United Faith – United Power …Myfaith.ianoint.com
Posts tagged Christians
Christian Belief|Why Should Dating Single Christians Seek Marriage?
Jun 2nd
Why Should Dating Single Christians Seek Marriage?
A multitude of things are assumed and understood about marriage, with more than just a a small number of inaccuracies and every so often self-fulfilling prophecies proliferate. The prevailing world has taken the purity of marriage and twisted it into a funfair for the immoral and unprincipled minority to fulfill every lustful craving and sinful attribute with no obvious worry of recriminations befalling them. Single Christians have a responsibility to rise beyond this and display the mind-set and devotion towards marriage that was Gods desire before sin took a foothold in the world we live in.
The Lord states his intentions in the book of Genesis when he placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. He did not want for man to be alone, so whilst Adam was alone to start with, his loneliness didn’t last long. The foundation was laid by God for all what came after, what Adam and Eve did later when they ate the apple off the tree of good and evil caused the fall-out which resulted in the advent of sin, however, I digress.
The majority of, if not all Single Christians are under pressure to conform to the example God established at the very start and that pressure is growing, worryingly, in the world as we know it these days. With all due respect, Single Christians are human beings first and foremost, becoming a Christian is a decision you make later on in life and a statement of intent to your friends and the outside world that you are committed to Jesus and will live by the ways of your heavenly father.
Even so, the Lord doesn’t state anywhere in his book that being a Christian, single or married, was ever going to be an easy ride, the struggles faced by people in our world are especially fraught at times and Single Christian people face those same struggles and quite often a little bit more besides.
The more besides element comes into effect when the pressures inflicted by others sometimes try to persuade you to conform to the ways of the supposed majority and waive your Christian beliefs. It’s of paramount importance for Single Christians attempting to seek a partner either online or offline, to uphold their Christian ideals right through the whole process, from the intial meeting in their courtship and beyond.
The secular world might well search far and wide for casual flings on the internet or elsewhere and not concern themselves about the moral and ethical ramifications of one night stands, unwanted births and the rest, but you simply cannot harbour any thoughts of giving into those temptations, let alone carry them out.
If you are a Single Christian, then as I mentioned before, it is your duty to uphold the image and single minded mission in keeping with your faith. That mission is to seek a partner online with the sincere purpose that you will one day marry that person. Of course, it’s not foolproof or an exact science, nothing is, pertinent issues may rear their ugly heads down the road. As long as your intentions are at the very least, honorable, then you haven’t let yourself down and above all else, you haven’t let your Lord down either.
Andy Cross is a happily married and proud Christian author/commentator. He has also been a voluntary youth worker for the last 5 years and helps run Christian youth camps for the organization ‘Crusaders Union’. He is dedicated to helping Single Christians find love online and writes many articles tailored specifically to the needs and issues facing Single Christians today. You can read more or sign up to his RSS feed at http://singlechristiansguide.com
Related Christian Belief Articles
Christian Faith|Gift Ideas for Devoted Christians
Jun 2nd
Gift Ideas for Devoted Christians
Christianity is the world’s largest religion, which is thoughtfully based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as described in the New Testament of the Bible. The faith encompasses numerous religious traditions that vary widely by culture and geography, as well as many diverse beliefs and sects. Regardless of location or background, those who embrace Christianity share a personal and fulfilling relationship with their lord and savior. If you know an individual that sincerely and prayerfully practices the Christian faith, consider giving them an inspirational gift the next time the need arises. Christian gifts are appropriate at just about any time of the year. Celebrate Christmas, anniversaries, weddings, birthdays, Mother’s Day, Easter, corporate events or other special occasions with Christian gifts that speak to the heart. Here are some inspirational ideas to help get you started:
Framed Canvas Replica of The Last Supper: Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, The Last Supper, has become one of the most widely appreciated masterpieces in the world. It marks an important event in Christianity and is a treasured work of art. Framed replicas of The Last Supper make ideal gifts that reflect your recipient’s spiritual and religious beliefs.
