Crusade

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The Radical Pilgrim

~ Pro Bible ~ Pro Apologetics ~ Pro Kingdom ~

All scripture quotations from the Authorized Bible, without apologies. Placed accents mine.
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The Great Commission or the Great Crusade

The pride of America is still in ashes, with much heartache and sorrow. The world's economy is on the brink of collapse, although there is now signs of recovery. Moreover, the West is desperate for a scapegoat. Who will pay for the carnage and mass killings of innocents, apparently inflicted by a group of well organized madmen on the 11th of September 2001 armed with box cutters, at the nerve centre of the civilized world; mainland USA?

However, this scapegoat will not be the Moslem religion. This is official. President George Bush just recently stated publicly Islam is a religion of tolerance. This would be like King Ahab announcing to Israel, Baal worship is a religion of tolerance, despite the butchering by Jezebel, of the true prophets of God. However, I do recall the uncompromising words of one prophet of God:

"How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him."

While one God was confirming His promises and demonstrating His power, the other god was demanding flagellation, blood, chants, and beating the air.

Who is going to be the scapegoat in the next round? With the tightening up of the global economies, greater security, restrictions on travel, and a "Holy" Crusade against extremist/fundamentalists; Christians are now in a position to either know nothing but the cross, or have their faith curtailed by political manipulation and social absorption, or even worse. Paul said to the Corinthians in his day:

"For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified."

Our one and only reason to be here (in the world but not of it - that is) is to glorify God and be ambassadors for Christ, winning and reconciling a lost world to the gospel. I don't like to get heavy with scriptural references but please check this again ... 2 Cor. 2:15 - 3:10 (emphasis mine with added commentary):

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God (making politics superfluous), who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation".

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation (the opposite to 'going after' or 'taking them out')."

"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ (we do not represent an organization or a party membership), as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God (what ... Christians!?). For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we (that's sinners - from infidels to religionists; atheists to scholars; moderates to extremists!) might be made the righteousness of God in him (which rules out good works and using charity support as righteous alibis)."

God is calling all believers to be reconciled to God. You can't be a reconciler for God (His representative) unless you are first reconciled yourself:

"We then, as workers together with him (those co-operating with the Lord despite what the Calvinists say), beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

Now is the time for believers to get it right. Not tomorrow or when the Lord comes

"Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed".
Forget about going after your adversary or opposition or competitors. Or taking the high ground or demanding retribution or getting even:

"But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God".

How does He do this?:

... "in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings (why weren't we taught this at seminary or Sunday School?); By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned (rendering revolution and armed struggle to no affect), By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things (so much for the Prosperity Gospel! and having a PMA)."

Do you believe it? Because this is the unadulterated word of God; not Churchianity and its catechisms! Nor has it been sweetened or savoured or spruced up to ease the sting. Nor has it been condensed, filtered, with any part censored or turned around for private interpretation!

"blameless
without rebuke
no offence in any thing
study(ing) to be quiet
to do your own business
work(ing) with your own hands
lack(ing) of nothing
walk(ing) honestly toward them that are without
bear(ing) (your) own burden
(shining) as lights
salt
harmless as doves
wise as serpents

Therefore, any accusation against the true saints of God is unwarranted. Any pointing of the finger is without excuse, and any persecution is without a cause. "So he therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit."

If you are a Bible believer it may not be you who they despise, but what you stand for. How are we to respond under so much opposition? There is no alternative to the gospel ... we have to love and forgive them. And pray for them. The world that is! This is not on option but a command! The bigger they are, the easier they can fall! The harder they are, the easier they can break! Whether friend or foe, we are to love, forgive and pray for them all!

Like I said, there is no alternative. Neither is there any short-cut or side-track around the cross. Forgive and then you are forgiven. Unless you want the wrong thing!

To win people of other cultures and nationalities to the gospel will certainly not be done by aiding a war agenda against them, or remaining indifferent to their plight, but by our political and religious unbiasedness. Or should I say by our political and religious omission.

