Muslim Evangelism

Introduction:

My sending agency provided numerous secular books about my target

region’s culture as well as many resources regarding the knowledge of Islam.
After this initial training time I knew more about the five pillars of Islam and the
history of Muhammad than most Muslims, but sadly our knowledge will not lead
to a conversion. My desire was to find information from Christian laborers who
had a burden for souls and were already in the area. I was seeking diaries that
recorded which verses and methods the Holy Spirit was blessing in the region.
Only a few people had experience in the region and none were able to guide me to
effective evangelism methods in contrast to merely building relationships. A
stirring within me led to study the Quran and to search for bridges to the Gospel.

My hope is that sharing the methods that I found effective will provide all
those who go after me with useful information for evangelism and church planting
efforts among Muslims and will save their ministry valuable time (Eph. 5:16).
Learn from my trials and errors so that you may start on “first base” instead of
starting at home plate in as you labor to see an indigenous work birthed in your
region,

The Holy Spirit blessed these methods from 1997-1999 among Sunni
Muslims in an area in central Asia, Faithful witnesses will have to test and retest
each verse to discern which Quran verse (ayet) are more helpful in their local
setting. Adjusting evangelism methods to every local setting will require the
ability to learn from both negative and positive feedback. The methods that
worked in my local area are presented for a resource, but each locale will vary
depending upon the sect of Islam that dominates the area and the degree of
deviation from the strict adherence to the Quran. Make no mistake about a any
method that helps, in the end a clear understanding of the Gospel contained in 1st
Cor. 15 will need to be presented before asking for a decision.

Death by stoning is the penalty for evangelism in my target area and has
hindered efforts. It was best for me to disassociate from a few ten year
missionaries to not contaminate their work and an unwillingness to relent on my
focus. The love of Christ compelled me as one of His followers and fear of being
ashamed of the His Gospel led me to ignore their concerns and push on. In their
defense, my association with the government protected me more than most
religious workers. A secular job in the medical and veterinary field, which were
under government control, brought me in contact with men of peace and
influence. In the end, the first indigenous work in two thousand years emerged
and three years later it is surviving (Acts 11:17).

Biblical Precedent for Evangelistic Methodology:

A believer from outside the area challenged my using the Quran and teaching in a
Mosque as acceptable bridges to the Gospel. My conscience was appeased by a
few examples from the scriptures that seemed to reveal a precedent.

Old Testament:

In the Old testament Naaman is told to “go in peace”. He wishes to take Holy
ground back to a pagan temple so when his earthly master is worshipping he will
at least be on Holy ground. The precedent here seems to be that it is the faith in
the one true God and not the place that makes worship acceptable or
unacceptable.

And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two
mules' burden of earth? for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering
nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the LORD. In this thing the LORD pardon
thy servant, that when my master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship
there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon:
when I bow down myself in the house of Rimmon, the LORD pardon thy servant
in this thing. And he said unto him, Go in peace. So he departed from him a little
way. And he said unto him, Go in peace…
2nd Kings 5:17-19 (KJV)

New Testament:

Paul’s used the synagogue as his platform for reasoning from the Old Testament
scriptures that Jesus is the Messiah. He worked from what they already knew
toward the unknown truths of Christ in order to lead them to Christ. This linear
thought pattern of going from known to unknown also worked well in my region.
Assuming even small logical conclusions and thus a point was made led to
ineffective evangelism.

Acts chapters seventeen and eighteen provide the best “proof text” for non-
biblical material and topics as a bridge to the gospel. Paul uses the pagan’s
knowledge of an unknown god as well as their own poetry as a bridge. Paul
demonstrates the effectiveness of using, not condemning, an unknown god as a
bridge to the gospel truths. Finding the unknown god with Muslims begins with
the Quran.

The following is how I train evangelist to use Acts 17-18 for evangelism and
Church planting:

1. Study their culture and religion. Look for natural bridges to the Gospel.
Acts 17:22-23
 “Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I
perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and
beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE
UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore you ignorantly worship, him declare I
unto you.”

2. Ask them to show you in their book how to be right with God, how to
receive forgiveness of sin and how to defeat death. This is the key question.

If they cannot show you proof, they may become seekers when their
unknown god cannot produce. If they can show you, it will open up the
opportunity for you to learn a bridge and/or share Biblical truth.

