How Does One Share Christ to Muslims?

While having dinner in Kuwait, I said, and I forgot why: “All truth is God’s truth.” From out of the blue, our host at the dinner table responded with: “Explain the Trinity!”

I was stuck with a mouth full of teeth, lost in words – didn’t know where to start. I dropped the subject. But before going to Iraq, via Jordan, several months later, I decided I must have that answer under my belt because they’d grill me again (*Page 63; Kindle Locations 1095-1099).

How does one share Christ to Muslims? All Muslims acknowledge the historical Jesus. The Quran also chronicles the ascension of Jesus into heaven. Muslims express relief when they realize that the names, ‘Jesus,’ ‘God the Father,’ and ‘God’s Holy Spirit’ are three names of one God, not three gods. We’re almost on the same page. Understanding the Cross is a hard pill to swallow until they recognize God’s rationale.

My Palestinian Christian friend, Yusuf, studying medicine in Hungary and living in Haifa, says: “Abraham, I don’t proselytize. I don’t try to convert any Muslim to Christianity. It’s considered uncouth and disrespectful. But if you share Christ the way you just explained the trinity, they’ll listen.” (*Page 65; Kindle Locations 1149-1155). Muslims love to discuss and discover ‘God.’ The words, “God willing” (إن شاء الله) are at the tip of their tongues in just about every conversation.

But the Gospel of Fire and Brimstones – burning in hell for eternity – is the worst possible news. Instead, I share “the Good News about the Kingdom (Jesus says: ¹⁴“And this Good News about the Kingdom will be preached … ” Matthew 24: 14 Good News Translation).” Many Muslims concur the ‘Good News about the Kingdom’ is the greatest news on earth, often overlooked, if not sidelined, within Christianity.

Pastor David Charlton of the United Methodist Church in Port St. John, Florida, affirms in an e-mail, dated 13 May 2020:

“You are right about Jesus proclaiming the Kingdom of Heaven … Mark 1:15 makes this very clear.

In all His teachings, Jesus talks almost exclusively about how the Kingdom of Heaven is available to all people in the here and now [my emphasis]. What is ironic is that you do not hear many Christian Leaders talking about the Kingdom of Heaven and its current availability to all people through faith in Christ.

The church is meant to manifest the Kingdom of Heaven on earth, but few pastors preach this. It’s not about physical real estate. It’s about the Kingdom of Heaven, which you rightly point out, has no borders.”

Jesus’ gospel of the Kingdom of God is a “divine surprise” (Habakkuk 1: 5), a mystery hidden for ages, now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings (Romans 16: 25-26; I Peter 1: 10; I Corinthians. 2: 6-10). It comes in an unexpected form, and it exceeds the expectations of everyone. None anticipate anything like it (Luke 10: 24; I Peter 1: 10-12) (*Page 33; Kindle Locations 528-531).

Through recitation of Jewish history, Stephen, the first Christian martyr, shows that God will no longer dwell in edifices made of stone (Acts 7: 2, 9, 29-33, 36, 44, and 48). God resides inside living gems more precious than stone, created in his image. No longer is Jerusalem the seat of God. (Acts 21: 21, 28; Matthew 26: 61) (*Page 34; Kindle Locations 540-547).

And where is this Kingdom, the Promised Land? Wherever God lives! Upon faith, He lives inside our souls.

“… Behold, the dwelling of God is with men, He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with them” (Revelation 21: 2-3).

Heaven on earth is here-and-now and forever.

What about hell on earth? With God’s Holy Spirit inside, one can and will outshine darkness. Every step is a walk with the Lord.

“… in thy presence; there is fullness of joy“… (Psalm 16: 9-11).

Wow!

With every good wish to you, I am,

Sincerely yours,

Building the Bridge Foundation, The Hague

Abraham A. van Kempen

Senior Editor

*‘Christian Zionism … Enraptured Around a Golden Calf’ (2^nd Edition)

www.surrenderIsraeltoGod.com

www.buildingthebridge.eu