Apologetics: An Important Tool In The Battle Against The Evils Of Islamic Terror

Apologetics: An Important Tool In The Battle Against The Evils Of Islamic Terror

by Robin Wilson

The ancient Chinese warrior Sun Tzu taught his men to "know your enemy" before going into battle. For if "you know your enemy and know yourself," he wrote, "you need not fear the result of a hundred battles." But, Sun Tzu warned, "If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat." 

I often hear misguided people state that Christians, Jews  and Muslims worship the same God. While Christians and Jews worship the same God, but not the same Messiah, the God of Islam bares very little resemblance to the overall picture of the God of the Bible through the teachings of Christ.

It is important for all christians to understand who their God is and who their God is NOT. As a Christian apologist you will want to understand Islam so that you can compare and contrast the teachings and explain to those misguided souls out there that our God is NOT like Allah. That Muhammad and his life bares no resemblance to the peaceful life and teachings of Christ.

Much can be said about the differences but I will attempt to nutshell a few points.

Muhammad was born with seizures. His mother sent him into the desert to live with bedouins hoping to cure his illness, which it did not. He suffered all his life with what to day we would call temporal lobe epilepsy. Most people are familiar with seizures but some epileptics with temporal lobe epilepsy suffer from hallucinations, illusions, hearing voices, seeing lights, hearing sounds like ringing bells,  and having "visions". This is true in the case of Muhammad. Being raised by the bedouin people for many years of his life Muhammad heard the stories of the One God of the Jews and Christians. In the time of Muhammad his people were polytheistic, worshiping many gods. Muhammad was not able to read and never read the Torah, Gospels, or any other part of the book we call the Bible today. This accounts for the differences in Muhammad's word of mouth version of the Bible and what the Bible actually says.

After having "visions" in a cave supposedly from the angel Gabriel during one of his seizures, Muhammad became convinced he was a prophet with the encouragement of his wife and began a quest to take this new Monotheistic religion back home to his people and the world.  Muhammad did not know that any "spirit" "angel" must be tested " to verify if it is from God or from the Evil one...

1 John 4:1-3
4 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. 

 It was not received well. With time Muhammad traveled to various cities and gained followers. The recruitment was slow until he formed a larger army that did much as we see ISIS do today... convert or die. In the beginning of the Qur'an we see peaceful verses as in the beginning when Muhammad tried to convert followers in a peaceful manner... the later verse abrogate the peaceful verses as Muhammed found conversion at the end of the sword much more effective.

People that have never read the Qur'an or that live in the West are not as familiar with this story, nor do they understand it. Living in an area of the world founded under Judeo Christian precepts even if you are an atheist does not prepare you for understanding the convert of die mentality of what we see in radical Islam.

The Qur'an contains 109 verses of violence and intolerance of non Muslim with a special hatred towards Jews.  From the website Thereligionofpeace...

The Quran contains at least 109 verses that call Muslims to war with nonbelievers for the sake of Islamic rule.  Some are quite graphic, with commands to chop off heads and fingers and kill infidels wherever they may be hiding.  Muslims who do not join the fight are called'hypocrites' and warned that Allah will send them to Hell if they do not join the slaughter.

Unlike nearly all of the Old Testament verses of violence, the verses of violence in the Quran are mostly open-ended, meaning that they are not restrained by the historical context of the surrounding text.  They are part of the eternal, unchanging word of Allah, and just as relevant or subjective as anything else in the Quran.  

The context of violent passages is more ambiguous than might be expected of a perfect book from a loving God, however this can work both ways.  Most of today's Muslims exercise a personal choice to interpret their holy book's call to arms according to their own moral preconceptions about justifiable violence.  Apologists cater to their preferences with tenuous arguments that gloss over historical fact and generally do not stand up to scrutiny.  Still, it is important to note that the problem is not bad people, but bad ideology.

Unfortunately, there are very few verses of tolerance and peace to abrogate or even balance out the many that call for nonbelievers to be fought and subdued until they either accept humiliation, convert to Islam, or are killed.  Muhammad's own martial legacy - and that of his companions - along with the remarkable stress on violence found in the Quran have produced a trail of blood and tears across world history.

The Quran:

Quran (2:191-193) - "And kill them wherever you find them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out. And Al-Fitnah [disbelief] is worse than killing...

but if they desist, then lo! Allah is forgiving and merciful.   And fight them until there is no more Fitnah [disbelief and worshipping of others along with Allah] and worship is for Allah alone.  But if they cease, let there be no transgression except against Az-Zalimun (the polytheists, and wrong-doers, etc.)"  (Translation is from the Noble Quran)  The historical context of this passage is not defensive warfare, since Muhammad and his Muslims had just relocated to Medina and were not under attack by their Meccan adversaries.  In fact, the verses urge offensive warfare, in that Muslims are to drive Meccans out of their own city (which they later did).  The use of the word "persecution" by some Muslim translators is thus disingenuous (the actual Muslim words for persecution - "idtihad" - and oppression - a variation of "z-l-m" - do not appear in the verse).  The actual Arabic comes from "fitna" which can mean disbelief, or the disorder that results from unbelief or temptation.  Taken as a whole, the context makes clear that violence is being authorized until "religion is for Allah" - ie. unbelievers desist in their unbelief.

Quran (2:244) - "Then fight in the cause of Allah, and know that Allah Heareth and knoweth all things."

Quran (2:216) - "Fighting is prescribed for you, and ye dislike it. But it is possible that ye dislike a thing which is good for you, and that ye love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knoweth, and ye know not."  Not only does this verse establish that violence can be virtuous, but it also contradicts the myth that fighting is intended only in self-defense, since the audience was obviously not under attack at the time.  From the Hadith, we know that this verse was narrated at a time that Muhammad was actually trying to motivate his people into raiding merchant caravans for loot.

Quran (3:56) - "As to those who reject faith, I will punish them with terrible agony in this world and in the Hereafter, nor will they have anyone to help."

Quran (3:151) - "Soon shall We cast terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers, for that they joined companions with Allah, for which He had sent no authority".  This speaks directly of polytheists, yet it also includes Christians, since they believe in the Trinity (ie. what Muhammad incorrectly believed to be 'joining companions to Allah').

