God
did this so men would seek Him and perhaps
reach out to Him and find Him, though He is
not far from each one of us. For in him we
live and move and have our being (Acts 17:24
-31, espec. 26,30)." Like you and I, God has
placed "eternity in their hearts (Ecclesiastes
3:11 )."
3. Muslims
are our neighbors.
Whether in Asia or in the Middle East , the
overwhelming majority of Muslims are peace-loving,
hospitable people.
4. Muslims
are people, too!
Most Muslims are concerned about the same
things as you and I. They want to raise their
children well, they are concerned about rising
crime and pornography, and work hard to pay
their bills and survive. Like us, most Muslims
decry human suffering and violence between
peoples. Many Muslims yearn for peace, friendship,
and a happy life. We share the same concerns
and needs.
5. God
is at work among Muslims!
Many Muslims are sensitive to God and spiritual
things. Because they fear God and are aware
of spiritual reality, Muslims often speak
of how God appeared to them through dreams
and visions, just like He did to the God-fearer
Cornelius (Acts 10:1-8). Stories abound of
healings because of God's power through Jesus.
An increasing number of Muslims are hungry
to know about God's dramatic work through
Jesus.
6. Because
we are spiritually related.
Many Muslims look to 'Ibrahim (Abraham) as
"our forefather (Romans 4:1)." Since those
who follow Jesus call Abraham "the father
of all who believe (Romans 4:11 )," that makes
us 'cousins' ! Like us, Muslims believe in
one true God, the Creator of all peoples.
7. Because
they value our Holy Book and Jesus.
The Qu'ran specifically commends the Torat
(books of the Law, the first five books of
the Bible); the Zibur (the Psalms, or wisdom
literature); and the injil (the Gospels).
Jesus was sent by God to earth; Jesus healed
many during his ministry; and he is returning
to judge the living and the dead.
8. Because
they have something to teach us.
Muslims take the spiritual world very seriously
and generally are more open to discuss spiritual
issues. They have a very high respect for
God and His power. Muslims place a high value
on community and loyalty. Hospitality is very
important to them. These are qualities that
most westerners appreciate in their Muslim
friends.
9. God
made promises to their ancestors.
Many Muslims look to 'Ibrahim (Abraham) as
their ancestor through his first son, Ishmael.
God made this promise to Ibrahim: "As for
Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I will
bless him, and I will make him fruitful, and
I will multiply him. He shall become the father
of twelve princes, and I will make him a great
nation (Genesis 17:20 )." God fulfilled this
promise, for there are over one billion Muslims
in the world today!
10. Because
God promised that Muslims who follow Jesus
will be part of the multitudes who are gathered
about the Throne of God.
When God gathers all His people at the end
of time, there will be representatives from
every people group on the earth, "from every
nation and tribe and people and language,
standing before the Throne and before the
Lamb, clothed in white robes, . . . crying
out in a loud voice, 'Salvation to our God
who sits on the throne, . . .(Revelation 7:9,10)!
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