How to reach muslims with the gospel
I live in an area where there are a lot of muslims. I am getting to know some, and my heart goes out to all of them, because they are living their lives in fear and captivity. Yet, I feel that I need help in reaching this massive "oikos" (group of people). That's why I have started this discussion, so that we can help each other reaching these people whom Christ so highly loves and died for.
I'll start out with some thoughts:
Though I know that there is only one gospel of Christ, I have seen that it is presented in many various ways. This is clear through both Jesus' own ministry, as well as all through the book of Acts.
First of all we need the Spirit in our evangelism, not merely methods! But still it is helpful to understand how people think, and I don't believe that excludes the need of the Spirit. What is the key to their thinking - what do we need to focus on to see their hearts open?
Many muslims that I have heard of - and some that I've talked to - have had various dreams and other signs directly from the Lord. We need to pray, depend on and co-operate with what God is doing. His signs and wonders are heart-openers that can touch people more than mere words.
As with all people, muslims need to see that it is not their own deeds that can bring them salvation, but only through accepting the grace of God. They are often driven by fear and condemnation, and the thought of simply accepting is hard, not being used to humble themselves, but rather reaching for the sky.
Obviously I have much more to say, but I'll leave it with that for now - and I really hope that people who themselves have been reaching out to islamic groups will contribute and share their experiences.
Blessings!
- pf -
I'll start out with some thoughts:
Though I know that there is only one gospel of Christ, I have seen that it is presented in many various ways. This is clear through both Jesus' own ministry, as well as all through the book of Acts.
First of all we need the Spirit in our evangelism, not merely methods! But still it is helpful to understand how people think, and I don't believe that excludes the need of the Spirit. What is the key to their thinking - what do we need to focus on to see their hearts open?
Many muslims that I have heard of - and some that I've talked to - have had various dreams and other signs directly from the Lord. We need to pray, depend on and co-operate with what God is doing. His signs and wonders are heart-openers that can touch people more than mere words.
As with all people, muslims need to see that it is not their own deeds that can bring them salvation, but only through accepting the grace of God. They are often driven by fear and condemnation, and the thought of simply accepting is hard, not being used to humble themselves, but rather reaching for the sky.
Obviously I have much more to say, but I'll leave it with that for now - and I really hope that people who themselves have been reaching out to islamic groups will contribute and share their experiences.
Blessings!
- pf -
Tags: Spirit, by, evangelism, gospel, islam, islamic, lead, muslim, muslims, out, More…
Views: 152
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by perfilip on -
Thanks! I enjoyed reading your reply. Great contribution! I love to hear stories of people being met with the simple actions of love.
Yes, I have read most of the Koran my self (not the "real" one, in Arabic, but a Norwegian translation ;-) I can (kind of) understand that people find this logical. At the same time the once I meet and talk to don't seem to know what they really believe, they just know what actions they are, and are not to do. Some of the women we have had contact with didn't even know that the Koran talks about Jesus...
There is one organization that I know of who shear the gospel using the Koran. When they reach the point where they are ready to convert they pray a prayer, and are "allowed" to keep on living as if they were muslims. Of course they are to try to become witnesses to see more muslims convert - but many keep silent in fear of this religion (even though Islam means peace, I think...)
What do you think about such an approach? Should they be asked to leave the islamic group, when receiving Christ, or keep on with their "muslim-mask". I believe we should come back to the original way of accepting Christ: When they believe - openly confess! Get baptized in water and Spirit. And become a part of the new family. Still, of course, these are the witnesses who are most likely to win their friends and family.
(Am I making any sense at all here? I'm a Norwegian, so just tell me if things are not easily understood :)
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Permalink Reply by perfilip on
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Thanks, once again, for another great reply!
Though I very easily understand your point, I just find it hard to accept without any questions... I have noticed that your description of the right process for new converts are practiced in many different ministries.
I really don't want to be disrespectful - and hope my following questions hurt or provoke you! 'Cause I find a lot of truth in what you are writing in your last reply as well. And yes, we know of course that God really wants the very best for his children, like muslims who have turned to him. Yet, your argument is (as far as I'm concerned) merely logic and humanistic. I just can't find in the Scripture ;) I'm not saying I have the answer! Indeed not! But something deep inside of me says that those who are not willing to suffer for Christ are really not his disciples. Yes, I know we shouldn't be thoughtless or cautious-less, but the confession is even perhaps the most important step of receiving salvation (for instance romans 10:9, which we all know by heart).
Thousand of people are killed for confessing Christ. In many countries "the final nail in the coffin" is put when they receive baptism (which is also closely connected to the confession, I believe the Bible teaches.) Still I couldn't tell anyone not to be baptized. Would you?
As mentioned before, I don't write this because I necessarily disagree. I just struggle with this :D
The day we turned to Jesus, we turned away from ourselves and our own lives. If he wants my voice, confession or baptism - if he wants to use me as a witness, I really don't have a choice - even if the whole muslim world would turn against me.
So, are you open that God may lead people and ministries to use another way in helping muslims to their breakthrough in Christ? I hope and believe it will not be long until we see our first muslim turn to Jesus, and I just know we need to be ready!
Lots of blessings
from norway ;-)
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Permalink Reply by perfilip on
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Hi Denis!
