Witnessing with Muslims

[evangelist6589]

Looking for ideas

I have started a letter in which I will address a muslim place of worship in my area. My tone in this one will be different than it would be writing a letter to a progressive/liberal/homosexual church or a Word of Faith church. I am using a book called So whats the difference? as aide to writing my letter. Here is a start of my first paragraph does it look good so far? Looking for ideas. Also gospel tracts can add or take away from my letter presentation so I am including a tract on the Muslim religion (apologetics), a tract on what makes Christianity unique over other faiths (apologetics), a tract on the atonement, and a tract on the 10 commandments to bring conviction. Also remember when I write letters I trust God to bring people to faith and open hearts, so in this case my main goal is to plant seeds but my presentation must be Biblical and CLEAR.

Dear xxxxx;

Islam has some similarities with Christianity such as the Monotheistic view of God and the reading of the Old Testament and for that I commend the Muslim faith, as unlike secular Humanism, the New Age Pantheistic movement, and progressive Liberal Christianity, at least Muslims believe in something and have a cause for their faith. Humanism, which describes the religion of the masses in the Denver region, has no faith in anything but the worship of self. However there are many differences between Islam and Christianity three of which are the doctrine of the Trinity, Christology, and Soteriology. In the Christian faith Christ is God and the savior of mankind, while Muslims reject Christ as being God, God is a trinity, and believe that paradise can be earned through keeping the Five Pillars. The Bible, in contrast, reveals that sinful man can never measure up to the holy God (Romans 3:23; 6:23). Only by God’s grace may sinners be saved through repentant faith in Jesus (Acts 20:21; Ephesians 2:8-9).

 

[Crabtownboy]

Your message will immediately be rejected by bringing up the trinity. They argue that means you believe in three Gods, not one. You and I know better. However you will have to establish a trusting relationship before discussing the trinity. To witness to followers of Islam you must go slow, gently and build trust. IMHO letters, tracks, written materials will not do it. You must meet face to face, speak gently, show respect, and gradually build trust. Being argumentative, insulting Mohammad will immediately negate you witness.

Isa Ibn Maryam ( Arabic: عيسى, translit.: ʿĪsā ), known as Jesus in the New Testament, is considered to be a Messenger of God and al-Masih (the Messiah) in Islam[1][2]:30 who was sent to guide the Children of Israel (banī isrā'īl) with a new scripture, al-Injīl (the Gospel).[3] The belief that Jesus is a prophet is required in Islam. This is reflected in the fact that he is clearly a significant figure in the Qur’an, appearing in 93 ayaat (or verses), though Noah, Adam and Moses appear with even greater frequency.[4] It states that Jesus was born to Mary (Arabic: Maryam) as the result of virginal conception, a miraculous event which occurred by the decree of God (Arabic: Allah). To aid in his ministry to the Jewish people, Jesus was given the ability to perform miracles (such as healing the blind, bringing dead people back to life, etc.) which no other prophet in Islam has ever been credited with, all by the permission of God rather than of his own power. According to the Quran, Jesus, although appearing to have been crucified, was not killed by crucifixion or by any other means; instead, "God raised him unto Himself". In the 19th Sura of the Quran (in verses 15 and 33), Jesus is blessed on "the day he was born and the day he will die and the day he is raised alive", which clearly declares that Jesus will or did experience a natural death, and will be raised again on the day of judgment or has already been raised.
Like all prophets in Islam, Jesus is considered a Muslim (i.e., one who submits to the will of God), as he preached that his followers should adopt the "straight path" as commanded by God. Traditionally, Islam teaches the rejection of the Trinitarian Christian view that Jesus was God incarnate or the son of God. The Quran says that Jesus himself never claimed to be the Son of God, and it furthermore indicates that Jesus will deny having ever claimed divinity at the Last Judgment, and God will vindicate him.[5] Islamic texts forbid the association of partners with God (shirk), emphasizing a strict notion of monotheism (tawhīd). An alternative interpretation of this theology is held by Messianic Muslims.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_in_Islam

 

[evangelist6589]

Your message will immediately be rejected by bringing up the trinity. They argue that means you believe in three Gods, not one. You and I know better. However you will have to establish a trusting relationship before discussing the trinity. To witness to followers of Islam you must go slow, gently and build trust. IMHO letters, tracks, written materials will not do it. You must meet face to face, speak gently, show respect, and gradually build trust. Being argumentative, insulting Mohammad will immediately negate you witness.

