Category: Uncategorized

Do Christians and Muslims worship the same God?

Are Yahweh (the God of the Bible) and Allah (the deity of Islam) the same? Are the differences between them inconsequential  — so small, in fact, that they negate any grounds for debate? In the spirit of tolerance, political correctness, ignorance or even fear, many  have concluded that we all worship the same God. The only differences are in styles of worship, sacred scriptures, doctrines and traditions. Former President George W. Bush said as much in a 2007 interview with Al Aribaya Television. The words of Rodney King echo in our ears: “Can’t we all just get along?”

But insisting that Christians and Muslims worship the same God dishonors both religions and disrespects the people who hold dearly to their teachings. In other words, both Christians and Muslims would respond with a resounding “no” to any suggestion that the God of the Bible and the God of the Koran are the same.

But let’s make the issue more personal, as I did in this article, which continues to be the most-read post in this blog. Basically, the issue may be boiled down to three personal questions:

  1. Does God know me?
  2. Does God love me?
  3. Did God die for me?

Read the full story here.

Tough love: A study of 1 Timothy

Between his first and second imprisonments in Rome, Paul writes a letter of encouragement and instruction to Timothy, whom Paul has left as overseer of the church at Ephesus. Timothy faces some tough challenges: false teaching, leadership and organizational problems, and an absence of sound doctrine. Sound like the local church today? This 11-part study explores how Paul urges Timothy to face these challenges head-on, with the goal of “love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith.”

Download the free study in pdf format

The Doctrine of Divine Election – Download Free Study

The debate over the doctrine of divine election goes back at least as far as the 5th Century but came into sharpest focus in the wake of the Reformation. Calvinism is enjoying a resurgence today among many evangelical Christians. What is Calvinism? Arminianism? What “doctrines of grace” does TULIP represent? How are the sovereignty of God and the freedom of people compatible? Is it possible to go too far in embracing Reformed theology? And where do you fall on the “five-point” scale? This study takes a balanced approach to Calvinism and Arminianism and attempts to explain the similarities and differences between them.

Download the free study:  Chosen and Free – The Doctrine of Divine Election

How do I know the Bible is true?

Christians generally believe in the reliability and authority of Scripture. But some have doubts and others raise serious objections to the Bible’s claim to be the Word of God. This study will address eight of the more common objections, including: “No one really knows what the Bible says because the original manuscripts are lost,” and “The Bible is full of contradictions.”

Feel free to make and distribute copies, but please do not charge for them or alter the content.

Download free study: How do I know the Bible is true