Every Muslim, like you and me, is someone God loves. This may seem like an
obvious statement but too many of us have held back from reaching out to a
Muslim with the love of Jesus due to fear and lack of understanding. The
first tep in reaching out to a Muslim is to see them the way God sees them,
to see a Muslim through the eyes of God.
The Power of Your Testimony
Our aim is not to compare religions, but to lead people to a saving
knowledge of the Lord Jesus. Always avoid speaking critally about Islam or
Muhammed and look for ways to learn and understand. then look beyond the
obvious and see the heart felt needs, an opportunities to share about your
faith.
Share from your own personal testimony of God's forgiveness and healing,
confirming Biblical truths and God's character from your experience. Open
and honest conversation are always better than arguing. Muslims will always
listen to a friend. Learn to be a good listener showing genuine concern
for those you are reaching out to. Many testimonies of a Muslim convert are
that he has first been influenced by Christian love.
Every Muslim has a fear of God
and a sense of
sin in his own life.
They are also aware that their religion offers no real assurance of
salvation (unless he dies as a martyr in a holy war - a Jihad). There is
almost no hope for forgiveness. We must therefore continually bring them to
the realization of their need of a Savior.
Muslims have a tremendous respect for the Word of
God.
Muslims truely respect the Word of God and the Qur'an. The Qur'an itself
often refer to Christians as "The people of the Book." Never try to
water-down Biblical truth or compromise to "fit" into a Mulsims' way of
thinking. Use your Bible often in a relevant and everyday way.
It is a very hard for a Muslim to think of God as
a Father
The very idea that Jesus is the Son of God is offensive to them and will
often be only realized through revelation by the Holy Spirit. Isalm has 100
names of Allah, 99 of which are often recited using a Rosary. (The last name
is "unknown to men"). It is important to communicate the true character of
God. Muslims believe that Allah has pity on all Muslims, but does not love
all men.
Look for opportunities to show hospitality and
practice love.
Most Muslims are extremely generous and hospitable people. It is important
to understand their own customs. For example middle Eastern Muslims may
need to be invited several times before they feel they are able to accept an
invitation. In their culture it would appear rude, almost greedy, to accept
an invitation too readily. A wrong understanding of this may result in
missing out on a wonderful meal together!
Never underestimate the work of the Holy Spirit.
Allow God to teach you and share His heart with you concerning your Muslim
friends. It is only God that can open the eyes that cannot see, and the ears
that are deaf, bring conviction of sin, and create new life. Always,
always, ALWAYS PRAY!!!
Taken from 30 Day Muslim Prayer Focus Jan/Mar 1995, PO Box 26479,
Colorado Springs, CO 80936, USA.
