this land is their land: a biblical view of the near east crisis copyright by norman l. geisler 2006
TRANSCRIPT
This Land is Their Land:A Biblical View of the
Near East Crisis
This Land is Their Land:A Biblical View of the
Near East Crisis
Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2006Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2006
A Fiery TongueA Fiery Tongue
Hezbollah Leader Sheik Hassan NasrallahHezbollah Leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah
“Our mission is to wipe Israel from the face of the earth.”
“Our mission is to wipe Israel from the face of the earth.”
A Fiery ResponseA Fiery Response
Israel Marches NorthIsrael Marches North
What are They Fighting Over?What are They Fighting Over?• It’s the Land?
• Whose Land is It?
• It’s the Land?
• Whose Land is It?
OutlineOutline
I. Who Owns the Holy Land?
II. What is the Basis for the Muslim Claim?
III. Is There a Solution to the Problem?
IV. How Will it All End?
V. How Then Should We Respond?
I. Who Owns the Holy Land?
II. What is the Basis for the Muslim Claim?
III. Is There a Solution to the Problem?
IV. How Will it All End?
V. How Then Should We Respond?
OutlineOutlineI. Who Owns the Holy Land?
A. God gave it to Abraham and his offspring, Isaac and Jacob, and to their descendants forever:
Gen. 12:1:“Now the LORD had said to Abram: ‘Get out of your country, from your kindred And from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you.’”
Gen. 13:15: “For all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever.”
I. Who Owns the Holy Land?
A. God gave it to Abraham and his offspring, Isaac and Jacob, and to their descendants forever:
Gen. 12:1:“Now the LORD had said to Abram: ‘Get out of your country, from your kindred And from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you.’”
Gen. 13:15: “For all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever.”
• Gen. 15:18: “The Lord made a covenant with Abram saying: ‘To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates….’”
• Gen. 17:8: God said to Abraham: “I give to you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession.”
• Josh. 1:3-4: “I have given to you [this land], just as I promised Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittities to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory.”
• Gen. 15:18: “The Lord made a covenant with Abram saying: ‘To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates….’”
• Gen. 17:8: God said to Abraham: “I give to you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession.”
• Josh. 1:3-4: “I have given to you [this land], just as I promised Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittities to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory.”
God Gave It Through Isaac, not IshmaelGod Gave It Through Isaac, not Ishmael
Abraham
Isaac Ishmael
Jews Arabs
Abraham
Isaac Ishmael
Jews Arabs
God Gave It Through Isaac, not IshmaelGod Gave It Through Isaac, not Ishmael• Gen. 17:21: “But My covenant I will establish with Isaac,
whom Sarah shall bear to you….”• Gen. 21:12: “But God said to Abraham…‘In Isaac your
seed shall be called.’” • Gen. 26:3: God said to Isaac: “I will be with you; for to
you and your descendants I give all these lands, and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father.”
• Rom. 9:7: “Nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but ‘In Isaac you seed shall be called.’”
• Gen. 17:21: “But My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you….”
• Gen. 21:12: “But God said to Abraham…‘In Isaac your seed shall be called.’”
• Gen. 26:3: God said to Isaac: “I will be with you; for to you and your descendants I give all these lands, and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father.”
• Rom. 9:7: “Nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but ‘In Isaac you seed shall be called.’”
B. God gave it to them unconditionally (Rom. 11:29).
“The gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.”
1. God’s promises don’t depend on our faithfulness but on God’s faithfulness (2 Tim. 2:13).
“If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.”
2. God’s promise was immutable (Heb. 6:13-18).
“When God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He wore by Himself…. Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation….”
B. God gave it to them unconditionally (Rom. 11:29).
“The gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.”
1. God’s promises don’t depend on our faithfulness but on God’s faithfulness (2 Tim. 2:13).
“If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.”
2. God’s promise was immutable (Heb. 6:13-18).
“When God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He wore by Himself…. Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation….”
