Paris Terror Attack - Reason, Response, Recovery & Recur; A Christian’s Insight

            Brutal, barbarous, callous, cold-blooded, cruel, inhuman, merciless, sadistic, savage, vicious, vindictive….none of these words truly reflects the heart of terrorism. Terrorism is far beyond the cumulative meaning of such words.

            Don’t blame this primarily on intelligence failure, sinister agendas, vengeance, brainwash, innocence, ISIS or religion. Blame this primarily and squarely on EVIL.

            ISIS accepted responsibility. It is jihad, they say. Jihad is synonymous with Islam. But don’t blame ISIS, jihad or Islam. Blame it on EVIL.

            Transcend individuals, organizations and worldviews. Transcend physical entities. Focus on the spiritual. Focus on the root cause of evil – the Satan.

            Satan causes evil. Evil yields terrorism and bloodshed. Satan is the reason for terrorism. Period.

            The French President pledges a ruthless and merciless response. An act of war it was, he said. Truly so. Respond Mr. President and all the Presidents and Prime Ministers of this world; respond with an outright war against evil. Evil deserves nothing less.  

            I beg to disagree with the words of Martin Luther King Jr. being quoted extensively on the social media, “…hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” Love will not and cannot defeat the evil perpetrated by Satan. The most adequate response against evil is an outright war that includes every tangible possibility and abstract perspectives.

            Common sense response will inundate the victims - prayers, sympathies, relief aids and what not! Will this suffice? Are these the best responses? Will these responses heal the pain of the victims? No, not totally!

            It may take years to overcome the emotional turmoil caused by terrorism. The pain inflicted by terrorism resides in the heart and soul of the victims. So our best response ought to medicate the pain in the heart of the victims. Do you or I have the power to medicate and heal the pain from the heart of the victims? No!

            God alone has the power to heal this pain. Our prayers will not and cannot motivate God to heal this pain. If our prayers motivate God, then God is man’s assistant. God is God and not man’s aide.

            May we pray that the victims seek healing from the life-giving presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. May the victims reach out to the living God. This is their best response. By doing so, may they be filled with the strength and power of Christ.

            It’s only the suffering Savior, who with HIS nail pierced hands, will touch the heart and heal the pain of these victims.

            Respond also by praying for the terrorists; may they repent and seek forgiveness from the living God. Let them not blindly and insanely slaughter and mutilate lives in an absurd belief that a sensual reward awaits them in their mythical, senseless and hellish heaven.

            Recovery of victims and nation is vital. All available resources of every possible entity should aid the process of recovery.

            Recovery of body and of the mind is of paramount importance. Recovery of the mind could be painfully slow but may it be scrupulous. The sole agenda of this recovery should lead the victims to gradually regain normalcy - in the lives of people and society. May God bless this recovery.

            Terrorism will recur. Until Satan, the father of lies and evil, is annihilated, terrorism will recur.

            Beirut, Paris and other parts of our world are reeling under the effects of terrorism. Terrorists could attack another location, maybe even our very own, in the days to come.

            While terrorism will recur, normal life cannot and should not be lost. Giving up our normal lifestyle is a victory for terror. Life should go on. May God enable us to live normally or as normal as we can live.

            Will our unmitigated war against evil be successful? No! Why? Our physical attacks cannot destroy the spiritual enemy Satan. Our war against evil will possibly annihilate Satan’s human stooges, but not Satan himself.

            Satan is far more powerful than man. Until he is destroyed forever, Satan will continue to release his vicious stooges to inflict carnage and bloodshed against humanity.

            God alone can destroy Satan and God will destroy Satan. Satan will be annihilated. Until then we need to bear the brunt of evil. Be prepared to face terrorism explicitly and implicitly.

            Finally, let’s not forget Beirut and the other parts of the world that suffer because of terrorism. Let’s sympathize, pray and aid the victims in Beirut as much as we care for victims in Paris. May our focus on the needs of our world be impartial, for God is not partial.

            May God bless every victim reeling under terror. We pray this in Christ’s name. Amen. 

A Christian’s Response To Religious Intolerance In India

            “Intolerance” has raised its ugly hood again in India.

            In the recent past, M.M Kalburgi, former Karnatak University Vice Chancellor, was gunned down for apparently criticizing the Hindu practice of idol worship [1]. A Muslim man was mobbed to death by his Hindu neighbors over rumors of cow carcass sighting in the vicinity. A few days later, two Muslim men were attacked over matters relating to beef transportation in separate incidents.

            Intolerance is being condemned by the opposition parties and quite a few celebrities. A few award winning writers have returned their awards as a mark of protest against intolerance.

            This recent intolerance seems to be a new low for Indian democracy, for, as always, it violates religious freedom and freedom of speech and expression. Reasons for intolerance are being analyzed in the public domain, so that’s not the intent of this article. We will instead focus on Christians’ response towards intolerance.

