Ever been to an auction sale? I've been to quite a few automobile auctions and estate sales. The auctioneer looks for even a glimmer of interest and a slight nod is all that is needed to complete the sale in small auctions.
In 'Evangelism for "Normal People" (click) John Bowen refers to a 'bounded set' and a 'centered set' when it comes to evangelism. In the old paradigm a seeker comes to Christ in a more traditional way--a response to a Gospel presentation or an altar call at an evangelistic meeting. Assent to a set of beliefs is typically given in 'the sinner's prayer'. In the 'centered set' the focus is on Christ and any movement towards him is an indication of openness to his message. The focus is on what is happening in the seeker's heart. This 'centered set' is what usually happens with Muslim seekers. They are on a journey and it may be a long one. Read on to see how this is typically fleshed out.
My friend Ahmed was faced with deportation from the US. His lawyer advised him to seek religious asylum in Canada by claiming conversion to Christianity. His kids would need to be baptised in a church and he would need to know Christianity well enough to pass the scrutiny of a Canadian immigration officer. He was like a dog after a bone as he spent hours studying the Bible and comparing it to Islam. The more Ahmed studied, the more he became convinced that Jesus is the only way to become right with God. When he reached his decision, his wife was resistant for a season. Praise God, today they are a beautiful family who follows Christ.
Asif was drawn to kind Christians and started attending their lively worship services. He kind of belonged before he believed. This is quite typical where Muslim seekers check out a Christian community to see whether this would meet his or her needs. In this case a Christian with a 'cross-cultural gift' befriended him, understood his journey and pointed him to Christ. Every church needs a group of people who understand and accept people coming into the church from another culture or religion. We just heard of Christians who turned a Muslim away from exploring the Christian faith because of the trouble a decision to follow Christ would bring on the family. Miraculously, God found another way and today she has a glowing testimony.
Easterners are wired for the supernatural. Many Muslims are having dreams about Jesus. This of itself does not bring them to faith but gets their attention--like a flag waving. They need the truth of the Word of God to bring them to faith. A sister who was wavering in her new found faith and struggling with some aspects, had a dream that confirmed the truth. She never turned back. A Nigerian Muslim was a debater that no Christian could silence. One night in his sleep, he was chased by some evil force. Each time he woke up terrified. Finally, as he had another episode, he called out 'Jesus'. The evil force's pursuit stopped. It got him thinking--there is something to that name. He came to faith in Christ.
Jesus transformed Paul, the terrorist of the day and an unlikely candidate to become his follower. Paul, by God's grace did a 180 and started a movement. Be encouraged. Inspite of today's horrific news from the Muslim world, Jesus is building his church. We never know what method he will use. God is hearing the longing of Ishmael and his descendants. Even in the darkest of places, Muslims are responding to the truth!! In our setting, we may have the privilege to nurture faith in seekers when we remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit!
Lord Jesus, lead me to a Muslim seeker in my travels or in my neighborhood. I want to be your messenger to bring Good News to this person's heart. Amen.
