Prables and Illustratation

Illustrations,
Parables and
Stories
SUITABLE FOR MUSLIM AND OTHER EVANGELISMS.
www.Engaging-With-Islam.Org Page 1
Contents
Illustration, Parables and Stories about:
GOD
Shamuel the Caucasian Prince
The Judge and his friend
Master and Servant or Father
JESUS CHRIST
“Kutshi” and “Ana-Kutshi”
How Can Jesus Be God
THE TRINITY
Water and other analogies
MAN
Three Sins a day
Rotten Eggs
Repentance
Man’s Inability –Long Jump
Be free through Good Works?
“ Halal” or Haram?
ATONEMENT
Look to Christ alone (Number 21: 4-9)
Sacrifice, “Qurban”
The House of a Thousand Terrors
The Pearl –Diver
WORD OF GOD, TRUTH
The true word of God
Why are there four Gospel records?
The final Revelation from God
True Doctrine
Partial Truth is misleading
“Sincerely Wrong!”
Sincerity is not enough
SALVATION, ETERNAL LIFE and WAY OF ESCAPE
Salvation –A Gift
Kindness beyond Measure
The way to Heaven /Paradise
The Key to Freedom
MORE PARABLES OF THE LORD JESUS
The proud man and the Repentant Man
The Offering (Luck 21: 1-4)
List of other Parables and their Bible References
MISCELLANEOUS TOPICS
The Important Letter
Rejecting the Son and His Gift
Finale
GOD
These parables are to explain the nature of God. He is merciful, loving and holy; He is also righteous and
just.
SHAMUEL THE CAUCASIAN PRINCE (A true story)

Shamuel was a Caucasian prince who lived about two hundred years ago. His people were constantly at
war with Turks. Once he and his army besieged a Turkish city. As usual his mother accompanied him.
One night he planned a surprise attack, but the enemy was waiting for him. His secret plans had been
betrayed and the battle was lost.
In anger Shamuel announced that, if discovered, the traitor would be punished with one hundred lashed
of the whip. In great secrecy another surprise attack was planned, but with the same result.
This time the traitor was discovered – Shamuel’s mother!
For three days he withdrew to his tent. What should he do? If he spared his mother, all would rightly say
that he was unjust. If he punished her, all would say “Shamuel has no pity, not even for his mother!”
At long last he appeared and his army gathered expectantly. In a sinister manner he addressed his
people “we lost two battles because of treason and our men were killed. There is no excuse- the crime
was committed and punishment shall be executed according to my judgement- one hundred lashes!
Righteousness and judgement must be maintained”.
His mother, pale and shivering with fear, was led into circle. The executioner lifted his whip- but , before
the first lash struck, Shamuel cried out “ Wait- she is my mother. I am her flesh and blood. I will take the
punishment for her!”
Removing his garment he stepped into the circle and commanded “Executioner, you dare not strike me
more lightly than you would have the true victim. Do your duty-strike on”.
Lash after lash was struck until he fell down, unconscious. He survived though, against all expectations.
This event, perhaps more than any other in history, fits the picture of Christ. He was God in a human
body. He had and has to execute righteous judgement, but in Hid perfect love He look on Himself our-
my own, your own-sins and suffered the cruel but just consequences on the cross. He endured not
only the cruel physical suffering, bad as that was, but the pure and holy God, took on Himself in
Christ, all the shame and ugliness of our sins.
THE JUDGE AND HIS FRIEND

A man was brought into court for having stolen some money from his firm. As the judge interrogated
him, he discovered that this man had been one of his best friends when they were classmates.
This discovery put the judge in a dilemma. Since he was a friend of the accused, he was torn between
the bonds of friendship and the demands of his duty. Which were to condemn him to the imprisonment
he deserved. As a just judge he could not set him free- this would be against the law and unjust towards
the accusers.
After due consideration he came up with a solution that satisfied his conscience. He himself paid his
debt from his own pocket and was consequently able to set his friend free. This resulted naturally in a
grateful attitude for rest his life.
This is a picture of what God did when He ransomed us from our sinful life through Christ’s sacrifice
on the cross. Have we really accepted His Gift and are we really grateful to him?
MASTER and SERVANT or FATHER and SON?

Imagine a master with a very good servant- This servant is absolutely faithful and works diligently for his
master. The master is very happy with his servant and loves him dearly.
One day he decides to offer his beloved servant the chance to become his adopted son. The servant
must now consider this tremendous offer- should he accept it or not! What would you do in this
situation?
Servants have different relationship with their masters than their sons: They have their quarters outside
the house and they work for pay. They generally have no access to his positions- neither by right nor
inheritance.
If the servant accepts the offer the whole relationship will be based not upon work, but in love! He will
even inherit some portion of the father’s estate.
This illustration can be compared to a Muslim as opposed to a Christian. The Muslim has a WORK
relationship with his master, Allah, whereas a Christian has a LOVE relationship to his Father, God.
JESUS CHRIST
No true Christian or Muslim will entertain the blasphemous idea that Jesus was born as a result of a
physical union between God and Mary. It is an abhorrent sugessition to both. An illustration may help to
clear the misconception a Muslim may have when hearing the term “Son of God”.
“KUTSHI” AND “ANA-KUTSHI”

In the Malay language a lock is called “Kutshi” and a key “Ana-Kutshi”, which literally means “Son of a
lock”. No Malay believes that one “Kutshi” mated with another “Kutshi” which resulted in the birth of
an “Ana-Kutshi”.
The words simply indicate that the key belongs to the lock- that you cannot open the lock without the
key! The two are complementary and belong together. A lock without a key is incomplete-even useless!
Similarly, in Arabia a traveller is called a “Son of the Road”- a local term understood by everyone.
It is this kind of term that Christians understand the Son ship of Jesus-He is the “Key”-opening the
way to God.
HOW CAN JESUS BE GOD?