            Persecution is not solely innate to Christians. Baha’is are persecuted in Iran. Hindus are persecuted in Bangladesh. Muslim minority is persecuted in Myanmar. The list is rather endless; every religious group faces persecution when they are a minority.  

            Intolerance is a subtle term for persecution. How then should Christian minority respond to intolerance?

Pray? Pray for What?

            Praying for intolerance to cease is one option, but is that our only or our primary option? When Bible emphasizes that persecution is certain in Christian life (2 Timothy 3:12), and when religious persecution is increasing, should we really think our prayers would impede or preclude persecution?

            If our prayers are in accordance with God’s will, and if God’s will is for persecution to stop, then persecution will cease. But what if God’s will is for persecution to continue? What then happens to our prayers, if we merely focus on praying for persecution to stop?

            While we pray for persecution to stop, we should primarily pray for strength to endure persecution and a godly response to persecution while and if we are being persecuted.  

            Significantly, we ought to pray for the persecuted; that they would receive God’s comfort, strength and encouragement in abundance.

To Strengthen Faith?

            A frail response to persecution is to renounce one’s religious worldview e.g. to renounce Christ. An equally important response to persecution is to strengthen the faith of Christians. The local church ought to assume this responsibility.

            A majority of Christians are superficially strong in their faith. This superficial strength cannot retain a Christian in Christ during persecution. Hence, the local church ought to disciple their flock to remain and grow strong in Christ (cf. Hebrews 6:1-3).  

Christians Stand United?

            They say that persecution unites Christians. History suggests that the otherwise detached denominations tend to unite during persecution.

            Although this instance of intolerance is not against Christians per se, it could very well turn out so in the future. But do we need persecution for unity? Shouldn’t Christian denominations constantly strive towards unity?  

Help The Persecuted?

            To help the persecuted is a no-brainer. Religion cannot prevent us from helping each other.

            During persecution, we need to transcend religious barriers to help those in need. Some may need kind words of encouragement and support. Others may need material or spiritual support.

            Whatever the case maybe, we exist to love and serve each other.   

Give Up Beef?

            We should consider this option without discrediting it. Isn’t giving up eating beef another valid response?

            Let’s say we love to eat pork.

            Sale of pork is banned in certain Islamic countries because Islam forbids Muslims to eat pork. So we cannot eat pork if we live in those Islamic countries.

            Having lived in such a country for a few years, I know it’s perfectly possible to give up a certain choice of food – in this case, eating pork. So it’s all in the mind. If we do want to give up eating beef, then it is possible indeed.  

            If what we eat, especially in the context of Hindus’ reverence for cows, would offend their sensitivities, then aren’t we perfectly legitimate to give up eating beef? Should we continue eating beef or create communal harmony?

            But in this context, is it necessary to give up eating beef in India?

            Hindus in the Indian State of Kerala eat beef [2]. There seems to be no religious nuance to beef consumption by Hindus in Kerala. Hence, the Hindu protest over beef consumption certainly is inconsistent.

            Within the perspective of legislation, India is a democratic country unlike an Islamic State. In an Islamic State the law of land could prohibit consumption of pork. In India there is no such legislation banning beef consumption. So why give up eating beef?

To Expect Unbiased Governance?

            Good governance is to manage every situation impartially. Impartiality and tolerance is of paramount value, for governance includes administration of multicultural and multi-faith population.

            I lived in the Kingdom of Bahrain for a few years. Many years ago, there was a ban on pork consumption in Bahrain. The Quran forbids eating of pork (Sura 2:173, 5:3, 6:145 &16:115) [3]. Ban on pork consumption in Bahrain was highly valid since Bahrain is an Islamic State; hence those who live there ought to abide by the law of the land.

            However, the rulers of Bahrain relaxed this ban on pork and allowed the sale of pork in the island Kingdom. This remarkable instance of tolerance ought to be hailed.

            But that’s not it! The second most astounding instance was that of the Arabs living in Bahrain. Although they detest the sight and odor of pork, the Arabs behind the billing counters would tolerantly bill the purchased pork to the satisfaction of the customers.

            This instance of tolerance in Bahrain clearly contrasts the intolerant situation in India. The Bahraini tolerance teaches a valuable lesson to the Indian governance. 

            Need we say more? Tolerance could prevail if the rulers desire unbiased governance.

            Every one is intolerant of various aspects that occur within our domain. Absolute tolerance is not the need of the hour.

            However, entailment of intolerance should not viciously injure human life. Extreme intolerance should be condemned. Killing and maiming of human life, created in the image of God, should never be an entailment of intolerance.

Endnotes:

[1] http://time.com/4016747/mm-kalburgi-india-murder-rationalist-idol-worship-hindu-nationalism/ 

&

http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/ex-vc-m-m-kalaburgi-who-had-run-ins-with-hardliners-shot/

[2] http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/in-kerala-a-beef-eating-fest-to-protest-against-beef-ban-745587

[3] http://www.islamicvoice.com/february.99/zakir.htm

Would Chrislam Replace Christianity and Islam?

