Making Decisions

Erik and Josh reconnect after taking several months off. They also discuss how they seek God in making major decisions. 

The conversation explores how the Quran and the New Testament define the nature of God, specifically addressing perceived misconceptions and theological overlaps. The Quranic Perception of the Trinity The "Family Unit" Critique: The speakers discuss Surah Al-Ma'idah (Verse 116), where Allah asks Jesus if he commanded people to worship him and his mother, Mary, as gods. Christian Clarification: Josh notes that the Christian doctrine of the Trinity does not include Mary as a member of the Godhead, suggesting the Quranic polemic may be addressing a specific heresy or a "family unit" concept rather than orthodox Trinitarianism. The Deity of Christ: The second speaker quotes Surah Al-Ma'idah (Verse 72), which rejects the idea that the Messiah is Allah, representing the core Islamic rejection of Christ's divinity. The Three Categories of Tawhid The second speaker breaks down Islamic monotheism into three traditional categories used to measure belief: Tawhid al-Rububiyyah (Lordship): Believing that Allah alone is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. Tawhid al-Uluhiyyah (Worship): Maintaining that Allah alone is worthy of worship and religious devotion. Tawhid al-Asma wa-Sifat (Names and Attributes): The belief that Allah has unique names and attributes that cannot be compared to his creation. Comparative Arguments Forgiveness of Sins: The speakers compare Islamic and Christian views on the attribute of forgiveness. While the Quran asks, "Who can forgive sins except Allah?", the New Testament records Jesus forgiving sins (e.g., Mark 2), which Josh argues places Jesus within the category of deity according to the same logic. Gnostic Influences: The dialogue touches on the "Replacement Theory" of the crucifixion found in Islamic tradition, noting its similarity to earlier Gnostic texts that claimed Jesus only appeared to suffer. Historical Continuity: They discuss whether the prophets of the Old Testament were "Muslims" in the sense of submitting to God's will, noting that the specific definitions of Tawhid often conflict with the actual recorded practices and beliefs found in the Torah.

Since graduating from Pensacola Christian College in 2000, Pastor Matt has led the youth ministry, young adult ministry, and outreach programs of Liberty Baptist Church. He and his wife, Breanna, enjoy serving with their children as they share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Pastor Matt has traveled across the country encouraging people in their walk with the Lord. In 2026, he stepped into the role of Senior Pastor of Liberty Baptist Church.

Erik and Josh discuss 5 questions submitted by a listener. 1. How do you know your ministry is ready for a building project? 2. How do you choose your plot of land? 3. How do you make a master plan for the facility? 4. How do you break the project into manageable phases? 5. How do you raise funds for each phase?

Christians need to know how Muslims think about theology and God. The goal is to learn why they believe what they do and learn to better communicate the gospel in light of their worldview. 

Josh discusses how the Quran came to be. 

Josh and Erik, along with their families, celebrate 20 years of serving with BIMI as missionaries. They reflect on the past 20 years, discussing the highlights and challenges of missionary work, and look forward to 20 more years of serving the Lord. 

Larry Chappell is a graduate of West Coast Baptist College. He is the Educational Pastor and Student Ministries Director at Lancaster Baptist Church.  He and his wife Ashley were married in 2007 and have three girls.  They enjoy serving at Lancaster Baptist Church.  

Josh Sullivan's testimony was powerful! Erik and Josh followup with a discussion on how his testimony was a blessing to them. 

In this episode, Erik chats with future missionary Rusty Gibson, diving into Rusty’s questions about missions, ministry, and what it takes to follow God’s call.