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Dennis L. Finnan Commentator
"Giving the Winds, God's Glorious Word"
INFAMY & ISLAM
“WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS OUR OUTRAGE AND
SORROW AT THE MASSIVE DEATH AND DESTRUCTION AMERICA EXPERIENCED ON THE
MORNING OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001. YET FEW TODAY HAVE GRASPED THE REASONS FOR
THIS BRUTAL ATTACK, AND EVEN LESS UNDERSTAND WHAT REALLY IS THE SOLUTION TO
PREVENT SUCH HORROR IN THE FUTURE ”
I’m
Dennis Finnan, host and speaker on the World the Word & You! Broadcast
and in a moment we’ll talk about some of the reasons for the terrible hatred
that embroils our world today…
…Hello
listening friends and welcome again to another broadcast edition of the
World, the Word & You! Speaking today is Dennis Finnan, your host and
speaker thanking you for joining us on this fine weekend. Now our radio
program comes to you each week on this fine station, supported exclusively by
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our 22nd anniversary of God's grace in being on the air around the nation,
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Now,
with such a potential of reaching millions people with the Good News message
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Together,
let us thank and praise God for such opportunity and privilege. Well today as
I briefly introduced today's topic, we're going to talk about ISLAM, this
great religious system that has fueled the destruction of lives and property.
But first, let’s pause and listen to this lovely moment of music. Then I’ll return
with today’s message ¾ INFAMY &
ISLAM…
…The
brutal attack against America recently highlights the role of religion as the
accelerant and fuel for conflict. Why even the terrorist bombing of the USS
Cole, and the resulting loss of lives and injury, reflect this religious
fanaticism that alone comes from the faith called Islam. Now what is this
religion and why is it so violent? In another moment we’ll look at the basics
behind it, to gain an understanding of the problems in the Middle East,
especially between the Muslim Peoples and the ancient people of Israel. Stay
tuned…
…Islam!
That is a word that rings loud and sure in the hearts and minds of more than
450 million people worldwide, and dominates more than three dozen countries
on three continents. The Word Islam is a noun, which is formed from the
Arabic verb meaning “to submit, surrender or commit oneself.” Thus,
the very idea of the faith of Islam is submissive commitment to the faith and
teachings of its originator, Muhammad. This faith unlike any other is a major
driving force in the lives of its followers, particularly of the nations in
the Middle East, West Asia and North Africa. Today Islam is the fastest
growing religious faith in the world! It is in the context of this faith, I
believe that many of the problems of the Middle East and its hatred for
Christianity and Judaism have originated.
Today
the world cries out for peace there, but truly permanent peace will NEVER
come to the region because of the teachings and goals of Islam itself. Let’s
then look at Islam’s teachings and goals.
First
of all, Islam is comprised of two things, (1) Faith (imam) and (2)
duty or practice (din) The basic of both faith and practice come from
its religious doctrines found in their holy book called the Koran (Qur’an).
This book is the absolute and authoritative rule of every Muslim’s
life. Now its founder, Muhammad, wrote parts of the Koran but the rest
is based on his oral teachings.
What is the “faith” taught in Islam? Well, it’s based on two things: (1)
"The Six Articles of Belief," and (2)"The Five Pillars
of the Faith." These two bodies of teachings found in the Koran are
the heart of Islam. The Six Articles of Belief are:
THE SIX ARTICLES OF
ISLAMIC BELIEF
1.
God only is eternal and is One, and this alone is Allah.
2.
The Koran is eternal and uncreated, and God's only and
final infallible inspired book.
3.
God's angels are heavenly beings created to serve God,
and they are opposed to evil spirits.
4.
God sent His prophets to earth at stated times for stated
purposes; the last of these was Muhammad, and God makes no distinctions
between His messenger
5.
The Day of Judgment will find good and evil weighed in
the balance.
6.
The lives and acts of men are foreordained (predestined)
by an all-powerful God who is the author of all good and evil too.
These six articles of faith are
the foundational beliefs all Muslims must follow. Of course, the
interpretation of them is further defined by the Five Pillars of Faith,
which are:
THE FIVE PILLARS OF THE
ISLAMIC FAITH
1.
The Recital
of the Islamic Creed or "Shahada:"
Every day the Muslim must publicly affirm, "There is
no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet." This is the core
assertion upon which membership in the community depends.
