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The seminar covered several topics, including the Islamic concept of Jihad, or holy war against non-Muslims, but it was meant for Christians only.

cbn.com (CBN News) – In Victoria, Australia, the state government has passed a highly controversial law designed to protect religious and racial minorities. But it seems to be having an unintended effect.

Two Christian pastors are currently on trial under the law. And they say it feels like the law is persecuting them.
Pastors Daniel Scot and Danny Nalliah have been on trial since October 2003. In the Land Down Under, these Christian pastors are feeling like their world has been literally turned upside down.

If they are found guilty, they might have to pay thousands of dollars in fines. Why are they on trial? Because they held a seminar on Islam. Specifically, the seminar explored the teachings of the Koran and its implications for Christians.

Pastor Nalliah says he sponsored the seminar at the request of Christian leaders in his community. Nalliah said, “Many called and said, ‘Pastor Danny, could you please teach us, what does the Koran really say about the Christians and the Jews and about the non-believers? One side of Islam says Islam is peaceful, the other side of Islam carries out the suicide bombings and quotes from the Koran. Whom do we believe?’”

The seminar covered several topics, including the Islamic concept of Jihad, or holy war against non-Muslims, but it was meant for Christians only.

The seminar was advertised through the churches at one Christian bookstore, meant for Christians. No one expected that there were three Muslims who would come in. But three Muslims did slip in.

And they filed a complaint, charging that the seminar, particularly its teachings that the Koran supports Jihad, vilified Muslims. That’s a crime under the state of Victoria’s Racial and Religious Tolerance Act.

The Islamic Council of Victoria is backing the suit. Spokesman Bilal Cleland says the seminar painted a false picture of Islam.

Cleland said, “Never has Islam tried to force itself upon people. There seems to be a great fear among some of these marginal groups that Islam is a big bulldozer that will run them down. We’re only 1.5 percent of the Australian community. And our teachings, the Koran itself prevents us from using compulsion in religion.”

But Nalliah says Scot’s teachings came directly from Islam’s holy book, the Koran. “Surah chapter 9, verse 29 from the noble Koran.”

Nalliah said, “Fight against those who believe not in Allah.” The Islamic Council also took issue with statements in Nalliah’s newsletter that Christians in Muslim countries are persecuted.

That statement is met with some skepticism by Scot. Back in the late 1980’s, Scot had to flee the Islamic republic of Pakistan when Muslims accused him of blaspheming the prophet Mohammed, because just being charged with that offence can lead to death by offended Muslims.

Scot said, “A friend of mine, he informed me, he sent a message to my home. He said, ‘Daniel, you are in grave danger, nobody can help you. You will be killed.”

Still, Victoria’s Equal Opportunity Commission said the Islamic Council had a legitimate complaint, and sent the case to court when Scot and Nalliah refused its judgment in arbitration.

Nalliah said, “All I can say is, we were asked to apologize, and we said we will not apologize for reading from their holy book, the Koran. Why should we apologize?” The case has now dragged on for six months, costing the pastors more than $200,000 dollars in legal fees.

But it has also shed light on Victoria State’s controversial Racial and Religious Tolerance Act. Basically, the law allows a person to sue if he feels he’s been humiliated or belittled by another because of race or religion, even if the offending statement is not directed specifically at him. Diane Sisely of the Victoria Equal Opportunity Commission, said, “If it’s behaviour that’s vilifying that can be overheard by a third person, if it is designed to cause serious hurt, harm or ridicule, then it’s religious vilification and it’s prohibited.”

And that applies even if the statements causing the ‘harm’ can be shown to be true. “How can you vilify someone,” Nalliah said, “by reading from their holy book? This is crazy. This is political correctness to its utmost stupidity.”

In at least two cases in Victoria, Christians have agreed to pay fines and apologize for so-called “religious vilification,” rather than go to court. But Nalliah says someone has to take a stand, and he is willing to pay the price for religious freedom. Nalliah said, “So we as Christians have the right to examine their scriptures and tell the Christian community, “Man, come on, be watchful.” We’ve got to pray, we’ve got to love them, but also if you don’t share the Gospel with them and bring them to the truth, we could be the victims.”

