It's amazing the effect the Bible has on a Muslim reader or listener. My friend burst into sobs the moment he started reading 1 John 3 about the Father's love...clearly from a deep longing for this kind of love. It reminded me of this previous truth again. Sadly, others are very afraid of hearing or reading anything from the Bible. Praise God, others are curious and welcome reading. We've seen with our own eyes that some seriously want a Bible after reading a passage like Matthew 5(The Beatitudes). I was reading from the New Testament regularly with an Ismaili Muslim and he was absorbing it. When his community who had sponsored them to Canada found out, they kept him busy in their 'Ibadat Khanah'(place of worship). So, we discontinued reading. Furthermore, his wife really just wanted to be a secular woman with a little bit of religion.
When I meet Muslim friends at coffee shops or the Food Court, I usually carry a small case with a Bible, some literature, and Jesus dvd's. When there is an opportunity, I read some appropriate verses. But when I visit them in their homes, it's awkward since I don't carry a purse. So, I sometimes stuff a New Testament in my pocket. And I've frequently read verses off the phone. Which is better?
I can think back numerous times when I've visited a home with Joy. She normally carries a Bible in her purse. Women who know her well, expect that at some point she will bring out her Bible. Reading from a book has a significantly greater impact than off the phone. Since Muslims revere the Qur'an so much, they somehow revere the Bible too. So when a verse is read from 'the book', they listen and accept that as truth.
Reading the same verse off the phone doesn't carry the same weight. Talking about the Bible but not reading from it can sometimes trip negative reactions and intense discussions or arguments. There is much to be said for making the Bible our main source--and to read from a paper copy. I've discovered that there are 3 situations when most Muslim friends will not interrupt or challenge something--while the Bible is being read, a testimony of how God has answered prayer or changed our lives, or in praying for them in person.
When it comes to discipleship, the Bible is very important. Islam allows situational ethics that need to be corrected. For example, lying or pretending is encouraged if it defends Islam or smooths relationships. Honor is very important in Muslim countries and to be shamed is avoided at all costs. These are clearly not New Testament values. It's never OK to compromise.
Through the Bible we get to know Jesus. The Holy Spirit uses the Word to transform our minds and hearts. We get tremendous comfort from reading it. I want to communicate to both Muslims and Christians that the Bible is important to me. And one way of showing that is to refer to it often.Dear God, thank-you for your powerful life-changing Word. Help me to communicate its message to a world in crises. Amen.