So perhaps I should call him and try and have a chat with him prior to sending the letter. A friendly chat like what I did with some other ministers, that way my letter was at least heard. But I am not sure about letting doctrine go especially if spoken in gentleness and respect. How would you define insulting Mohammad? I do not plan to mention him so that may be better.

Meeting face to face? Hmm.. I have lots of letters to send to churches, schools, politicians and such. Hmm if I had an opportunity why not?

 

[evangelist6589]

Another letter

This is a template I sent to all the Colorado State senators in my area. Was this showing gentleness and respect? I did not speak much just informed them I was praying for them.

Dear State Senator;

I am writing to inform you that I am praying for you and have included several gospel tracts for you to read, including a rich tract on Christmas. Perhaps you do not know of the real meaning behind Christmas and have led people down to political correctness by referring to Christmas as “happy holidays” as so many do these days. If this is your position I hope that the tracts I included will help change your view. The greatest gift to mankind will be celebrated soon on Christmas and I can only pray for you to accept the gift and come to him in faith and repentance.

John 3:16-17
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

John 6:33
For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

Sincerely,


John

 

[Crabtownboy]

So perhaps I should call him and try and have a chat with him prior to sending the letter. A friendly chat like what I did with some other ministers, that way my letter was at least heard. But I am not sure about letting doctrine go especially if spoken in gentleness and respect. How would you define insulting Mohammad? I do not plan to mention him so that may be better.

Early in a relationship saying he was not a prophet; did not tell the truth ... anything they could view as negative. Rather like anything any person could say to you about Jesus that you would cause a negative reaction by you.

I have had Moslems tell me they love Jesus, that he was a great prophet. Their view of Jesus is more positive than the Christian view of Mohammad. However they are very sensitive to anything said about Mohammad.

Just calling will not be enough. If you are seriously going to witness to the followers of Islam you must establish a personal, long-term relationship. This may take months or years.

Meeting face to face? Hmm.. I have lots of letters to send to churches, schools, politicians and such. Hmm if I had an opportunity why not?

Just remember you are walking on very thin ice and it will take a long time to establish trust.

 

[Crabtownboy]

This is a template I sent to all the Colorado State senators in my area. Was this showing gentleness and respect? I did not speak much just informed them I was praying for them.

Dear State Senator;

I am writing to inform you that I am praying for you and have included several gospel tracts for you to read, including a rich tract on Christmas. Perhaps you do not know of the real meaning behind Christmas and have led people down to political correctness by referring to Christmas as “happy holidays” as so many do these days. If this is your position I hope that the tracts I included will help change your view. The greatest gift to mankind will be celebrated soon on Christmas and I can only pray for you to accept the gift and come to him in faith and repentance.

John 3:16-17
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

John 6:33
For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

Sincerely,


John

My guess is the politician will never see the letter or the tracts. His/her administrative assistant or secretary screen all mail. I believe very few would pass the letter with religious tracks included. My guess is that a simple letter saying you are praying for them has a better chance of getting to the politician, or of them being informed of your letter. Regardless you will receive some type of form letter in return. It will not look like a form letter unless you read it carefully. Any politician at the state or federal level will have dozens of form letters for the computer to spit out covering almost any topic.

 

[evangelist6589]

My guess is the politician will never see the letter or the tracts. His/her administrative assistant or secretary screen all mail. I believe very few would pass the letter with religious tracks included. My guess is that a simple letter saying you are praying for them has a better chance of getting to the politician, or of them being informed of your letter. Regardless you will receive some type of form letter in return. It will not look like a form letter unless you read it carefully. Any politician at the state or federal level will have dozens of form letters for the computer to spit out covering almost any topic.

Actually I spoke with a state senator recently whom is a believer in Christ, and he encouraged me to do this and said that they would read mail.

But even if he does not so what? God only expects me to witness and I do so to the glory of God. God will draw the elect to salvation with or without my help. I send out lots of letters and give out lots of tracts, and open air preach often. I do not worry about my efforts because I know God will draw the elect.

