Last week, we were challenged to serve the needs of others and to always be ready to do good.  It is through relationships with others that God offers up His free gift of salvation and everything else that God’s Kingdom offers.  For this reason, the devil does not want us to have healthy relationships.

We were reminded that there is a spiritual battle raging and it is not against flesh and blood.  This enables us to keep a healthier mindset in our relationships and not to get so easily entangled in petty matters and drama.  There is far more at stake in the bigger picture of life!

Relationships do not exist between individuals, but as we’re seeing in the news more and more, also between nations.  The strength of Israel’s relationships with other nations is being revealed.  What is happening is understandably causing many to begin wondering if we are entering into the end times.

After all, the war in Israel is not military versus military as in previous wars.  Harmless and innocent individuals, including woman, children, and infants, are being horrifically massacred and taken as hostages.  Beheaded in front of their own family members.  Truly evil and wicked acts are taking place.

However, they are only doing what their scriptures tell them to do.  This is why democracy will never work with these groups nor will they cease to occur until the end.  We can politicize these acts, but the reality is that these acts are religious and spiritual in nature.  They are not simply an attack from a nation or terror network.  Over 90% of the middle east are Muslim, which is why there is such hatred and animosity toward Israel, a predominately Jewish state.

The quran, the bible of Muslims, teaches to perform such acts.

47:4

So when you meet the disbelievers in battle, strike their necks (where the practice of beheading is derived) until you have thoroughly subdued them, then bind them firmly.  Later free them either as an act of grace or by ransom until the war comes to an end (take them as hostages). So will it be. Had Allah willed, He Himself, could have inflicted punishment on them. But He does this only to test some of you by means of others. And those who are martyred in the cause of Allah, He will never render their deeds void.

3:151

We will cast horror into the hearts of the disbelievers for associating ˹false gods˺ with Allah – a practice He has never authorized.

8:12

I am with you. So make the believers stand firm. I will cast horror into the hearts of the disbelievers. So strike their necks and strike their fingertips.

33:26-27

And He brought down those from the People of the Book who supported the enemy alliance from their own strongholds, and cast horror into their hearts. You believers killed some, and took others captive. He has also caused you to take over their lands, homes, and wealth, as well as lands you have not yet set foot on. And Allah is Most Capable of everything.

22:57-59

Those who disbelieve and deny Our revelations, it is they who will suffer a humiliating punishment. As for those who emigrate (our southern border crisis) in the cause of Allah and then are martyred or die, Allah will indeed grant them a good provision. Surely Allah is the Best Provider.

3:157

Should you be martyred or die in the cause of Allah, then His forgiveness and mercy are far better than whatever wealth those who stay behind accumulate.

And I could go on and on quoting from the quran the very acts that we see in our world today.  The world calls them terrorists, but they are simply living out their Islamic faith.  That is why there are also groups within the USA that are celebrating these acts and condemning Israel for defending herself.

Sure, there are many peace-loving, non-violent Muslims.  However, I personally would equate them to those who call themselves Christians, but do not really live out their faith.  You know, those “extremist” Christians who stand on the word, reach out