3. God’s promise was unconditional 3. God’s promise was unconditional
• Psa. 89:28-37: “My mercy I will keep for him forever, and his throne as the days of heaven. If his sons forsake My law and do not walk in My judgments…, then I will visit their transgressions with the rod…. Nevertheless My lovingkindness I will not utterly take from him nor allow My faithfulness to fail. My covenant I will not break nor alter the word that has gone out of my lips…. It shall be established forever like the moon.”
• Psa. 89:28-37: “My mercy I will keep for him forever, and his throne as the days of heaven. If his sons forsake My law and do not walk in My judgments…, then I will visit their transgressions with the rod…. Nevertheless My lovingkindness I will not utterly take from him nor allow My faithfulness to fail. My covenant I will not break nor alter the word that has gone out of my lips…. It shall be established forever like the moon.”
• Gen. 15:9-18: “Bring Me a three-year old heifer, a three year old female goat, a three year old ram…and cut them in two…. Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram…. And it came to pass when the sun went down and it was dark, that behold, there was a smoking oven and burning torch that passed between those pieces. On the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, to your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates….”
• Gen. 15:9-18: “Bring Me a three-year old heifer, a three year old female goat, a three year old ram…and cut them in two…. Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram…. And it came to pass when the sun went down and it was dark, that behold, there was a smoking oven and burning torch that passed between those pieces. On the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, to your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates….”
• 3. God’s Land promise was forever.
• Gen. 13:15: “For all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever.”
• Gen. 17:8: God said to Abraham: “I give to you... the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession.”
• Psa. 89:28, 29: “My mercy I will keep for him forever, and his throne as the days of heaven.... My covenant I will not break nor alter the word that has gone out of my lips…. It shall be established forever like the moon.”
• 3. God’s Land promise was forever.
• Gen. 13:15: “For all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever.”
• Gen. 17:8: God said to Abraham: “I give to you... the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession.”
• Psa. 89:28, 29: “My mercy I will keep for him forever, and his throne as the days of heaven.... My covenant I will not break nor alter the word that has gone out of my lips…. It shall be established forever like the moon.”
4. God’s land promise is still future 4. God’s land promise is still future 1. Josh 21:43 was not the fulfillment:1. Josh 21:43 was not the fulfillment: “ “Thus the Lord gave to Israel all the Thus the Lord gave to Israel all the
land that he had sworn swore to give to their fathers. And they took land that he had sworn swore to give to their fathers. And they took possession of it, and lived in it.”possession of it, and lived in it.”
a. It was not the whole land promiseda. It was not the whole land promised (It did (It did not not cover Syria)cover Syria) b. It did not last “forever”b. It did not last “forever” (Israel was exiled in 721 (Israel was exiled in 721 and 605 and 605
B.C.)B.C.)3. Later prophet pointed to it as yet future3. Later prophet pointed to it as yet future..
Amos 9:14-15:Amos 9:14-15:““Also I will restore the captivity of My people Israel, And Also I will restore the captivity of My people Israel, And they will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them; They will also plant they will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them; They will also plant vineyards and drink their wine, And make gardens and eat their fruit. vineyards and drink their wine, And make gardens and eat their fruit. I will also plant them on their land, And they will not again be rooted out from their land Which I have given them, says the Lord.”
4. NT is predicts it in the future4. NT is predicts it in the future (Mt. 19:28; Acts 1:6-8 (Mt. 19:28; Acts 1:6-8Acts 3:20-21; Rom. 11:24-26).Acts 3:20-21; Rom. 11:24-26).
SummarySummaryNote:
1. Israel was given all the Land (Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, and Syria).
2. They were given this Land forever.
3. They were given the Land unconditionally.
Note:
1. Israel was given all the Land (Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, and Syria).
2. They were given this Land forever.
3. They were given the Land unconditionally.
This Land is Their LandThis Land is Their Land This Land is their Land, This Land is their Land
From the great Euphrates, to the River of Egypt
From the Western Ocean, to the River Jordan
This Land was made to keep them free.
