Greetings brethren, friends and neighbors,

Some in the Evangelical camp will argue today that Islam is a peaceful religion. The Vatican desires to make everyone of differing faiths the same. Even President Bush has been quoted as saying, "Islam is peace." While purporting that it is the extremists or fundamentalists that are "distorting the idea of jihad" into a rationale for terrorism. Recently Bush even publicly announced that Christian fundamentalists are to be blamed for spreading fear through their "conspiracy theories" and "end-times" analogies and declarations. Well folks, I guess that puts me at the bottom of the pile because I see the President and his coercion of democracy having become agents to facilitate and accelerate the fulfillment of ancient prophesies found in Scripture. You won't find those kind of prophesies in the Qur'an yet paradoxically, Mohammed is highly regarded as a prophet. What credibility does the Qur'an have against sacred Scripture? Both, Christians and Jews have had a long history dating back thousands of years in scripture proving prophetic fulfillment yet a little more than one fifth of the planet's population still leans towards Islam. Why and how can this be? Who is Allah to Yahweh and who is Mohammad to Jesus?

I think it is interesting to note here that before Jesus came on the scene, there was no person who came before Him declaring to be the Son of God and offer redemption of our sins through His selfless sacrifice. Yet afterwards, we see a plethora of men become "agents of Lucifer" declaring themselves to be a Messiah without offering anything of redeeming quality. These were many "anti-Christ" types. Certainly, all these "copy-cats" that only sought a particular claim to fame were never able to prove God sent them. Though these "messiah-types" still exist today and many people are led astray by their false doctrines and words lacking reason and sense, Biblical history and the testimonies of God fearing men prove that only the Word of GOD has and still is withstanding the test of time and all such claims made against its prophetic nature. Allowing the Word of God to judge, test and measure all such claims and the men making those claims proves again and again that the testimony of Christ Jesus is irrefutable and remains to be the Spirit of prophesy.

Revelation 19:10 "And I fell down before his feet to worship him. And he saith unto me, See thou do it not: I am a fellow servant with thee and with thy brethren that hold the testimony of Jesus: worship God; for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."

Try to think of who the most influential public figures in world history have been. You will probably come up with names such as Napoleon and Lenin, Ghandi and Mao, Plato and Aristotle, Alexander the Great and Luther, Buddha and Confucius, Jesus and Muhammad. If you ask which of those men has influenced the most people, you will eventually be led to those who are credited for being founders of major religions and who shaped their cultures for long periods of time. Currently, Buddha influences 500 million people, Muhammad 1.3 billion, and Jesus 1.9 billion. After Jesus, Muhammad seems to be the second most influential person in world history. This Exhortation is dedicated to the brave souls who were once raised to be Muslim and have converted over to Christianity. The information in this piece is not by my effort alone but a collaboration of work between myself and one such brother in Christ, Azali, who still lives in Pakistan and to this day, is enduring much hatred and persecution for his saving faith in Jesus.

Together, we will contrast the claims made between the Bible and the Qur'an showing parallels and paradox. Keep in mind that the Qur'an was written six centuries after the New Testament epistles and gospels and this fact alone should be sufficient to argue there are serious doubts raised regarding the legitimacy of Islamic faith being "God breathed."

The Islamic believers contend that Muhammad was descended from Abraham through his illegitimate son, Ishmael. On this account, I do not disagree because there must have been born from this event a people who ultimately defile the promises of GOD. Remember that Ishmael was not the son promised to Abraham and Sarah by God but was the illegitimate aire born of a concubine and the result of disbelief on Sarah's part that God should keep his promise after she was so long beyond child bearing years. The story of Muhammad centers on the belief that he was destined to become the "Seal of the Prophets" and that there would come no other prophet after him.

To understand where this story took on a paradigm of fantasy we must look at the context of strife and struggle in Muhammad's day. History and tradition holds that Mecca, a dessert city in what is now Saudi Arabia, was stricken with much bloodshed and tribal wars and it was during this time that Muhammad had lost his parents by the young age of six and was adopted by his Uncle. The story carries on with the tradition that young Muhammad's heart was infused with light, love, charity and all manner of pure heartedness. Meccan society was replete with religious and social chaos dominated by a variety of polytheisms. Muhammad married at age 25 and did not begin preaching in earnest until about 15 years later.

