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  • Jesus: Central to Christianity and respected in Islam

    Introduction

    Jesus of Nazareth, also known as Jesus Christ, is a figure who holds a central place in Christianity and a significant, albeit different, position in Islam. Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God and the savior of humanity, a belief that forms the core of Christian theology. In contrast, Muslims recognize Jesus as a prophet and a revered messenger of God, but not divine. This article explores the perspectives of Christians and Muslims on Jesus and explains why Christians assert that Jesus is wholly a Christian figure.

     

     

    Jesus in Christianity: the Core of Christian Belief

     

    In Christianity, Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the faith. Christians believe Jesus is the Messiah (Christ), the Son of God, who was sent to Earth to save humanity from sin. This belief is rooted in several key doctrines. Christians believe that God took human form in Jesus, making Him both fully divine and fully human.

     

    Jesus's death on the cross is seen as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity. His resurrection from the dead is celebrated as proof of His divine nature and the promise of eternal life for believers.

     

    Central to Christian theology is the belief in the Trinity, which describes God as three persons in one essence: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit.

     

    The New Testament

     

    The New Testament of the Bible is the primary source of knowledge about Jesus's life and teachings for Christians. It includes: The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John): These books provide accounts of Jesus’s life, ministry, death, and resurrection.

     

    The Acts of the Apostles: This book describes the early Church's formation and the spread of Jesus's teachings after His ascension.

     

    The Epistles: Letters written by early Christian leaders, such as Paul, to various Christian communities, offering theological insights and guidance.

     

    The Teachings of Jesus

     

    Jesus’s teachings, as recorded in the Gospels, emphasize love, forgiveness, and the Kingdom of God.

     

    The Sermon on the Mount: This collection of sayings and teachings includes the Beatitudes, which highlight humility, mercy, and peacemaking.

     

    Parables: Jesus often taught in parables, simple stories that illustrate moral or spiritual lessons, such as the Parable of the Good Samaritan and the Parable of the Prodigal Son.

     

    Commands to Love: Jesus emphasized the importance of loving God with all one's heart and loving one's neighbor as oneself.

     

    Jesus in Islam: A Revered Prophet

     

    In Islam, Jesus (known as Isa in Arabic) is considered one of the greatest prophets, but not divine.

     

    The Virgin Birth: Similar to Christianity, Islam teaches that Jesus was born to the Virgin Mary (Maryam) through a miraculous birth.

     

    Miracles: Jesus performed miracles, such as healing the sick and raising the dead, by God's permission.

     

    The Messiah: Jesus is recognized as the Messiah, but this term does not imply divinity in Islam.

     

    The Quranic Perspective

     

    The Quran, Islam's holy book, mentions Jesus in several passages, highlighting aspects of His life and mission:

     

    Surah Maryam (Chapter 19): This chapter provides an account of Jesus’s birth and His role as a prophet.

     

    Surah Al-Imran (Chapter 3): This chapter discusses Jesus's miracles and His status as a messenger of God.

     

    Surah An-Nisa (Chapter 4): This chapter asserts that Jesus was not crucified but was raised to heaven by God.

     

    Differences in Beliefs

     

    While Muslims respect Jesus and hold Him in high regard, key differences from Christian beliefs include-

     

    Divinity: Muslims do not believe Jesus is the Son of God or divine in any way.

     

    Crucifixion: Islam teaches that Jesus was not crucified; instead, it is believed that God saved Him and raised Him to heaven.

     

    Role in Eschatology: Muslims believe that Jesus will return at the end of times to restore justice and defeat the false messiah (the Antichrist).

     

     

    Why Jesus is 100% a Christian Figure: historical and theological foundations

    From a Christian perspective, Jesus is inherently a Christian figure because the entire foundation of Christianity is built upon His life, teachings, death, and resurrection. Several reasons support this assertion:

     

    Origin of Christianity: Jesus’s life and teachings are the bedrock of Christianity. His followers, known as Christians, derived their faith directly from His instructions and the events of His life.

     

    Christian Scriptures: The New Testament, composed of writings by Jesus’s apostles and early Christians, centers around Jesus as the Christ and Savior. These texts were written within the context of Christian belief and practice.

     

    Creeds and Doctrines: Christian creeds, such as the Nicene Creed, affirm the belief in Jesus as the Son of God, who was crucified, died, and rose again. These creeds have shaped Christian identity and theology for centuries.