This Land is their Land, This Land is their Land From the great Euphrates, to the River of Egypt
From the Western Ocean, to the River Jordan
This Land was made to keep them free.
This Land is Their LandThis Land is Their Land This Land is their Land, This Land is their Land
From the great Euphrates, to the River of Egypt
From the Western Ocean, to the River Jordan
This Land was made to keep them free.
On May 15, 1948, after nearly 1900 years, the United Nations established the State of Israel, returning them to their Homeland. Muslim’s have been at war with them ever since.
This Land is their Land, This Land is their Land From the great Euphrates, to the River of Egypt
From the Western Ocean, to the River Jordan
This Land was made to keep them free.
On May 15, 1948, after nearly 1900 years, the United Nations established the State of Israel, returning them to their Homeland. Muslim’s have been at war with them ever since.
This Land is Their LandThis Land is Their Land This Land is their Land, This Land is their Land From
the great Euphrates, to the River of Egypt
From the Western Ocean, to the River Jordan
This Land was made to keep them free.
On May 15, 1948, after nearly 1900 years, the United Nations established the State of Israel, returning them to their Homeland. Muslim’s have been at war with them ever since.
In 1967 Israel took control of Jerusalem and has been in charge of it since that time.
This Land is their Land, This Land is their Land From the great Euphrates, to the River of Egypt
From the Western Ocean, to the River Jordan
This Land was made to keep them free.
On May 15, 1948, after nearly 1900 years, the United Nations established the State of Israel, returning them to their Homeland. Muslim’s have been at war with them ever since.
In 1967 Israel took control of Jerusalem and has been in charge of it since that time.
Muslims Control All This Land Yet They Still Want Tiny Israel! Muslims Control All This Land Yet They Still Want Tiny Israel!
Muslims Control All This Land Yet They Still Want Tiny Israel! Muslims Control All This Land Yet They Still Want Tiny Israel!
Objection: The land promise was fulfilled in Joshua 21:43: “So the Lord gave Israel all the land of which He had sworn to give their fathers and they took possession of it and dwelt in it. Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel.”
Response: They took the Land as a whole but a) not the whole land (cf. Judges) and b) not forever.
1. They did not occupy the Land all the way to the Euphrates as promised to Abraham (Gen. 15:18).
2. They did not occupy it “forever.”
3. There were later promises of a future fulfillment: “I will bring back the captives of My people Israel…. I will plant them in their land, and no longer shall they be pulled up from the land I have given them” (Amos 9:14-15 cf. Mt. 19:28; Acts 1:6-8; Acts 3:19; Rom. 11:24-26).
Objection: The land promise was fulfilled in Joshua 21:43: “So the Lord gave Israel all the land of which He had sworn to give their fathers and they took possession of it and dwelt in it. Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel.”
Response: They took the Land as a whole but a) not the whole land (cf. Judges) and b) not forever.
1. They did not occupy the Land all the way to the Euphrates as promised to Abraham (Gen. 15:18).
2. They did not occupy it “forever.”
3. There were later promises of a future fulfillment: “I will bring back the captives of My people Israel…. I will plant them in their land, and no longer shall they be pulled up from the land I have given them” (Amos 9:14-15 cf. Mt. 19:28; Acts 1:6-8; Acts 3:19; Rom. 11:24-26).
OutlineOutlineI. Who Owns the Holy Land? Israel does!II. What is the Basis for the Muslim Claim? A. Ishmael, not Isaac, was the promised seed of Abram. B. Muhammed
ascended into heaven from Jerusalem.
Response: 1. There is no evidence he was ever in Jerusalem. 2. There is no land claim for Islam in the Qur’an. 3. The Qur’an names Isaac & Jacob as the blessed line (Sura 29:27), as does
the Bible (Gen. 17:21; 21:12). 4. The Qur’an admits that the Bible of Muhammed’s day could be trusted (Sura
10:94), but the Bible deeds the Land to Israel. 5. There is no evidence these OT texts were corrupted. Qur’an says God’s word
can’t be changed (Sura 6:34).
