When Beth and I first journeyed to Asia Minor while serving in the Military, one thing was obvious.

These are beautiful people, they can be loving, caring for one another, and kind. To them to have you in their homes is to treat you an honored guest. They live in an area full-rich in history that goes back thousands of years. Are they all like this? No, but neither is everyone in America either.

Many times different cultures misunderstand each other. Through ignorance we can easily insult a person of another culture. But with time and effort we can communicate and learn to understand each other and our motives. In time friendships and respect develop as long as we keep an open mind, love reason, and cherish truth.

What is important to us? To each of us we have made a choice in deciding what our core beliefs are. From these core beliefs decisions determining our lives follow.

Beth and I were raised as Christians in church on Sundays. To be half way around the world moving and living among Muslims can be intimidating.

Beth and I knew of our Christian heritage. Since we were living among Muslims an obvious curiosity arose about wanting to know more about Islam. The core beliefs are very different. They are not the same! They are not compatible! One must choose one or the other.

In Islam, the Koran is used as divine authority.

In Christianity, the Bible is used as divine authority. Jesus Christ is the central figure.

The Koran states in Surah 4:157

That they said (in boast), "We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary, the Apostle of Allah"; - but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them, and those who differ therein are full of doubts, with no (certain) knowledge, but only conjecture to follow, for, of a surety they killed him not.

The Koran states that Jesus Christ was not killed, that he was not crucified.

The Bible states in Luke 24:45-47

?Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, ?This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.?

The Bible states Jesus Christ would suffer on a cross and then rise from the dead on the third day. With repentance we would be forgiven of our sins through faith in Christ. Without the crucifixion there is no Salvation, no Redemption; but only a lingering question of Judgment.

One has to choose. To be a fence walker with these two faiths is impossible.

"Something happens when you call on the name of Jesus" by Kurt Carr - Click Here