3. Being willing to use cultural and non-religious material. Paul even used
their poetry as a bridge. Acts 17: 28 “For in him we live, and move, and
have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also
his offspring.”

4. Go to the people, even if it is in their place of worship. Acts 17:17-19

5. Christ’s resurrection from the dead is a crucial part of the Gospel and must
not be neglected (Acts 17:31-33). This is the part that forces a decision. “Some
will believe, some will mock, and some will delay a decision.” Islam has no
problem with you praying in the name of Jesus or using His name.

6. Sometimes the divine appointment is next door. (Acts 18:7-8)

7. Leave clean. (Acts 18:6 )

8. We are obligated to also disciple those who chose Christ. (Acts 18:9-11)

9. The bottom line is Paul kept focused on the main thing. (Acts 16:10)

I stayed focused on Romans 1:16 is true, “For I am not ashamed of the

Gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation to those that believe…” All our
social work and humanitarian aid does not change their eternal destiny of being
bound for hell (John 3:18). Merely helping physical needs will result in a few
more people living on earth a few more years, in slightly better living conditions,
with slightly more knowledge. We must introduce them to Jesus, and they must
choose to be His friend or not. They deserve the choice to say “no“. Acts 11:17-
18 was the final test of our efforts and that was the verse that evaluation was done
on a daily basis. Peter is being grilled by the powers that be and they ceased their
questioning when proof that God was actually the source behind it was evidenced
by the report of salvations.
17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed
on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?
18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God,
saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
Acts 11:17-18 (KJV)

The methods are broken down by the amount of time you have to share.

If there is a five minute opportunity to share:

In most cultures there is a growing use of bottled water. Bottled water

provides a great visual illustration of sin’s effect and an opportunity to share the
gospel. When opportunity and boldness cross paths, stating, “How great it is to
have pure clean water,” tests the door for a divine appointment. After agreement
upon the value of pure water to avoid sickness, a simple question is asked. “What
if one drop of invisible AIDS virus is added, would you drink it?”

Expect the answer to be “No” and then ask “Why not?” This will emphasize the
point that a small amount of bad ruins all the good.

“What kind of person would I be if I knew the water was bad and then let you
drink it?”

This question assists in clarifying your reason for sharing gospel with them in the
moments to come. The messenger is now understood as wanting to offer
assistance and help. Motivation is concern and only a bad person would not try to
tell.

“Just as you would not drink knowingly something that is partially bad, God
cannot accept us if there is any bad (sin).”

This illustration drives home God’s standard and that committing one sin means
death and no hope of entering heaven.

“Just as you would not drink it, God will reject you and me at the gates of heaven
with just one sin. If God compromised and allowed just one sin into heaven, that
one amount of contamination will ruin all of a perfect heaven.”

“Just as no amount of additional good water makes the bottle 100% perfect again,
so it is with us.”

“The only solution is a new bottle of water for me to avoid death and have life.“

“This correlates to lost soul’s need of perfection to enter heaven. If our blood is
disqualified by one sin, then we need a 100% transfusion of innocent blood to fix
our problem. My numerous sins and those of all the world necessitates the
innocent blood have infinite value.”

Depending on the possibility of opening the scriptures and literacy of the person,
proofing this message with verses is obviously best. If only the use of a Quran is
possible, then Sura 7:1-15, 20.74 and 19.71 show the wages of just one sin is
separation from a perfect God, death to a relationship with Him. Romans 3:23
and 6.23, Matt. 5:48 confirm these verses.

Tract to follow if an hour or two is possible:

When time was short with a divine appointment as in a bus ride or picking up a
hitchhiker, the Holy Spirit blessed using the Quran to lead souls to the truth. The
following example lists the verse/ayet and transition to the next ayet for
evangelism.

“The Quran’s Right Path to God”

(Comments to aid in explaining the ayets in a Biblical view are in parenthesis.)

The Quran Sura 4.82 states, "Do they not then ponder on the Quran? If it had
been from other than Allah they would have found many errors."
(If one says these truths following truths are errors, then he is calling the Quran a
lie and not from Allah!)

Quran Sura 20.74 "Whoever comes guilty to his Lord, for him is hell. There he
will neither die nor live."
(To approach a perfect God one must be perfect. Just one act of disobedience
towards God removes our standard as perfect, makes us guilty of sin and
sentences us to hell. Romans 3:23 and 6:23 confirm this as truth.)