By political; I mean not being one eyed for our country and flag when our Saviour died for people of all nations and is a respecter of none. When Peter and the apostles were beaten by the Jewish authorities for their testimony of Jesus, they went straight back verbally proclaiming Jesus again saying (Acts 5:29):

F'instance, I was tempted to use a Hindu website as a link to this article as it gave an excellent exposé on the Moslem religion. However, even though it painted a true picture of the extremes of Islam, I reclined from using it as it was merely 'the pot calling the kettle black'. Because like Islam, and Christendom for that matter, the Hindu faith has a lot to answer for: Like animals being put above human beings in the place of worship, even when it is a matter of life and death. Where thousands of gods are revered, and whole lives are governed by appeasing them daily. Buddhism may appear "cool" also, but lets the sinner off being accountable to the Creator, like many of its counterparts. Taking a look at Judaism, one does not have to look far to find it is the most anti (against) Christ of all (this one triggered a reaction from "within"). At least most religions make mention of Jesus the man. But Judaism rejects him totally, and says "may His name be blotted out!" That's why the Sacred Name Movement and Hebraic Roots Movement have made so much ground in the last twenty years, because it substitutes the name of Jesus with mitigating/generic names. Assisting in the blotting out process. Want to assist in removing or replacing the name of Jesus then join this movement!

A few years ago when we wrote to someone in Israel who married an Israeli, we could no longer call her by her Christian name Christine, because it mentioned the name "Christ". We had to address the letter to her in her new name. Jewish people who turn to Jesus are cut off from their families and even funeral services are conducted for them considering them as good as dead.

Then there are some Protestants (what is left of Protestantism) rightly exposing the evils of the Roman Church, but only to justify their religious position, unaware they have kept many of her traditions; recycled as toned down versions. Just because a "belief" system may appear less pagan and closer to the truth, at the end of the day it can be more an indictment against itself, as it plays a more deceptive role than an obvious pagan religion.

To win people to the gospel will be seen as proselytizing (breaking international law) and a threat to the existing religious structures, exposing its redundant hierarchical systems, and viewed as a social nuisance to world progress. Believer, get ready for confrontation and being falsely accused ... "Art thou he that troubleth Israel?"

The religious leaders will report you to the civil authorities. They will not want to be seen doing the dirty work. The fear of man will have to be replaced with the fear of God.

To win people to the gospel is why the Christians are still here on earth. This is our great commission in a nutshell. The apostle of the apostles said:

"For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!"

"And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:"

Who is His mouthpiece? Who has been granted this ministry of reconciliation. Many want a ministry but most don't want to win souls on God's terms. Although God has created us with a free will to choose one way or the other, when it comes to who He is, we have no choice but to repent and turn to Him, trusting His redemption plan only.

Religion ... just an excuse to follow a god of your own choosing. Anything rather than to turn to Him "with whom we have to do."

What happened at the WTC is a great embarrassment for the whole Moslem world, and has forced their governments worldwide to renounce this despicable act before the whole international arena. Not forgetting to mention the continued predicament they are in: Moreover, there's the question of Israel and the great division within their own sphere. With everything they stand for being contrary to everything the USA and the West stands for. Yet, at the same time, depending on the so-called "Christian" West for trade and finance, and now having no choice but to be bullied by it, into another war against fellow Moslems. This, no doubt, will shake the Moslem world to its very foundations, causing much disillusionment within Islamic ranks and at grassroots level. It will no doubt, intensify the great spiritual void, spinning off into the direction of fanaticism in one hand. While at the same time causing many to open to the gospel and call out to the true God of love.

At the moment both Australia and New Zealand are in the dilemma of what to do with the refugees from Moslem nations streaming to our shores. Are they genuine or do they have ulterior motives? Could most be genuine, while a few are sneaking into our land as 'sleepers' under the cover of the bona fide, until the nod be given to arise for their cause, reminiscent of September the 11th (and recently in London)? Or even to subtly go about propagating their faith, and enhance the Islamic foothold already gathering momentum Downunder? Both have happened in Europe and North America already.

The two choices ... Aussie has the jitters by its hard-line attitude (after all, they have the largest Moslem nation right at their back door) while indifferent little Kiwiland (remotely at the ends of the earth) opens theirs hearts to all, with the same old "she'll be right" attitude it has never learnt from. Or due to the fact it has been coerced (under the carpet) into this situation by heavy handed tactics to those they are in dept to in the finance world, as a testing ground for others.

The dilemma for the West ... put all Moslems into one lump and declare 'all out' war against them. Or tolerate the religion and hopefully absorb them into "Western civilization" neutralizing any Intifada mentality.

Whatever the case, God has His agenda, and will shuffle circumstances to bring judgement to a morally bankrupt West, and expose many more from Islamic countries to the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ. With both systems failing, more people will be open to an alternative, even the truth. It may seem like the kingdom being gatecrashed by great upheaval and change, but the Lord's church, His remnant, on the contrary, will gatecrash hell. That's a promise from the Book!