            Chrislam is a religion that seeks to merge Christianity and Islam. Chrislam, established in 1970, is of Nigerian origin. Proponents of Chrislam believe that both Bible and Quran are Holy Scriptures, and that Allah and the God of the Bible are one and the same.

            Chrislam is also a missionary strategy for Muslims by the missionaries from the West [1]. They encourage Muslims to follow Jesus by being a Muslim. These missionaries share Christ from Quran. Since Muslims are encouraged to be Muslims and follow Christ, Chrislam’s alias is “Insider Movement.”

            Muslims and Christians are those who are submitted to God. Hence Insider Movement claims that a Muslim can remain a Muslim, go to Mosque, but secretly follow Christ. (This premise presupposes that the God of the Bible and Quran are the same. Conservative Christians and Muslims will passionately deny that God of Bible and Quran are same.)

            Insider Movement re-translates portions of the Bible offensive to Muslims. Hence, the Lord Jesus Christ will not be mentioned as the Son of God, which is the literal interpretation of the Greek texts.

            Instead, Jesus would be referred to as the Prince, King, Messiah, Representative etc. The first person of the blessed trinity, the Father God, is referred to as Lord, Guardian, Most High and God. (This is a stark mistranslation of the Greek texts.)

            While Christ’s deity is denied by Chrislam, it affirms Mohammed as a prophet. Very minimally, Chrislam affirms Mohammed to be a prophetlike figure. 

            Apparently, quite a few Bible translation projects from Chrislam’s context are active. These translation projects dilute the Bible so to conform more to the Chrislamic perspective than remain true to the Christian faith.   

            Chrislam or Insider Movement lends credibility to the Quran by using it as an evangelistic tool. When credibility is ascribed to the Quran, the fact of Quran’s denial of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection is concealed.  

            Christian missionaries belonging to the Insider Movement in certain Islamic countries function as Imam’s of local Masjids. They preach the Islamic khutbah (traditional sermon) in the mosques.

            Members belonging to a certain flavor of Chrislam call themselves as Muslims and believe that Mohammad is a prophet of God but deny the trinity. Obviously they are more a Muslim than a Christian. 

            Insider Movement does not require Muslims to convert to Christianity if they believe in Christ and Dr. William Lane Craig exposes this fallacy, “So I'm very worried about this syncretistic movement, and not at all persuaded that this is wise to encourage Muslim background believers in effect to masquerade as practicing Muslims rather than to affirm their faith in Jesus Christ” [2]. 

            Those belonging to the Insider Movement are encouraged to not have any contact with the local Christian churches. This exposes Chrislam’s leaning towards Islam than Christianity.

            Missionaries belonging to the Insider Movement falsely emphasize that trinity is mentioned in the Quran (Sura 4:171). Any Muslim worth his salt will deny this teaching. In fact, Sura 4:171 denies trinity.  

            Proponents of Chrislam argue for its legitimacy from within the Bible by quoting Melchizedek, who was not a Jew but had a personal relationship with God. Hence they argue that one could worship Christ from within Islam.

            The error in this argument is that Melchizedek was not a pagan priest as the proponents of Chrislam claim. Melchizedek was a priest of the The Most High God (Genesis 14:18 & Hebrews 7:1) – the first person of the blessed trinity. Hence it is illogical and improper to argue that Christ could be worshipped from the precincts of Islam.

            The other character quoted by Chrislamists to defend their worldview is Naaman the Syrian from the Bible (cf. 2 Kings 5). They cite the following biblical narrative as an affirmation to worship Christ from Islam, “Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God. He stood before him and said, Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel….for your servant will never again make burnt offerings and sacrifices to any other god but the Lord. But may the Lord forgive your servant for this one thing: When my master enters the temple of Rimmon to bow down and he is leaning on my arm and I have to bow there also—when I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the Lord forgive your servant for this.” “Go in peace,” Elisha said” (2 Kings 5:15-19, NIV).

            While reading this text, we should be aware of two aspects. First, Naaman acknowledged a sin i.e. bowing to a pagan god Rimmon. Second, Naaman asked God to forgive him for his sin of bowing to a pagan god.

            Naaman cannot justify Chrislam. Chrislamists do not agree that they are sinning against God while worshipping Christ as a Muslim. Instead they argue that it is perfectly legitimate to worship Christ as a Muslim. They falsify the biblical narrative of Naaman to defend Chrislam by fabricating a lie that Naaman justifies Chrislam. To reiterate, Naaman does not justify Chrislam.

            Therefore, Chrislam cannot be a legitimate denomination of Historic Christianity. Chrislam or Insider Movement is a cult or another religion.  