Engraved Cross: An engraved cross personalized with your recipient’s name or a special message from you is a thoughtful Christian gift that will become a treasured keepsake. You can opt for silver, pewter or brass or have one hand carved from wood.
Christian Wall Plaque: Wall plaques make nice Christian mementos for all occasions. There are many to choose from including those depicting guardian angels, crosses, The Last Supper, Madonna with child and many more.
Bible CD Set: Instead of a traditional paper bound bible, give them a modern version – the New Testament on CD. More than something that is just listened to, an audio bible brings the word of Jesus Christ to life. It is an experience that all Christians will enjoy.
Inspirational Bookmark: A beautifully designed inspirational bookmark is a nice token of your support for the recipient’s faith. Choose one that compliments their bible colors or one that contains a special passage from the bible. They’ll never lose their place again!
Jesus T-shirt: For a light hearted gift, give them a t-shirt that humorously reflects their devotion. Possible quotes include: Got Jesus and Jesus… Yes, this is my final answer. Or pick one that has an image such as a one way sign pointing to Jesus.
These lovely Christian gifts are wonderful in sharing the Christian faith and perfect for everyday inspiration.
© 2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard. Find Unique Christian Gifts Online at Shoppity.com.
Find More Christian Faith Articles
Christian Faith|5 Essential Christian Teachings Christians Need to Know
Jun 1st
5 Essential Christian Teachings Christians Need to Know
There is a lot of misunderstanding about Christianity and what the Christian faith actually teaches. Because there are so many doctrines that have been added to the Christian faith, many may be confused about what Christianity actually teaches.
Here are five essential teachings Christians need to understand.
1. Without the Resurrection, Christianity doesn’t exist.
The core belief of Christianity is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The reason this is the central teaching of Christianity is really very simple: Christ’s resurrection was his proof that he wasn’t just a man, he is God. It was also about proving that he was the savior of mankind.
2. Jesus is God.
Although Islam teaches that Jesus is a prophet, and Judaism teaches something else, what the Bible teaches is that Jesus was very clear: He is God. He never said he was a man, a prophet. Those beliefs are a misreading of the Christian scripture, as well as heresy.
3. Saved by faith, subject to grace, not judged by the law.
One of the big fallacies non believers commit when it comes to Christians is that they think Christians believe they’re perfect. Nothing is further from the truth.
We recognize that we are sinners and that the only path to heaven, and Christ, is to accept Jesus as the Messiah.
Christians are subject to grace because grace is the unearned gift of love from God. In the end, Christians will not be judged on whether they go to heaven or hell, but what their reward in heaven will be.
4. Love God, love your neighbor, love yourself.
In the Old Testament, there are 10 Commandments. When asked about observing the 10 Commandments, Jesus made basically the same statement in every gospel: that we love God, love our neighbor, and then love ourselves.
The Bible is clear that a neighbor is anyone whereas a brother is a fellow believer in Christ. In essence, Christ told us to love everyone.
Loving someone is very different from liking someone. When you like someone, it’s about who they are. Love is about who you are. Also, the Bible tells us that God is love. Since God is love, then in order to love others, God must be a part of your life. Otherwise, it isn’t love at all.
5. Being saved has nothing to do with being good.
In one of the gospels, someone calls Jesus good. Jesus replied by saying that only God is good. The truth is, none of us are good. No one is good.
Being saved is about accepting Christ as your Savior and putting your faith in him. It is about accepting that Christ is the only road to eternal life, not good works, purgatory, or “being good”.
Jesus once said, “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavty laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). If you want to find true peace, true happiness, you’ll find it in Christ.
Live the abundant Christian life you deserve. You’ll find more articles about living the abundant Christian life at my site: 101 Christian. You’ll also find additional resources to help you at my Christian blog.
