Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 9 August 2002 — Page 15

FRIDAY, AUGUST 9,2002

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

PAGE B3

SALT Continued from B1

start putting your earned wages into your bag — pocketbook or wallet — then it seems as if your bag has a hole in it. What is this? I would submit to you that it is the spirit of debt (the culprit) — the unseen moth in your closet making mockery of the money you have worked hard to earn. And you say, “I just don’t know what happens to my money? I work hard, but I still don’t have anything.” I say the spirit of debt is defeating the purpose of our prosperity and undermining the mission of money: to bless and not stress. We want to bless. We have the desire, but debt is holding us hostage. I want to submit to you that though debt be the culprit, it will never be defeated until it is addressed like the spirit that it Is. By this I mean it is not just a circumstance or situation that you are in, it is a calculated attempt of the devil and his demons to systematically strip you of the abundance God has promised you. It is the opposing force to the God of the harvest to punch holes in your bag so that you lose your seed even before you prepare to plant. Your bag has a hole in it. It is a consistent and constant assault on your finances designed to depress you and steal your joy. It is a ruthless and renegade spirit. It must be addressed aggressively, but first it must be understood before it can be undone. Actually, we in the war room planning an all out attack on lack — by declaring war on the spirit of debt in order to be free by 2003.

Debt is more than a circumstance or situation. Debt is a ruthless spirit dedicated to stealing the joy of every Christian. 1. The spirit of debt undermines the purpose of prosperity. “Is it time for you. Oh ye, to dwell in your cieled houses, and this house lie waste?” (Haggai 1:4 KJ) 2. The spirit of debt seeks to undermine the law of the harvest. “Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.” (Haggai 1:6 KJ) 3. The spirit of debt is only afraid of knowledge and obedience. “Now therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways.” (Haggai 1:5 KJ) The spirit of debt is your bag with a hole in it. Consider your ways! Is it time for a change? Remember, “you are the salt of the Earth and the light of the world” ... make a difference ... you really can! ***** If these articles on the War on Debt have been a blessing to you, why not join us for our special midweek teachings on debt on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. at Northview Middle School, 8401 Westfield Boulevard, Indianapolis. You, too, can be debt free in 2003! Send comments and sugstiqrfs to e-mail: n [email protected] or write to Salt and Light, c/o Dr. Benjamin, P.O. Box 781344, Indianapolis, IN 462781344.

A.M.E. Church and Countrywide announce homeownership program

Electronic Urban Report Countrywide Home Loans Inc., a national leader in residential finance, and the 5th District African Methodist Episcopal Church announced the Financial Literacy and Homeownership Program. The program is expected to generate $30 million in new mortgages and create more than 400 new homeowners in the 15 states served by the 5th District A.M.E. Church. The Financial Literacy and Homeownership Program is one of many educational and outreach initiatives under the umbrella of Countrywide’s One Hundred Billion Dollar Challenge, a $ 100 billion commitment to increasing homeownership among low income and minority home buy-

ers by 2005. In addition to holding financial literacy and homeownership workshops, Countrywide will provide access to mortgage financing for eligible consumers through both its retail and wholesale divisions. In most areas of the 5th District, Countrywide’s retail branches will provide a broad spectrum of loan products to fit consumers’ needs. Countrywide will also explore with the church the creation of mortgage brokerage entities that will be affiliated with the local churches in communities where the 5th District A.M.E. Church has large constituencies. Significant technical assistance will be provided by Countrywide to enhance the operation of these brokerage entities.

