Magyar Egyház, 2004 (83. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
2004-04-01 / 2. szám
MAGYAR EGYHÁZ 7. oldal ALLAH OR JESUS ? Last month I attended my annual training session that’s required for maintaining my state prison security clearance. During the training session there was a presentation by three speakers representing the Roman Catholic, Protestant and Muslim faiths who explained their belief systems. I was particularly interested in what the Islamic Imam had to say. The Imam gave a great presentation of the basics of Islam, complete with a video. After the presentations, time was provided for questions and answers. When it was my tum, I directed my question to the Imam and asked: “Please correct me if I’m wrong, but I understand that most Imams and clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad (holy war) against the infidels of the world. And, that by killing an infidel, which is a command to all Muslims, they are assured of a place in Heaven. If that’s the case, can you give me the definition of an infidel?” There was no disagreement with my statements and without hesitation he replied, “Non-believers!” I responded, “So, let me make sure I have this straight. All followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith so they can go to Heaven. Is that correct?” The expression on his face changed from one of authority and command to that of a little boy who had just gotten caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He sheepishly replied, “Yes.” I then stated, “Well, sir, I have a real problem trying to imagine Pope John Paul commanding all Catholics to kill those of your faith or Pat Robertson or Dr. (Charles) Stanley ordering Protestants to do the same in order to go to Heaven!” The Imam was speechless. I continued, “I also have problem with being your friend when you and your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me. Let me ask you a question. Would you rather have your Allah who tells you to kill me in order to go to Heaven or my Jesus who tells me to love you because 1 am going to Heaven and He wants you to be with me?” You could have heard a pin drop as the Imam hung his head in shame. By Rick Mathes As published in the February 2004 edition “Evangéliumi Hírnök”(Hungarian Gospel Messenger) 1. Wake Up - Decide to have a good day. "Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24. 2. Dress Up - The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart." I.Sam 16:7. 3. Shut Up - Say nice things and leam to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul" Proverbs 13:3 Gossip betrays confidence avoid men who talk too much." Proverbs 20:19. "Listen to advice, accept instruction and in the end, you will be wise." Proverbs 19:20. 4. Stand Up - For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good ..." Galatians 6:9-10. 5. Look Up - To the Lord. "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13. 6. Reach Up - For something higher. "... press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14. 7. Lift Up - Your Prayers. "Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING" Philippians 4:6. Have a blessed day and remember the 7-ups of life. Moments of Life: Happy moments, praise God. Difficult moments, seek God. Quiet moments, worship God Painful moments, trust God. Every moment, thank God ! The 7-Ups