Christianity|Why Christians Fail at Internet Marketing
May 30th
Why Christians Fail at Internet Marketing
Unfortunately, the Christian is wrong on both accounts. Christians are willing to pay for good content and services online, but sadly enough, there are very few good Christian services online. Why? Because marketers, both Christian and Secular alike, have assumed that Christians will not pay for online products, because they are unwilling to spend money online. That is the problem. While many Christians, in the early years of the Internet, may have been reluctant to spend money online, with the advent of better Internet filters and screening software, more Christians are spending time online. I contend that the only reason they don’t spend more money online is because of the dearth of good Christian content online. I believe there is a conspicuous absence of good Christian content online, and I believe that those who step up in 2006 and supply the content will get rich doing it.
That may be a bold statement, and some of you will quit reading right now. Go ahead.
Those of you who are still reading, think about this for a moment. When is the best time to get involved in a new window of opportunity? When it first becomes a new window of opportunity, right? I contend that this year, 2006, will be a break-out year for Christian online marketing and sales.
Now, get me right here. I do NOT mean more Ponzi schemes and multi-level games. I mean good, Christian, grounded, chockful-of-useful-information web-based content. Content like information materials that teach about popular Christian topics like Christian self-improvement, Christian dating, Christian success, and Christian values. Products like Christian books, Christian videos, Christian web-sites, Christian marketing tools, and Christian studies.
Another vital point here. These products must be two things: 1) Bona-fide faith-based products that are not ashamed of the Christian identity and 2) High-quality products that contain as much or more good content as a competing secular product. You cannot think that just because a Christian sees a product with a Christian label that that will close the sale. It must be worth every penny you price it at.
If you want to get involved in Christian Internet Marketing, now is the time. Do it.
For More Article Visit :: http://www.thearticleinsiders.com/
Christianity|Illinois Christian Online Dating Site, Just What Christians Need
May 30th
Illinois Christian Online Dating Site, Just What Christians Need
Illinois is found in the Central part of the United States of America. The capital city of Illinois is called Springfield. Its among the top five most populated states in the nation. It has a varied climate with wonderful places that one can visit with his date or family. Illinois is mostly concentrated with catholics and protestants. The Christians in this state saw the need for Illinois Christian online dating sites that the many Christian who were seeking for love could find it easy to find someone they could relate with. Though the Christian dating sites are not as many as other dating sites, the few that are there have a lot of Christians subscribed to them. While you are in Illinois don’t forget to check out their Christian dating sites. It could be the place you find your love.
Illinois Christian online dating has become popular for the Christians living in this state. Sometimes its hard to find someone you share the same ideas with and be compatible with. Sometimes Christians are frowned at by non Christians and finding someone can be almost impossible. With the coming of the Internet and with it online dating. Finding that special person has been made easier. All you need to do is to register with one of the Christian dating sites and view the millions of profiles posted there. You can be rest assured you will not miss to find someone you can fall in love with. You can then ask the people you found interesting if they are interested in you. You will also get messages from people who viewed your profile and got interested. You have to have a wonderful profile, one that will attract other people to you.
Illinois Christian online dating sites give every Christian a chance to meet with all kinds of Christians. You can meet with a catholic or protestant. Depending with what you are interested with and who according to you is close to your denomination. The dating site also allows single Christian parents to post their profiles. So if you are a Christian single parent looking for love, Christian dating site is the place to go to find that person. You can always specify in your profile that you want to meet with a Christian who stays close to your area or even attend your church. That way dating will become much easier for the two of you. Don’t forget to tell them you are a single parent.
Some Illinois Christian online dating site also allow Christians to send instant messages. They have a forum where the Christians single can discuss the bible. They also discuss other things that affect them and give each other solutions to their various problems. In these forums they also offer encouragements and give testimonies about their lives. The Christians dating online sometimes meet in small Christians groups to see each other. However you can still meet with your date alone. But even though the person claims to be a Christian you should be very careful and meet in a public place.
Francis K. Githinji Is An Online Dating Expert. His Latest ProjectIllinois Christian Online Dating Shows How The Power Of Online Dating Can Be Harnessed Internationally and With Great Success, Or You Could Post Your Valued Comments On His Blog At Illinois Christian Online Dating
I’m getting ticked off by all the atheists and God mockers on YouTube. Sorry if I sound a little defensive.