     

     

    Unique Christian Beliefs

     

    Certain beliefs about Jesus are uniquely Christian and are not shared by Islam or any other religion:

     

    The Trinity: The concept of the Trinity is central to Christianity and defines Jesus as one person of the triune God.

     

    Atonement: The belief that Jesus’s death on the cross atones for humanity's sins is a distinctly Christian doctrine.

     

    Resurrection: The resurrection of Jesus is a foundational event in Christianity, celebrated as proof of His divine nature and the hope of eternal life for believers.

     

    Influence on Christian Worship and Practice

     

    Jesus’s influence on Christian worship and practice further underscores His centrality to the faith:

     

    Sacraments: Christian sacraments, such as baptism and the Eucharist (Holy Communion), are instituted based on Jesus’s teachings and actions.

     

    Liturgical Calendar: Major Christian celebrations, such as Christmas (celebrating Jesus’s birth) and Easter (commemorating His resurrection), are centered on events from Jesus’s life.

     

    Prayer and Worship: Christians pray in Jesus’s name and worship Him as God, reflecting their belief in His divinity.

     

    Conclusion

     

    While Jesus is a significant figure in both Christianity and Islam, He is wholly a Christian figure from the perspective of Christian theology and practice. Christianity is fundamentally based on the belief in Jesus as the Son of God, the savior of humanity, whose life, death, and resurrection provide the path to salvation. These beliefs are not shared by Islam, which respects Jesus as a prophet but does not recognize His divinity or His role in salvation. Thus, Jesus's identity and significance are uniquely and fully encapsulated within the Christian faith, making Him 100% a Christian figure.

     

     

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  • A Home for the Rejected-- Our Dream to Help Youth Who Chose Jesus

    We are just a few simple people with a big dream.

    We want to build a safe place, a home, for young people who were rejected by their families because they accepted Jesus. These young believers are often left alone, with nowhere to go. Some are scared, hungry, and heartbroken. But even in the pain, they still follow Jesus. That is true faith.

    Right now, we don’t have a shelter yet. We don’t have money or land. But we have something important: faith and a burden in our hearts. We are meeting with churches, talking to believers, sharing the idea with anyone who will listen. Some say it’s too big. But we know God can do big things with small people.

    We see this story in the Bible too.
    Joseph was rejected by his brothers because of his dream, but God had a plan (Genesis 37).
    David was forgotten by his family, but God chose him to be king (1 Samuel 16).
    And Jesus Himself, His own people didn’t accept Him. But He never gave up (John 1:11).

    We believe God is calling us to do something like this. To be a family to those who lost their own. To give food, shelter, love, and hope to the ones who feel alone. Just like Jesus said: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).

    We don’t know how or when, but we are trusting God step by step. If He wants this to happen, He will open the way.

    This is only the beginning.
    Please pray for us.
    And if God touches your heart, maybe you can help too, Someday soon!

    Good bless, 
    Gabriel 

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  • Closer to Christ: The power of Christian community

    Intro


    In a world that often feels disconnected, the idea of community is a source of hope, offering a place where we can connect, support each other, and feel like we belong. For Christians, community is not just a nice idea; it’s an essential part of growing closer to Christ. The Christian community, often called the body of Christ, helps believers deepen their relationship with Jesus, strengthen their faith, and live out their calling. This article explores the power of Christian community and how it helps us grow closer to Christ.

     

    The Biblical Foundation of Christian Community

    The idea of community is deeply rooted in the Bible. From the very beginning, God showed us that we’re not meant to be alone. In Genesis, God says, "It is not good for man to be alone" (Genesis 2:18), showing that we need companionship and community. The Israelites, God’s chosen people, lived as a close-knit community, united by their faith in God.

    In the New Testament, the early church gives us a powerful example of Christian community. Acts 2:42-47 describes how the first believers "devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." They shared everything, supported each other, and grew in their faith together. This early model shows us that spiritual growth happens best in a community.

     

    How Community Helps Us Grow Spiritually

    Christian community plays a big role in helping us grow spiritually. Our faith journey is not something we do alone; it’s something we do together with others who can encourage us, teach us, and hold us accountable.

     

    1.Encouragement and accountability

     

    In a Christian community, we find encouragement to live out our faith. Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us to "consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, but encouraging one another." This encouragement helps us keep going, especially when life is tough.

     

    Accountability is another key part of spiritual growth. Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." In a Christian community, we challenge each other to grow, to avoid sin, and to strive to live holy lives. This kind of accountability helps us stay on track and grow closer to Christ.