Here is where the story of Muhammad takes an interesting turn. It reminds me of when Jesus went out into the dessert to pray and fast for 40 days only then to be tempted by the devil. Tradition holds that Muhammad regularly went out to pray in a cave outside Mecca. There he contemplated the troubling events and superstitions of his time and it is here where we are told that he received his divine guidance by an angel of light. It was here that he became convinced that Allah was God. He brought forth from this place the first tenet of the Muslim faith, "La ilaha illa llah!" The definition is simply; "There is no god but God." It is said that the angel of light that visited Muhammad charged him to "Proclaim! In the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created  created man, out of a clot of congealed blood. Proclaim! " Here, an obvious contrast is noted because both Christians and Jews hold to the story in Genesis that man was created from the dust of the earth and not a clot of congealed blood.

When Jesus journeyed out into the dessert, scripture holds that He was tempted by the angel of light, Lucifer himself. Remember what Jesus' response was to the devil who made great promises of an earthly kingdom if he should bow and worship him, even tempting GOD? Did Jesus not resist the devil and in so doing, did the devil not flee from Him? Did Jesus want anything to do with taking the temporal kingdoms of man and fallen angel? No, He did not and Jesus refused to trade in His own rightful inheritance for the temporal. It seems that if the story of Muhammad's beginnings is true then the angel of light must have deceived Muhammad. My observation is further supported by the fact that while Jesus gathered no legions of soldiers to battle against men or the kingdoms of men, Muhammad did and the result was and still is to this day, much bloodshed. As you will see, it is the duty of every Islamic believer to exterminate the Zionists who refuse to give their allegiance to Muhammad. I tell you, these people must be mad to believe this but history shows again and again, they are bent on setting up their own kingdom on earth without Jesus being seated on the throne!

How could this be you might ask? All one needs to know to see who could be behind this scheme is to look at what Lucifer is. Lucifer, literally "light-bearer," represents rebellion, claiming god-ship, bringing enlightenment, and mastering knowledge. Lucifer is a symbol of casting off the overlord and trusting the light from within, the concept of breaking out of the subservient shell of "God's dominion" and claiming the universe as one's own to conquer. So then you can see it is logical to pin Lucifer's name behind the corruption of Islam because of what history has thus recorded of the Islamic peoples since the time of Muhammad.

There exists also an interesting parallel here between the Muslims and Jews. Both sects are very much steeped in Old Testament ways and both acknowledge Abraham as their father yet neither of the two groups acknowledges that Jesus was and is the Son of God. Both the Jews and the Muslims resort to much bloodshed in protecting their absolute doctrines of faith thus proving that neither of the two sects understands nor believes what the selfless sacrifice of Christ stood for. Truly, these are rebellious peoples of differing faiths and I'm afraid even regarded as illegitimate children. There are other passages of scripture that parallels the mindset of a people proclaiming themselves to be children of Abraham (Jews) that both John the Baptist and Jesus encountered. See what witness scripture brings forth and then ask yourself if this is not still true today? Then try asking yourself if Jesus might not say the same regarding Muslims?

John the Baptist addressed the Jews proclaiming themselves to be children of Abraham. Matthew 3:7-10 "But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said unto them, Ye offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruit worthy of repentance: and think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And even now the axe lieth at the root of the trees: every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire."

John 8:31-44 Jesus therefore said to those Jews that had believed him, "If ye abide in my word, then are ye truly my disciples; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered unto him, We are Abraham's seed, and have never yet been in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Every one that commits sin is the bondservant of sin. And the bondservant abideth not in the house forever: the son abideth forever. If therefore the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. I know that ye are Abraham's seed: yet ye seek to kill me, because my word hath not free course in you. I speak the things, which I have seen with my Father: and ye also do the things, which ye heard from your father." They answered and said unto him, Our father is Abraham. Jesus saith unto them, "If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I heard from God: this did not Abraham. Ye do the works of your father." They said unto him, We were not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. Jesus said unto them, "If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I came forth and am come from God; for neither have I come of myself, but he sent me. Why do ye not understand my speech? Even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and standeth not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father thereof."

Some believe that all prophets are equally important, apart from a few minor differences (Sura 2:253; 4:150,151; 17:55). But Muhammad claimed to be the seal of all prophets (Sura 33:40), the climax and final fulfillment of all revelations (Sura 4:80; 7:158; 10:57-58; 34:28). We will examine those opinions with the help (contrasting the differences) of the Qur'an and the Bible.

I. Muhammad's birth and death

Muhammad’s father, Abdallah, died before his son was born. Muhammad's mother, Amina, died when her son was just six years old. During the years when his character was formed, the prophet of the Arabs was an orphan  raised by his grandfather, Abd al-Mutallib, and later by his uncle.
Muhammad was a human being like everybody else. Muhammad talks about himself a few times in the Qur'an, referring to himself as a person who had lost his way, until Allah found him (Sura 93:6-8). When Allah demanded him to ask for forgiveness of his sins, four times he confessed his transgressions (Sura 40:55; 47:19; 48:2; 110:3). He died in 632 AD, supposedly of natural causes.

