Gordon Nickel (former missionary, recently obtained the Ph.D. from Calgary in Islamic Studies) spoke about how Christians might best relate to followers of Islam. Building on Acts 4:5-, he emphasised three themes: love, salvation and peace. We are commanded to love God (with all our heart, soul, strength and mind), and to love our enemies. Christians believe that God’s love is unconditional, whereas Gordon noted that Moslems believe that God’s love for people is strictly conditional. This is one unique and attractive way to differentiate the two spiritual traditions. Although he said less about salvation in the Quran, Christianity's claim concerning salvation is exclusive, one which is therefore less likely to lead quickly to open dialogue unless the Moslem is interested in hearing our views. The third theme is peace, not the world’s notion of peace, but as Jesus said "My [kind of] peace". Ideally, Christians use only peaceful means to achieve their desired ends, not violence. Some Moslems, as do some Christians, emphasise specific passages depicting and possibly even advocating violence even though other passages are available to them. The New Testament, on the other hand, offers a more thoroughly peaceful model than does the Quran, though one certainly understands why Moslems in the Near East would not be familiar with this side of Christianity through western foreign policy from so-called Christian nations. Gordon’s advice is that we bless the followers of Islam and not curse them. Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in the world. Sooner or later we will have significant contacts with people following the Islamic faith. How will we represent our faith to these individuals? [JEK]

Passage: Acts 4:55-22
Communion: No
Ecumenical or Event:
Potluck Lunch: No
Congregational Meeting: No

Speaker: Gordon Nickel
Worship Leader: Ed Hintz
Song Leader: Rosie Perera
Pianist: Jeff Schulz
Usher: Henry Neufeld
Zoom Coordinator:
Children's Feature Leader:

Bring Flowers:
Coffee Helper:
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Child Care Volunteer: Cynthia Friesen