Have you ever had the opportunity to share your testimony or explain the gospel to a Muslim? If so, you have probably realised that simply presenting the essential points of the gospel is not enough to win them over.
Booklets such as ‘The Bridge’, ‘The Four Spiritual Laws’, ‘Two Ways To Live’ and ‘Knowing God Personally’ are very effective tools for explaining the gospel to Muslims. However, be prepared. Once you’ve explained using these materials, you’ve just begun. The Lord is sovereign, he can do anything. But I have rarely heard of a Muslim praying to receive Christ immediately after hearing about the Four Laws. There are important questions about the very nature of God, about Christ and about the Bible that require serious reflection and that a Muslim needs to understand.
Someone might say, “Why not simply add these different concepts as an appendix to ‘The Four Spiritual Laws’ and distribute them?” It’s a good idea, but it would be ignoring a very important dimension: everything in Islamic culture is based on social relationships. Absolutely everything!
You can’t just hand a leaflet or booklet to a Muslim, say, “This is how to become a Christian”, and then turn your back on them. On the contrary, you need to be prepared to discuss, argue and even laugh and cry with them. Only then can you hope to see them come to Christ.
Building personal relationships with Muslims is perhaps the most effective way of ministering to them. It factors in the human element and addresses the needs of the person we’re interacting with. Muslims are unlikely to become your brothers and sisters without first being your friends.
Christian women who regularly shop in Muslim shopping centres may get to know the saleswomen who work there. Others may meet Muslims in their workplace, or at the bank, office or shop. Some have Muslim landlords or tenants. Ladies, don’t be afraid to sit next to Muslim mothers who are in the park with their children. Start the conversation by discussing the children. Ask them what they need and offer your help. Ask them if you can pray for them and do it right away in the name of Jesus. These social contacts are golden opportunities that God gives to develop friendships. It’s not just about meeting people but about making sincere friendships. In this way, Christians can show their true character and the importance of knowing Christ. They also get to know Muslims as people and to understand their problems, hopes, frustrations, interests, joys and sorrows.
This will not make you a nosy person in their eyes, but rather an interested and caring friend.
Western Christians tend to keep their personal lives to themselves. They go about their daily routine with their heads down. The Muslim mentality is quite different. So let me encourage you to look up! Do all you can to exercise hospitality and be welcoming to your Muslim friends. They like to talk about their family, their work, their country of origin, how many children they have and about their lives. They are often very proud of their children, especially when they are in well-paid jobs. Most families of Arab origin will like to talk about these topics and many more. So don’t hesitate to ask genuine and wisely worded questions. This will not make you a nosy person in their eyes, but rather an interested and caring friend.
Gradually these experiences will lead you to feel more sympathetic towards Muslims and their needs. You will be more willing to share in their fears and expectations and you will sincerely wish to rejoice with them and feel sympathy for them in their suffering. It is then that Muslims will begin to understand what Christianity is all about and to grasp what truly motivates Christians. Needless to say, this is one of the most important steps we can take. It is essential if we want to bring them to know the source of Christian love, which is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ himself.
Dr H* (PhD), is a pastor, author and research associate based in France. He is the co-founder of a ministry outreach to Muslims. He has authored books in French and English on the same subject.
Originally published on Evangelicals Now (EN). Used with permission. To read more articles like this, visit www.e-n.org.uk.
Photos: (Banner) Park scene with a wooden bench