II. Jesus Christ's birth according to the Qur'an

Jesus, referred to as "Isa" in the Qur'an, is different. According to the Qur'an, the angel Gabriel had blown a spirit of Allah into the Virgin Mary (Sura 21:91; 66:12), thus "Isa" was created in her. Muslims adore Jesus Christ as a spirit from Allah who became a human being (Sura 4:171). By those statements alone the Qur'an marks a fundamental difference between Muhammad and Jesus Christ. The prophet of the Muslims was a man like everybody else. However, according to the Qur’an, Jesus is a spirit from Allah in the body of a human being. Some modern syncretists believe there is no great difference between the Qur'an and the Gospel regarding those statements in the Qur'an.
The church of the Middle East was torn for centuries (318681 AD) by questions about the relationship of God's Spirit in Jesus with his human nature. Arius taught: "Jesus was created in Mary by God's word, and then developed to perfection through insight and obedience." However, Athanasius answered him: "No! Jesus was not created in Mary, but He lives forever. He is truly God who became a human being in Mary through the Holy Spirit. His real birth as God's Son took place before all times." In the year 325 AD, the Emperor Constantine I, called church princes and bishops to Nicaea, to have them formulate a common creed. Since then almost all Christian churches confess the Nicene Creed: Jesus is “God from God, light from light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father!"

Islam maintains the opposite, "Isa is said to have been created by Allah, but not sired by him, nor was he born (Sura 3:47, 59; 112:3-4). Jesus Christ is said to be one of the numerous created spirits of Allah, which do not possess a divine nature. Therefore, the Muslims call him the Son of Mary, but never the Son of God! Although the Qur'an confirms that "Isa" was created in a virgin, by the word of God, there is still an insurmountable difference between the "Isa" of the Qur'an and the Jesus of the Gospels. In the book of the Muslims, "Isa" remains a created being and a slave of Allah's (Sura 19:30). In the New Testament, however, Jesus is God's Son (Matthew 3:17; 16:16; John 3:16) and His likeness (John 14:9; Hebrews 1:3), born from God's own Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35; John 3:6; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18). The Almighty is his Father and not his creator (John 17:1-5). If Jesus had been created in Mary, all people would merely be Allah’s slaves. But Jesus was born by her through God's Spirit, therefore we are rightly called sons and daughters of our Father in Heaven (Matthew 6:9-13; 1 John 3:1-3). It is important to note here that scripture further exhorts us to make a separation from all worldliness, idolatry and false worships so that we may truly become sons and daughters to GOD and that the same whom Jesus called Father would be a Father unto us.

Paul writes to the Church in Corinth; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 "Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers: for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what portion hath a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement hath a temple of God with idols? For we are a temple of the living God; even as God said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore Come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, And touch no unclean thing; And I will receive you, And will be to you a Father, And ye shall be to me sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."

In the Qur'an, "Isa is not regarded as a sinner, because of his being sired by Allah's spirit (Sura 19:19). According to Islam, he never had to ask for His sins to be forgiven. He lived in a meek, humble and upright way (Sura 19:32). Therefore, Allah is said to have lifted him up to himself (Sura 3:55; 4:158) where he is living today as one of the ones "brought close." He is said to be entitled to intercede, because of his strong alliance with Allah (Sura 5:114, 118; 19:85-87; 20:109; 21:28; 33:7; 34:23; 43:86). Moreover another difference between Muhammad and Jesus becomes visible; Jesus lives!  Muhammad is dead! The Arab prophet is waiting for the day of justice in the intermediate stage (Barzach). Therefore, all Muslims must pray for Muhammad each time they mention his name (Sura 33:56). Herein is there similarity between the Catholics praying for the dead and the Islamic application of prayers for the dead.

