1. Muslims won’t want to hear about Christ and
salvation.
Many Muslims are open to talking about
Christ(Isa al Masih). He is mentioned or referred to about 90 times in the
Qur’an. Muslims' concept of salvation is based on the Scales—weighing Good deeds
and Bad deeds. This theme is very dominant in their everyday thinking. Fulfilling
the 5 pillars of Islam and doing righteous deeds are hoped in to reduce the
time in purgatory(Hell). Qur'an 19:71-72 BUT “…He(Jesus)
had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep
without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:36
2. Muslims can easily come into church and hear the
Gospel message.
Yes, they can but they’d be crossing many
barriers to come into a church building. They are told that to even question
Islam will send them to Hell and that Islam is the last and best religion. Normally
it will still take a Christian to take the initiative to befriend a Muslim and
share the Good News. There are exceptions when a Muslim comes to the West on a search
for Truth. Many are coming here disillusioned with Islam. They won't become believers by osmosis! “…And how can they
hear about Him unless someone tells them?” Romans 10:14
3. Muslims are having dreams and visions about Jesus and getting saved.
Yes, we have personally heard the dreams Muslims are having about Jesus. This truly is awesome. As Easterners, they are wired for the supernatural and view all dreams as being from God. Muslims have a high regard for Jesus--the one who heals the sick and raises people from the dead. I have yet to hear that Muslims have understood the plan of salvation laid out in scripture through a dream. A dream is like a flag waving to get their attention. I believe God shows his mercy by sending spiritual dreams. But God didn't just send a dream or a book, he sent Jesus. Now we are the human link to show and explain the rest of the story. "The Word became human and lived here on earth among us..." John 1:14
4. Muslims are argumentative and I don’t think I
can counter their arguments.
Most Muslims are relational. If you
concentrate on Friendship first, you will be listened to respectfully. We very
seldom hear the ‘big’ objections. Muslims are told not to associate with
non-believers. Qur’an 5:51. So, it’s a miracle when a friendship with a Muslim
thrives. There is not much point in discussing differences in our beliefs until
our friend is reading the Injil(NT). The Word of God is very powerful. Muslims
are drawn to the message of God’s love clearly communicated in the Injil(NT). “And
I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from His love…” Romans 8:38
5. Muslims have enough truth in the Qur’an to be
saved and go to heaven.
The Gospel is specific on how to be right
with God—it is not of good works but by grace. Our belief is based on God’s
promises and the price paid...the ultimate sacrifice and death of Jesus and
his resurrection, both denied in the Qur’an. In Islam there is no assurance of
heaven—it remains ‘inshallah’. There is no Savior. Qur’an 46:9. BUT “For by
grace you are saved, it is a gift of God…” Ephesians 2:8 Many Muslims are
responding to Christ’s invitation to “Come to me, all of you who are weary and
carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
6. Someone who speaks the Muslim’s language and is
from his culture can do a better job at sharing Christ with Muslims.
That may be true but it does not absolve the
Christian of his responsibility to reach out to his neighbour, friend, or
colleague. The Bible clearly instructs us to be witnesses(Acts 1:8) and make
disciples(Matt. 28:19, 20). We see it more as teamwork—we do our part and if
there is someone from the Muslim’s language group who loves the Lord, we try to
involve that person as well. “Go ye therefore…” Matthew 28:19
7. If I marry a Muslim, I can still raise my
children as I’d like to.
If a man is marrying a Muslim woman, he would normally be required to become a Muslim before he is allowed to marry. A Muslim man can marry a non-Muslim wife with the condition that the children be raised Muslim. A Christian will spare himself or herself a lot of grief associated with interfaith marriage by not marrying a Muslim. If the Muslim says he is only nominal Muslim, there may be others in the family that will put pressure on to raise the children Muslim. Once marriage takes place, the expectations rise. “Be not unequally yoked... ” 2 Corinthians 6:14
8. I'm too old, too poor, too young, too simple, too uneducated, too disabled... Amazing that God has a mission for each of us. Remember how Moses wanted Aaron to speak to Pharoah because he stuttered? We are all dependent on God's help and sustaining power. I can't help but be reminded of a Sudanese grandma who was part of a prayer group. Even though she was hard of hearing, she flowed like a river in prayer. God's wants us available to minister--some in unique ways. "Pardon me, my Lord, " Gideon replied, "but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." Judges 6:15
If a man is marrying a Muslim woman, he would normally be required to become a Muslim before he is allowed to marry. A Muslim man can marry a non-Muslim wife with the condition that the children be raised Muslim. A Christian will spare himself or herself a lot of grief associated with interfaith marriage by not marrying a Muslim. If the Muslim says he is only nominal Muslim, there may be others in the family that will put pressure on to raise the children Muslim. Once marriage takes place, the expectations rise. “Be not unequally yoked... ” 2 Corinthians 6:14
8. I'm too old, too poor, too young, too simple, too uneducated, too disabled... Amazing that God has a mission for each of us. Remember how Moses wanted Aaron to speak to Pharoah because he stuttered? We are all dependent on God's help and sustaining power. I can't help but be reminded of a Sudanese grandma who was part of a prayer group. Even though she was hard of hearing, she flowed like a river in prayer. God's wants us available to minister--some in unique ways. "Pardon me, my Lord, " Gideon replied, "but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." Judges 6:15