Religious liberty is close to the heart of every one that loves God and loves truth and it is the truth alone that has nothing to fear. With more and more false or fallen churches appealing to the strong arm of civil government to enforce their dogmas and decrees we can see there is tremendous pressure being brought to bear on elected officials to yield any religious freedom into the hands of the courts. Of course, the justice of this world is no justice at all for the people of God and we will yet be brought into strait places.

“I was shown that we have men placed over us for rulers, and laws to govern the people. Were it not for these laws, the world would be in a worse condition than it is now. Some of these laws are good, and some bad. The bad have been increasing, and we are yet to be brought into straight places. But God will sustain his people in being firm, and living up to the principles of his word. Where the laws of men conflict with God’s word and law, we are to obey the word and law of God, whatever the consequences may be. The laws of our land requiring us to deliver a slave to his master, we are not to obey, and we must abide the consequences of the violation of this law. This slave is not the property of any man. God is his rightful Master, and man has no right to take God’s workmanship into his hands, and claim his as his own. {4bSG 42.2}

“Those who eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God will bring from the books of Daniel and Revelation truth that is inspired by the Holy Spirit. They will start into action forces that cannot be repressed. The lips of children will be opened to proclaim the mysteries that have been hidden from the minds of men. . .

“Many of the prophecies are about to be fulfilled in quick succession. Every element of power is about to be set to work. Past history will be repeated; old controversies will arouse to new life, and peril will bese God’s people on every side. Intensity is taking hold of the human family. It is permeating everything upon the earth. . . Study Revelation in connection with Daniel, for history will be repeated. . . We, with all our religious advantages, ought to know far more today than we do know.

“Angels desire to look into the truths that are revealed to the people who with contrite hearts are searching the word of God and praying for greater lengths and breadths and depths and heights of the knowledge which He alone can give.
“As we near the close of this world’s history, the prophecies relating to the last days especially demand our study. The last book of the New Testament Scriptures is full of truth that we need to understand. Satan has blinded the minds of many so that they have been glad of any excuse for not making the Revelation their study. But Christ through His servant John has here declared what shall be in the last days; and He says, “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein.”

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Tim. 3:12.” Maranatha, p. 30.
“As the time comes for it [the third angel’s message] to be given with greatest power, the Lord will work through humble instruments, leading the minds of those who consecrate themselves to His service. The labourers will be qualified rather by the unction of His Spirit than by the training of literary institutions. Men of faith and prayer will be constrained to go forth with holy zeal, declaring the words which God gives them. The sins of Babylon will be laid open. The fearful results of enforcing the observances of the church by civil authority, the inroads of spiritualism, the stealthy but rapid progress of the papal power–all will be unmasked. By these solemn warnings the people will be stirred. . .” {FLB 330.2}

“The power attending the message will only madden those who oppose it. . . The church appeals to the strong arm of civil power, and in this work, papists and Protestants unite. As the movement for Sunday enforcement becomes more bold and decided, the law will be invoked against commandment keepers. . . “{FLB 330.3}

“The words of Paul will be literally fulfilled, ‘All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.’ As the defenders of truth refuse to honour the Sunday-sabbath, some of them will be thrust into prison, some will be exiled, some will be treated as slaves. To human wisdom, all this now seems impossible; but as the restraining Spirit of God shall be withdrawn from men, and they shall be under the control of Satan, . . there will be strange developments. . . . “ {FLB 330.4}

“No man can serve God without enlisting against himself the opposition of the hosts of darkness.” {FLB 330.5}
“What was the strength of those who in the past have suffered persecution for Christ’s sake? It was union with God, union with the Holy Spirit, union with Christ. It is this fellowship with the Saviour that will enable God’s people to endure to the end.

“Certainly, when any movement religious or otherwise does not want the evidence to support its existence investigated, then you can be sure that it is not of God. Acts 17:11 “ These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” The noble Bereans were noble for they had open minds and were willing to look at the evidence. This spirit God will bless. Force, compulsion or manipulation is only of Satan and should be seen by every sincere person for what it is.

Truth Will Prevail
From “The Tennessee Star Journal”, Nov. 7-13, 2003

“Last month I attended my annual training session that’s required for maintaining my state prison security clearance. During the training session there was a presentation by three speakers representing the Roman Catholic, Protestant and Muslim faiths who explained their belief systems.

“I was particularly interested in what the Islamic Imam had to say. “The Imam gave a presentation of the basics of Islam, complete with a video.” “After the presentations, time was provided for questions and answers.”