III. Jesus' miracles and Muhammad's signs

The Qur'an confirms nine of Jesus' miracles. Five of them represent the Islamic version of reports in the four books of the Gospel, which Muhammad borrowed from Christian informants. He wove them into his so-called revelations in order to win the Christians over for Islam and to prove to them that Islam was a religion that was close to Christianity.
* Twice Muhammad mentions that "Isa" opened the eyes of blind people through the power of his word. Thus he wanted to demonstrate that Christ was the word of Allah become flesh and that he possessed healing power (Sura 3:45, 49; 5:110).
* Also, the Qur'an twice reports that the Son of Mary healed lepers. In Muhammad's day, leprosy seemed to be incurable and was regarded as Allah's judgment for hidden sins. Thus, "Isa" appears as the most important physician in history who could heal all illnesses, including their causes (Sura 3:49; 5:110).
* Twice we read in the Qur'an that "Isa" even awakened dead people. But both times Muhammad stressed that Christ was not able to complete these divine deeds by himself, but depended on Allah's spiritual help each time (Sura 3:49; 5:110; see John 5:19-30!).
* The fifth Sura speaks about a table from heaven, which Christ asked Allah for at the request of his hungry listeners. At first, the Islamic interpreters are interested in the variety of the food and drinks on the table because they believe this represents the future display of nourishment in paradise. The fact that the Son of Mary was authorized to plead for his followers is hardly mentioned (Sura 5:112-116; see Matthew 14:13-21; John 6:1-13).
* The most prominent of Jesus Christ's miracles in the Qur'an is the fact that he could alter the character of his followers. They were no longer arrogant, they now loved their adversaries, were full of pity and mercy for the needy, and did not make money out of God's word. In them, Muhammad recognized a higher class of men than the unbelieving people (Sura 3:55, 199; 5:82; 57:27).
Two of "Isa's miracles in the Qur'an are questionable, because they come from apocryphal papers of the Syrian and Coptic Christians, which are not included in the canon of the New Testament. The founding fathers of the church saw in them fables and imaginative childhood stories, which had nothing to do with the reality of the Son of Mary:
* The Qur'an reports twice that "Isa" was able to talk immediately after being born. He is said not to have needed any time for the development of his intellect and his ability to speak, like other children. Yet Mary, his mother, never told nor confirmed such fairy tales to Luke, the Greek physician (Sura 3:46; 19:24-33).
* Muhammad says that when the Son of Mary was a boy, he formed a bird out of clay and blew into it. Then the bird flew away alive. With this story, Muslims testify that Jesus Christ had received creative power from Allah. He possessed a breath that could create life (Sura 3:46; 5: 110)!
The fact that those stories of Jesus, the child, were included in the Qur'an shows that Muhammad was not a prophet, for he could not differentiate between fantasy and reality. He believed "more" than the Christians did. He even thought that fables were true and used them to win the Christians in the Middle East over to Islam.
* Further, the Qur'an attributes to "Isa" the right of a legislator who allowed his followers what was forbidden to Jews (Sura 3:50; see Matthew 5:21-48; 15:16-20). Therefore he could demand obedience of everybody! "Isa" belonged to the divine legislative, not to the human executive.
* Muhammad warned his Muslim followers that Jesus Christ would come back and tell them what they hid in their cupboards and ate in secret without sharing it with the refugees from Mecca. The Qur'an says that "Isa" had X-ray eyes that discovered everything hidden (Sura 3:49).
* But the miracle of all miracles in the Qur'an is Jesus Christ himself, who is called "a sign for all men and a mercy from Allah" (Sura 9:21). The word sign is "Ayatun" in Arabic and means miracle. Read together with the word "Allah," "Isa" is given prominence as an "Ayatollah." He is said to be the only male Ayatollah created and appointed by Allah himself. He did not have to acquire his title with the help of examinations like the Shiite Ayatollahs.
Muhammad deeply wished to work such miracles as Moses and Jesus, but no miracles were ever granted to him. Therefore, he called each one of his verses in the Qur'an a miraculous sign (Ayatun) and maintained, "Even if all men and spirits came together they would not be able to produce such a Qur'an" (Sura 17:88). But Muhammad's signs were words only, whereas Jesus Christ's miracles were deeds. The Qur'an calls "Isa's miracles proof (Beijinat) of his divine mission (Sura 2:87, 253; 5:110; 43:63).

IV. Muhammad's flight to Medina

The prophet of the Arabs was ridiculed, boycotted, and persecuted in Mecca. He had declared that all gods and idols in the ancient cultural center were nothing, and had stressed that Allah was the only true god among them. Muhammad's family was obligated to defend him according to customary social order. But slaves that had adopted Islam and followers of Muhammad from weak families were beaten and often killed.
Muhammad advised 83 persecuted Muslims to flee to Ethiopia to survive there until Islam became stronger. The Christians there gave asylum to the Muslim refugees, but did not preach to them. After several years, only one Muslim had become a Christian, but 230 Christians had become Muslims! The Ethiopian Christians viewed Islam as a religion similar to Christianity when they once had to defend their faith in public. Thus, the Muslims were treated with compassion and gained ground for their development. Today, about 40 percent of the Ethiopians are Muslims.
After the deaths of his paternal uncle, Abu Talib, and his first wife, Khadidja, Muhammad fled to the mountain town of Taif to seek shelter from his pursuers, but was driven into the desert by its inhabitants. There Allah is said to have brought to him a group of spirits (jinn), to whom he recited the Qur'an. At once they adopted Islam. Since then, Muslims are not only human beings, but also spirits, who assist in spreading Islam (Sura 46:29-32; 72:1-15; see Ephesians 6:10-20).
Following these events some inhabitants of the town of Yathrib, which is Medina today, adopted Islam before Muhammad had preached there. In three secret meetings with representatives of that town he negotiated several agreements that culminated in a commitment to protect him and his Muslims if he and all his followers emigrated from Mecca to the neighboring town, 200 km north. That "Hidjra" took place in September 622 AD. This is the date the Islamic calendar begins. It is important to note that on this date Islam became a state in Medina  prior it had only been a religion. The aim of Islam is a religious state. Its law, the Shari', only works if a state executive ensures its implementation.

