Hear Ye the Rod, and Who Hath Appointed It - Japan Relief Fund

"It is a part and duty of spiritual wisdom, as also an evidence of a due reverence of God, to take notice of extraordinary occurrences in the dispensations of His providence; for they are instructive warnings, and of great importance in His government of the world. In them "the voice of the LORD crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see His name: hear ye the rod, and Who hath appointed it (Micah 6:9)." And there is a mark left on them, as profligate persons, who will not see when His hand is so lifted up."

--John Owen, from Works Vol. VIII (Banner of Truth, 1967, p. 597)

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...As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die...Ezek. 33:11

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Letter from Japan Presbytery RPCNA, Relief Committee, March 18, 2011 - "Again please pray for grace from God to Japan. Please pray for our sincere humiliation, hope in Christ and evangelism."


RPCNA Global Missions Board (GMB) Japan Relief Fund

How Can We Evangelize the Muslims?

In an earlier post, I suggested that the Christian response to Muslim threats and extortion should be to love them by 1) giving them the gospel and discipling them in Christ, and 2) by restraining their civil evil in the civil sphere by God's law exercised by the State (civil magistrate).

It's important to emphasize that the Christians' weapons of warfare, in terms of changing hearts, are not physical or material, but spiritual in nature (2 Cor. 10:3-5). Our way as Christians is not the Muslim way of "conversion by the sword"--threats, violence, oppression, and extortion. Christians understand that a heart change, repentence and regeneration, cannot be worked or performed by outward acts of the law, by "penitentiaries," or by force, or by violence. While civil laws and the State, if they are covenantally obedient to God's law, will restrain outward evil in society, they are powerless to effect a change of heart.

One primary way to love the Muslim people, as with all other unbelievers, is to evangelize and disciple them (Psalm 40:10; Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 16:25-27. We cannot allow this evil to continue; we must evangelize every Muslim in the world, that God will call His own out of that religion of darkness into His light, and take their stony hearts from them and give them hearts of flesh, by His Spirit, through the Word (Ezek. 11:19; Ezek. 36:26; 2 Cor. 3:3; Rom. 10:17).

It's important to understand their religion/ideology, how that works out into their culture, and therefore, how to best reach them with the saving gospel of Jesus Christ. I list a few resources below that I hope will be of assistance to you.

In all the stories of Muslim conversions to Christianity that I have heard, it is done by 1) witness of the gospel in worked out in Christians' lives--the love, the high standard of Biblical morality, the warm hospitality shown to Muslims when they are invited to visit a meeting of a Biblical church or to visit the home of a godly Christian family; and 2) the word of God graciously shared.

Muslims believe that Islam is an extension of the (corrupted, they believe) revelations of the Pentateuch, the Psalms, and the gospels of Jesus. Many are very curious about Jesus and His teachings; however, never contrast Jesus favorably with Mohammad. It may be best to never mention Mohammad in your own conversation, though the Muslim may talk about Mohammad. Don't worry, the Holy Spirit will bless the Word of God, even apart from and void of our clever arguments about how true Christianity is and how false Islam is. (We Christians must be clear in our own minds, however, that Christianity is true and Islam is false.) If God works, then the Muslim's heart will be regenerated by His Word and Spirit.

"Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. [GD: The Lord has delegated His earthly vengeance in some evils to the civil authority as His representative and minister, see the very next passage, Romans 13:1-5; therefore, this instruction is to Christians who are not acting in the capacity of civil magistrate.] Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. (Rom. 12:17-21,see also Prov. 25:21-22)"

More Resources:
* A Christian's Evangelistic Pocket Guide to Islam by Malcolm Steer
* Books and videos from Daniel Shayesteh, http://www.escapefromdarkness.org/
* Goëkson Cik, in Europe where the darkness is spreading, is courageously working to bring the gospel to the European Muslims. Here is an interview (for iTunes) by Gary DeMar with Cik (number 34, "Evangelism or Cannibalism").
* Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) is a Christian organization that seeks to bring relief and the gospel to persecuted Christians around the world, including Muslim persecution. They give updates on Muslim attacks on Christians throughout the world. You can help by giving to this organization.
* The Persecution Project specifically aids Christians persecuted by Muslims in the Sudan.
* As I've mentioned before, Jihad Watch gives news and updates on Muslim attacks and threats around the world. (As we know, Muslims don't only attack Christians; they also attack Hindus, Jews, humanists, and other Muslims.)
* a YouTube video of a UK documentary about the persecution of ex-Muslim Christians in the UK.
* YouTube's Muslims4Jesus Channel

If you have other resources that have assisted you in your witness and evangelization of Muslims, or that you have heard as being a blessing to other brethren as they labor in this mission field, please name the resources in a comment.

The Love of the Brethren

Why are Christians so lovely and loving? I know it's because of our Lord Jesus Christ. Even though I've been a Christian for seven years, the love the brethren show each other sometimes takes me by surprise and takes my breath away. Thank you, Lord!!