Christianity|Why Christians Fail at Internet Marketing
May 30th
Why Christians Fail at Internet Marketing
A Christian begins to think about marketing online, and wants to market to the Christian Internet Market. After some extensive research, he or she finds that the Christian Internet market is saturated with multilevel, get-rich-quick, gifting, Ponzi schemes, and surf programs. The Christian either chooses to become involved in one of the above-mentioned schemes, thinking that is what Christians are looking for, or decides that Christians aren’t willing to pay for good content or services online.
Unfortunately, the Christian is wrong on both accounts. Christians are willing to pay for good content and services online, but sadly enough, there are very few good Christian services online. Why? Because marketers, both Christian and Secular alike, have assumed that Christians will not pay for online products, because they are unwilling to spend money online. That is the problem. While many Christians, in the early years of the Internet, may have been reluctant to spend money online, with the advent of better Internet filters and screening software, more Christians are spending time online. I contend that the only reason they don’t spend more money online is because of the dearth of good Christian content online. I believe there is a conspicuous absence of good Christian content online, and I believe that those who step up in 2006 and supply the content will get rich doing it.
That may be a bold statement, and some of you will quit reading right now. Go ahead.
Those of you who are still reading, think about this for a moment. When is the best time to get involved in a new window of opportunity? When it first becomes a new window of opportunity, right? I contend that this year, 2006, will be a break-out year for Christian online marketing and sales.
Now, get me right here. I do NOT mean more Ponzi schemes and multi-level games. I mean good, Christian, grounded, chockful-of-useful-information web-based content. Content like information materials that teach about popular Christian topics like Christian self-improvement, Christian dating, Christian success, and Christian values. Products like Christian books, Christian videos, Christian web-sites, Christian marketing tools, and Christian studies.
Another vital point here. These products must be two things: 1) Bona-fide faith-based products that are not ashamed of the Christian identity and 2) High-quality products that contain as much or more good content as a competing secular product. You cannot think that just because a Christian sees a product with a Christian label that that will close the sale. It must be worth every penny you price it at.
If you want to get involved in Christian Internet Marketing, now is the time. Do it.
Sean Mize is a Christian Entrepreneur and Marketer, and the author of
Christian Time Management
He also co-publishes:
Christian Article Directory
Note: You have my permission to reprint and distribute this article as long as it is distributed in its entirety, including all links. © Sean Mize 2006
More info: whywontgodhealamputees.com If you are an educated Christian, I would like to talk with you today about an important and interesting question. Have you ever thought about using your college education to think about your faith? Your life and your career demand that you behave and act rationally. Let’s apply your critical thinking skills as we discuss 10 simple questions about your religion. The answers will amaze you.
Video Rating: 3 / 5
Find More Christianity Articles
Christian Faith|Question: Why are the Majority of Proclaimed Christians, Hypocritical Bigots?
May 30th
Question: Why are the Majority of Proclaimed Christians, Hypocritical Bigots?
Question submitted on Yahoo on the internet:Most don’t read the bible, attend religious services, or pray. A higher percentage of Christians commit crimes than non-religious people and Christians are more likely to support capital punishment and wars which are all murder. Non-religious people tend to be more tolerant and accepting, promoting social welfare and peace. But then Christians procliam to have some kind of moral superiority.
Why is this so backwards?
Answer provided by the writer: With any religion, those who attend services and are active participants in good standing with their church or other place of worship find themselves at different levels of understanding and practice. I cannot speak in agreement with your rhetorical question, but as a Christian and Episcopalian will respond in kind regarding the Christian experience.
A proclaimed Christian will probably be Baptized, recite the creeds, and other prayers in Church, and do deeds of service. These similar kinds of acts are pretty standard Christian practice for the good Christian. Even the regular or average one of good standing.
Yet many Christians fail, and all Christians are in some manner or degree sinners. That is a human who is and will, has failed in the eyes of Christ in God. It is in returning to the Lord, as practice, that redemption can be found. At least this is a significant way. Interestingly, among many believers in this faith, intention is important.
