October 15, 2013 Steps to Life Newsletter

Dear STL Supporter

Halloween: Is It for You?

Halloween celebration in Australia in recent years has been increasing in popularity so it seems, by the attention the media and shopping retailers are giving to it. What's it about? What are its origins? Why has Halloween become accepted in some of the churches? Is it for you? STL has recently published a brochure which answers these questions. A copy is included with this newsletter. We invite you to take time to read it and if you think it makes sense then you might like to share it with folks who you think would like to read it. It would make a great 'treat' for children who knock on your door saying 'trick or treat' on October 31. They might even like to share it with their parents. I'm sure you can think of other folk to share it with as well. Copies are available from STL for the cost of printing plus postage. The brochures costs 20 cents each, postage varies according to the quantity ordered. How Does the World of Islam View You? How Should We View Muslims?

Islamic presence in the so called Western Christian countries is rapidly increasing. It happens through forced migration which is caused by natural disaster, political/religious tension, extreme poverty and war which force large population movements. Once resettled Muslim's have larger families than those existing in the countries they have moved to. They have greater ardour for their faith and community than do most of the Christians they have become neighbours to. The location of much of the world's energy resources makes many Islamic States strategic to the standard of the living of the rest of the world. The way in which Islam views the so called Christian Western countries therefore is very important to world stability and indeed our future.

The book Mosques and Miracles, authored by Stuart Robinson, provides a startlingly clear description of the Islamic view of Western countries.

As Islam examines the West which from its perspective is wholly Christian, its evaluation is far from complimentary. A former prime minister of the Sudan summed up the opinion of many of his colleagues when he concluded, 'Western civilisation riding in the blaze of glory in the Renaissance and its religious corollary, the Reformation, is now collapsing in spiritual crisis, lost amid corruption and a sea of alcohol' (p 18). Robinson goes on to quote Peter Coleman, social and political analyst, who commenting on the Islamic view of us says - 'We have adopted a culture of repudiation, a commitment to political correctness, a 'down with us' mentality. We no longer believe in truth or even free inquiry. We are all relativists, feminists, and multi-centralists. We reject old prohibitions on abortion, homosexuality or sex outside of marriage. There is little place if any for God in our lifestyle. If theology is still studied at all in the academies it is a godless variety, and if you reject it you will flunk your course.' (p19)

Robinson goes on describing the Islamic view of failed Christianity - secularism, the unsacredness of the celebration of so called Christian holidays (holy days) which are given over to sport and entertainment are seen as serious symptom of failed Christianity, particularly when contrasted with the Islamic celebration of its holy days. The irreverent use of the name of Jesus Christ, who Christian's claim to be God, and who for Muslims is one of their most honoured prophets, is incredulous and blasphemous for Muslims. So Muslims conclude that the West has sunken under a deluge of 'drunkenness, sexual licence, political corruption, violence, blasphemy, and corrupt lifestyles'. Change is necessary if civilization is to be preserved from the self-destruction of Christianity and Western nations. (p 19)

Is this Islamic assessment of what has become of the Christian West correct? In all honesty we would have to respond in the affirmative. We as individuals are part of the Christian West. Where do we fit into the assessment? Are we trying to stem the tide, warn others or going with the flow? The interplay of Islam with failed Christianity down through salvation history is fascinating and revealing. The Bible, in Daniel 11: 2 to 12: 4 provides a detailed description of the interplay of world powers from Daniel's day until the second coming of Jesus. It describes the role of the descendants of Abraham through Sarah's servant Hagar and her son Ishmael.

Pastor Tim Roosenberg has written a book entitled Islam and Christianity in Prophecy. (Available from STL). It's an insightful look into the historicist's interpretation of the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation. It identifies where and how the world of Islam fits into these prophecies. It's easy to read, yet definitive and crystal clear in its meaning. It's first chapter is entitled The Coming Holy War, it defines the Kings of the North, South and East and the roles of Europe, China and Communism in prophecy and much more. There is a chapter on The Time of the End Holy War. If you want to make sense of the interplay of Islam and Christianity, Islam and Christianity in Prophecy, is most helpful.

Children of the East, Presented by Ron Pahl at STL, 3. 30 pm, December 14.

Ron is presenting his first hand experience with Islamic belief and the way in which Christianity is viewed by Muslims. If you can make it you are welcome to be part of the audience. His presentation will be filmed on the 14th December. The enclosed/attached brochure provides the details. Ron's daughter phoned him from overseas where she was working one day some years back and announced to her parents that she was marrying a Muslim. Ron will tell the story of his search for understanding of Muslim belief, culture and society and how it relates to his Christian faith as described in the Bible. His message is most insightful.

What's Steps to Life Been Up to in 2013?

Our major activities for 2013 have been the following, plus the filming and production of the DVDS from the seminars. We would like to thank all the volunteers who have helped make the years activities possible, you who have supported the various activities with your donations, prayerful support and attendance and especially the presenters who have made the commitment to provide information on spiritual matters and healthy living in such a timely and interesting manner. We trust you will see a rich return on the investment you have made in STL this year. We value you greatly and have enjoyed having you as part of the STL team. Blessings to you and thank you so much.

This year's program has included. All programs filmed in STL studios and are available on DVD

• February 24 -Ben and Jana Meldt - Do-It-Yourself Natural Health
• March 24 - Ben and Jana Meldt, God's Green Farmacy
• April 23 - Dr. David Bird - Food for Medicine
• April 4 to 20 - Christian Berdahl - The Distraction Dilemma
• June 23 - Kaye Sehm, Natural Health Laws
• July 5 - Home School Seminar - Against the Flow, Peter Frogley
• July 12 to 23 - Anthony Burns - Spiritual Formation, its Origins and Practices
• September 29 - Dr David Bird - Freedom from Depression
• October 7 - Depression Recovery Program Reunion Dinner, Guest speaker, Michael Davey, best selling author of Journey of Hope
• October 14 - Wendy Hill, Music in the Homeschool
• Three Depression Recovery Programs
• Supply of STL filmed DVDs for First Light Satellite TV, NZ

There is still more to happen:-

• October 20 - Sunday Helath Seminar
• Dr Galen Comstock-Disease Prevention: Pills vs. Lifestyle, Free Basic Health Checks available on day
• October 25 to November 9 - David and Rebecca Gates, Prepare Now for the Final Battle
• November 24 - Oscar Sande, Sick Vegetarians and the Nutrient Connection
• December 14 - Ron Pahl, Children of the East

Christian greetings from Cherryl and the STL Team

Brian Way/ Program Coordinator