Abraham and Islam
Manage episode 522264893 series 3694983
Who really belongs to Abraham’s family—those with the right ancestry, or those with the right faith? We follow Paul’s lead and ask a simple question that cuts through centuries of argument: what do the Scriptures say? From Romans 4 to Galatians 3, the promise to Abraham narrows to a single point of focus—the Seed—and widens to welcome the nations through faith in Jesus Christ.
We explore the historical rise of Islam, from Muhammad’s early claims and adoption of Jewish forms to the later pivot toward Mecca and distinctive rites. That backdrop sets the stage for a frank, respectful comparison of core doctrines: the identity of God, the person of Jesus, and the cross. When Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection are denied, the gospel itself is removed. When Christ is confessed as the promised Seed, Abraham’s blessing becomes a living reality, not a contested storyline. This is more than religious trivia; it is the hinge of assurance. Abraham believed God was able to perform what he promised, and that same assurance rests on the finished work of Christ.
We also turn the lens on ourselves. Respect for Muslim neighbors must be real—patient listening, clear words, genuine friendship. Recognition must be firm—Allah is not Elohim, and the Jesus of the Quran is not the Jesus of the Bible. And rededication must be practical—recovering habits of prayer, fasting, public witness, and heartfelt worship that match our message. Passion without truth misleads, but truth without passion misrepresents. Abraham’s true heirs are those who trust the Son, and their lives should carry the sound of that promise kept.
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Stephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback
Chapters
1. Promise To Abraham And The Nations (00:00:00)
2. Series Setup And Episode Aim (00:00:36)
3. Muhammad’s Early Life And Claims (00:01:38)
4. From Jewish Practices To Meccan Shift (00:03:25)
5. Moon God Roots And Islamic Monotheism (00:06:09)
6. Islam’s Growth And Cultural Impact (00:08:31)
7. Defining Islam And Link To Abraham (00:09:57)
8. Scriptural Tests And Quranic Retellings (00:12:05)
9. Romans 4 And Galatians 3: The Seed (00:15:09)
10. Abraham’s Faith: Decisive, Doctrinal, Daily (00:17:48)
11. Respect, Recognition, Rededication (00:19:54)
12. Assurance In Christ Versus Islamic Uncertainty (00:24:09)
13. Closing Quote And Resource Offer (00:25:28)
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