Rev. Neville Johnson, the author of The First Principles stated in his book that ‘we are living in times of great darkness and great light’. As we take pleasure in all the wonderful things God is doing in most churches in our generation, we must not take for granted the increasing and alarming demonic activities around us. For 2 Corinthians 2:11 reminds us to be aware of such: Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. Unless we know what battle we are in, we won’t know how we ought to fight them. Brethren, we are not far from Christian persecution, from brutal killing and the spreading violence it might bring.
Persecution comes in various forms, and one of them is ISIS.
What is ISIS?
ISIS- Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, formerly ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) and was a part of Al- Qaeda. (Levant- area now occupied by Israel, Lebanon and Syria)
Their objective is the establishment of a worldwide ‘Caliphate’ (government of a ‘caliph’ or a spiritual leader of Islam, in short, world dominion of Islam); its principal targets are U.S. military and Shia (one of the two branches of Islam which regards Mohammed’s cousin Ali and his successors as the true imams, the majority of Iran and Iraq) and Christian civilians.
Their motto is "Remaining and Expanding".
It is now the most brutal terrorist regime of all time.
What’s the meaning of their flag?
The black flag is also known as the ‘Black Standard’ and is part of the Islamic tradition.
The flag had the inscription on top called Muslim Shahada (declaration of faith), and can be translated as, “There is no god but God and Muhammad is his Prophet”.
Their dream is the Islamic expansion under this flag.
What are they up to?
Their most common activity is terrorizing, beheading people as well as children belonging to Christian families and other non- Muslim groups. They also loot properties. Unfortunately, they don’t stop there, but make it a point to widely share their heinous pictures and videos of violence and brutal killing online. Whenever they invade an area, they leave residents 3 choices: to leave the place, convert or die.
Why do they do it
It is true that not all Muslims agree with this barbaric killing ISIS is doing, ISIS is said to be a group of Islam extremist only. However, their holy book tells otherwise:
Quran (2:191-193) - "And kill them wherever you find them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out. And Al-Fitnah [disbelief] is worse than killing...And fight them until there is no more Fitnah [disbelief and worshipping of others along with Allah] and worship is for Allah alone."
Quran (5:33) - "The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His messenger and strive to make mischief in the land is only this, that they should be murdered or crucified or their hands and their feet should be cut off on opposite sides or they should be imprisoned; this shall be as a disgrace for them in this world, and in the hereafter they shall have a grievous chastisement"
(Surah 2:191-193: At paslangin niyo sila saan niyo man sila matagpuan at palayasin niyo sila sa mga lugar na pinalayas kayo, dahil ang pag-uusig (ng mga Muslim) ay mas masahol pa sa pagkatay (ng mga hindi Muslim)... ngunit kung sila ay tumigil, pagmasdan! si Allah ay mapagpatawad at mahabagin. At labanan niyo sila hanggang sa ang pag-uusig ay wala na at ang relihiyon ay para kay Allah)
The wars in the Old Testament are within their history, but the violence ordained in the Islamic text is clearly ongoing.
Muslim (1:30) - "The Messenger of Allah said: I have been commanded to fight against people so long as they do not declare that there is no god but Allah."
Apparently, that they won’t leave Christians and other denominations alone. The source of their ordinance of killing is clear.
Where do they get their fund?
Their money came from the territory they have captured including Jordan, Lebanon, Israel and Palestine. They have taken control of profitable oil fields of Iraq and Syria, which is said to be making $3 million a day. They also control power stations and sell it back to the government. According to the site InTheCapital, in June alone, they have made $430 million from robbing banks and $36 million from selling stolen artifacts on the black market. They also have collected millions in ransom from hostages, according to the US state department. The same site also mentioned their worth is now over $2 billion.
That is why they are filthy rich enough to pay and recruit fighters.
Who are their allies?
It is also said America’s allies are funding the terrorist group for years, namely, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. The ISIS members have risen from 1000 to 80,000 men.
Knowing these, what are we supposed to do?
So, should we sit here quietly since we are far from Middle East and just do our sharing of ‘oh’ and ‘that’s terrible’ and do nothing?
It is not enough that we are aware. We should care! They are our brethren, they might call themselves Christians or Catholics but they stand in the name of our Lord! Can we even do that and not deny our faith if a rifle is pointed on our nose?
We should stand united in prayer. We shouldn’t underestimate the power of intercession.
Eph 6:12 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.
Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 21:22 And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”
Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Although we know that persecution is coming and has begun, it won't stop us from using the powerful weapon God has given us: the power of prayer.Together, let us fight against the darkness. Let us all take part in this battle. Let us be strong in the Lord and the power of His might, says Eph. 6:10.
References:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/isis-terror-threat-leading-british-muslims-issue-fatwa-condemning-terror-group-9702042.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_State_of_Iraq_and_the_Levant
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_State_of_Iraq_and_the_Levant
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