I. Who Owns the Holy Land? Israel does!II. What is the Basis for the Muslim Claim? A. Ishmael, not Isaac, was the promised seed of Abram. B. Muhammed
ascended into heaven from Jerusalem.
Response: 1. There is no evidence he was ever in Jerusalem. 2. There is no land claim for Islam in the Qur’an. 3. The Qur’an names Isaac & Jacob as the blessed line (Sura 29:27), as does
the Bible (Gen. 17:21; 21:12). 4. The Qur’an admits that the Bible of Muhammed’s day could be trusted (Sura
10:94), but the Bible deeds the Land to Israel. 5. There is no evidence these OT texts were corrupted. Qur’an says God’s word
can’t be changed (Sura 6:34).
OutlineOutlineI. Who Owns the Holy Land? Israel does!
II. What is the Basis for the Muslim Claim?
III. Is There a Solution to the Problem?
A. There is no human solution.
1. The Qur’an declares it.
2. History has proven it.
3. God predicted it.
I. Who Owns the Holy Land? Israel does!
II. What is the Basis for the Muslim Claim?
III. Is There a Solution to the Problem?
A. There is no human solution.
1. The Qur’an declares it.
2. History has proven it.
3. God predicted it.
1. The Qur’an declared it.1. The Qur’an declared it.
• Numerous passages in the Qur’an confirm Muslim hatred of Jews.
• Numerous passages in the Qur’an confirm Muslim hatred of Jews.
Sura 9:5: “Then, when the sacred months have passed, slay the idolaters wherever ye find them, and take them (captive), and besiege them, and prepare for them each ambush. But if they repent and establish worship and pay the poor-due, then leave their way free.”
Sura 9:5: “Then, when the sacred months have passed, slay the idolaters wherever ye find them, and take them (captive), and besiege them, and prepare for them each ambush. But if they repent and establish worship and pay the poor-due, then leave their way free.”
Slay the IdolatersSlay the Idolaters
Sura 8:12: “I will cast a dread into the hearts of infidels. Strike off their heads then, and strike off from them every finger-tip.’”
Sura 8:12: “I will cast a dread into the hearts of infidels. Strike off their heads then, and strike off from them every finger-tip.’”
Strike off their headsStrike off their heads
“Sura 4:76: “Those who believe fight in the cause of Allah, and those who reject Faith Fight in the cause of Evil: So fight ye against the friends of Satan: feeble indeed is the cunning of Satan.”
“Sura 4:76: “Those who believe fight in the cause of Allah, and those who reject Faith Fight in the cause of Evil: So fight ye against the friends of Satan: feeble indeed is the cunning of Satan.”
Disbelievers Fight for SatanDisbelievers Fight for Satan
Sura 9:29: “Fight those who do not believe in Allah...until they pay the tax in acknowledgment of superiority and they are in a state of subjection.”
Sura 9:29: “Fight those who do not believe in Allah...until they pay the tax in acknowledgment of superiority and they are in a state of subjection.”
Make War against UnbelieversMake War against Unbelievers
Sura 9:30: “And the Jews say: Ezra is the son of Allah; and the Christians say: The Messiah is the son of Allah;... may Allah destroy them; how they are turned away!”
Sura 9:30: “And the Jews say: Ezra is the son of Allah; and the Christians say: The Messiah is the son of Allah;... may Allah destroy them; how they are turned away!”
May Allah Destroy Christians & JewsMay Allah Destroy Christians & Jews
Sura 8:40: “And fight with them until there is no more persecution and religion should be only for Allah; but if they desist, then surely Allah sees what they do.”
Sura 8:40: “And fight with them until there is no more persecution and religion should be only for Allah; but if they desist, then surely Allah sees what they do.”
Fight until all are MuslimsFight until all are Muslims
Sura 5:51: “O you who believe! do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other;...surely Allah does not guide the unjust people.”