V. Jesus Christ's way to the cross

Jesus was also hated and persecuted more and more by the religious fanatics of his country. He performed healing miracles on a Sabbath (Matthew 12:9-14; Luke 14:1-5; John 5:10-18), called self-righteous pious people to repentance (Luke 5:32), and would not deny his divinity (Matthew 11:27; 16:16-17; 26:63-64; John 10:34-36). With his disciples he escaped to the neighboring Lebanon and to what today is Jordan (Matthew 15:21-31; Mark 7:24-30; Luke 8:26-39), but He always returned to Galilee. The jealousy of the religious leaders grew (Matthew 27:18; Mark 15:10; John 12:19) when thousands followed the man from Nazareth who healed all the sick that came to him, who did not teach about demons but exorcised them, and who raised three people from the dead (Luke 8:40-56; 7:11-17; John 11:1-45). Christ's life and teachings were the Gospel for the masses.
Jesus knew in advance what was awaiting him in Jerusalem (Matthew 20:17-19). He did not flee like Muhammad, but consciously met death. He was born to die (John 1:27; 3:15-16). As the Lamb of God, He followed the straight path of righteousness to the end.
The religious accusations against Jesus centered on the question of His being the Son of the Living God. Yet he did not avoid that question but confessed his everlasting existence with his heavenly Father. He proclaimed His coming return as the judge of the world then was spit upon and beaten for blasphemy as a seducer of the people, and was sentenced to death (Matthew 26:63-68).
The procurator of the Roman occupying forces asked Jesus straight out if he was the king of the Jews. When Jesus said yes and proclaimed his spiritual kingdom, without taxes or weapons, the experienced official wanted to let this harmless, falsely accused man go. Jesus openly confessed the aim of his mission, which was to build the spiritual kingdom of God on earth. Muhammad, on the other hand, starting from Medina, pushed through his earthly religious state with armed forces (Sura 2:191-193; 9:5,29).
As Jesus, who was unjustly condemned and crucified, was hanging on the cross He pleaded to God to forgive his friends and foes (Luke 23:34). He wrestled with the judging God like Jacob did on the Jabbok River and did not give up until He had completed His expiatory sacrifice for all (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34). Muhammad, however, does not only deny the fact that Jesus was crucified (Sura 4:157), but also that he bore our sin (Sura 17:15; 35:18; 39:7; 53:38) and that he completed salvation for all. Muhammad makes the claim that Allah lifted "Isa" up after a gentle death (Sura 3:55; 4:158; 5:116-118).
The cross was an outrage for the prophet of the Arabs (Sura 4:157; 1 Corinthians 1:18,23). He could not comprehend that Jesus was victorious in His seemingly greatest weakness. Muhammad fled from his pursuers and founded an earthly religious state. But Jesus overcame the world, Satan and the wrath of God when he died, nailed to the cross, in his faith, his love and in hope (John 16:33; 19:30).

VI. The law of Muhammad

Islam means "devotion and submission" to Allah  and to Muhammad! This total dedication is practically realized and implemented by the law of the Shari'a. Islam is a religion of law, where all sections of belief and life are ruled by regulations. The Shari'a itself does not exist as a book or as a written canon. It consists of about 500 verses scattered throughout the Qur'an and of orally transmitted accounts of the way Muhammad lived. The representatives of the five Islamic schools of law compiled their law books from those main sources. According to their laws, each Muslim should live like Muhammad did. His way of living became the Islamic standard of measure. The Islamic law contains regulations to be carried out by every single Muslim, as well as laws to be carried out by the state.
Praying five times a day, fasting in the month of Ramadan, paying the religious tax, and, if able, going on the pilgrimage to Mecca is the main part of the Islamic service in which every Muslim must take part. Though all believing Muslims must participate in jihad for the cause of Allah, the Holy War shall only be proclaimed by the ruler of the respective religious state.
Everyday issues such as marriage and divorce, caring for orphans, laws concerning trade, the ban of interest, contracts, inheritance, material witnesses, oaths and the ban of certain foods and drinks, all fall under the obligations of every Muslim. However, carrying out the medieval punishments for murder, adultery, theft, attacks on Islam, and apostasy from Islam are the responsibilities of officers of the religious state.
All these laws are a reflection of Muhammad’s life. The way he lived and judged is to be the way of living and judging in Islam. Each Muslim shall become a little Muhammad. That is seen as the only way to ensure the welfare of the Islamic State of Allah. Therefore Muhammad is called in the Qur’an “a grace of Allah” for all countries on earth (Sura 21:107).
He who observes these laws hopes to collect credits in his account of good deeds for the final judgment (Sura 35:29-30; 9:111). More than 50 times the Qur’an says that Islamic belief and good deeds, which come from the observation of the Shari’a, make possible the entry to paradise (Sura 2:25,82; 4:57,122, 124; 11:23). Islam is founded on righteousness through deeds, and belief appears merely as a good deed (Sura 11:114; 49:14-15). Herein is a common parallel often seen in western Christian circles of faith or salvation by works rather than “works by faith.”