            There seems to be another facet to Chrislam. Could Chrislam be the holy face of an unholy agenda?

            The unholy agenda is to cleanse the Bible of its Jewishness, “Of all the anti-Israel discourses that exist today, Chrislam is perhaps one of the most disturbing. Disturbing because it wants to de-Judaize both Jesus and the Bible, and because it wants to neutralise Jewish identity and history. Moreover, the remarkable post-Holocaust reconciliation of Jews and Christians is being undermined by the emerging cooperation between left-wing evangelicals and jihadi Muslims, both of whom hold unsavoury attitudes towards Jews and Israel” [3].

            If Chrislam seeks to cleanse the Bible of its Jewishness, it’s quite plausible that Chrislam seeks to satisfy the anti-semitic Islamic agenda. 

            Finally, Chrislam is touted as an offshoot of interfaith dialogues between Islam and Christianity. Quite a few movements are building bridges between Islam and Christianity.

            While such bridge building efforts could be appreciated, we should ask, “At what cost is an interfaith dialogue occurring?” In many instances, Christian pastors praying at these interfaith dialogues would intentionally not pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. They choose not to pray in Christ’s name, which is effectively denying Christ so not to offend the sensitivities of their Muslim counterparts.

            Christ is usually denied in interfaith forums because Muslims refuse to acknowledge Christ as God. Diluting Christianity for the sake of making peace with the Muslim neighbor could in essence ruin his peace with God while discarding the foundations of Historic Christianity. 

            Think about this, would a Muslim Imam acknowledge Christ as God while being a part of an interfaith dialogue with Christians to satisfy his Christian counterpart? No.

            These peace efforts and Chrislam are quite similar since both underplay Christ. While Chrislam denies Christ as Son of God, those in peace efforts deny Christ as and when possible. 

            Will Chrislam replace Christianity and Islam? No! Not by any stretch of imagination. Chrislam offends both Islam and Christianity, for it neither satisfies the core tenets of Christianity nor Islam.  At most, Chrislam will remain a cult and will not replace Christianity or Islam.

Endnotes:

If you are interested in digging deep into Chrislam, please read the following articles:

[1] http://www.equip.org/article/chrislam-insider-movemenets-moving-wrong-direction/

[2] http://www.reasonablefaith.org/what-about-chrislam

[3] http://www.prophecynewswatch.com/2015/March09/094.html#zD4BtxLwURgWvslz.99 

Sympathizing & Preventing Suicide; How Could God Allow Suicide?

Introduction

            Since we did not bring ourselves into existence, we cannot exit this existence voluntarily via suicide. Suicide is a sin, no doubts. But we should sympathize with those having suicidal thoughts. Not just sympathize, but act proactively and positively in Christ’s power.  

Sympathizing With Suicide

            Suicide predicated on certain circumstances may appear thoughtless and hasty e.g. inability to pay debts, failing an exam, rejected by the spouse, death of a close relative or friend. The aftermath of these occurrences could be resolved by suitable therapeutic interventions; spiritual included. 

            Certain other situations could invoke greater sympathy:

BEING A BURDEN

            Being a burden to others is a horrendous evil.

            Consider a person constantly being blamed for his prolonged painful ailment by his relatives and friends, who are being burdened beyond their abilities. In this context, isn’t it apt if this ailing person considers committing suicide so to deliver his relatives and friends from their [needless] burden?  

            Similarly a child could be deemed a failure by parents. This child could then contemplate suicide as a means of escape from being constantly ridiculed by the very people who are to love him.

            Would not these situations invoke greater sympathy upon the person with suicidal thoughts?  

PERPETUAL PAIN

            Those living in seemingly unending pain could think of suicide as a means to escape the pain e.g. victims of constant physical abuse, prisoners of war tortured to the realms of inhumanity with absolutely no hope for survival.

            There are those in similar instances of unbearable pain. They receive maximal goodness from families and friends but seek suicide for not being able to continue living in unbearable pain.

            How can we not sympathize with those in perpetual pain having suicidal thoughts?

MENTAL ILLNESS

            Another acute instance of sympathy is upon those suffering from illnesses such as Depression and Schizophrenia, which could cause suicide. Unless proper treatment is offered, patients suffering from such mental disorders could commit suicide for no fault of theirs.

THEOLOGICAL ESCAPISM

            A person in constant pain MAY seek to commit suicide so to release himself or his friends & relatives from unnecessary burden.

            Christian theology could aid this person’s suicidal thought process:

            1. A believer of Christ does not lose his salvation through suicide.

            Although suicide is a sin, the Bible does not mention anywhere that a believer who commits suicide would go to hell. A believer is saved by faith in Christ. Suicide will not condemn this believer to hell.

            2. A believer of Christ will enter heaven upon death. Heaven is an eternal abode without pain and evil.

            Hence, a believer in constant pain could seek to commit suicide so to escape from existential pain to an eternal heavenly abode with only joy and happiness.