There was once a young king who was well known for his power and wealth, Everybody in his kingdom
respected him greatly because of his wisdom and justice. One day he noticed a pretty, but very poor
young girl in a remote village. He fell in love with her. Nobody knew anything about his feelings, not
even the girl.
There would of course be no obstacle for the king to marry this girl and make her his queen.
However, how could he be sure that she would not marry him because of his money and power? He
was determined to make sure that she would marry him because of genuine love. But how could he do
this?
He knew that the only possibility was to become like her and then ask her to become his wife. Therefore
he left his castle, clothed himself in shabby cloth and travelled on foot to that village.
Of course, he ran the risk that the girl would say “No” to him, but the king knew that this was the only
way to know if the girl really loved him.
Conclusion: God also courts our love – He became man in Jesus. He arrived on Earth in a poor Stable.
He hid his riches,
When the king in our story chose to become like one of his subjects, he still was the king and had lost
nothing of his power and wealth. So God, too, when He became man, was still the almighty Creator
and was ruling the universe.
THE TRINITY
The questions Muslims ask about the Trinity are difficult to answer satisfactorily. Trinity is a theological
term not found in the Bible, like the words “eternity” or “infinity”. It is based on revealed truth and
transcends the power of human reason. We must therefore be careful not to give the impression that
we can explain the inexplicable.
WATHER AND OTHER ANALOGIES

Take a drop of water to a chemist for analysis. He will tell you that it is H2O. Take the same drop to a
physical scientist and he will say it is a liquid.
Take a little ice and do the same. The chemist will maintain that it is H2O; the physicist will say it is a
solid.
Now take a test tube full of steam- the chemist will give you the same analysis, but the physicist’s reply
will be different – he will say that it is a gas!
The similarity between this and the Trinity is striking. As water, ice or steams are consistently H2O in
spite of all their physical differences- so God, in his diverse “appearances” is always God! Let us use such
an illustration with the utmost reverence, however.
One could liken water, the originator and maintainer of Life, to the Creator-Father; the ice, which can be
handled, to the son of God who became the saviour, and the steam, often unseen and unmanageable,
representing power, to the Holy Spirit who reveals God to all who seek Him and gives the power to the
believer to live righteously. Yet all three share essential nature-the nature of God himself.
There are other analogies. Man consists of body, soul and spirit-and yet is only one person. Sunshine
contains light, heat and is a chemical action.
Fire, light and heat are three, yet one!
In the same way, mind, thought and speech belong together and yet are distinct from one another.
MAN
The Bible teaches that we have not kept God’s commandments but have violated them all; if not in
deed, then in thought or word. We have not lived by the Golden Rules (see Matthew 22:37-40) all the
time. We have fallen short of the standard that God has set.
THREE SINS A DAY

There are not only sins of COMMISSION- in word, thought and deed- but according to God’s Word there
are also sins of OMISSION- those things which we should have done that we have not-truly loving our
neighbour!
How many times a day do we sin? It could be fifty to one hundred times, or even more. Psychologists
will tell us that we forget 99% of all the things we have ever done wrong. We suppress them because we
do not like to think about their unpleasantness.
Just suppose a person sinned only ten times a day or five, or even just three times! He would almost be
like a walking angel! Imagine if the thought no unkind thoughts or lost his temper no more than three
times a day, or failed to do what he ought toward God and man- he would be a very fine person,
wouldn’t he?
Even if he were this good, he would have done wrong over one thousand times in one year! If he lived
to the average age of 70, he would have sinned 70,000 times.
Think what would happen to an habitual offender in a criminal court of law who had 70,000 criminal
offences on his record!
ROTTEN EGGS
The greatest heresy within the mind of man is the exception that somehow one can be good enough to
deserve to live with a holy God in His heaven.
We couldn’t scramble five good eggs with a rotten one, serve them at a meal and except the mixture to
be acceptable
Much less can we offer our lives, spoiled by sin and wrong to a holy God, and expect them to be
acceptable to Him.
REPENTANCE
The parable of the Prodigal Son(Luk 15:11-32) can be specifically valuable for the Muslim because of its
emphasis on God as a loving Father who welcomes his son back home and forgives all the wrongs that
have been done to him.
It can also help Muslims to see the difference between worshipping God as a servant (as the Muslims
seeks to do), and worshipping God as a son. The parable suggests that he is not content to be
worshipped by slaves but rather that we are his sons.
The parable has no ending: We are not told whether the older brother accepted his father’s invitation.
God gives us the option to accept or reject his invitation to live as sons who recognise and love Him as
Father.
The parable of the Prodigal son speaks of a man who had two sons. One went away with his part of the
inheritance and wasted it in faraway places, until he had spent it all. Working in a pigsty “he came to
know himself”.
He seriously and honestly assessed the situation. He had an “afterthought”. The Bible calls this word
“repentance”.
It went somewhat like this. The young man made a resolution “I will(a) arise and (b) go to my father and
(c) say to him “Father I have sinned against heaven and before you, I am no more worthy to be called
your son”. All he wished was to be a servant to his father, instead of living under bondage in a pigsty,
starving”.
This resolution was very good indeed (perhaps we have made such a resolution ourselves). But it was
not enough. The young man in our parable carried out his resolution:”he (d) arose and (e) came to his
father.”
Much to his surprise the father was waiting and looking out for him. More surprising still, he was
recognised by his father in spite of his total depravation.
Earlier, he had ridden away confidently, but his expectations of successful, happy and fulfilled life did
not materialize. He returned as a filthy, stinking vagabond.
Even so, his father ran to meet him, embraced him and kissed him!
The son could hardly stammer out his confession, before his father (1) had clothed him in the best robes
(covered his dirt), (2) put a ring on his finger (indicates his acceptance as a son again), (3) and put shoes
on his feet (only free men were allowed to wear them). Then, (4) he ordered a feast to be prepared for
“this son was dead, and he is alive again – he was lost and is found”.
From all this we learn that our heavenly Father, knowing our circumstances, expects nothing more
than our return to Him with a broken heart over our sinfulness. The “after-thought”triggered this off.
MAN’S INABILITY-LONG JUMP

