Motivation to do Christian invitation to Muslims
God created man with free will. Therefore, we can see many discussions between the Christian and Islamic faiths. It is possible to discuss with a Muslim in such a way that he will recognize certain beliefs of the living faith that make his life more worthy and blessed through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Send the light
Dreams
Joseph had two dreams. In the first dream, his parcel remained upright, while his family's parcels bowed before it. In his second dream, the sun, moon and eleven stars bowed down before him. Although Joseph went through difficult times, he remained faithful to God. Joseph's life was blessed by God and his dreams came true. He was promoted as the second most powerful man in Egypt and many people, including his family, had to beg him for food. Dreams are important in life (Genesis 28:12-15; 1 Kings 3:5-14; Daniel 2:3-47; Matthew 1:20, 2:13, 19-20, 22). Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke had a dream of reaching Africa with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and his dream became a reality.Jesus is the Light of the World
People who do not believe in the good news God has for humanity live in darkness. They think everything is going well and may even be content in life. In reality, they face illness, relational, financial and other problems. Many people cannot answer the question of what will happen when they die. Muslims also live in darkness. Islam has no divine revelation of its own, but is a mix of the previously existing religions Judaism, Christianity and pagan Arab religion. Muslims misrepresent the other religions for their own purposes. Jesus Christ looks at them and maybe he will even love them, but in the end the result may be that they will lack one thing. (Mark 10:18-21). However, there is good news that God has for them:- The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned.” (Matthew 4:16)
- In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. (John 1:4-5)
- That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. (John 1:9)
- And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (John 3:19)
Followers of Jesus send the Light
There is a high need for believers to bring the good news of God for mankind to Muslims:- You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)
- This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. (John 1:7)
- For so the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, that you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ” (Acts 13:47)
- Whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:4-6)
Why do we do this?
- 1. After conversion, God has given a desire to share the Gospel.
- 2. God loves all people no matter what
- 3. God is always open to encourage people to make a decision for Jesus Christ.
- 4. You will have joy when you see God move
- 5. Muslims follow side roads of life and miss all God's blessings
- 6. Muslims lack assurance of eternal life
Mission to Muslims
Strength to do the work
Many Christians hesitate or do not know how to share the Gospel with Muslims. But what Jesus Christ and what, therefore, Christian mission hold in trust is profoundly meaningful to the whole life, aspiration, and humanity of the Muslim world. [1] As a believer sharing the Gospel, you will have the constant presence of our Lord Jesus Christ:- But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the Children of Israel of Egypt?” So He said, “I will certainly be with you” (Exodus 3:11-12).
- Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me (Isaiah 6:8)
- But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8)
A Muslim does not know salvation
Muslims are not aware of a perfect sacrifice for sin. Therefore, they cannot be sure that their sins can be forgiven. A Muslim can only hope that his bad deeds can be compensated by good deeds, but he does not know whether the balance is in his advantage:- Then, he whose balance (of good deeds) will be (found) heavy, Will be in a life of good pleasure and satisfaction. But he whose balance (of good deeds) will be (found) light,- Will have his home in a (bottomless) Pit. And what will explain to thee what this is? (It is) a Fire Blazing fiercely! (Qur’an 101:6-11). Those whom they call upon do desire (for themselves) means of access to their Lord, - even those who are nearest: they hope for His Mercy and fear His Wrath: for the Wrath of thy Lord is something to take heed of (Qur’an 17:57).
Great Commission
A person is either a missionary or a mission field. [2] It takes activities for prayer, evangelism and lifestyle to be an example for Christ:- Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20)
Soul winning
The Christian worker can feel comfortable that sufficient resources are available to guide Muslims to offer a relationship with Jesus Christ. The starting point is to have the Muslim take a test on moral issues [3]. This can lead to some discussion with the conclusion that the Muslim has failed and the Christian worker can offer salvation through acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Another important resource can be the testimony of the Christian worker to show the Muslim the living truth of life, that his contact with Jesus Christ is not a coincidence, but will be a trail to the Supreme Being.Relationship with Jesus Christ
To be involved in the Christian invitation to Muslims requires some spiritual preparation. A confrontation with a Muslim may not be so easy in some cases. God created people with free will and we must treat our Muslims with patience. People can only be touched by God to find the truth. So you can ask yourself: how is my relationship with Jesus Christ? You need an open heart to God's Spirit:
- But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you (John 16:13-14).
- If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him (James 1:5).
Conclusion
A believer in Jesus Christ has an obligation to share the truth of life. Every Christian is capable of doing this. Therefore, it will help a follower of Jesus Christ in further personal growth and blessings to spend time and resources in preparation and action for the Christian invitation to Muslims.
Notes
- Kenneth Cragg, The Call of the Minaret, Oneworld, London, 2003, 325.
- Corrie Ten Boom, Messages of God's Abundance, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, 2002, 58.
- Ray Comfort, Hell's Best Kept Secret, Whitaker House, Springdale, 1989.