New Life Worship Center "A l Mai Church With A Global l 'iston ” Worship Schedule Sunday Morning: 8:00 am 10:00 am 12:00 pm Wednesday Bible Study: 12 Noon 7:00 pm

Am AffMiatt *f

Al-lslam allows Christians and Muslims to wed

Continued from B1

you for supporting Al-lslam in America. We appreciate all of our readers. First I must say that you are not wrong or confused for the concerns you have expressed. You have every right to inquire about a future relationship, especially one that involves the sacred act of marriage. I am glad that you are putting some serious thoughts into these important decisions you are faced with. Marriage, even without the added challenge of having different religions, requires flexible and socially mature individuals to make the union prosper. Also the fact that the gentleman is serving time is an additional hardship upon your relationship. All of these matters must be given significant attention as both of you pursue getting married. Yes, Islam does allow marriage of Muslims to “People of the Book” (Christians, Jews and Sabians). In the Holy Qur’an Chapter 5, titled Al-Ma’ idah (The Table Spread); Verse 5 says, “This day are (all) things good and pure made lawful unto you. The food of the People of the Book is lawful unto you and yours is lawful unto them. (Lawful unto you in marriage) are (not only) chaste women who are believers, but chaste women among the People of the Book, revealed before your time, when ye give them their due dowers, and desire chastity, not lewdness, nor secret intrigues if any one rejects faith, fruitless is his work, and in the hereafter he will be in the ranks of

those who have lost (all spiritual good).” Admittedly, some Muslims mistakenly group all non-Muslims as disbelievers; however, in the Qur’an Allah makes a clear distinction that recognizes serious Christians and Jews. Allah (G-d) revealed in Chapter 5; Verses 113-115, “Not all of them are alike: Of the People of the Book are a portion that stand (for the right): they rehearse the signs of G-d all night long, and they prostrate themselves in adoration. They believe in G-d and the last day; they enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong; and they hasten (in emulation) in (all) good works: they are in the ranks of the righteous. Of the good that they do, nothing will be rejected of them; for G-d knoweth well those that do right.” Furthermore, Allah gives Muslims and Christians a special closeness, above that given to other faiths. Chapter 5; Verse 82: “Strongest among men in enmity to the believers wilt thou find the Jews and pagans; and nearest among them in love to the believers wilt thou find those who say, ‘We are Christians’: because amongst these are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant.” My sister, it is obvious from the above Qur’anic verses that Allslam allows Muslims to marry Christians and other People of the Book. The challenge arises from either one, or both, of the individuals preferring more religious compatibility.

Yes, interfaith marriages can and do work,... I personally know of Muslim-Christian marriages that are working very well. I have known of some that have lasted "until death do us apart.” We applaud those marriages. Yes, interfaith marriages can and do work, but often they bring additional challenges that other marriages may not have. I personally know of Muslim-Christian marriages that are working very well. I have known of some that have lasted “until death do us apart.” We applaud those marriages. One issue that often hinders a Muslim-Christian relationship is the issue, or status of Christ Jesus, prayers and peace be on him. Again referencing Chapter 5, Al-Ma’ idah (The Table Spread); Verse 116, “And behold! Allah (G-d) will say: ‘Oh Jesus the son of Mary! Didst thou say unto men, worship me and my mother as gods in derogation of G-d?’ He will say: ‘Glory to thee! never could I say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing, thou wouldst indeed have known it. Thou knowest what is in my heart, although I know not what is in thine. For thou knowest in full all that is hidden.” We find similar verses in the Bible. John 7:16-18 “Jesus an-

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swered them, and said, my doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or (whether) I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.” As you mentioned, “I believe that there is only one G-d (God).” That is a powerful statement. It is not a testimony unfamiliar to Muslims. Your fiance should accept you as you are, as a Christian. If you, independently, find your way back to Al-lslam, that is a decision between you and your Lord, no one else. It is a personal relationship that Allah holds with each individual believer. No, my sister you are not confused. I pray that Al-lslam in America has been helpful. We wish you peace. ***** NOTE: Al-lslam in America, accepting the advice of Imam W. Deen Mohammed, chooses to omit the letter “o” in the spelling of God to avoid using a tide for our Creator that reads dog in reverse. We appreciate all questions and comments. Please forward all inquiries to Al-lslam in America, C/O Imam Mikal Saahir, Nur-Allah Islamic Center, 2040 E. 46th St. Indianapolis, IN 46205. Or e-mail: [email protected].

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