Islam on Capitol Hill
Washington, D.C. - On September 25th there will be a national prayer gathering of Muslims on the west front of the U.S. Capitol Building. They are expecting at least 50,000 to attend from mosques all across America. They will gather to pray from 4:00 AM until 7:00 PM. The gathering will take place by the site where U.S. Presidents have been inaugurated since 1981. The organizers say that it was Obama's inauguration speech in January and his speech broadcast from Egypt in June that gave them the idea for this prayer gathering on Capitol Hill.
They have a website set up for this event. If you never look at another website look at this one, especially the final words: islamoncapitolhill.com
How about this response from an average American wife/mother.
I did look at the site.....Im sorry but cannot find anything wrong with it as it states:
#
Thousands of Muslims from all races, creeds, colors and ethnicities will gather for the sole purpose of prayer
#
Bonds of friendship will be formed between those in attendance, both Muslims and Non-Muslims
#
Muslim youth will experience tours of the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court.
#
The peace, beauty and solidarity of Islam will shine through America's capitol.
I think....
prayer lifted up should be celebrated....
and what about freedom of religion....
The single most important belief in Islam, and arguably the central theme of Islam, is that there is only one God
Isnt that what we believe
Other prophets are important in Islam as well, all of which are shared with the Jews or the Christians.
We also teach our children the Bible stories of the prophets....moses, elijah, etc and are key readings in our church services
For a Muslim, the object of life is to live in a way that is pleasing to Allah so that one may gain Paradise. It is believed that at puberty, an account of each person's deeds is opened, and this will be used at the Day of Judgment to determine his eternal fate.
dont we too believe that we need to live as God wants us to so that we can go to heaven - we are saved by our faith. We also believe in a judgement day
Muslims consider their religion to the be the one true religion, and invite people of all races, nationalities and religions to be part of it.Isnt this what all religions are --- belief in their own and inviting all others to believe their way......
I just dont want fear to fuel my existence---- I dont want to believe they are there to pray to turn everyone against americans because they too are americans....
Not trying to argue...just had to add my own opinion ----- I just cant critize prayer --- it is too powerful and I'd like to believe God-- allah -- yahweh -- jehovah---its him and he hears all prayers
Now my words…Does anybody see a problem here? Do we not realize that this is NOT what Islam teaches. The Koran teaches that they are not to stop until the entire world is Islam (which means submission). That whatever means necessary to make it happen is acceptable (even violence and terrorism). Don’t believe this propaganda put out by Islam. It is deception to the highest. Jesus said in Matthew 24:4 “see to it that no one deceives you, many will come in My name, saying ‘I am the Christ,” and shall deceive many.”
Come on now! This is not what our forefathers had in mind. Study history and the founding documents, etc.
I am not saying they don't have a right if they are Ameican Citizens, but this is telling about our direction, and Islamic efforts to "evangelize" the world. Look at what has happened in Britain and Europe. I personally don't want to go that way.
BTW, the President would not even have prayer bkfst at Whitehouse this year--- first time in years. Brian McLaren and his church are joining the Muslims celebrating Ramadan.... check this out (http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2009-09-18-ramadan-christians_N.htm?csp=usat.me) Where are we headed?
God help us.
Tommy
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
? what?
After the last post someone asked me, "What about Brian McLaren, Mark Driscoll, Doug Paget?"
My response.... ?what?
My response.... ?what?
Passing the Baton
Passing the Baton
The critical point in a relay race is the passing of the baton. We are now seeing the passing of the baton from one generation of leadership to the next in the SBC and really evangelical Christianity in America. In the last decade many of my heroes of the faith have gone to glory—men like Adrian Rogers, James Kennedy, Jerry Falwell, etc. Not that I always agreed with them, but they had a public voice and when they spoke, people listened. They had a commanding presence and were willing to stand in the public square and boldly proclaim the Word of God.
Recently, we have seen the retirement of the Executive Director of the SBC (Morris Chapman), the president of the International Mission Board (Jerry Rankin) and the vacating of the presidency of the North American Mission Board (Dr. Hammonds). Who will rise to fill these positions of leadership in the flagship of evangelical churches in America? It is truly a telling moment.
While there are leaders today with the ability, who will rise to the task? Who, in our day has the respect of both Christians and the fear of public officials? James Dobson is left, but retired and slowing down. Joel Olsteen? I don’t think so—Rick Warren? No chance. Bill Hybles? Naw…..
Our brightest and our best seem to be at the helm of our seminaries, but we need role models standing weekly behind the pulpit and challenging Christians, prophets who will stand in the public arena, point a finger in the face of politicians (as Nathan dud), media and society, and be willing to say, “YOU are the man!” Evangelicals have been the conscience of this country since her inception, but there voice has become a whisper. Instead of fearing the Christian community and her influence, Christians have become the whipping boy and the butt of the jokes.
