To Whom Are They Terrorists?
Psalm 27:1-6
September 16, 2001
by Cooper Abrams, Calvary Baptist Church, Tremonton, Utah
Introduction: Most of America is focused on the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon by Arab terrorists. It is certainly a despicable and deplorable act by the vilest of men. Our prayers are with the families and friends of those who lost loved ones and with the men and women working in the rescue attempts.
Life in America has certainly been effected and this has been a terrifying wake up call. Not even in the two world wars we fought and the smaller later wars has an attack be made on American mainland. In the attack on Pearl Harbor, 2403 servicemen were killed, yet on September 11th recent estimates tell us that over 6000 men, women and children were killed. Our President has declared that war on these terrorist and our military is preparing to respond.
Our country has been deeply affected with the shutdown of all air traffic and the most important financial center in our nation was destroyed before our very eyes. Our economy has been deeply effected and the economic ramifications of this attack will be far reaching.
America is now in a War!
One frustrating element in all this is trying to identify the enemy. Some Senators has suggested that we declare war...but who shall we declare war against? We know that our country will respond with great force once the enemy is identified and I am confident those who supported the terrorists will be punished severely.
I received an e-mail of a article by Michael T. Klare, Professor of Peace and World Security Studies at Hampshire College. In the article Professor Klare said:
There are many in Washington and around the country who believe that the United States should declare war on bin Laden -- along with any governments that have given him assistance of one sort or another -- and employ the full weight of American military power to accomplish this purpose. Such action would undoubtedly help restore confidence in the power of the American nation, and provide a degree of satisfaction to those who crave retribution for Tuesday’s horrific attacks. But we must also ask: Will it achieve the goal of eradicating bin Laden’s networks and eliminating the terrorist threat to the United States? There are good reasons to suspect that it will not.
The image of American aircraft and missiles bombing Arab states and producing massive casualties -- many of them, inevitably, civilians with no ties to Islam -- will surely confirm the belief among many ordinary Muslims that bin Laden is right: that the United States is intent on tormenting and subduing the Islamic world. As Bruce Shapiro has observed, out of the rubble of American attacks will come thousands of new volunteers for bin Laden’s anti-American jihad.
Even more troubling, it is highly unlikely that such action will actually succeed in crippling bin Laden’s underground networks. Unlike conventional military forces, these groups do not maintain fixed bases and installations but move from one camouflaged location to another -- all over the world.
America is vulnerable
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America has been shocked into the realization that we are vulnerable to terrorist attacks. It is a chilling and fearful thought that almost all those experts tell us that no matter what precautions we take, a terrorist who is willing to commit suicide to carry out an attack cannot be completely defended against.
Modern Israel has been living this constant fear of attack since it began in 1948. They live in a militaristic society with armed soldiers every where in the country. No one in the country is safe from terrorist attack....and now for the first time Americans can understand what it means to live in fear of one’s enemies.
The experts tell us that a small plane carrying deadly biological elements could fly over a populated area in America and in days kill millions of people. Folks that is a terrifying thought and will all the millions of small planes in America how can we defend ourselves against such an attack.
America has certainly been changed because of this attack. The future is unclear and there is a growing fear that terrorism on our soil may now be a way of life. We pray that that is not so and the efforts of our government will be successful and terrorism ended. Americans have lived in peace and our future has always looked bright. We could make our future plans for ourselves and our children with no thought of living under the threat of a prolonged terrorist war on our soil. We honestly fear for the futures of our sons and daughters and our grandchildren.
The Muslim Threat.
These fundamentalist Muslims, worship a god they call Allah and their religion is called Islam. Since the beginnings of Islam in 622 AD it has been a cruel religion that murdered millions of people in the name of their god. They claim that they worship the God of Abraham, however upon examination it is easily shown they do not worship the God of the Bible. The founder of this militant religion was the son of a camel driver named Muhammad who is their prophet. Islam is the religion of all the Arab states. The Creed is "There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet." They pray five times daily, facing Mecca, located in Saudi Arabia.
Since if beginning Islam is a religion of war. Its agenda is as much political as it is spiritual. All Arab states are ruled by a hand full of dictators who hold absolute power of their people. They is no personal freedom among the Arabs and they have cruel laws and kill any and all who oppose their Muslim leaders. They rule their country by brute force and fear. In 630, Muhammad formed his followers into an army and attacked neighboring tribes forcing them to accept his new religion by force of arms. He died in 632, but his follows continued by military power and war to "convert" all the Arab tribes to Mudammadanism. Between 632 and 711, the Muslims destroyed the Persian Empire; controlled must of Syria, Palestine, Egypt, and extensive areas of North Africa. They murdered millions of people. They were trying to take India and sea power in the Mediterranean and they reached as far a the outer edges of China. They moved on Asia Minor and in 711 crossed from Africa into Europe and over ran Spain. They began to raid France and Germany. The only thing that stopped them was Leo III defeated them at Constantinople in 718 and they were driven out of Asia-Minor. In 732, Charles Martel, the Frankish leader defeated them at the Tours in Gaul (Germany) and halted their advance into Europe.
