Lings (biographer of Muhammad) tells accounts of individuals who received visions and miracles individually and were told to follow Muhammad. I am told that many Muslims in our day are likewise having visions of Jesus, and being told to come out of Islam and follow Him.

That's the problem with individual visions. Undoubtedly God has appeared to people in the past via visions, angelic visitors, dreams. But do I know who they are? Do you?

By far the greater number of disciples began to flock to Muhammad later because of the growing political threat he posed. His slaughter at Badr, for example, caused more tribes to unite to his cause. Makes sense to me.

Muhammad was actively seeking powerful allies to meet the growing threat of those who would destroy the new religion. He tells the story of a time that he regrets, when he was earnestly beseeching one such candidate, a blind man came by, asking for assistance. Muhammad ignored him, caring only about his potential ally.

Jesus, of course, heard the cries of the blind. He not only cared about them, He allowed the power of God to match His compassion. Blind eyes could see again.

Today Islam's numbers are maintained by the birth process and the continued inherent threats. Those who are born in a Muslim country are taught the basics of the faith from childhood, and most stay with it. They are taught that to leave it means eternal hell, over and over in the Koran.

I do not say that Muhammad did not or does not obtain disciples by teaching, but at least in our day, these adherents are often not told the entire truth about Islam. Even non-Arabic Koran translations have been "doctored" for Western consumption.

And frankly, the entrance requirements for Islam are quite simple. Believe in Allah. Believe in Muhammad. Make a statement. Say the words, "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of god."

Similar requirements exist for much of the religious world. Only in Christ is full heart repentance demanded, and a new life from Heaven given in exchange for that old one. "You must be born again," is the actual wording of the Master. Prayers and confessions may come later, but the changed heart is the way to get in.

Again, isn't it strange that a religion that claimed at first merely to be a revision, an update, of the religion of "the Book", Jewish and Christian, makes no mention of Jesus at all in its entrance requirements?

Jesus' call to discipleship was direct. He saw people that the Lord showed Him in prayer, and simply called them to Himself. Everyone He called responded. Then as the power - not political but miraculous - of God began to be manifested in miracle after miracle of healing and provision, others came to Him attracted by the wonders. They loved His message of forgiveness, though often they did not listen to the message of taking up the cross, and they eventually deserted Him when things got tough. Unlike Muhammad, Jesus offered no military protection for His followers.

Jesus continues to call people directly to Himself. They hear His Voice in their spirit man, they love Him, they follow Him to the death and then walk with Him in Heaven. But as then, there are those who follow for the wrong reasons. Both faiths have had their share of deserters.

It is a good time for all who hear this message to ask, Why do I follow Muhammad or Jesus? Because my parents did? Because it is legally protected and safe? Because I am financially prosperous and in good health? Because I've grown up in this faith and gotten connected to a lot of nice people?

Or because I am in perfect agreement with what he taught? Because He is the only hope of the world? Because with him I can live in inner peace now and eternal peace in heaven? Because I love Him with all my heart?