Islam

[streetsinger]

As Islam is at present centre stage in world affairs, I believe the Lord would have me share some thoughts. Christianity, Judaism and Islam, have a common denominator, Abraham. He had the two sons Ishmael and Isaac, Ishmael was the son of Hagar, the maid of his wife Sarai, when Sarai couldn’t bear children she encouraged Abram to sire a son through Hagar. When Sarai sent Hagar out into the desert because of friction caused by Hagars pregnancy, an angel of the Lord sought Hagar out and found her near a spring, he told her to return and submit to Sarai. He also promised her that she would be blessed with descendants too numerous to count, that she would bear a son and that she was to name him Ishmael. So God was the one who named Ishmael. She was told that he would be a wild donkey of a man, whose hand would be against everyone and everyone’s hand would be against him, and that he would live in hostility towards all his brothers. Abraham’s name was changed from Abram and God promised that he would be the father of many nations. He and Sarai bore Isaac and God then changed her name to Sarah and in obedience to a command of God, Abraham had both the boys circumcised. Ishmael was the founder of the Arab nation and Isaac the Jews. They both serve the God of their father Abraham, to the Jews; he is called Yahweh and the Arabs Allah. Throughout the centuries the devil has persecuted God’s people and used unscrupulous people to distort the truth and bring about a wrong understanding. Christians were brought into disrepute through episodes such as the Inquisition and the crusades, The Jews have never been left in peace and have been under constant persecution, and now Islam, because of unscrupulous people are undergoing a similar fate. The world sees Islam as the ultimate evil, and yet the founding father Ishmael was a man blessed of God. I fully appreciate that there are vast differences, spiritually, culturally and with regards to Mohamed. But I am moved to share this as something to be meditated on. I have been encouraged by the Spirit to share this. Bless you

[Dany.O]

I agree but Ishmael didn't make Islam.
I ask myself : before Islam, what was the beliefs in Middle East ?
Persian were pagans, but I can't find other people.

A thing interesting : the prophecy on Ishmael which is easy to check today.

[streetsinger]

Originally Posted by Dany.O

I agree but Ishmael didn't make Islam.
I ask myself : before Islam, what was the beliefs in Middle East ?
Persian were pagans, but I can't find other people.

A thing interesting : the prophecy on Ishmael which is easy to check today.

Although I was moved to bring this subject to the attention of the forum, I still have reservations, in several areas myself. The fact however remains that there is a family link between the Jews and the Arabs, and promises made to both brothers. I recently heard a Rabbi crying out "Ishmael, Ishmael, how long have we to go on this way". I pray that God will avail us of his understanding in this.

[JIP]

I find no confusion on this. The Word tells us exactly what to do.... Why do we have to dig and try to find another way?

[streetsinger]

Originally Posted by JIP

I find no confusion on this. The Word tells us exactly what to do.... Why do we have to dig and try to find another way?

I wasn't trying to dig, and find another way JIP, I was just trying to open a chain of thought into a pertinent subject in today's world. Many people, because of the actions of fundamentalists on both sides, believe that the Israelis and the palestinians are totally separate nations with nothing in common, and as such see the conflict in a false light, and take sides. To see it from a biblical viewpoint has to influence our understanding. Much of Palestine is, to the Jews, the promised land, and they are moving back into those sacred areas. The whole of the middle east conflict is an old testament conflict between the two brothers. The Rabbi was acknowledging this when he cried out. To side on the issue is to miss the point, the conflict is prophetic. Ishmael through his descendants is still at enmity with his brother. You, may have an insight in this, but many people don't. There are other issues. There is the issue of Islam in respect to Judaism. As I am writing this it's coming to me that, whereas Judaism is a spiritual faith involving Gods people living in the world, but living, seperated from it by the Mosaic law, Islam is a faith that is dedicated to bringing the whole world to be under Sharia law, regardless of the beliefs of the inhabitants. The Jews have never tried to influence the world with their faith, on the contrary they believe that the world is a contamination, as do Christians. On one side you have spiritual faith of separation, and on the other, a worldly one of integration. I don't know if the brothers will ever be reconciled, but I don't believe the world can bring about that reconciliation.

[GloryB]

Ishmael is considered a prophet of Islam...whereas Christianity does not consider him an OT prophet. Jesus came from Isaac's lineage. So, I do think there may be something important to consider and kick around when reading thestreetsinger's post.

This is another one of those great areas in the Bible where if we were to read and study this piece of history enough...we would probably pick up some good truths and explanations that are very pertinent today.

[streetsinger]

Originally Posted by GloryB

Ishmael is considered a prophet of Islam...whereas Christianity does not consider him an OT prophet. Jesus came from Isaac's lineage. So, I do think there may be something important to consider and kick around when reading thestreetsinger's post.

This is another one of those great areas in the Bible where if we were to read and study this piece of history enough...we would probably pick up some good truths and explanations that are very pertinent today.

I am not anti Islam, or any other faith for that matter. If a persons name is not written in the book of life, they have to find a belief for their own fulfillment, even if it is only belief in themselves. We are an elect chosen by God, and I praise Him that we are in that number. There is however an unelected, and we are called to be the salt that flavours their lives. To see them in a negative light, nomatter what their beliefs, I believe, is to miss the point, they are made in the image of God and as such should be revered, Jesus looked at the world and wept. He didn't feel anger, he felt compassion and allowed himself to be nailed to a cross because of the compassion he felt. We are a royal priesthood, living stones being dressed to be built into the temple of the most high. If the elect are a royal priesthood, we have to ask ourselves a question. What is the purpose of a priest? If the purpose of a priest is to minister, who are we supposed to minister to if everyone else is lost? I did start this post with the intention of addressing Islam, but I've been taken down another avenue of thought. I'll leave it open to meditation.

[GloryB]

Originally Posted by thestreetsinger

I am not anti Islam, or any other faith for that matter.

I'm so glad to hear a Christian say that! So many times online people just bash other religions so mercilessly that it hurts my heart.

I really do believe there is a place and reason for all people....I just don't know what it is....yet. I spend a great deal of time pondering it. Everything we need to know is in the Bible. Sometimes it just takes years of studying to pull it all out. But until I know...I refuse to judge or hate or slam any other faith.

[streetsinger]

Originally Posted by GloryB

I'm so glad to hear a Christian say that! So many times online people just bash other religions so mercilessly that it hurts my heart.

I really do believe there is a place and reason for all people....I just don't know what it is....yet. I spend a great deal of time pondering it. Everything we need to know is in the Bible. Sometimes it just takes years of studying to pull it all out. But until I know...I refuse to judge or hate or slam any other faith.

I do not have a problem with any person or their faith, but behind all faith there are forces at work. Behind our Faith we have Jesus, Judaism has God.
Islam claim the same God but there is a difference. I have opened a thread in Members only. Let me know what you think. bless you.

[Wabco]

Originally Posted by thestreetsinger

I do not have a problem with any person or their faith, but behind all faith there are forces at work. Behind our Faith we have Jesus, Judaism has God.
Islam claim the same God but there is a difference. I have opened a thread in Members only. Let me know what you think. bless you.

streetsinger, my friend, where is your thread? I can't find it, can you post a link to it?


I won't comment on Islam at the moment....I need to read the posts prayerfully, willl come back to it asap.