"The Nature of God Revealed: A Critical Doctrinal Difference Between Islam and Christianity" (pt.1)

     I will begin a new series of blog posts over the next few weeks. They will pertain to a critical doctrinal difference between Islam and Christianity. The majority of Christians and Muslims fail to understand the fundamental differences when it comes to each one's faith. Therefore, my desire is to help us understand one of the most fundamental, as well as critical, issue that separates Islam and Christianity. The critical doctrinal issue I will focus upon will be the nature of God, more specifically the knowability of God in Islam versus Christianity. The ability to know God is a common doctrine in Christianity due to the fact that God chooses to make Himself known by special revelation through the Trinity. However, this is not the case in Islam. I pray you will read, critique, and ask questions concerning this fundamental difference when it comes to Islam and Christianity.

Introduction

       For over six thousand years, humanity has been conflicted regarding how one should worship God. After the fall in Genesis 3, sin entered into the world, and then Genesis 4 revealed that Cain and Able desired to bring worthy sacrifices in their worship of God; however, God received one and rejected the other. This led to the murder of Able and the judgment of Cain. There have been worship wars ever since, and they still exist today. These worship wars are between religions that claim the exclusive rights on how they know and worship God.

            The last twelve hundred years have contained sharp controversy and conflict between the Muslim and Christian faiths. Muslims and Christians alike ascribe to the worship of the one true and living God, yet only one is truly correct. Christians believe they can know their God in a personal way, while Muslims believe they can only know Allah’s will since he does not reveal himself in a relational way. Therefore, this paper will attempt to expose the superficial similarities between the Allah of the Qur’an and the God of the Bible, as it relates to the knowability of God. The argument will be presented as following: first, by contrasting the Oneness of Allah and God; second, by investigating Qur’anic and Biblical texts concerning the transcendence of Allah and God; third, by presenting evidence for the contrast of Allah’s and God’s immanence; and fourth, personal application in the importance of the Trinity as it relates to evangelizing to Muslims.

The Oneness of God

            The Scriptures testify that there is only one true God. The belief in the one true God is known as monotheism [Greek: mono, one + theos, god]. The belief in more than one God is called polytheism [Greek: poly, many]. The Islamic and Christian faiths are monotheistic in the sense that they worship one god. God’s Oneness is a point of similarity between the Muslim and Christian, but it also presents a major doctrinal difference when it comes to God’s nature of knowability.

            Both religions have a core conviction that their worship consists of worshipping One God. The doctrine of God’s Oneness can be traced throughout both histories as stated in the Qur’an and in the Bible. The Oneness of God is a vital doctrine, even though neither camp would agree on each other’s view. So the question that should be asked is, if both religions agree on the Oneness of God, what is the major difference when it comes to Islam and Christianity’s view of God’s Oneness? The writer will offer similarities and differences concerning the Tawhid and the Trinity.

Please feel free to share you thoughts, concerns, or questions. I will be posting part 2 in the next few days. Don't forget that you can subscribe to this blog by placing your e-mail address in the "follow by e-mail" location on the home page.  

"Saved By Grace"

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:8-10

     There is no hope for him. She is beyond help! There is no way they will ever change. Have you ever been guilty of making such a statement? I am sure we have all said these words concerning someone we knew. These statements presuppose that a person is able to change themselves or their current situation. I am also sure people with enough willpower can do just about anything they put their mind to like; quit smoking, drinking, cussing or overeating. People can change their habits but they cannot change their heart, only God can do that.

 Jocelynn and me

      Jocelynn James is my younger sister by five years. She and my brother Jeremie are paternal twins, we have the same mother but different fathers. We grew up pretty close knit as siblings who loved each other despite having different fathers and at times living in difficult situations. As we got older and time passed I moved out of the house on my own. I went one way and they went another. Even though we did not see each other much we still loved each other. 

     As the years passed we each got married, had children and started our own families. It was during this time Jocelynn began to journey down a dark and dangerous road. It was a road filled with drugs that eventually consumed her life. A place where I had been at one time myself. A place filled with lies, begging, and stealing in order to get the next fix. Jocelynn finally found herself at the end of her drug-filled road, which landed her in the Franklin County jail for 6 months. It was during this time God began to do a work of grace in her life.

