take conversion seriously until someone is baptised. We need to understand this better and baptise the new Christians without delay.

But then we read an important command, which we also often neglect or brush aside.

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Mt 28:20 NLT

Which of the Lord's commands must we pass on? All the commands. All of them.

What did Jesus command his first disciples to do?

Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received! Mt 10:8 NLT

Until when are we to teach the Lord's commands? Until the end of the world.

We have not yet made disciples of all the nations of the world, and the end of the world has not yet come. Therefore, these commands of the Lord still remain relevant.

‘’Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons.

But that is not all that Jesus said in his last conversation before his ascension.

And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;

they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” Mk 16:17–18 NIV

To whom do these promises apply? ‘’... those who believe ... This is not just for the apostles and not just for the first generation of Christians. In Matthew 28, we read, ‘’to the end of the world‘’.

Of course, we should not play with poison or snakes, but God promises us his protection in our time of need.

I have an Arab friend who converted from extreme fundamentalist Islam to Jesus but along the way he was led astray and became a Mormon.

When God delivered him from this false religion, he visited many Mormons and also helped them to escape.

Then all the Muslims in his neighbourhood heard about his new faith and some converted.

He was not ordained, but God used him with supernatural power.

An Arab once gave him something to eat. A week later, he was amazed that his Christian compatriot was still alive. He had put enough poison in the food to kill a camel.

The unsuccessful assassin converted to Jesus.

Jesus the best Therapist

 Many devout Muslims live under the dark clouds of fear. They never know if their obedience will be enough to save them from the flames of hell.

Some compare themselves to not so virtuous nominal Christians, and they feel proud and superior.

Others compare themselves to extremely religious Muslims, and they judge themselves as failures.

Then they can become extremely fanatical because they can never be sure if their religious virtue is enough to save them from hell.

Unfortunately, there are also some Christians who live in this kind of religious no-man's land.

There are Christians who are caught in pornography addiction. They feel helpless to escape from slavery and are full of fear of God's judgement.

There are other Christians who believe in Jesus, but they have never understood that they can only receive their salvation as a gift from God. They live rather like Muslims, with the feeling that they have to earn their salvation.

When you think like that, you can become very strictly religious, and look down on Christians who are not so strictly virtuous. That's exactly how the Pharisees were.

Or you can condemn yourself as inferior because you keep failing.

If you are addicted to pornography or gambling, you desperately need help, from God but also from people.

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. James 5:16 NLT

Many Christians need deliverance from demons and many need good counselling or a good therapist. 

Jesus did not come to burden us with guilt complexes. On the contrary.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 NIV84

Such a life is only possible in close communion with God. God is love. Only those who experience the love of God daily have access to this abundant life.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 NLT

How do these morbid religious attitudes arise, where legalism, pride or guilt complexes keep us away from the love of God?

Legalistic religion, tradition, unbending or manipulative parents or pastors, narrow-minded culture.
Sin, perversion, abuse, shame.

I know Christians who were seduced or abused as children. That can lead to all kinds of feelings and thoughts, all kinds of waywardness, so that we are full of shame.

If you cannot get rid of wrong thoughts and feelings, you need to know that Jesus loves you unconditionally. Let Jesus be your therapist. He wants to help you, not condemn you.

 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 NLT

Jesus and the World Religions.

Only in the Bible will you find an almighty God who loves you from the heart.

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:16 (NIV)

The God in the Qur'an is the creator and judge, but in the Islamic scriptures there is no Father God.
 

And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.
For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. Lk 12:29-30 (NIV)

Only in the Bible do you find an almighty God who loves absolutely every human being.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV)

This is good, and it pleases God our Saviour,
who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Tim 2:3-4 CSB17 

 

Only in the Bible do you find an almighty God who loves his enemies.

Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing." And they divided his clothes and cast lots. Lk 23:34 CSB17

This is how Jesus prayed when he was dying in agony on the cross.

For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, then how much more, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life. Rom 5:10 CSB17

Only in the Bible do we find an eternal almighty Father God, who sacrifices his eternal Son to pay for all our sins so that we can have eternal life through repentance and faith.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom 6:23 CSB17

A Time for Courage

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.' Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV) 

Many times in the Bible, God says to His people: “Fear not” or “Do not be afraid.”

• In some texts, God is telling His people their fears are imaginary, that there is nothing to be afraid of at all.

In Matthew 14, the disciples were in a boat in rough weather. When they saw Jesus walking on the water, they thought He was a ghost.

