Witnessing to Muslims?

The Word of God.

Joseph Botwinick

 

I think to be effective in witnessing to a muslim it would take building a strong relationship with them. Not sure a spur of the moment witness would be very effective. So the first thing I would do would be to get to know them and seek to build a relationship that in the future would lead to an opportunity to share Christ.

 

I wouldn't engage them until you have some understanding of Islam. Read a short book on the subject and mark up a Koran. I have found that when you can show them that you understand where they are comming from, you have a better chance of winning them.

It is important to be skilled enough to discredit the Koran and show God's truth.

I am talking to a couple of co-workers who are Muslims and so far I think God is making an inroad. They are very entrenched in their belief system. But I have them questioning many areas of their faith and the inconsistancy of the Koran.

A little investment is required. If you don't understand your enemy(Islam) it is difficult to win them. They respect you more if you have shown the effort.

If I just ran into one in the course of my day I would at least give them a tract if a conversation weren't possible.

 

Is it really our job to "win them"? Or are we simply to share the Gospel to them and leave the drawing to the Holy Spirit?

Joseph Botwinick

 

Quoted by Joseph_Botwinick : "Is it really our job to "win them"? Or are we simply to share the Gospel to them and leave the drawing to the Holy Spirit?"

Generally I would agree with that. However Satan is the God of the lost. Jn.8:44. When a person is as entrenched into a cult as muslims, J.W. or even mormons it helps to have an understanding of their belief system. You are still the one presenting the gospel. I believe the Holy Spirit ultimately saves. I just think that if you can answer some of their questions in light of what they believe, you may have a better presentation of the gospel.

Not that you are doing this Joseph; But alot of people ask your question out of laziness. I am not saying we have to learn everyones religion. I am saying it is wise to invest a little time into someone if you really care about your (mabey) one time shot. Just my humble opinion.

 

Certainly not out of laziness. But, out of theological conviction that the Word of God is what we are to preach and that it is God who saves them. I have a problem with folks who try to push programs and knowledge as a means to "winning" the lost when we have a Biblical mandate to preach the Word and let God save them. Sometimes, I think Christians get so caught up in trying to convince them that they end up doing the work of the Holy Spirit and messing it up by changing the Gospel to meet what they percieve to be the needs of this particular lost person.

Joseph Botwinick

 

I am around several of them everyday. Most of them see southern Christianity as shamanism and those who follow as idiots. Some of them have mentioned as the religiousness of those in the south. They know about the infighting among the SBC and the TV preachers. One of them I know rather wewll went to school in the south and did not feel welcome by folks there. He came to the north and feels like he is treated much better.

To be able to witness to anyone they must see a consistent life that agrees with our words.

We are ambassadors for Christ not a bull in a china closet or a hog on ice. We must conduct ourselves as servants of Christ as we carry His name. We must show respect at all times for others even when we disagree. Some have asked me about my faith in a short amount of time. I give them some and then let things alone for awhile (maybe several months). I pray a lot for them. There are times when they ask about what I believe without any prompting by me.

What I try to do is to find some kind of common ground such as wanting to go to heaven and what Jesus said about the one way. When we deal with them we must be in it for the long haul not the cram it down their throat way. We must love them at all times not a pseudo faith.

We must remember that God calls us to reach people not set up another program. When we pray for them we know when God is at work.

 

Quote: I have a problem with folks who try to push programs and knowledge as a means to "winning" the lost when we have a Biblical mandate to preach the Word and let God save them.

Paul had to be trained and he also knew the jewish religion and used that to his advantage.

I don't understand why you would not want to be prepared. I know it is the Holy Spirit that saves. I am not talking about programs and tons of knowledge here. I will say that we are dealing with peoples souls here. People will make a choice. Their heart may be made ready by the Holy Spirit but the choice is theirs. I believe we need to present the gospel well. Preparation is not wrong and knowing a little about their doctrine can only allow you to present the gospel in a better light.

 

I am very prepared to show myself approved, a workman who needs not be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. Please read the rest of my post above to gain some understanding of my concerns.

Joseph Botwinick

 

From what I understand, Muhammad was no angel of justice himself.

Joseph Botwinick

 

I am reading a book called 'Out of the Crescent Shadows: Leading Muslim Women into the Light of Christ' by Ergun Caner & Emir Caner, two brothers who were led to the Lord by a pastor and his wife back in the 70s. It talks of our attitude towards Muslims. It also explains the beginnings of Islam & gives key points to address.

If you want a good website to investigate, go to http://www.bwce.org/ (Baptist World Cult Evangelism). Bro. Weeks is one of our church's missionaries.

Julia