When the Muslim attacked a country they would give the people a choice....convert to Islam or be killed. Surely this proves they do not worship the God of the Bible. Many current news commentators are telling us that this attack concerns on a very small percentage of the Muslims and this is true. However, this small handful of people are seen as heroes in the Arab states. The proof of this was seen by us all on the TV when we saw rejoicing in the streets of most Arab countries when news of the terrorist attacks was received. Newsmen who were trying to film these rejoicing Arabs were attacked and turned away by government soldiers. Some Arab leaders are saying the film of these rejoicing Arabs was not taken last week, but that the news media used old films taken several years ago. But their denials cannot change the fact that most Arabs were happy to see America attacked and deeply hurt. This is not the feeling of all Arabs or Muslims we know but the point is that the Muslins have for centuries hated America and what it stands for.
Many people are asking why do they hate us. Answers that are given are many, but the real reason is that America supports Israel and America is basically a Christian nation. Muslims hate both Jews and Christians. There was rejoicing in most Arab countries when news of the terrorist attacks was received. Newsmen who were trying to film these rejoicing Arabs were attacked and turned away by government soldiers. Islam hates biblical Christianity, Jews, America and all non-Muslim states. One Muslim leader truthfully stated that America was its enemy and every American a target. This hatred goes back to the birth of Ishmael as Genesis 16 records and later when Ishmael was expulsed from his family and Abraham’s declared Isaac to be his rightful heir. Muhammad claimed he was a decedent of Ishmael.
To most Americans this is a chilling revelation. It is frightening to know that millions of Arab Muslims hate us and see us as enemies and would destroy us if they could. But to whom are these men terrorist, meaning those that would instill terror in the hearts of men. The Bible, God’s word, has a clear message to Christians and to the world....about fear.
America in the End Times will not be super power and world leader as it is today.
Those who know biblical prophecy know that America is not mentioned in the Bible as being a major player in the world during the coming Tribulation or Daniel’s 70th Week. That means some event or series of events will bring America down and world power will shift from America to Europe. Clearly the Bible teaches us the Anti-christ will rule the world from Europe and more specifically from Rome. The kingdom of the Anti-christ is revealed in the Bible as the "Revived Roman Empire."
What could possibility happened to cause America to lose its position as the most powerful nation in the world and the world leader? That is a terrifying thought. I am not predicting anything beyond what the Bible tells us and only God knows the details of what lies ahead, but we could lose a war against terrorist and terrorism could bring America down. If our response to these attacks is not careful and not supported by the other nations it could cause a backlash which could harm America’s position. A sustained terrorist war on our soil could cause great economic problems and wreck our economy. All these things are real threats to our security and position in the world.
The Situation of David.
David too had enemies. His life is marked by the many times people sought to destroy him. Saul, the King hated David and sought to kill him many times. In fact the same people that attacked our country were David’s enemies over 3500 years ago. These are the Arabs the decedents of Ishmael, Abraham’s son by the concubine Hagar. Further David’s enemies included some of his own people, including his son Absalom who for a time successfully attacked Jerusalem took the throne and caused David to have to flee for his life.
Often in David’s life it looked like his enemies were winning and he was defeated. Yet, even when he was running for his life and in exile when Absalom took the throne....his trust was in God. As bleak as things were God was in control.
David’s response is many times reflected in the Psalm. He wrote...."Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."
Yet, in spite of having great and many enemies David wrote this psalm of encouragement in which is expressed his total confidence and faith in God. He believed God and he trusted in the Lord in the face of great danger. Even when being pursued by his enemies, bent on his destruction...he did not fear them. As we look at the words of the Psalm we can understand why it is possible to not be afraid in the midst of great danger.
Dear friends, God’s plans and power is not affected by the work of evil men. In fact in Phil. 1:12, Paul said of the work of his enemies and the difficulties he encountered "But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel."
Romans 8:28 tell us "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
With these truths in mind let us look at what the Psalm of David, written under the inspiration of God tells us. To whom are these men terrorists?
I. "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1)
A. This statement acknowledges that it is God who is in charge and is the power and force in the world today. It tells us that sinful and wicked men....doing the bidding of Satan....are not determining our fate in eternity.
This message is not for the whole world, but only for those who believe and put their trust in the Jesus Christ, our Savior and God. These promises offer the lost unbelieving world no comfort. God says in Proverbs 10:24, "The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted." We are praying for our President and our leaders in Washington, but our hope is not in them, but in God. They will be only as effective as God directs them and as they follow biblical principles. Our country must turn to God....only He is our Salvation.
B. Psalm 27 is a Hebrew poem which uses the parallel form of poetry. In this case the first statement and the second statement present the same truth or thought.
C. The first phrase states "The Lord is my light." Where there is light all things are exposed both good and evil. When the light is on there is no question of what is around us or where we are. The light reveals to us the truth and reality of our situation.
ILLUS: Many because of these terrorist attacks are confused and disillusioned. One Christian news programs was letting people ask questions about this event. One question was "How could God allow this to happen." This person’s question shows they do not understand the workings of God. They are not aware of or have been taught the light of God’s word.
