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As the Christians sat there, befuddled, a young Muslim inmate, named Cisse, just giggled at the happenings. Not in a bad way, but simply because he knew immediately who the Imam was referring to. (Cisse was pending trial in his PTSD-related stomping death of his six-year-old daughter. He was later convicted of involuntary manslaughter.) I asked Cisse who the infidels were. Without hesitation he said, “Anyone who is not a Muslim.” I then asked him, “Who is the Great Satan?” Cisse responded, “Americans.” I told the men of the countless, pointless conversations, blogs, and debates about this Muslim’s prayer, but that everyone was overlooking the core issue – salvation through Jesus Christ alone. I asked, “Is Jesus the only way to God, or not?” More silence from the Christian men, but Cisse said, “Yes, Jesus in the only way to God.” I was stunned. I asked Cisse why and he said, “Because righteousness only comes through Jesus.” Now I was silent. I chastised the Christians. “This man, who is not a Christian, is quoting your Bible!” I turned to Cisse and asked him if he was now a Christian. He said no. I told him, “I don’t understand. Why are you agreeing with me if you’re not a Christian?” Cisse explained that he’d been reading the Bible I gave him — John, Acts, & Romans — and he was also having great Bible studies back in his pod with other Christians. He concluded by flatly stating, “No normal man could have written these words.” Cisse went on to say that he’s dealing with: Cisse admitted that he was at a dilemma as he tried to weave the two books together, but he was finding gross contradictions. About this time, another inmate (Smith) said, “I’m a Christian. I was raised in the church, but I gotta ask. Whose standard of truth are you using?” A little puzzled, I told him the Bible. Smith shook his head and asked, “What about other religions, like Islam? What you’re saying is offensive to them.” (Smith was trying to start a debate between Christianity and Islam.) I told Smith, “First of all, I’m not ‘saying’ anything. These are the words of God. Second, you’ve fallen for ‘tolerance.’ Let me ask you, which is a greater virtue, tolerance or truth?” He didn’t answer. I explained that not all beliefs, lifestyles, and truth-claims are equal. However, tolerance says that all beliefs, lifestyles, and truth-claims are equal. I said the Bible is true whether you BELIEVE it or not, KNOW it or not, and LIKE it or not. For example, the Bible says that Jesus was God, but the Quran says that Jesus was just a good man. They both can’t be right. Also, deal with this, “All have sinned. All sins must be paid for. Who’s gonna pay for your sins?” Still no answer. I proceeded. People (especially Christians) are buying into the lie that tolerance is greater than truth, so we automatically reject and discard biblical truths. Why?!! Because we don’t want to be labeled as intolerant and offensive. We care more about what people think, than what God thinks. People-pleasers rather than God-pleasers. (This info apparently went into one of Smith’s ear and right out the other because he simply chuckled and said, “I still prefer to remain open-minded and non-offensive.”) At this point, with his strong African accent, Cisse stood up and ranted, “Pastor Nick is right! You Westerners are ignorant! Your faith is being attacked and you don’t even know it! You don’t even know your Bibles! Christians keep giving up ground until they will have nothing to stand on! You need to hear L.A.P.U.P.P.! Tell them about L.A.P.U.P.P., Pastor Nick!” (Throughout his pre-trial confinement, Cisse faithfully attended every one of our outreaches and had absorbed much.) So get this. On one hand here is a Christian who didn’t believe and wouldn’t accept the Bible as the sole truth and infallible word of God, and on the other hand here’s a Muslim (not a Christian) who was defending the truth and power of the Bible. Incredible! This is such a reflection of too many Christians, today. FYI: L.A.P.U.P.P. is an acronym I use for the five great proofs of the Bible. (I added the last P): Take the time to understand L.A.P.U.P.P.! It will embolden your faith in the word of God, so the next time someone criticizes the Bible, you can tell them about L.A.P.U.P.P. |
A few years ago, while ministering in the prison, I shared a news article about a Muslim Imam’s opening prayer in the Iowa Statehouse. On the floor of the Statehouse, he prayed for “victory over those who disbelieve” and “protection from the Great Satan.” I explained to the inmates that disbelievers of Islam are called infidels. I then asked, “In his prayer, who are the infidels,” and, “Who is the Great Satan?” Complete silence from the forty-or-so Christians.
Disciples of Schwab/Henoko |
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“Fix bayonets!” |
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Agree with us in Prayera. For the Brig/Prison: I continue to ask God for all the souls in the Brig, even the Guards. Pray for the inmates, guards, and their families. Bind up spirits of bitterness, unforgiveness, shame, condemnation, and pride. And loose a spirit of salvation, discipleship, forgiveness, exposure, healing, deliverance, peace, and restoration! b. For continued increase at ZCDC (Churchplant). Pray for mature, qualified families and permanent personnel to co-labor with us in the northern-most, remote area of Okinawa. c. For Zebulun Worship Team as they practice and develop their gifts. d. For our Believers, that they walk in increased discernment, wisdom, maturity, power, and that they are properly discipled, and that they bear much Kingdom fruit! e. Pray against retaliatory, unclean spirits (on base and off base). Bind up demonic spirits of lust, division, strife, envy, competition, and fear. And loose a spirit of unity, peace, love, and faith among Believers. f. For our current schedule, i.e. finances, resources, wisdom, strategies, and strength: |
In closing…Saints, thank you for your prayers of faith. “Do not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Gal 6:9) With all the opposition this year, we still press forward. Honestly, I don’t know much else to do, except trust in Him and keep my hand to the plow. Just be confident in knowing that the gospel is being preached, soul’s are being saved, and the Father’s Kingdom is being advanced! As full-time missionaries in Japan, the costs are enormous – financial, physical, and emotional. We do need help, so I continue to invite you to partner with us in these godly works. Through your monetary donations and support you become a benefactor of the Kingdom fruit being harvested here. Financial gifts and contributions can be made online through Christians In Action. Or, you can mail contributions to the address listed below. Finally, I’d like to invite you to support Christians In Action through your Amazon purchases. When you purchase anything on Amazon, you can assign 0.5% of your purchase to CinAMI at no cost to you. Go to smile.amazon and designate Christians in Action as your supported charity. Look for: Charity: Christians in Action I declare that you will not be weary in well doing: for in due season you shall reap, if you faint not! (Gal 6:9) Contributions can be sent to: ▪ Please ensure Acct #426 is annotated on your contribution so the funds can be allocated correctly. |
— Our Mission & Vision —“Gather Sheep & Convert Goats!”“Catch, Clean, & Release!” |
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