Let the sofa and the coffee table represent the two sides of an incredibly deep canyon. Say the width is
fifty meters.
Now we can imagine all the men, women and children that have never lived, or ever will be born on
earth, lined up on one side. They have to get to the other side to save their lives from impending
danger. They will be lost if they don’t make it! They have to jump!
The long jump record is about eight meters-How many people from the whole human race can jump the
50 metre wide canyon?
None!
No one would make it , although some would do better than others. All would fall short of the
target of the and fall to their deaths.
This may be implied spiritually. There is gap between man and the Kingdom of God. Many try as
hard as they can to jump the gap by themselves. They try to keep God’s commandments, to do
good works, etc and to “Jump” as far as possible hoping that God will accept those who do their
best. But that does not comply with God’s standard: Perfection! (Matthew 5:48)
We are very imperfect. We should know that all deserve condemnation regardless of how
“Good we are”. According to God’s holiness and law none is good enough to get across
the canyon. Unless God does something for us we are all doomed to the same eternal
death. All would go to hell if it depended on our qualities. There must be another way
across or there is no way at all.
Jesus clearly said “I am the WAY and the TRUTH and the LIFE. No one comes to the
Father except through me” John 14:6)
BE FREE THROUGH GOOD WORKS?
Let us imagine a man standing before the judge in court because he has stolen a car. How do
you think the judge would respond if the man started telling him how many good things he had
done in the past? The accused would argue that because of all these good things the judge
should pardon the stealing of the car and release him.
Surely the judge would answer “Although I appreciate the good things you have done, I must
deal with your crime- the bad things you did – and punish you accordingly.
It will be the same when we stand before God on the way of judgment. Because of
Holiness and Righteousness He has to deal with our sins-and eternal punishment is
certain for those whose shins are not forgiven.
“HALAL “OR “HARAM”?

The meaning of “ Halal” ( Lawful, Clean) and “Haram” (Unlawful, Unclean) can be used to explain
the biblical meaning of sin and the total sinfulness of man. These concepts are not very easily
understood by Muslims because of the great difference in their understanding of what sin is.
To the Muslim , sin is merely seen as a deviation from the right way. All one ha to is to return
from this deviation to the right track again.
However the Bible teaches that we are all sinners and that we all need redemption from our sins.
(Rom 3: 23-24) This concept can be explained to the Muslim using this illustration.
Ask your Muslim friend what he would do if, going to the supermarket, he found four different
types of sausages to choose from.
The first type has 50% beef and 50% pork.
The next two have 75% and 90% beef and the rest of pork. The last one is 100% beef and only
has a pork outer skin.
Would he not choose to buy the last one with the least amount of pork?
A faithful Muslim would immediately answer that ALL four types were “Haram” It makes no
difference what percentage of pork it contains or whether it is only stuffed into pork skin. All the
sausages contain pork and are therefore “Haram” .
With Sin it is the same! God says that all sin is “Haram” – this makes us impure before God.
Does it make any difference whether I am 80% sinful – or 50%, 20 % or 10% ? In the eyes all
sins are “ Haram” and the quantity of sin in our lives or how “ angelic “ we are in the eyes of men
makes no difference to him. Before God we are all sinners and impure. Would God allow
anything impure into heaven or Paradise? Revelation 21:27)
HOW CAN OUR LIVES BE CLEANSED?
Most Muslims believe that Good deeds can cleanse or cancel out evil deeds. This
teaching is contrary to the Bible (Romans 3:23, Ephesians 2:8). The following illustration shows
this principle.
Suppose you prepared a pot of Breyani and then find out that some malicious person spoiled it
by adding some putrid liquid. Would you able to remove the contaminate by adding more rice and
Halal chicken?
In the same way, we cannot become clean by adding good deeds to our lives, since they
are already contaminated by sinful deeds. Just as we react negatively to contamination,
so does God. He reacts strongly against the filth and rottenness of man’s sin. How then
can we be purified and be allowed into paradise? The only way to be accepted by God is
for our sins to be forgiven through the sacrifice of his Son Jesus Christ. Only in this way
will we able cleansed and allowed into paradise.
ATONEMENT
LOOK TO CHRIST ALONE (Number 21: 4-6)

