Iran steps up persecution of Christians as Ahmadinejad...

Iran steps up persecution of Christians as Ahmadinejad prepares for
the coming of the Islamic Mahdi

http://www.prophecynewswatch.com/

Earlier this year WND reported on plans by Iranian President Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad to "pave the path for the glorious reappearance of Imam
Mahdi," and now confirmed reports from Voice of the Martyrs reveals
that the persecution of Christians in Iran is intensifying.

WND reported that Ahmadinejad is urging Iranians to prepare for the
coming of the Mahdi by turning the country into a mighty and
advanced Islamic society and by avoiding the corruption and excesses
of the West. Shiites believe the 12th imam disappeared as a child in
the year 941, but when he returns he will reign on earth for seven
years, before bringing about a final judgment and the end of the
world.

Voice of the Martyrs, which makes available a newsletter providing
updates on the persecution of Christians around the world, says in a
new report Christians in Iran "are being detained, interrogated and
in one case, imprisoned because of their faith in Jesus Christ."

"This new wave of persecution is coming against Christians that meet
to worship God in the privacy of their homes," VOM said its sources
revealed. "We have confirmed reports that several believers have
been interrogated and one house was stormed by an elite police team
that confiscated a computer, several CDs and Christian materials. A
Christian was arrested in this attack, and remains in prison."

"Clearly, Iran's government is alarmed at the growth of the
Christian faith there," said Todd Nettleton, a spokesman for the
ministry that serves persecuted Christians worldwide.

"This is a key time for the church in Iran. We call on Iran's
government to release this Christian believer who is being held, and
we call on Christians around the world to pray for our brothers and
sisters in Iran," he said.

The organization also asked for prayer for Iranian believers to
"remain steadfast in their faith despite this new wave of
persecution."

Experts monitoring such persecution say that Christians make up a
tiny percentage of the people of Iran, where the government
"officially" allows Christians to practice their faith but in
reality intervenes and harasses Christians regularly.

For example, Christians are not allowed to print literature,
including Sunday bulletins, and converts from Islam to Christianity
are labeled apostate and subject to the death penalty. Christian
pastors are under constant surveillance, and many are forced to sign
documents saying they will not allow Muslims to be in their worship
services.

As WND's earlier report detailed, official Iranian radio broadcast a
lengthy series on the imminent appearance of a messianic figure who
will defeat Islam's enemies and impose Islamic Shiite rule over the
entire world – even speculating on specific dates the so-called
"Mahdi" will be revealed.

"Be joyous my heart, miracles of the Messiah will soon be here,"
reads a poem used to conclude the first broadcast. "The scent of
breaths of the One we know comes from near. Grieve not of sorrow and
melancholy, as assured I was … last night that a Savior will come,
it's clear."

After the coming of the 12th imam, or Mahdi, "liberal democratic
civilization" will be found only in "history museums," explained the
program.

"Contrary to the views of western theoreticians, who usually depict
an ambiguous and dark future for mankind, Muslim experts believe
human history, despite its many ups and downs, has a very auspicious
fate," explained the program. "Muslims believe hopes for the
realization of such a happy ending for the world are called
'Awaiting Redemption,' and means waiting for man's problems to be
solved by the Savior at the end of time. This awaiting influences
many, and inspired them with activity and enthusiasm in confronting
darkness and oppression for changing the existing situation. …"

This messianic figure will be a direct descendant of Muhammad,
according to the broadcasts.

"In short, when he reappears, peace, justice and security will
overcome oppression and deceit and one global government, the most
perfect ever, will be established," it said.

"Another beautiful moment of the Savior's appearance is the coming
down of Prophet Jesus (PBUH) from heaven," says the report. "Hazrat
Mahdi receives him courteously and asks him to lead the prayers. But
Jesus says you are more qualified for this than me. We read in the
book Tazkarat ol-Olia, 'the Mahdi will come with Jesus son of Mary
accompanying him.' This indicates that these two great men are (sic)
complement each other. Imam Mahdi will be the leader while Prophet
Jesus will act as his lieutenant in the struggle against oppression
and establishment of justice in the world. Jesus had himself given
the tidings of the coming of God's last messenger and will see
Mohammad's ideals materialize in the time of the Mahdi."

Ahmadinejad's mystical pre-occupation with the coming of the Mahdi
is raising concerns that a nuclear-armed Islamic Republic could
trigger the kind of global conflagration he envisions will set the
stage for the end of the world.

_________________
"The conversion of the entire population to Islam and the extinction of every form of dissent is the ideal of the Muslim State - This is Islamic Peace"

A moderate Moslem is one who sends others blow themselves up.