When he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1:10-11
Nobility.
“Now these Jews in Berea were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” Acts 17:11
The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you. Ps. 9:9-12
"Let us make everything a matter of prayer... There is nothing too little to pray about... Even in the most trifling matters I give myself to prayer." -George Muller.
The Messiah had to suffer.
Thus the Jewish Scriptures teach.
“Paul reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, ‘This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.’” Acts 17:2–3
Fire came out from before the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD. Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD has said: ‘Among those who are near me I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified.’” Lev. 10:2-3a
Major DIFFERENCES between Biblical Christianity & Islam.
GOD AND ALLAH ARE NOT THE SAME:
1. View of God:
Christianity: One God in Trinity - Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit.
Islam: Strict monotheism (Tawhid) - God (Allah) is absolutely one; no divisions or partners.
2. Jesus:
Christianity: Jesus is the Son of God, fully divine and fully human; Savior of humanity.
Islam: Jesus (Isa) is a great prophet, born of the Virgin Mary, but not divine and not God’s son.
3. Crucifixion & Resurrection:
Christianity: Jesus was crucified, died, and rose from the dead for the forgiveness of sins.
Islam: Jesus was not crucified; God raised him up, and someone else was made to appear like him.
4. Salvation:
Christianity: Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works alone.
Islam: Salvation comes through submission to Allah, faith, and good deeds, with Allah’s mercy being decisive.
5. Sin:
Christianity: Humanity is affected by original sin; redemption is needed through Christ.
Islam: Humans are born sinless; sin is the result of forgetfulness or disobedience, not inherited guilt.
6. Scriptures:
Christianity: The Bible (Old Testament and New Testament).
Islam: The Qur’an as the final, perfect revelation; earlier scriptures (Torah, Psalms, Gospel) are respected but believed to be corrupted.
7. Final Authority:
Christianity: Authority rests in Scripture, interpreted through tradition, church teachings, or personal conscience (varies by denomination).
Islam: Authority comes from the Qur’an and Hadith (sayings/actions of Muhammad).
8. Muhammad:
Christianity: Muhammad is not recognized as a prophet.
Islam: Muhammad is the final prophet and the seal of prophecy.
9. God’s Relationship to Humanity:
Christianity: God is personal and relational, inviting believers into a father-child relationship.
Islam: God is merciful and just, but emphasizes servant-master relationship.
10. Afterlife:
Christianity: Heaven and Hell; eternal life depends on relationship with Christ.
Islam: Paradise (Jannah) and Hell (Jahannam); judgment based on faith and deeds.
11. Role of Law:
Christianity: Moral law fulfilled in Christ; emphasis on inner transformation.
Islam: Sharia law guides personal, social, and religious life (implementation varies widely).
Which is True:
Christianity is.
Islam is not.
This is our hope, our joyful hope, to know the glorious unknowable.
“No one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Matthew 11:27
Lord Jesus, do this!
Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Ex. 40:34-35