English Intercede

If every Muslim woman and girl were to stand shoulder to shoulder in a straight line, that line would wrap around the world more than eleven times! Sadly, the vast majority of Muslim girls have never heard an adequate witness of the gospel — not even once.

As we see increasing evidence that the Spirit of God is moving across the Muslim world, more Muslims are asking the question, “Who is Jesus?” They may not be asking it of Christians or out loud, but it is certainly on their minds. Other Muslims ask it with an antagonistic attitude seeking to argue with us over this central Christian belief. Some will come to us sincerely wanting to know the answer from a true follower of Jesus. What shall we say to them and how shall we convey this truth?

During his lifetime, Samuel Zwemer (18-67-1952) was alternately call the "Apostle to Muslims" and the "Apostle to Islam." Zwemer was one of the founders and pioneer missionaries of the Arabian Mission in the Arabian Gulf. He was a prolific author, writing mainly on the subjects of missions to Muslims, Islam, evangelism, and theology. This article provides a glimpse into the source of his passion for reaching Muslims with the gospel--his prayer life.

Some argue that the Jesus of the Muslim sources, the Quran and hadith, is essentially the same as the Jesus of the New Testament. Christians view Jesus Christ as the second person in the Godhead, the Lord who is to be worshiped and adored. Christ’s incarnation and substitutionary death on the cross are seen as God’s redemptive plan from all eternity, forming the basis of God’s offer of free salvation to all who believe.

Mosques are the outward and visible symbol of Islam. The mosque is the most important institution in Islam, serving as a house of worship and as the center of authority and of communal life for Muslims throughout Islamic history. It has also been the central point for the dissemination of Islamic beliefs and practices. The word ‘mosque’ (masjid in Arabic) is derived from a root meaning ‘to prostrate,’ one of the postures of Islamic worship. Another commonly used word for mosque is jamaa, derived from a root word meaning ‘to gather’ or ‘gathering.’

hope you are watching all that is going on in the Muslim world. God is on the move. Muslims are tired of oppression and many are seeking freedom. It is clear that Islam has failed as a political and a social system. Muammer al-Qaddafi, who has funded the building of mosques and the propagation of Islam throughout the Western world, is now using his guns and jets on his own people. Why? Because political Islam is all about gaining and keeping power.

An astounding phenomenon, though not exclusive to ministry to Muslims, is overtaking much missionary work among Muslims. A growing number of professing Christians involved in witness to Muslims are a part of what is called, "Insider Movements,” or the “Insider Movement.” This controversial approach to ministry has resulted in many of its proponents affirming that Muhammad was a prophet from God, the Quran is at least partially-inspired Scripture, and it is possible for Muslims to retain their Muslim identity as “Muslim followers of Christ.”

Wherever you meet Muslims and have the opportunity to discuss your faith, their first objection is often to the truthfulness of God’s Word. They have been taught that the book we claim is God’s Word is, in fact, not His Word, but a book that no longer contains God’s truth. They believe it has been changed, perhaps by our forefathers, so it is no longer trustworthy. They have been told not to read it because it will lead them astray. Nowhere in the Quran is an understanding of how the Bible came to be, what it really is, or that its central theme is Christ. Even if the first objection from your Muslim friend deals with Jesus and what He did or said, in reality, the attack is being directed toward the written Word.

Muslims know that they are not the only creatures on earth. Among the many other forms of life, they believe in spirit beings. They refer to these beings as the jinn. They also believe that some of the jinn are good and that others are evil. It is the evil jinn that Muslims fear the most. According to Islamic teaching, the evil jinn serve as Satan’s cohorts or legions. Their aim is to continue their rebellion against God by inflicting harm on people.

Jesus’ command is clear, unmistakable and biblically sound. In Matthew 28:19, He instructs the Church to make disciples of “all nations.” The original Greek renders “all nations” as “panta ta ethne.” This is a direct and obvious reference to ethnic groups. The word “proximity” carries the thought of being near to a particular place, specific time or certain relationship. Proximity theology looks at the Great Commission through the lenses of generational, geographical and relational views to gain a fresh perspective in providing an adequate witness to all people groups.

Meet Mary and Nasima, two fictional characters whose dialogue will introduce us to the Muslim fast of Ramadan. The women work side-by-side at a homeless shelter. Mary, a devoted Christian, is a longtime employee, but Nasima has been on staff only for three months. Though Nasima looks outdated with her headscarf and long, modest outfits, Mary takes a liking to Nasima. Nasima is compassionate, reliable, and quite religious. Soon Mary discovers that Nasima is a Muslim. She immigrated to the U.S. two years ago with her family. One day Mary struck up a conversation with Nasima.

Traditional Islam assumes that it is impossible for a Muslim to live in a society governed by non-Islamic law. The world is considered to be divided into two parts: (1) the “House of Islam,” where Muslims have political control and sharia (Islamic law) is enforced, and (2) the “House of War,” where Muslims must fight against non-Muslims to establish Islamic political power. Muslims scholars of old often advised that Muslims living in the House of War should migrate back to the House of Islam – meaning back to Muslim states. Radical Salafi scholars still recommend this option to Muslim minorities today.