            3. Hence, a believer who commits suicide merely hastens his exit from his painful existence to a painless and joyful eternal abode.

            We could recount more instances where we could sympathize with those fostering suicidal thoughts. It’s a given that those who commit suicide have given up hope and scope for living since peaceful existence seems nonexistent.

God Will Allow Suicide

            To state that God will allow suicide is not implausible. God has legitimate reasons to allow suicide.

            The Bible unequivocally states that evil will reign for a period of time. Christianity is not about living a jolly good life. God never assured that Christian life would be a painlessly peaceful life. God will not intervene to save all people from every horrendous situation. This is a given.

            The Bible emphasizes believers’ constant struggle against powers of evil (Ephesians 6: 12). Therefore, Christians should not be surprised by evil’s gruesome and horrendous onslaught.

            God does not intervene to purge man’s freewill. The man in pain freely chooses to commit suicide and God would not prevent this act.  

            A believer of Christ does not lose his salvation if he/she commits suicide. So an absence of negative eternal ramification legitimizes God’s acquiescence to suicide.

            God allows Christians to suffer. The Bible is replete with instances of believer’s suffering, “…there were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated—the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground. These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect” (Hebrews 11:35b-40, NIV).

            Hence, it is a given that God allows suicide.

Conclusion: Prevent Suicide

            When believers suffer, they should seek God. God comforts us when we seek HIM.

            There are many testimonies of believers living rather peacefully in horrendously painful situations. Those who live horrendously painful lives testify that they derive their strength to live from Christ.

            The Bible emphasizes that believers can receive God’s mighty power, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6:10-11, NIV; cf. Ephesians 1:18-19; Colossians 1: 10-11).

            Those who commit suicide do not realize that there is an extraordinary power that God has to offer especially to endure these horrendously painful situations. We cannot ignore the fact that the suffering believer could be at fault for not appropriating this incomparable power of God. But we should be cognizant of the constant suffering that is a legitimate reason for the believer’s ignorance of God’s mighty power.

            So, if a believer commits suicide, it would be unwise to attribute the fault of suicide upon the believer or God. If we are eager to ascribe the fault upon someone, then the fault most certainly rests with us and the local church.

            We ought to be cognizant of the needs of people in our domain. The local church, being rich with spiritual gifts, should direct people with suicidal thoughts towards Christ through its constant presence, prayer, support, and encouragement.

            We are the agents of suicide prevention. We should be present with those who are in utmost pain. We should selflessly, compassionately, and graciously direct those suffering to receive God’s mighty power and comfort. 

            May we know who is suffering in our domain and may we be agents of life, Christ’s power and comfort to those suffering with suicidal tendencies. 

Illuminati In Churches?

            After Madonna and AC/DC performed in the 2015 Grammy Awards, social media lit up with illuminati buzz! Dancers on stage and many in the audience sported devil’s horns - a symbol of illuminati (which means enlightened).

            Many celebrities and famous personalities are rumored to belong to illuminati, which apparently is a secret group striving to create a new world order of Satanic nature. Symbolisms of the All Seeing Eye, Pyramids, the Pentagram, the number 666, the Owl, Eternal Flame, the Skull and the Snakes are associated with the illuminati.

            Illuminati spelt in reverse is “itanimulli.” Itanimulli.com connects to National Security Agency’s website (www.nsa.gov)! Wait, is NSA controlled by illuminati? 

            Encyclopedia.com reports [1] that Adam Weishaupt, professor of religious law, founded illuminati, “…the Illuminati of history, rather than legend, was a secret society formed in Bavaria in 1776 with the political goal of encouraging rebellion of the people and the abolition of the established monarchies.” Significantly, illuminati of history was destroyed within 15 years of its origin. 

            Illuminati of today - a brainchild of conspiracy theorists or paranoid conspiracy theorists  - which apparently endeavors to bring a new world order, has seemingly infiltrated Christianity, “Some conspiracy theorists say the New World Order is the outward goal and the Illuminati are the secret power working behind the scenes to achieve it. Many entertainers are obviously aware of Illuminati legends and work those symbols and myths into their acts to fuel further speculation.

            Supporters of this idea say organizations like the United Nations, European Union, the World Health Organization, the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, G-20 Economic Group, the World Court, NATO, Council on Foreign Relations, World Council of Churches and various multinational corporations are pawns of the New World Order, nudging the world closer and closer to this socialist, one-economy, one-religion future” [2]

            Googling ‘illuminati in churches’ will display Hillsong church’s illuminati affiliations. Is Hillsong associated with illuminati? Allegedly, Hillsong displays an illuminati pyramid in its center screen. Apparently, the symbolisms of illuminati adorn the precincts of other churches as well.  