Quran (4:74) - "Let those fight in the way of Allah who sell the life of this world for the other. Whoso fighteth in the way of Allah, be he slain or be he victorious, on him We shall bestow a vast reward."  The martyrs of Islam are unlike the early Christians, who were led meekly to the slaughter.  These Muslims are killed in battle as they attempt to inflict death and destruction for the cause of Allah.  This is the theological basis for today's suicide bombers.

Quran (4:76) - "Those who believe fight in the cause of Allah…"

Quran (4:89) - "They but wish that ye should reject Faith, as they do, and thus be on the same footing (as they): But take not friends from their ranks until they flee in the way of Allah (From what is forbidden). But if they turn renegades, seize them and slay them wherever ye find them; and (in any case) take no friends or helpers from their ranks."

Quran (4:95) - "Not equal are those believers who sit (at home) and receive no hurt, and those who strive and fight in the cause of Allah with their goods and their persons. Allah hath granted a grade higher to those who strive and fight with their goods and persons than to those who sit (at home). Unto all (in Faith) Hath Allah promised good: But those who strive and fight Hath He distinguished above those who sit (at home) by a special reward,-"  This passage criticizes "peaceful" Muslims who do not join in the violence, letting them know that they are less worthy in Allah's eyes.  It also demolishes the modern myth that "Jihad" doesn't mean holy war in the Quran, but rather a spiritual struggle.  Not only is the Arabic word used in this passage, but it is clearly not referring to anything spiritual, since the physically disabled are given exemption.  (The Hadith reveals the context of the passage to be in response to a blind man's protest that he is unable to engage in Jihad and this is reflected in other translations of the verse).

Quran (4:104) - "And be not weak hearted in pursuit of the enemy; if you suffer pain, then surely they (too) suffer pain as you suffer pain..."  Is pursuing an injured and retreating enemy really an act of self-defense?

Quran (5:33) - "The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His messenger and strive to make mischief in the land is only this, that they should be murdered or crucified or their hands and their feet should be cut off on opposite sides or they should be imprisoned; this shall be as a disgrace for them in this world, and in the hereafter they shall have a grievous chastisement"

Quran (8:12) - "I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them"  No reasonable person would interpret this to mean a spiritual struggle.

Quran (8:15) - "O ye who believe! When ye meet those who disbelieve in battle, turn not your backs to them. (16)Whoso on that day turneth his back to them, unless maneuvering for battle or intent to join a company, he truly hath incurred wrath from Allah, and his habitation will be hell, a hapless journey's end."

Quran (8:39) - "And fight with them until there is no more fitna (disorder, unbelief) and religion should be only for Allah"  Some translations interpret "fitna" as "persecution", but the traditional understanding of this word is not supported by the historical context (See notes for  2:193).  The Meccans were simply refusing Muhammad access to their city during Haj.  Other Muslims were allowed to travel there - just not as an armed group, since Muhammad had declared war on Mecca prior to his eviction.  The Meccans were also acting in defense of their religion, since it was Muhammad's intention to destroy their idols and establish Islam by force (which he later did).  Hence the critical part of this verse is to fight until "religion is only for Allah", meaning that the true justification of violence was the unbelief of the opposition.  According to the Sira (Ibn Ishaq/Hisham 324) Muhammad further explains that "Allah must have no rivals."

Quran (8:57) - "If thou comest on them in the war, deal with them so as to strike fear in those who are behind them, that haply they may remember."  

Quran (8:67) - "It is not for a Prophet that he should have prisoners of war until he had made a great slaughter in the land..."

Quran (8:59-60) - "And let not those who disbelieve suppose that they can outstrip (Allah's Purpose). Lo! they cannot escape.  Make ready for them all thou canst of (armed) force and of horses tethered, that thereby ye may dismay the enemy of Allah and your enemy."

Quran (8:65) - "O Prophet, exhort the believers to fight..."

Quran (9:5) - "So when the sacred months have passed away, then slay the idolaters wherever you find them, and take them captive and besiege them and lie in wait for them in every ambush, then if they repent and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate, leave their way free to them."  According to this verse, the best way of staying safe from Muslim violence is to convert to Islam (prayer (salat) and the poor tax (zakat) are among the religion's Five Pillars).  This popular claim that the Quran only inspires violence within the context of self-defense is seriously challenged by this passage as well, since the Muslims to whom it was written were obviously not under attack.  Had they been, then there would have been no waiting period (earlier verses make it a duty for Muslims to fight in self-defense, even during the sacred months).  The historical context is Mecca after the idolaters were subjugated by Muhammad and posed no threat.  Once the Muslims had the power, they violently evicted those unbelievers who would not convert.

Quran (9:14) - "Fight against them so that Allah will punish them by your hands and disgrace them and give you victory over them and heal the breasts of a believing people."Humiliating and hurting non-believers not only has the blessing of Allah, but it is ordered as a means of carrying out his punishment and even "healing" the hearts of Muslims.

Quran (9:20) - "Those who believe, and have left their homes and striven with their wealth and their lives in Allah's way are of much greater worth in Allah's sight. These are they who are triumphant."  The Arabic word interpreted as "striving" in this verse is the same root as "Jihad".  The context is obviously holy war.

Quran (9:29) - "Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued."  "People of the Book" refers to Christians and Jews.  According to this verse, they are to be violently subjugated, with the sole justification being their religious status.  This was one of the final "revelations" from Allah and it set in motion the tenacious military expansion, in which Muhammad's companions managed to conquer two-thirds of the Christian world in the next 100 years.  Islam is intended to dominate all other people and faiths.

Quran (9:30) - "And the Jews say: Ezra is the son of Allah; and the Christians say: The Messiah is the son of Allah; these are the words of their mouths; they imitate the saying of those who disbelieved before; may Allah destroy them; how they are turned away!"

  

Quran (9:38-39) - "O ye who believe! what is the matter with you, that, when ye are asked to go forth in the cause of Allah, ye cling heavily to the earth? Do ye prefer the life of this world to the Hereafter? But little is the comfort of this life, as compared with the Hereafter. Unless ye go forth, He will punish you with a grievous penalty, and put others in your place."  This is a warning to those who refuse to fight, that they will be punished with Hell.