The people of Israel grumbled against God and He punished them for this great sin by sending
poisonous snakes amongst them. Many of the people were bitten and died.
When they saw this punishment of God come upon them, they were afraid and repented and
prayed to God for forgiveness asking Him to remove the snakes.
God told Moses to make a snake of brass and put it on a pole. He promised that all who had
been bitten would be healed if they looked to this brass symbol.
Many did and were healed.
We are like those people because we have sinned against God, and His punishment will come
upon us because of our sins.
The Israelites could not save themselves, but the mercy of God made a way for them to be
saved.
We are not sinners because we sin, but we sin because we are sinners. We can not save
ourselves .But God provided a rescue, and like the Israelites who believed, looked and
were healed, so the offenders who believe the word of God and look by faith to Christ on
the cross will be healed for their sins.
SACRIFICE “QURBAN”
A. Sacrifice: After Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, God in His Love and Mercy
provided a way that the sins of people, could be forgiven. God made it clear that there
was only one way that sins could be forgiven and this was by the prescribed way:
He appointed animal sacrifices which acted as substitutes- the animal died in the place of
the sinner. These animal sacrifices were intended as symbols of the “Prefect Sacrifice”
Who was to come, sent by God. It was the mission of the prophet Jesus to die on the
cross as the final and perfect sacrifice once for all. (Hebrews 7: 27, 9:28, 10: 14, 10: 18)
As a cheque is of no value until it is cashed and then it is again useless, so were the
animal sacrifices appointed in the Old Testament. Christ fulfilled all they symbolized and
they were no longer needed after he had died on behalf of us sinners (as The New
Testament plainly tells us).
In accordance with this, David, in the Psalms, prophesied concerning Christ “Burnt
offerings and sin offerings you (God) did not require...Here I am, I have comeJto do your
will” (Psalms 40:6-8)
Also Isaiah said concerning Christ “We all, Like Sheep have gone astray, each of us has
turned to his own way, and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53: 6)
The Gospel tells us “Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to
bring you to God” (1 Peter 3:8)
Through faith in His Sacrifice we can be saved from sin and its penalty, and will the know
that the sacrifices God expects from believers now are thank offerings of praise.
(Hebrews 13:15-16)
B. Qurban : In the dictionary of Islam by Thomas Patrick Hughes. It is explained as

follows: “Lit. ‘ Approaching near’ A term used in the Quran and the traditions for a
sacrifice or offering. Surah 5 30 “Truly when they (Cain and Abel) offered on offering”
From the time Muhammad had contact with Jews of Median, he reinterpreted the pagan
sacrifices in the light of Jewish scriptures. This explains that Muslims offer the Quraban
sacrifices annually –at the same time as the Jewish people celebrate Day of Atonement.
Even so , at a later time, when Muhammad had fallen out with the Jews, another
meaning was attached to sacrifices ( See Surah 22: 37)
(It is related to the Hebrew word “Corban” meaning something set apart for God) Mark
7:11
A Muslim may ask “Why should Jesus die on the cross for others? A perfect person is
supposed to have died for sinners?”
He cannot accept this; it does not make sense to him. It certainly is a striking thought that
God should punish someday else in our place.
We ask “ Do yhou something offer a Qurban sacrifices and what exactly does it mean to
you ?”
The Muslim is likely to reply “ it is a feast in commemoration of Ibrahim as he, in

obedience to God’s command, was willing to sacrifice his son Ishmael” (Actually it was
Issac- but don’t argue about it- it is the principle that we are concerned with at this point).
Is there any other meaning in sacrificing the Qurban?
God Himself provided Abraham with a ram as a substitute for his own son. Abraham’s
son was delivered from death, and in his lace the ram died. This is exactly what Jesus
came into the world for! (Genesis 22: 1-19)
God took the form of man for a grad and noble purpose. He left His home in glory
and was born in the filth of stable. He lived a perfect and sinless life. He taught the
world’s greatest teachings. He worked the mightiest deeds.
Finallly, He came to the end of His life- to that hour for which He had come- to die
as a sacrifice on the cross for our sins. ( John 12:23-28)
THE HOUSE OF A THOUSAND TERRORS
Philip II of Spain sent the Duke of Alba to break the will of a sturdy little Dutch nation, and bring
them under his control.
The Duke ordered the count de Bossu to take Rotterdam. The Count decided to use cunning to
capture it , it he could .
He summoned the Mayor and councilors and assured them that he had no intention of storming
the city- all he wanted was some proof that the city was loyal!
Let them merely open the South Gate and permit a small detachment of soldiers to march
through the city and out at the North Gate- then, he could send dispatches to his royal master
assuring him that Rotterdam was loyal and obedient.
The Mayor and a few councilors accepted this suggestion and despite the suspicion of some,
the South Gate was opened and a small detachment of Spanish troops enteredJ
But, hidden out of sight lay a much larger force which rushed through the gates and began
setting fire to the buildings and indiscriminately killing all the citizens they met. Amid screams of
terror people sought shelter the wooden doors to its cobbled yard.
Soon its many rooms were packed, and word was passed to retain absolute silence. Babies were
hushed to sleep; older children were bidden not to utter a sound.
So the great house with its terror –stricken inmates waited for their impending death- or for God’s
answer to their prayers.
Then a divine idea came to one of the men. Descending to the courtyard, he took a lamb that
happened to be there, killed it and let its blood trickle underneath the huge doors into the market
place beyond.
Silence reigned as they waited.
The shouts and screams drew nearer, and soon savages blow hit the wooden doors which
creaked and groaned and nearly grave away.
Just then the Captain came up, “Don’t waste your time- the work has already done! Look at the
blood! Move on!”
And when an hour or so later the Spaniards withdrew from the blackened remains of Rotterdam,
a thousand men , women and children came out of that house ( Renamed the house of a
thousand Terrors) saved by the blood of the lamb.
Human illustrations of the Gospels are always inadequate but most of us will realize how
strikingly this true incident throws light upon the death of our Lord Jesus Christ when he
became our substitute and savior.
This little lamb had no choice and no will. The Lord Jesus had both, but said before he
suffered “Not my will but Yours be done”. Luck 22:42
He voluntary took the sinners’ place and died that we might all go free.
THE PEARL –DIVER