But Muhammad and his Shari'a do not prove to be a grace of Allah for our world  but a curse! Nobody becomes righteous by observing the law. No Muslim has ever prayed enough, fasted enough, paid enough or led a life of sufficient integrity to be righteous before God. The Shari’a, which so many Muslims put their hope in, will not yield paradise but will yield God's judgement and condemnation. It was not in vain that Muhammad openly confessed in the Qur'an that all Muslims will go to the fire of hell! (Sura 19:70-72).
Muhammad did not see himself as a savior, but as a watchman of sorts (Sura 16:2; 13:17; 38:65; 75:45). The word salvation, as it is used in the New Testament, is nowhere to be found in the Qur'an. Salvation does not fit into Islam. Muhammad rather stands behind every Muslim with the whip of his law and tries to drive them into paradise through fear of god and fear of hell. If Muhammad had died for the Muslims, his death would not have been of any use, for he was a sinner like everyone else. He did not possess any divine nature or holiness to be able to do penitence for his followers.

VII. The law of Christ Jesus

Jesus also gave a new law to his followers that comprise all parts of faith and life. They are to love each other as he loved them! (John 13:34-35). Love is the summary of more than 500 of Jesus' commands of how His followers are to believe, pray, fast, sacrifice and go on pilgrimages. He not only ordered their worship of God in Spirit and truth, but also provided guidance to everyday questions of leading a marriage and how to use money. He explained the laws of cleanliness and showed what punishment awaited those who were not ready to repent and did not want to forgive. All these commandments He summed up in the one single order: Love as I love! By that fundamental commandment He not only directs deeds, duties and bans, but He also directs intentions and attitudes toward God and men to be pure, holy and blameless before God. A list of good deeds is not enough for Jesus  the heart and mind must be renewed. A renewed Spirit fills and moves the followers of Jesus forward. His very own love wants to change us into loving human beings.
By his new commandment Jesus made himself the standard of measure for his disciples. They were to love God and every human being as deeply and truly as He loved them. They were to forgive all their adversaries as completely as God forgave them (Matthew 6:14-15). Jesus Himself is our law. He ordered us to do the impossible, to become perfectly holy and merciful, just as our Heavenly Father is perfect and holy in His love (Matthew 5:48; Leviticus 19:2; 11:44-45; Luke 6:36). This challenge leads even the holiest of Jesus' followers to fall short. Even the humblest appears as a rebel (Psalm 51:1-5).
After establishing his new law, Jesus revealed his love on the cross (Ephesians 3:18-19) by completing a justification free of charge and valid for all sinners (Romans 3:22-24; 5:1; Ephesians 2:17-22; et al.). Thus he created the legal basis for the citizens of his spiritual kingdom. By one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy (Hebrews 10:14).
On the basis of His atoning death for everybody, He poured out the Holy Spirit on His praying followers. Those who were born again of the Spirit, He added to His kingdom and made them His own possession (John 3:5; 1 Peter 2:9-10; Revelation 1:6). His Spirit gives us His life, His strength, His love, His joy, His peace, and His hope. Those who love Him belong to His kingdom. Muslims must live "in Muhammad," but we have the privilege to put on Jesus, the cloth of Christ becoming a new man, and remaining "in Jesus Christ" (John 15:5; Ephesians 4:17-5:2)! Thus the basic difference between Islam and Christianity is the difference between Muhammad and Jesus!
In Islam there is no Holy Spirit, just created spirits. Therefore, there can’t be any recognition of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in Islam. The fruit of the Spirit does not exist, just the acts of the flesh. The certain hope for everlasting life is unknown among the Muslims. Islam remains a hopeless religion in spite of all its promises. The curse of the law weighs them down. But the gospel justifies the believer free of charge and gives the power of Jesus' Spirit to fulfill the law (Acts 1:8; Romans 1:16; 8:1-17). Christians do not live without a law, for Jesus' Spirit is His law in us (Romans 8:2; Hebrews 8:10-12).
Our hope is not grounded on the flawless observance of the commandments of the Old and New Testaments, nor on our own achievements, but on Jesus Christ's mercy alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). By nature, we are not any better than the Muslims. But the blood of Jesus, God's Son, purifies us from all sin (1 John 1:7; Hebrews 9:14; 10:14). It is the Spirit that gives life; the flesh counts for nothing (John 6:63). Christ in us is the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). We do not desire the false Islamic paradisiacal pleasures of eternity, but we desire to go home and spend eternity with our Father (Luke 15:21-24)! Jesus Christ is our only hope. In the paradise of Islam, Allah is not present; he remains the uplifted, far-away, invisible despot. But our Father will wipe away every tear from our eyes (Revelation 7:17; 21:3-7).

