LEARNING TO SHARE YOUR FAITH
UNDERSTANDING ISLAM

Comment by Rev Andy Kelso on the series on Islam

The intention of this series is to examine Islam in the light of current events. It calls itself pre-eminent over all religions, with the Koran as God's pure and complete word, and Mohammed as God's last and greatest prophet. Is this true?

In order to find out the answers we need to look at the history of Islam and its founder Mohammed and we need to see if the Koran preaches peace as Muslims state. Are radical Muslims a splinter group or are they fulfilling the Koran's teaching?

The aim is to understand Muslims in order that we can have a heart of love towards them and engage in dialogue. I hope you will come to this series with an open mind.

NOTES TO ACCOMPANY "UNDERSTANDING ISLAM, PART 5 "

Answering Questions

Q: You are against Islam!
A: Now that I know that a major part of Islam has violent goals then yes I oppose it as my parents opposed fascism and communism!

Q: Islam is not opposed to democracy!
A: Then why is there not a single true democracy in the entire Muslim world?

Q: You're a Muslim basher!
A: Islam is its own Muslim basher because it denies basic freedom to its people; especially Muslim women.

Q: Muslims acknowledge Jesus!
A: But you don't accept His saving death and resurrection. As to Jesus' Second Coming, Mohammad declared that Christ would destroy the Cross, command that all Christians and Jews to convert to Islam and command Muslims to kill every Christian and Jew who refuses conversion.

Sacred Writings

Judaism has its Torah (Law), Psalms and Prophets.
Christianity has its New Testament.
Hinduism has its Vedas and Upanishads.
Buddhism has the writings of Gautama.
Islam has its Koran and Hadiths.

Each major religion's ability to survive is linked to the ability of its founding literature to remain relevant. The liberal agenda running our society wants to vindicate every religion no matter what it teaches, and this is nonsense.

The world has a right to x-ray Christianity on moral grounds and by so doing it will find integrity there. But x-ray the Koran on moral grounds and there is no integrity. What is declared to be a book of peace is in fact a guidebook for dictatorial world domination at any cost.

What should we do?

• Christians must pray for Muslims worldwide. It's a spiritual battle.
• The Gospel "is the power of God to salvation" for the Jews and the Gentiles, (Romans1:16). Christians must speak out and live out the Gospel. (Romans 10:17, Romans 10:14).
• Christians need to rely on the Holy Spirit. (John 16: 8).
• Christians need to realise that Muslims, like all non-Christians, are blinded by Satan to the truth. (2 Corinthians 4:3-4). God's Word brings light. (Psalms 119:130).
• Christians need to believe in the power of God's Word. (Hebrews 4:12).
• Christians need to believe in signs and wonders as they witness to Muslims. (Isaiah 52:15).
• Christians need to reflect God's love as they witness. N.B. If you can truly love someone you can win them to Christ
• Christians need to remember that we have been given a commission. (Matthew 28:18-20). It must become a lifestyle.
• Christians need to be bold in their love and witness. Jesus has won the victory. (Ephesians 1:20-22).
• Satan wants to paralyse the Church with fear. Stand up against him in your God-given faith. (1John 5:4).
• Christians need to realise there is a powerful promise in the Bible for the salvation of the children of Ishmael. (Isaiah 42:11-12, Isaiah 60:7).

How do we relate to Muslims?

In Acts 17:22-31 Paul built on areas of common ground. There are 3 areas of common ground upon which Christians may stand with Muslims:

1. There is one God, Creator of all.
2. Jesus of Nazareth was God's prophet.
3. Moses was God's prophet and brought God's Law.

Take a Muslim through the spiritual nature of the Ten Commandments. Present the Law as Jesus did in Luke 18: 20.

• Ask the Muslim if he's ever told a lie.
  Ask what that makes him.
  Wait until he says "A liar".
  Remember to include yourself in this.
• Ask him if he's ever stolen anything, however small.
  Ask what that makes him.
  Wait until he says "A thief".
• Ask him if he's ever looked at a woman lustfully.
  According to Jesus that makes him an adulterer.
  So tell him that by his own admission he's a lying, thieving adulterer, (you could use coveting too!)

If God judges you by the Law of Moses on Judgement Day will you be innocent or guilty? Remind him that the Koran states: "Every soul that has sinned, if it possessed all that is on earth, would fain give it in ransom". (Koran 10:54).

Nothing on earth can provide atonement for his sins

• Moses gave instructions to Israel to shed the blood of a spotless lamb to provide a temporary atonement for their sin.
• Jesus came as the Lamb of God to make atonement for the sins of the world. Through faith in Jesus he can have atonement with God. He can have everlasting life through Jesus Christ on the basis of His death and resurrection.

Jesus claimed He had power on earth to forgive sins. (Matthew 9: 2-7). Only Jesus can provide peace with God. (John 14:6). God commands sinners to repent and trust in Jesus as Lord and Saviour, or they will perish.

Final comment

Your task and mine is to present the truth of the Gospel. All God requires is our faithful presentation of the truth:Matthew 25: 21. Let's do it!

Sources: The Bible, The Koran, Inside Islam: Reza F. Safa, Secrets of the Koran: Don Richardson, North American Mission Board Convention: Phil Roberts, Encyclopaedia of Religion, A comprehensive commentary on the Koran: E.M. Wherry