An aged pearl –diver lived on the east Coast of India had decided to use the rest of his ife
devotion to religion in order to prepare for the next life. His mind was set to go all the way on his
knees to the holy city of Benares, on the shore of the holy River Ganges.
He had been befriended by a Christian, whom he invited for a final meal. He was the pearls-
diver’s only friend and it appeared that there were no other relatives.
After the meal, the diver disclosed his plans and his friend could not discuss himJ.
“Your knees will be torn and you will die from the infection. “ He pleaded. “If I die on my ways to
the holy Ganges” the diver replied, “My soul will be justly rewarded”
Later that night, before the friend was to depart, the diver moved a chest of drawers and rolled
and rolled up a small mat revealing a secret hiding place. He brought out tiny parcel and opened
it in the dim light of an oil lamp.
There lay a pearl of exceptional size and luster!
“You are the only person dear to me,” he said “I want you to have this pearl! “ But it is worth a
fortune! Exclaimed the friend, “I cannot accept such a gift!”
The pearl-diver’s eyes became distant, “I had a son,” he began, “He was the best diver along this
cost. He could dive deeper and longer than any of us. One day we were diving under the most
perfect conditions. I was in the boat while he went down to loosen the shells which I would then
open with my knife...
Then it happened! He had spotted a very large shell much deeper down. He went for it but it was
fastened to the corals. He tried to lever it loose. Time ran out but he persisted.
After what seemed hours he surfaced, blood pouring from his mouth. He died in my armsJ
I found this pearl inside that shell. I can never sell it. It is too dear to me!”
“But it is worth a fortune, can I not buy it from you? Let me give you something for it, like a
hundred pounds,” pleaded the friend.
The old diver becomes indigent. “You want to PAY me a measly hundred pounds for something
my son died for? No man can pay what it is worth to me! But I meant you to have it as a gift...”
“You see,” the Christian replied, “You try to pay God for what His Son died for, namely your sins.
Don’t you think offend God by trying to pay for something which is priceless?
The Pearl-Diver understood immediately. He did not try to walk to Benares on His knees- instead
he accepted the Gift of God- pardon for his sins!
WORD OF GOD, TRUTH
THE TRUE WORD OF GOD-Why are there four Gospel

records?
Sometimes Muslims wonder why we have four gospel records. This illustration may help to clarify
the issue.
In one court case a judge heard four different witnesses so he could establish the truth about the
case in hand.
This first witness tells his story taking fifteen minutes, the second witnesses tells the same story,
word for word, also taking fifteen minutes.
The third and fourth witnesses tell the identical story. In another cases the judge also interrogates
four witnesses but, her first one takes only ten minutes; the second takes twenty minutes with
extra details; the third only takes five minutes and the fourty version takes fourteen minutes.
Each described the same incident in his own words.
How would you react if you were the judge in each of these cases? Surely you would be
suspicious concerning the trustworthiness of the reports of the witnesses in the first case. What is
the use of having four identical reports anyway?
In the second case we have four witnesses describing the truth in their own words from different
angles. In the Bible God has given us four Gospel records- each account with its own emphasis.
In each Gospel we see the truth presented from a different angle.
THE FINAL REVELATION FROM GOD
Imagine you see a man struggling in the sea. He obviously cannot swim! What are you going to
do? Would you go into the local bookstore and buy a book on basic swimming, rush back to the
shore and throw the book to him, expecting him to read his way to safety?
Or would you dash out to his rescue?
If you were in trouble, would you prefer to be given a book to read or to be helped by someone
who can assist you greatly in your time of need?
God did not just give us a book as His final revelation –He himself came in person as Jesus
Christ to rescue us!
Conclusion: This story shows, to some extent, the difference between Islam and
Christianity.
In Islam the only help Muslims have today is in their book called the Quran, which is
supposed to be the final perfect revelation to solve mankind’s problem with eternal
destiny.
In Christianity, However, God came personally to earth In Jesus Christ and offers His help
for mankind to be saved. Jesus was the final perfect revelation of God on earth, but still
today, God is with us through His Living Spirit and Christians never feel alone.
In compression the Quran is merely a book, whereas Christ is a living person.
TURE DOCTRINE
The question is NOT whether a doctrine is beautiful or if it is convinced in sincerity. It is
whether it is TRUE.
PARTIAL TRUTH IS MISLEADING