The church needs revival and reform from the leadership down. I say from the leadership down, because it seems to rise and fall on leadership (check out the Scripture). We are in great danger, however, because the call of the Emergent leaders is not to revival and authenticity, but to change the message—(that is another topic). The common ground is becoming smaller and smaller. “The Bible says” has been replaced by “I believe the Bible teaches.” Where is the dogma? Is there no black and white anywhere? Are there no absolutes? The emergent leadership are asking the question of Pilate—what is truth? Do they not know? Where are the leaders who have the knowledge and the skill to reprove and rebuke?
When I go to the doctor, I don’t want him to say, well it could be the tonsils, it might be the gall bladder, so I think we will take out a kidney and see what happens. No. I want a diagnosis and a treatment that will cure the ill. We know the disease, we know the cure. Who will answer the call to stand in the public arena and address these issues?
Beginning in the pulpits of the smallest rural church and continuing to the largest mega-congregation, we need men of God who are willing to stand and preach the Word of God (not their opinion) without apology---The reason we may have a lack of authenticity in the pew is because we have a lack of authenticity in the pulpit. Certainly we are in difficult days (2 Timothy 3), and it seems that many are “holding to a form of godliness” but having none of the power.
When Isaiah was commissioned, we read in Isaiah 6:8-11 (NASB95)
8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” 9 He said, “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on listening, but do not perceive; Keep on looking, but do not understand.’ 10 “Render the hearts of this people insensitive, Their ears dull, And their eyes dim, Otherwise they might see with their eyes, Hear with their ears, Understand with their hearts, And return and be healed.” 11 Then I said, “Lord, how long?” And He answered, “Until cities are devastated and without inhabitant, Houses are without people And the land is utterly desolate,
We never give up preaching the Word of Truth until the land is utterly desolate.
The baton is being passed, the runners seem to have stumbled, let’s not drop the baton.
The critical point in a relay race is the passing of the baton. We are now seeing the passing of the baton from one generation of leadership to the next in the SBC and really evangelical Christianity in America. In the last decade many of my heroes of the faith have gone to glory—men like Adrian Rogers, James Kennedy, Jerry Falwell, etc. Not that I always agreed with them, but they had a public voice and when they spoke, people listened. They had a commanding presence and were willing to stand in the public square and boldly proclaim the Word of God.
Recently, we have seen the retirement of the Executive Director of the SBC (Morris Chapman), the president of the International Mission Board (Jerry Rankin) and the vacating of the presidency of the North American Mission Board (Dr. Hammonds). Who will rise to fill these positions of leadership in the flagship of evangelical churches in America? It is truly a telling moment.
While there are leaders today with the ability, who will rise to the task? Who, in our day has the respect of both Christians and the fear of public officials? James Dobson is left, but retired and slowing down. Joel Olsteen? I don’t think so—Rick Warren? No chance. Bill Hybles? Naw…..
Our brightest and our best seem to be at the helm of our seminaries, but we need role models standing weekly behind the pulpit and challenging Christians, prophets who will stand in the public arena, point a finger in the face of politicians (as Nathan dud), media and society, and be willing to say, “YOU are the man!” Evangelicals have been the conscience of this country since her inception, but there voice has become a whisper. Instead of fearing the Christian community and her influence, Christians have become the whipping boy and the butt of the jokes.
The church needs revival and reform from the leadership down. I say from the leadership down, because it seems to rise and fall on leadership (check out the Scripture). We are in great danger, however, because the call of the Emergent leaders is not to revival and authenticity, but to change the message—(that is another topic). The common ground is becoming smaller and smaller. “The Bible says” has been replaced by “I believe the Bible teaches.” Where is the dogma? Is there no black and white anywhere? Are there no absolutes? The emergent leadership are asking the question of Pilate—what is truth? Do they not know? Where are the leaders who have the knowledge and the skill to reprove and rebuke?
When I go to the doctor, I don’t want him to say, well it could be the tonsils, it might be the gall bladder, so I think we will take out a kidney and see what happens. No. I want a diagnosis and a treatment that will cure the ill. We know the disease, we know the cure. Who will answer the call to stand in the public arena and address these issues?
Beginning in the pulpits of the smallest rural church and continuing to the largest mega-congregation, we need men of God who are willing to stand and preach the Word of God (not their opinion) without apology---The reason we may have a lack of authenticity in the pew is because we have a lack of authenticity in the pulpit. Certainly we are in difficult days (2 Timothy 3), and it seems that many are “holding to a form of godliness” but having none of the power.
When Isaiah was commissioned, we read in Isaiah 6:8-11 (NASB95)
8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” 9 He said, “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on listening, but do not perceive; Keep on looking, but do not understand.’ 10 “Render the hearts of this people insensitive, Their ears dull, And their eyes dim, Otherwise they might see with their eyes, Hear with their ears, Understand with their hearts, And return and be healed.” 11 Then I said, “Lord, how long?” And He answered, “Until cities are devastated and without inhabitant, Houses are without people And the land is utterly desolate,
We never give up preaching the Word of Truth until the land is utterly desolate.