 

[evangelist6589]

Early in a relationship saying he was not a prophet; did not tell the truth ... anything they could view as negative. Rather like anything any person could say to you about Jesus that you would cause a negative reaction by you.

I have had Moslems tell me they love Jesus, that he was a great prophet. Their view of Jesus is more positive than the Christian view of Mohammad. However they are very sensitive to anything said about Mohammad.

Just calling will not be enough. If you are seriously going to witness to the followers of Islam you must establish a personal, long-term relationship. This may take months or years.

Just remember you are walking on very thin ice and it will take a long time to establish trust.

What I have thus far NOT EDITED

Islam has some similarities with Christianity such as the Monotheistic view of God and the reading of the Old Testament and for that I commend the Muslim faith, as unlike secular Humanism, the New Age Pantheistic movement, and progressive Liberal Christianity, at least Muslims believe in something and have a cause for their faith. Humanism, which describes the religion of the masses in the Denver region, has no faith in anything but the worship of self. However there are many differences between Islam and Christianity some of which are the in Christology, and Soteriology. In the Christian faith Christ is God and the savior of mankind, while Muslims reject Christ as being God, God is a trinity, and believe that paradise can be earned through keeping the Five Pillars. The Bible, in contrast, reveals that sinful man can never measure up to the holy God (Romans 3:23; 6:23). Only by God’s grace may sinners be saved through repentant faith in Jesus (Acts 20:21; Ephesians 2:8-9).

Regarding your view of salvation you believe that everyone is born with a clean slate and sins can be overcome by the will and performing good acts. However in Christianity this is not the case as all man is depraved and guilty before a Holy God and that no one does good apart from the Holy Spirit whom works faith and repentance in the elect (Rm 3:12; Eph 5:8-10). Your system of theology leads to a view of God whom does not love those who do wrong, and each person must earn his or her way to salvation by performing good deeds. While I can agree that sinners are in the hands of an angry God (refer to the sermon by Jonathan Edwards & Reformed theology) and that He will punish sin and lawbreakers in Hell. However being an Angry God is not all his attributes as He also is a God of love and so sent His only son to die on the cross for the sins of mankind which was meant to bring us back to God by absorbing the wrath of a Holy God on wicked sinners. God does indeed love sinners but my question for you is how can you revere Jesus as a great prophet but not God and on what basis? I included a gospel tract “In Search of Truth” taken from the book The Resurrection factor and the atheist author spends more than a 1,000 hours researching the resurrection of Christ in an attempt to debunk it. But along the way he finds much positive evidence from not only historical records, but also what happened to him during the process and he gave his life to Christ. So Jesus is all he claimed to be.

 

[gigabyte71]

You really need to learn more on Islam. And I don't understand why you spend so much time writing letters rather than having personal interactions with people. Letters don't allow any interaction, you can't read the persons reaction, nor can you respond to questions.

 

[Crabtownboy]

You really need to learn more on Islam. And I don't understand why you spend so much time writing letters rather than having personal interactions with people. Letters don't allow any interaction, you can't read the persons reaction, nor can you respond to questions.

Gig is right. Ask yourself the following question and answer honestly. What would your reaction be if you received a letter from an unknown Moslem telling you that your beliefs are not correct.

There is no substitute for face to face witnessing. Cold letters, cold in the sense of arriving from an unknown person, will not have the effect you desire. Indeed it will probably have the opposite effect. When I started freelancing I was told cold calls never result in work. I believe the same is true in witnessing, whether to other Christians or to people of other religions.

Your desire to witness is good. But it will take face to face discussions over a very long period of time and it will have to be done slowly, carefully, gently and with real sincerity. However presenting the Calvinist view initially is a sure way to stop all conversation. Not all Christians agree with total depravity. Indeed there are those who say it is a heresy from Gnosticism.

You have to realize also there is much in our culture that is very offensive to sincere Muslems; i.e. women in shirts, soft porn on TV and movies, our eating of pork, ... the list could go on and on.

