@Justin28082

3 months ago

"Guy says: "But I'm saying the Arab Christians are not Muslim." ----------------------- Why does it matter which name you use? In Arabic, the literal translation to English is "The God" or "The Deity". It's simply an Arabic word. If you were to substitute the word "God" in the English Bible with "Allah", would it alter the meaning? Not at all. The point is that a Muslim converting to Christianity is a significant shift because they are not the same. Throughout history, God has been referred to by many names: God, The Father, Father, Yahweh, Jehovah, Elohim, Adonai, El Shaddai, El Elyon, Holy One, King of Ages, Light, The Rock, The Redeemer, The Creator, and countless others. Christians believe that God knows every facet of their being: the number of hairs on their head, their thoughts, genetic makeup, and more. He knew them before they were even born. God discerns whether you believe in Him and when you pray to Him. If you doubt this, then you doubt he is "The Almighty", yet another one of His names. I would prefer an Arabic person to spread Christianity in their native tongue than not at all. It's acceptable to explain to someone that "Allah" is not the term used in English-speaking Christian churches and could provoke unrest in the congregation. However, does God truly care if you call Him "Allah"? It's highly doubtful. A Christian's belief lies in Jesus being "Lord" and "The Savior". Through His sacrifice, salvation is offered. It's only through belief in and acceptance of this, repentance of sins, and adherence to His teachings that salvation is attained. Jesus won't take offense if you address Him as Lord. In ESV John 15:15, Jesus states, "No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you." This implies that He is akin to a friend as well. Therefore, if you were to pray to "Jesus my Friend" or simply "Friend", would it be deemed acceptable? I believe so. In John 15:13-14, Jesus affirms, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you." While Jesus directed these words to His disciples, they apply to us and anyone who adheres to His commandments. In Corinthians, Paul thoroughly delves into the concept of love. He also emphasizes the significance of having faith, hope, and love within us, with love being the most important. In Matthew 12:50, Jesus declares, "For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." Once more, this emphasizes the familial and friendly bond. It appears that Jesus/God is more concerned with fostering a relationship with you and seeing that you adhere to His will than He is about His own name. Just please remember that when speaking with to people, including Christians, the important part is not winning the argument, but being God's tool. And most important approach them with the love. Don't sweat the small stuff.

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