     As children, we were taught the difference between right and wrong. We went to church where we learned about God, Jesus, and our need for the forgiveness of our sin. However, going to church never changes a person's heart and merely knowing about God is totally different than knowing God. As Jeremiah wrote, "Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots. Then also you can do good who are accustomed to do evil" (Jeremiah 13:23). Jocelynn was in need of something more than just going to church, she needed an encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ.

     Family and friends prayed often for her but once she was incarcerated there was nothing anyone could do but keep praying. God in His grace allowed her to serve 6 months in the county jail where God began to do a work in her life. I say, "in His grace" because this allowed her to sober up and to begin to think straight. I remember making a visit or two while she was there and how I wept as I left the jail. She was released to an all women's Christian rehab center in Birmingham, AL called the "Love Lady" after her six-month sentence. It was during her time there God in His grace had mercy upon her and graced her with salvation. I remember she had the chaplain there contact me to come and minister to over 100 women at their chapel service. While I was there Jocelynn and I had a conversation about true conversion. I told her, "that time would tell if she had truly been converted." 

     I would say, time is telling, so far. The Lord has used Jocelynn in a multitude of ways. She is growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord. She has traveled to different states, churches, and venues to share what God in Christ has done in her life. She now has an on-going ministry at the county jail, which she called home for six months, where she shares the hope of Christ to other women inmates. She is a woman who is not perfect but has been redeemed and forgiven by the blood of Jesus.

Jocelynn giving her testimony

     I am constantly amazed by God's grace. The very one's we would think there is no hope are the very one's God chooses to call and save. It reminds me of some of the last recorded words of the hymn writer of Amazing Grace, John Newton, when he said, "I know not of two things. I am a great sinner, but I have a great Savior."

 So, what can we learn? We learn there is no one beyond the reach of our Great God. God is able to save and change whomever, whenever, and it is for His glory and that person's good. I marvel at what God is doing in my little sister's life. God's grace causes me to rejoice and give thanks to Him for all that He is doing. For it is only God who can change a heart and He does this solely by His grace. 

Here is the link to a magazine article that featured Jocelynn last month (article begins on page 14):
https://issuu.com/franklinco/docs/franklin_living_janfeb_2017_web

2017 Reading Challenge List

     

   

     I have spent some time this week meditating and setting a few goals for 2017. And one of my goals for 2017 is to do some extra reading outside of my sermon preparation and seminary work. With that said, let me share my reading list for 2017. It will be a challenge but as one person said, "If your goals don't scare you, they are not big enough."

The Light Reader

A biography: "Decision Points" by Geroge W. Bush. 494 pages (Audible)
A classic novel: "Walden" by Henry David Thoreau. 197 pages (Audible or Hardcover)
A book about history: "Pearl Harbor" by Craig Nelson. 499 pages. (Hardcover)
A book targeted at your gender: "Masculine Mandate" by Richard Phillips. 217 pages. (Hardcover)
A book about theology: "Covenant Theology: A Reformed and Baptistic Perspective on God's Covenants" by Greg Nichols. 365 pages. (Hardcover)
A book with at least 400 pages: "Living by Revealed Truth: The Life and Pastoral Theology of Charles Spurgeon" by Tom Nettles. 700 pages. (Hardcover)
A book your pastor recommends: "Knowing God" by J.I Packer. 286 pages. (Hardcover)
A book about Christian living: "A Quest For Godliness" by J.I. Packer. 367 pages. (Hardcover)
A book more than 100 years old: "Pilgrims Progress" by John Bunyan. 264 pages. (Hardcover)
A book published in 2017: "Reformation 500: How the Greatest Revival Since Pentecost Continues to Shape the World" by Ray Van Neste and Michael Garrett. 288 pages. (Hardcover)
A book for children or teens: "Shepherding a Childs Heart" by Ted Tripp. 215 pages. (Hardcover)
A book of your choice: "Born To Run" by Christopher McDougal. 304 pages. (Hardcover)
A book about a current issue: "The Gospel and Racial Reconciliation" by Russell Moore and Andrew Walker. 128 pages. (Audible)

**Disclaimer: I will be reading my Bible on a daily basis using the 5 Day Bible Reading Schedule. The past few years I have been reading the Bible chronologically and I've decided its time for a change.
Here is the pdf of the plan: http://www.bibleclassmaterial.com/BibleReadingSchedule2017f…

So, what do you think? What do you plan on reading in 2017? 