VIII. Muhammad's "Great Commission"

Christianity and Islam are two world religions that claim the entire world. Muhammad ordered his followers: "Fight (with the weapon in your hand) against them until they are no longer tempted (to break away) and Allah's religion (Islam) reigns everywhere (Sura 2:193; 8:39)!" Wherever Muslims represent the majority in a country, and when they are strong enough economically and militarily, the Qur'an and the Shari'a call them to Holy War to subjugate the non-believers, semi-believers, and the book-owners with weapons in their hands (Sura 2:191-193; 4:89-91; 9:5,28-29; et al.).
These verses not only drive the extremists and terrorists in Islam, but it is Allah's order to all Muslims. Just as Muhammad personally took part in 29 assaults, attacks and wars, Muslims, who are to follow Muhammad's example, shall take part in the conquering of the world. He, who does not do so or interprets it in an idealistic way, wrongs Allah. Many humanists and mystics do not want to accept this fact. But if you read the laws and orders concerning Holy War in the books of the Shari'a scientists, you can find more than 125 verses of the Qur'an that prompt every Muslim to fight for Allah putting to death all who refuse to conform to Islam.

IX. Jesus Christ's Great Commission

The Lord Jesus ordered his disciples to preach and make disciples of all nations on the earth (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 1:8). He did not train his followers in close combat, nor did he buy them modern arms for attacking and defending as Muhammad did, but he ordered Peter, "Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword." (Matthew 26:52). Since the time of Christ then it can be safely said that all religious wars have been anti-Christian crimes and a subversive denial of Christ's redeeming sacrifice on the cross.
Jesus calls us to a spiritual battle against our immorality, impurity, covetousness, jealousy, outbursts of anger, envy, arrogance, and greed (Hebrews 12:1-2). He calls us to obedience in faith, and He commissions us to offer to all Non-Christians, including Muslims, the salvation that is prepared for them. This requires prayer and His spiritual guidance. The risen crucified Christ is the lord of the mission. No one can come to Him unless the Father has enabled him (John 6:65).
The spiritual guidance and counsel that the Almighty gives to Muslims gives us calmness, peace and faith in His acting. No blood is shed when Christ is the focal point. Let us proclaim together his complete victory over the world and over sin and death, so that his Holy Spirit can complete His salvation in those who believe (1 John 5:4-5).
Mission means giving thanks for His selfless sacrifice at Golgotha and at the same time preparing the way for the second coming of our Lord. Jesus, who was the Word manifested in flesh and became our Savior, is the judge of the world and the judge of Muhammad. Pray that the Lamb of God will take the rebel to task and will call millions of Muslims from Islam's darkness (Philippians 2:9-11). All authority has been given to Him in heaven and on earth; go therefore and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-19).

Who Sits on the Throne?

The above study shows clearly what Allah demands of his followers insisting they follow the example of Muhammad. Yahweh a.k.a. Jehovah who is the God of Abraham, Isaic and Moses, demands that we should follow the pattern of His only Son who became for us the Word in flesh. Remember when Jesus was seen in a transfigured form on the mountain by three of His disciples and told by the Almighty, "This is my Son in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him?" The historical witness evidenced in the epistles and the changed lives of the disciples bore witness to this claim thereafter proving Jesus was and is the Son of God; one who lifted His hand against none. By large contrast, we see the results of Muhammad's supposed claim of divine inspiration throughout the centuries as being that which intends to exterminate all who fail to subjugate themselves to the Islamic perversion of justice and faith. Of course, if you are one to believe that the Roman Catholic Church was immune to the same deception in the early years of Christianity, you deceive yourself. We know since ages past that the Roman Catholic Church has been responsible for much perversion and bloodshed staining the good name of Christ Jesus. History records nothing but problems with man's religious virtue yet Jesus remains blameless and blessed forever. Truly, Lucifer has indeed sat himself upon thrones of man's religion exalting himself as god and making every attempt to corrupt the incorruptible. For those of you who haven't read my book, "Apostasy Revealed" this is one of the boldest declarations I make in its pages.