Each Christian meets his fellow where he may be in his journey, hypocrite, warmonger, war starter, warrior, supporter of capital punishment, evil conservative, tyrannical socialist, or even Fascist (pretty far gone, I know), or other. I cannot agree that the higher percentage of Christians commit crimes, but you may be right.
Jails are full of Christians. One reason they seek out the faith and way of living is that it is a way of forgiveness and mercy. It is also a way of transformation and change, whether that search for such is honest or not isn’t the issue. Come and see at a Church to discover or observe this God who is generous, kind, merciful, and faithful to human beings through history. That is not an anser, per se. It is a way of saying, is this God’s fault that Christians may fail? They do.
But most important in my answer, is the fact that ministers and members of the Church meet their fellows where they may be, not as they would be perfect, or as Christians would like them to be.
I cannot speak to how many read the Bible, but in the Church of my denomination, if one attends one is going to hear the Bible read.
Interestingly, though, the Episcopalian who is a member remains in good standing and is considered in Communion if he or she attends worship services and takes Eucharist a mere three times a year. This means going, for instance, or Christmas, Easter, and other time. This seems scant attendance, I know. But it is so.
As for the non-religious being the better part of human kind, I cannot speak in answer to your assertion. There are, after all, a billion Christians in the world–if memory serves correct. Many may be failed Christians, even those who have fallen away but still consider themselves Christian. You may be speaking of these, too, in your question. Regardless, they identify with Christianity, and even if not the better part may have to be their light, as Christians and Christianity is a light to the world. So I believe.
Christians live a life and way, their Church is a moral organization, and by definition membership and participation in such is a valid source of the moral life. Christ is and was a moral force, a good, in the world both now and in the history of mankind. I think most peole would say so, even those not practicing or professed Christians.
How moral is what I’ve discussed as more, for you imply a requirement of high standard. As I say, we meet each other where one may be.
Do I think they are morally superior? Certainly, history and Western Civilization has shown that the Christian influence has been positive and uplifting, despite its human shortcomings, failures, and errors.
This is not so much an apology, but a means of putting a framework on your questions and statements regarding the moral superiority and standing of the Christian faith. This is a framework of Christian living, which follows the poor, chaste, Christ through the year.
Is Christianity not one of the world’s great religion, and as such by definition a superior one in our eyes of Western Civilization.
–Peter Menkin, Obl Cam OSB
Mill Valley, CA USA
(north of San Francisco)
Peter Menkin, an aspiring poet, lives in Mill Valley, CA USA (north of San Francisco).
My blog:
http://www.petermenkin.blogspot.com
Find More Christian Faith Articles
Christian Credit Card Debt Solution – for Concerned Christians
May 28th
Christian Credit Card Debt Solution – for Concerned Christians
Have you ever heard of Christian credit card debt solution? It is quite evident that today, for an average American it is very normal to be in debt. It is a trend for most of them. Yet, you may find a patch of Christians not favoring the trend. For them, being in debt might be so suffocating as inhaling carbon monoxide. There can be many reasons for their not being able to accept the fact that they are in debt. One of them is their religion, Christianity.
For some Christians, it is against the dignity of a Christian to be in uncontrollable debt. Some Christians do not feel good in being in any kind of debt whether big or small. For some, it is all right to be under debt as far as it does not affect their finances and life-style. However, according to many, the debt-led life violates the norms of being a Christian. They strongly seek Christian credit card debt solution.
In recent years, the number of Christians wanting to consolidate their debt has dramatically increased. As a result, many companies are mushrooming up for the purpose of serving Christian clients with an appropriate debt solution. They know their clients and their problems well and so they are able to counsel them accordingly. If you are one of those Christians who are serious about the debt matter, these firms can be the best option for you. You can also go for online credit card debt solution as some of these firms work online. They would negotiate with your creditors on your behalf and do their best to relieve you from this burden of debt.