"Cross Major Doctrinal Differences Between Islam and Christianity"

     For the next several weeks I will be undertaking a research and writing project for my History and Religion of Islam class at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. I have chosen the topic of doctrinal differences between Islam and Christianity. I find this topic very interesting, as it relates to what Muslims truly believe and how to engage them with the gospel. 

    However, it is not that simple. The Islamic faith is very complex and can be confusing. This is the reason why I will seek out to understand the major doctrinal differences between the Islamic and Christian faith. I would appreciate your prayers as I continue to learn more on this subject.

Here are my outline and bibliography toward the research and writing.

Cross Major Doctrinal Differences Between Islam and Christianity

Outline for Research Paper:

Introduction:

            The Doctrine of Scripture 

                      (Qur'an versus Bible)

            The Doctrine of the Trinity 

                     (Unitarianism versus Trinitarianism) 

            The Doctrine of Soteriology 

                     (Salvation by Works versus Salvation by Grace)

            The Doctrine of Eschatology 

                     (Paradise versus Heaven)

Bibliography

Arberry, A.J. The Koran: Interpreted. Touchstone: New York, 1955, p358.

Griffith, Sidney. The Church In the Shadow of the Mosque. Princeton: Princeton University      Press, 2008, pp.237.

Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology: An Introduction of Biblical Doctrine, Zondervan:         Grand Rapids, 1994, pp.1271.

Guillaume, A. The Life of Muhammad. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1955, pp. 813.

Macleod, Donald. The Person of Christ. Downers Grove: Intervarsity Press, 1998, pp.301.

Peters, F.E. A Reader on Classical Islam. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1994, pp.437.

Reymond, Robert. A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith. Nashville: Thomas           Nelson, 1998, pp.1201.

Reynolds, Gabriel, S. The Muslim Jesus: Dead of Alive?. United Kingdom: School of Oriental &             African Studies, 2009, 237-258.

Reynolds, Gabriel S. The Emergence of Islam. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2012, pp.226.

Saeed, Abdulla. Islamic Thought: An Introduction. New York: Routledge Taylor & Francis        Group, 2006, pp.224.

Samir, Samir, K. The Significance of the Early Arab Christian Thought for Muslim-          Christian Understanding. Washington D.C.: Georgetown University, 1997, pp.52.

Stott, John. The Cross and Christ. Downers Grove: Intervarsity, 1986 & 2006, pp.373.

Swanson, Mark, N. Early Christian-Muslim Theological Conversation Among Arabic-Speaking   Intellectuals.

Thomas, David. The Bible in Early Muslim Anti-Christian Polemic. Islam and Christian-            Muslim Relations, Vol. 7, No.1, 1996, pp.29-38.

White, James. The Forgotten Trinity. Minneapolis: Bethany House, 1998.

Websites

www.speakthetruth.com

Merry Christmas!

Luke 2:11 "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

Merry Christmas from the Becks

"The Most Wonderful Time of the Year"

“The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”

The holiday hustle and bustle can be a bit overwhelming this time of the year. It all begins with the preparation for Thanksgiving, which leads right into Christmas. Families are trying to orchestrate the “who, what, when, and where” of their upcoming gatherings. There are many details to cover, such as the menu, grocery shopping, sleeping arrangements of guests, holiday travel routes—and finding the perfect gifts to purchase. All of this can lead a person to be overwhelmed with stress and strain to perform at their best. This is the reason Christians must have and live out a biblical worldview every day of our lives.

Christians can overcome the pressures of the holiday season by focusing on Christ and His work on their behalf. The reason many believers become stressed is because they fail to focus on the "why" of this time of the year. When we ask ourselves why we celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas, it will help us to handle the stress of this time of year. When Christians remember that Thanksgiving is a time to reflect and give thanks to God for both our spiritual and material blessings in the Lord, it calms nerves. For the believer, Christmas is when we reflect on the truth that God, the eternal Son, robed Himself in flesh, was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, and gave Himself up as a substitute to redeem His people. Focusing on these truths removes ourselves from the picture and places Christ properly in view.

