Lets start at the beginning
Reader comment on item: The Challenge of Islamism in Europe & the Middle East

Submitted by Vivienne (France), Jun 24, 2007 at 12:02

I have also had these concerns for some time; I am English, Christian and concerned by what I see happening in my country today. It often amuses me that those who came to my country, particularly because they felt their own was less desirable, then allow or even seek to make my country an imitation of the one they originally left - why not then stay where they were? Umm...let me ponder on that....perhaps that was there plan along?

While I admire the stand Muslims take for their faith, I am unshakeable in my own belief about who will win this battle for the soul of mankind. It will not be Islam. All faiths have members who are liberal, fundamental, extreme or moderate. However, that is not the issue. The issue has to do with who is the rightful heir to all that God has promised?

According to the Bible, Ishmael although Abraham's firstborn son, by Sarah's maid Hagar, was conceived outside of marriage and God's original promise to Abraham. God promised that Abraham & Sarah would conceive a son (not Abraham & Hagar,). It is only through Isaac that all the nations will be blessed. I believe this is crucial to understanding what God had in mind when he promised Abraham would become a great and mighty nation and all the nations of the earth would be blessed through him and shall bless themselves by him. (Genesis 18:18) Jesus is a direct descendant of Issac and Jesus said that "no one comes to the Father except through me". Therefore, reject jesus as God's son and you reject God himself and all that he promises us.

Ismael is not to be forgotten though. God is not heartless or unmerciful and Ishmael was also promised to become the father of twelve princes and be made a great nation (Genesis 17:20) . However, according to the Bible, God says "But my covenant, my promise and my pledge I will establish with Isaac (Gensis 20:18).

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