Customer Reviews

Inside the Revolution Study Guide: How the Followers of Jihad, Jefferson, and Jesus Are Battling to Dominate the Middle East and Transform the World

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Radical Islam and its acts of violent jihad against other Muslims, Israel and the West dominate the news. But is this true of all those who belong to Islam? This book looks at the Radicals who want Sharia law to dominate the world, the Reformers who want Jeffersonians democracy, and the Revivalist who left Mohammad to follow Jesus. Each are driven by different dynamics to transform the world. I found the information insightful and useful. Yet I found some areas, as a Christian, that raised some concern for me.

First is the reports of dreams and visions. The concern I have is that this is subjective experience and not objective truth. I have no doubt that God can work by these means...the problem is that experience tends to overshadow the written word of God for conversion and discipleship. So God's preferred method of outreach is the preaching and teaching of His word. There is no way to test a vision of Jesus to know if it is who they claim to have seen. If it is not Jesus in these visions...who is appearing to these Muslims? Jesus warned against Messianic sightings before His apprearing at His second coming (Matthew 24:23-28). I will take Jesus at His word over any experience.

Second is the eccumenicalism. Not all denominations in the Middle East that are called "Christian" actually are because they lack the fundamentals of the gospel to qualify. Yet Romans Catholics, Coptics and Evangelicals are mentioned as being "Christian" as if they teach the same thing. The fact of the matter they do not. Both Coptics and Roman Catholics emphasis works and sacramentalism as necessary means to God's grace. Ephesians 2:8 & 9 says salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone.

Finally the influence of the Word-Faith Movement in the Middle East through Trinity Broadcasting Network. Brother Rosenberg mentions them as a positive influence in bringing Muslims to Christ. The problem is that Evangelical programs are broadcast along side Word-Faith programs. The Jesus of the Evangelicals is not the "born again" Jesus of the Word-Faith Movement. Because of this mix...the gospel is adulterated. Muslim converts to this mix will have their beliefs shaped by both of these through Television. This will result in an unstable type of Christian.

Despite these concerns, there is plenty of worthwhile material that is an encouragement to Christians to pray for their Muslim neighbors who convert to faith in Jesus and live for Him in a region hostile to the Christian faith. They will face persecution and death for converting...however many are willing to pay this price to share God's love with their Islamic neighbors.

I ordered these books prior to the uprising in the Middle East that is currently taking over the evening news...very insightful and timely.