English Intercede

As a Christian of Muslim background, I appreciate the many challenges the church has faced over the past 14 centuries in presenting the gospel to Muslims. It is not surprising there is much debate in Christian circles on how best to accomplish this commission. The fault line in this debate seems to have settled over translation issues related to the divine, familial terms, “Father” and “Son of God.” Since Bible translations rest upon certain theological and missiological foundations, any miscalculations in laying these foundations will tip the whole “House of Translation” out of plumb.

In Daniel’s prophetic visions, there is a description of a ruler who arises out of the wreckage of previous kingdoms. He will be “a stern faced king, a master of intrigue, who will consider himself superior, and by causing deceit to prosper, will succeed in whatever he does, causing astounding devastation to the saints. He will become very strong but not by his own power and will destroy many when they feel secure” (Daniel 8:9-12, 23-25). Daniel prophesies that this king will be overcome, “but not by human power.”

He will be “a stern faced king, a master of intrigue, who will consider himself superior, and by causing deceit to prosper, will succeed in whatever he does, causing astounding devastation to the saints. He will become very strong but not by his own power and will destroy many when they feel secure” (Daniel 8:9-12, 23-25). Daniel prophesies that this king will be overcome, “but not by human power.”

Intense international focus on Islam, especially in the wake of current events, has generated renewed interest in better understanding its claims. Unlike the story usually told by Muslims, relatively recent historical research is uncovering new facts with important implications that can help us make sense of it all.

Storm clouds are gathering on the horizon and a chill wind blows. While Muslim countries limit free speech, it is troubling to see these trends coming to historically Christian nations. Limiting free speech may be detrimental to Christians and also to the spiritual well-being of Muslims. Also, these new trends come at a time when more Muslims than ever are interested in examining the biblical faith.

Some of my Christian friends from Muslim backgrounds regularly face threats from family and friends when sincerely defending their belief in the crucifixion. For those who regularly interact with Muslims, it is no secret that Islam exhibits overt contempt for the cross. Muslim hostility toward the cross is rooted in the core Islamic belief that Jesus was not crucified. That position is primarily based on interpretations of the following quranic passage by their most authoritative commentators.

Television screens regularly bombard us with pictures and commentary of radical Islamic terrorists killing and maiming innocent people. The growing impact of terror and war has far-reaching effects. Huge numbers of refugees are seeking shelter in Europe and beyond, internally displaced people in war-torn countries are desperate for security, and increasing persecution and death haunt Christian communities, especially in the Middle East. From a purely natural point of view, the situation presents itself as hopeless – and almost beyond cure.

Every Muslim is required to believe in “The Last Day.” However, when it comes to Muslim apocalyptic eschatology, there is no single, universally-agreed upon work laying out a complete picture of last days expectations, particularly the lead-up to the end.

Every Muslim is required to believe in “The Last Day.” However, when it comes to Muslim apocalyptic eschatology, there is no single, universally-agreed upon work laying out a complete picture of last days expectations, particularly the lead-up to the end.

Nearly six centuries before the advent of Muhammad, the aged prophet Simeon took the baby Jesus in his arms and said, “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed” (Luke 2:34-35). As it was then, so it is today. Each person’s eternal destiny is linked to his or her response, and relationship to, Jesus.

Muslims in America are an integral part of the 1.6 billion Muslims worldwide. An estimated 4.5 million Muslims live in America with that number increasing at least 100,000 a year. They have come, the 65% who are foreign-born, from around the world.v However, they are not first or foremost known for their ethnicity. They are known for their religious affiliation – Islamic. Their identity or current or past citizenship is not nearly as important as being a member of and continuing in the Islamic faith

Say Hello: Serving Muslim Women invites Christian women into Christ-like friendship with Muslim women, and helps to equip them for God-willed relationships (Mt. 28:19-20). We address women specifically because of Islam’s gender-related modesty beliefs and practices that segregate women from men. Although we recognize that cross-culturally these modesty practices vary, the most honorable relationships outside of marriage contexts will respect Islam’s woman-to-woman, man-to-man friendship boundaries.