The Gospel in a multi-religious society Salvation and the Muslim concept of Sharia 29 April

Salvation and the Muslim concept of Sharia

Islam has been in the news often in the last couple of decades. Christian-Muslim
relationships often are not without tensions, but what happens when Muslims and
Christians have a serious encounter and talk about salvation?

Superficially Muslims and Christians seem to have much in common: the belief in a God who
is the Creator; God’s revelation in holy writings, the belief in final judgment, prophets,
angels, and also Jesus who did miracles and will return on earth.
Nevertheless when it comes to central questions like the character of God, the nature of sin
and the way of salvation, Muslims and Christians diverge widely. In the Muslim-Christian
encounter the big question arises: Allah or Jesus? For Muslims aqeeda (what they need to
believe) and sharia (how they ought to live) is essential. But what do Christians mean when
they confess that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life?

In the service of ICF-Delft on Sunday 29th April we explore crucial questions about the way
of salvation, and the character of grace, based on the Gospel of John (chapter 14 verses 1 –
17). For example: Why did God create us and for what did He designate us? How do we find
peace with God and true hope for the future? How shall we escape condemnation at eternal
judgment?

Why not inviting your Muslim friends or colleagues to join you for this Sunday service? They
are very welcome, and we are glad to engage them in further discussion over tea and coffee
after the service! The service starts at 12 hrs 15 in de Génestetkerk, Oude Delft 102.

Pastor Niek Tramper

Dynamic Christian community

What does it mean to be Christian? Members of a newly established international fellowship in Antioch, Syria (± 40 A.D.) were called ‘Christians’ for the first time. They stood out in their words and behaviour. Discover more about a sincere Christian life and about a dynamic Christian fellowship in the ICF-Delft church service on 23 July!

What does it mean to be Christian?

The first time we hear the name ‘Christian’ is in Antioch around the year 40 A.D. A new international fellowship arose in that city (the third city in the Roman Empire). This happened because some Jewish followers of Jesus where scattered around by persecution, moved around, reached the city of Antioch and began to announce the Gospel of Jesus to the Greeks there. This was a new step and outsiders in the city used the nickname ‘Christians’ because their behaviour was notable.

Breakthrough despite suffering

We find the dynamics of this young fellowship in the book of Acts, chapter 11 and 13. The Christian community in Antioch reflects a real breakthrough of the Gospel despite suffering and opposition. Because it crosses many barriers of language and culture. Here you find a compassionate church, caring for the needs of others and a sending church. Because they sent off their best leaders to bring the Gospel to other nations. Being a Christian means participating in this dynamics that includes pain of suffering and joy of breakthroughs. By the way you still can visit the first built Christian church in Antioch that is a city in the south of Turkey now.

Discover more

Discover many more interesting and important marks of a sincere Christian life and a dynamic Christian community! This Sunday, 23 July in the church service of ICF-Delft, 12 hrs 15, Génestet Church, Oude Delft 102. Looking forward to meeting you there! Pastor Niek Tramper.