This is just a few visit the site for more..

http://www.thereligionofpeace.com/quran/023-violence.htm

Let us compare Muhammad and Jesus

1. Jesus was born of a virgin. (Matthew 1:18-25)
1. Muhammad was born of a normal woman. (Ibn Hisham pp. 68-69)

2. Jesus served God as a child. (Luke 2:39-52)
2. Muhammad was and idolater. (Sahih Bukhari vol.6, p. 452)

3. Jesus read the Bible. (Luke:16-21)
3. Muhammad was illiterate. (Qur'an 7:156)

4. Jesus preached the gospel at God's command and lived on the donations of others. (Luke 4:16-21 and 8:1-3)
4. Muhammad, without being commanded by God, began to steal from others and live on their goods. (Ibn Hisham pp. 281-)

5. Jesus performed miracles. (Mark 3:9-10)
5. Muhammad could not perform miracles. (Qur'an 29:49)

6. Jesus made blind eyes see. (Luke 18:35-43)
6. Muhammad made seeing eyes blind. (Sahih Bukhari vol. 8, p. 520)

7. Jesus made the lame walk. (Matthew 9:2-8)
7. Muhammad made the walking lame. (Sahih Bukhari vol. 8, p. 520)

8. Jesus healed withered hands. (Matthew 12:10-13)
8. Muhammad cut off the hands of others. Sahih Bukhari vol.8, p. 520)

9. Jesus raised the dead. (John 11:1-45)
9. Muhammad had the living killed. Ibn Hisham p. 308)

10. Jesus forgave his opponents. (Luke 23:43)
10. Muhammad had his opponents murdered. (Sahih Bukhari vol. 5, pp. 248-)

11. Jesus set the condemned free. (John 8:1-11)
11. Muhammad condemned the free and led them into slavery. (Ibn Hisham p. 466)

12. Jesus preached in God's chosen temple. (Luke 20:1)
12. Muhammad prayed at the Ka'ba when it still contained hundreds of idols. (Sahih Bukari vol. 1, p. 151)

13. Jesus preached against divorce. (Matthew 5:31-32)
13. Muhammad preached divorce and allowed temporary marriage with compensation. (Mut'a) (Qur'an 2:230, Sahih Bukhari vol. 7, p. 8)

14. Jesus was sinless. (John 8:46)
14. Muhammad was sinful. (Qur'an 47:21 and Qur'an 110)

15. Jesus gave Himself as a sacrifice for all mankind. (John 1:29 and 10:18)
15. Muhammad died unexpectedly of illness (which he himself said was due to a poisoning attempt). (Sahih Bukhari vol. 5, p. 510)

16. Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after His death, and later ascended into heaven. (Luke 23 and 24)
16. Muhammad was buried in Medina on the third day after his death. His tomb is visited by pilgrims each year. (al-Tabari vol. 9, p. 208)

17. Jesus is God's Word and God Himself. (John 1:1, 14)
17. Muhammad was only a warner. (Qur'an 29:49)

18. Jesus lives!
18. Muhammad is dead.

JESUS | CHRISTIANITY

MUHAMMAD | ISLAM

The God of Jesus Christ sent His Son to die for you.

The god of Muhammad demands that you send your son to die for him.

"When the threat of death becomes a door to paradise, the final barrier to temporal risk is broken.
When a Christian says from the heart, "To live is Christ and to die is gain," he is free to love no matter what.
Some forms of radical Islam may entice martyr-murderers with similar dreams, but
Christian hope is the power to love, not kill. Christian hope produces life-givers, not life-takers."
~ John Piper

It is the job of EVERY Christian to explain to the world Allah is NOT the same God as the One God Who Is God.

The characteristics of Jesus and Muhammad are diametrically opposed


"Mohammed vs Jesus, the Christ" Comparison of Teachings of Mohammed With Teachings of Jesus From Messengers of Christ Ministries, Andrew Neckar Mohammed was the prophet of war; Christ is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6-7).

Mohammed's disciples killed for the faith; Christ's disciples were killed for their faith (Acts 12:2; 2 Timothy 4:7).

Mohammed promoted persecution against the "infidels"; Christ forgave and converted the chief persecutor (1 Timothy 1:13-15).

Mohammed was the taker of life; Christ was the giver of life (John 10:27-28).

Mohammed and his fellow warriors murdered thousands; Christ murdered none but saved many (compare John 12:48).

Mohammed's method was COMPULSION; Christ's aim was voluntary CONVERSION (Acts 3:19).

Mohammed practiced FORCE; Christ preached FAITH (John 6:29, 35).

Mohammed was a WARRIOR; Christ is a DELIVERER (Col. 1:13; 1 Thessalonians 1:10).

Mohammed conquered his enemies with the sword; Christ conquered his enemies with another kind of sword, the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12; Acts 2:37).

Mohammed said to the masses, "Convert or die!"; Christ said, "Believe and live!" (John 6:47; 11:25-26).

Mohammed was swift to shed blood (Romans 3:15-17); Christ shed His own blood for the salvation of many (Ephesians 1:7).

Mohammed preached "Death to the infidels!"; Christ prayed "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).

Mohammed declared a holy war (Jihad) against infidels; Christ achieved a holy victory on Calvary's cross (Colossians 2:14-15) and His followers share in that victory (John 16:33).

Mohammed constrained people by conquest; Christ constrained people by love (2 Corinthians 5:14).

Modern terrorists derive their inspiration from Mohammed and carry out their despicable atrocities in the name of his god; Christians derive their inspiration from the One who said, "Blessed are the peacemakers" (Matthew 5:9).

Modern day disciples of Mohammed respond to the terrorist attacks by cheering in the streets; Modern day disciples of Christ are deeply grieved at past atrocities carried out by those who were "Christians" in name only (the Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, etc.).

Many Muslims are peaceful and peace-loving because they do not strictly follow the teachings of their founder; Many Christians are peaceful and peace-loving because they do strictly follow the teachings of their Founder (Romans 12:17-21).

