Sermon by Dr. Robert Lewis

2/3/2002

A Brief Review

• Islam with be the religion of the 21st century by reproduction and conversion.
• On the surface, Islam and Christianity look similar but they are, in fact, diametrically opposed to one another.
• Islam is a religion of rules and duty, with submission being its chief virtue.
• Islam is a religion in transition. All Muslims do not agree.

Up Close and Personal

• What I would say to a Muslim:
  • Question why they make their religion compulsory when the Quran advises against it.
  • Refer to Surah 2:256 and Jesus' teachings.
  • Inquire if they are good enough, highlighting potential heresies.
• What I would say to a Christian:
  • Encourage them to get informed about Islam.
  • Pray for God's mercy and peace.
  • Have urgency to share the Gospel with Muslims.
  • Emphasize the need for friendship and understanding.
  • Thank God for grace.

Selected

Sermon by Dr. Robert Lewis

1/27/2002

Islam Beliefs and Practices:

• Shahada (Declaration of faith): Reciting the statement of faith: "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet."
• Salat (Prayer): Performing five daily prayers facing the Kaaba in Mecca.
• Zakat (Charity): Giving alms (one-fourth of one's income).
• Sawm (Fasting): Abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan.
• Hajj (Pilgrimage): Making a pilgrimage to Mecca once in a lifetime.
• Jihad (Struggle): Engaging in personal and/or community struggle to defend or spread Islam.

Comparison of Islam and Christianity:

• Prophethood: Muslims believe Muhammad is God's final prophet (fulfilling Deuteronomy 18, according to their interpretation), while Christians believe Jesus is the final prophet.
• Holy Books: Muslims consider the Quran to be God's final and infallible word, while Christians believe the Bible is God's word, though they acknowledge different interpretations.
• Nature of God: Muslims believe in one God, Allah, while Christians believe in the Trinity (one God in three persons).
• Human Nature: Muslims believe humans are born with a good nature, while Christians believe humans are born with a sinful nature.
• Salvation: Muslims believe salvation is achieved through complete surrender to Allah and good deeds, while Christians believe salvation is a gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ.
• Jesus Christ: Muslims view Jesus as a prophet, but not as God incarnate or the Son of God, a belief considered the greatest sin (shirk) in Islam.
• The Cross: Muslims deny that Jesus was crucified, believing he was taken up to heaven.
• The Bible: Muslims believe the existing Bible has been corrupted, while Christians believe it is God's inspired word.

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Sermon by Dr. Robert Lewis

1/13/2002

Our "Golden Coin" Psalm 90"

• Oldest Psalm
• Only on written by Moses
• God has two sides, just like a coin.

The Hard Realities of "Tails" Where I Lose to God:

• My Destiny
• My Days

The Gracious Realities of "Heads" Where I Win With God:

• Redemptive Understanding
• Redemptive Restoration
• Redemptive Contribution

Ps 90

Sermon by Dr. Robert Lewis

12/16/2001

The Rule Behind Experiencing God:

• It takes a seeking heart.

Obvious Places God Hangs Out:

• His Word
• Faith/Obedience
• Godly People
• Worship

The Results of Experiencing God:

• Satisfying Life Change
• Spontaneous Praise
• Transformational Strength
• The Best of Life

Ps 84

Sermon by Dr. Robert Lewis

11/4/2001

Life is a team sport.

What Friendships are not:

• Friendship is not to be equated with friendly.
• Friendship is not getting someone to take care of you.

What Friendships are:

• A real friend seeks your best.
• A real friend is durable.
• A real friend keeps confidence.
• A real friend, at times, is confrontative.
• A real friend is real.

The Worst Proverb: 18:1 - the opposite of all friendship principles.

Strategy #9: A Godly friend is one of life's greatest blessings, but to have one you must also be one.

Selected

Sermon by Dr. Robert Lewis

10/21/2001

Generosity is the great hidden secret of a rich life.

Greed constantly pulls us to ourselves.

Three Ways the Wisdom of Proverbs Calls Us to be Generous:

• With our money: Give to honor the Lord
• With our good deeds
• With our words: Helping someone find Jesus

Strategy #7 for Ensuring the Blessing of God: "give and it shall be given to you"

Selected

Sermon by Dr. Robert Lewis

8/26/2001

Two Important Things You Need to Know about Wisdom:

• Wisdom richly rewards
• Wisdom is available to everyone

How to be Wise:

• Fear the Lord
• Apply God's Word
• Hang out with wise people

Strategy #1 for Assuring the Blessing of God: Acquire Wisdom.

Selected

Sermon by Dr. Robert Lewis

8/5/2001

The Story of Risky Faith

• Naomi's Plan:
  • Knew there was chemistry with Boaz
  • Knew Boaz was righteous
• Ruth's Courageous Execution:
  • Risky to go to the threshing floor
• Boaz"s Manly Response:
  • Praises her character
  • Follow principles

Relevant Observations of Exceptional Living

• From Naomi's life: An exceptional faith will move when you see God moving.
• From Ruth's life: An exceptional life will require moments of great personal risk.
• From Boaz's life: An exceptional masculinity loves righteousness above all.
  • Every man needs a mission above all else, even his wife.

Ruth 3