2.
Ritual
Prayer - Five times every day upon rising, noon, during
mid-afternoon, after sunset, and before retiring prescribed prayers must be
recited while kneeling with one's forehead touching the ground, and facing
Mecca. The Cebba (kaaba) at Mecca, housing the "sacred "black
stone," is believed to be the first house Abraham built for his son,
Ishmael, for worship, and where Adam uttered his first prayers to God.
3.
Almsgiving -
The required almsgiving is separate and distinct from voluntary alms and is
set at 2 ½ percent of all that a person possesses. Muslims distribute alms
where they see the most need. In Muslim countries this has become a tax. As
such, faithful Muslims are generous loving people and truly try to help
others who have needs.
4.
Fasting - Muslims are required to abstain from
food, drink and even sexual relationships from sunrise to sunset during the
month of Ramadan. Such fasting Muslims believe teaches
self-discipline, aids in the curbing of appetites also at other times, and
commemorates the month supposedly when Gabriel dictated the Koran to
Muhammad.
5.
A Pilgrimage
to Mecca - It is obligatory for every Muslim during his or her
lifetime to make a pilgrimage to Mecca, if they can. The purpose of this is
said to be a reminder of the equality of all people and the devotion that all
owe to Allah, as well as a deed facilitating one's salvation.
6.
In addition to the "Five Pillars of Islam"
other rules and prohibitions have been laid down for the faith. And, where
the Koran fails to speak to an issue, traditions or the "Hadith,"
Muhammad’s oral teachings and personal practices bind the faithful to follow.
However, because of differing interpretations of these traditions, Islam is a
fragmented faith. Recognized Islamic scholars (Imam's) today lead the divided
in following three major sects - the Ahab, Sunnites, and Shiites.
The largest sect of Islam is
called the "Sunnah." The term means "well-trodden path."
This branch of Muslims is called the Sunnites. The Sunnites over the
centuries have become the overwhelming party of God. At least 90% of all
followers of Islam are in the sect of the Sunnites. The Sunnites, for the
sake of comparison, are the most tolerant, allowing differing interpretations
of tradition and faith to coexist among them. Their leaders are not granted
hierarchical succession, rather nominated by representatives in each
community. As such, no group would be excluded unless they of course,
renounced Allah and Mohammed.
Now saying all that we come to
the great problem Islam presents to the world. Islam like Judaism is not just
a religious faith, it is a “culture” and identity that cannot be separated
from its followers. It demands to be woven into every fabric of societal
life. Since many of the Muslim beliefs come from the Bible there is a small
measure of agreement between Christianity and the faith of Judaism. However
the differences of these faiths is catastrophic. Islam operates under a very
legalistic and punitive system where every Muslim must earn his
salvation and place in the afterlife. For the Muslim sin is any lack of
obedience to Allah, their god. Islam rejects the key doctrinal teachings of
Christianity such as the Trinity, the deity of Christ, Christ’s sacrificial
crucifixion and resurrection, the sin nature of man and his salvation by
grace alone through faith in Christ. They also vehemently reject the
Judeo-Christian Bible as the only authoritative book on which to base matters
of doctrine, faith and practice.
Since Islam is founded upon a dead prophet whose teachings were filled with
anger, hatred, and war mongering ¾
today’s followers of Islam are perplexed. They must either follow hard after
all the Koran says, or be in danger of denying their faith. In Muslim
controlled countries this can be the death sentence for anyone and even fall
hard on their loved ones as well. I say this because there are many good,
kind, loving followers of Islam, who struggle with the violent and aggressive
calls and commands found in the Koran and quietly do not accept them. Rather
they try to interpret them figuratively which infuriates those who literally
interpret the Koran and follow its teachings to the core.
Yet within Islam are the fundamentalists, a neutral term in and of itself,
but when coupled with a false religion, and a corrupt book of teachings, its
incendiary power inflames all around them. Hence the troubles of the Middle
East and the warfare against all who are considered its enemies.