     

    2. Teaching and Discipleship

     

    Christian community is also a place where we learn and grow through discipleship. Jesus told His followers to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). This mission happens within the community, where older or more experienced Christians can mentor and guide others.

     

    Discipleship happens in many ways, like in small groups, Bible studies, or one-on-one mentoring. These settings allow us to have deep conversations, get personalized advice, and build close, Christ-centered relationships.

     

    How Community Strengthens Our Faith

     

    Faith is like a journey, and it’s easier to travel with others. The Christian community helps keep our faith strong, especially when we face challenges.

     

    1. Shared Faith and Worship

    Worshiping together is a powerful way that Christian community strengthens our faith. When we gather to worship God—through singing, praying, and reading Scripture—we’re reminded that we’re part of something bigger. We’re part of a global body of believers, all united in our love for Christ.

    Shared faith also gives us support during times of doubt or spiritual dryness. When our faith feels weak, the community can remind us of God’s faithfulness and encourage us to keep going. The experiences and stories of others in the community can inspire us and give us hope.

     

    2. Carrying Each Other’s Burdens

    The Christian community is a place where we can share our struggles and get support. Galatians 6:2 tells us to "carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Whether we’re dealing with emotional, spiritual, or physical challenges, the community is there to offer comfort, prayer, and practical help.

    This kind of support helps us feel connected and loved. Knowing that others are praying for us and walking with us through tough times gives us strength. It also reflects Christ’s love, who calls us to "love one another as I have loved you" (John 13:34).

     

    Community Helps Us Live Out Our Christian Calling

    Christian community isn’t just about growing and finding support; it’s also about living out our calling as followers of Christ. In the community, we’re equipped, encouraged, and sent out to serve others and share the Gospel.

    Service and Mission

    Christian communities often get involved in service projects and missions, both locally and globally. These activities allow us to put our faith into action by serving others in the name of Christ. Whether it’s feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, or spreading the Gospel, the community gives us opportunities to live out Jesus’ teachings.

    Serving others within the community also teaches us humility and selflessness. Jesus set the example by washing His disciples’ feet, saying, "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet" (John 13:14). By serving others, we learn to put others’ needs before our own and show Christ’s love to the world.

    2. Evangelism and Witness

     

    The Christian community is a powerful witness to the world. Jesus prayed for the unity of His followers, so "that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me" (John 17:22-23). The love and unity within the Christian community show the world the truth of the Gospel.

    Evangelism is often most effective when done in community. When non-believers see the genuine love and support within a Christian community, they’re often drawn to learn more about the faith that brings the community together. The community acts as a living example of Christ’s transforming power.

    3. Challenges and the Need for Authenticity

    While Christian community has great power to bring us closer to Christ, it also faces challenges. Because it’s made up of people, conflicts, misunderstandings, and disappointments can happen. It’s important for Christian communities to deal with these challenges with grace, forgiveness, and a commitment to being real and honest with each other.

    1. Handling Conflicts

    Conflict is a normal part of any community, but how we handle it can either strengthen or weaken our relationships. The Bible teaches us how to resolve conflicts by talking directly, forgiving each other, and seeking reconciliation (Matthew 18:15-17). When we address issues openly and with humility, Christian communities can grow stronger.

    Being real and vulnerable

    For a Christian community to truly be effective, it needs to be a place where people can be real and vulnerable. Believers should feel safe to share their struggles, doubts, and failures without fear of judgment. This level of honesty helps build deep relationships and allows the community to support each other better.

    Being real also means recognizing that no community is perfect. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote in his book *Life Together*, “He who loves his dream of a community more than the Christian community itself becomes a destroyer of the latter.” True community isn’t about being perfect; it’s about walking together in faith, love, and grace, even when things aren’t perfect.

     

    Conclusion: Drawing Closer to Christ through Community

    The power of Christian community lies in its ability to help us grow closer to Christ. Through shared faith, encouragement, accountability, and service, the community helps us grow spiritually and strengthens our faith. It also provides a supportive environment where we can carry each other’s burdens, live out our Christian calling, and be a witness to the world.

    But for a Christian community to be effective, it must be committed to being real, united, and loving. By embracing these principles and dealing with challenges with grace, Christian communities can fulfill their role as the body of Christ, helping each member grow closer to Him.

    In a world that often values individualism and self-reliance, the Christian community stands out as a place where we can find strength, support, and encouragement. It’s within this community that we find the help we need to draw closer to Christ and to show His love to the world around us.

