A Word to Christians on Islamic Terrorism

Brothers and sisters, we live in a changing world. As a pastor I am concerned and sick to my stomach. As a husband and father, I am burdened about the world my children and grandchildren are inheriting. As an American, I’m angry and feel like quoting a Toby Keith song but I will refrain. What trumps all of that is that I am a disciple of Jesus.

Although what is happening to our brothers and sisters all over the world in the name of ISIS and Islamic terrorism is shocking, heart breaking, inhumane, and evil, our personal responsibility as disciples must be to point everyone to Christ. Some try to reign with terror. Jesus simply reigns eternally. What is happening in our day does not surprise the King of Glory. Do not fear but instead share the gospel, live the gospel, serve the world with the gospel. A brutal end for Jesus is not the end but only the beginning of an eternal reign with Christ the Victor.

“Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received the mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:4)

Kings, presidents, and governments have certain responsibilities in the world, ordained by God. Disciples of Jesus, in the midst, have a clear calling. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19).

Christians…Less time rambling in fear and anger and more gospel in our circles of influence. You are salt and light. You are a city on a hill. You are the light of the world.

It is time for relentless love, gospel transformation, and spirit and truth empowerment.