"When we speak as Christians about the dangers of Islam, we do it with a spiritual understanding and also a balance of the the love of God."...Heydave
I believe that Islam will become a major Harvest field for the Lord Jesus in these end times. However, by loving the Muslim, it does not disassociate ourselves from the evil and the sin within the evil entity that oppresses; the spirit of Islam.
Islam in itself, is evil. It is not unlike Hinduism; but more oppressive; a monolithic, totalitarian belief system, often imposing death and maiming for slightest indiscretions. Closely behind the veil of Islam we see the demonic; the worship of Allah, who I believe to be the Prince of Persia Himself; the god of war among the ancients.
This God hates, but we must never associate that judgment upon the peoples enslaved by these fallen angels.
"And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book and found the place where it was written,
“THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR. [ the empty ]
HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES,
AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND,
TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED,
TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD.”
We must love those oppressed by Islam, and preach Jesus to them, longing to see them saved, and not damned. They are not inferior to you or me, as we were deceived in our unbelief"Love the sinner....hate the sin....and the sin here is the largest cult in the World, and possibly the most tyrannical ever.
So, as I see it, when the Political arena begins to seep into the spiritual arena, it does become a valid issue to address. Let us look at Abortion, which was of course legislated in the political arena, but is, as the Christian views it; legalized murder.
Let us look at Communism/Socialism as practiced in China today. This system, as Islam , demands total control to expedite any moral choice the citizen may make, including his faith in another god, or God that may command another way. I've been there, and fellow-shipped the HUNTED CHURCH.
Is it wrong to address these issues?; Of course not.
"Maybe Islam is gaining ground because the Church in the West is largely dead and not effectively spreading the true gospel." Heydave.
You are absolutely correct!; and to our shame. Great Britain has become mostly reprobate, [ with a holy remnant remaining, of course ] with more witches than true Christians. America also has become the home of every unclean spirit and foul bird, with most of the church bogged down in a gospel that promotes our own success and well being; NOT JESUS' HOLY CROSS AND OBEDIENCE TO HIS SPIRIT.
So what happened every time old Israel gave herself to wicked Apostasy? He sent foreign invaders to dominate and occupy. This is what the west faces for her rebellion, and the church faces for her wicked apostasy.
Pray for laborers into Islam, that will cause multitudes in her to come out, believe, and be born again as our family.
Be ready by faith to overcome a time when chaos seemingly reigns, as the Lord gives authority to the anti-Christ to exercise power over all.
"Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven.
It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them.
And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation, and All who dwell on the earth will worship him,
.. whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."
We need Jesus now.
"For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth.
Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Amen. Serious business.