            This then is the illuminati drift:

            A. Illuminati is supposedly secretive and satanic.

            B. Its members are the rich and powerful from all over the world. Illuminati allegedly controls all major organizations of the world and endeavors to bring about a new world order (one ruler, one economy and one religion).

            C. There are symbols connected to illuminati.

            D. When people or organizations, which include churches, sport these symbolisms they are thought to be linked to illuminati.

            From within Christianity, illuminati is connected to end times. The proponents of end times constitute the fan club of illuminati. But is illuminati real or is it a figment of people’s imagination? Speculation is probably the only answer to that question.

            Illuminati may or may not exist. Its presence is merely a speculation due to the absence of concrete evidences endorsing its existence. If illuminati exists and if its alleged characteristics are factual, it’s a potential agent to persecute Christians and those from other religions. This is undeniable.

            In fact, if illuminati does not exist, Christians would be persecuted by other agencies. Persecution for Christians is a constant.

            Can you and I destroy illuminati’s existence? No! If it’s as powerful as it’s rumored to be, then it will thrive, provided God allows its existence for the purpose of end times.

            So the most meaningful question you and I need to ask is not about illuminati’s existence but our response to illuminati if it does exist, “If Illuminati exists, how should we respond?” Our response would be an indication of our preparedness to persecution.

            First, if any church has illuminati affiliations then false teachings would prevail. Those teachings would evidently contradict the Bible.

            But if we do not know the Bible, how would we identify false teachings? So it’s every Christian’s responsibility to study his Bible.

            An obvious false teaching would be to assert the oneness of all religions. A majority subscription to oneness of religion would evidently usher a world with one religion – an agenda of illuminati (if at all it exists).

            Beware, churches could be secretive of its illuminati affiliations, for it need not sport illuminati symbols but could be a part of illuminati ideology.

            With or without illuminati, Christian postmodernism or the emergent church movement endeavors to achieve oneness of religion. (Attention conspiracy theorists, these groups could be tentacles of illuminati!!)      

            On a side note, churches faithful to Christ would do well to remove all symbolisms associated with illuminati, even if illuminati were to be an oneiric tendency of the conspiracy theorists. If hillsong church carries the pyramid associated with illuminati, it should remove that pyramid so not to be an obstacle to the growing faith of Christians. 

            Second, the devil knows the Bible (cf. Matthew 4:6; James 2:19). Although knowledge of the Bible is mandatory, it’s not the end of a Christian life. Knowledge of Bible is the beginning of a Christian life. Knowledge of Bible should motivate Christians to love the Triune God and to remain in Christ all through their life.

            Third, if we remain in Christ, our resolve to stand for Christ amidst persecutions would be strong. We would never let go of Christ. We may let go of our life, but not Christ.

            Fourth, if illuminati exists and if its agendas gain traction towards fruition, be assured that God is involved in this movement. The sovereign God, who for a period of time has allowed Satan and his entourage to rule the earth albeit within HIS sovereignty, will permit events to usher the antichrist as a precursor to Christ’s 2^nd coming.  

            Finally, if we love and remain in Christ, fear would be non-existent in our life (Cf. 1 John 4:18). If fear is nonexistent in our life, we would not be alarmed by illuminati or ISIS. Instead of capitulating to fear, we would dwell in the Lord and our lives would be surrendered to HIS holy presence. When our lives are surrendered to Christ, we would be God’s agents of spiritual strengthening and transformation of our fellow Christians through our words and deeds.

            The Bible does not particularly mention illuminati. If illuminati is an outcome of the paranoid conspiracy theorists’ oneiric propensities, it’s then obvious that illuminati does not exist. But existence or non-existence of illuminati is insignificant. Since the Lord’s return is certain, the arrival of antichrist is also certain. This antichrist would eventually rule the world to usher a new world order.  

            As Christians we should anticipate this event to occur at any time. We are to be prepared and also prepare our fellow Christians for this event. Our earthly life is a precursor to our eternal life. Our endeavor is to live with Christ eternally and not away from HIS presence.

Endnotes:

[1] http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/The_Illuminati.aspx#1

[2] http://christianity.about.com/od/endtimestopicalstudy/a/JZ-Illuminati-Conspiracy.htm

Reasons You Won’t Believe Why People Attend Church!

I’d Be Hatching, Matching & Dispatching

            Hatching (birth), matching (marriage) and dispatching (death) could be three primary reasons for people to attend church. Membership in a local church fetches baptism, marriage, and a place in the local graveyard.

            Definite worldly needs indeed! But if these are the motivational factors to worship in a church, then we are missing the mark. If the church you are worshiping in does not liberate you from these worldly needs, then your church and your spirituality are equally pitiable.

            The church is the body of Christ and not solely a channel for our material needs.  

I’ll Be Blessed           

            Would attending a worship service render a greater blessing?

