APPLYING THE BIBLE TO CURRENT EVENTS

Burning the Qur’an?• God told Israel to destroy spiritually harmful

things Deut. 7:1-5, 25-26 (20:16-18) 12:1-4• The Christians at Ephesus destroyed books of

the occult Acts 19:18-20• If it is a stumblingblock, get rid of it Mt. 5:29-30• “Protest” is not the way of Christ 2 Cor. 10:3-6 • Demonstrations are political tactics• Intimidation is a carnal weapon• Lying and misrepresentation are carnal weapons

Burning the Qur’an?• “Protest” is not the way of Christ 2 Cor. 10:3-6 • Acts 14:8-18 correcting misconception• Acts 17:16-31 provoked but sought common

ground • Acts 19:37 Paul did not specifically attack their

goddess• 2 Timothy 2:24-26 not provocative Mt. 7:12• Colossians 4:2-6 pray, live, speak wisely• 2 Thessalonians 3:1-4 pray for deliverance

Burning the Bible?• Jehoiakim tried it Jeremiah 36• God’s word abides forever 1 Peter 1:22-25• The word abides in us Col. 3:16, 2 Cor. 3:1-3• Matt. 5:17-20• Disobedience worse than destroying printed

copies• We are to reason with others Isaiah 1:18 and

refute false arguments 2 Cor. 10:4• Honor the word by living it; then others will

learn to respect it 1 Peter 2:11-12; 3:15

Allowing a Mosque Near Ground Zero?• Relenting from burning Qur’an = removing

location of Islamic Cultural Center from Ground Zero James 3:17 “willing to yield”

• Christian principles not American principles (example: capital punishment, carnal warfare)

• Christian principles not Muslim principles• Christianity is not imposed on others (Islam is)• Christianity is love 1 John 4:8 (Islam is fear)

Where is forgiveness in Islam? Where is basis for forgiveness? Where is basis for hope? 1 Cor. 15:1-4,17,58

Allowing a Mosque Near Ground Zero?• Relenting from burning Qur’an = removing

location of Islamic Cultural Center from Ground Zero James 3:17 “willing to yield”

• Christian principles not American principles (example: capital punishment, carnal warfare)

• Christian principles not Muslim principles• Christianity is not imposed on others (Islam is)• Christianity is love 1 John 4:8 (Islam is fear)

Where is forgiveness in Islam? Where is basis for forgiveness? Where is basis for hope? 1 Cor. 15:1-4,17,58; Romans 6:3-4