[Salvation]

The Word Among Us

Tuesday, November 11, 2003 Meditation Wisdom 2:23–3:9 Throughout history, men and women from every part of the world have suffered and even died for their faith in Christ. Scorned, mocked, and ridiculed, they endured their persecution because they knew the crown that awaited them in heaven. What was it that they saw, and how did God reveal it to them? They saw the same things that we can see every day in our prayer. Prayer is not just giving Jesus praise, or presenting him with a list of petitions. Surely these are both important elements, but prayer also involves developing and deepening a relationship with Jesus. Prayer involves sitting with him in the quiet of our hearts each day and letting him teach us, love us, and show us the great things he has in store for us in heaven. Some of the things we read in today’s passage seem almost unbelievable: Will we really shine with the Lord? Will we actually help him judge the nations? Will we live with him in love forever and ever? In faith, we must say “I believe” to these glorious promises and ask the Lord to help us understand them more fully each day. Though none of us likes to suffer, understanding the glorious life that awaits us in heaven will hopefully lighten the weight of any cross we all must carry. In your prayer today, ask Jesus to open your mind to grasp a little more clearly the great and awesome plan he has for you, for your family, and for your loved ones. Try writing down some of the promises you believe Jesus gave you. Then, as the day progresses—especially when you are tempted to give up—refer back to them for strength and encouragement. Are you going through a difficult time? Is someone you love in distress? As you allow Jesus to reveal his eternal promises to you, you will be strengthened for the journey ahead and find hope for any time of trial. “Jesus, I am in awe of your glorious intentions for me. Will I truly reign with you in heaven one day? I humbly confess my lack of understanding of your great plans for me, and I ask you to show me more clearly the great inheritance that awaits me in heaven, so that I may be more faithful to you each day on earth.”

[Salvation]

I got this in an email today.

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Allah or Jesus?

By Rick Mathes

Last month I attended my annual training session that's required for maintaining my state prison security clearance. During the training session there was a presentation by three speakers representing the Roman Catholic, Protestant and Muslim faiths who explained their belief systems. I was particularly interested in what the Islamic Imam had to say.

The Imam gave a great presentation of the basics of Islam, complete with a video. After the presentations, time was provided for questions and answers. When it was my turn, I directed my question to the Imam and asked: "Please, correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand that most Imams and clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad [Holy war] against the infidels of the world. And, that by killing an infidel, which is a command to all Muslims, they are assured of a place in heaven. If that's the case, can you give me the definition of an infidel?"

There was no disagreement with my statements and without hesitation he replied, "Non-believers!"

I responded, "So, let me make sure I have this straight. All followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith so they can go to Heaven. Is that correct?"

The expression on his face changed from one of authority and command to that of a little boy who had just gotten caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He sheepishly replied, "Yes."

I then stated, "Well, sir, I have a real problem trying to imagine Pope John Paul commanding all Catholics to kill those of your faith or Pat Robertson or Dr. Stanley ordering Protestants to do the same in order to go to Heaven!"

The Imam was speechless.

I continued, "I also have problem with being your friend when you and your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me. Let me ask you a question...would you rather have your Allah who tells you to kill me in order to go to Heaven or my Jesus who tells me to love you because I am going to Heaven and wants you to be with me?"

You could have heard a pin drop as the Imam hung his head in shame.

Chuck Colson once told me something that has sustained me these 20 years of prison ministry. He said to me, "Rick, remember that the truth will prevail."