Page 128 - World Religions I - Islam

Word.
o Be prepared to have much patience and perseverance in discussing the truths of the Bible with
Muslims.
o Define your terms.
 Muslims often refer to God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, prayer, angels, and other terms common to
the Bible, but they at- tach entirely different meanings to these words.
 Unless you define your terms biblically so that the other person can understand, very little
communication will take place.
o Qualify what it means to be a Christian.
 As stated before, Muslims tend to equate Christianity with an immoral Western culture and
lifestyle.
 When asked, "Are you a Christian?", it's important to qualify one's answer or the Muslim may
consider you a person of low morals.
 Point out that the West has succumbed to so many vices not because the West is "Christian" but
because the West has largely ignored Christianity.
• Christians can also point out that such vices illustrate one of the primary teachings of
Christianity—that is, that humankind is engulfed in a serious sin problem.
o Emphasize the love of God.
 Point out that God is not just characterized by love; He's the very personification of love.
 Make it clear that God's love is not conditional. He is not angry with them, but is full of love for
them.
 Be aware that Allah is distant and transcendent, who can arbitrarily show love and mercy to
some and cruelty to others.
 Use verses to illustrate that God loves us while we are sinners and that true love is
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characterized by Jesus' sacrifice for us.3
o Emphasize the grace of God.
 Point out that we aren't saved by our own works or deeds, but only through God's grace through
faith.4
o Gently correct Qur'anic misinterpretations about Jesus.
 Point out that Jesus' signs signified that he is the promised divine Messiah.
• Isaiah 11 and 35 list specific signs that the Messiah would perform, and Jesus fulfilled
those prophecies.
 Point out that the Bible also refers to Jesus as the "Word of God." Explain what that means
according to John's Gospel where Jesus the Word is portrayed as God.
 Point out that Jesus was sinless and came to solve man- kind's sin dilemma.5
 Emphasize that Jesus' death on the cross was not a defeat, but rather a great victory!
• Jesus submitted to the cross.
• Sin and death were defeated after which Christ was resurrected.
• He is the only Way, the Truth, and the Life...the only way to salvation.6
• Salvation is found in no other name.7
o Share with Muslims individually.
 Muslims in a group setting may feel the pressure to defend Islam, but may open up on a one-
to-one basis.
 Group evangelism has practically no success when sharing with Muslims.

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