My California family (minus Nina and Devin)...


The national spotlight has recently fallen on a small body of believers in Florida where a pastor has made plans to burn the Qur'an. The burning was/is supposed to happen on 9/11 (this Saturday).

The contents held within those writings are clearly not inspired of the Lord. I know people of other beliefs, routinely burn Bibles. Regardless, I vehemently reject the idea of participating in this event.

We cannot love the lost if we are condemning them without even attempting to reach out from the heart of our Savior. We cannot follow "do unto others..." ideology if we are 'doing what they do.'

"a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God." John 16:2

We see this in the religious zealotry of many who persecute Christians. Islam gets most of the attention, but it's happening in other belief systems as well.

What sets us apart is supposed to be Jesus. We do not force our beliefs onto others, rather we show them truth by word and deed. We allow the Holy Spirit to penetrate the darkness to reveal light.

When we take part in open condemnation, we precipitate the enemies applause.

Who would stand and cheer at the burning of any "religious book," but the prince of this world? Sowing discord is his joy. When we become instruments in his orchestra, we are out of tune (with our King)!

We need to stand up for Jesus. Intentionally standing against other belief systems alienates entire people groups. Why would they want to listen to what we say if our opening statements are offensive?

I have been treated better by Muslims who didn't have any idea who I was, than some of my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Arrogant Christianity doesn't win souls for our Savior, but it does intoxicate the enemy. Humility is an attribute we need to sharpen. Displaying it causes others to ask, "Why?"

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus..." Philippians 2:3-5
(my favorite passage of Scripture)

Do we have the freedom to burn books... any books?

Yes!

Should our freedoms cloud our judgment?

No!

Jesus said the greatest commandment is to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind..." and the second is to "Love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:37&39.

If we do this, we will not be burning anything, but a hearts desire to embrace the lost, and see them come to Christ!


dad