Building Bridges

Friday, April 7, 2017

There are many teachings in Islam that we, believers in Christ, can use as bridges to help Muslims draw near to and enter the Kingdom of God. The Quran states that God created Adam and Eve, that he sent the flood but rescued Noah, that he spoke to Abraham, that he gave the Torah (Pentateuch) to Moses, that he sent Jesus who was born of a virgin.

All these narratives, common to both Muslims and Christians, can be used as bridges to bring Muslims closer to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This does not mean that all the details of these stories in Islam are in full agreement with the biblical accounts, but they can work as starting points. It is also rewarding to establish friendships with Muslims as you seek to share with them the Gospel of Christ. Friends trust each other, depend on each other and desire each other’s wellbeing. Building bridges of common narratives and friendship pays dividends.

Prayer

Great God in heaven, because of your mercy and grace we come into your presence. We bow down in awe and reverence before you, our Creator and Redeemer. We present our needs to you. Anoint me and my fellow prayer warriors with your Spirit and wisdom.

Muslims need to come to Jesus, know his person and work, and receive his grace. Help me declare the message of the Cross with love, clarity and effectiveness. Give me courage to tell Muslims about the measureless love of God at Calvary. Touch their hearts with your grace. Fill their minds with your Word.

Open my eyes to see and understand your plans and purposes for Muslims. Help me follow the example of Jesus who went about teaching, preaching and healing (Matthew 9:35).

In his mighty name I pray. Amen.

Promise

Foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord to serve him, to love the name of the Lord, and to worship him… these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer (Isaiah 56:6-7, NIV).