Of course hell will not be stormed and the captives set free until preachers bearing the glad tidings heed the call, giving religious rhetoric, party politics, and patriotic fever the heave-ho. It only takes a little pointing out the truth, without biases, or a political motive, for ears to prick up in the midst of calamity. The Holy Ghost will do the rest. Would God lie?

Through fear of being corrupted by Western decadence most Islamic countries are gripped by a spiritual stranglehold. However, if they cut their people off from the truth, maybe the Lord might have to arrange that they go and find it.

A few years ago I remember playing soccer against an Omanian team. We had some of their players in our team, so I got to know one or two. This particular day we invited them back to our club barbecue to show our Kiwi hospitality. I made a connection with them when the booze began to flow as I explained I would not drink alcohol either, as being a Christian it would make it a stumbling block to others. I also explained, how the West was only "Christian" in name only, contradicting the Christian Bible which spoke about Christians being a separated peculiar people. We got into some deep issues around the table; just me and them. Discussing from the million who perished under the French in North Africa, the Crusades, to the disastrous situation in Iraq. Then casually, I threw in the question:

"Of course!" they reassured me. "Oman is a free country, where you are free to be what you are!"

Quite ironic and incredible really! We cannot go to convert them, but they are free to come and convert us. That's if someone wants to look a little further past their nose. However, by happenstance or by divine providence, they were in our midst and hearing the truth.

A few months ago I meet a Malaysian Christian who had just moved to our town to work. I asked him how things were in his Moslem country being a Christian:

"Oh, fine, fine!" he said, "No problem!" "My country is a very peace loving country. Everyone gets on really well! Moslems, Hindus, Christians! Unlike Indonesia, where there is much trouble, and religious violence!"

"That's good Brother, but what if you were a Moslem and wanted to become a Christian by exercising your own free choice?" This threw him a little!

"Oh no, this doesn't happen. Malays are Moslem and Chinese Malaysians (like myself) are Christians. That's the way it is and will always be! Yes, we all get on fine," he kept reminding me.

"No, I don't think you know where I'm coming from!" as I made my point plainer. "I will try again ... What if you were a Malay Moslem, and by conviction, because someone witnessed the saving knowledge of Christ to you, you decided to become a Christian?"

"Ah ha, I see! Yes, I see what you mean," he finally said, as if he'd never ever thought this way before.

"Then maybe if this began to happen, and Moslems started converting to Christ in your "peaceful" country; then maybe your nation would no longer remain peaceful, with religious violence breaking out like it has in neighbouring Indonesia!" I concluded.

I believe I presented to this nominal Christian man the gospel from how it really is in scripture. When this gospel was preached in Acts there was usually a riot or a revival. Where there is a spiritual unspoken truce between two religious factions they usually will always be at peace. But without a salvation remedy. This is why Jesus said in Matthew 10:34:

"Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword."

"He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad."

So, for those who profess Christ, the biblical way, presenting Him as the only way, they will run into confrontation with the world, particularly the religious world. The reality is ... the Bible says Christ will not deny us when we will not deny Him. The seal of our salvation is actually based on our confession of Him before man. Have you ever been taught this before? Because it is scriptural to the tee:

2 Cor. 4:13. "We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written (Ps. 116:10), I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak"!

You would've learnt this one at First Principles class or Sunday school no doubt:

Rom. 10:9. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Here's another! Too radical for some (unless you have the audacity to throw it off as "futuristic" prophecy):

Rev. 12:11. "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."

I have said it before, and will say it again ... there is no short-cut or substitute for the cross. You either carry it daily or you are carried away by the world's values, which are at loggerheads with God's!

Christian, this is not a time of doom, but great opportunity. It will not have anything to do with swelling the numbers in your "church" by the way, or giving you the elation that you are on the "right" side; but allowing the Holy Ghost to work His way, which is higher and better than mans. The ultimate glory will be His alone, with or without the benefit of witnessing His kingdom being extended, without institutional, or earthly means.

