Welcome back friends. I’m especially burdened by what we see in the church today. I’m left wondering whether or not the church is awake. Ezekiel 33 teaches the principle of the faithful watchman who appropriately warns his people of impending danger. Thus, I must decide. Will I remain silent once imminent dangers to the church are obvious? I will not!

I’m sure there are countless dangers to the church, but I am especially burdened by a handful. In ancient days, the watchman blew a trumpet (or a shofar) to warn the people of impending danger. On Monday, we blew the trumpet on allowing government to become god, and yesterday, the trumpet signaled danger of apostasy in the church. Now we come to the third danger.

Danger #3: The rising tsunami of radical Islam

For those in Europe, South Africa and other places, this is old news. The tsunami has already struck and the resulting flood of Sharia law and Islamic dominance is already taking its toll. For those of us in America, I’m not sure we have given it serious enough attention…but we will soon be forced to.

There have long been pockets of radical Islamic influence in places such as Dearborn MI and parts of Minnesota. Radical Islamists hold seats in the US House of Representatives, as well as state level positions across the country. When radical Islamists took down the towers in New York City 24 years ago, we vowed, “We will never forget.” Last month, NYC elected a radical Islamist as mayor. We forgot…but New Yorkers may get a startling reminder.

Wide open borders in Europe over the past decade resulted in the takeover of major European countries by radical Islamists. Though technically still a minority, they forcefully rule and reign across Europe, particularly in major cities.

Radical Islam has swept across Europe and has made it ashore in America. They operate throughout our land, but just in our nation’s capital, radicals killed a young Jewish couple a few weeks ago and murdered a National Guardsman near the White House just days ago. There is no regard for life. Only constant desire for jihad.

Now take this phenomenon out of politics and civics and narrow it down to the church. What is the danger?

Islam’s greatest goal is to take over the world. Radicals outwardly proclaim their wish to destroy the infidels. Who are the infidels? Those who disagree with them ideologically. Their “holy book” not only condones, but commands them to kill those who fail to bow to Allah. In the radical world, there is the small Satan (Israel) and the large Satan (America). Why do you think that is?

Friends, there are only two nations on planet earth that were expressly established upon the Word of God: Israel and the US. Is it any wonder why the Satanic cult known as Islam would want Jews and Christians dead?

One note: Most countries in the Middle East are Islamic (Muslim), and babies born to Muslim families are born Muslim. Not every Arab person is a Muslim, and not every Muslim is an Islamic radical. Indeed, there are Christians and other moral and upright people throughout the Middle East. However, the Muslim/Islamic holy book (the Quran) teaches jihad, and those who adhere to its teachings are radical.

Now to the danger. Knowing the ultimate goal of Islam and the teachings of its holy book, we can expect the church to come under heavy persecution. We can expect violence against Christians to rise significantly and rapidly. Get ready, church! The tsunami of radical Islam has reached our shores and is about to wreak havoc wherever possible.

What is our defense? The Word of God and our trust in the One who saved us to sustain us. Church, the trumpet is blowing. It is time to take up battle stations. It starts on our knees in prayer. It continues by being in God’s Word, growing stronger and preparing for battle. Then it requires that we put on the full armor of God. Our God is mighty and able to save, but He does not intend for us to cower in a basement. We are to take up the sword and shield and get in the fight!

Friends, are you ready for battle? If so, sharpen your swords and be ready to lead the charge. If not, pray, asking the Holy Spirit to empower you. Then get into God’s Word as never before. According to Scripture, we win this war, but it takes boldness and perseverance.

God is faithful and will not allow us to be overcome. Stand firm, believers, and be confident in the victory that is in Christ!

We’ll examine one more danger to the church tomorrow and it’s a biggie, so be sure to check back.