Mohammed said the Koran is authoritative only in Arabic, and only in his dialect; The Bible is authoritative in many languages around the world, for God knows all things and can inspire (and preserve) His Word in more than one language.

Mohammed hated music; Jesus and His disciples sang hymns, and the Apostle commanded the Lord's Church to sing. (Matthew 26:30, Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16).

Mohammed allowed that a Mullah, Imam, or Mufti of Islam can be a terrorist and an amoral animal like Osama bin Laden; The Bible requires that a leader in the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ must be above reproach, and when this is not true, Christians demand such a fallen leader be removed from leadership. (1 Timothy 3:1-7, 5:19-20).

Islam calls on its followers to observe Five Pillars, while all other aspects of life can be vulgar and not affect the Muslim's prospects in Paradise. The Bible calls on the Christian to submit to the total change of his life by the Spirit of God -- NO area of life and thought is the choice of the follower. (Romans 12:1-2).

The Muslim looks forward to eternity in Paradise where there will be virgins who are used for eternal perpetual copulation.

The Bible believing Christian looks forward to being with Jesus Christ and is delighted with that. (2 Corinthians 5:8).

Mohammed said the witness of a woman was half the value of the witness of a man; and Muhammed said a woman goes to Paradise because she satisfies her husband sexually; The Bible teaches that a husband is to love his wife and be willing to die for her. (Ephesians 5:25).

Mohammed called upon his servants to fight; Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world; if My kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight . . . but now is My kingdom not from hence" (John 18:36).

Mohammed ordered death to the Jews (see A. Guillaume, The Life of Muhammad, Oxford University Press [1975], p. 369); Christ ordered that the gospel be preached "to the Jew first" (Romans 1:16).

The Koran says, "Fight in the cause of Allah" (Qu'ran 2.244); The Bible says, "we wrestle not against flesh and blood" and "the weapons of our warfare are not carnal" (Ephesians 6:12; 2 Corinthians 10:4).

The Koran says, "Fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them" (Qu'ran 9.5); Christ said, "Preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15).

The Koran says, "I will inspire terror into the hearts of unbelievers" (Qu'ran 8.12); God inspires His terror into the hearts of believers (Isaiah 8:13).

The Koran (Qu'ran) is a terrorist manual which condones fighting, conflict, terror, slaughter, and genocide against those who do not accept Islam; The Bible is a missionary manual to spread the gospel of peace to all the world (Romans 10:15).

Mohammed's Mission was to conquer the world for Allah; Christ's mission was to conquer sin's penalty and power by substitutionary atonement (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:18).

Mohammed considered Christ a good prophet; Christ pronounced (in His statement on many false prophets arising) Mohammed to be a false prophet (John 10:10; Matthew 24:11).

Mohammed claimed that there was but one God, Allah; Christ claimed that He was God (John 10:30-31; John 8:58-59; John 5:18; John 14:9).

Islam is geocentric, that is, the whole universe is centered on the Kaaba in the Grand Mosque in Mecca in Arabia, and all Muslims pray facing that direction; Jesus Christ is the center of all Christian worship and fellowship, for He is "in the midst" where his saints meet anywhere on earth. (Matthew 18:20, John 4:22-23).

Mohammed's Tomb: OCCUPIED! Christ's tomb: EMPTY!

Islam must be received, or you can be killed for rejecting it:

The Faith offered by Jesus Christ is for "whosoever will" to receive, and all men are permitted to reject it. (Revelation 22:17, John 3:16).

Those who leave Islam are killed in most Islamic nations; Those who leave the true Church of Jesus Christ are allowed to do so with no revenge.

Now, is a Muslim submitted to Allah and Islam because he loves Allah? NO!

He dare not leave Islam, and he is loyal purely out of fear.

The true Bible believer is loyal to Jesus Christ purely out of love. 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. (John 4:19) We love him, because he first loved us.

Our only hope in conquering this evil of Islamic terror and hate is taking the Gospel of Jesus Christ to these lost souls. Only God Himself can transform this hate into love. Be willing to share the Gospel today!

by Robin Wilson

Islam and Black Racism by Daniel Mann

Islam and Black Racism

Several years ago, I collected some  of the "Sayings of Mohammad" and the Islamic Sages. They are so horribly offensive and racist that, for several years, I resisted posting them widely. I didn't want to give offense to my dear brethren of African descent. However, in light of the fact that many Black Africans have come to identify with Islam and are now joining terror groups like ISIS, it is necessary that they know that Islam is not their friend.

How ironic it is that so many American converts to Islam are African Americans. They have believed the propaganda that “Islam is the Black man’s religion.” Instead, Islam is highly racist.

The following quotations are all derived from Wikipedia.

From the Hadiths: The Sayings of Mohammed

1. Narrated Anas bin Malik: Allah's Apostle said, "You should listen to and obey, your ruler even if he was an Ethiopian (black) slave whose head looks like a raisin." (Sahih Bukhari 9:89:256)

2. Jabir (Allah be pleased with him) reported: There came a slave and pledg- ed allegiance to Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) on migration; he (the Holy Prophet) did not know that he was a slave. Then there came his master and demanded him back, whereupon Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) said: Sell him to me. And he bought him for two black slaves, and he did not afterwards take allegiance from anyone until he had asked him whether he was a slave (or a free man) (Sahih Muslim 10:3901)

3. 'Ubaidullah b. Abu Rafi', the freed slave of the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him), said: When Haruria (the Khwarij) set out and as he was with 'Ali b. Abu Talib (Allah be pleased with him) they said," There is no command but that of Allah." Upon this 'Ali said: The statement is true but it is intentionally applied (to support) a wrong (cause). The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him described their characteristics and I found these characteristics in them. They state the truth with their tongue, but it does not go beyond this part of their bodies (and the narrator pointed towards his throat). The most hateful among the creation of Allah us one black man among them (Khwarij). One of his hand is like the teat of a goat or the nipple of the breast. When 'Ali b. Abu Talib (Allah be pleased with him) killed them, he said: Search (for his dead body). They searched for him, but they did not find it (his dead body). Upon this he said: Go (and search for him). By Allah, neither I have spoken a lie nor has the lie been spoken to me. 'Ali said this twice and thrice. They then found him (the dead body) in a rain. They brought (his dead) body till they placed it before him (Hadrat 'Ali). 'Ubaidullah said: And, I was present at (that place) when this happened and when 'Ali said about them. A person narrated to me from Ibn Hanain that he said: I saw that black man.
4. Sahih Muslim 5:2334