Quran Sura 2.62, "Those who believe in what is revealed to thee (Muhammad)
and those who are Jews, and Christians, and Sabeans-whoever believes in (1.)
Allah and (2.) the Last Day and does right-their reward is with their Lord, and
there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve."

(It does not matter what religion we claim. God knows what we believe in our
heart and this will determine our fate at the judgment. We must believe in one
God and the Last Day to have nothing to fear. I totally ignored the works part at
the end of the verse.)

We must go to Quran Sura 43.61-66 to learn of the Last Day of judgment for the
whole world.

43.61 There is knowledge of the Hour of judgment. So doubt not, but follow me.
This is the right path.
43:62 And let not Satan lie to you. He is your enemy.

Sura 7:15 Satan lies to get men off the right path so they will go to hell with him
on the Last Day.

(The Quran reveals there is a right path to God and there is a path of Satan. It also
teaches the truth of the second coming of Christ to fix this mess. At this point I
would ask for agreement that we should follow the one God has sent to lead us on
the Last Day. Who is this one God has sent “to follow and be on the right path”
according to the Quran? We must continue to read to find out.)

43:63 When Jesus came with clear proofs he said, "I have come unto you with
wisdom and to make plain some of that concerning which you differ. So fear
Allah and follow me.
43:64. …This is the right path.
(The Quran reveals that Jesus is the one who God has sent to follow. Jesus is the
right path). This agrees with John 14:6.

Quran 43:65. …Then woe to those who do not believe and will suffer the doom of
a painful day.

43:66. Await the Hour, it shall come upon them suddenly, when they know not.

(What if this sudden judgment happens in your sleep? You must be ready. You
can only be ready by trusting that God has given us this One to follow to heaven
and He will save you from fear and hell. The right path to God according to the
Quran and the Gospel is following Jesus. You cannot tell God you were not
warned. We are without excuse.)

Quran Sura 3:3, 4 "He has revealed to thee (Muhammad) scripture with truth,
confirming that which was revealed before it, even as He revealed the Torah and
the Gospel.

(One must study this Gospel that Muhammad confirms in order to learn how be
ready at the judgment by following Jesus.)

Quran Sura 6:115-116 claims that no man can change God's word. (This truth
along with Muhammad’s confirmation of the Torah and Gospel means nothing
has been altered.)

(The Gospel is in the Ingeel also called the Bible (1st Corinthians 15:1-4 is
referenced in the Quran.)

Sura 19:33, 34 states, "Peace on me the day I was born, and the day I die, and the
day I shall be raised alive! Such Was Jesus, son of Mary: (This is) a statement of
truth concerning which they doubt."
(In Medina a tomb holds Muhammad and the tomb of Jesus is empty because God
has raised Jesus from the dead. Death could not hold the sinless Jesus (Sura
19:19). Those who repent and believe (Quran, Sura 13:27 and Bible Acts 20:21)
that Jesus is the right path to God and died in payment for their sins will also have
nothing to fear. Not choosing God's right path is belief in the lies of Satan which
leads to eternal hell.)
(“Which path do you choose?”)

After going through the above Quran tract, a religious Mullah (similar to what
Christians call a pastor) said “The answer is not in here is it?” I affirmed his
realization that the answer is not in the Quran and when he asked “Where it was?
“ I provided a Bible(Ingeel). W met weekly and studied from creation to Christ
and Muhammad. His goal initially was not that of a seeker, but learning Biblical
truths contained in his unknown god (the Quran) produced a longing in his heart.
The stories continued to drive home that only innocent blood is acceptable in
heaven, confirmed and based out of information from his own unknown god (the
Quran). He became convicted him of the need for a substitute, or a cure.

Sadly, even after studying the Bible he still has not converted. However,
he became a man of peace and allowed me to teach in his mosque on an ongoing
basis. Death threats for continuing to teach in the mosques emerged and reduced
my translator pool from five men to one. Of all things, I neglected the ceremonial
washing before entering the service one Friday and it created an issue and
subsequently my end as an “interim Mullah”. The error here was presuming
continued visits to the Mosque and not going the shorter tract to share Christ.
After the story of Abraham, the teaching ended and the offer to choose Christ was
not presented. The goal was to see if self realization of the problem would
emerge before giving them the answer. Man’s problem that no one is acceptable
to God unless they are perfect innocent blood was made known, but not the cure.

