Where do I start? I've only been on holiday for a week, and so much is happening. Talk of a Hamas-Fatah national unity government, the Pope offended millions of Muslims by complaining about Islamic intolerance, and Israel warned the world that they have just a few months to prevent Iran going nuclear. Serious days. As for the Pope, he simply made the assertion that the prophet Mohammed spread his "faith" by the sword, which according to the Qur'an is an accurate statement. The Pope stated he was deeply sorry for any offence caused, and that the phrase he quoted did not represent his personal views, but Islamic anger is still unabated.  

Quote: "But Mahmoud Ashour, the former deputy of Cairo's Al-Azhar, the Sunni Arab world's most powerful institution, said the pope's comments were not enough. "He should apologize because he insulted the beliefs of Islam. He must apologize in a frank way and say he made a mistake," Ashour told Al-Arabiya TV after the pope's speech that. In the town of Tulkarm, a 170-year-old stone church built 170 years ago was torched before dawn and its interior was destroyed, local Christian officials said. In the village of Tubas, a small church was attacked with firebombs and partially burned, Christians said. Neither church is Catholic, the officials said.

I believe "insulting" the beliefs of Islam is wrong. I wouldn't want anyone to mock my Lord Jesus Christ, or my beliefs. But the Pope's comments are a just criticism of Mohammed and the teachings of the Qur'an, which advocate violence in order to spread Islam. If this is interpreted as insulting the beliefs of Islam, then many of us Christians are guilty of this very offence, including myself. Ironically, Islamic terrorist organizations are preparing to kill Christians in order to prove Mohammed did not spread Islam through violent means.

Quote: ""We tell the worshipper of the cross (the Pope) that you and the West will be defeated, as is the case in Iraq, Afghanistan, Chechnya," said an Internet statement by the Mujahideen Shura Council, an umbrella group led by Iraq's branch of al Qaeda. "We shall break the cross and spill the wine. ... God will (help) Muslims to conquer Rome. ... God enable us to slit their throats, and make their money and descendants the bounty of the Mujahideen," said the statement... Another militant group in Iraq, Ansar al-Sunnah, also vowed to fight Christians in retaliation. "You will only see our swords until you go back to God's true faith Islam," it said in a separate Internet statement.

How long will it be before Christians living in the UK face the threat from groups like al-Muhajiroun, for preaching that God has a Son? If this government continues in the way it is going, it may be sooner than we realize. God will of course give us the patience to endure tribulation.

John 16:33 
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Source YNet News, Reuters

Back from my holidays in Portrush. Had a fantastic time! Will take me a few days to get up to speed again. I have quickly scanned through all the emails I have received. I just don't have time to update the site with all that has happened while I was on holiday, but I do have a bit of an idea of what has been happening. Thanks to everyone that has emailed.