Christian Pastor to be executed in Iran as per Sharia Law

[BobRyan]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/reli...ZZB2K_blog.html

Pastor Youcef is condemned to die as a heretic - much as things were done in the dark ages.

Apparently even the lawyer who dared to make a defense for him will be sent to prison.

We should pray that God will deliver Pastor Youcef from these dark-ages practices still being promoted in some countries of the world against "state-religion condemned heretics".

in Christ,

Bob

[LynnDel]

The lawyer sent to prison for defending him? It truly sounds like the darkest of dark ages.

[Igakusei]

One of the problems is that if the Iranian leaders give in to the pressure (from the infidels) and release him, the leaders themselves become the targets. There have been a large number of cases where something like this happens, but then the judge or politician that releases them gets assassinated.

[BobRyan]

On a related note -

What western countries are known for having a problem with Islamic groups rioting - causing unrest?

Seems like it is most notably - France and England.

I am wondering if the cycle is not something like this -

1. Evolution gains a foothold until it becomes the dominant religion.

2. Atheism begins to expand along with various ideas for outlawing the Bible as hate speech.

3. Islamic groups move into the vacuum that is created and evangelize western peoples.

4. Movements start up for sharia law in western countries with high volume politically active muslim populations.

in Christ,

Bob

[Igakusei]

uh... -_-

[Stan]

too often a Muslim parent finds out that their kids are Christian because they begin eating pork, drinking alcohol, disrespecting family and stops praying 5 times a day, they also lose other muslim values.

That breaks the parents heart and shows so much disrespect for the family.

The Adventist Church members are often well accepted, and even protected in some radical muslim areas. We even rent the Mosque on Saturday afternoons.

[cardw]

On a related note -

What western countries are known for having a problem with Islamic groups rioting - causing unrest?

Seems like it is most notably - France and England.

I am wondering if the cycle is not something like this -

1. Evolution gains a foothold until it becomes the dominant religion.

2. Atheism begins to expand along with various ideas for outlawing the Bible as hate speech.

3. Islamic groups move into the vacuum that is created and evangelize western peoples.

4. Movements start up for sharia law in western countries with high volume politically active muslim populations.

in Christ,

Bob

What a bunch of rubbish. The reason they have problems is immigration and children born into Islam not conversion.

[LifeHiscost]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/reli...ZZB2K_blog.html

Pastor Youcef is condemned to die as a heretic - much as things were done in the dark ages.

Apparently even the lawyer who dared to make a defense for him will be sent to prison.

We should pray that God will deliver Pastor Youcef from these dark-ages practices still being promoted in some countries of the world against "state-religion condemned heretics".

in Christ,

Bob

[LifeHiscost]

I have listened to Pastor Youcef a number of times and have been highly moved as he spoke, first as he spoke the truth without dissimulation, and second as the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart as I listened.

The devil cares not what it is necessary for him to do to silence the witness of those who worship and serve Jesus as Lord, whether it is by accusation of heresy according to the Qur'an or some other antiChrist active in this evil age.

I am happy to believe, even despite Pastor Youcef's seemingly negative circumstances, God will deliver Him to that which will give his personal witness greater glory to God, and will give Pastor Youcef the greatest amount of soul satisfaction.

It is decidedly satisfying to look forward to meeting him in the Kingdom, if not here on this earth then surely in the life to come.

Quote:

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:8 NLT

Oops! Wrong Pastor Youcef. Sentiments remain the same.

God blesses!

[cardw]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/reli...ZZB2K_blog.html

Pastor Youcef is condemned to die as a heretic - much as things were done in the dark ages.

Apparently even the lawyer who dared to make a defense for him will be sent to prison.

We should pray that God will deliver Pastor Youcef from these dark-ages practices still being promoted in some countries of the world against "state-religion condemned heretics".

I'd like to point out who provided the model and who is responsible for for these dark-ages practices.

Christians

This doesn't justify their behavior, but I don't think the Crusades did much to help things. I can see why Islam might decide to root out Christianity because it taught Christians to kill all muslims.

[phkrause]

I'd like to point out who provided the model and who is responsible for for these dark-ages practices.

Christians

This doesn't justify their behavior, but I don't think the Crusades did much to help things. I can see why Islam might decide to root out Christianity because it taught Christians to kill all muslims.

Unfortunately I agree with you, it is sad that so-called Christians went about killing in the name of God. All those that partisapated in this will someday have to answer for this. And yes I saw an interview with one of the terrorist, not sure if it was an actual interview, but maybe a statement of where they learned about terrorism.

[LifeHiscost]

This doesn't justify their behavior, but I don't think the Crusades did much to help things. I can see why Islam might decide to root out Christianity because it taught Christians to kill all muslims.

The charge that Christians (not all) decided that to kill was a holy solution, was at one time a reality in a government by the religious. It is not today, although it is prophecied that when the religious again become the government, it will return as a governmental solution. All the more reason to keep separate the state and church.

