Izmit, a vibrant city nestled in northwestern Turkey, is unknown for its rich Byzantine history. The city formerly called Nicomedia hosted the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian and later became the birthplace of several notable Christians. Yet, today, this landscape lies buried and easily ignored.
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Something amiss – Cultural gone awry at Starbucks
Walking into Starbucks after our years in Central Asia, I knew something was amiss – the culture had gone awry. In language learning, we are taught to speak the language of those we have come to serve. Even culture anthropology says that “we should seek to understand another person’s beliefs and behaviors from the perspective of their culture rather than our own.”[1] https://pressbooks.pub/perspectives/chapter/the-culture-concept/ Yet, I had to learn a new language and culture at Starbucks.
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| ↑1 | https://pressbooks.pub/perspectives/chapter/the-culture-concept/ |
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Spectator or a partaker of Oneness
The game is on – God is real, and His oneness may not be what we expect. Are we merely spectators of God’s oneness, or can we actively participate with Him? Do we passively watch from a distance, or can God dwell among us as we engage with Him? Those who are connected participate more deeply than those who observe from afar. Which would you prefer – a spectator or a partaker?
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Top Islamic Marriage Books, Part 1
Every Muslim couple wants to read an excellent Islamic marriage book to clarify their rights and duties. Here are a few books and my thoughts on what makes a good read.
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How God uses Dreams of Jesus?
I can testify that I have heard over 200 testimonies of believers from a Muslim background. As I listened to them, one thing was clear: Faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the Word of Christ. (Rom. 10:17). I observed that the dramatic did not save them, but God’s word did. So what about all these dreams of Jesus?
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Can Christians Rejoice in the Calamity of Others?
Christians do not rejoice in calamity but depend on God to move and deliver. On the streets of Iran on May 20, 2024, many were rejoicing in the death of Iran’s president, Ebrahim Raisi. Now, throughout the Middle East, many are rejoicing in the death of Hassan Nasrallah (Sept. 28, 2024). Christians faced hardships in both locations and will sense a tinge of emotion on this news.
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