5. Shem, the son of Noah was the father of the Arabs, the Persians, and the Greeks; Ham was the father of the Black Africans; and Japheth was the father of the Turks and of Gog and Magog who were cousins of the Turks. Noah prayed that the prophets and apostles would be descended from Shem and kings would be from Japheth. He prayed that the African’s color would change so that their descendants would be slaves to the Arabs and Turks.  (Al-Tabari, Vol. 2, p. 11, p. 11)

6. Ham [Africans] begat all those who are black and curly-haired, while Japheth [Turks] begat all those who are full-faced with small eyes, and Shem [Arabs] begat everyone who is handsome of face with beautiful hair. Noah prayed that the hair of Ham’s descendants would not grow beyond their ears, and that whenever his descendants met Shem’s, the latter would enslave them. (Al-Tabari, Vol. 2, p. 21, p. 21)

7. A man of B. al-'Ajilan told me that he was told that Gabriel came to the apostle and said, 'There comes to sit with you a black man with long flowing hair, ruddy cheeks, and inflamed eyes like two copper pots. His heart is more gross than a donkey's; he carries your words to the hypocrites, so beware of him.' This, so they say, was the description of Nabtal. (Ishaq:243)

8. "I have heard the Apostle say: 'Whoever wants to see Satan should look at Nabtal.' He was a sturdy black man with long flowing hair, inflamed eyes, and dark ruddy cheeks. He used to come and talk with the Prophet and listen to him. He would carry what he had said to the hypocrites. Nabtal said, 'Muhammad is all ears. If anyone tells him something he believes it.' Allah sent down concerning him: 'To those who annoy the Prophet and say that he is all ears, say, 'Good ears for you.' For those who annoy the Apostle there is a painful punishment." 9Ishaq:2430

9. It is your folly to fight the Apostle, for Allah’s army is bound to disgrace you. We brought them to the pit. Hell was their meeting place. We collected them there, black slaves, men of no descent. (Ishaq:450)

10. The black troops and slaves of the Meccans cried out and the Muslims replied, ‘Allah destroy your sight, you impious rascals.’ (Ishaq:374)

11. "Abu Darda reported that the Holy Prophet said: Allah created Adam when he created him (sic). Then He stroke (sic) his right shoulder and took out a white race as if they were seeds, and He stroke (sic) his left shoulder and took out a black race as if they were coals. Then He said to those who were in his right side: Towards paradise and I don't care. He said to those who were on his left shoulder: Towards Hell and I don't care. – Ahmad." (Mishkat, Vol. 3, p. 117)

12. Ahmad ibn Abi Sulayman, the companion of Sahnun said, “Anyone who says that the Prophet was black should be killed. (Ibn Musa al-Yahsubi, Qadi ‘Iyad, p.375)

13. "Ham [Africans] begat all those who are black and curly-haired, while Japheth [Turks] begat all those who are full-faced with small eyes, and Shem [Arabs] begat everyone who is handsome of face with beautiful hair. Noah prayed that the hair of Ham's descendants would not grow beyond their ears, and that whenever his descendants met Shem's, the latter would enslave them." (Al-Tabari, Vol. 2, p. 21, p. 21)

14. And on the day of resurrection you shall see those who lied against Allah; their faces shall be blackened. Is there not in hell an abode for the proud? (Qur'an 39:60)

Words of the Islamic Scholars

1. Ibn Khaldun (1332–1406) was, among other things, an Islamic jurist, Islamic lawyer, Islamic scholar, Islamic theologian, and hafiz: "Therefore, the Negro nation are, as a rule, submissive to slavery, because [Negroes] have little [that is essentially] human and have attributes that are quite similar to those of dumb animals, as we have stated."

2. (Ibn Khaldun, Muqaddimah, 14th century) "beyond [known peoples of black West Africa] to the south there is no civilization in the proper sense. There are only humans who are closer to dumb animals than to rational beings. They live in thickets and caves, and eat herbs and unprepared grain. They frequently eat each other. They cannot be considered human beings."

3. Ibn Sina or Avicenna (980-1037), was, among other things, a Hafiz, Islamic psychologist, Islamic scholar, and Islamic theologian: [Blacks are] people who are by their very nature slaves. Quoted in “Blasphemy Before God: The Darkness of Racism In Muslim Culture” by Adam Misbah aI-Haqq

4. Ibn Qutaybah (828-889), was a renowned Islamic scholar from Kufa, Iraq: "[Blacks] are ugly and misshapen, because they live in a hot country."

5. Nasīr al-Dīn al-Tūsī (1201-1274), was a Shia Muslim Scholar and Grand Ayatollah

6. "If (all types of men) are taken, from the first, and one placed after another, like the Negro from Zanzibar, in the Southern-most countries, the Negro does not differ from an animal in anything except the fact that his hands have been lifted from the earth -in no other peculiarity or property - except for what God wished. Many have seen that the ape is more capable of being trained than the Negro, and more intelligent."

7.  [The Zanj (African) differ from animals only in that] their two hands are lifted above the ground,... Many have observed that the ape is more teachable and more intelligent than the Zanj.[4]

8. Al-Muqaddasi (945/946-1000) was a medieval Muslim geographer
9. "Of the neighbors of the Bujja, Maqdisi had heard that "there is no marriage among them; the child does not know his father, and they eat people -- but God knows best. As for the Zanj, they are people of black color, flat noses, kinky hair, and little understanding or intelligence."[3]
10. Al-Muqaddasi (fl. 966), Kitab al-Bad' wah-tarikh, vol.4

11. Al-Masudi (896-956), was a Muslim historian and geographer, known as the "Herodotus of the Arabs.": "Galen says that merriment dominates the black man because of his defective brain, whence also the weakness of his intelligence."[3]

12. Ibn al-Faqih was a Muslim historian and geographer: "A man of discernment said: The people of Iraq ... do not come out with something between blonde, buff and blanched coloring, such as the infants dropped from the wombs of the women of the Slavs and others of similar light complexion; nor are they overdone in the womb until they are burned, so that the child comes out something between black, murky, malodorous, stinking, and crinkly-haired, with uneven limbs, deficient minds, and depraved passions, such as the Zanj, the Somali, and other blacks who resemble them. The Iraqis are neither half-baked dough nor burned crust but between the two."