God gave men a will to chose whether they would believe and do good or rebel in unbelief and do evil. God will not violate a man’s will. Therefore God permits men to do evil, but that is not the end of the matter! The man who would chose to do evil is responsible for his sin and rebellion against God’s truth. That man will be judged by God and punished justly. Those that believe the Bible know the fate of evil men and the enemies of God. They also know that no matter what is done to them, their position as a child of God is not affected. We do not know of the thousands that died in this tragedy who was saved and who was not. But this we can know assuredly, those that believed in Jesus Christ as their Savior at the moment of their deaths were ushered into the very presence of God. God used Paul to tell us in 2 Corinthians 5:6, "Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord" For these saints of God this apparent human tragedy was only the means of their homecoming. Death for them was not to be feared, but only the means, the door way that opened into heaven. Paul further said in 2 Corinthians 5:8 "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord."
Dear friends, these people are in heaven rejoicing in the splendors of heaven. They are experiencing first hand what we only know in the promises of God. Their faith in God has been fulfilled.
D. The lost and unbelieving world may see this as a tragedy. They have get fear in their hearts. The terrorist see this as a great victory for evil....YET 1 Corinthians 15:55 says, "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" It is only a catastrophe for those that have ejected Jesus Christ as their Savior.
This is why it is so important for men to receive Jesus Christ as their Savior...today. God tells us ". . . behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Cor. 6:2).
ILLUS: Last month I flew from Salt Lake City to North Carolina. It crossed my mind then as it has many times in the past when I have flown, that there was the possibility the plane would crash and I would be killed. As the plane left the ground at Salt Lake International airport I prayed...."thy will be done." Those dear people on the four planes all perished. I am sure they did not think when the boarded the plane there were only moments away from eternity. The loved ones who saw them off or were waiting for them at their destination did not believe they would never see them again. I hope they were prepared to meet their Creator.
Some are saying that this is a wake up call for America.....I strongly agree! It is a call to men, to seek God, believe in Him, the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved. Christians across our nations have for too long allows a small liberal element in our society to rob us of the moral principles on which the country was founded. Although there has been many who have tried to voice their opposition to the liberals removing prayer from our school, the murder of millions of innocent babies in their mother’s wombs, the promotion and acceptance of homosexual behavior as being morally acceptable, we have been largely unsuccessful. The past eight years we watched as Bill Clinton, violated every moral princple that exists.....and sadly America laughed at it and condones such sinful behavior in the highest position of leadership in our nation. His policies of destroying our military have brought us to this weak position in which America is attacked by a hand full of terrorist. America has turned its back on God and God cannot bless and protect a nation of people who live in gross sin and refuse to accept Him and His blessings. Most Americans are look to President Bush and our nations leaders to protect us and restore peace. They cry toward Washington. Yet, the cry across America should be the cry to God to forgive us and restore to us His blessings. No terrorist or force can harm or destroy the nation that God holds dear and protects. God helps us all to see our sin and beg God’s forgiveness and turn to Him.
We all must accept the truth that this life is temporary and before all of us there lies an eternity in heaven or hell. When a person believers, repents of his sin and receives Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior....their present and future are assured. In the present they have God abiding Spirit to guide them in their lives and no circumstances and situation can defeat them. They also have the absolute assurance of eternal life...that begins at the moment they believe and will see them into all eternity....in the very presence of our Creator and God.
II. The second phrase of the verse says: "The Lord is the Strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid."
A. The conflict in the world is greater than man’s ability to cope with. The conflict is between God and Satan.
Ephesians 6:12, tells us, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
B. The passage goes on to tell us to put on the whole amour of God that we will be able to stand.
"Wherefore take unto you the whole amour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (Eph. 6:13-17)
C. This is God’s war and we cannot fight it in human strength. Only He has the power to overcome Satan and the evil that he causes in the world and in our lives. The one who receives Jesus Christ as their Savior is indwelled by the Holy Spirit, who is God Himself. We have the Word of God, the Bible to guide us unto all righteous.
As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tell us...." All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."
D. Our fear dear friends should be a fear of God. Many times in the Word of God we are told to have a godly obedient fear of Him.
Psalms 34:9 O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.
Psalms 115:11 Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.
Psalms 115:13 He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great.
Proverbs 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
Conclusion: To whom are these men terrorists?
Read with me Psalm 27:2-6
"When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD."
To those who do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior....the message is clear.
John 20:31 "But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name."
John 3:26 "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."
My dear friend, if you do not know where you will spend eternity, now is the time to settle the matter. Would you not right now in the quietness of your mind....repent to God you sins and ask Him to save you. He promises as Romans 10:13 tells us, " For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
To the Christian this message too for you has an invitation. To confess the sins in your life. To commit your life wholly unto the Lord. To take full confidence in the power and promises of God. These terrorist could take our lives.....but what would be the result? Their evil acts would only be the means by which we would enter into the very presence of the Lord.
Can you honestly say, "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" If you cannot why not allow God to be the light and strength of your life. Why not allow Him to remove the fear. What ever your need God will meet it.