To know the only part of the truth can be misleading, even dangerous. Many things we hear ,
particularly in respect to religion, are only a small portion of the whole story, even though they
may sound complete and substantial to us. Therefore, everyone should actually make the efforts
to establish the whole truth, especially in spiritual matters.
The following illustration may demonstrate this.
A farmer confessed, under oath without flinching, that he had stolen a rope. He was not lying but
neither was he telling to the whole truth- for on the end of that rope was the cow that he was
accused of stealing!
Although Quran gives hints to many biblical stories, we should encourage Muslims to
read the Bible to get the whole truth.
SINCERELY WRONG
We illustrate that sincerity, as important as it is, is not enough to establish truth; during a big fire
in the city a woman was seen frantically waving for help from a balcony high up in the blazing
inferno.
The fire brigade eventually arrived just in time for a fireman to reach her.
“But my baby daughter is still inside!” She cried. With a heroic effort the fireman fought his way
through the blaze and was soon able to place a tiny bundle into the arms of the relieved mother.
But when she uncovered the face there was a scream of despair. It was not her daughter but a
doll which had been retrieved- it was now too late to correct the error. Her baby perished in the
fire.
Do you think that the fireman had “Intentionally” rescued the wrong “baby”? Certainly not!
Did the mother give the wrong information to the fireman? Of course not!!
They were both absolutely sincere toward each other- but sincerely mistaken!
In our search for eternal life we must find full assurance that we are on the right path- and
KNOW the truth!
“It is a matter of life or death!”
SINCERITY IS NOT ENOUGH!

Carbon Dioxide instead of oxygen was administrated to a patient and death resulted almost
immediately.
The tragedy occurred while the patient was being prepared for a very minor operation. A trained
anesthetist was administering the normal controlled mixture of gas and oxygen when the latter
ran out. A new tank marked “Oxygen” was substituted.
The autopsy revealed CO2 positioning and the new tank was found to contain the deadly gas. It
had been incorrectly labeled before reaching the hospital!
The manufacture was sincere; the hospital was sincere; the anesthetist was sincere; the surgeon
was sincere and certainly, the patient was sincere!
No one wanted the tragedy t happen. All were sincerely mistaken about the “Oxygen” The
incident demonstrates that sincerely is NOT enough CERTAINITY must be coupled with
SINCERITY.
There is a verse which says “there is a way that seems right to man, but in the end it leads to
death...” Proverbs 14:12. Too many people are always saying “As long as I am sincere, I’ll be all
right in the end” – but they are SINCERELY mistaken!
One must be absolutely certain regarding eternal truths as much as in matters pertaining
to health.
Too many things are incorrectly labeled “Salvation”, “Forgiveness” “Life” “Peace”
“Security” and Satisfaction”
How can one be one absolutely sure in such all important matters? By taking God at His
word.
There is every reason to believe Him- for He loved us to the point for dying for our sins on
the cross. He now lives forever to save all who come unto God through Jesus.
SALVATION, ETERNAL LIFE AND WAY OF ESCAPE
SALVATION- A GIFT
Once there was a poor woman who greatly desired a bunch of grapes from the king’s garden for
her sick child. She took fifty cents and went to the king’s gardener trying to buy the fruit, but was
rudely refused.
A second effort with more money met with the same result.
It happened that the king’s daughter heard the angry words from the gardener and the pleading
of the woman. She made enquires.
When the poor woman had told her story the princess said “My dear woman you are mistaken.
My father is not a merchant but a king. His business is not the sell but give!”
She picked the bunch from the vine and gently dropped it into the woman’s apron.
So the woman received as a free gift what the labor of many days and nights and proved
impossible to obtain.
In the same way God is offering salvation as a gift. We cannot obtain it by money or good
works! “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from
yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
KINDNESS BYOND MEASURE

(Take from a conversation between Dr. Ussher, a Christian missionary, and Sir.Ahmed, a
Circassian noble man who lived in Constantinople, Turkey and who was appointed Vali of the
providence of Van after Abdul Hamid).
“Will you kindly tell me what you think I must do to enter paradise?”
“Your Excellency” the Christian replied, “I believed that God, for Jesus Christ’s sake, pardons my
sins and will receive me into Paradise.
“No sir, I cannot accept that, “replied Sir, Ahmed, “I might, for your sake, pardon one of your
friends who was in prison for debt (Turkish law imprisoned a debtor until his debt was paid in full),
but if I did so I would not be upholding true justice in this state.
If God could do that kind of thing He would be no more righteous than I am. I cannot believe that
of Him. What do you say now, Doctor?
“Your Excellency, “ Dr.Ussher replied, “I will use an illustrationJ Assume that I am in prison for a
large debt to the Government which I cannot repay. You are the king and have a son. You both
love me, but must uphold true justice. Together you agree to pay my debt and your son comes in
person, pays and is given a receipt.
All that is needed now is my acceptance of your gracious provision, sending for me in the person
of your princes says to me ‘Rise, friend, you are free I have paid your debt.
I may do one of three things.
Out of pride I may refuse to accept your kindness and wound the one who loves me.
Or I might say that I cannot believe it , and fear to discover the truth ,if I were compelled to leave
the prison not believing in my freedom I would live iin fear of the police and hide in my home.
Without faith or belief within my heart I have.
But, thirdly, I could believe it and be grateful an deal at your son’s feet saying ‘Thank you, I have
nothing to give in return (since my pennies to your pounds would be an insult) so I will Endeavour
to show my gratitude through my life”
But this is not at all, “the doctor continued, “The princes takes and gives me the Hamam (Turkish
Bath-the most through cleansing known). My prison clothes, with all their filth, are thrown into the
fire, and that is that- the end of my past life.
Your son then clothes me as prince and brings me before you, the king. This is the way I
understand Christianity – God is the King and Jesus Christ, His Son, Paid the sinner’s debt by
willingly dying upon the cross –and, by the power of God, rising from the dead on the third day. I
believe it and I know that I am free.
If you will believe it also, it will believe it also, it will mean as much to you as it does to me.
What will be my attitude toward the prince now?” the doctor continued, “I see him coming on
horseback down a narrow alley but someone has dumped enough firewood in the street to block
his way. What shall I do?
Should I wait till he arrives and say “what will you give me to remove this for you? Or should I
quickly remove the obstruction before he comes and then proudly and joyfully salute him as he
passes, willingly showing my gratitude for all that he has done for me?”
THE WAY TO HEAVEN /PARADISE