Now realize the battles in the
Middle East are not over land as much as over ideology and faith. The true
Muslim follower of Islam cannot, and never will be able to live in peace with
any follower of what denies their faith and teaching. Particularly
Christianity and Judaism. Since America was founded upon Christianity and the
great majority of missionaries come forth from us, Islam’s fundamentalist
followers have dubbed all Americans as the “Great Satan.” That means we are
the sworn and avowed enemies of Islam. Likewise are the Jews in Israel,
who further inflame Islam’s followers by claiming to be the legitimate son of
Abraham, and rightful heir to the land of Palestine. Ishmael, Abraham’s
first-born son through the bond-slave Hagar is claimed to be the originator
of most Arab peoples whoa re followers of Muhammad’s faith of Islam. They
angrily reject Israel’s claim as well as their faith. The radical,
fundamental followers of Islam reading Muhammad’s words are sworn to their
deaths to kill and destroy their enemies, all Christians (America) and all
Jews ( Israel.) Here then is the unsolvable problem.
THE SIXTH PILLAR OF FAITH
Now following up on this thought,
the Muslim, in addition to observing the Five Pillars of the Faith, most Shiite Muslim's add a sixth pillar
called "exertion." This is most important for you to know. "Exertion,"
in Arabic is called Jihad. This enjoins a Muslim to exert themselves
to the utmost to disseminate the Koran and make it's rules and teachings
supreme in the world.
Therefore, to the Shiite Muslims,
all impediments to the spread of Islam must be removed - through the
tongue, the pen and if necessary, the sword. Muhammad
himself sanctioned plundering and raiding all who didn't follow the faith.
Remember, Salmon Rushdie the author who early on criticized the Islamic
faith? He was instantly put under a death sentence by the Iranian, Shiite
leader Ayatollah Kohmeini, for questioning and defaming the sacred book of
the Koran.
This is why the Shiite Moslems, the true
followers of Islam, have become the most dangerous people in the world!
We must never forget the brutal massacres of Christians (5 million
in Turkish Armenia) and regular persecution of Christian missionaries for
which fanatical Muslims are known and now the World Trade Center massacre of
September 11th...
The followers of the "Shiite"
Islamic faith, believe there is no price to steep to pay for world dominion.
The American Attack on New York and Washington, the conflicts and wars in the
middle east waged by the terrorist party "Ebola" and
"Hamas" and Osama bin Laden are
Shiite fanatical Muslims who live for one purpose, destroying the "Great
Satan," which is for them a description of Christianity, Judaism and the
entire West...
...The deadly truck bombing of the US Marine barracks years ago in
Lebanon, the incident in Kuwait that killed 19 marines, the downing of the
jetliner over Lockerbie, Scotland, the terrorist bombing of the USS Cole and
now the extreme violence of the attack on America -- all are
linked to the extremism of Islamic Fundamentalism that will stop at nothing
to destroy all the "enemies of Allah."
Will there be peace by bringing
the perpetrators of our American Tragedy to justice? The answer is NO!
According to the Muslim faith of Islam, there can never be until Christians,
the West, and Israel are destroyed, and all submitted to Allah or are DEAD!
Until the West comes to understand this, all the peace negotiations,
political solutions, and ignoring of the real problem will utterly fail or at
best be temporary and transitory. Peace for the militant Muslim is simply
time to regroup, restock arms, and get ready for another assault for the
glory of Allah. This is why in the Sudan in Africa the Jihad there is
destroying, killing and enslaving millions who are not Muslims ¾ all in the hopes of gaining full control
over the lives of everyone that they too will serve Allah.
Friend this faith of Islam is a
wicked, sinful faith founded upon as the Bible says, “doctrines of Demons.”
Satan has raised it up to destroy mankind, Christianity and especially Israel
who brought forth the Christ child and Savior of the world. The fanaticism of
Islam is fueled by demon forces that bitterly are working towards destroying
everyone who has brought the spiritual defeat of Satan and his evil angels.
Thus, the wars, the bombings, the terrorist attacks, the brutality and
violence are a spiritual battle. So Paul the apostle tells us in,
Eph 6:12 (NIV) "For our struggle is not against
flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the
powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the
heavenly realms."
