THE CHRISTIAN'S RESPONSE TO TERRORISM

Speak Lord, But is it Really You?

Of all experiences that exhilarate people, chief among them is when God speaks directly to the human soul. One inspired word to a thirsty, hungry traveler can refresh and sustain more than a thousand meals. It was Elijah who heard God’s instruction to “rise and eat” that received nourishment to navigate 285 miles for the following forty days

PARDON ME!

In Psalm 32, David proclaims the blessedness of the one whose sins are forgiven. And he does this in a unique way. He uses three expressions for sin and then employs three expressions of God’s pardon for sin. Here’s what I mean: David called one category of sins transgressions, which indicates “rebellion against God”; another he simply called sin, which describes “knowingly missing the mark”; and the third category he called iniquity, which speaks of a “vile perversion.” Those terms cover the entire gamut of our sinfulness—major and minor. But then after showing us three categories of sin he uses three expressions to show how God pardons our sins:

GOD RAISES DEAD DREAMS

Scripture uses death to identify man’s greatest enemy and there’s nothing man fears more. When a person expires, losing all vital signs, doctors, medicine, and science stand powerless in its presence. Only God can resurrect. But this sermon doesn’t deal with the physical cessation of life, it deals with death of a different nature. The death of God’s divinely inspired promises and visions. I’m persuaded that many Christians are in the gestation stage of a specific promise God has given them. Perhaps years ago He planted a dream and you’re still awaiting its fruition. Maybe even hope has begged you to admit that promise is dead. But the God that resurrected Christ from the dead can resurrect your promise.

A CHRISTMAS TRIP

Luke says as these shepherds watched their flocks during the night, the glory of God shined all around them. Now can you imagine that? It’s pitch black and then, suddenly, everything around them is illuminated! Then an angel appears and announces that the awaited Savior of the world has been born and is lying in swaddling clothes in a manger in Bethlehem. But it’s still not over. Besides this angelic messenger and the glory of God that is all around them, a vast, multitude of angels appears praising God, saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests” (2:13).

WHAT NEVER HAPPENED ON THE DAY OF ATONEMENT

Let’s journey back several thousand years to Jerusalem during Passover week. This was the holiest of the seven Hebrew festivals that attracted thousands of worshipers. Some traveled hundreds of miles to attend this celebration in the religious capital of the world—Jerusalem. What a sight it must have been! For seven days the Priests appeared in their royal apparel, led the people in worship, offered sacrifices, and blew shofars (2 Chronicles 30:21). Everything was leading to the Day of Atonement when the High Priest would present the blood of a Passover lamb for the people’s sins. Not only was Jerusalem sightly its aroma was pungent.

Prophetic Insight

Robert D. Pace

The safety of mankind is at stake! Isis, Al-Qaeda, Hamas, Hezbollah and the Taliban are advancing with a widening scourge across the globe. The savagery exists as a command from Allah, a god not of the Bible, that demands “infidels” to convert or die. Ultimately, these Islamic terrorists seek world domination, which left unchecked will establish a Caliphate and impose Sharia Law. As they continue to seize military equipment, these hate-filled monsters have littered the Middle East with a trail of beheaded bodies. Let there be no doubt: this is but a precursor of what other nations will soon experience. At present, the United States recognizes 64 Terrorist Organizations that pose a threat to our national welfare. More than 200 Terrorist Organizations exist worldwide.

If you have watched the countless news reports of terrorism you have likely been stirred in two ways: First, while you have felt roused to do something you have also felt powerless to intervene. Second, you have sensed that the Middle East is but a springboard for these terrorists, and their actions will somehow affect you. Make no mistake; they will! With over 1 billion followers, Islam can announce a Jihad (Holy War) and stir the wrath of its constituents at a moment’s notice. That means no one should remain apathetic! The good news is this: There is something you can do to hinder and even halt these misguided terrorists. Let me explain.

Most people reading this are not Presidents, Prime Ministers, or Government leaders. Such people have power to call for sanctions or military action against Islamic terrorists. While you may have little persuasion with government leaders you have someone far greater to whom you can appeal. You have persuasion with Almighty God! As certainly as Presidents are empowered to call for war, faith-filled intercessors can appeal to the Sovereign Lord to intervene.

There are several ways you can make a difference through the power of prayer:

1. As an individual, you can set aside a time during your day to pray against terrorism. You can take a moment during lunch to pray with colleagues or you can phone a friend and pray. Additionally, you can pray as you watch “Breaking News” of terrorism.

2. Pastors can designate a special time of prayer during worship services to pray against terrorism. “One can put a thousand to flight; two can put 10,000 to flight” (Deut. 32:30)

3. Presidents of Ministerial Associations can organize a citywide Call to Prayer against terrorism.

4. Ministries on the Internet can appeal to its viewers to pray.

5. Denominational leaders can issue a worldwide Prayer Alert to repress terrorism.

Do not underestimate the power of prayer! While it contains no power in and of itself, prayer works because it is heard by the Living and Sovereign God—Jehovah. And God is waiting for His people to enter spiritual warfare through prayer in the name of Jesus, so that enemies of righteousness can be overcome.