you’ve GOT to be kidding.

you’ve GOT to be kidding.

Can you believe this?  Pastor Terry Jones has declared:

On September 11th, 2010, from 6pm – 9pm, we will burn the Koran on the property of Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, FL in remembrance of the fallen victims of 9/11 and to stand against the evil of Islam. Islam is of the devil!

There’s more.

* The church’s website lists Ten Reasons to Burn a Koran.
* The city of Gainesville, FL has denied the church a burn permit, “BUT WE WILL STILL BURN KORANS” declares Jones.
* An armed Christian organization, Right Wing Extreme, will send members of its militia to protect the church during the burn.
* A defiant Jones was interviewed by Hardball’s Chris Matthews and CNN’s Rick Sanchez and agreed, “It is indeed… a very clear, radical message to Muslims” that Islamic law “is not welcome in America.”

What will be the outcome of this ideological expression of hatred?

Jones actually thinks people will be drawn to salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Meanwhile, Jihadists are vowing to conduct suicide bombings in Florida to avenge the burnings.  Muslim flood victims in Pakistan will hear that American Christians are putting their energy and resources into burning the Koran, not helping them in their hour of dire need.  Evangelistic efforts in Muslim contexts will almost certainly be damaged and diminished.

Friends, I do not find one shred of biblical support for such an act of hatred and offense.  How does this square with Jesus’ sermon on the mount alone? Blessed are the gentle, the peacemakers… Let your light shine in such a way that they see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven… Do not resist him who is evil; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also… Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two… Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…

The teaching and tone of Jesus do not approve of Koran-burning.  Period.

What shall we do?

Dove World Outreach Center claims to be a Bible-believing, New Testament Church.  I am praying that the pastor and people of DWOC will take another careful look at the Word of God, humble themselves in obedience to the Spirit, and change their plan.

If they will not heed the Lord’s rebuke, I am asking God to thwart their counsel and plans and to bring His discipline on them as, and when, and to the extent He sees fit.

I am pleading that this event will be given minimal visibility by the media, and that the enemy will not gain a foothold against the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I am asking for protection and safety for the Christ-followers in Muslim lands who will likely be targeted for harm as a result of Jones’ actions.

Concerning the global effort for Christ’s Kingdom, I am claiming with renewed determination the promise that the nations and the ends of the earth are Christ’s inheritance, not the enemy’s.

Pray with me!

Blessings,

Paul


Previous
the win matters
Next
holy ones

0 Comments

Add a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.