It appears that when the governed see fit to make sure the "righteous" remain that way, it isn't restricted to any particular religious persuasion, merely human beings with mistaken opinions that they themselves are more righteous than those that should be put to death.

God blesses!

[Dr. Shane]

The idea of killing someone that converts to another religion is based in fear. It is the ultimate fear tactic. True Christians choose to try to win hearts with love and not use fear tactics. Sadly many Christian denominations are a type of false religion embracing fear tactics just like Muslims.

[LifeHiscost]

Sadly many Christian denominations are a type of false religion embracing fear tactics just like Muslims.

And would those religious bodies who use fear to motivate, be promoting the idea that God didn't tell the truth when He said "Thou shalt surely die", followed by burning in a fiery furnace without end because your soul supposedly lasting forever and unable to die, must go somewhere terrible because God is just to "get even" with the unrepentant?

If I believed that I guess I wouldn't feel comfortable keeping company with God either.

"He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, Who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, Whom no man has seen or can see, to Whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen."" 1 Timothy 6:15-17 NKJV

God blesses!

[LifeHiscost]

Update on Youcef Nadarkhani

VOM contacts report that Pastor Nadarkhani's verdict has been delayed again by the court in Gilan province. The reason for the delay, according to his attorney, is that they have referred the case to the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It is highly unusual for the court to ask for the legal opinion of the Supreme Leader.

Please continue to pray for Youcef, his family and those supporting him.

Prisoner Alert users have reported receiving a letter from the Iranian government renouncing published news about Nadarkhani's case. This is positive! Your voices have been heard and the government of Iran feels the pressure. Please continue to stand with our brother.

Hello Friends.

Since our last communication with you, the PrisonerAlert for Youcef Nadarkhani has been viewed over 30800 times, and over 2800 letters of encouragement have been sent. What a blessing this must have been to Youcef Nadarkhani -- and what a message it will have sent to the officials, that this person is cared for internationally.

Now imagine what could happen if we could double, triple or increase by ten or one hundred-fold the number of people, around the World, that are praying and writing on behalf of those imprisoned and persecuted for their faith.

by Voice of the Martyrs

God blesses!

[Bravus]

http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/10/14...E2%80%99s-case/

[BobRyan]

An insightful example of the "conditions" under which Iranian lawyers have to work - which may temper our enthusiasm for cases where they ostensibly claim some kind of pristine climate within their judicial system.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/05/world/meast/iran-hikers-lawyer/?iref=obnetwork

[Bravus]

"If your brother, the son of your mother, or your son, or your daughter, or the wife of your bosom, or your friend who is as your own soul, entices you secretly, saying, 'Let us go and serve other gods'... you shall not yield to him or listen to him, nor shall your eye pity him, nor shall you spare him, nor shall you conceal him; but you shall kill him; your hand shall be first against him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people. You shall stone him to death with stones..." Deuteronomy 13:6, 8-10

[Gail]

As Christians I would think that being tried in the fire of affliction as not a strange one to those who take up the name and cross of Christ.

AND the Bible looks at it as a good thing- for as silver is purified in the fire a much better product is the result.

We should ALL be ready to offer ourselves up. The Bible talks about total surrender- well, that is one way to test it, and one that has been used all through history and is still being used.

Quote:

1 Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

and:

Quote:

1 Peter 4:12

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

[Gustave]

too often a Muslim parent finds out that their kids are Christian because they begin eating pork, drinking alcohol, disrespecting family and stops praying 5 times a day, they also lose other muslim values.

That breaks the parents heart and shows so much disrespect for the family.

The Adventist Church members are often well accepted, and even protected in some radical muslim areas. We even rent the Mosque on Saturday afternoons.

The following is WHY religious educated Muslims wink at SDA's...

...And to a degree allow them to operate in places the eastern Orthodox and Catholics are not.

Review and Herald, October 28, 1909

The creed of that faith is generally compressed into the wellknown formula: "There is no god but God, and Mohammed is his prophet". But there is another and longer form, which reads as follows,"I believe in God and his angels, and his books, and his prophets, and the last day, and the predestination of good and evil by God, and I bear witness that there is no God but God, and I bear witness that Mohammed is his slave and his prophet.

From the above it must be perfectly clear that Mohammedanism is very far from being the heathen religion, as some are wont to believe. It teaches belief in God, angels, the prophets, the last day, and the resurrection of the dead. More than this, About one half of the koran is a polemic against polytheism and TRINITARIANISM. In fact the word Allah is an abbreviation of Al-iah which means the ONE, TRUE, ONLY God. There is something in the nature of a challenge in the word itself to the dominant Christian church of the period when Mohammedanism arose. For the church at that time was sunk in the maze of the worship of saints and images when Mohammed came asserting THAT everlasting truth: "THERE is but ONE GOD".

It should come as no great shock that SDA's are given a pass in Islamic Sharia areas...

...Muslims are not stupid - they know the enemy of their enemy is their friend.

