Thought for the Month - March 2006

Mohammed Cartoons - By Pastor Ian Wilson

The recent trouble sparked by cartoons published in some of the European press depicting Mohammed in a way which many Muslims have found offensive, has raised many questions.

Christians will wonder why the British press has showed reluctance in publishing the cartoons while “Jerry Springer the Opera” production was widely supported by most of the British press. I am not condoning offending people unnecessarily but it does appear to be double standards by the government and the media.

It would appear that Mohammed is untouchable but the Lord Jesus Christ is fair game for blasphemers. Let me say again I have no desire to see anyone offended unnecessarily.

I use the word “unnecessarily” because it is not always wrong to offend people. If you read the scriptures you will discover that Christ offended people at times.

Matthew 15:12 Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?

The Lord had declared that the Pharisees were hypocrites and they were offended. Christ offended people but never unnecessarily.

On another occasion he paid the Temple Tax although he could have claimed exception the reason he give was as follows, [Matthew 17:27] “Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them.”

It is not always wrong to offend people in fact the Gospel message is offensive to some.

Galatians 5:11 "And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased"

Paul speaks here about the offence of the cross. Does the cross offend you? The message of the cross declares that you and I were born sinners into this world.

Romans 3:10 "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one"

The message of the cross declares that only Christ can forgive sinners.

Ephesians 1:7 "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace"

The message of the cross declares that man cannot be saved by his own efforts.

Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast"

Are you offended by the message of the cross?

1 Cor. 1:23 "But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness"

I trust you will accept the message of the cross as the word of God and receive Christ as your saviour.

Are you SURE that you have your place booked in Heaven? Read this if you're not!