BULLETIN OUTLINE Crucial Conversations: Islam vs. Christianity 11.03.

13 Rob Sweet, Lead Pastor Clashing Worldviews: Theological Divides: The Way of Jesus:

LOOKING BACK Crucial Conversations: Islam vs. Christianity It is sometimes easy for us to forget that Christians are being persecuted around the world in alarming numbers. Much of that persecution is taking place in Muslim-majority countries. At the same time there is a growing number of Muslims who have become our neighbors right here in the Tri-Cities. Whether we view Muslims as enemies or neighbors, we are called to love them. It is difficult to love those whom we do not know or understand. First steps toward loving Muslims in our community and around the world might be simply asking the right questions: What longings and needs do Muslims have? What do they think about Jesus? What are they missing out on? What questions do they have? How can I move toward them with Jesus love? Thinking It Through

Weary, working, burdened one, wherefore toil you so? Cease your doing; all was done long, long ago. 'Til to Jesus' work you cling by a simple faith, doing is a deadly thing, doing ends in death. Cast your deadly doing down, down at Jesus' feet; stand in Him, in Him alone, gloriously complete.
~James Proctor, It Is Finished Living It Out 1. Spend some time this week praying for our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted for their faith around the world. Use the prayer guide included with the bulletin as you pray. 2. Evaluate your own heart toward Muslims. What preconceived ideas or stereotypes do you have? Do you personally have any Muslim friends? Would you be open to befriending a Muslim if the opportunity presented itself? 3. Would you be willing to pray that God would use you in His plan to bring many from the Islamic faith to a true understanding and belief in Jesus?

SUMMARY OF MUSLIM DOCTRINE AND PRACTICES

Muslim doctrine is often summarized in "Six Articles of Faith."

1. One God. To associate a partner with Allah is blasphemy (reject Trinity). 2. Large hierarchy of angels. Each person has two angels: one recording good deeds, other recording bad deeds. 3. The Prophets of God 124,000, one sent to each nation. 4. The Holy Books 4 of the highest ranking prophets given books of divine revelation: Moses (Torah), David (Psalms), Jesus (Gospel), Muhammad (Qur'an) 5. The Day of Judgment - Those whose good deeds outweigh one's bad deeds will be rewarded with Paradise, others to hell. 6. Preordainment the teaching that all things, good or bad, are preordained to occur 1. To Recite the Shahadah: I bear witness that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is His messenger. (All that is required to become Muslim.) 2. To Pray - seventeen cycles of prayer each day, spread over five times of prayer, facing toward Mecca 3. To Fast - during daylight hours of Ramadan (one month) 4. To give alms (2.5% of income to poor and needy) 5. To Make the Pilgrimage to Mecca

The Five Pillars (Obligations) of Islam

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY Books:

Breaking the Islam Code: Understanding the Soul Questions of Every Muslim
J.D. Greear

Muslims, Christians, and Jesus: Gaining Understanding and Building Relationships

Carl Medearis

Encountering the World of Islam

Keith Swartley (editor) Rick Richter Websites: http://lovingmuslims.com/ http://btw.imb.org/ http://www.4truth.net/world-religions/

Comparing the Quran and the Bible: What They Really Say about Jesus, Jihad, and More

LOOKING AHEAD Chain reaction: Pauls Letter to the Philippians

Philippians

It was 61 AD. Less than thirty years after the death of Jesus. Paul was in prison in Rome, facing a very uncertain future. The reason? The gospel of Jesus Christ. However, chains did not hinder him. Ten years earlier, he had left a few new believers, a Roman colony named Philippi, and he knew they needed to hear from him. This is the letter. It reveals a Chain Reaction that continues throughout the world to this day. Looking It Up 1. The background to the Chain Reaction which is Philippians, is recorded in Acts 16. Take a look, spend some time getting to know basic facts, events, etc. You may want to make some notes/lists in your journal. A map is good to check out to get oriented as well. 2. Now begin to read the letter. It is relatively short. Jot down some common/repeated themes, key verses, etc.

3. Where do you think the title, Chain Reaction, comes from in the dynamics of the text? (see 1:7, 13, 14, 17 and surrounding context)

4. I what ways do you see The Ultimate Journey being out in the letter to the Philippians?