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  • From Water to Wilderness: My Story of Falling and Finding God Again

    When I was baptized, I thought life with God would get easier. I thought peace would fill me every day. I thought I would suddenly become more disciplined, more faithful, more untouchable. I imagined I would walk out of that water as a new person, safe from the struggles that had chased me before.

    But that’s not what happened.

    Right after baptism, I was hit harder than ever. It was like the devil was waiting for me the moment I came out of the water.

    And you know what? That’s not strange. Even Jesus went through it. The Bible says:

    “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”
    —Matthew 4:1

    Jesus’ baptism was followed by temptation. Mine was too. I just didn’t see it coming.

     

    Not long after, temptation came in like a flood. Lust filled my mind. I smoked for the first time. I cursed my own life. And in the darkest moments, I even cursed God.

    I couldn’t understand. Why would this happen after I gave my life to Him? I thought baptism was supposed to protect me from this.

    But the Bible says we are in a real fight:

    “We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world.”
    —Ephesians 6:12 (CEV)

    I was fighting, but I wasn’t ready. I thought I was strong. I thought I could handle it. But I was weaker than I believed.

    Living in Fear

    My choices started catching up to me. I became afraid, especially for my health. When I went in for a medical checkup, I was sure the results would be bad. I thought my smoking and reckless living had already destroyed me.

    But the results surprised me. They came back better than I expected.

    That moment shook me. I didn’t deserve mercy, but God gave it to me anyway.

    The Bible says:

    “If we are not faithful, He will still be faithful, because He cannot deny who He is.”
    —2 Timothy 2:13 (NCV)

    Even when I turned away from God, He never turned away from me. That truth broke me. Not because I was strong, but because I finally reached the end of myself.

    The Breaking

    Here’s what I learned: sometimes God lets us fall so we can see we can’t do this on our own.

    Before, I was proud. I thought I was a “good man” because I didn’t smoke, didn’t fall into certain sins, and lived clean. But deep inside, my heart was proud. My strength was in myself, not in God.

    Jesus once said:

    “Those who try to hold on to their lives will give up true life. But those who give up their lives for me will hold on to true life.”
    —Matthew 10:39 (NCV)

    I had to lose my idea of strength before I could find real life in Him.

    The Surrender

    I came to the end of myself and finally surrendered. Not with fancy words. Just broken, empty, desperate. I dropped to my knees and gave God everything I had left, which wasn’t much.

    And He met me there.

    Slowly, He began to rebuild me. He didn’t rebuild me with pride or with the false strength of “being good.” He rebuilt me with His grace.

    Paul wrote:

    “But the Lord said to me, ‘My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, my power is made perfect in you.’”
    —2 Corinthians 12:9 (NCV)

    I used to hide my weakness. Now I’ve learned: my weakness is where Christ shows His strength.

     

    Learning God’s Way

    God doesn’t always work the way we expect. I thought He would make me stronger by helping me keep my pride. But He broke that pride, because it was in the way.

    The prophet Jeremiah talks about how God is like a potter:

    “But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so the potter crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over.”
    —Jeremiah 18:4 (NLT)

    That was me. I was the broken jar. But God didn’t throw me away. He started over.

    Serving Again

    As I surrendered, God gave me new strength. Not strength to boast, but strength to serve.

    He opened the door for me to work with the youth. I began giving more of myself than ever before. This time it wasn’t about proving I was a “good man.” It was about showing God’s love and giving back what He had given me.

    My life, which felt like it was slipping away, was placed back in His hands. And His hands are safe hands.

    Waiting Through the Storm

    I actually started writing this story a month ago. But every time I tried to finish, something got in the way. Another storm would rise. Another problem would hit.

    Now I understand why. God didn’t want me to write this story halfway through. He wanted me to wait until I could see His work more clearly.

    David wrote in the Psalms:

    “I waited patiently for the Lord. He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of destruction, out of the sticky mud. He set me on a rock. He made my feet steady.”
    —Psalm 40:1–2 (NCV)

    God used the waiting time to shape me, to strengthen me, to remind me He was in control.

    The Victory

    Now I can say this with confidence: the struggle was real, but so is God’s victory.

    I used to think strength meant not smoking, not falling, not slipping up. But true strength is not about what I can do. True strength is found in what God does through me.

    Yes, the devil attacked me hard after my baptism. Yes, I failed. But God’s grace was greater than my failure. His mercy was stronger than my weakness. His love pulled me back even when I pushed Him away.