13. Abu Rayhan al-Biruni (973-1048), was an Islamic scholar and polymath: "The Zanj are so uncivilized that they have no notion of a natural death. If a man dies a natural death, they think he was poisoned. Every death is suspicious with them, if a man has not been killed by a weapon."

14. Hudud al-`Alam is a book dedicated to Abu l-Ḥārith Muḥammad b. Aḥmad, a ruler of the local Farighunid dynasty. "Their [Zanj] nature is that of wild animals. They are extremely black." "Among themselves [the Sudan] there are people who steal each other's children and sell them to the merchants when the latter arrive."

15. Hudud al-`alam, 982 AD: "[inhabitants of sub-Saharan African countries] are people distant from the standards of humanity" "Their nature is that of wild animals..."

16. Al Jahiz (781–869), was a famous Muslim scholar: "Like the crow among mankind are the Zanj [African Blacks] for they are the worst of men and the most vicious of creatures in character and temperament."

17. Jahiz, Kitab al-Hayawan, vol. 2: "We know that the Zanj (blacks) are the least intelligent and the least discerning of mankind, and the least capable of understanding the consequences of actions."

Please forgive me for even repeating these words. However, I trust that you will find that the importance of exposing Islam, for what it is, is more important than the momentary offense of reading these words. Tragically, so many Black people are turning to Islam. They need to be warned.

There are also many verses from the Quran that also degrade blackness – 67:27; 7:46; 20:102; 55:41; 39:60; 3:106; 55:39. However, I didn’t include them because it can possibly be argued that these verses do not pertain to the African skin color.

It is only because of the far surpassing value of Christ that I would present such insulting words. In Christ, we are all truly one:

·        There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)

                  Once again, I'm sorry for any offense that repeating these words might have caused.

Does Your Blood Cry? The Uniqueness Of You Cries Of The Creator

Blood is not merely a red colored substance, it is ALIVE! Looking at a drop of blood with the naked eye does no justice to what lies within. The familiar red fluid in the body that contains white and red blood cells, platelets, proteins, antibodies and other elements is a life source for all animals including mankind. 

For twelve years of my life I worked in a hospital Hematology laboratory performing clinical testing on blood for the purpose of diagnosing illnesses. I loved it. The tiny world under the microscope still to this day captures my imagination. I own my own laboratory microscope at home where I continue to diagnosis diseases using it.  

The Bible speaks so much of blood, starting in Genesis with the murder of Abel by his brother Cain.

Genesis 4:1He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to Me from the ground.

The Hebrew word for "crying" is צָעַק tsa`aq {tsaw-ak'} which means:

 1) to cry, cry out, call, cry for help

    1a) (Qal)
        1a1) to cry, cry out (for help)
        1a2) to cry, cry out (in distress or need)
        1a3) to make outcry, clamour
    1b) (Niphal) to be summoned
    1c) (Piel) to cry aloud (in grief)
    1d) (Hiphil) to call together

A primitive root; to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly):— X at all, call together, cry (out), gather (selves) (together). 1

Some may say that this term is merely poetic, but I say it is scientific. Does blood cry out or proclaim? If so how?

Every human being has unique DNA only identical twins have the same DNA. Your blood "proclaims" or "cries out" to the world who you are, who your parents and grandparents are, where your people migrated from, what genetic illness you have inherited and if you leave it somewhere... it proclaims where you were. It has not been until modern times with the advent of DNA testing that we realized how much our blood really "says" about us. As we travel smaller and smaller the human genome has opened up surprising doors. Well for the Christian they were not surprising doors. Modern genetics have now told us that all humans alive today came from one woman.... and that all men came from one man. Now I am not saying this.... my DNA is speaking for me and you, and every human live today. Now this discovery has upset many, and now the rush is on to smash the square peg of Darwinism in this new round hole. This round hole is that all people on planet earth came from one man and one woman. But is it a new round hole?... No this is not new it was told simply to us from the beginning by God. Imagine all the time and money that has been spent on something that was already known. We have discovered many beautiful things about our DNA and genome and the complexity of it all. That there is no "junk DNA" we were just too scientifically immature to know what we were looking at. 

Acts 17:26 And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,

It is becoming very apparent that there is "Intelligence" behind our design to many in the scientific community. That the idea of a "Mastermind" behind design is not a childish notion but a fact. The numerous crime shows and CSI series have given most people a small glimpse into the world of DNA. Where everyday people can see for themselves that yes our blood does indeed cry out, and proclaim, and shout out in grief even when we are no longer alive to speak for ourselves.  

Leviticus 17:1111 For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.’ 

As we see the great importance of blood it may make it easier to understand the significance of the blood of Christ.

1 John 1:7
But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Ephesians 2:1 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Revelation 1:5-6 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

By Robin S. Wilson

Here is a pod cast Podcast 3 – Genetic Entropy & Age of the Earth – Does it Matter? - Equilibrium 

Luther Conigliarro and Wayne Guida discuss Genetic Entropy and its relationship to Evolution.

They also discuss the “Age of the Earth” relative to Biblical teachings.

