Perhaps I'm the only one with this problem. I read books and listen to sermons admonishing me to change the world...and I feel stress, anxiety, and guilt.
I look at the problems of the world:
*AIDS, war, and famine ravaging Africa
*140 million orphans in the world
*Millions of women enslaved in sex trafficking across the globe
*A billion people without knowledge of the true Christ throughout Islamic dominated societies
*Over 1 million abortions performed in America alone each year
*Inner-city poverty and crime
The list could go on and on, but the effect would be the same. I know that the problems are too big for me. I can't end any of them.
However, the good news for ordinary Christians like me is this: I'm not responsible for changing the world. I'm responsible for pursuing good, but I'm not responsible for the results.
The apostle Paul wrote, "The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people" (Titus 3:8). As a believer in God, I want to do good in every way possible. I want to help people in poverty, women who are considering an abortion, children who need parents, and everyone in need of knowing Jesus. I want to be devoted such good works.
But I also want to acknowledge my limitations. I can pursue good in every possible way for all the right reasons, but I'm not responsible for my effectiveness. The apostle Paul recognized this fact when writing about the effectiveness of his ministry (along with the ministry of Apollos). He wrote, "What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth" (1 Corinthians 3:5-7). I am responsible for pursuing good works, but God is responsible for the results.
If I can keep that in mind, I can accept the next challenge to change the world without slipping into despair. I'm not going to change the world, but I can do my part and let God work through me.
Showing posts with label Islam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Islam. Show all posts
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Loving Our Muslim Neighbors
This is a fascinating discussion about how Christians can reach out to Muslim neighbors among us. Thabiti Anyabwile and J.D. Greear are involved in the discussion at the recent Desiring God Conference.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
What Do Muslims and Christians Have in Common?
What do Muslims and Christians have in common?
Love for their families
Jobs
Spouses
Children
Diseases
Loss of loved ones
Insecurities
Parents
Relationship problems
Anger
Joy
Disabilities
Sins
The need for Jesus Christ to take away their sins and to give them hope
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."--Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19-20).
Love for their families
Jobs
Spouses
Children
Diseases
Loss of loved ones
Insecurities
Parents
Relationship problems
Anger
Joy
Disabilities
Sins
The need for Jesus Christ to take away their sins and to give them hope
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."--Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19-20).
Friday, January 16, 2009
Love, War, Torture, and Human Dignity
This morning, I listened carefully as a local radio host interviewed a Catholic priest who had written an article critical of torturing terrorists. The priest argued that Islamic terrorists bear the image of God just as every other person on earth does. Therefore, they should not be tortured. It is dehumanizing and demeaning.
The talk show host and his listeners did not agree with his argument. They made the point that terrorists should not retain human rights. The terrorists had forfeited all rights when they started to engage in the murder of American citizens. Some callers completely denied the idea that terrorists are human beings. They considered the terrorists to be animals.
From a biblical perspective, the priest made the better argument. Of course the Islamic terrorists bear the image of God. They are not animals.
However, the question is not: Do Islamic terrorists bear the image of God? The question is: Is it morally acceptable for the government to torture them in order to save innocent lives?
On the one hand, Jesus told his followers to love their enemies (Matthew 5:44). Islamic terrorists certainly fall into the category of the enemies of Christians.
On the other hand, Christ wants his people to love their neighbors (Matthew 22:39). The innocent people who are the targets of the terrorists would certainly fall into the category of our neighbors.
So what do we do when two commandments seem to conflict? If a woman were being raped in front of my house, would it be enough for me to plead with the rapist to stop raping my neighbor? Or would the loving thing be to use whatever force necessary to stop the rapist, even if it meant hurting or killing him? I believe the answer would be to try to stop him verbally, but to kill him if necessary. It's loving when we call for repentance, but it's also loving to intervene with force when necessary to protect the innocent.
In Romans 12, the apostle Paul urged Christians, "Do not repay evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord" (Romans 12:17-19).
Then, in the next chapter, he adds, "For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer" (Romans 13:3-4).
So is it morally acceptable for the government to torture terrorists in order to save the lives of innocent people? Yes. It's the government's duty to terrorize those who would kill the innocent, and it could be the most loving thing the government could do for our neighbors. At the same time, Christians need to be praying for the terrorists' hearts to change while calling on them to repent from their evil. Both actions can be motivated by love.
The talk show host and his listeners did not agree with his argument. They made the point that terrorists should not retain human rights. The terrorists had forfeited all rights when they started to engage in the murder of American citizens. Some callers completely denied the idea that terrorists are human beings. They considered the terrorists to be animals.
