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Is God beautiful?
Christians and Muslims believe God is supremely magnificent. His splendor and glory is reflected in what he created in heaven and on earth as taught in the Bible and the Qur'an: “The heavens proclaim the glory of God.” (Psalm 19:1) “Whatever is in the heavens and on earth declares the praises and glory of God.” (Surah 64:1) Muslim tradition also teaches that God is beautiful as seen in the 99 beautiful (noble, glorious) names of Allah. Muslims acknowledge that the prophet Daood (David) wrote the Zabur (Psalms) where he testifies; “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord.” (Psalm 27:4)
Since April 2024 millions of people have seen eye-catching news stories highlighting awe-inspiring displays of the solar eclipse and aurorae. These beautiful celestial scenes prompt people to ponder these signs and acknowledge that there is, indeed, an Almighty creator God who is surrounded by “splendor and majesty ... strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.” (Psalm 96:6) Interestingly, the Qur'an describes true believers as “those who remember Allah … and think deeply about the creation of the heavens and the earth...” (Surah 3:191) -
Sermon illustrations for the modern world
Most Sundays Christians meet at church and hear a sermon. They may also attend a Bible study group at someone's home during the week. At these meetings, Christian teachers teach the Bible, Christian beliefs and conduct, and how to live in a world of opposing ideas. Often, they use illustrations or examples to help apply and make their points clearer. I am sure you can remember a particular story a preacher included in his sermon or maybe you are a Christian teacher who has done this yourself. As we now live in a world with an increasing Islamic presence it is important for Christian teachers to teach Christians how Christianity is different to Islam and how the Gospel speaks to Islam. This can be done by knowing the right illustrations and examples to use, but what are these illustrations and examples?