Great to have you as a part of this discussion. Thanks for the knowledge and heart you share.
Yes, I think these laws that they live by are holding people in tight captivity, like you describe. I just have to say that I believe more in the light of the gospel - than in the darkness of the muslim darkness. There is a MAJOR revival in the islamic world just as we speak.
Hope to hear more from you!
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Permalink Reply by perfilip on
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Hi again, Denis!
(See you are a drummer.. I am too :-D
Anyway.
Have you experienced muslims who HAVE received Christ?
And DO you believe in God's power to save all muslims?
I heard again today that another muslim (in close range of me)
who have had a dream on night where he saw Jesus.
It really is a time of awakening even among muslims!
Blessings!
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Permalink Reply by perfilip on
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That's really cool!
What kind of music do you prefer? do you play on any albums I may know of, or are you more of a live musician? Perhaps we should consider becoming friends here on SimpleChurch, so we don't have to irritate those who are interested in the debate here ;-)
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Permalink Reply by Cindy Skillman on -
We don't have much of a Muslim population here in western South Dakota, but I have read quite a lot about Islam. You might want to check out Unveiling Islam by the Caner brothers. It contains a wealth of information on the history and flaws of Islam, while remaining respectful to Muslims, and is targeted toward those interested in evangelizing Muslims. Included are some important tips on how not to innocently offend the people you long to reach out to. Very important reading if you don't already know these things.
Another useful and important site is Voice of the Martyrs, where you can learn about former Muslims, now Christian brothers and sisters, and how to pray for them. Voice of the Martyrs also offers some books on the current situation in Muslim countries as well as materials targeted toward expatriate Muslims.
Finally, it's torture to read, but you really need to get a copy of the Koran and struggle through it if you want to reach out to Muslims. Read it with a yellow marker in hand, but don't beat your Muslim friends over the head with it (except very gently, on the prompting of the Holy Spirit). I've heard people say that the Koran is a beautiful book with much truth in it, but if there is truth, it merely makes the lie easier to swallow. It's a horrible book. Read it, though, if you truly love your Muslim neighbors. You will probably know it better than most of them if you have read it through once, just as you will know the bible better than most Christians if you've read it through once. (alas)
Please don't get discouraged in your quest to reach out to your Muslim friends and neighbors. According to all that I've been reading, God is doing a mighty work among Muslims today, and the rate of Muslims coming to Isa (that is, the real Isa--not the false representation of Him in the Koran) for salvation and true freedom is increasing phenomenally. If God has placed this on your heart, be sure that He's done it for a reason. The growth of Christianity in Iran has exploded so rapidly that the country is on the verge of passing a death penalty law for males who convert. Law or no law, many are killed, and yet people keep coming to Jesus. The people have lived under sharia for long enough. They are starving, and God is feeding them with the True Bread.
So be encouraged, brother. Pick up some of the resources available and do some studying, but mostly just love your neighbors.
Grace and peace,
Cindy
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Permalink Reply by Cindy Skillman on
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Hi, Denis
That's interesting. I didn't know that protestants were still suffering significant persecution in Russia, though I know this has been the case in the past. And yes, I was aware that there are many Muslims in Russia. I wonder whether Putin will soon draw the curtain of persecution back around the church, and whether he will include other religions such as Buddhism? Islam is most likely safe, I'd guess. His Muslim allies are too vital to him, so I suspect he will not begin any persecution of Muslims. What do you think?
Denis Popov said:There are very many Mulsims in Russia, in fact, it is one of the four officially recognized religions in Russia, along with Russiaqn Eastewrn Orthodoxy, Buddhism and Judaism
Funny, Protestantism is very little tolerated here
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Permalink Reply by Sean Steckbeck on -
Witnessing to Bedouin Muslims here in Israel, I can say mostly Muslims need to see faithfulness in your relationship with them, love, the power of God, and how Yeshua fulfilled the OT prophecies (this intrigues Muslims).
Another interesting tool is the "Camel" technique.... however, this has some controversy among some and holds accusations of synchronism.
I personally saw the fruit of it in India with a house congregation planting movement among Muslims there, and was highly impressed, and didn't see synchronism once a Muslim accepted Yeshua. Camel was a tool to get them there.
I like the fruit that I have seen, so I can't argue against the method.
This is another conversation though.... if anyone wants to start a thread about the Camel mehod.....
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Permalink Reply by Cindy Skillman on
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Just wanted to share this link with you quickly before I go to work, Perfilip. I think you'll find it fascinating and encouraging.
God bless,
Cindy
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Permalink Reply by perfilip on
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Thank you, Cindy!
I will definitely check out those site - read and get touch by it. What you're writing matches with my own impression of the situation. And, like the Voice of the Martyrs probably will show me, many muslims who want to stand up for Christ suffer their lives for it. Thanks for good encouraging words! Keep 'em coming ;)
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Permalink Reply by perfilip on
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Cindy Skillman said:Just wanted to share this link with you quickly before I go to work, Perfilip. I think you'll find it fascinating and encouraging.
God bless,
Cindy
WOW! To think that I would sit here and get challenged and encouraged by an elderly Coptic priest!?! Though I'm not surprised by the reaction from the islamic world. We must be prepared for similar stuff :D
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