Sura 5:51: “O you who believe! do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other;...surely Allah does not guide the unjust people.”
Don’t Befriend Christians and Jews Don’t Befriend Christians and Jews
Sura 8:60: “Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of war, to strike terror into the hearts of the enemies of Allah.”
Sura 8:60: “Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of war, to strike terror into the hearts of the enemies of Allah.”
Strike Terror in UnbelieversStrike Terror in Unbelievers
Remember 9/11!
"We call on every Muslim who believes in God and wishes to be rewarded to comply
with God's order to kill the Americans and
plunder their money wherever and whenever
they find it.”
"We call on every Muslim who believes in God and wishes to be rewarded to comply
with God's order to kill the Americans and
plunder their money wherever and whenever
they find it.”
Kill the Americans Who are Friends of the Jews
Kill the Americans Who are Friends of the Jews
“Hostility toward America is a religious
duty, and we hope to be rewarded for it by God. I
am confident that Muslims will be able to
end the legend of the so-called superpower that
is America.”
“Hostility toward America is a religious
duty, and we hope to be rewarded for it by God. I
am confident that Muslims will be able to
end the legend of the so-called superpower that
is America.”
Hostility is a Religious Duty Hostility is a Religious Duty
“Islam says: ‘Kill all unbelievers…kill them and put them to the sword and scatter their armies.…’ There are hundreds of Qur’anic Psalms and sayings of the prophet Muhammad urging Muslims to value war and to fight.”
“Islam says: ‘Kill all unbelievers…kill them and put them to the sword and scatter their armies.…’ There are hundreds of Qur’anic Psalms and sayings of the prophet Muhammad urging Muslims to value war and to fight.”
Khomeini: Qur’an says “Kill”Khomeini: Qur’an says “Kill”
Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
“Israel should be wiped off the map.”
“It is an evil nation.”
"Anybody who recognizes Israel will burn in the fire of the Islamic nation's fury."
“Israel should be wiped off the map.”
“It is an evil nation.”
"Anybody who recognizes Israel will burn in the fire of the Islamic nation's fury."
“Non-Muslims are our enemy according to the Qur’an, so Americans are our enemy. We hate America. I believe in jihad. I will do whatever I can do. If I am provided the opportunity to get weapons, I will use them.”
Shafia Salaam, 16, Afghan refugee living in Pakistan (NYT, Oct 21, 2001)
“Non-Muslims are our enemy according to the Qur’an, so Americans are our enemy. We hate America. I believe in jihad. I will do whatever I can do. If I am provided the opportunity to get weapons, I will use them.”
Shafia Salaam, 16, Afghan refugee living in Pakistan (NYT, Oct 21, 2001)
Qur’an: Non-Muslims are our EnemyQur’an: Non-Muslims are our Enemy
OutlineOutlineI. Who Owns the Holy Land?
