The al-Qaeda breakout group, ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham), has declared a new independent Islamic state in northern Syria and Iraq, and is recognizing Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as the new leader.  (He is already being compared to Osama Bin Laden.)  In creating a new state, the group will now be known as simply the Islamic State, and everyone living under its control are to swear allegiance to al-Baghdadi.

This move actually draws battle lines with al-Qaeda, ISIS’s parent group,as ISIS is set to become the international jihadist leader.  In addition, al-Baghdadi is at odds with al-Qaeda leader, Ayman al-Zawahri, after ignoring al-Zawahri’s instructions to leave Syria.

Radical Islamic groups such as ISIS use terror to bring about chaos and assert their power, with the ultimate aim of creating a global caliphate.  

Dear friends, our world is spinning more and more out of control.  However, as believers, we need not fear or be dismayed.  Our Blessed Hope, Jesus Christ, promises:

For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

 

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