From a biblical perspective, the priest made the better argument. Of course the Islamic terrorists bear the image of God. They are not animals.
However, the question is not: Do Islamic terrorists bear the image of God? The question is: Is it morally acceptable for the government to torture them in order to save innocent lives?
On the one hand, Jesus told his followers to love their enemies (Matthew 5:44). Islamic terrorists certainly fall into the category of the enemies of Christians.
On the other hand, Christ wants his people to love their neighbors (Matthew 22:39). The innocent people who are the targets of the terrorists would certainly fall into the category of our neighbors.
So what do we do when two commandments seem to conflict? If a woman were being raped in front of my house, would it be enough for me to plead with the rapist to stop raping my neighbor? Or would the loving thing be to use whatever force necessary to stop the rapist, even if it meant hurting or killing him? I believe the answer would be to try to stop him verbally, but to kill him if necessary. It's loving when we call for repentance, but it's also loving to intervene with force when necessary to protect the innocent.
In Romans 12, the apostle Paul urged Christians, "Do not repay evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord" (Romans 12:17-19).
Then, in the next chapter, he adds, "For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer" (Romans 13:3-4).
So is it morally acceptable for the government to torture terrorists in order to save the lives of innocent people? Yes. It's the government's duty to terrorize those who would kill the innocent, and it could be the most loving thing the government could do for our neighbors. At the same time, Christians need to be praying for the terrorists' hearts to change while calling on them to repent from their evil. Both actions can be motivated by love.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
People Are Looking for Answers
"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15).
I am constantly honored to have people in my life asking me questions about God, Christ, faith, hope, sin, and related topics. I have become convinced that people are looking for solid answers to their questions. They have grown dissatisfied with questions, uncertainty, and insecurity in their lives. More than ever, they are willing to consider God and his word.
These are some of the questions I have been asked this week (along with my answers):
1. If God created everything, where did God come from?
For anything to exist, something has had to have always existed. Something needs to be eternal. Nothing produces nothing. If at some point in the past nothing existed, we could not exist now, because something cannot come from nothing. So the question becomes, "What has always existed?" We could say that the material universe has always existed. However, physicists and astronomers point to a beginning of our universe. They also expect an end to it. If they are correct (and I believe they are correct in recognizing that there was a beginning), the material universe cannot be eternal. So, the only other option would be: something beyond the material universe must have been responsible for creation. It would need to be outside the laws of physics, because it would need to be eternal itself. God is a spirit who is beyond the laws of physics. He is eternal and the source of the physical universe.
2. My Muslim daughter asked her spiritual leader why God answers my prayers since I am a Christian, and he answers her prayers as a Muslim. He told her that God answers the prayers of everyone, but that only Muslims will go to heaven. How do I respond?
Jesus Christ is unique. He said that no one could go to his Father (God) unless they followed him as the Way. He is the only begotten Son of God. He is the only one who has lived a sinless life. He is the only one qualified to be a sacrifice on behalf of sinners in order to satisfy the penalty for sin. He was proven to be acceptable in his sacrifice when he was resurrected.
The issue is not whether Muslims are superior to Christians. The issue is whether Jesus Christ is uniquely qualified to be our Savior. If he is (and I believe he is), then he is the one worthy of following.
3. My Muslim son-in-law is always lying to my daughter. He is dishonest with her all the time, but he calls himself a good Muslim. How can he do that?
I don't know. I do not know the rules of Islam concerning lying. I don't know what they consider to be "good." (My answer was completely inadequate, but honest.)
4a. What church are you a member of, Terry?
The Church of Christ
4b. I didn't know you were a member of Barack Obama's church.
I'm not. He's a member of the United Church of Christ. It's a liberal denomination. The Churches of Christ are conservative. (I wish I had given a more complete answer. I should have said that the United Church of Christ is a theologically liberal denomination while the Churches of Christ are theologically conservative, because I probably left the impression that I was talking about the churches' political stances.)
I am constantly honored to have people in my life asking me questions about God, Christ, faith, hope, sin, and related topics. I have become convinced that people are looking for solid answers to their questions. They have grown dissatisfied with questions, uncertainty, and insecurity in their lives. More than ever, they are willing to consider God and his word.