II. What is the Basis for the Muslim Claim?
III. Is There a Solution to the Problem?
A. There is no human solution.
1. The Qur’an declares it.
2. History has proven it.
I. Who Owns the Holy Land?
II. What is the Basis for the Muslim Claim?
III. Is There a Solution to the Problem?
A. There is no human solution.
1. The Qur’an declares it.
2. History has proven it.
Earliest Biography of Muhammad He Commanded or Condoned Killing: Earliest Biography of Muhammad
He Commanded or Condoned Killing:•Unbelievers in general.•Any Jew who fell into their hands. •Killed a Jew who wrote poetry against him•Killed 600 to 900 Jews.•Killed a man who refused to help find treasure.•Killed Meccans who satirized or insulted him.•Killed a one-eyed shepherd because he said he would never become a Muslim.•Killed a woman who was nursing her baby,because she wrote a poem against him.•(In The Life of Muhammad trans. of Ishaq’s Sirat Rasul Allah--earliest biography of Muhammad)
•Unbelievers in general.•Any Jew who fell into their hands. •Killed a Jew who wrote poetry against him•Killed 600 to 900 Jews.•Killed a man who refused to help find treasure.•Killed Meccans who satirized or insulted him.•Killed a one-eyed shepherd because he said he would never become a Muslim.•Killed a woman who was nursing her baby,because she wrote a poem against him.•(In The Life of Muhammad trans. of Ishaq’s Sirat Rasul Allah--earliest biography of Muhammad)
The First 100 Years of Islam The First 100 Years of Islam
Scope of Islam Today Scope of Islam Today
1972: Munich Olympics 1979: U.S. Embassy in Iran Seized1980s: Kidnappings in Lebanon1983: Marine Barracks in Beruit Bombed1985: Achille Lauro Hijacked1985: TWA Flight Hijacked1986: German Nightclub Bombed1988: TWA Flight Bombed1993: WTC Bombed1996: Khobar Towers Bombed1998: US Embassies Bombed 2000: USS Cole Bombed2001: WTC destroyed and Pentagon Attacked2002: Bali Nightclub Bombed, Moscow Theatre Seized2003: Philippine Airport Bombed2004: Madrid Train Bombed, Americans Beheaded2005-2006: Countless attacks in Iraq
Note: This does not count the hundreds of attacks against Israel
Evidence from Recent Terrorism Evidence from Recent Terrorism
OutlineOutlineI. Who Owns the Holy Land? Israel does!
II. What is the Basis for the Muslim Claim?
There is none.
III. Is There a Solution to the Problem?
A. There is no human solution.
1. The Qur’an declares it.
2. History has proven it.
3. God predicted it
I. Who Owns the Holy Land? Israel does!
II. What is the Basis for the Muslim Claim?
There is none.
III. Is There a Solution to the Problem?
A. There is no human solution.
1. The Qur’an declares it.
2. History has proven it.
3. God predicted it
3. God predicted it3. God predicted it• a. God said of Ishmael from whom the
Arabs came: “He shall be a wild man: His hand shall be against every man, and every man’s hand against him.” (Gen. 16:12).
• b. Jesus said that to “the end of the age” there will be “wars and rumors of war” (Mt. 24:3, 6).
• c. The Bible declares it will end at the last battle of Armageddon (Zech. 12, 14; Rev. 16:12-16).
• a. God said of Ishmael from whom the Arabs came: “He shall be a wild man: His hand shall be against every man, and every man’s hand against him.” (Gen. 16:12).
• b. Jesus said that to “the end of the age” there will be “wars and rumors of war” (Mt. 24:3, 6).
• c. The Bible declares it will end at the last battle of Armageddon (Zech. 12, 14; Rev. 16:12-16).
Zecharia’s PredictionZecharia’s Prediction• Zech. 12:3: “And it shall happen in that day that
I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it.”
• Zech. 14:2: “For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem; the city shall be taken, the houses rifled, and the women ravished. Half of the city will go into captivity.
• Zech. 12:3: “And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it.”
• Zech. 14:2: “For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem; the city shall be taken, the houses rifled, and the women ravished. Half of the city will go into captivity.
John’s PredictionJohn’s Prediction
• Rev. 16:12-15: “Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way off the kings from the east might be prepared…. For they are spirits of demons performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God almighty…. And they gathered tem together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.”
• Rev. 16:12-15: “Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way off the kings from the east might be prepared…. For they are spirits of demons performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God almighty…. And they gathered tem together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.”
OutlineOutlineI. Who Owns the Holy Land? Israel does!
II. What is the Basis for the Muslim Claim?
There is none.
III. Is There a Solution to the Problem?
A. There is no human solution.
1. The Qur’an declares it.
2. History has proven it.
3. God predicted it.
B. There is a divine solution.
I. Who Owns the Holy Land? Israel does!
II. What is the Basis for the Muslim Claim?
There is none.
III. Is There a Solution to the Problem?
A. There is no human solution.
1. The Qur’an declares it.
2. History has proven it.
3. God predicted it.
B. There is a divine solution.
OutlineOutlineI. Who Owns the Holy Land? Israel does!