One day a group of friends went down to a huge river full of crocodiles. In the distance they could
see a man padding in a boat to reach the other side.
“If we could do that,” Said Sheik Omar, “We could cross the river too and see the other side.”
“Then let’s build a boat” Ahmed Suggested. “But what shall we build it with?” Suleiman inquired
“Ask Sheik Omar, “Ahmed replied.
Sheik Omer though for a while,”That man’s boat looks as if it is made of mud,” he retorted “Shall
we try that?”
So they worked very hard and made their boat. They left it to bake in the sun and when they
returned a few days later it was dry and extremely hard.
“Looks good to me!” Omar observed.
So they all got in and began to paddle to the other side-but the mud become softer, until it all
apart and dissolved.
Some were immediately eaten by the crocodiles-other drowned. No one survived.
However, Abdul had not trusted the idea in the first place and had stayed behind .He had seen
the tragic fate of his friends and was sad that he’d that he’d never see them again.
Different people have put their trust in the things they thought would bring them to heaven- but
God gives us only one way-through Jesus Christ.
If we try our own way we will surely fail to rech our paradise in heaven.
Jesus Said “ I am the WAY , the TRUTH , and the LIFE. No one comes to the father ( In Heaven)
except through me.” (John 14:6)
THE KEY TO FREEDOM

Three friends of the king get into tremendous trouble in a foreign land and are arrested.
The king is deeply grieved and sends his son to free them.
Overpowering the guard he slips the key through the tiny window to his father’s friends.
However, instead of making a hasty escape, they sit there and start examining the key, adding
their own comments to their discussion, not believing that the key will fit in the lock.
They even start to change it, breaking off pieces here and there. They even manage to add
pieces.
Finally, they try it in the lock-but to no avail!!
Embarrassed, they start to mock the king’s son arguing that he had never given then a key at all.
This story illustrates how many people who hear the Truth of God (The Gospel of Jesus
Christ) misuse it, often distorting it beyond recognition.
Eventually, instead of trusting it as the Truth, they reject it completely.
MORE PARABLES OF THE LORD JESUS
THE PROUD MAN AND THE REPENTANT MAN
James 4:6 HHGod resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
Compare with Luck 18-9-14
Two men went up to pray in the mosque. One was a good Muslim who knew all the right actions
for his ritual commitment- his Arabic was perfect and he was accomplished in the words and
movements of the Salat (Liturgical form of prayer). He went confidently to the center of the
mosque, knelt and prayed correctly and precisely –but, meanwhile, his thoughts were else where
on the pretty girl who lived next door.
The second man was a down –and out sinner who had led a corrupt life and hadn’t prayed for a
very long time.
He couldn’t remember how to perform the Salat and felt shy as he entered the mosque . He
quickly slipped behind a large pillar where he whispered his own prayer. “Oh God forgive me , I
have made a complete mess of my life, but I long now to follow and serve you”
Now, whose devotion is more acceptable to God? God looks to the heart and the
intentions rather than outward ritual. (See also Injeel Matthew 23:23-36)
THE OFFERING (LUKE 21:1-4)

Two Muslim men went to pay Zakath (Almsgiving) .One was very rich and gave a large amount.
The other was very poor- but was nevertheless keen to give something to God. He therefore
gave his last cent!
Now, who has given more to God, the rich man or the poor?
Conclusion: In God’s sight, the poor man has given more than the rich man, since he has
given all he has! The rich man only gave a small portion of his wealth.
THE IMPORTANT LATTER

