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by Rabbi Ed Rothman
(Terms: Isa: Jesus in Arabic, Injil: Gospel in Arabic)
It seems since September 11 that what I hear most often from Christian
media about Muslims or Islam is a castigation of the people and
their faith. Almost without exception, each time I hear the words
Muslim or Islam mentioned I also heard the phrases, "Allah
is not the G-d of Israel" and "Islam is a religion of
hate for all other faiths and is bent on world domination."
While there may be some truth in those statements, they are broad,
sweeping, stereotypes and my perception is that they are not meant
to encourage born-again believers to view Muslims with G-d's love.
I believe that too many Christians are reacting
to Islam in fear that expresses itself in a rally the troops and
gather in the fortress mentality. Instead we should be responding
with faith that sees an opportunity to share the Gospel (Good News)
of Y'shua the Messiah with a people who have not heard it
in the same spirit in which it was given. By the ramped up rhetoric
I've been hearing, it almost seems as though many believers are
content to let the whole Muslim world go to hell in a hand basket.
G-d loves the people of Islam and sent Y'shua to die for the children
of Ishmael just as surely as He loves all people from every tribe
and tongue and nation and sent His Son to die so He could purchase
them with His blood.
For G-d so loved the world that He gave His only begotten
Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but
have everlasting life. For G-d did not send His Son into the world
to condemn the world; but that the world, through Him, might be
saved. John 3:16-17
Is The Gospel Really For Everyone?
For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Messiah: for it is the
power of G-d unto salvation to every one that believes,
to the Jew first and also to the Gentile. Romans 1:16
For there is no difference between
the Jew and the Gentile: for the same L-RD over
all is rich unto all that call
upon Him. For whosoever shall call
upon the name of the L-RD shall be saved. Romans 10:12-13
Then Peter opened his mouth and said, Of a truth I perceive that
G-d is no respecter of persons, but accepts
those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.
G-d has showed me that I should not call anyone
impure or unclean. Acts 10:34-35 & 28b
These passages should make it abundantly clear that we are to reach
out to those from other nations and cultures with the Gospel, even
those who are from a religious tradition that is antagonistic toward
us.
We Are To Pray For And Bless Muslims
In the Beatitudes Y'shua taught that we should demonstrate G-d's
love by praying for and blessing those who we would not be inclined
to associate with.
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