Posted on 03/25/2008 6:34:52 AM PDT by Kaslin
In church yesterday, as you celebrated Easter, did you notice anything—or anyone—unusual?
In churches all over the world, there were millions of people celebrating the resurrection of Christ, who were not there just a few years ago—because they were worshipping in a mosque instead.
It is thrilling evidence that God is doing a mighty work among Muslims.
According to the website Islam Watch, in Russia, some two million ethnic Muslims converted to Christianity last year. Ten thousand French Muslims converted, as did 35,000 Turkish Muslims. In India, approximately 10,000 people abandoned Islam for Christianity.
In his book Epicenter, author Joel Rosenberg details amazing stories of Muslims converting to Christianity. In Algeria, the birthplace of St. Augustine, more than 80,000 Muslims have turned to Christ in recent years. This, despite the stiff opposition from Islamic clerics who have passed laws banning evangelism.
In Morocco, newspaper articles openly worry that 25,000 to 40,000 Muslims have become followers of Christ in recent years.
The stories are even more amazing in the heart of the Middle East. In 1996, the Egyptian Bible Society sold just 3,000 video copies of the JESUS film. In the year 2000, they sold an incredible 600,000 copies
In Sudan, as many as five million Muslims have accepted Christ since the early 1990s, despite horrific persecution of Christians by the Sudanese government. What is behind the mass conversions? According to a Sudanese evangelical leader, “People have seen real Islam, and they want Jesus instead.”
In Iraq, “More than 5,000 Muslim converts to Christianity have been identified since the end of major combat operations,” says Islam Watch. And just a few days ago, the first-ever Roman Catholic church was consecrated in Qatar, a Sunni Muslim state where the Wahhabi brand of Islam is practiced. This was the first time Christians in Qatar have been allowed to practice their faith openly. Ten thousand people attended the opening mass.
These conversions have not escaped the notice of Islamic leaders. In 2001, Sheikh Ahmad Al Qatanni, a leading Saudi cleric, delivered the disturbing news on Al-Jazeera: Every day, he said, “16,000 Muslims convert to Christianity . . . every year, that is six million Muslims becoming Christians . . . A tragedy has happened.” It is possible the sheikh was inflating his numbers to incite a reaction against Christianity. But clearly, something is happening.
How thrilling to learn that so many Muslims have been set free from the chains of their sins—just as you and I have—by the power of Christ’s blood! We must pray for these new brothers and sisters; many are being violently persecuted for their new-found faith.
These millions of conversions give us one more reason to rejoice this Easter season. Yes, we may be in a great clash of civilizations; battling Islamo-fascists who threaten to kill us. And the future may at times look bleak. But never despair: God is on His throne, bringing people into His kingdom from the very heart of Islam.
I pray that millions more leave the "religion of peace" for "peace that passes understanding".
This is so wonderful. I heard this on Breakpoint yesterday, went home, downloaded the podcast via iTunes, then printed out the hardcopy from Breakpoint’s website. I intend to pass it out.
It is good news to hear that there is an apparent growing hunger for Christ from some in the muslim world. God won’t let any of His children, wherever they live, be taken away from Him. God is patient, to be sure.
These are all very brave people indeed. They have incredible courage. I hope we all pray for their safety.
1427 Jesus calls to conversion. This call is an essential part of the proclamation of the kingdom: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel." In the Church's preaching this call is addressed first to those who do not yet know Christ and his Gospel. Also, Baptism is the principal place for the first and fundamental conversion. It is by faith in the Gospel and by Baptism that one renounces evil and gains salvation, that is, the forgiveness of all sins and the gift of new life.
Mohammed said, "Whoever changes his Islamic religion, kill him." Quran; Surah Vol. 9:57
Islam has a strong base... ACT LIKE YOU BELIEVE IT OR DIE!...
Great news.
What’s the old religious phrase? I’ll try to recall it: “When you discover that Jesus is all you have left, you discover that Jesus is all you need.” Cannot remember the author.
This is a great post and that Joel Rosenberg writes some mighty good novels. I’m reading one right now!
I pray for my brothers and sisters in Christ.
There are plenty of liberal Christians who are more than happy to see Muslims stay within Islam.
Sad.
AMEN!
PRAISE GOD!
But the truly sad thing is that Satan is doing a great work here in the US, where he is encouraging millions of American blacks and a few whites to convert to Islam, though they have the evidence of Christ all around them.
For a more circumspect read about this go to http://www.economist.com/world/international/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10311317
While it would be nice if there was a conversion of muslims.....I think Colson and many of you are a bit giddy and overly optimistic....I just don’t see busloads of muzzies showing up for conversion and communion.
And the Quran teaches us it is permissible to lie to the infidel in Allah’s cause.
These are not converts. These are infiltrators.
True, but you don't see it among non-muzzies either. Jesus said, "Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Matt 7:14)
Nevertheless, the salvation of even one soul is worth celebrating.
One of the points he makes is that after a failed large-scale attack by the Iranian/Hizbullah/Ezekiel 38-39 coalition on Israel many Muslims will become Christians. They will convert because a large component of their faith is defeating the Jews/Israel. That failure will shake them to their core and see Islam for what it is: a failed religion.
Read the book.
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