Do these topics/issues really matter to those who believe in God?

http://www.equilibriumpodcast.org/podcast-3-genetic-entropy-age-of-the-earth-does-it-matter/

1. http://lexiconcordance.com/hebrew/6817.html

The New Age Movement: Return To The Stone Age ...Lifestyle Apologetics At The Gem Show

The New Age Movement: Return To The Stone Age ...Lifestyle Apologetics At The Gem Show

Romans 1:19-25
because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,  because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.  Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,  who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

Ever since I was a child I loved being outdoors, animals, plants, and rocks. I really got the rock hound bug as a child when a friend's father  brought a pickup truck loaded with rocks home from West Virginia for landscaping. As we were playing in the rocks at age 6 I found my first fossil. I was stunned to see a plant inside this stone. I asked to take some of the rocks home and spent hours peeling out all the fossils. I had caught the bug! Over the years I attended many rock shows, gem shows, and I often go gem hunting in the mountains. I love God's creation in it's natural state. I am especially fond of fossils and petrified wood. When I hold these items I actually am holding in my hands the result of the biggest world catastrophe that ever existed... the Great Flood. I am in awe of God's creation, the colors and designs. The perfect formation of crystals, and all the variety is breathtaking.   

My husband and I have studied cults and world religions for more than 28 years. In our area we have a large amount of those wonderful New Age folks. We have the Edgar Cayce A.R.E. Association for Research and Enlightenment (sounds so mysterious), several Hippe Healing Stores, many rock and gem stores for your chakra stones and of course the bi-annual Treasures of the Earth  Gem and Jewelry show. My husband and I have attended many New Age classes and conferences in order to study this movement first hand. This has helped us greatly in our witness to these groups. 

So twice a year I take my apologetics to the gem show and witness as I go. I make sure to wear my big cross and my hippie shirt (I was born in 1961), and I carry my handmade denim purse. As I pass the vendors I hear the sales pitches....  "You have pain... this stone heals your pain.... and this stone is for anxiety and of course we all need this stone it is for inner peace in the soul"... this goes on and on. I feel so sad for these poor lost souls that do not know the Great Physician that heals the hearts, minds, souls and bodies of His followers. I see the crippled older woman with arthritis in her hands asking about the "magic stone bracelet" sure to ease her pain... knowing that the placebo effect might last a few days but there is no cure for her in this life. 

When I hear this sales pitch I always make my way to that table and pick up and admire several stones. When I get the "sales pitch" I always respond... "These stones are very beautiful... but I worship the Creator of this stone not the stone itself. This rock has no power but my God does."  This can provoke several responses but I would say stunned is the most common reaction. I get some pretty good responses from the other shoppers as well even an occasional amen! For some this opens up a conversation or a debate on the merits of mere spiritually over Christianity. Often while looking at things like picture jasper, the salesperson will tell me "This is natural...isn't it amazing what nature can make?" I always respond.. "God is the most amazing artist in the universe! He has created all this beauty and we get to enjoy it." 

PICTURE JASPER GOD'S ART WORK

Not all my interactions are positive, but many are. Apologetics should never be about winning arguments but about winning souls. I strive to understand how the person I am witnessing to thinks so I can get into their heads. I want to take what is in that mind and twist it...bend it and hopefully have them question their faith in this "rock"  and point them to the real Rock. 

Psalm 78:35

35 Then they remembered that God was their rock,

And the Most High God their Redeemer.

Never pass up the opportunity to introduce your Savior Jesus Christ to people you meet along the way in your daily life.  

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

By Robin S. Wilson

One the biggest cultural objections to Christianity is the view of Tolerance

Luther Conigliarro

One the biggest cultural objections to Christianity is the view of Tolerance. This view says that "Acceptance" of all ways of life is the only way for people to live. And to reject this idea is to be labeled a Bigot, and Narrow minded. Etc Luther Conigliarro The Jews were being "Tolerant" of the Nazis and look where it led!

Here's how I have delt in the past with this type of Argument in the link below

http://youtu.be/dNNMqQrSBg4


Robin Wilson The term tolerance :: willingness to accept feelings, habits, or beliefs that are different from your own : the ability to accept, experience, or survive something harmful or unpleasant

The willingness to accept things that are different and harmful. It is interesting what we are willing to tolerate. Should we tolerate Cancer or treat it? When something is harmful should we ever NOT treat it? Sin is a disease upon mankind that leads to death and the only cure is Jesus. With any disease and treatment.. it is tough to hear you have the disease, it is tough to accept the diagnosis, it is tough to fight the disease..... but when the Dr. says you are "cured" the fight was worth it. The Christian community needs to be kind in delivering the diagnosis but never be afraid of being honest. In order to get the proper cure.... we must be "narrow minded" .... just like a doctor... we must target the disease. You would never accept a doctor saying to you ... "You have cancer... you need to be tolerant".

Linwood Kemp Simply stated, to be "tolerant" is to allow that which you believe to be untrue and to reject anything that claims to be true. Tolerance elevates the lie and suppresses the truth.

James Runavich Tolerance is the virtue of the man without convictions.
-GK Chesterton

Robin Wilson Ravi Zacharias on Tolerance

"The truth is that all religions are not the same. All religions do not point to God. All religions do not say that all religions are the same. In fact, some religions do not even believe in God. At the heart of every religion is an uncompromising commitment to a particular way of defining who God is or is not. Buddhism, for example, was based on Buddha's rejection of two of Hinduism's fundamental doctrines. Islam rejects both Buddhism and Hinduism. So it does no good to put a halo on the notion of tolerance and act as if everything is equally true. In fact, even all-inclusive religions such as Bahaism end up being exclusivistic by excluding the exclusivists!"

—Ravi Zacharias

J.P. Moreland on Tolerance, Religion, and Morality

"Tolerance has come to mean that no one is right and no one is wrong and, indeed, the very act of stating that someone else’s views are immoral or incorrect is now taken to be intolerant (of course, from this same point of view, it is all right to be intolerant of those who hold to objectively true moral or religious positions). Once the existence of knowable truth in religion and ethics is denied, authority (the right to be believed and obeyed) gives way to power (the ability to force compliance), reason gives way to rhetoric, the speech writer is replaced by the makeup man, and spirited but civil debate in the culture wars is replaced by politically correct special-interest groups who have nothing left but political coercion to enforce their views on others."

—J. P. Moreland

Stands With A Fist: Women In Apologetics

Stands With A Fist: Women In Apologetics 

I loved the movie "Dances With Wolves". The character played by Mary McDonnell "Stands with A Fist" was of course my favorite character. In the movie:

John Dunbar: How did you get your name? Stands With a Fist: When I came to live on the prarie, I worked every day... very hard... there was a woman who didn't like me. She called me bad names... sometimes she beat me. One day she was calling me these bad names, her face in my face, and I hit her. I was not very big, but she fell down. She fell hard and didn't move. I stood over her with my fist and asked if any other woman wanted to call me bad names... No one bothered me after that day.  