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid." Mt 14:27 (NKJV) 

When the angel Gabriel came to Mary, he reassured her.

Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. Lk 1:30 (NKJV) 

God’s people have nothing to fear from supernatural manifestations of heavenly glory.

On the other hand, there are situations where we have real reasons to be afraid but God calls us not to be afraid anyway.

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Mt 10:28 (NKJV) 

Here Jesus is saying Do Not Fear even though you face savage persecution and possible martyrdom. It is a call to courage and faith in God’s salvation. 

• It is also a warning to remember God’s punishment for cowardice.

God Is Love

As we read the Bible, we see again and again, that there are two essential aspects to the love of God. 

These are comfort and challenge.

And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.  

Then He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Mt 4:18-19 (NKJV)

What a blessing, to be invited to live full time with Jesus and to be given the power to get men and women saved, to rescue them from damnation! 

• But what a challenge to leave the security of a successful family fishing business and to live by faith in God’s daily provision!

I have a friend who was once a committed Muslim in Saudi Arabia. 

• Muslims have no assurance of salvation. They live in the hope that they might be good enough to escape hell fire. 

When George came to know Jesus, he had the comfort of knowing the God who really loved him as His dear son. 

Some Muslims desire such a personal relationship with God but their sacred writings offer no hope for such a fulfilment.

• But it was a challenge to be rejected and persecuted in his own country. It was a challenge to flee to Australia as a refugee.

God called him to study for a doctorate at an Australian university where there are a lot of Arab Muslim students. Not one of them escapes Georges personally targeted preaching of Jesus.

Once George spoke to an Arab Muslim missionary on campus, one of many militant Muslim missionaries sent around the world financed by oil rich Arabs.

“Why do you preach Islam?” asked my friend.
“Because I want to go to heaven,” replied the Muslim missionary.
“That is very selfish!” said George. “I know I have a home in heaven. I preach Jesus because I want OTHER PEOPLE to go to heaven.”

We have the comfort of knowing God has prepared a home for us in heaven.

We have the challenge or reaching others with the Good News of God’s kindness.

A Time for Courage

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.' Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV) 

Many times in the Bible, God says to His people: “Fear not” or “Do not be afraid.”

• In some texts, God is telling His people their fears are imaginary, that there is nothing to be afraid of at all.

In Matthew 14, the disciples were in a boat in rough weather. When they saw Jesus walking on the water, they thought He was a ghost.

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid." Mt 14:27 (NKJV) 

When the angel Gabriel came to Mary, he reassured her.

Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. Lk 1:30 (NKJV) 

God’s people have nothing to fear from supernatural manifestations of heavenly glory.

On the other hand, there are situations where we have real reasons to be afraid but God calls us not to be afraid anyway.

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Mt 10:28 (NKJV) 

Here Jesus is saying Do Not Fear even though you face savage persecution and possible martyrdom. It is a call to courage and faith in God’s salvation. 

• It is also a warning to remember God’s punishment for cowardice.

God Is Love

As we read the Bible, we see again and again, that there are two essential aspects to the love of God. 

These are comfort and challenge.

And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.  

Then He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Mt 4:18-19 (NKJV)

What a blessing, to be invited to live full time with Jesus and to be given the power to get men and women saved, to rescue them from damnation! 

• But what a challenge to leave the security of a successful family fishing business and to live by faith in God’s daily provision!

I have a friend who was once a committed Muslim in Saudi Arabia. 

• Muslims have no assurance of salvation. They live in the hope that they might be good enough to escape hell fire. 

When George came to know Jesus, he had the comfort of knowing the God who really loved him as His dear son. 

Some Muslims desire such a personal relationship with God but their sacred writings offer no hope for such a fulfilment.

• But it was a challenge to be rejected and persecuted in his own country. It was a challenge to flee to Australia as a refugee.

God called him to study for a doctorate at an Australian university where there are a lot of Arab Muslim students. Not one of them escapes Georges personally targeted preaching of Jesus.

Once George spoke to an Arab Muslim missionary on campus, one of many militant Muslim missionaries sent around the world financed by oil rich Arabs.

“Why do you preach Islam?” asked my friend.
“Because I want to go to heaven,” replied the Muslim missionary.
“That is very selfish!” said George. “I know I have a home in heaven. I preach Jesus because I want OTHER PEOPLE to go to heaven.”

We have the comfort of knowing God has prepared a home for us in heaven.

We have the challenge or reaching others with the Good News of God’s kindness.