Also Gig makes a very good suggestion. You need to study and read deeply to become knowledgeable of their religion. Indeed you need to read the Koran so when they quote from it you can also quote from it showing that you have knowledge and show how their interpretation of the Koran may be in error. You cannot simply quote Bible verses to them and make an impact if you know nothing of what is written in the Koran. In essence you need to know more about their religion than they.

 

[evangelist6589]

Gig is right. Ask yourself the following question and answer honestly. What would your reaction be if you received a letter from an unknown Moslem telling you that your beliefs are not correct.

There is no substitute for face to face witnessing. Cold letters, cold in the sense of arriving from an unknown person, will not have the effect you desire. Indeed it will probably have the opposite effect. When I started freelancing I was told cold calls never result in work. I believe the same is true in witnessing, whether to other Christians or to people of other religions.

Your desire to witness is good. But it will take face to face discussions over a very long period of time and it will have to be done slowly, carefully, gently and with real sincerity. However presenting the Calvinist view initially is a sure way to stop all conversation. Not all Christians agree with total depravity. Indeed there are those who say it is a heresy from Gnosticism.

You have to realize also there is much in our culture that is very offensive to sincere Muslems; i.e. women in shirts, soft porn on TV and movies, our eating of pork, ... the list could go on and on.

Also Gig makes a very good suggestion. You need to study and read deeply to become knowledgeable of their religion. Indeed you need to read the Koran so when they quote from it you can also quote from it showing that you have knowledge and show how their interpretation of the Koran may be in error. You cannot simply quote Bible verses to them and make an impact if you know nothing of what is written in the Koran. In essence you need to know more about their religion than they.

LETS NOT get this thread OT. I had asked a question about my letter to the senators and you did not answer it but instead aired an opinion that they would not read the letters. This was not the question, but the question was if my letter was offensive or not as I am trying to build a bridge if possible with the senators.

 

[Crabtownboy]

Probably because I work and know of no muslims, and opportunities to meet them are slim expect when I go out witnessing. One does not need to build a relationship to witness, nor does one need to know everything there is to know about Islam to witness. If God opened the door for a relationship or personal interaction with one then I would take advantage of it, but He has not, and I am to share my faith while I still have time.

I hold to the sovereignty of God in salvation.

It is very likely that your mission field is where you work and with the people you work with. Those are the folk that God has brought into your life.

Again, I ask, what would your response be if a Muslem sent you tracks and a letter through the mail?

 

[evangelist6589]

Gig is right. Ask yourself the following question and answer honestly. What would your reaction be if you received a letter from an unknown Moslem telling you that your beliefs are not correct?

I run a web ministry and get emails all the time of this nature. I would personally take the time to reason and or dialogue with the person to see why I am wrong. I do not personalize my views, my views can be corrupt if not matched with scripture. Once I rewrote an entire paragraph of an article on my website due to the feedback I had received from a scholar type whom gave me good advice that I missed in my article.

 

[evangelist6589]

It is very likely that your mission field is where you work and with the people you work with. Those are the folk that God has brought into your life.

Again, I ask, what would your response be if a Muslem sent you tracks and a letter through the mail?

I disagree. I am to share my faith with anyone and everyone turn to Mark 16:15.

 

[Salty]

This is a template I sent to all the Colorado State senators in my area.

First, I doubt many politicians will read very few if any letters from outside their district.

Second, Crabby has given some you some very wise information. As my dad would say: A word to the wise is sufficient.

Third, if you haven't been asked: I ask, what would your response be if a Muslem sent you tracks and a letter through the mail?

 

[evangelist6589]

First, I doubt many politicians will read very few if any letters from outside their district.

Second, Crabby has given some you some very wise information. As my dad would say: A word to the wise is sufficient.

Third, if you haven't been asked: I ask, what would your response be if a Muslem sent you tracks and a letter through the mail?

Did you even read my fellow up posts????? I explained what I would do.

 

[Yeshua1]

Looking for ideas

I have started a letter in which I will address a muslim place of worship in my area. My tone in this one will be different than it would be writing a letter to a progressive/liberal/homosexual church or a Word of Faith church. I am using a book called So whats the difference? as aide to writing my letter. Here is a start of my first paragraph does it look good so far? Looking for ideas. Also gospel tracts can add or take away from my letter presentation so I am including a tract on the Muslim religion (apologetics), a tract on what makes Christianity unique over other faiths (apologetics), a tract on the atonement, and a tract on the 10 commandments to bring conviction. Also remember when I write letters I trust God to bring people to faith and open hearts, so in this case my main goal is to plant seeds but my presentation must be Biblical and CLEAR.