Service In Good Faith
Taking care of a typical Christian mentality, these firms help you get rid of debt. They perform all the tasks from understanding your debt situation to consolidating all your debts and fetching you a Christian debt loan. Further, you can look up to credit card debt counseling from them that would help you stay away from debt. While performing this professional task, they take care of the religious aspects too. They are aware of Christian beliefs and the teachings of Bible. This helps them work under the norms of Christianity. These firms work under good will and some are even non-profit.
The non-profit firms aim to serve their Christian clients without intentions of earning any profit. They serve their fellow Christian friends just to free them from this debt trap and lead a respectable debt-free life. There are minimal chances of bankruptcy, as they have same intentions as yours – your freedom from debt. Sounds good! Of course, you can look forward to these firms for the Christian credit card debt solution.
Christian credit card debt solution has come up as the solution for all the Christians who find it too difficult to reathe under debt. Many Christian organizations are helping these Christians to stay away from the guilt of being under debt. These firms also offer credit card debt counseling to help people organize their finances better and to assist them in selecting the best credit card debt consolidation program.
Great song. One of my faves. This song is property of Petra. Beyond Belief
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Find More Christian Belief Articles
Muslims Christians and Mahayana Buddhists in Thailand
May 28th
Muslims Christians and Mahayana Buddhists in Thailand
Muslims comprise Thailand’s largest religious minority, and are concentrated mainly in the southernmost provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala and Satun. Islam is said to have been introduced to the Malay peninsula by Arab traders and adventurers during the 13th century. Most Thai Muslims are of Malay descent, reflecting the common cultural heritage Thailand’s southernmost provinces share with Malays.
Thai Muslims, 99 percent Sunni and 1 percent Shi’ite, enjoy H.M. the King’s inspirational and financial support. His Majesty provided money for translating the Koran into Thai. The King or his representative presides during the annual celebrations commemorating the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday. Additionally, His Majesty appoints a respected Muslim religious leader as Chularajamontri, or State Counsellor for all Islamic affairs. The government also pro-vides funds for building and renovating mosques.
Government-employed Muslims are allowed leave for important Muslim festivals, and allowed to work half-days on Friday, the Muslim holy day. In addition, one four months’ leave with full salary is also granted to allow the employee to make the Haj, the pilgrimage to Mecca incumbent on all Muslims able to make the journey. In those provinces with large concentrations of Muslims, family and inheritance cases are judged according to Koranic law with a Muslim religious leader sitting on the bench.
There are approximately 2000 mosques in Thailand, about 100 of which are in Bangkok. Some 200 Muslim schools offer secular as well as religious instruction. All in all, Thailand’s 1,325,587 (1970) Muslims enjoy full state support and are free to practise their religion according to their own tenets.
Christians
Christianity was introduced to Thailand in the 16th and 17th centuries by Portuguese and Spanish Dominican, Franciscan and Jesuit missionaries. During sub-sequent centuries other missionaries, including Protestants of the Presbyterian, Baptist and Seventh-Day Adventist sects arrived. Their converts mainly came from ethnic minorities such as the immigrant Chinese. Despite the small number of Thai converts, Christians have made several major contributions in the fields of health and education.
Many Thai schools and hospitals are Christian-affiliated. Thailand’s first printing press was Christian-introduced and King Mongkut learned English and Latin from Christian missionaries. In an encounter
perhaps revealing the reason for the scarcity of Thai Christian converts, he reputedly told the missionaries, “What you teach us to do is admirable, but what you teach us to believe is foolish.” Furthermore, Christians in-troduced Western surgery; made the first smallpox vaccinations; trained the first Thai doctors in Western medicine; and wrote the first Thai English dictionaries.
Thailand’s total Christian population is estimated at 195,300 (1970).