...And after reading the Koran from cover to cover I can assure you that the Trinity IS the enemy of Islam.

[ClubV12]

There was a time, early in Sister Whites work, that she and others would pray for divine healing for a desperately sick soul, near death. They thought that if they even mentioned the concept of "thy will be done" it would be an expression of insecurity or disbelief. And there prayers were answered. But to often, those raised up from the brink of death went on to live a life that did not reflect Jesus.

Seeing the outcome of such fervent prayers she began to add "if it be thou will". There is no disbelief in such a prayer, but simply trusting God to do what he knows is best. I suppose this principal applies to the Iranian Pastor as well. Not because he might "stumble into sin" should he be allowed to escape this prosecution, but because, perhaps, his death will have more impact than his life? God knows, His will be done, while our fervent prayers on behalf of the Pastor must continue. We have an important part to play, acknowledging God knows best.

Sometimes sickness comes upon us as a method to draw us closer to Him. Tis a tricky thing to know what to say to one who is suffering, what to pray for them. But it is ALWAYS appropriate to let God make the final decision, is it not?

As it concerns martyrs, tread carefully in your own life and in other lives. Don't bring a time of trouble upon anyone before the time is here. Those who are truly prepared to die for their Saviour will have little time to talk about it, to "boast" about it, if you would. They are in a very solemn position and will be seeking a much closer and intimate connection with the Lord. Not carrying protest signs and making "big talk" about how they are prepared to die for what they believe. Volunteering for military service, as they DID in the Civil War, to make a "big deal" out of the issue, with the support of the "brethren" all but urging them on. Some did little more that commit suicide in their zeal, this did not honor God and they were not martyrs.

"Though I deliver my body to be burned, if I have not love..."

[cardw]

There was a time, early in Sister Whites work, that she and others would pray for divine healing for a desperately sick soul, near death. They thought that if they even mentioned the concept of "thy will be done" it would be an expression of insecurity or disbelief. And there prayers were answered. But to often, those raised up from the brink of death went on to live a life that did not reflect Jesus.

Seeing the outcome of such fervent prayers she began to add "if it be thou will". There is no disbelief in such a prayer, but simply trusting God to do what he knows is best.

This pretty sick stuff. What it says is that if god doesn't heal you then you aren't worthy.

It is also a way to explain why people didn't always get well when Sister White prayed for people. If she adds "if it be thine will" then she has plausible deniability. It's just part of the con.

[ClubV12]

I see it differently, of course. I see that God may let someone die to save them from themself should they be allowed to live. Just like He allows martyrdom. Or allows suffering to continue, if thats what it takes to get their attention. God will not work some miracle to save you from reckless behaviour.

Now some may conclude from the above statements that God is in control of all things, life and death. But WE make decisions, our freedom of choice along the way. God is no respector of persons, if you drink enough alcohol, christian or not, you will pay the price in health concerns, or even death. God allowed you to make choices, violation of His natural laws will bring natural results!

How can you "demand" God save someone when YOU don't know the hidden, secret things in that persons life? To do so would be presumption. We need to ask for life, for healing, with the understanding that God knows best.

He could not save Moses from certain death when Moses came before the Pharoah with "known sin", a duty, he needed to perform first. Circumcision in Moses' case. It will be different things for different people. The point is, you cannot ask for His blessing if you KNOW you are not living up to the light, wisdom, understanding you already have. That would be asking God to violate His own law!

Death, on this earth, is not to be feared. In that respect I understand where the suicide bomber is coming from, death in THIS world is not the issue.

For a christian, the "second death" the eternal death is of paramount concern.

Careful now, policitally incorrect coming:

I do not know what steps this Pastor may have taken to bring upon himself a "time of trouble" before it's time! I hope he did nothing of the sort, but I don't know. Perhaps in his zeal for the truth he took steps he now regrets very much. I hope this "time of trouble" he is in now is one of coming close to God, seeking forgiveness for any mistakes, preparing his soul for possible death.

[Gail]

Quote:

The following is WHY religious educated Muslims wink at SDA's...

...And to a degree allow them to operate in places the eastern Orthodox and Catholics are not.

Quote:

It should come as no great shock that SDA's are given a pass in Islamic Sharia areas...

...Muslims are not stupid - they know the enemy of their enemy is their friend.

...And after reading the Koran from cover to cover I can assure you that the Trinity IS the enemy of Islam.

If you watch Steve Wohlberg's "Islam Revisited," you will discover that Muslims will befriend and welcome those whom they respect. (my ex used to have that same experience with Jewish people, which is rare for a Gentile) SDAs come into that category (SOME SDA... we would be wise to learn of their example)

God knows what we have to work with. The Holy Spirit is also able to reach souls with truth in the most formidable circumstances. (I'm still thinking of the topic where we were talking about spending energy doing the job that is the Spirit's. All we might be called to do is to sow seeds. Or harvest. But probably not both)

[LifeHiscost]

Quote:

I see that God may let someone die to save them from themself should they be allowed to live.

God blesses!