The baton is being passed, the runners seem to have stumbled, let’s not drop the baton.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Negative People
Negative People
Negative people expect only tarnish off a silver platter. They are seasick during the entire voyage of their life. They have adopted Chisolm’s Law—“Anytime things appear to be getting better you have overlooked something.”
My grandmother said to me one time, “I am so worried things are going too smooth, something must be wrong.” She worried that there was nothing to worry about.
Negative thinkers don’t build churches. In fact, they don’t believe great churches can be built.
The most important thing about us is our attitude. Attitude is important because your thoughts govern your action. The question is, “Are you guided by negative or positive thoughts?” I personally have a hard time tolerating a negative attitude. Why? Because I battle a negative attitude all day everyday, and if I can have victory over a negative attitude, you can as well. And while I battle with a negative attitude, I don’t need someone with a bad attitude pulling my good attitude down.
Do you live by Murphy’s law? It says, nothing is as easy as it looks; everything takes longer than you expect; and if anything can go wrong it will and at the worst possible moment.
Or you can say, “Nothing is as hard as it looks; everything is more rewarding than you expect; and if anything can go right it will, and at the best possible time.
Romans 12:2 (NASB95)
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Negative people expect only tarnish off a silver platter. They are seasick during the entire voyage of their life. They have adopted Chisolm’s Law—“Anytime things appear to be getting better you have overlooked something.”
My grandmother said to me one time, “I am so worried things are going too smooth, something must be wrong.” She worried that there was nothing to worry about.
Negative thinkers don’t build churches. In fact, they don’t believe great churches can be built.
The most important thing about us is our attitude. Attitude is important because your thoughts govern your action. The question is, “Are you guided by negative or positive thoughts?” I personally have a hard time tolerating a negative attitude. Why? Because I battle a negative attitude all day everyday, and if I can have victory over a negative attitude, you can as well. And while I battle with a negative attitude, I don’t need someone with a bad attitude pulling my good attitude down.
Do you live by Murphy’s law? It says, nothing is as easy as it looks; everything takes longer than you expect; and if anything can go wrong it will and at the worst possible moment.
Or you can say, “Nothing is as hard as it looks; everything is more rewarding than you expect; and if anything can go right it will, and at the best possible time.
Romans 12:2 (NASB95)
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Where's The Authenticity?
Where’s The Authenticity?
George Barna has noted that research among those who avoid churches suggests that the main obstacle in people attending church is the “busyness of these people.”
Jim Henderson, in his 2007 book, Jim and Casper Go to Church: Frank conversation about faith, churches, and well-meaning Christians, states in the introduction, “In my opinion, some professed Christians are not actually following Jesus but are instead following religion. These people should more accurately be called religionists. Atheists are more honest about their unwillingness to follow Jesus. . .”
Henderson (a believer) and Casper (an atheist) visit congregations to try to experience what visitors must feel when they attend. They ask the question, “What does a nonbeliever find attractive—or repellent—about Christians and church communities?”
Casper (the atheist) said about a friend named Jason. (He is)“. . . my kind of Christian: He walks the walk. . .”
Christianity today suffers from a lack of authenticity. That is the reason that many have left traditional churches for the emergent movement. Brian McLaren suggests that if Evangelicals have the truth, then why are so many living hypocritically?
Walk the walk, talk the talk, live the life--- Be Real! When you aren’t, you hurt the kingdom.
Matthew 7:21-23 (NASB95)
21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22 “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ 23 “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’
George Barna has noted that research among those who avoid churches suggests that the main obstacle in people attending church is the “busyness of these people.”
Jim Henderson, in his 2007 book, Jim and Casper Go to Church: Frank conversation about faith, churches, and well-meaning Christians, states in the introduction, “In my opinion, some professed Christians are not actually following Jesus but are instead following religion. These people should more accurately be called religionists. Atheists are more honest about their unwillingness to follow Jesus. . .”
Henderson (a believer) and Casper (an atheist) visit congregations to try to experience what visitors must feel when they attend. They ask the question, “What does a nonbeliever find attractive—or repellent—about Christians and church communities?”
Casper (the atheist) said about a friend named Jason. (He is)“. . . my kind of Christian: He walks the walk. . .”
Christianity today suffers from a lack of authenticity. That is the reason that many have left traditional churches for the emergent movement. Brian McLaren suggests that if Evangelicals have the truth, then why are so many living hypocritically?
Walk the walk, talk the talk, live the life--- Be Real! When you aren’t, you hurt the kingdom.
Matthew 7:21-23 (NASB95)
21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22 “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ 23 “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)