Fortunately, this was an area we held a week-long medical triage clinic.

We were able to share in homes with families during this time. A friend of mine
held weekly Bible studies using New Tribes Missions[1] materials. For new
believers the Bible alone was taught emphasizing Jesus as their innocent blood
substitute, but the Quran was always cited for confirmation as it was never clear
exactly who maybe a militant posing as a believer.

In the following Bible based stories also found in the Quran, a New Tribes
Missions chronological picture[2] number is in parenthesis to aid in visually
teaching the lessons. Copies were about a penny a piece in my area. Using Quran
references on the pages made the pictures the interest at the local copy shops.

Tract to follow if weekly lessons are possible:

When weekly visits were possible we taught chronologically from creation to
Muhammad.

New Tribes Missions chronological photos are listed by number beside each story
listed below. Use of these photos was very helpful with illiterates and literates
alike. I did white out the faces in all of the pictures before handing them out as a
few had issue with showing the face of a prophet. Each week the stories were
reviewed and if possible, the students were asked to tell me what each story was
about as a picture that was held up. For the sake of space, only the Sura and Ayet
for each passage is listed. Open any Quran and read to verify the translation
affirms what is being said and be aware there is a missing verse/ayet controversy
in the Quran and Sura 3;3 may be 3:2 or 4 depending on the version you have.

1. Creation:

The New Tribes Photo number 3 shows a photo

of the Garden of Eden with the lion and a lamb
at peace. The focus of the teaching is that in
God’s creation everything God made was
perfectly good because God is good and perfect.
God made the earth, the heavens, and all living
things. God also created spirit beings called
angels. This was all good. God only creates
good and perfect things. Genesis of the Torah
chapters 1 and 2 and Quran in Sura 10.1-8 and 41.9-14 agree and were cited.
Both accounts of creation in the Quran are used because one says it was six days
and the other eight days, but an issue was not made of it. Just hoping for a
subliminal message, seeds of doubt in their unknown god or a question asked by
them.

2. The fall of Shatan (Satan) and source of evil in Sura 7.11-18 and Sura 43.60-
62:

A black piece of paper was used for this story as no visual image was desired due
to the amount of mysticism in the area. The focus was one of the created spirit
beings named Shatan rebelled against God. One bad choice, one act of rebellion
or disobedience made this spirit being no longer perfect, a sinner. God made this
non-perfect created angel leave perfect heaven. Sin separates sinless God and
sinful Shatan. In the Quran the sin was pride. With his fate set until the day of
the resurrection, he now has one goal of getting souls off the right path and on a
path to hell. This lesson provides a warning that Shatan will lie and do anything to
get souls off the right path. Sura 43:60-62 are read, but not dealt with much as
intro to what will happen on the day of resurrection.

The Bible/Ingeel agrees in Revelation 12.9-10 (KJV). “And the great dragon was
cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceived the whole
world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 10
And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength,
and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our
brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

3. The New Tribes Missions Photo number 4 shows innocent Adam and Eve in
the garden.

This lesson has several pictures on it and we

reduced the size to get them on one sheet of
paper. The goal was each week to have another
story pasted on the wall of the house of peace
we had access to.

Paradise was perfect. There was no evil or

pain, just a perfect relationship with God. God
made man and the first man was named Adam.
Adam only had one rule to remain in God's perfect paradise and love. That rule
was to agree that God was worthy of obedience. Adam believed the lies from
Shatan and disobeyed God's plan for a perfect relationship.

Adam and Eve’s shame is covered by innocent

blood.
Sura 7:18-30 and 2:24 are the main passages
for m the Quran.
Sura 7:25-6 that God provided raiment to cover
the shame of one sin by Adam. It does not say
it was the innocent blood of animals that was
shed to pay the price for the clothes, but with
the photo it was a doable transition. Because of
disobedience man was no longer perfect and he
was ashamed. Adam man attempted to hide his shame with his own efforts. In
the NTM photo Number 6 Adam uses leaves that he fashioned to cover his shame.
This was human work to hide his rebellion and these human acts to pay for sin
and disobedience are not acceptable to God. God rejects the clothing made by
works of imperfect beings. The focus was one sin and no one is innocent and thus
banned from perfect presence and relationship with God. God does provide
coverage for shame by the shedding of innocent blood.