Christians should meditate on truth, such as Matthew 1:21, which says, "She [Mary] will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." This reminds us of the true Reason for the season; Christmas is not a time of year that we focus on others or ourselves, for it should be focusing and worshipping Christ. Why? Think about it—if it were not for Christ, there would be nothing to be "thankful" for, nor any reason to celebrate "Christmas."  When we meditate on the real Reason for the season—that Christ came to redeem us, free us, and, one day, save us—it leads believers to truly worship Him.

This time of the year is not about just giving and receiving or the hustle and bustle of fighting the crowds while searching for the perfect gift. It is about the worship of King Jesus. Yes, it is a time where we are thankful for all of our blessings and a time where we remember the birth of Christ, but mainly, it is the time where the truth of the eternal Son Who took on flesh and died as a substitute and arose on the third day should bring us to worship Him.

Therefore, when you feel the pressure, stress, and strain of the holiday season starting to hit you, I encourage you to slow down and meditate on what Christ has done for you. And may the meditation of Christ lead you to worship Him in Spirit and truth, because this is the most wonderful time of the year.

"Pondered Treasures & Piercing Sword"

In this my 24th year of being a daughter of the King, I still get so stunned at God’s ways and His Word…at how they can fall together in a single moment to form something I will forever keep. A treasure.

I was contacted earlier in the week to find a photograph for a certain occasion.

I have five matters in my life completely unrelated that are weighing heavily on my heart.

This morning I have a strong urge to sing “Blessings.”

I remember I need to find that photograph.

(How on earth is this all connected?)

So after pulling up the song on my heart from my desktop and singing about blessings coming through raindrops and healing coming through tears, I go to the photograph albums. Of course, this triggers lots of reminiscing. I come across a picture of Christmas from 1994 and there I am - a babe in Christ, proudly wearing my beautiful rhinestone pin with “Jesus” written in cursive on my Christmas sweater. Life seemed much lighter then. I remember how glad I was to wear His name in the presence of my family. I pondered these memory treasures and realized that back then, I had no idea piercing swords were coming. Then I saw pictures which reminded me of painful times where relationships were different because of my relationship to Jesus. By now, I was familiar with some swords.

As I thought about these memories, there was pain. There was joy. And God, in His amazing goodness, suddenly brought to mind two truths He reveals to us through the one who carried the Gospel as close to her heart as anyone could.

The first is found in Luke 2:19 and tells us that as the world around her encircled her newborn Son, Mary pondered up all these things in her heart and treasured them. She witnessed many unusual events. A Star. Visiting Magi. Prophets and prophetesses suddenly approaching her newborn baby in glee. And this was just the beginning. The second is found in Luke 2:34-35 and tells us that Simeon prophesied that a sword would pierce Mary’s own soul. We can easily see this in Herod’s hunt for her baby. This also was just the beginning.

Mary experienced both pondered treasure and piercing sword. I remember the first time I read about her heart being pierced with a sword. Somehow I felt her hurt. It seemed so unfair and bittersweet. But, isn’t this a shadow of every Christian?

Being connected to Jesus brings wonderful relationships and wonderful revelations available only to His own. The thrill of participating in His family, understanding and learning new things …these are just the beginning. These are joy unspeakable and full of glory. Some pondered treasures. But also, being connected to Jesus brings about hard changes in relationships and hard revelations. We walk differently because we are new creatures, and not everyone likes that. Our new heart sees evil in a whole new light. This is also just the beginning. Some piercing swords.

Yet, these are to be our lot in life here on planet earth. Our pondered treasures and piercing swords are not single incidents or phases in life but encompasses our entire journey with God. Both are normal parts of our Christian life.

“Blessings” is still playing over and over on this computer as I type.

“What if Your blessings come through raindrops? What if your healing comes through tears? What if a thousand sleepless nights is what it takes to know You’re near. What if the trials of life are your mercies in disguise? When friends betrays us, and darkness seems to win, The pain reminds this heart this is not our home. What if my greatest disappointment or the aching of this life Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy?”

I can imagine Mary singing this song.

My, how His Word and His Ways work to speak to us about Him in a single moment. Yes, there are present swords piercing my heart (as I am sure there are yours too) ~ but I just experienced a treasure that I will forever ponder.

Thank You, my Father. My Jesus.


Blog post was contributed by a dear friend who desired to remain anonymous.