derekmaul

Paris terror and Christian response to evil

 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. – Ephesians 6:10-20

Thibault Camus/AP Photo
Thibault Camus/AP Photo

I have very little time to post this morning; but I feel that I need to say something about Paris. I’m especially sensitive to the idea of evil at the moment, as my men’s group is studying “The Armor of God.” and one of the key ideas in the passage (Ephesians 6:10-20) is equipping ourselves to face the malevolent intentions of evil.

First, and I can’t say this strongly enough, the Paris attacks were the work of evil, not Islam. The agenda of ISIS has nothing to do with God, and everything to do with the purposes of evil.

Evil destroys, it never creates. God – the Creator – builds up, encourages, moves forward, embraces, loves, heals, teaches, reveals… The work of hate always tears down, hurts, discourages, destroys, stands against learning, kills…

JESUS: The ministry of Jesus, and his instructions to his followers, always concentrated on confronting evil with goodness, hate with love, darkness with light. When hate is confronted by more hate, then darkness wins.

Jesus was very clear on this, and I want us to be clear on this too. Even a tiny pinprick of light will defeat any amount of darkness. If you hear “Christian” leaders, commentators, bloggers, teachers, etc. spewing vitriol against Islam, encouraging draconian measures against refugees, and suggesting more violence – “them” against “us” – then I want to suggest to you now that such a response is not the gospel. Not the gospel.

The way of Jesus is a new and living way, and it remains as countercultural today as it was when Jesus taught his followers.

The way of Jesus is a new and living way, and it remains as countercultural today as it was when Jesus taught his followers.

DSC_1253If we are to see any progress forward in this tragically broken world, then it is only going to be through following Jesus; the practice of self-giving love; living in the light.

Jesus. Jesus. Jesus.

In love, and because of love – DEREK

 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that?” – Matthew 5:43-46

18 comments

  8. Reblogged this on Espirational: A 10 Minute Vacation for the Soul and commented:
    Sometimes Bob and I find post on other blogs that are so strong, powerful and just plain good we have to share them. Derek Maul of Life, Gratitude, Faith, & Passion wrote one of those blog posts last week called Paris terror and Christian response to evil. He redirects us back to the way of Jesus, the way of love. Please read Derek’s words…

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  9. Reblogged this on Espirational Faith and commented:
    I am reblogging an article by Derek Maul which appeared on his blog on Saturday, November 14, 2015 titled Paris Terror and Christian
    Response to Evil due to its timely significance being right after a terrorist bombing of that city and its spiritual importance of the teaching of truth and how to achieve peace. This is definitely an Espirational teaching.

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  10. Although I agree with you that the agenda of ISIS has nothing to do with God, and everything to do with the purposes of evil, I remain adamant that Islam is not so much a religion as it is a political movement whose followers are intent on killing infidels (Christians and Jews specifically) and establishing a caliphate in the United States. Did you know that the Qur’an contains at least 109 verses that call Muslims to war with nonbelievers for the sake of Islamic rule? Some are quite graphic, with commands to chop off heads and fingers and kill infidels wherever they may be hiding, lying in wait for them in every ambush, and destroying their towns “with utter destruction.” It says Muslims who do not join the fight shall be called hypocrites, and they are warned that Allah will send them to Hell if they do not join the slaughter. The Qur’an also teaches that Christ is not the Son of God, but rather a prophet like Mohammed.Please understand that I love the enemies of Christianity and of Israel. I rejoice whenever a Muslim converts and becomes a believer in Christ. I do not wish anyone to suffer eternal damnation and separation from God. ISIS, of course, is of particular concern. I am worried that attacks like those that took place in Paris will happen in the United States. After all, ISIS said the streets of America will run red with the blood of infidels. They claim they intend to raise the ISIS flag over the White House. I truly enjoyed your post, but I felt compelled to express my concerns regarding Islam, especially the actions of Islamic extremists. Please pray that we are able to reach many who are lost in the grip of Islam.

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    • Great to hear from you, Jess!
      I’d love love love to be out there at the retreat center again. You’ll just have to persuade some group to bring me in from North Carolina!
      Peace to you and your family, and prayers for your ongoing ministry – DEREK

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  13. Reblogged this on thelionthelambtherose and commented:
    Love of God is the answer not more , hate and violence. Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!………….. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that?” – Matthew 5:43-46

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