    The Bible says:

    “My dear children, you belong to God, so you have already defeated these false prophets. This is because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
    —1 John 4:4 (NCV)

    That’s the truth I now stand on.

    My Final Words

    If you’ve been baptized and thought your struggles would end, but instead they got worse, you’re not alone. If you’ve fallen harder than ever before after giving your life to Jesus, you’re not the only one.

    Baptism doesn’t end the battle. It declares whose side you’re on. And when you declare for Christ, the enemy takes notice.

    But don’t be afraid. You don’t fight alone. God is with you, and He is greater.

    The struggle is real. The temptations are real. The breaking is real.

    But God’s victory is even more real.

    And that’s the story of my life, broken, rebuilt, and held by His grace.

    Love,
    Gabriel.

     

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  • Matthew’s Story: From Prayers to Purpose

    (For safety reasons, “Matthew” is not his real name.)

    Matthew grew up in in a Muslim country and a muslim family. Faith was part of everything,  from morning prayers to how the family lived each day. “It was just how life was,” he says. “Everyone around me did the same. I never really questioned it.”

    He prayed, fasted, and followed every custom he was taught. But even with all that, something always felt missing. “I believed in God,” Matthew says, “but He felt far away. I wanted to know Him, not just follow rules.”

    That feeling stayed with him for years,  until one day, a new friend began to change his life.

    Matthew met a kind man from a local church who owned a small business nearby. They often talked about work, family, and life. “He never argued about religion,” Matthew remembers. “He just listened. And when he talked about Jesus, it was like he was talking about someone he actually knew.”

    Over time, that friend invited Matthew to church. He went quietly, just to see. “I didn’t plan to believe anything,” he says with a laugh. “I just wanted to understand why these people seemed so peaceful.”

    During one service, the pastor read a verse that stuck in Matthew’s mind:
    ‘Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’ (Matthew 11:28)

    “It was like those words were for me,” he says. “I realized I’d been trying so hard to please God, but I never felt peace. I wanted the rest Jesus talked about.”

    That night, Matthew prayed for the first time in his own words. “I told God, ‘If Jesus is real, please show me.’”

     

    In the weeks that followed, Matthew says something began to change in him. He felt drawn to read the Bible and talk more with his Christian friends. Slowly, he came to believe that Jesus truly is the Son of God.

    “It wasn’t sudden,” he says. “It was like a light turning on, a little bit brighter each day.”

    But when his family found out he had become a Christian, things became difficult. “They were angry and hurt,” Matthew says quietly. “They told me not to come home. Since then, we haven’t spoken.”

    He still prays for them every day. “I love them,” he says. “I just want them to know the peace I found.”

     

    Over time, Matthew started helping at the church, greeting people, cleaning up, and reading the Bible with new believers. And Church gave him shelter. He began to see how many others in his community were searching for answers just like he once had.

    Then, one day, I met him and after atleast 20 meetings, I told him about Global Radio Outreach (GRO), a ministry that shares the message of Jesus through radio and online broadcasts. “As soon as I heard about it, something clicked,” Matthew says. “I thought, That’s how I can reach people like me.

    Matthew had always loved listening to the radio growing up. “Late at night, I’d turn it on and listen to voices from faraway places,” he says. “Now I get to be one of those voices.” He don’t like the fact that radios are gone now-a-days. 

     

    We are meeting almost everyday to train him how to talk and preparing topics to talk. He’s learning how to record, speak clearly, and share messages that answer questions about Jesus in a gentle and respectful way. But he is scared and I understand. I would be crying. That’s a lot of responsibility. 

    “I’m not on the air yet,” Matthew says, “but I’m getting ready. I want to tell people that God isn’t far away,  He’s near. You can know Him personally.”

    He plans to speak in Bengali, his heart language, and share simple Bible truths with listeners who may be secretly curious about Jesus.

    One verse he keeps on his desk gives him courage:
    ‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in.’ (Revelation 3:20)

    “That’s what Jesus did for me,” Matthew says. “He knocked, and when I finally opened my heart, He came in.”

     

    Matthew’s family still doesn’t talk to him, but he hasn’t lost hope. “I believe one day, they’ll understand,” he says. “God’s timing is perfect.” And now he has a small income source from my me which eventually given by you GRO family. 

    Through Global Radio Outreach, Matthew’s story is becoming a message for others,  proof that God is still reaching hearts in quiet, powerful ways.

    As the Bible says:
    “Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” (Romans 10:18)

    And soon, Matthew’s voice will join that chorus — sharing hope, peace, and the truth of Jesus across our country.

     

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