II. What is the Basis for the Muslim Claim?
There is none.
III. Is There a Solution to the Problem?
There is no human solution.
IV. How Will the Conflict End?
A. Surrounding nations will conquer Jerusalem at end of the Tribulation.
B. But Christ will return to earth.
I. Who Owns the Holy Land? Israel does!
II. What is the Basis for the Muslim Claim?
There is none.
III. Is There a Solution to the Problem?
There is no human solution.
IV. How Will the Conflict End?
A. Surrounding nations will conquer Jerusalem at end of the Tribulation.
B. But Christ will return to earth.
B. Christ will return.B. Christ will return.1. He will destroy the nations (Zech. 12:8-9):
“In that day the Lord will defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem…; the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the Lord before them. It shall be in that day that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem” (Zech. 12:8-9).
“And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives…. And the Lord shall be King over all the earth” (Zech. 12:4, 9).
1. He will destroy the nations (Zech. 12:8-9):
“In that day the Lord will defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem…; the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the Lord before them. It shall be in that day that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem” (Zech. 12:8-9).
“And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives…. And the Lord shall be King over all the earth” (Zech. 12:4, 9).
2. Israel will be converted
“And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication: then they will look on Me whom they have pierced; they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son….” (Zech. 12:10).
“Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, and they also who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him” cf. Rev. 1:7).
2. Israel will be converted
“And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication: then they will look on Me whom they have pierced; they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son….” (Zech. 12:10).
“Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, and they also who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him” cf. Rev. 1:7).
3. Christ will set up His kingdom.
“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from His goats…. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Mt. 25:31-34).
3. Christ will set up His kingdom.
“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from His goats…. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Mt. 25:31-34).
4. God will restore the Jews to their land
“It shall come to pass in that day that the Lord shall set His hand again the second time to recover the remnant of His people who are left, from Assyria and Egypt, from Pathros and Cush, from Elam and Sinar, from Hamath and the islands of the sea” (Isa. 11:11).
“When they [the Apostles] had come together, they asked Him, saying ‘Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?’ And He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority” (Acts 1:7-8).
4. God will restore the Jews to their land
“It shall come to pass in that day that the Lord shall set His hand again the second time to recover the remnant of His people who are left, from Assyria and Egypt, from Pathros and Cush, from Elam and Sinar, from Hamath and the islands of the sea” (Isa. 11:11).
“When they [the Apostles] had come together, they asked Him, saying ‘Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?’ And He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority” (Acts 1:7-8).
5. Christ will reign a thousand years
“So Jesus said to them [the apostles], ‘Assuredly, I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Mat.19:28)
“And they [the saints of the first resurrection] lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished” (Rev. 20:4-5).
5. Christ will reign a thousand years
“So Jesus said to them [the apostles], ‘Assuredly, I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Mat.19:28)
“And they [the saints of the first resurrection] lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished” (Rev. 20:4-5).
OutlineOutline
I. Who Owns the Holy Land? Israel does!
II. What is the Basis for the Muslim Claim?
There is none.
III. Is There a Solution to the Problem? No.
IV. How Will it All End? At Armageddon.
V. How Then Should We Respond?
I. Who Owns the Holy Land? Israel does!
II. What is the Basis for the Muslim Claim?
There is none.
III. Is There a Solution to the Problem? No.
IV. How Will it All End? At Armageddon.
V. How Then Should We Respond?
A. Our Response to IsraelA. Our Response to Israel1. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May they prosper who love you” (Psa. 122:6).
2. God will bless those who bless Israel
“I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you” (Gen. 12:3).
1. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May they prosper who love you” (Psa. 122:6).
2. God will bless those who bless Israel
“I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you” (Gen. 12:3).
B. Our Response to TerroristB. Our Response to Terrorist• 1. The sword of government should be used on
rebels and those who practice evil.
• “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God…. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil” (Rom. 13:1, 4).
• See Exodus 22:2 and Gen. 14.
• 1. The sword of government should be used on rebels and those who practice evil.