Dear xxxxx;

Islam has some similarities with Christianity such as the Monotheistic view of God and the reading of the Old Testament and for that I commend the Muslim faith, as unlike secular Humanism, the New Age Pantheistic movement, and progressive Liberal Christianity, at least Muslims believe in something and have a cause for their faith. Humanism, which describes the religion of the masses in the Denver region, has no faith in anything but the worship of self. However there are many differences between Islam and Christianity three of which are the doctrine of the Trinity, Christology, and Soteriology. In the Christian faith Christ is God and the savior of mankind, while Muslims reject Christ as being God, God is a trinity, and believe that paradise can be earned through keeping the Five Pillars. The Bible, in contrast, reveals that sinful man can never measure up to the holy God (Romans 3:23; 6:23). Only by God’s grace may sinners be saved through repentant faith in Jesus (Acts 20:21; Ephesians 2:8-9).

Focus on jesus and the Cross, and ask him how his sins can be forgiven, on what basis, and how can he honor and revere jesus as a great prophets if he claimed to be equal to God though?

And what about the resurrection of jesus?

he holds that God caused them to see someone else died , not jesus, so why Allah telling a big time lie?

 

[evangelist6589]

Focus on jesus and the Cross, and ask him how his sins can be forgiven, on what basis, and how can he honor and revere jesus as a great prophets if he claimed to be equal to God though?

And what about the resurrection of jesus?

he holds that God caused them to see someone else died , not jesus, so why Allah telling a big time lie?

I made some mistakes it appears. For what I missed in the letter I covered in the gospel tracts I also mailed which included a tract by Josh McDowell on the resurrection. Jesus tracts I did not mail and I was going too, but instead mailed two tracts on the 10 commandments. But I do have a tract on the Biblical Jesus, Jesus the only way to salvation, and the Cross of Christ. I should have mailed those. Well for next time.... This is what I sent Yeshua.
----

Islam has some similarities with Christianity such as the Monotheistic view of God and the reading of the Old Testament and for that I commend the Muslim faith, as unlike secular Humanism, the New Age Pantheistic movement, and progressive Liberal Christianity, at least Muslims believe in something and have a cause for their faith. Humanism, which describes the religion of the masses in the Denver region, has no faith in anything but the worship of self.

There are many differences between Islam and Christianity mostly of which are in Christology, and Soteriology. In the Christian faith Christ is God and the savior of mankind, while Muslims reject Christ as being God, or a member of the trinity, and believe that paradise can be earned through keeping the Five Pillars. How can you revere Jesus as a great prophet but not God and on what basis? I included a gospel tract “In Search of Truth” taken from the book The Resurrection factor and the atheist author spends more than a 1,000 hours researching the resurrection of Christ in an attempt to debunk it. But along the way he finds much positive evidence from not only historical records, but also what happened to him during the process and he gave his life to Christ. So Jesus is all he claimed to be.

Regarding your view of salvation you believe that everyone is born with a clean slate and sins can be overcome by the will and performing good acts. However in Christianity this is not the case as all man is depraved and guilty before a Holy God and that no one does good apart from the Holy Spirit whom works faith and repentance in the elect (Rm 3:12; Eph 5:8-10). Your system of theology leads to a view of God whom does not love those who do wrong, and each person must earn his or her way to salvation by performing good deeds. While I can agree that sinners are in the hands of an angry God (refer to the sermon by Jonathan Edwards & Reformed theology) and that He will punish sin and lawbreakers in Hell. However being an Angry God is not all his attributes as He also is a God of love and so sent His only son to die on the cross for the sins of mankind which was meant to bring us back to God by absorbing the wrath of a Holy God on wicked sinners. The Bible reveals that sinful man can never measure up to a holy God (Romans 3:23; 6:23). Only by God’s grace may sinners be saved through repentant faith in Jesus (Acts 20:21; Ephesians 2:8-9).