Sometimes you need to stand up for yourself and your beliefs. In today's world this can be very hard for anyone. Some women often  have a much harder time doing this than men do. Women are judged on a somewhat different scale than men. We see this clearly in politics. While strong men are applauded , strong women are labeled as nags and the "B" word. More attention is paid to how we look, what we wear than the substance of our character.  This is also true in Christian Apologetics. There are many male Apologists but very few females.  Why is this? I have a few ideas:

• Many women are peacemakers by nature. Any Mom with more than one child knows we spend a lot of time keeping the peace. We don't "like" getting things "started".
• Some churches abuse 1 Corinthians 14:34 meant to bring order in a worship services and never meant to keep women from defending the faith.
• Some women lack confidence in their Bible knowledge, teaching and debate skills.
•  Many women take disagreements as rejection and avoid them. 
• Often women don't want the label of being overbearing
• Women are seldom encouraged to go into apologetics. 

These are just a few reasons, I am sure there are many others. Women can learn a few things from our male counterparts. Men don't seem to take debating personal. They do not often get hurt or dejected or swayed by people that disagree with them. Men tend to debate from logic not emotion. Men often use less words and keep it simple, long explanations tend to lose people fast. Now this doesn't ring true always but mostly. While working over the years with men and women, interesting debates and discussions were common. After the discussion I found that the women that disagreed with me were often upset and quiet while the men were fine. I grew up with a brother and a close relationship with my father. My Dad taught me to love God,  be strong, self sufficient, independent, take up for myself,  persevere, achieve whatever I dreamed I could be and to respect myself. My brother taught me to joke around, don't take life too seriously, to keep fighting until one of us yells uncle, and that I will not always win the battle but at least I tried. My husband has given me support and love and fostered my original interest in Apologetics.  

Apologetics is neither male or female. It is just a willing heart to defend the faith we love. Never make it personal and don't take it personal, just present the facts. Women lets get out there and spread the Word, share the Gospel and win souls with a don't back down attitude. How do we do this?

1 Peter 3:13-17 (Defend and push through)
13 Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, 15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; 16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. 17 For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.

2 Timothy 2:15 (Study God's Word)
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 

2 Corinthians 10:5 (Study defenses to the Gospel to build a knowledge base)
5 We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, 

Colossians 4:5-6 (Live the Christian life, be an example, never miss the chance)
5 Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. 

Acts 6:8-10 (Be wise and filled with the Holy Spirit)
8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. 9 But some men from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and argued with Stephen. 10 But they were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. 

Titus 1:9 (Sound doctrines are key)
9 holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict. 

Isaiah 50:4 (Lift people up, don't tear them down)
4 The Lord God has given Me the tongue of disciples,
That I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word.
He awakens Me morning by morning,
He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple. 

Acts 19:8-10 (Never give up! Lose one, don't lose heart, move on to the next one)
8 And he entered the synagogue and continued speaking out boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. 9 But when some were becoming hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the people, he withdrew from them and took away the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. 10 This took place for two years, so that all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.

Always remember Isaiah 55:11
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.................. God's Word has the power.... we are merely one of the delivery systems He uses.

By Robin Wilson

The Christian Spine.... Do You Have One?

The Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 12 speaks of various body parts in regards to spiritual gifts. The hands, feet, eyes etc. This is a wonderful analogy of the importance of each of us in the body of Christ. 

Today I want to address our personal bodies and in particular our spines.  Do you have a spine or are you a jellyfish?

Scientifically speaking "Your spine is one of the most important parts of your body. It gives your body structure and support. Without it you could not stand up or keep yourself upright. It allows you to move about freely and to bend with flexibility. The spine is also designed to protect your spinal cord. The spinal cord is a column of nerves that connects your brain to the rest of your body, allowing you to control your movements. Without a spinal cord you could not move any part of your body, and your organs could not function. Keeping your spine healthy is vital if you want to live an active life. " (a)

Because of the importance of the spine this word is also used as an adjective: something, as a quality or trait, that constitutes a principalstrength; resolution; stamina; backbone: a situation that would test a person's spine would test our strength, endurance, and will.

Every Christian needs to strengthen their spine. In a world of relative morality and the go along to get along mentality.... actually having a spine can be hard. 

Some of us have weak spines unable to move around in the secular world with confidence in Christ or to merely disagree with things we know are not a part of the Christian walk and lifestyle. 

Some of us have painful spines, hurt by past injuries that suppress our Christian life and witness. The immobilized spine limits a person's joy in Christ, our boldness and peace.

Some of us have diseased spines, where sin has entered so far into our lives that the disease (sin) defines us not the Word of God. This disease needs treatment and the only cure is Jesus and to apply His teachings to our life like a healing salve. 

Some of us have broken spines that lead to paralysis. Being paralyzed, unable to move, grow, or be effective in life is one of the most serious conditions. For the Christian, often fear, anger, bitterness, strife, envy, unforgiveness, and jealousy can cause personal paralysis in our Christian lives.  

Some of us have strong healthy spines. Strengthened by reading and studying God's Word,  praying, attending worship services, helping the helpless, witnessing and standing strong on the moral code of the Bible not just in word but in deed and lifestyle. 

Our spines are tested daily! You need to have a spine in this world. Being a "jellyfish Christian" floating around life without structure or purpose, never bold enough to take a stand for what is right is an empty dead lifestyle. The Christian spine is a BOLD spine.

 Brace up your spine with the encouragements found in the Bible:

2 Corinthians 3:12

Therefore having such a hope, we use great boldness in our speech,

Ephesians 3:12

in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.

Ephesians 6:19

and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,

Philippians 1:20

according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death

1 Thessalonians 2:2

but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5

4 for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. 5 We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,

By Robin S. Wilson

References:
(a) http://www.allaboutbackpain.com/html/spine_general/spine_general_anatomy.html