A very few ways we can love the brethren (and all people) to exude the fragrance of Christ in all the lives we touch in our churches, our families, our workplaces and in the marketplace, in public debate, the blogosphere, and internet interactions, etc...:

* Refuse to take offense easily. Be "dense" and a little blind to the sins, faults, foibles, shortsightedness, and offensiveness of others. Always be more aware of our own sin than others' sins. Remember how Christ has forgiven much in you. Forgive and forget quickly.

* Be cheerful. Be thankful to God. Be content. Smile. Give hugs.

* Notice others' needs and seek to fill them or ease others' burdens. Does someone seem overwhelmed? Maybe you can help them out with a task they have to do. Does a couple you know need to spend time together? Perhaps you could offer to babysit their children for a few hours. Is someone ill and/or bedridden? Maybe you can send them a card with a note to let them know you are thinking of them and praying for them. Has someone lost their job and having trouble paying their bills? Maybe you can make a casserole and deliver it with a card with a Scripture message and a cash gift tucked inside. This "how to serve" list is as endless as the list of problems and trials people have. Every problem is an opportunity for a Christian to give and serve and witness for Christ.

* Give encouragement and be kind. Memorize Scripture and sanctify the Lord in your heart, so that you can be "ready always" to give an answer for the hope within you (1 Pet. 3:15), have wisdom and wise counsel for the hurting, and on your tongue can be the "law of kindness." (Prov. 31:26)

* I like what Lady Lydia writes about "Making the Best of Things". (In fact, I highly recommend every article on her entire blog!) Even if you are poor materially, you can be kind and generous by giving away a smile, a parking space, or by releasing a grudge.

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (Jn. 13:34-35)

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. (Gal. 5:13)

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.(Phil 4:8)

But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. (1 Thess. 4:9)

Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. (1 Pet. 1:21-23)

Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. (1 Pet. 3:8-9)


We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. (1 Jn. 3:14-19)

Doug Phillips' Commentary on American Missionaries in Haiti Charged with Child Kidnapping

Doug Phillips of Vision Forum gives an excellent analysis of the recent charges brought against American missionaries in Haiti. Click on this link.

Help the Brethren Help the Haitians

Here are some links to Christian charitable aid organizations which are accepting donations and which have existing brethren contacts in Haiti and the Dominican Republic to funnel aid in to bring real help to the Haitians in their intense physical and spiritual needs following the devastating earthquakes God has created there in his Providence. May God use and equip His people to bring His healing to this nation.

Esperanza International-USA
Missionary Flights International
Children's Hunger Fund
Only a Servant

The Noa's in Washington have posted a link to an Amazon.com site where you can buy needed items to have shipped to Haiti, through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries.

You may be interested in this news article, "U.S. Christian organizations sending disaster relief to Haiti"

Recipe: Ambrosia Salad

Here is an easy fruit salad, also good for potlucks. I modified the recipe from the original so that it would be more healthful and delicious!

2 cans (8 to 10 oz. each) crushed pineapple in juice (or fresh)
2 cans (8 to 10 oz. each) mandarin oranges in juice (or fresh)
1 cup mini marshmallows
1/2 cup real sour cream
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/4 tsp coconut flavoring (opt.)

Mix together in a big bowl and chill. Enjoy!

Does anyone have more dishes that are good for potlucks?

Life Decisions International

Life Decisions International (LDI) opposes Planned Parenthood Federation of America’s (PPFA) agenda.

Planned Parenthood was founded in 1916 by elitist eugenicist Margaret Higgins Sanger. This “not for profit” has a one billion dollar annual operating budget--nearly one-third from taxpayers--with an "excess revenue" of $114 million in 2006-2007. Yet, Planned Parenthood incessantly claims to need more money.

PPFA also has a radical birth control agenda, promoting fornication, homosexuality, population control, and carcinogenic chemical use (including The Pill and “Emergency Contraception”). They work to undermine parental rights and even cover up statutory rape.

Planned Parenthood commits more abortions than any other single entity in the United States. They “surgically” killed 289,750 pre-born human beings in 2006 alone, generating $125 million. Only 2,410 customers were referred to adoption agencies that year.

In 2006, PPFA sold 1,436,846 “emergency birth control” kits, each of which delivers a huge amount of carcinogenic chemicals in an attempt to keep a conceived baby from implanting in the womb, to abort the few days old baby (if it exists). Many Planned Parenthood “clinics” accept orders for the deadly concoction by phone and/or online with no physical examination.

Life Decisions International wants to get the word out about Planned Parenthood. They also research and contact many corporations that have contributed to Planned Parenthood to inform them of Planned Parenthood’s agenda. If the corporation affirms their support of the PP agenda, then Life Decisions International adds them to their boycott list.

I encourage you to visit the LDI web site, learn more, contribute, purchase the Boycott List, and participate in their boycott/letter writing/prayer campaign. I do not benefit personally from LDI in any way. I simply think it is a good organization that Christians should support, if they can.

Almost 50 million babies have been murdered before birth in this country since 1973. Christians must continue to speak out against this sinful atrocity and reach the lost in the United States (and all over the world) with the gospel of Jesus Christ.



Do you have a family story about being active in the pro-life movement you'd be willing to share in the comments? Is there a particular pro-life organization you particularly support and stand with?