Islam History, Customs and Religion Part Eight – Reaching Muslims with the Gospel

1. Islam History, Customs and ReligionPart Eight – Reaching Muslims with the Gospel Slide Presentation

2. Reaching Muslims with the Gospel of Jesus Christ

3. The Do’s and Don'ts of reaching Muslims • Use the Bible as the Text. • Approach as a friend. • Don’t compromise your beliefs, be open and honest. • Respect their customs and practices; don’t put down. • Listen carefully to what is actually said. • Don’t argue; do reason. • Keep your composure. • Ask good, intelligent and pointed questions.

4. Be Prepared You cannot discuss that about which you know nothing. The best preparation is to know both sides of the discussion. If you cannot be interested enough to learn “their way”, how can you expect them to want to learn “your way”? Learn at least the main terminology and how to pronounce words reasonably close.

5. Use the Bible as the Text Muslims say they accept the Bible as God’s Word. Most do not know very well what it teaches. The only avenue through which Muslims can be reached is to use the Bible. Teach not preach is the key. Muhammad is “the Prophet”, “the last Prophet” in the mind of the Muslim. Jesus Christ must be shown to be in reality the true messenger from God as He is the Word made flesh. John 1:14. Make known the unsearchable riches of Christ. Eph. 3:8-9. In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Col. 2:3. Quote the Bible as authority. Let the Word of God do its work in convicting; it is the power of God unto salvation.

6. Approach as a friend If you think of a Muslim as an enemy it usually shows in your voice and/or facial expressions and stops any approach. When asked if you have any questions about Islam, ask to have the basics of their faith explained. Then ask if you can explain your reasons for your belief. Accept what is said on face value, even if you know it is not true. Keep asking leading questions until the truth is made known. Western styles and practices are not Christianity, you want to convert one to Christ not to Americanism.

7. Don’t compromise your beliefs, be open and honest. “Some have gone to the extreme of doing what the Muslims do, worshipping along with them in their mosque, kneeling with them in prayer at their prescribed times.” Charles Dunahoo. That is not the approach for today’s Muslims. Do not alter the gospel to obtain acceptance. Place yourself in their shoes. “Become all things to all men that I might save some.” I Cor. 9:22. Learn to understand how they think and to see things from their point of view. When asked what, or why you believe answer quickly and honestly giving chapter and verse.

8. Respect their Customs and Practices Islam separates men and women at the mosque. Holy places are respected by removing shoes. Holy books are venerated; never placed on the floor. Prayer is prayed five times each day. Food is passed with the right hand, not the left. Pork is not an option for food. Alcohol is generally refused. Prophets are holy men. PBUH. Muslims consider the Qur’an equal to or above the Bible. Dress is not necessarily western style.

9. Listen carefully to what is actually said Understand that Muslims use the Qur’an and Hadiths as “gospel”. The Qur’an is not a book of chronology, history, science, theology, or revelation although it is often used as such. Understand their religious vocabulary: words such as “grace”, “faith”, “salvation”, “justification”, “peace”, “joy”, and “holiness” have a different definition from the Bible meaning. Grace to a Muslim means a material and spiritual blessing which can be earned. Biblically it means unmerited favor which is the free gift of God.

10. Don’t Argue We must relate to Muslims as individuals and not as a representative of a religious system. We cannot expect them to think, act, and experience life through the same filters that we do. They have been taught about the intolerance of the Catholics, the Crusades of Protestantism and the general antagonism of medieval Europe and are well prepared to answer a challenge, even a perceived one. The Muslim has a built in sense of superiority in matters of religion because theirs is, to them, the last revelation, the most correct one, and the only true one. Don’t argue—discuss, explain, read, ask.

11. Keep your composure Be calm: Muslims are impressed by the normal or low voice. Don’t shout, accuse, show anger, or you lose! Be serious: Muslims think Christians are in error. They are impressed by our sincerity toward God, toward each other , and with them. Be kind: learn to appreciate Muslims as a person made in the image of God. Hypocrisy is easily detected by them. Be truthful: not double tongued! Be open and have no hidden agenda. If asked why you are doing a given thing, say why kindly.

12. Ask good, intelligent and pointed questions. Questions for information, insight, decision and action are the type Jesus asked. (He seldom answered a question directly, but with another question). Plan your questions in advance and have some ready for whatever the occasion. Types of questions: Factual: Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? So? Explanatory: What is the meaning of that term? Reason: Can you tell me the purpose behind that (story, statement, rule, practice)?

13. More Types of Questions Implication: What else is involved? What naturally follows? Significance: What is the importance of this (term)? This combination of ideas? This series of actions? Relationship: What is the connection between these words? Ideas? Actions? People? Events? Verses? Paragraphs? Progression: Where is this leading us? Is it moving toward a challenge or a climax? Relevance: What has this to do with us today? Application: What action should we take? Reflection: Don’t you think we should consider this further?

14. Questions for Involvement For a religious leader: “What emotional conflicts may Nicodemus have felt at this point?” For a know-it-all: “Why do you suppose Simon Peter felt he knew better than Jesus what to do?” For someone who opposes Jesus: “How do you think the Pharisee was feeling when he said that to Jesus?” Help people identify with individuals in the Bible story to help them become more involved personally with the Bible. Cf. John 3:1-15: “What did Jesus already know about Nicodemus? (Factual based on v. 10). “How do you think Jesus saw Nicodemus…only as a Pharisee, a ruler of the Jews? (Interpretation). “If Jesus could understand Nicodemus so well, what do you suppose He understands about us today?” (Application).

15. Help in Reaching Muslims Written by Evertt Huffard who directed the Middle East Bible Training College in Beirut, Lebanon, from 1971 to 1974; and taught at Harding and Freed-Hardeman Universities for 19 years. It will assist in knowing and understanding the teachings and practices of Islam.

16. Roadblocks Some Muslims in the U.S., particularly if they have been here awhile, have likely heard televangelists, maybe preachers, and could have questions about various religious interpretations (among denominations). It may be necessary to deal with this obvious division prior to, or as a part of, the teaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Muslims make a strong point that Allah did not take a wife and have a Son. (They mean this in a physical and literal sense.) It is a surprise to them to learn we agree. This is a big hurdle and a big roadblock to some Muslims. They think we believe in three Gods, whose existence they logically prove to be untenable.

17. The Greatest Problems Some Muslims think the trinity consists of God, Mary, and Jesus. The Holy Spirit in Islamic thought is the Angel Gabriel. The Comforter is Muhammad. The sociological unity and sense of community among Muslims makes it difficult for them to publicly confess Christ. Some become “secret” believers because of this problem. We must teach every nation, baptizing those that believe, and let God handle the problems.

18. End of Part Eight Slide Presentation Click On Right Arrow to End or Move to Slide 1 To Start Over