When Yusuf was two years old his parents died in an accident. They left a large property as an
inheritance. His uncle Hasan was appointed guardian. However he was an evil man – he sent
young Yusuf far away to another relative and spread the message that the boy was dead. He
then sold the land and spent the money on himself.
Yusuf grew up under the impression that he was a poor orphan – he was forced to work hard in
the fields and had very little education – he could hardly read or write.
However, one day he did receive a curious letter from another uncle Abdallah who told him the
whole sad story of how Hasan had robbed him of his inheritance.
Uncle Abdallah was extremely sorry for Yusuf and wanted to rectify the matter. He had worked
extra hard for some time and had managed to buy back the property in Yusuf’s name and
needed him to personally claim it.
What should Yusuf Do?
Amazed, he was not sure if he could trust the letter. He discussed it with his master and other
elders but they only tried to dissuade him- what if he were to travel so far only to discover it was a
trick? Yusuf was also filled with doubt.
Finally, against the will of his master, he left with his letter, which gave him specific directions.
Every time he reread it he was filled with hope and confidence.
Upon arrival, he went straight to the Judge, who was able to confirm that the letter was true and
he was, in fact, the wealthy owner of a large property.
There is little need to tell you how happy young Yusuf was and how he marveled at the beauty of
all he now possessed. He promised to take special care of it and looked forward to when he
would be able to thank his uncle Abdallah.
This story can be compared to the message of the Bible. It tells you about the inheritance God
has prepared for you. –but the enemy Satan will try everything to distract you.
What will your decision be and who will you trust?
Ephesians 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself,
according to the good pleasure of his will.
REJECTING THE SON AND HIS GIFT
Ali was a poor man. He operated a little shop and was just able to support his family. One day
he was told of better jobs in far away country and sold his property. Leaving sufficient for his
family, he took the rest of his money and set off.
Finding mediocre dwellings he began searching for this work-but to no avail. Rapidly his funds
depleted. At the end of this month his landlord came for his rent, but Ali had to ask for an
extension. The landlord was a kind man and agreed.
Still Ali could not find work by the end of the second month, when the landlord came again.
“I heard that you are a generous and merciful man” Ali pleaded “Could you not write off the past
two month’s rental”
“It is true what you have heard of my generosity and mercy –but I am also just. You will have to
pay your debt-I will give you one more month” the landlord replied.
In vain Ali sought work and he couldn’t borrow from his friends who were also poor. Then, one
night there was a knock on his door.
It was not the landlord but his son –Ali was annoyed and tired to send him away. But the son
accepted his wrath and said. “My father and I have seen your misery and I am here to help you.
My father has encouraged me to sell a portion of my inheritance for you. Here is the money.-take
it and use it to pay off debt. When father comes tomorrow give it to him”
However, instead of being grateful, Ali was proud and refused the gift .The son left hurt.
The next day when the landlord arrived Ali threw himself at his feet again pleading for mercy and
forgiveness.
“Last night I sent you both mercy and forgiveness in the person of my son and you accepted
neither him nor his gifts. Your opportunity is now gone .I can no longer show you compassion,”
and Ali was immediately turned out into the street and the door was locked behind him.
He never found work and died shortly afterwards.
This story illustrates how many people are filled with pride and reject the gift of God –
Forgiveness of all their sins through the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
As the landlord sent his son to Ali, so God has sent His spiritual Son Jesus.
It shows that God loves us all and wants us to be free- however we need to accept God’s
way of forgiveness-not our own.
God is also just and therefore punishment has to be carried out. God sent His perfect Son
who could pay for our transgression. Will you accept God’s way of forgiveness?
LFINALE
Many people wonder why we go to such lengths to be friend them and tell them about our
faith in Jesus Christ- Often to the point of nauseous irritation.
A man once spent sixty years searching for the secret of life and truth- until one day he
discovered it- right there under his very nose!
He had spent thousands of dollars travelling the world. He had been frustrated for hundreds of
hours, he had searched high and low for something that was staring him an millions of other right
in their faces-it was smile so obvious and he had finally found it.
Does he now hide it and keep it to himself, to be lost again when he dies? Or does he try to
explain it to one person and then another?
Does he despair when it is so clear to him yet others cannot grasp it? Or does he persist until the
other person catches his enthusiasm.
One man, we all know, created the electric light bulb from a piece of cotton that he just
happened to be holding at the time. Today, thanks to his persistence, millions of people
no longer fear of the darkness of night.
If, through our own persistence in spreading the light of Jesus Christ, we can, with God’s
help, free just a few people from their fear of eternal darkness, our mission will be partly
accomplished.
The Bible tells us to go and spread the Good news- I pray that this small soft ebook will
help you to do it.

Prables and Illustratation

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Prables and Illustratation

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Illustrations,

Illustration, Parables and Stories about:

SHAMUEL THE CAUCASIAN PRINCE (A true story)

This time the traitor was discovered – Shamuel’s mother!

THE JUDGE AND HIS FRIEND

MASTER and SERVANT or FATHER and SON?

“KUTSHI” AND “ANA-KUTSHI”

HOW CAN JESUS BE GOD?

WATHER AND OTHER ANALOGIES

Fire, light and heat are three, yet one!

THREE SINS A DAY

MAN’S INABILITY-LONG JUMP

“HALAL “OR “HARAM”?

The first type has 50% beef and 50% pork.

HOW CAN OUR LIVES BE CLEANSED?

LOOK TO CHRIST ALONE (Number 21: 4-6)

Many did and were healed.

B. Qurban : In the dictionary of Islam by Thomas Patrick Hughes. It is explained as

The Muslim is likely to reply “ it is a feast in commemoration of Ibrahim as he, in

Is there any other meaning in sacrificing the Qurban?

Silence reigned as they waited.

THE PEARL –DIVER

There lay a pearl of exceptional size and luster!

WORD OF GOD, TRUTH

THE TRUE WORD OF GOD-Why are there four Gospel

Each described the same incident in his own words.

Or would you dash out to his rescue?

In compression the Quran is merely a book, whereas Christ is a living person.

PARTIAL TRUTH IS MISLEADING

The following illustration may demonstrate this.

“It is a matter of life or death!”

SINCERITY IS NOT ENOUGH!

SALVATION, ETERNAL LIFE AND WAY OF ESCAPE

KINDNESS BYOND MEASURE

I may do one of three things.

THE WAY TO HEAVEN /PARADISE

“Looks good to me!” Omar observed.

Some were immediately eaten by the crocodiles-other drowned. No one survived.

THE KEY TO FREEDOM

Finally, they try it in the lock-but to no avail!!

Eventually, instead of trusting it as the Truth, they reject it completely.

THE PROUD MAN AND THE REPENTANT MAN

Compare with Luck 18-9-14

THE OFFERING (LUKE 21:1-4)

THE IMPORTANT LATTER

What should Yusuf Do?

What will your decision be and who will you trust?

He never found work and died shortly afterwards.

You might also like