“When it was my turn, I directed my question to the Imam and asked: ‘Please correct me if I’m wrong, but I understand that most Imams and clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad (‘Holy War’) against the infidels of the world and that by killing an infidel, which is a command to all Muslims, they are assured of a place in heaven.
“If that’s the case, can you give the definition of an infidel?”

“There was no disagreement with my statements and without hesitation he replied, ‘Non-believers!’
“I responded, ‘So, let me make sure I have this straight. All followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith so they can go to Heaven. Is that correct?”

The expression on His face changed from one of authority and command to that of a little boy caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

“ He sheepishly replied, ‘Yes.’ ”

“I then stated, ‘Well, sir, I have a real problem trying to imagine Pope John Paul commanding all Catholics to kill those of your faith or Pat Robertson or Dr. Stanley ordering Protestants to do the same in order to go to Heaven!’ ”

“The Imam was speechless.
“I continued, ‘I also have a problem with being your friend when you and your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me. Let me ask you a question…would you rather have your Allah who tells you to kill me in order to go to Heaven or my Jesus who tells me to love you because I am going to Heaven and want you to be with me?”

You could have heard a pin drop as the Imam hung his head in shame.
Chuck Colson once told me something that has sustained me these 20 years of prison ministry. He said to me, “Rick, remember that the truth will prevail.” And it will!

“A postscript to the above message: In a phone interview, Rick Mathes told the Star Journal, ‘When the Imam was walking away, I said ‘salaam’ (Arabic for peace) to him. He just smiled and said the same in return. So we ended our encounter on a good note.”

“Rick said his ‘gut feeling’ is that the situation with Muslim extremists is about to explode within the prison system and then it will hit the streets.

I believe this article is important because I think the facts about Islam have been sometimes clouded with what we wish to be true rather than what is really true.”

From “Armageddon”, The Messenger, Jan. 2004

“The nations of the world are eager for conflict; but they are held in check by the angels. When this restraining power is removed, there will come a time of trouble and anguish. Deadly instruments of warfare will be invented. Vessels, with their living cargo, will be entombed in the great deep. All who have not the spirit of truth will unite under the leadership of satanic agencies. But they are to be kept under control till the time shall come for the great battle of Armageddon.” {7BC 967.8}

“Angels are belting the world, refusing Satan his claims to supremacy, made because of the vast multitude of his adherents. We hear not the voices, we see not with the natural sight the work of these angels, but their hands are linked about the world, and with sleepless vigilance they are keeping the armies of Satan at bay till the sealing of God’s people shall be accomplished.” {7BC 967.9}

“The ministers of Jehovah, angels have skill and power and great strength, being commissioned to go forth from heaven to earth to minister to His people. They are given the work of keeping back the raging power of him who has come down like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. The Lord is a refuge for all who put their trust in Him. He bids them hide in Him for a little moment, until the indignation shall be overpast. He is soon to come out of His place to punish the world for its iniquity. Then the earth shall disclose her blood and shall no more cover her slain (Letter 79, 1900).” {7BC 967.10}

“The angels that were holding back strife in the river Euphrates loosened their hold and we see the fall of the east – Turkey.

“Who is the river Euphrates? What do rivers and waters in the Bible represent? Peoples and nations. But here the Bible is talking about one specific river. What does this mean? It is talking about those nations surrounding it.

Is. 8:7 Now therefore, behold, the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the river, strong and many, [even] the king of Assyria, and all his glory: and he shall come up over all his channels, and go over all his banks.

“When the Bible speaks about a specific river, it means the nations surrounding it. In this case, the Arab world. They will be dried up in the sixth plague.

“And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.” Dan. 11:45.

“Another example of the Arab world coming to his end.
Is. 21:16 “For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Within a year, according to the years of an hireling, and all the glory of Kedar shall fail.” Kedar shall fail. Who is Kedar?

25:13 And these [are] the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam.

“Kedar is a son of Ishmael – the father of the Arabs. David always had trouble with the Arabs [Kedar] and it pained him.

Psalm 120:5 -7 Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, [that] I dwell in the tents of Kedar!

My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace. I [am for] peace: but when I speak, they [are] for war.

Rev. 16:16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.

Compiled and edited by Jerry Eaton