Mahayana Buddhists
Mahayana Buddhists are found pri manly among Thailand’s ethnic Chinese and Vietnamese. There are some 21 major Chinese monasteries and 25 meeting halls used for merit-making, Buddhist services and meditation. Chinese monks are easily distinguishable from Thai (Theravada) monks by their apparel : orange jackets and trousers . Strict vegetarians, they only eat food prepared in their monasteries. Unlike Theravada Buddhist monks, they are not required to be celibate. Their daily routine is concerned mainly with elaborate rituals and with preparation for the funerals and burials over which they preside.
Their Vietnamese counterparts are found in 13 major monasteries. Dressed like the Chinese Buddhists, the Vietnamese monks are not subject to special dietary regulations and make daily morning food collections.
Please read our premium article Metro hotel Sydney Hotel deals Sydney Accommodation Hanoi
Is Muslim Evangelism Really as Scary as Some Christians Imagine?
May 27th
Is Muslim Evangelism Really as Scary as Some Christians Imagine?
Many countries label all Americans as Christians, although Americans will tell you emphatically that that’s not the case. However, many Christians have a tendency to put Muslims into specific categories, causing unnecessary fear and avoidance when it comes to evangelism.
• Often, if one doesn’t know much in general about the Islamic religion, when Muslims are referred to they are put into the category of terrorists, or assumed to be from Muslim-controlled countries. Of course, not all Muslims are from Islamic countries, and the Muslims’ beliefs can be as dissimilar to each other as can Christians’. Some Muslims are extremely dedicated to jihad and become terrorists, but others practice only the basics of the religion and seek to fit into the community and business world.
• Sometimes Christians are afraid of Muslim evangelism because they are afraid that any Muslim they talk to might be so dedicated to his religion that he would back them into a corner, presenting Islam in such a way that there could be no argument. This fear stems from a lack of solid grounding in these Christians, and a (self) focus on how they might look if the Muslim knows more than they.
Where do fears like these come from, other than a lack of understanding or research? Fears such as these can be called by the following specific names. I urge Christians to consider them and make needed corrections to be rid of unnecessary fears.
• “There is no fear in love: true love has no room for fear…” (I John 4:18) One reason Christians would fear Muslims is due to a lack of love. The Bible says that God is love (I John 4:16) and anyone who has the Spirit of God ought also to have His love. Instead of focusing on self and fear (which stifles God’s love), believers should keep their focus on God, remembering that salvation comes through Jesus Christ and the grace given for salvation is also available for the Muslims.
• Jesus is the example for believers to follow concerning every aspect of life, and when it comes to evangelism, Jesus’ heart of compassion should be studied and imitated. “And when he got near and saw the town, he was overcome with weeping for it.” (Luke 19:41) “But when He saw all the people He was moved with pity for them, because they were troubled and wandering like sheep without a keeper.” (Matthew 9:36) Don’t allow fear to be greater than the compassion God wishes to express through you.
• When we fail to take things to God in prayer, we’re often burdened with unnecessary fears. This can be the case in a fear of Muslim evangelism; we fear them because we fail to pray (sincerely) for them. The Bible says to, “Have love for those who are against you, and make prayer for those who are cruel to you.” (Matthew 5:44) Although the Islamic religion is an enemy of the Gospel of Christ, the people must have believers praying for them. Without prayer for them, who would be burdened to share the love of Christ with them? Jesus said, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray to the Lord of the harvest that He may send forth laborers into His harvest.” (Luke 10:2)
• When we permit fear to chase us away from evangelism, we are actually saying (whether consciously or not) that God is not deserving of our trust. Throughout the Scriptures, the faithfulness of God is seen in spite of human fear. Christians ought to seek the Word of God as a reminder that He is worthy of trust, and we have nothing to fear. “Be strong and courageous; don’t be afraid of them. For it is the Lord your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6) “…’I will never leave you or forsake you.’ Therefore, we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5,6) “I was searching for the Lord, and He gave ear to my voice, and made me free from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4)
Aleena Denison has a heart for seeing the message of the Bible presented in a clear way,and is dedicated to sharing Jesus with the lost and helping believers see their responsibilities in evangelism, discipleship, and Bible study. For more information and free downloads, see http://www.goodseed.com
Recent Comments