When They Cry, "Peace and Safety"

Knowing the truth of our history should lead you back to common sense judgment. If President George Bush is the Evangelical Christian he claims to be why then does he for the sake of "peace and safety," honor the Islamic tradition of Ramadan by hosting a now annual dinner at the White House? Why do Muslims have first prayer rights in public assemblies since 911? Why is President Bush seemingly so proud to have added the Book of Qur'an to the White House library declaring Islam to be representative of "peace."  Is he out of his mind? God takes no pleasure in those who shrink back! Bush seems so proud to exhort from the Qur'an citing evidence of Islam's aversion to bloodshed. Taking only part of the Chapter 5, verse 32 he proudly reiterates, "Killing an innocent human is like killing all of humanity." But he dismisses the context of what is recorded in the Qur'an! The translation actually states, "whosoever kills a human being, except (as punishment) for murder or for spreading corruption in the land, it shall be like killing all humanity."  See how easy it is to be misleading when the actual context is left out? Christians and Jews are considered infidels by believing Muslims and America's democracy is an absolute disgrace to the faithful in Islam. While America is leading the battle for democracy in Iraq and allowing the elect and appointed to develop a Constitution of supposed freedoms, these people are being led further into a form of divisiveness which will inevitably lead to civil war. In Iraq's newly developed Constitution, Article 2 states, ""no law that contradicts the established provisions of Islam may be established." I tell you truly that as much as modern democracy has become an affront to genuine Christianity, so too is democracy an affront to fundamentalism in Islam. Only further bloodshed, strife and chaos will result. America can't even handle matters in her own house let alone someone else.

Every Divided House Falls

Brethren, I appeal to you to STOP supporting the American agenda of corrupted democracy if you are sincere and devout Christians. Have nothing to do with the divided alliances she represents and have nothing to do with supporting the division of lands in Israel for the supposed pursuit of peace between Palestinians and Jews. I tell you there is no peace possible despite what man tries to do in authoring remedy. None of us can stop what the Word of God long ago established for God has promised that every part shall be once and for all fulfilled. The end of our story regarding the divided Nations depicts their inevitable fall. Like the fall of Sodom and Gomorrah where no righteous ones could be found. Now, you don't want to be in that house when it falls, do you? I gather that you should not want blood on your hands either when these beasts are revealed whom men of authority serve. Do not be weak, as Essau was who traded his inheritance for a bowl of soup or Judas Iscariot who betrayed our Lord for a few pieces of silver. The end of all such rebellion and disobedience towards God invites a horrible second death. Recognize the differences between the pattern of Christ and Lucifer who seeks to draw us apart from the living God.

Not What You Say but What You Do

Though the words of a man may reveal character. True character is not revealed until the works of that man are seen. You see brethren, the clothes he wears or the office he holds or the name by which he is called does not define a man. No, what he does but cannot be accurately judged by what is seen on the surface defines a man. President Bush is deceived and is deceiving so many Americans and even the world! The proof I offer is throughout this exhortation and is also found in the un-tampered annuls of history. President Bush has no more justification for his actions than the most ruthless men of history had. He is no Christian and is certainly no brother of mine. He (President Bush) is like Muhammad, who was deceived by the "light-bearer," whom we know to be the true angel of darkness and the father of all lies.

Speak Now While You Can!

The sad part about all this disparity is that we must bear with Christ as Christ bore the sins of many while doing the Father's will. As the reproaches fell upon Him for His unwavering love (obedience and commitment) to the Father's will, so too must we bear the same reproaches and suffer at the hands of our oppressors. But at least while we have a voice, we can resolve ourselves to make a difference and take stands against that which is against us while preserving the bold faith which we possess. At least for a little while we can establish the limits of these tyrants and not allow the most precious hope we have left to be taken away from us. Let us therefore accept our suffering and know that it shall not be in vain for the hour now approaches where darkness will consume what little light is left for humanity to find its way out of the valley of shadow and darkness. Remember that "love covers a multitude of sins."

Revelation 2:10 "Fear not the things, which thou art about to suffer: behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life."

2 Timothy 3:12 "Yea, and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."

The above is a collaboration of witness and testimony by Azali and myself through the empowering grace and authority of Christ in us. Hear the Word of our Lord!

Nicholas A. Stivers, a humbled God fearing man, scribe and messenger

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