These are some of the questions I have been asked this week (along with my answers):
1. If God created everything, where did God come from?
For anything to exist, something has had to have always existed. Something needs to be eternal. Nothing produces nothing. If at some point in the past nothing existed, we could not exist now, because something cannot come from nothing. So the question becomes, "What has always existed?" We could say that the material universe has always existed. However, physicists and astronomers point to a beginning of our universe. They also expect an end to it. If they are correct (and I believe they are correct in recognizing that there was a beginning), the material universe cannot be eternal. So, the only other option would be: something beyond the material universe must have been responsible for creation. It would need to be outside the laws of physics, because it would need to be eternal itself. God is a spirit who is beyond the laws of physics. He is eternal and the source of the physical universe.
2. My Muslim daughter asked her spiritual leader why God answers my prayers since I am a Christian, and he answers her prayers as a Muslim. He told her that God answers the prayers of everyone, but that only Muslims will go to heaven. How do I respond?
Jesus Christ is unique. He said that no one could go to his Father (God) unless they followed him as the Way. He is the only begotten Son of God. He is the only one who has lived a sinless life. He is the only one qualified to be a sacrifice on behalf of sinners in order to satisfy the penalty for sin. He was proven to be acceptable in his sacrifice when he was resurrected.
The issue is not whether Muslims are superior to Christians. The issue is whether Jesus Christ is uniquely qualified to be our Savior. If he is (and I believe he is), then he is the one worthy of following.
3. My Muslim son-in-law is always lying to my daughter. He is dishonest with her all the time, but he calls himself a good Muslim. How can he do that?
I don't know. I do not know the rules of Islam concerning lying. I don't know what they consider to be "good." (My answer was completely inadequate, but honest.)
4a. What church are you a member of, Terry?
The Church of Christ
4b. I didn't know you were a member of Barack Obama's church.
I'm not. He's a member of the United Church of Christ. It's a liberal denomination. The Churches of Christ are conservative. (I wish I had given a more complete answer. I should have said that the United Church of Christ is a theologically liberal denomination while the Churches of Christ are theologically conservative, because I probably left the impression that I was talking about the churches' political stances.)
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
National Missionary Convention
"He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned" (Mark 16:15-16, NIV).
In 4 months, the National Missionary Convention of the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ will be meeting in Tulsa at the Tulsa Convention Center. Several missionaries will lead workshops dealing with topics such as reaching Muslims and Buddhists, poverty, AIDS, orphans, and human trafficking. The dates are November 20-23, 2008. More information may be found at http://www.nationalmissionaryconvention.org. I hope to see you there!
In 4 months, the National Missionary Convention of the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ will be meeting in Tulsa at the Tulsa Convention Center. Several missionaries will lead workshops dealing with topics such as reaching Muslims and Buddhists, poverty, AIDS, orphans, and human trafficking. The dates are November 20-23, 2008. More information may be found at http://www.nationalmissionaryconvention.org. I hope to see you there!
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Praying for Terrorists
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:43-44, NIV).
Perhaps no one on earth hates Christians more than do the Islamic terrorists. Believing that they are following the will of God, they are intent on killing those who disagree with them. Without a doubt, followers of Jesus Christ are their enemies. We disagree with them at every point.
Our obligation is to pray for them. They need the grace and mercy of God. They are heading toward hell without any hope of escape, unless they come to know Christ as their Savior and Lord. We have been instructed to pray for them. Jesus wants to save them, and He wants us to cooperate with Him in His mission of salvation.
At http://www.atfp.org, we can adopt a terrorist for prayer. This is an excellent opportunity to love our enemies.
Perhaps no one on earth hates Christians more than do the Islamic terrorists. Believing that they are following the will of God, they are intent on killing those who disagree with them. Without a doubt, followers of Jesus Christ are their enemies. We disagree with them at every point.
Our obligation is to pray for them. They need the grace and mercy of God. They are heading toward hell without any hope of escape, unless they come to know Christ as their Savior and Lord. We have been instructed to pray for them. Jesus wants to save them, and He wants us to cooperate with Him in His mission of salvation.
At http://www.atfp.org, we can adopt a terrorist for prayer. This is an excellent opportunity to love our enemies.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Muslim Neighbors
"Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD" (Leviticus 19:18, NIV).
At http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/TasteAndSee/ByDate/2008/2585_How_Shall_We_Love_Our_Muslim_Neighbor, John Piper shares some good insights about loving our Muslim neighbors.
At http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/TasteAndSee/ByDate/2008/2585_How_Shall_We_Love_Our_Muslim_Neighbor, John Piper shares some good insights about loving our Muslim neighbors.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
What Attracts Muslims to Christ?
