Dear E-Flash Friends;
“You rarely hear about it on the news. You rarely even hear about it in churches in the West, in the East, or even in the Middle East. But the big, untold story is that more Muslims are coming to faith in Jesus Christ today than at any other time in history.”
This is a passage that I read, recently, in a fascinating book by a man named Joel Rosenberg (“Inside The Revolution”, Tyndale). Joel is Jewish man who is an Evangelical Christian. That’s interesting in and of itself. He is a successful writer and communications strategist for people such as former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Joel has spoken and traveled all over the world and been featured on ABC’s Nightline, CNN Headline News, the FOX News Channel, the History Channel, MSNBC and many others. He has addressed audiences in Russia, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Turkey and he has spoken at the White House.
His writings about issues affecting Christianity and Judaism and Islam are based on first-hand travel to the Middle East numerous times and interviews with world leaders and military leaders.
I mention a few of his credentials so you will understand that he is a man with some credibility.
Joel quotes the leader of a Christian ministry in Iran who says, “Based on all the things we are seeing inside Iran today, I personally believe that if every Iranian who secretly believes in Jesus could come forward right now and declare his or her faith publicly, the number would top a million.”
Notice that this is happening in Iran. That is extraordinary! The gospel of Jesus Christ is going forth powerfully and effectively in our world. Even in some of the most hostile-to-Christianity places on earth.
I’m sorry, I can’t resist just one more quote. Rosenberg writes, “what intrigues me is not simply that the [Christian leaders in the Middle East] say the greatest spiritual awakening in the history of the Middle East is under way. What intrigues me is that Islamic leaders are worrying in public that a Christian surge is taking place in the region.”
Did you catch that line? “The greatest spiritual awakening in the history of the Middle East.” The Kingdom of Jesus Christ is advancing. Isn’t it great to be a part of His Kingdom?
(Psst! I skipped ahead to the end of the book and read the conclusion already: Jesus’ Kingdom prevails!)
The longer I serve Him and the more I study other worldviews and other religious systems and other philosophical points of view, the more I am attracted to the truth and the beauty of Jesus. He is absolutely compelling. And I admit that I am biased, but no one else and nothing else compares with Him! He stands alone in a category all by himself.
This week we have the privilege of remembering him and honoring him and worshiping him as we remember the single most eternity-altering event in all of human history: The Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
It’s Tuesday as I write this E-Flash and I can’t wait for the weekend to get here so that we can celebrate Easter together! (Actually, it’s probably a good thing that the weekend isn’t here, yet, since I still have to write the message. But I’m excited, nevertheless.)
Our Good Friday service will be, April 10, at 7 pm.
And our Easter services will be Saturday, April 11, at 5 pm, and Sunday, April 12, at 9 and 11 am.
I look forward to seeing you all.
Remember, this is a great time to invite someone. People go to church on Easter. Can you think of someone you could invite?
Blessings,
Dan
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