The
only way to have lasting peace is as the Bible says for the PRINCE OF PEACE
to come and rule. When the living and resurrected Savior Jesus Christ returns
to the earth and is promised, He will bring peace among men. First by casting
out all false religions and faiths that do not honor the one true God of the
Bible, Islam’s aggressive, and imperialistic world vision of conquest will
one day be destroyed by God Himself. Until then the only way we can have
peace, is to CONTROL those under Satan’s delusionary faith of Islam, who will
not live in peace with those around them. Now just because this religious
faith is aggressive, violent and uncompromising in its call to enslave the
world, does not mean all religion is too. Christianity is a faith of peace,
it’s a faith that gives hope and assurance to all its followers that God
loves them, care for them and in the best of ways grants to all humanity
fairness, fellowship, and most of all complete full and final forgiveness for
all of our sins.
Islam
offers no hope, is unfulfilling and every follower faces Allah, an impersonal
god of strict judgment. Allah offers no mercy, love or any sacrifice on his
part for the needs of his followers. Yet herein lies the GOOD NEWS of
Christianity. Our God, who created all things, has shown us His great love by
sending to our world, His Son Jesus Christ. God loved us so much that He
offered Himself to die in our place for our sins. The Bible says,
John 3:16-17
(NIV) ""For God so loved the world that he gave his one and
only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal
life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,
but to save the world through him."
Rom 5:8 (NIV) yes, “
..God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners,
Christ died for us."
The Bible tells us you may go to heaven without
wealth, health, fame, fortune, without learning, without culture, beauty and
any friends, but NO ONE can ever go to heaven without Christ as their sin
bearer. Jesus emphatically said,
John 14:6 (NIV) "Jesus answered, "I am the
way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through
me."
John 8:24 (NIV) Remember, "I told you that you would die in your sins;
if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be [God], you will indeed
die in your sins.""
What does God want from us? Well four things.
1.
WE ARE CALLED TO REPENT
– The Bible says, “God commands all men
everywhere to repent.”(Acts 17:30-31) That means we are all to
change our minds about God, about faith, about life, death and of course who
Jesus Christ is. Islam says he is one of God’s prophets and Muhammad is the
greatest. God says that’s a lie and worthy of everlasting Hell. We repent by
simply turning around in our philosophy and faith in life and turn to God
through Christ.
2. WE ARE TO BELIEVE – Acts 16:31 (NIV) "Believe in the Lord
Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household."
Again this word carries much more than any intellectual assent. To believe in
the Bible means as Islam’s faith directs to a complete surrender of the mind,
heart and will to trust what the bible says is true about ourselves. We are
sinners, we are under judgment, we are headed for an eternal Hell, we justly
deserve this death because of our sins. But we also believe God loves us so
much that He took our place and died for us, thus freeing us to be granted
heaven and eternal life simply by believing in His name and work on the
cross. Have you so believed? If so the next thing God expects from us is…
3.
WE ARE TO CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD - Rom 10:13 says, "for, "Everyone who calls on
the name of the Lord will be saved."" To call on the
Lord is to exercise a personal faith by energizing our mind, emotions and
will to reach out and say to God, “ I have sinned, Jesus is my Savior
and my God. Accept me, Father God, on the basis of Christ’s death on the
cross and grant me eternal life and full forever forgiveness of all my sins.
Come into my life I fully surrender it to you now!” And lastly
we are to,
4.
PUBLICLY CONFESS & FOLLOW JESUS – In the Bible Jesus said
frankly, John 14:15 ""If
you love me, you will obey what I command." Now this outward
confession and obedience doesn’t save anyone, but it usually is proof to
ourselves and others that we are truly saved, and a new nature has come to us
that loves Jesus. All true Christians will confess Christ openly. The first
way of course I by public baptism, regular worship and fellowship with other
Christians.
· Radio talk
#4101
· Broadcast date:
October 14, 2001
· Speaker:
Dennis L. Finnan, Commentator
· Program: The
World, the Word & You! Radio Broadcast
· Address: P.O.
Box 40133 Grand Junction, CO 81504
The
World, the Word & You! Broadcast is a non-denominational ministry based
on the historic fundamental evangelical interpretation of the Scriptures. A
copy of our doctrinal statement is available upon request. These weekly radio
commentaries are not exhaustive studies of any particular subject due to the
time limit of broadcasting. Actual broadcasts can be heard in selected areas
around the nation, as funding provides. Dennis Finnan has been the speaker
for over 22 years, and serves as General Director.
These
transcripts are available free of charge to all who desire them. Also
available are actual radio cassette tapes and printed booklets of each
message. A free listing of recent messages is available upon request also.
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