            In the past, I diligently attended a church. My body was parked inside the church but my mind was wandering outside consumed with the responsibilities of my work. I was materially blessed, since I fared pretty well at work.

            I did not worship the Lord in the church. But was I blessed because I was diligent in my church attendance? No! The Bible does not say so.

            God blessed me, not because I attended church regularly, but because HE is gracious. Grace of God does not punish at every opportunity, instead it patiently blesses us constantly.

            You may still argue that God blessed me because I diligently attended the church. If so, what about my non-christian boss who was greatly successful (read blessed) but had never attended church?

            There is only one God, so all blessings flow from HIS being. HE blesses both the Christians and non-christians. If God blesses non-christians who do not attend the church, then would it not entail that our mere church attendance amounts to nothing?

            We will not be blessed merely for attending the church worship service.

I’ll Go To Hell

            That I’ll go to hell if I don’t attend church is a fascinating premise, or shall we say, a fearful premise. Many Christian leaders instill fear in the hearts of Christians, so to retain the believer in his church, whereas in reality he is to retain the believer in Christ.  

            Is there a verse in the Bible that posits hell for a believing Christian for his failure to attend the local church? If so, show me that verse please!

            Heaven is guaranteed to those who believe and love the Lord Jesus Christ. Church exists as a means to Christian discipleship and growth, not as a means to hell.

I’m In Trouble

            When in trouble go to church. This seems to be the mantra of quite a few. 

            God is not a doctor whose only objective is to heal us of all our sickness. God is not a magician who magically delivers us from all our perils. We degrade God when we go to church only when we are in trouble.

            God, being gracious, would deliver us from our troubles. It’s then our real intent would be exposed.

            Do we continue attending church after we are delivered from our troubles or do we cease to attend church? If we discontinue church after being delivered from our troubles, then there is no greater hypocrite than you and me.  

It’s A Weekly Ritual

            Church going is a weekly ritual to a few Christians. This is a sad phenomenon. When church attendance is a weekly ritual, then it’s highly possible that these Christians’ love for the Lord Jesus could be lukewarm or absolutely nonexistent.

It’s A Sin If I don’t Attend Church

            Some Christian leaders teach that failure to attend a church is a sin. This need not necessarily be true. The more important question we need to ask is the reason behind not attending.

            Poverty, distance, personal problems etc. could play a genuine role in dissuading some Christians from attending church. Some Christians could have had a bitter experience with the local church so they may not attend church. However, their love and devotion for the Lord could be as good as those who attend church regularly.

            Willful negligence to attend church but indulging in lethargic or sinful pleasures is a sin against the Lord or could lead us to sin against the Lord.

I Should Perform

            We may be gifted in playing music, singing, preaching, teaching and administration. But to attend the church with a sole motive to perform is a dubious reasoning. Spiritual gifts are graciously given by the Triune God.

            There is a critical distinction between performance and offering.

            Performance makes us greater and the Lord lesser. When our mind is set on performing, we would become self-centered. Our focus may be to garner attention upon ourselves.

            God gives good gifts; not to bring glory upon ourselves. But God gives good gifts so that we bring glory to God.

            Primarily, our gifts are to be an offering to God. Our focus ought to be on God, and not on our gift. In other words our question should always be, “Is my offering pleasing and acceptable to God?” When our gifts are an offering to God, the Lord becomes greater and we become lesser.

            In quite a few instances, parents push their children to sing in the choir / worship team or act in a play. If parents fail to instill the concept of our skills being an offering to God, then the child would perform and would be unmindful of worshipping God through the spiritual gifts.

            We don’t go to church to perform, but to offer our gifts as an act of worship.  

I Should Lead

            Some Christians are addicted to leadership and power. From the moment they enter the church, they worm their way to leadership. Leadership as a motive to attend church is deplorable.

            We don’t intend to become anything. We become what God intends us to be. We submit ourselves to God and HE enables us to become who HE wants us to be.  

I Want A Big Church

            Some think that mega churches are better than the smaller churches. There is a reasonable premise behind this need. If a church serves its people well, people flock to it; hence mega churches could be better.

            However, there could be quite a few genuine reasons as to why small churches do not grow in numbers. Their lack of growth need not necessarily imply a deficiency in their ministry.

            Small churches could be as effective as a mega church.

I’d Attend Church Only On Occasions

            Have you wondered why churches overflow during occasions such as New Year, Good Friday, Easter and Christmas? It’s because some Christians attend church only during these occasions.

            This sad phenomenon exposes the presence of nominal Christians. Those who attend church only during occasions display their lack of love for the Lord Jesus.

Conclusion

            Having said these, attending church is a good step into growing as a Christian. It’s better to worship in a church than not.  

            Although our motive to attend church may be nauseatingly revolting, we may be giving ourselves an opportunity to grow in the Lord when we are in the church. While we are at the church, a song or a sermon or a Scripture reading could lead us to love the Lord. It’s the church’s bounden responsibility to disciple its members. 