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30, NIV).
Christianity Today has published the results of a survey of Muslims who have converted to Christianity. The survey conducted by Fuller Theological Seminary points to several factors that have led Muslims around the world to follow Jesus Christ.
Primarily, two factors attract Muslims to Christianity: the lifestyle of Christians and the biblical message. Muslims are affected by Christians who live with integrity and kindness. They appreciate Christians who will reach out to them by adapting to their social customs. They appreciate kindness. They are impressed with strong Christian marriages.
The biblical message of Christ has a great impact when it is shared. The Gospels are powerful, when they are read or studied. The concept of grace is a welcome idea. Security in relationship with God is very appealing.
In other words, Muslims are attracted to Christ when Christians live like Christians and are loyal to the Bible's message. We can do this, and it can make a great impact. The article may be read at http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/october/42.80.html.
Christianity Today has published the results of a survey of Muslims who have converted to Christianity. The survey conducted by Fuller Theological Seminary points to several factors that have led Muslims around the world to follow Jesus Christ.
Primarily, two factors attract Muslims to Christianity: the lifestyle of Christians and the biblical message. Muslims are affected by Christians who live with integrity and kindness. They appreciate Christians who will reach out to them by adapting to their social customs. They appreciate kindness. They are impressed with strong Christian marriages.
The biblical message of Christ has a great impact when it is shared. The Gospels are powerful, when they are read or studied. The concept of grace is a welcome idea. Security in relationship with God is very appealing.
In other words, Muslims are attracted to Christ when Christians live like Christians and are loyal to the Bible's message. We can do this, and it can make a great impact. The article may be read at http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/october/42.80.html.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Can Osama bin Laden Be Saved?
Can Osama bin Laden be saved? As scandalous and disgusting as this sounds, the answer is: Yes. Even the worst mass murderer of our time can be saved. Even the most satanic leader of Islamic terrorists can be saved.
Does bin Laden deserve to go to hell? No question about it. He is a murderer. He mocks the true God who will judge him. He promotes a distorted view of God and humanity. He is evil to the core.
However, another enemy of God who was an unlikely prospect for salvation once reflected back on his life and wrote, "Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 1:13-14, NIV). The apostle Paul could identify with Osama bin Laden in his hatred of Jesus Christ and his followers, but he was changed by an encounter with the Lord.
Osama bin Laden can be saved, but not until he submits to Christ.
So what can we do about it? We must pray for the Islamic world to open up to the gospel. Over one billion Muslims do not know the true Christ. (The one that they know about never died and was never resurrected so that their sins could be forgiven.) They need a Savior, because they have sin in their lives as much as any of us.
In addition, we must send missionaries to Islamic lands. (I know that this has been happening for years. I met a missionary to Indonesia at the National Urban Ministry Conference of the Churches of Christ a few years ago, and I heard about a former urban minister who was serving as a missionary in Pakistan. We simply need to send more missionaries, because the need is so great.) As the apostle Paul also wrote, "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'' (Romans 10:14-15, NIV).
With prayer and evangelism (accompanied by a love for Muslims and a willingness to die in order to reach them), people like Osama bin Laden have a opportunity to be saved. Otherwise, it is hopeless.
Does bin Laden deserve to go to hell? No question about it. He is a murderer. He mocks the true God who will judge him. He promotes a distorted view of God and humanity. He is evil to the core.
However, another enemy of God who was an unlikely prospect for salvation once reflected back on his life and wrote, "Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 1:13-14, NIV). The apostle Paul could identify with Osama bin Laden in his hatred of Jesus Christ and his followers, but he was changed by an encounter with the Lord.
Osama bin Laden can be saved, but not until he submits to Christ.
So what can we do about it? We must pray for the Islamic world to open up to the gospel. Over one billion Muslims do not know the true Christ. (The one that they know about never died and was never resurrected so that their sins could be forgiven.) They need a Savior, because they have sin in their lives as much as any of us.
In addition, we must send missionaries to Islamic lands. (I know that this has been happening for years. I met a missionary to Indonesia at the National Urban Ministry Conference of the Churches of Christ a few years ago, and I heard about a former urban minister who was serving as a missionary in Pakistan. We simply need to send more missionaries, because the need is so great.) As the apostle Paul also wrote, "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'' (Romans 10:14-15, NIV).
With prayer and evangelism (accompanied by a love for Muslims and a willingness to die in order to reach them), people like Osama bin Laden have a opportunity to be saved. Otherwise, it is hopeless.
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