You say Islam is a bloody religion. Who said it wasn't? But whattabout the Crusades, the Inquisition, the Holocaust? Yes, the Papacy was behind these atrocities. Then whattabout the West closing the doors on the Jews in the 30's? We could mention Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Indochina, Algiers! The systematic starvation of Iraq and North Korea during the 90's! They say all wars are religious ... even the brutal so-called tribal conflicts in Africa, where in one conflict alone in '94, nearly a million people were butchered to death by their next door neighbours and associates at work. Whether it includes Islam or not, war is brutal and cruel, because people are not aware that Jesus paid the price for enmity at the cross. So the problem is religion, not just a segment of religion ... just like sin is sin. Bearing in mind Jesus dealt with ALL sin on the cross, not just segments of sin.

Many want to unravel hidden plots, use sensationalism to drum up support, and push their "prophecy" barrow, exposing everything they can get their hands on. Who is behind the NWO and the eventual control of every man, woman and child on planet earth? I have been sent heaps of info. Is it the ...

The Club of Rome?
The Bilderbergers?
The CFR?
The Trilateral Commission?
The Freemasons?
The Fabians?
The Jesuits?
The Zionists?
The Illuminati?
The Internationalists?
The world banking fraternities?
The Arab nations?
The New Europe?
The USA?
British Israelism?

My Bible says it is the Devil who ensnares and destroys, who was a murderer from the beginning, and will operate through man as his pawn to bring it to pass. Therefore, I will have to conclude all of the above are being used as part of the plan, but I will be careful not to get on a hobbyhorse and accuse Catholics, or Masons, or Moslems, or one select group, or individuals as being the evil foe pushing a sinister agenda. I may have good friends who are on the other side. I want to win them to Christ and not jeopardize their eternal security. The Bible says they have been blinded by the god of this age (just like we were, or partly still could be) even though they maybe sincere, dedicated, with good ethics and morals, and faithful friends; funny enough! More so than some "Christians" may I add!

How many so-called believers really believe the Devil is our true enemy, working in the shadows, and manipulating man to be used against each other, and eventually against Christ's Bride on earth? As long as flesh is fighting flesh, the true enemy will not be exposed and his captives set free by the truth of God's word.

Flesh is flesh, and spirit is spirit, and our warfare is not in the flesh using carnal means, but through God where we can pull down strongholds, and carve a way through the confusion, the smokescreens, the red herrings, and the side issues. We should be dealing with truth, and truth alone, not fantasies! Facts, and facts alone, not theories! Our focus should be on Jesus, and our trust in His word:

Is. 26:3. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."

Ps. 119:165. "Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them."

Many people say the Antichrist will be a political figure. But not according to Daniel 11:38:

"But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things."

The word of God is also clear about him not coming in militarily or through war, but by peace. He will literally use peace. Daniel 11:21:

"And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries."

This bloke is going to be very religious and use great charm to worm his way in and make a big thing about peace:

Dan. 8:25. "And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand."

2 Thes. 2:4. "Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God."

You see politics is just a means, and Satan will use all these means to shuffle events and move his powerhouse in place. Politics is used to bring in religion as a guise for Satan to hide behind. Then once his power (or his man) is in place, religion will be totally unnecessary ... it would've served its purpose!

Did you get that ... religion (multiple faiths) won't be required anymore! Because religion is also only a guise ... by portraying many faces and in the process keeping people in confusion and obscured from the truth. Once the righteous seed is removed from the earth (Rom. 9:29 - that's the Bride!) and the world is without a restraining power, the world will be totally at the mercy and under the net of the NWO, with the Devil in charge, set-up on a throne governing the world. Here, straight 'Satan Worship' will be installed resulting in great tribulation the world has never seen before.

Repeating again ... politics would have done its job ... setting a religious figurehead in place. Moreover, once the man of sin has gained this global monopoly, then religion will no longer be needed also. Which will mean, "peace" will become redundant also. With both the Ecumenical and Peace Movement' in turmoil, this will give the false Messiah the perfect excuse to turn on it and destroy it, as Hitler did with the Brown Shirts when the Nazi Party succeeded in gaining total power prior to WW2. With history repeating itself, man will have no choice but to fall down and worship Lucifer unmasked, in the form of a man, or be got rid of. In this case, anyone refusing to bend will lose his head, literally.

The issue then my friend, is not who the enemy is, and how we shall pursue him. The Bible is very plain who our enemy is. The issue is whether we choose Christ (now) or the false Christ (to come) ... who is the religious man of sin. The one who comes through the vehicle of the Ecumenical Movement, the Peace Movement and the New World Order, by the tactics of deceit and coercion. Like Moses, who led the Israelites to the promised land, Jesus is leading His people to the promised kingdom saying: