What In the World Is Going On? Overcoming the World

Peace on earth? Good will towards men? Some would question that those things exist in our world today, and with good reasons. We have watched as Islamic jihadist terrorists have wreaked havoc in virtually every part of the world, killing and injuring hundreds of innocent people. We have seen what happens when “political correctness” takes precedence over common sense and facts in evidence. For reasons that are baffling at best and fatally dangerous at worst, our country’s leader(s) has chosen to ignore or suppress the truth regarding an Islamic caliphate and those who are seeking to perpetuate its increase in size and geography.

History tells us that the religion known as “Islam” has always spread by the sword. The current generation of power seeking Muslim jihadists is not presenting anything new. What’s most frustrating is that our leaders refuse to acknowledge it and continue to make up excuses for their barbaric behavior. Cutting someone’s head off with a knife; burning people alive inside of a cage; throwing people from the tops of buildings; modern day crucifixions; raping little girls and women; all of this done in the name of a religion known as “Islam” and its prophet, Muhammad.

People have been clamoring for peace for hundreds of years, yet peace is the last thing we seem to have in our world today.

The economic situation around the globe has investors extremely cautious. We have seen the stock market decline consistently for months. Some of our political leaders are being investigated, and indicted, for criminal behavior, thinking that somehow, they are above the law. Unemployment is high; there has been rioting on the streets of Missouri and elsewhere; and there is very little trust in our governing officials, as time and time again, they have proven themselves to be inept or incompetent.

Wasn’t that an uplifting way to start this Christmas season? Keep reading, please.

Shortly before Jesus’ betrayal by Judas, He said to His disciples:

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).

There it is ~ “in the world, you will have tribulation.” What I take from this is, don’t be surprised or fearful about what is happening all around us. Jesus confirms that that is what is going to happen. This is the rule, not the exception. This is the norm.

Believers are not supposed to seek peace in this world because it is filled with sin and sin brings tribulation, sorrow, sadness, evil, and all sorts of terrible crimes against humanity.

Believers are to seek peace in their right relationship with Jesus. Notice what He says, “that in Me you may have peace.” The peace that Jesus is speaking of is a peace between all believers, and our holy, heavenly Father. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, there has been made available to all believers forgiveness of sin, mercy, grace and a “cessation of wrath,” and that is the definition of peace. It is an inner peace, a spiritual peace.

Why is that true? Jesus tells us to “take courage, [because] I have overcome the world.” Jesus has defeated sin and death through the cross and His resurrection. He overcame the forces of evil and provides a way out of sin and separation from God for anyone who will believe and receive Him as their personal Savior.

In His high priestly prayer, Jesus defined eternal life, “And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John 17:3).

There will never be peace in this world until Jesus returns to rule and reign during His Millennial Kingdom. Until that happens, living under this world-system will always bring trials and tribulation, sin and sorrow.

So the question is, do you know the only true God and Jesus Christ, His Son whom “the Father sent to be the Savior of the world” (1 John 4:14)?

There is no greater gift that can be received than “the gift of God,” which is eternal life (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Let us keep an eternal perspective. This is not our home. We are citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20a). This world is just layover on our way to our heavenly Father’s house.

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Messiah, our Savior, Jesus of Nazareth, may the peace that passes understanding, found only in Jesus, guard your hearts and minds.

“For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).

By His Grace,
Dr. Gary T. Dromi

What In The World Is Going On? Thoughts on Bravery and Courage

In western culture, words have been being redefined for the last few decades. For example: In the 1960's “bad” meant good rather than something to be avoided. The word; “gay” has been redefined to mean homosexual rather than happy or joyful. The word “sick” means outstanding or amazing rather than an illness or a perversion.

There are, obviously, many other examples.

Two words that are now being redefined are: “brave” and “courageous.” Criminal behavior, such as looting or stealing from shop owners during recent riots are now being redefined as “brave” or “courageous” rather than as vandalism and stealing.

Criticizing and personally attacking someone (verbally and physically) because they hold to traditional, biblical values is now considered “brave” or “courageous” by so-called "progressive" individuals.

The postmodern mindset of our culture, with its relativistic mantra, has only made this redefining of words that much simpler because for the postmodern mind, there are no absolute truths. Each person is encouraged to define truth in whatever way it suits him or her best. The deviations, magnetic or otherwise, of one’s moral compass are largely ignored because, for the relativist, there is no “true north” from which a proper calibration of right and wrong can be achieved.

It’s been said that if a lie is told often enough, and left unchallenged, it will soon become the new truth. History has proven this to be true all too often.

Food for Thought: Bravery is being the second person to be asked “Are you a Christian?” after having just watched the first Christian being shot in the head and responding, “Yes, I am.”

A brave man dies only once; but a coward dies a thousand times.

It is neither brave nor courageous to snipe from a place of anonymity.

It is neither brave nor courageous to be an arrogant know-it-all when, in fact, this type of person is nothing more than a manipulative, self-centered person who preys upon emotionally weak individuals to shore up their own emotional insecurities.

It is neither brave nor courageous to use sarcasm as a form of humor, as sarcasm shrouds a deep-seated anger, immaturity, insecurity and unforgiveness that the person has not the courage to face.

It is neither brave nor courageous to be critical of the job that someone else is doing if: (1) You don’t have the education, experience or skills to do the job yourself; (2) You have never done the job with any degree of success; (3) You are not willing to step up and take on the responsibilities of the job and do it yourself.

True bravery and courage is never self-proclaimed.

History has taught us over and over again that freedom is not free. It must be fought for, protected and preserved with vigilance, determination and self-sacrifice. When push comes to shove, the ultimate protectors of freedom and liberty are the brave men and women in our armed forces. Throughout the history of the United States, they have answered the call with bravery, courage and sacrifice. Were it not for their bravery, the pseudo-intelligencia would not be able to criticize -- with immunity -- without ever having lifted a finger (or shed one drop of their own blood) to defend the very freedom that they exercise in such an arrogant and condescending manner.

“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends,” (John 15:13).

What In the World Is Going On? The Pope vs. the Scriptures

The battle between Roman Catholic theology and its traditions vs. Biblical truth (given to us by the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit through the prophets and apostles) has been raging since before the time of the Reformation. This article is in no way attempting to resolve that dispute.

This article is being presented in order to look at what Scripture says with regard to forgiveness of any and all sin, with only one exception – blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (a subject for another article).

Having been raised as a Roman Catholic for the first 19 years of my life and having attended Roman Catholic schools for 12 years, the issue of forgiveness being granted by a mere man wearing a black, white or red robe was one of many issues that caused me to, literally, walk out of St. Patrick’s Church 40 years ago. By God’s gracious calling, He led me to the truth of His Word, for which I am eternally grateful.

Pope Francis, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church around the world, is once again in the news. According to the Wall Street Journal (Sept.1, 2015):

“Pope Francis will make it easier for the [Roman] Catholic Church to forgive women for having had abortions, one of several outreaches planned during a “year of mercy” starting in December . . . . .”

“Under church law, anyone who willingly participates in an abortion—including the pregnant woman, the abortion provider and any assistants—incurs automatic excommunication, which normally can be lifted only by the local bishop.”

“But in a letter, the pope said he would grant all Catholic priests authority to ‘absolve of the sin of abortion those who have procured it and who, with contrite heart, seek forgiveness for it.’”

“The power to lift the excommunications would extend during the year of mercy, which starts Dec. 8 and ends Nov. 20, 2016. The church observes so-called jubilee years for pardons and the remission of sins every 25 years and on other occasions designated by the pope . . . .”

The question becomes, is the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church the arbiter/dispenser of forgiveness? Or is real forgiveness made available, solely, through the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary?

The Truth from Jesus and the Apostles:
The Scripture passages below speak Truth with regard to sin and its complete forgiveness for the true believer in Jesus as their Savior:

“Therefore I say to you, any sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven men, but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven. And whoever shall speak a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever shall speak against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age, or in the age to come” (Matt. 12:31-32).

“Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin — because they were saying, ‘He has an unclean spirit’” (Mark 3:28-30).

“But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith” (Romans 3:21-25a).

“In Him [Jesus] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us” (Eph. 1:7-8a).

“For He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13-14).

“. . . but if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority; and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And when you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us and which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross” (Colossians 2:8-14).

As is clear from these few passages, the true believer in Jesus Christ, the person who is, by faith alone, trusting in Jesus’ death and resurrection as the means to obtain forgiveness for sin, all of their sin has been forgiven and, by God’s grace, they have been given the free gift of eternal life (Eph. 2:8-9).

This gracious forgiving work of God cannot be performed by or carried out by any man or woman as a representative of any denomination. To make that claim is to call God a liar. No human being has the “authority to absolve” people of their sin. To make that claim is to elevate an individual to a position of equality with God. No wonder the Reformers were so polemic in their writings and discussions with the Church of Rome.

If you are a true believer, struggling because you participated in some way in taking the life of an innocent unborn child, know that there is forgiveness and freedom from guilt and shame. That freedom and forgiveness can only be found in coming before God with a humble and contrite heart in honest confession of sin.

Reconciliation has already been accomplished for the believer (Romans 8:1). Grab a hold of the truths of God’s Word and know that you are forgiven. The Father completely accepted the sacrifice of His Son on behalf of all those who will believe and receive Christ as their Savior.

If you are not a believer in Jesus as your personal Savior, your struggle with guilt and shame will go on until you recognize that you are sinner in need of forgiveness for all your sins. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). He is the one who suffered, died and rose from the dead on your behalf. He is the one who took your sin upon Himself so that you could be forgiven, restored to a right relationship with God and receive the free gift of eternal life.

“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart” (Hebrews 3:15).

By His Grace,
Gary T. Dromi, Ph.D.

What In the World Is Going On? Culture Forcing “Unity” - But At What Cost?

“I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; 7 which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you, and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed. 10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.” (Gal.1:6-9).

I wonder how Paul’s words to the church at Galatia would be received today. Would he be embraced as a pastor or “let go” for preaching so narrow a gospel message? Would he be sought after as a guest speaker or labeled as “too closed-minded for our group”? Would he be welcomed as one who could help illuminate the Scriptures, as given by God, or dismissed as one who takes the Bible way too literally?

Paul was “amazed” (and not in a good way) that those with whom he had, personally, shared the Gospel if Jesus Christ were “so quickly deserting” (literally: departing or turning away from) the one and only God who had “called” them by grace to Jesus, the Savior. It was a remarkably short amount of time between Paul’s first proclamation of the true Gospel to the Galatians and their rejection of it.

Paul’s diagnosis of the Galatians’ problem was that they exchanged the true Gospel “for a different gospel.” And then Paul tells them (and us) that there “is really not another [gospel],” which seems so simple. Paul is telling them, “Listen, there is no other good news about forgiveness of sin and eternal life! Jesus is it!”

The same Gospel that was true back in Paul’s day is still true in our day. There really isn’t any other way to be saved from one’s sin and condemnation other than by God’s gracious calling, through personal faith and trust in Jesus’ payment for the sin of the world, through His death and resurrection.

But there were those who were “disturbing” (literally: to stir up; cause great distress) the Galatian believers and their belief in Jesus. The disturbers were those who “want to distort (literally: to change or turn about) the gospel of Christ.” In Paul’s day, the Judaizers were the one’s who were pushing for the rejection of Jesus of Nazareth and a return to the Mosaic Law.

Fast-forward about 2000 years and not much has changed. Paul’s words are as true today as they were in his day.

Within the last few decades, the cry has been for the Church to drop its rigid stance on doctrinal truths and to embrace everyone --- after all, “God loves everyone” and “who are we to judge?” The proponents of this not-too-biblical “gospel” have succeeded to a great extent in convincing their followers that “we just need to love everyone, that’s all God wants us to do. Let’s not argue over doctrine. After all, who can honestly know what the Bible really means?”

A few quick questions for that “theological” stance:

1. If the only thing that mankind is supposed to do is to love everyone, then why are the Scriptures so wordy? God could’ve avoided a lot of confusion and time-consuming preservation of His Word by simply saying, “Accept everyone’s beliefs and don’t sweat the doctrinal stuff. All roads lead to heaven anyway.” But He didn’t say that.
2. If ecumenism was what God had in mind, then why did He tell us to “test the spirits” (1 John 4:1) and that “we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming” (Eph. 4:14)?
3. If “unity” was the main goal, then why did Jesus say “I am the way, the truth, and the life and no one comes to the Father but through Me”? He, most certainly, was exclusive of any, and all, “other gospels.”

What’s happening today is nothing short of “amazing” (in the same sense of the word that Paul meant it in Galatians 1:6). We’re witnessing many well-known pastors and church leaders promoting a “unity” message that is embracing the Roman Catholic Church and some of its theology including the eucharist, the papacy, and other exclusively Roman Catholic teachings and traditions. Some pastors and leaders of today’s church are inviting Islamic Imams into their pulpits in spite of the fact that Islam clearly teaches that Jesus, though considered a prophet, was not as great as Muhammad, nor was He the Savior, nor was he really crucified.

As Paul tells us in his letter to the Galatian church, there really isn’t another gospel; there really isn’t another savior; there really isn’t another way to the Father.

Galatians was written to correct a desperate situation. It was written to call the Galatian believers back from the Mosaic Law to grace, from legalism to faith. It is an emphatic statement of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone and apart from works and it is as relevant today as when it was originally penned.

Today, there are some who are “disturbing” (stirring up) the Church. There are some who are “distorting” (changing or turning about) the true Gospel of Jesus. This theology of “unity” is nothing new. It is also known as “ecumenicalism” and its premise and purpose is the same.

It’s important for us to remember what is written in Numbers 23:19, “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent; has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” All that has been recorded in the Bible is true. To diminish the doctrines found in Scripture for the purpose of “unity,” (in spite of clear non-biblical teaching), is to “desert” the true Gospel and chase after a false one. It is to “disturb” the Church and create division and strife. It is to minimize the sacrifice of the Lamb of God.

God’s Word is true and trustworthy, from Genesis to Revelation. Don’t let the ever-changing whims of culture or political correctness take the wind out of your sails. Don’t allow the “disturbers” to knock you off your course or to embrace “another gospel.”

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful,” (Hebrews 10:23).

By His Grace,
Dr. Gary T. Dromi

Only God Is Supreme

This has certainly been an interesting week in the political and legal world.  There has been no shortage of debate and discussion throughout our land regarding the latest ruling handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court. 

A very good friend of mine, whom God has gifted with the ability to write amazing poetry, sent me the following poem.  With his permission, it has been copied below.

For those who hold to a Biblical world-view, this poem will be encouraging.  For those who are struggling, remember:  God is Sovereign and nothing and no one will ever overrule Him.

Thank you, Bob West, for sharing your gift of poetry with us and for reminding us of Who, exactly, is the Supreme Judge.


By His Grace,
Dr. Gary T. Dromi

Our Beliefs Under Attack, So Painful And So Loud

 Newest On That List Prospered The LGBT Crowd

 Lesbian And Gay And Bisexual And Transgender

You Christians, Hear Us, “Shut-up And Surrender!”

Guessing You Noticed There’s Trouble In The Wind

Oh, But That All Started Back When Adam Sinned

 Do Not Be Fearful Of These New Laws Of The Land

 It Might Appear Chaotic, But Nothing’s Out Of Hand

 Someone Resides Over Those Nine Errant “Judges”

 Someone Unmoved By Man’s Schemes And Fudges

Ultimate Authority Is Neither Appointed Nor Elected

 Preeminence Is The Creator’s, Embraced Or Rejected

 Redefining Marriage Through Their Worldly Opinion

 Exposes The Court’s Ignorance Of Sovereign Dominion

Members Of The Court, Are You In Denial Or Fooled?

 Expect That Your Decision Was Divinely Overruled!

What In the World Is Going On? United Nations Envoy ‘Sickened’ By Rampant ISIS Sexual Violence

On May 22, 2015, the article below appeared on The Times of Israel website. It is included in its entirety so that you may understand what is really happening in all of the places where Islamic State terrorists are left unchallenged and alive.

This is a story you will not likely hear on the evening news (with the possible exception of the FOX news channel). This is a story that won’t be talked about at any of President Obama’s press conferences, state dinners, golf games or television interviews with David Letterman or any other television or movie stars. This is a story that won’t be talked about by President Obama’s press secretary Josh Earnest who made this insensitive and callous statement at a press conference on May 20, 2015, “Are we going to light our hair on fire every time there's a setback in campaign against ISIL?”

To share this story with the American people would cause the political narrative of “they [ISIS] are just a JV team” to have to be retracted. In addition, all of the president’s men (and women) would have to acknowledge that the military generals have been right all along and they, the inept politicians, have been wrong (something that neither the president nor any of his followers can bring themselves to admit).

Warning: What you are about to read is shocking, sickening and graphic. But you need to read it to understand what is really happening at the hands of these Muslim terrorists. Yes, they are Muslims – men and women who believe in and cling to the teachings of Islam found in their “scriptures” known at the Quran.

United Nations Envoy ‘Sickened’ By Rampant ISIS Sexual Violence (1) After a trip to the region, Zainab Bangura [United Nations envoy] says militants have institutionalized rape, sexual slavery as a terror tactic: ‘I never saw anything like this.’

A UN representative [Zainab Bangura] has returned from a tour of Iraq and Syria with harrowing reports of the sexual violence systematically committed by Islamic State militants against women and girls.

Zainab Bangura, who had set out for the region in April to address the rampant cases of rape, sex slavery and other sexual violence in the areas under ISIS control, said the extremists were “institutionalizing sexual violence” as a tactic to terrorize the local populations.

In an interview this week with the Middle East Eye, a UK-based news site, Bangura recounted chilling tales she had heard from refugees. “After attacking a village, ISIS splits women from men and executes boys and men aged 14 and over. The women and mothers are separated; girls are stripped naked, tested for virginity and examined for breast size and prettiness. The youngest, and those considered the prettiest virgins fetch higher prices and are sent to Raqqa, the ISIS stronghold,” she said.

“There is a hierarchy: sheikhs get first choice, then emirs, then fighters. They often take three or four girls each and keep them for a month or so, until they grow tired of a girl, when she goes back to market. At slave auctions, buyers haggle fiercely, driving down prices by disparaging girls as flat-chested or unattractive.

“We heard one case of a 20-year-old girl who was burned alive because she refused to perform an extreme sex act,” she said.

The plight of women and girls from Iraq’s Yazidi minority has raised alarm after hundreds captured by Islamic State fighters were sold in open markets as sex slaves last year.

Bangura explained that the atrocities were not being committed randomly by individual militants but were a key tactic used by the group “to advance key strategic priorities, such as recruitment, fundraising, to enforce discipline and order — through the punishment of dissenters or family members — and to advance their radical ideology.”

A recent UN report noted a “significant increase” in the number of cases of sexual violence in Syria with abductees from Iraq being sold in markets in IS-controlled areas of Syria. Over recent months, some 1,500 civilians including many Yazidi women and children may have been forced into sexual slavery, the report said.

Bangura said she and her team had “struggled to understand the mentality of people who commit such crimes . . . It was painful for me.”

Bangura was appointed as special envoy three years ago to focus international attention on sexual crimes, long been considered a by-product of war.

“The countries I have worked on include Bosnia, Congo, South Sudan, Somalia and Central African Republic. But I never saw anything like this. I cannot understand such inhumanity. I was sick, I couldn’t understand,” she said. Bangura added that support mechanisms for escaped victims were limited. “They do get support from their families, communities and the government, but the needs are huge . . . they need qualified medical and psycho-social support that is not readily available,” she said.

“For its part, the UN is supporting and sheltering the affected population, but everyone agrees that assistance needs to be scaled up.”

What can we do? Yes, pray for these innocents. But do more than that: (1) Share this story with others so that they, too, know what’s really going on; (2) Contact your congressman and senator to tell them that this current “strategy” for dealing with these barbarians is inexcusable; (3) Realize that if left unchecked, the ISIS terrorists, if given the opportunity, would have no reluctance in doing to the men, boys, women and young girls of the United States the exact same thing that they are doing in the Middle East.

Understand that these Muslim terrorists have as their only goal a worldwide Caliphate, that is, an Islamic state led by a “caliph,” who is a political and religious leader who is the successor to their Islamic prophet Muhammad. In their minds, his power and authority is absolute.

The Book of Proverbs is a book filled with wisdom – wisdom for living, wisdom for leading. In Proverbs 31:8-9, we read the words of King Lemuel, words that his mother taught him, “Open your mouth for the dumb, for the rights of all the unfortunate. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and needy.”

If only our political leaders understood and acted according to King Lemuel’s words instead of their self-promoting, self-centered political ideologies and party agendas. Unfortunately, most of them have a moral compass whose needle moves left or right based upon what keeps them in office rather than a fixed set of absolute truths found only in the Bible.

Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

By His Grace,
Dr. Gary T. Dromi

--
(1)http://www.timesofisrael.com/un-envoy-sickened-by-rampant-is-sexual-violence/

What In the World Is Going On? Biblical Christianity and Islam: Are They Really the Same?

The national media has repeatedly tried to convince the people of the United States that Islam and Christianity are the closest of cousins, theologically, morally and ethically. Many years ago I looked at this claim and decided to do my own study and make my own assessment. There are others who have done the same study and, if they have been intellectually honest, their conclusion must be: Biblical Christianity and Islam are far from the same.  Here are the facts:

Islam rejects the Trinity and the God of the Bible (Surah* 4:171; 5:73; 112:1-4).  For Muslims, Allah, alone, is the one true deity (Surah 112:1-4).  Islamic teachers and their followers deny the Deity of Jesus, that He died on the cross, and that He was raised from the dead (Surah 4:157-158; 19:88-92). Muslims teach that Jesus was only one of thousands of prophets sent by Allah (Surah 4:171; 17:111; 61:6).  For Muslims, Mohammed is the greatest of all the prophets, even greater than Jesus. According to the Muslim faith, Jesus was merely a man, nothing more, nothing less (Surah 5:75).

The teachers of Islam reject the salvation and forgiveness that’s provided through Christ.  Rather, they teach that only Muslims can be saved (Surah 10:103; 33:43; 47:11).  According to the Quran, if a person follows Islam and does enough good deeds to outweigh the bad ones, Allah may allow him to enter paradise, but even then, there is no guarantee and no Muslim can be certain (Surah 4:13-14; 4:88; 5:9-10; 14:4; 28:67-68; 46:8-9).  The only sure pathway to Islamic “Paradise” is killing and being killed in jihad, a holy war (Surah 3:157; 61:10-12).

Some Muslim leaders and teachers may say that the Bible is a holy book, but in fact, the teachings of Islam undermine and deny every fundamental doctrine about sin and salvation taught in the Bible.

Today, and for the foreseeable future, Islam is the most powerful system on earth for the destruction of biblical truth, Christianity, and Christians who believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. Literally, thousands of Christians are being murdered under Islamic persecution, especially in the Middle East, Africa, Indonesia, and other parts of Asia.  A quick look back at history tells us that Islam has always spread by the sword: convert to Islam or die! That hasn’t changed.

On May 14, 2015, the following statement was made by ISIS leader, Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi:
“Islam was never a religion of peace.  Islam is the religion of fighting.  No one should believe that the war that we are waging is the war of the Islamic State . . . It is the war of all Muslims, but the Islamic State is spearheading it.  It is the war of Muslims against infidels.”

Summary:
Islam and Christianity are nothing alike, but both claim to be the only true way to God; both cannot be right.  There is no atonement in Islam, no forgiveness, no savior, and no assurance of eternal life. There is only a set of beliefs (The Five Articles of Faith) that every Muslim must ascribe to; there are also The Five Pillars of Faith (practices and duties) that every Muslim must observe and live by, or there will be consequences.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is a message of hope:  There is forgiveness for sin available by God’s grace, through our faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection.  The promise of eternal life is given from the God of the Bible who is immutable and always faithful.  There is real hope, real love, real mercy, real compassion and certainty found in Biblical Christianity.

Islam is a religion of uncertainty, oppression (especially for women), vengeance, and hopelessness.

As John MacArthur wrote, “Making these kinds of distinctions may not be politically correct, but it is critical if the purity of the gospel is to be protected.  Put simply, there is no salvation outside of Christ.  When this truth is compromised, the [true] gospel is abandoned—and so is the only hope that we can offer to those who are not our enemies, but rather our mission field.  When evangelicals capitulate and attempt to soften the offense of the gospel in this way, they blur the lines between the god of Islam and the God of the Bible.  But now is not the time for blurring lines.  Now is the time to draw lines—lines between truth and error, and between the one path to heaven and the many paths to hell.” (1)


Closing Thoughts:
In Christianity, Jesus suffered, died, was buried and resurrected on behalf of, and in the place of His followers.  “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends,” (John 15:13).

In Islam, Mohammed and the rest of the Muslim leaders and teachers send others to die for them. We’ve never heard of, or seen, one of the ayatollahs, mullahs, imams, or leaders of jihad strap on a bomb and blow themselves up.  They always send someone else to die in their place.

This is such an important issue in our day.  I encourage everyone to dig deep into this topic.  There are some outstanding resources available that will deepen your understanding of the distinctions between Biblical Christianity and Islam.  Having that knowledge will help you to be informed as you talk about the subject with others who are searching for the Truth.

May the Lord bless you as you seek to serve Him.

By His Grace, Dr. Gary T. Dromi

* The Quran is composed of 114 “Surah” or chapters. Surah 4:171 would be the fourth Surah, and the 171st verse of Surah 4, for example.

(1)  http://www.gty.org/resources/articles/A289/The-Gospel-According-to-Islam

What In the World Is Going On? False Prophets and Teachers: Their Methods and Their Fate

The Bible speaks of false prophets and false teachers in both the Old and New Testaments. Perhaps the best known in the Old Testament were the prophets of Baal. These were the prophets that Elijah challenged, ridiculed, and, ultimately, destroyed (see 1 Kings 18). There were false prophets and teachers during New Testament times as well and Peter warned believers that they would infiltrate the Church both then and now, “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you” (2 Peter 2:1)

What do false prophets/teachers do? They “secretly introduce destructive heresies” (2 Peter 2:1). That is to say, their teachings will be subtly different than the true gospel of Jesus Christ; sounding spiritual, but not based on the atoning work of Jesus; sounding spiritual, but espousing doctrines of their own creation. These are the false teachers who look good and sound good. They appeal to peoples’ emotions and feelings; they make their followers feel good about themselves; they are the positive thinkers. They are the ones who dare NOT speak of sin or the consequences for disobedience to God’s Word. In fact, there are some who boldly deny the existence of hell, or that God would ever send anyone there, despite the clear teaching of the Bible. These are the teachers who primary message is, “We just need to love everyone. Let’s not talk about doctrine or specifics; that only leads to arguments.”

Peter goes on to say there will be some “ who will even deny the Master who bought them.” When Peter says “ the Master,” he is referring to Jesus, THE Christ, THE anointed One, THE Messiah. If you have spent any time researching the “New Age” movement, it teachers, or its teachings, you will notice something quite amazing: They speak of “a Christ” but there definition is VERY different from that of the Bible. I would encourage everyone to spend a few hours looking into what the New Age teachers are proclaiming. Here are but a few of the more recognizable names: Barbara Marx Hubbard, Marianne Williamson, and Neal Donald Walsch. Their collective writings, beliefs, and teachings use the following words: “God,” “Christ,” “Satan,” “New Jerusalem,” and “born again. ”But their definition for each of these terms is vastly different from the Biblical definition. They sound sort of “Christian” so most people don’t give their teaching a second thought, which is a huge mistake as their heresies have crept into the Church and continue to deceive many.

Peter goes on to describe why these false teachers will have many followers, “ And many will follow their sensuality. ” The word translated “sensuality” is the Greek word, aselgeia, meaning behavior completely lacking in moral restraint, usually with the implication of sexual licentiousness. While the Bible commands self-control, the false teachers will encourage their followers to indulge their passions without restraint. For decades now, the concept of keeping sexual relations within marriage has gone by the wayside. The mantra has become “if it feels good, do it,” after all, “a loving God wouldn’t send anyone to hell.”

And the result of their teaching, “and because of them, the way of the truth will be maligned. ” Not only will the false teachings cause people to live their lives in a sinful, none God-fearing way, the real truth of Jesus’ death, resurrection, and His atoning sacrifice will be slandered, criticized and disparaged.

God, however, will not turn a blind eye to those who would corrupt His Truth, His Son or His plan of the salvation for mankind.

Reading the entire passage in context, notice how Peter describes these false teachers and how God, who did not spare angels, will not spare them either (2 Peter 2:1-19):

“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; 3 and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

“For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment; and did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; and if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly thereafter; and if He rescued righteous Lot, oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men (for by what he saw and heard that righteous man, while living among them, felt his righteous soul tormented day after day with their lawless deeds), then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment, and especially those who indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and despise authority.”

“Daring, self-willed, they do not tremble when they revile angelic majesties, whereas angels who are greater in might and power do not bring a reviling judgment against them before the Lord. But these, like unreasoning animals, born as creatures of instinct to be captured and killed, reviling where they have no knowledge, will in the destruction of those creatures also be destroyed, suffering wrong as the wages of doing wrong. They count it a pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are stains and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, as they carouse with you, having eyes full of adultery and that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souls, having a heart trained in greed, accursed children; forsaking the right way they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness, but he received a rebuke for his own transgression; for a dumb donkey, speaking with a voice of a man, restrained the madness of the prophet.”

“These are springs without water, and mists driven by a storm, for whom the black darkness has been reserved. For speaking out arrogant words of vanity they entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error, promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved.”

Once again, we come to the crux of the matter: Is the Bible, in fact, God’s Word? Is it, as Paul said, “inspired by God” (theopneustos, literally God-breathed; 2 Tim. 3:16)? There have been, and there still are, many who try to disprove Paul’s words to Timothy only to find that God continues to protect and preserve His holy Word. The Psalmist wrote, “The sum of Thy word is truth, and every one of Thy righteous ordinances is everlasting, ” (Psalm 119:160)

Can we trust the Bible? Having been subjected to criticism for thousands of years, the Bible continues to stand against all those who would try to defame or destroy it. The evidence proving the validity of the Bible is overwhelming: internal, external, prophetic, archaeological, genealogical, geographical, thousands of ancient manuscript copies and fragments, and a host of other proofs, including the following facts:

1. The Bible was written over a 1500 year span of time
2. The Bible was written over 40 generations
3. The Bible was written by more than 40 authors from every walk of life
4. The Bible was written in different locations
5. The Bible was written at different eras: war, peace, captivity, on the run
6. The Bible was written during different moods: the heights of joy and the depths of sorrow
7. The Bible was written on three continents: Asia, Africa, Europe
8. The Bible was written in three languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek
9. The subject matter found in the Bible includes hundreds of controversial topics – yet there is harmony and continuity from Genesis to Revelation

All of this, for the sole purpose of one unfolding story: God’s Redemption of Man

There is no other ancient document that has been so scrutinized and criticized and continues to stand strong and powerful. Make no mistake about it, that criticism and attack continues in our day, sadly, in places called churches, seminaries and Bible colleges.

Many years ago, I made the following observation: “Those who hold to the inerrancy and inspiration of Scripture will be labeled as ‘the heretics.’” I’m not a prophet, but one only needs to give a cursory glance at what’s being taught today to realize the validity of that statement.

By God’s grace, there are still men and women, today, who believe that God’s Word is inspired and inerrant but the numbers are dwindling. A quick scan of what’s being taught from pulpits, what’s being written in “Christian” books, the lyrics of contemporary Christian music, or what’s being taught in Bible colleges and seminaries will confirm this sad fact.

In closing, I would like to leave you with a few words of caution: (1) Never veer from God’s Word. It is the filter through which we should pass any and all the teachings of men regarding forgiveness of sin, salvation, and eternal life; (2) Be careful about believing “new” revelation from anyone. God has given us all the truth we need for salvation and godly living (Titus 2:11-14); (3) Just because a teaching sounds good or appealing, doesn’t mean that its Biblical. ALWAYS define the terms/words that are being used by others. As an example, the New Age proponents speak of a “Christ,” but they are NOT speaking of Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah; they use the phrase “born-again,” but their definition is far different than the Biblical one.

In our day, where false teachers, false teaching and false messiahs abound, we would do well to imitate the Bereans of Paul’s day: “And the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea; and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so, “ (Acts 17:10-11).

May the Lord give you wisdom, discernment and grace as you seek to serve Him.

By His Grace,
Dr. Gary T. Dromi

What In the World Is Going On? A Disturbing Trend

If you’ve been paying any attention to what has been happening amongst our country’s leaders (irrespective of race, gender or political party), you may have noticed a disturbing trend. It’s probably not new, maybe just more prevalent, or maybe more acceptable in our postmodern culture, therefore practiced more frequently with little to no consequence. The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, is nigh on impossible to find.

Too many of our country’s leaders have traded an ideology for their integrity; they have traded an election victory for their complete honesty; they have, on a regular basis, parsed and redefined the proper meaning of words in order to obfuscate their role, or responsibility, for something that went horribly wrong.

“Plausible deniability” has been elevated to an art form. The current best strategy: Keep the truth about what really happened away from the politician, then he or she can say, “I knew nothing about it.”

God takes truth very seriously and He judges, harshly, those who try to redefine or conceal it for personal gain or for the purpose of deflecting personal accountability.

God’s Word is clear:

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And clever in their own sight!”
(Isaiah 5:20-21).

Throughout the Scripture, the word “woe” means judgment is coming and it cannot be stopped. It is too late; no more second chances.

God clearly defines good and evil in His Word and no one has the right to redefine it in order to bolster his or her, world-view, bias or political agenda.

What Is the Lesson?
Believers should always speak the truth and, if we have done something wrong, if we have sinned, then confess it, take responsibility for it and do whatever is necessary to correct it. That is the right thing to do; that is the God-honoring way to live the Christian life.

Believers are not perfect; we struggle with our old sin-nature. But that struggle is no excuse for dodging responsibility for our actions.

As ambassadors for Christ, we must represent Him well ~ with integrity, honesty, grace and the truth.

By His Grace,
Dr. Gary T. Dromi

What In the World Is Going On? Did You Know . . . . .?

Throughout the world, our brothers and sisters in Christ are being severely persecuted because of their faith in Jesus Christ. They are not just being made fun of or taken to court. They are being beaten, raped, tortured and crucified.

As you read the information below, understand that this is real; it’s not some Hollywood movie with actors and actresses; it’s not some staged scene with just the right camera angle. These are real people suffering real pain, sorrow and anguish and NOT giving up their faith in Christ.

North Korea, Somalia and Syria
For the 13th consecutive year, North Korea is ranked No. 1 on the World Watch List of the 50 countries where persecution is most extreme. The god-like worship of the leader, Kim Jong-Un, and his predecessors leaves little room for any other religions and Christians face unimaginable pressure in every sphere of life. Meeting with other Christians is virtually impossible. Anyone discovered engaging in unauthorized religious activity is subject to arrest, arbitrary detention, disappearance, torture and/or execution. Those Christians who attempt to return to North Korea from China are sentenced to life in prison or executed.

With no functioning government in Somalia, Christians are targeted by Islamic terrorists and other clan authorities. As the government gains more control, state actors are joining the vicious two to persecute Christians. The only type of Christianity in Somalia is Christian converts from a Muslim background. Persecution in the country is very severe. Islamic religious leaders maintain publicly that there is no room for Christianity, Christians and churches in Somalia. Islamic terrorists, in the form of al-Shabaab, as well as other radical Islamic groups, have intensified the persecution of Christians.

The Islamic State introduced the caliphate (strict Islamic leadership) in large parts of Syria and Iraq at the end of June 2014 and a strict version of Sharia law was implemented. Since then, most Christians have fled areas controlled by the Islamic State. Christians are kidnapped out of financial, political and ideological motives. Many Christians have been abducted, physically harmed and killed. Amidst all violence and persecution, there are also sparks of hope, however. Though many Christians have left the country, a growing number of people are converting to Christ in the deplorable situation of civil war.

Vietnam: Hired Thugs Raid College
A Ho Chi Minh City Bible school that has often been the target of police activity in recent years was attacked and destroyed for the seventh time on Wednesday, November 12, 2014, by hired thugs accompanied by the police. The thugs used hammers and metal cutters to destroy doors, walls, and furniture. Police then raided the college and arrested nine Christians who did not have proper paperwork — documents that had been confiscated by police in earlier raids. The Bible school leader, Pastor Nguyen Hong Quang, said this was the seventh attack on the college since June 2014.

On the November 12 attack, hired men along with scantily-clad prostitutes gathered outside the school and begin shouting and screaming in the streets. Witnesses saw police filming the events just as the mob began damaging the school property. The thugs broke doors and gates that were broken three days earlier and had just been repaired that day. Police then arrested nine people inside, including Pastor Quang’s son and two Mennonite pastors.

The nine Christians were taken to the local police station. After being interrogated for two hours, all nine were released but were charged for not having ID cards or temporary residence papers. These documents were confiscated in earlier raids and never returned, according to church leaders. Without these documents, all nine will face further police harassment and complications with employment and school registration.

The Ho Chi Minh Bible College trains young Christians, mostly from minority tribal groups and has been the subject of frequent attacks. After large scale attacks in June, the water and electricity for the school were cut off, and in October, all roads to the school were barricaded.

Rocks and rotten eggs have been thrown into the college on more than one occasion. Those who attend worship services or classes at the school have faced bomb threats and harassing phone calls, and some members have been followed home and beaten up or had damage done to personal property.

Pastor Quang filed a complaint with district police in June and Mennonite church leaders formally requested lawyers after an attack in June; however, attacks on the school property have not stopped. But even with the heavy intimidation, school leaders have continued to operate the school, and students continue to study faithfully, intent on their mission to share Christ throughout Vietnam.

How Is Persecution Defined?
Christian persecution, as defined by Open Doors, "is any hostility experienced from the world as a result of one's identification as a Christian. Beatings, physical torture, confinement, isolation, rape, severe punishment, imprisonment, slavery, discrimination in education and employment, and even death are just a few examples of the persecution they experience on a daily basis." Yes, it’s happening on a daily basis.

Iraq: Islamic State turn Christian Churches Into Torture Chambers
“Islamic State militants have turned Christian churches into torture chambers. According to the Jerusalem Post, Isis have been forcing church-goers to convert to Islam, in a bid to 'wipe out Christianity.'”

Christians were reportedly being held captive in makeshift torture chambers set up in raided churches in Qaraqosh, Iraq.

The Jihadists have stripped the churches of their ancient relics and artifacts, to be smuggled to Western collectors to help fund their terrorist activity.

The extremist organizations have made $35.5 million from the sale of stolen artifacts in Nabaq, Syria, according to the Christian Post.

A source said, "This is why they are crucifying Christians — which includes children — destroying churches and selling artifacts.”

"The reality is, this group will stop at practically nothing to raise funds for its terrorist mission."

Canon Andrew White, the vicar of the only Anglican church in Iraq, has warned Christians that the end of the religion in the country appears "very near".

Data gathered since January 1, 2015*

Date            Country     City/State      Killed   Injured      Description

2/14/2015    Libya          Sirte                21         0                 Twenty-one Christians are abducted by   

                                                                                                Islamists, forced to their knees and then  

                                                                                                beheaded.

2/5/2015      Syria           Damascus       10         50               The Army of Islam sends rockets into 

                                                                                                mainly Christian neighborhoods, killing 

                                                                                                ten residents.

2/4/2015      Iraq             Mosul             1           0                 A priest is beheaded by the Islamic State.

1/31/2015    Syria           Raqqa             1           0                 A Japanese journalist who converted to 

                                                                                               Christianity is beheaded by caliphate 

                                                                                               members in the name of Allah.

1/23/2015    Nigeria       Bantaje            1           0                 Muslim extremists butcher a pastor and 

                                                                                                father of two.

1/21/2015    Syria          New Sabri        2          35               A Fedayeen suicide bombing takes out 

                                                                                               two Christians.

1/17/2015    Indonesia   Tamadue          5          0                Muslim terrorists murder five Christians  

                                                                                               in two attacks.

1/17/2015    Niger         Zinder              1           0                An angry Muslim mob burns a church 

                                                                                              with one person inside.

1/13/2015    Egypt        Luxor               1            0                A Muslim radical shoots a 38-year-old 

                                                                                               Copt to death.

1/11/2015    Kenya      Mombasa          1            0                Terrorists kill a priest during a church 

                                                                                               service.

1/6/2015      Egypt       Cairo                 2            0                Two men guarding a church are shot to 

                                                                                               death by extremists.

1/4/2015      Nigeria    Kantoma           2             10              Two people preparing for church are  

                                                                                               shot to death by Fulani terrorists.

1/2/2015      Nigeria   Ambe-Madaki    15          40               Fifteen villagers are massacred when 

                                                                                                Muslim terrorists attack a Christian 

                                                                                                village.

1/1/2015      Nigeria    Gombe               0            8                 A suicide bomber detonates at the 

                                                                                                entrance of a church service.

* Data taken from:  http://www.thereligionofpeace.com/Pages/ChristianAttacks.htm

Our Lord Understands
Our Lord endured the most grievous of all persecution and torture. And though it was planned from eternity past, that didn’t make it any less real or any less painful. In His humanity, He felt the agony of the Roman whip upon His back. He knows the excruciating pain of crucifixion first hand.

He told His disciples that they, too, would experience the same hatred, persecution and death on account of their loyalty to Him. God’s Word doesn’t “exempt” twenty-first century believers from the enemy’s attack.

The Enemy Is Real
If you are a believer living in the United States, we have no idea what real persecution looks like. We can still talk openly about Jesus; we can still attend church whenever we want without little fear of armed gunmen opening fire on us; we can still carry our Bibles wherever we choose; there’s no fear of our wives or children being kidnapped because they attended an Awana Club or youth group meeting.

But remember, all believers have an enemy, the devil, and he hates us with an insatiable and deadly hatred. The apostle Peter tells us, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen,” (1 Peter 5:8-12).

The word translated as “devour” is the Greek word: καταπίeiν (root = katapino), a compound word from kata (down), and pinō (to drink). In 1 Pet. 5:8 it’s translated “devour,” speaking of Satan’s activities against believers. The literal meaning would be to swallow. Additionally, it has the meaning: to cause the complete and sudden destruction of someone or something; to destroy, to ruin completely. That’s exactly what our enemy is striving to do through radical jihadist terrorists.

What Now?
It’s so simple to read the above information and move on to the next thing on your calendar. Please don’t do that. Remember to pray, daily, for our brothers and sisters in these Muslim countries. If you can, financially support those organizations that are actively trying to help persecuted Christians around the world.

Food for Thought:
One day, in God’s time, we will meet the ones who are truly suffering for Christ. We will stand side-by-side worshipping and praising God for His wonderful gift of forgiveness and salvation. I hope we, in America, will be able to look them in the eye and not feel ashamed because we ignored their needs.

May the Lord bless you as you continue to seek and serve Him and His people.

By His Grace,
Dr. Gary T. Dromi

NOTE: As I finished writing this article, a news report has just been released stating that 21 Coptic Christians have been beheaded in Libya by ISIS terrorists (Feb. 15, 2015).

1 https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/world-watch-list
2 Ibid.
3 Ibid.
4 Voice of the Martyrs: http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID==373238
5 http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/iraq-islamic-state-turn-christian-churches-into-torture-chambers-1480935