Guidelines for our discussion Biblical Correctness Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Tim 2:15 Speaking the Truth in Love Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. Eph 4:15

2 Cor 5:20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

Islam means ‘submission to God’ Where are Muslims found? Predominantly in Asia, middle East, Africa 1.6 billion Muslims in world – 23% of pop Canada has 1 053,000 Muslims – 3.2%

3. When and Where did Islam begin 3. When and Where did Islam begin? 610ad in Mecca Mohammed was given words from God Due to persecution fled to Medina grew through warfare

4. What is Islam’s holy book 4. What is Islam’s holy book? Koran all other holy books are corrupted and can not be trusted

Muslim Key Beliefs Belief in God – Allah Belief in good and bad angels Belief in revealed books of God Belief in God’s many prophets of whom Mohammed is chief and final one. Belief in a last day judgment Believes everything that happens is will of God Belief in life after death

5 Pillars of Islam Shahadah – there is no God but God and Mohammed is the messenger of God Prayer 5 times a day Giving of alms Fast of Ramadan Pilgrimage to Mecca

Similarities Monotheistic Universe created by God God has given special revelation There will be a final judgment

Differences The nature of God God is knowable – Allah is unknowable God is a ‘person’ – Allah is not a ‘person’ God is spirit – Allah is not spirit God is trinity (Trinitarian) – Allah is one –Unitarian God is limited by his nature – Allah has no limits God is love – Allah never identified as love God entered into history – Allah did not God is source of grace – Allah is only law

Differences 2. Scripture - Allah revealed his will in Koran so we can obey -Koran is definitive and final revelation -Christians believe that God revealed himself in Old and New Testament so that we can know Him and have relationship with Him.

Differences 3. Jesus -Islam denies the incarnation and deity of Jesus -Jesus is one of the lesser prophets -Jesus did not die on the cross -Christians believe that the death and resurrection of Jesus is at the heart of the Gospel.

Why are Muslims coming to Christ? Assurance of salvation – 1 John 5:11-12 Character of Jesus – Isa 53 Power of Bible/Gospels Gift of dreams Supernatural encounters Power of love – Rom 5:8 Relationship with God – Rom 8:5

Christian Response Do not let feelings govern our actions Repent Embrace truth Pray Extend help and friendship Look for common causes Don’t pretend there are no differences Ensure Christianity is healthy