• “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God…. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil” (Rom. 13:1, 4).
• See Exodus 22:2 and Gen. 14.
2. Those who live by the sword will die by it.2. Those who live by the sword will die by it.
“All who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Mt. 26:52).
The sword was not given to the individual to use on the government, but to the government to use on the individual.
. “In a fallen world, force in some form will always be necessary” (Francis Schaeffer, A Christian Manifesto, 107).
“We must fight fire with fire” and--
We must fight fire power with fire power.
“All who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Mt. 26:52).
The sword was not given to the individual to use on the government, but to the government to use on the individual.
. “In a fallen world, force in some form will always be necessary” (Francis Schaeffer, A Christian Manifesto, 107).
“We must fight fire with fire” and--
We must fight fire power with fire power.
Edmund Burke: Edmund Burke:“All that is necessary for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing.”The UN did nothing to enforce Resolution 1559, and look at what happened!
“All that is necessary for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing.”The UN did nothing to enforce Resolution 1559, and look at what happened!
C. Our Response to MuslimsC. Our Response to Muslims
1. Win them to Christ one by one.
2. Share the love of Christ with them.
Love is more powerful than fear.
Heaven was gained by Jesus, not by Jihad.
1. Win them to Christ one by one.
2. Share the love of Christ with them.
Love is more powerful than fear.
Heaven was gained by Jesus, not by Jihad.
Church of Converted MuslimsChurch of Converted Muslims
Sasan Tavassoli
• Former student Sasan Tavassoli pastored a church of 70 converted Muslims in Atlanta. He now has a Ph.D. in Islamic studies from England.
• Former student Sasan Tavassoli pastored a church of 70 converted Muslims in Atlanta. He now has a Ph.D. in Islamic studies from England.
Jordan Evangelical Theological SeminaryJordan Evangelical Theological Seminary
Ahmed ShehadehAhmed Shehadeh
C. Our Response to MuslimsC. Our Response to Muslims
1. Win them to Christ one by one.
2. Share the love of Christ with them.
3. Share the superiority of Christ with them.
1. Win them to Christ one by one.
2. Share the love of Christ with them.
3. Share the superiority of Christ with them.
MUHAMMAD
Not Virgin Born
MUHAMMAD
Not Virgin BornJESUS
Virgin Born
JESUS
Virgin Born
SinlessSinlessNot SinlessNot Sinless
Not MessiahNot Messiah Called MessiahCalled Messiah
Did MiraclesDid MiraclesNo MiraclesNo Miracles
Body in GraveBody in Grave Body in HeavenBody in Heaven
ACCORDING TO ISLAMACCORDING TO ISLAM
D. Our Response to the TimesD. Our Response to the Times
• 2 Peter 3:10-13: “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, the the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming day of God….”
• 2 Peter 3:10-13: “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, the the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming day of God….”
No One Knows the TimeNo One Knows the Time
• Mt. 24:36: “But of that day and hour no one knows, no not even the angels of heaven but My Father only”
• Acts 1:7: “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.”
• Mt. 24:36: “But of that day and hour no one knows, no not even the angels of heaven but My Father only”
• Acts 1:7: “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.”
Christ May Come at Any MomentChrist May Come at Any Moment1. We are not looking for the Antichrist, but we are waiting
for the Christ (Titus 2:13).
2. We are looking for a sign, but we are listening for a sound (1 Thes. 4:13-18).
3. We are not looking for the Undertaker, but we a looking for the Upper-Taker
“In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye…. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1 Cor. 15:52-53).
Meanwhile: Jesus said, “Occupy until I come.”
1. We are not looking for the Antichrist, but we are waiting for the Christ (Titus 2:13).
2. We are looking for a sign, but we are listening for a sound (1 Thes. 4:13-18).
3. We are not looking for the Undertaker, but we a looking for the Upper-Taker
“In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye…. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1 Cor. 15:52-53).
Meanwhile: Jesus said, “Occupy until I come.”