            We attend church to worship God in the community of fellow Christians. Church should enable our discipleship in our Lord.

            The purpose of the church is “…to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4: 12-13, NIV). May our churches be diligent in this responsibility.

            Just as the Lord went after that one lost sheep, may our churches care for that one member who may be in need so to motivate, encourage and draw him closer to the Lord. 

Four Blood Moons & 2 Bloody Noses

                  Pastor John Hagee and Pastor Mark Biltz’s noses are bloodied after the recent four blood moons episode.

            They aroused the end times passions of millions via their electric four blood moons prophesies about Christ’s return, significant changes to Israel and probable disasters upon our world.

            Christ has not returned. Israel exists without any historic shifts. The activities of our world are rather routine. The prophecies of Pastors Hagee and Biltz are absurd.

            Pastor Mark Biltz claimed that Christ’s second coming may be in the fall of 2015. The fall season has begun! Should we hope for Christ’s return now?

            No one knows when Christ will return, says the Bible. We should hope for Christ’s return now and even after fall.

            So dump Pastor Biltz’s prophecy!  

            Pastor Hagee authored a bestselling book, “Four Blood Moons – Something Is About To Change.” Now that this tetrad is done with…what changed?

            Was there a momentous change in Israel during this tetrad? No.   

            Pastor Hagee and Pastor Mark Biltz and the other end times prophets will thrive in a winning situation. Prior to their prophecies attaining fruition, they gained instant fame and recognition. Wealth accompanies fame and recognition. If they author a book and if their book is a bestseller - which they were - their wealth multiplies and image magnifies.

            Although their predictions bombed, flopped and busted, wouldn’t they be termed as false prophets? Once fame and wealth are in their domain, would they care if their predictions flop?

            Would fellow Christians consider them as false prophets? Some would and many would not. This is hideous Christianity in its glory!

            Pastor Hagee is a smart man. He had another trick up his sleeve! The trick was to divert people’s attention to that which appeases them.

            How do you get people to forget the sorry prophecy of four blood moons? You feed their hungry end times appetite with equally, if not more, exciting prophesies.

            When four blood moons prophecies amounted to nada (nothing), Pastor Hagee authored another book, “Three Heavens: Angels, Demons and What Lies Ahead.” (I guess ‘four’ didn’t work well for him so he limited his latest subtitle to ‘three.’) This diversionary tactic has been successful, for this book is also a bestseller.

            So let’s now run behind three heavens! What’s new?!

            The bait in his new book is in the sub title, “…what lies ahead.” Don’t we want to know what lies ahead from the man who fooled millions to earn millions with his asinine rambles?

            That’s not it!

            Pastor Hagee now accuses the powers that are in the USA for spearheading the Iran nuclear deal. Pastor Hagee predicts that this deal will result in a destructive war - as if Iran and Israel existed peacefully in all these years.

            Welcome another diversionary tactic! Let the people now focus on the Iran nuclear deal and not the fiasco of blood moons prophecy.  

            Hagee, Biltz and all the other doomsday prophets will keep proclaiming their predictions as long as we bite their baits. We are the culprits!

            Intrinsically, the problem is with us and not them. We nourish their egos and they continue to bloat, swell and puff up. We are ignorant fools.   

            We are ignorant of the Bible. We intentionally remain ignorant. They capitalize on this humongous opportunity and continue to feed us with incorrect and inordinate information.

            There is a real danger in these end-times prophecies. These end-times prophecies deceptively indulge our egos to make us feel like gods.

            God alone knows the future perfectly well. We desire to know our future. If and when we know our future, we feel like God.

            When these (godly) figures prophesy, the god in us is invigorated. Silently yet effectively, they play the same card that Satan played with Eve, “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God…” (Genesis 3:5, NIV, Emphasis Mine). We then fall prey to Satan’s deception,

            We want our eyes to be opened about the future. We want to be like God.

            Who wouldn’t want to get to know the future? Our life and hope is built on our future. It gives us immense pleasure to know what lies ahead. We feel like God when we know our future.

            When people predict the future, they seat us on a presumptuous throne of God. Since we love to be God, we love prophecies. These end times prophecies tickle the god-bone in us.

            If we do not know our future, we will depend on God. But when we know our future, our need for God diminishes.

            It doesn’t matter if their noses are bloodied now. They would not worry. They are not accountable, you see.

            They will continue doing their business. As long as we are gullible, we would keep buying their prophetic antics. Their business is to continue prophesying for they are certain of a dogged audience drooling eagerly to devour their predictions.

            As long as we Christians support their ridiculously asinine end times prophecies, the non-christian world will enjoy and laugh at this farce of a comedy show in Christendom. Yes, we are those farcical and foolish actors.

            When we buy these incredibly insane prophecies, do you really think that the non-Christian world will buy the gospel of Christ?