Suras 19.71-2 and 20:74 are used here to teach one sin makes one guilty and thus
banned from entering heaven.

4. The New Tribes Missions Photo number 9 shows the story of Cain and Abel.

Sura 5.27 And (O Muhammad SAW) recite to

them (the Jews) the story of the two sons of
Adam [Hâbil (Abel) and Qâbil (Cain)] in truth;
when each offered a sacrifice (to Allah), it was
accepted from the one but not from the other.

As with each story, the photos really opened up

the potential to interpret and teach Biblical truth
with a Quran verse as a spring board. The
creator of man has one way to be right with Him. God demonstrates this only
way by the shedding of innocent blood. God's plan for one sacrifice for all is
demonstrated by innocent animal blood being a substitute for sinful man. Each
person must choose to follow God's right path or to reject it. Abel approaches
God by shedding innocent blood and Abel approaches God by human works.
This story is confirmed in the Torah book of Genesis in the Ingeel.

Cain kills Abel:

Sura 5.27 And (O Muhammad SAW) recite to them (the Jews) the story of the
two sons of Adam [Hâbil (Abel) and Qâbil (Cain)] in truth; when each offered a
sacrifice (to Allah), it was accepted from the one but not from the other.
The latter said to the former: "I will surely kill you.[]" The former said: "Verily,
Allah accepts only from those who are Al-Muttaqûn (the pious - see V.2:2)."
28 "If you do stretch your hand against me to kill me, I shall never stretch my
hand against you to kill you, for I fear Allah; the Lord of the 'Alamîn (mankind,
jinns, and all that exists)."
29. "Verily, I intend to let you draw my sin on yourself as well as yours, then you
will be one of the dwellers of the Fire, and that is the recompense of the Zâlimûn
(polytheists and wrongdoers)."
30 So the Nafs (self) of the other (latter one) encouraged him and made fair
seeming to him the murder of his brother; he murdered him and became one of
the losers.
31 Then Allah sent a crow who scratched the ground to show him to hide the
dead body of his brother. He (the murderer) said: "Woe to me! Am I not even able
to be as this crow and to hide the dead body of my brother?" Then he became one
of those who regretted.
32 Because of that We ordained for the Children of Israel that if anyone killed a
person not in retaliation of murder, or (and) to spread mischief in the land - it
would be as if he killed all mankind, and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if
he saved the life of all mankind. And indeed, there came to them Our Messengers
with clear proofs, evidences, and signs, even then after that many of them
continued to exceed the limits (e.g. by doing oppression unjustly and exceeding
beyond the limits set by Allah by committing the major sins) in the land!.[]

Cain is told by God his offering of good works is not acceptable as a sacrifice.
Cain decides if God wants innocent blood I will kill my brother and offer that to
God. God rejects humans as sacrifices as they are not perfect. Only perfect
innocent blood is acceptable to God. Over and over the question was asked to
hearers, “are you perfect? Are you acceptable to God?” Ayet 32 opens up the
option for one to save all even if it is just a springboard for a topic.

5. Noah and innocent blood.

NTM photos 11

God judges sin after man refuses to repent and come to

God His way. The great flood was God's judgment for sin
and past history is the best indicator of future performance
I know of. God will judge us and are you ready and
innocent is the challenge that is presented.

Sura 19.69-71 Because of rebellion and stubbornness. There is not one of you that
shall approach it (paradise). Sura 20.74 Whoever comes before the judgment
with sin, for them is hell. These verses are taught to help souls understand the
standard by which this sure coming judgment will be based.

Noah was also guilty of not being perfect and deserved judgment. He put his faith
in God's right path for removal of judgment and sacrificed innocent blood after
the flood ceased.

If use of the Bible was possible we studied the two side by side. Hebrews of the
Ingeel 11.7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved
with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned
the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

6. Abraham and his son.

NTM photos 18
The Quran in passages Sura 2:121-6 is the
miracle birth, 15:62-77 is destruction of
Sodom, 37:99-113 is story of sacrifice on Mt.
Moriah.
NTM photos 15 Abraham when he was very old had a
child. This was a miracle birth and nothing is impossible
for God. Gospel of Luke 1:37. This opens the possibility
of clarifying the miracle birth of Christ in a later lesson.
The two will be contrasted as the Quran also states it was
a virgin birth. Local tradition teaches Christians believe
God and Mary had sex to produce Jesus (a Mormon teaching).

The prophet’s son who later was a leader of his people was not acceptable to God.
Even prophets are not perfect, they are not innocent blood. Only innocent blood
is acceptable to God.

The Quran alludes in context it was Isaac on the altar, tradition says is was
Ishmael. Actually the use of Ishmael is best as it drives home the point of no one,
even names they are more familiar with, is acceptable as none is innocent blood.

Abraham was asked to sacrifice his son as a test his faith. God did not allow
Abraham to sacrifice his son because only innocent blood is acceptable to God.
To demonstrate this for us, God provided the innocent blood of a ram for a
substitute for Abraham's son. It was Abraham’s faith that God was pleased with
and what made Abraham a friend of God.

Human blood is not acceptable to God because it is not perfect. A bottle of pure
water is perfect. When a tiny amount of pollution is added the whole bottle
becomes polluted. Man has polluted any good in him by adding rebellion and
disobedience to his life. Disobedience makes his blood not perfect and thus not
acceptable to God.

Sura 20.74 Any man who comes before God with any guilt, for him is hell. There
he will never die. The Ingeel, Romans 6:23. The wages of sin is death.

7. Moses and innocent blood.

NTM photos 27

The Quran passages in Sura 2:12-82 (mainly 40-62) and

7:103-46 are used.
This biblical character and lesson on innocent blood is one
of the weakest when trying to proof text it from the Quran
. The shedding of innocent blood is alluded to but never
explicitly stated. The use of Yuseph Ali’s Arabic English
translation of the Quran is of help here. He uses commentary at the bottom of
most pages using the Torah. This opens the potential for use of the Biblical
account without you having to be the one that introduces the Bible as a source. In
the Quran it refers to “signs” that Moses would perform to show Pharaoh he
should let Israel go.

Moses does “strike the Rock” in Sura 2.59-60 if this bridge is one you think
pursuing would help. It’s use would be most relevant if the forum is one in which
open use of the Bible is acceptable.

Moses and those who had faith in the Word of God were spared the death angel
because of innocent blood covering their imperfection.

8. Jesus and the Last Day of Sura 2;62, 43:60-66:

Jesus is taught along with the Last Day, explained in the Quran’s right Path to
God tract already mentioned. This allows us to teach the main thing which is can
one be made right with God and join in a relationship with Him.

Sura 19:27 tells of Jesus special position. Then she brought him (the baby) to her
people, carrying him. They said: "O Mary! Indeed you have brought a thing
Fariya (an unheard mighty thing).

Sura 19:31-4 teaches of His blessed status. "And He has made me blessed
wherever I be, and has enjoined on me Salât (prayer), and Zakât, as long as I
live."
32."And dutiful to my mother, and made me not arrogant, un-blest.
33."And Salâm (peace) be upon me the day I was born, and the day I die, and the
day I shall be raised alive!"
34.Such is 'Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary). (it is) a statement of truth, about
which they doubt (or dispute).

Sura 19 talks of a sinless, never touched by Shatan Jesus. It also quotes Jesus
speaking in past tense of the death burial and resurrection of Christ. The hadiths
will say that is referring to when he returns a second time and dies on that visit,
clearly as out of context as many of the points I am driving home with Quran
ayets.

The virgin birth and resurrection of Christ is taught in Sura 3:42-55.

Sura 19.19 (The angel) said: "I am only a Messenger from your Lord, (to
announce) to you the gift of a righteous son." 20 She said: "How can I have a son,
when no man has touched me, nor am I unchaste?" 21 He said: "So (it will be),
your Lord said: 'That is easy for Me (Allah): And (We wish) to appoint him as a
sign to mankind and a mercy from Us (Allah), and it is a matter (already) decreed,
(by Allah).' " 22 So she conceived him[], and she withdrew with him to a far place
(i.e. Bethlehem valley about 4-6 miles from Jerusalem). “
The question of whether one man can die for the whole world's sins is discussed
in Sura 5.32. Because of that We ordained for the Children of Israel that if
anyone killed a person not in retaliation of murder, or (and) to spread mischief in
the land - it would be as if he killed all mankind, and if anyone saved a life, it
would be as if he saved the life of all mankind. And indeed, there came to them
Our Messengers with clear proofs, evidences, and signs.

This can only be possible if the one dying had infinite value and was not dying for
his sins (they are innocent/sinless). We asked over and over in each story, “can
you limit God? “
“Who would try and limit God?” They would reply Shatan.

For those who come to God by innocent blood the Quran states in Sura 44.56
They shall not taste death, save the first death. The introduction of being born
again as a need for being right with God and Rev. 21:8 are tied into these ayets.

Sura 5:100 teaches of the divine attributes of Jesus in His ability to heal and raise
the dead. We would ask can you raise the dead? Who can? When God was the
answer we would teach that Jesus did. Thus Jesus had divine attributes and that is
why His blood, one red cell could have infinite value.

8. Muhammad:
New Tribes Mission photo number 43
Sura 3:3 is the main one we cover as it quotes Muhammad as confirming the
gospel in 600 or so A.D.

The story of Muhammad is used to complete the teaching

and if questioned by authorities show the teaching is all
inclusive. One positive result from teaching on
Muhammad is ayets help validate what we are trying to
introduce. Muhammad in Sura 3:3 validates the Gospel
and the Torah. Sura 6:115-116 assures readers that
nothing can be changed in true God-given scriptures. Antichrist elements would
either say the Quran is in error or has been changed when we used it to make a
point or that the Bible had been changed. Sura 6:115, 116 nullifies that position.
Sura 14:4 is used in this teaching section. It affirms each prophet spoke in the
local language of the area. This refutes the objection that only the Arabic can be
trusted as true. This lie is a great tool of Satan that keeps less literate people from
testing what is written. A common objection is “But that is not the Arabic!”
When asked if they could read Arabic, they would respond “No”. This ayet
allowed us to overcome the block that keeps people hearing the truth. Picture #43
of the New Tribes photos was of Solomon’s temple. We used this one here to
represent the burial site of Muhammad. When teaching about Mohammed, we
would tech he is buried in Medina in 632 A.D. Also in Medina is the empty tomb
for Christ. Those who make the Holy pilgrimage, Hajj, to Mecca will often visit
these two sites. If they have seen both sites then it helps in reaching them for
Christ. The question would be asked, “Why is Muhammad in his tomb awaiting
the return of Jesus from heaven?” Then, “If I was to follow one, who was the
way to heaven and to defeat death, just on this info, whom do you think the right
one might be?” The story also allowed us to teach that it was not the first or
second, but the third Caliph after Muhammad that compiled the writings into what
they now have as the Quran in 656 A.D. It had to be a Caliph as Muhammad had
no male heirs despite numerous wives. At this time a short history on why the
Sunnis and Shiites differ is taught here as Ali and Hussein emerged in power after
Muhammad’s death, both claiming to be the choice to carry on. The Holy Spirit
used the teaching on Muhammad as a “foundation shaker” for those who trust in
the Quran as an unknown god. As with each lesson, Sura 4:82 is repeated to show
if there is an error, the Quran is not from God.

Conclusion:
How to Start.

When entering a community to do veterinary or medical training the goal was to

find men of Peace and Houses of Peace. This new search for men of peace and
houses of peace was repeated time and time again. Over and over the Holy Spirit
provided both. This is a pattern that has since been used successfully in inner city
Memphis and the Dominican Republic.

How to finish:
Our discipleship method was not original or complex. Great faith in the Holy
Spirit and the Word of God combined with little faith in cultural relevant
commentaries and my abilities led us to our choice of discipleship training.
Working with converts and learning how their linear thought patterns functioned,
we mutually agreed upon questions to use in our reading and only the Word of
God as a resource. We met everyday for ten months and scripture reading
consisted of no more that eight verses, with four as a more optimum number.
After the reading of them we would individually answer five questions. Then
jointly discuss what the Holy Spirit had revealed to us. No answer was wrong,
but as a moderator, would be written out for testing by future scripture readings if
on the fringe. If there was a verse we had studied already that corrected the
misunderstanding, it was cited. The future pastor of the group especially, but all
bloomed like flowers opening up as they realized they could hear from the Holy
Spirit. Based on this is what the Holy Spirit is telling me gave them confidence to
speak more and as a result made them more bold and effective as evangelist.

The instructions that worked well for us are to read each section of verses over as
each question is answered:

1. What do these verses reveal about the nature of God/Jesus/Holy Spirit ?

2. Which part could comfort someone I know and why?

3. Which part may help me reach my friend for Christ?

4. In response to 1,2, and 3 above, what is my response to God?

5. What section would I like to write down and meditate upon and memorize
today?

Tips:
Recording both positive and negative results from sharing the Gospel
allows evaluation for adjusting to a more effective tract to follow. Analysis
should result in a pattern explaining what worked and why, what did not work and
why, and what verses of Biblical truths bridge to the people group. This method
is promoted by David Harley in his book Preparing To Serve. Based on Harley’s
methodology which is similar to Paul’s in Acts 17, the best resource for
expanding Christ’s kingdom is diaries of evangelism attempts based on actual
experience. The information in diaries is not valuable in Muslim worlds but in
the United States. For local churches a valuable resource might be a list of which
verses the Holy Spirit is blessing in a ten block area. These verses could be used
to create a customized tract to reach a specific region of town. A written record
will prevent having to relearn what someone has already spiritually discovered.
Any good fisherman would ask another fisherman who is at a lake “What
bait is working?” or “What are they biting?” The understanding is that the bait
may be a relationship or a felt need, but the hook that saves and catches is the
Gospel of Christ. Bait alone cannot save and at this point evangelism often stalls.
Many of the ayets that were used from the Quran came from interviewing
believers or reading testimonies of Muslim converts. Answering-isalm.org
records many such conversions and it is listed on the title page as “Why they
converted.” To start a work in a Muslim dominated culture one must focus on
male conversions and the most recent testimonies of new believers will provide us
clues into what the Holy Spirit is blessing.

Focusing on the errors in the Quran is an approach of many books on

Islam evangelism. They focus on pointing out ayets like Sura 18.86 which states
the sun sets in a mud puddle and people live there. It is referencing Alexander the
Great and his finding of this site. In my area of work these verses were only
effective after determining the person was not open to seeing truth, but just
wanted to argue. The use of these ayets was also addressed with a convert to
assist removing the Quran as a reliable source of further truthful information.
. To discourage new converts of studying the unknown god limits them
from reading to find bridges that I would not pick up on as a westerner.
New believers that held a negative attitude toward the Quran limited their ability
to treat it with respect and lost a useful tool in evangelism. They will be better
able to reach friends and family who trust the Quran as an unknown god if trained
to use it, not reject it
 I was advised at my missionary training center to avoid the Mullahs and
those educated on the Quran. By studying it and being able to recite it, I was
given a position of respect and allowed audience with a group that was most
receptive to hearing the Gospel, especially out of the Quran.
Charting the first 300 witnesses led to objectively discovering patterns. Of
the first 100, seven gave intellectual consent it was true. Of the next 100, thirty
five gave intellectual consent that it was true. Of the last 100 charted, fifty gave
intellectual consent it was true. Intellectual consent and submission to the Quran
does not equate to salvation.
In the end the most responsive to intellectual conversion were adult males
who were literate enough to read the Quran for themselves. If possible witness to
no more than two at one time. The most receptive of the males were those who
had studied the Quran. Others had to convert to being decent Muslims and trust
their unknown god before I could move on to seeing them become believers in the
last day. Followers of Christ was a good term, but the term “Last day Muslim”
opened immediate options to share. Last Day Muslim refers to being submitted to
the will of God on the last day for return of Christ. This is found in Sura 43:60-66
and is the topic to focus on. The term Christian was a negative in the area.

Unfortunately due to the patriarchal culture, the conversion of a female

before her husband would potentially damage my ability to enter communities.
Males conversion, especially conversion of a local elder, made the gospel a
downhill battle and then followed natural lines of authority. The fringe members
of the community, like lepers, were shared with, but were not the focus of our
efforts for starting a reproducing church. For the millions of men and women in
my area to be reached in the next fifty years it would have to be from indigenous
male believers reproducing themselves as evangelists. I physically could not get
in everyone’s home.

A good friend one day said he was concerned about my constant

memorization of the Quran passages that I used for evangelism. If it would have
helped, I would have memorized the whole book. It never became anything to me
other an unknown god. This unknown God was one that the Holy Spirit used and
can again. I am a veterinarian, not a theologian and my goal is evangelism, not
setting a single paradigm for work among Muslims. My hope is something in this
work helps you see a path that Paul the apostle may have also followed by using
“unknown gods” to reach a lost soul for Christ.
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[1] New Tribes Missions

[2] Firm Foundations