A friend of mine recently attended a seminar about Islam and reaching Muslims with the Gospel. He wrote about the teacher, Georges Houssney: "His biggest theme throughout the week is boldness. He brought up over and over again most strategies to reach Muslims are born out of failure and not out of success. They fail because of the fear of man. He said the best thing we can do is be like Jesus and PREACH the Gospel."
Well said. There is a place for some strategy. We must not be cultural nincompoops in the name of fearlessness; but sometimes we think we have to come up with innovative strategies when The Strategy is so clearly laid out for us in Scripture ... pray, meet people, tell them about Jesus.
07 August 2009
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4 responses:
Amen! That "strategy" works great not just with Muslims but with many others as well!
Keep in mind we must explain Jesus in a way they can hear and understand. If we do not enter into the mindset of the listener, then we may deceive ourselves thinking we have shared the Good News when we have only caused confusion.
Let us not forget how Peter instructs us. Key into words 'with gentleness and respect'
1 Peter 3:15-16
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
I agree with the top two comments and we must speak the truth in love, with gentleness and respect.
Yes, it is helpful to "enter the mindset of the unbeliever," finding keys to his heart, stories or parables which will connect. However, we will never really be able to enter his mindset because we are not him -- and so how long do we analyze and wait before moving? In the end, we know that he is a sinner, and that his mind at enmity with God (Romans 8:7).
I think more people are at risk of not hearing the Gospel biblically-presented at all than are at risk of misunderstanding a Gospel presentation.
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