PTAP - Question about Testimony
After sharing the following testimony with some fellow saints, there was a dialogue which I include below.
- MJH
=====
TESTIMONY:
While visiting with an expatriate Arab Christian brother, he told me several stories about his Christian friends from his home country. Several of these men are from Muslim backgrounds and now claim Jesus as their Savior and Lord. These men travel to Mecca to join the 2 million Muslims from their home country and dozens of other Islamic countries on the Hajj. These men go through the various stages of the Hajj, just as they did several times when they were Muslims–only now they do it to share the love of Jesus with Muslim pilgrims that are seeking for the truth. They go around the Ka’aba 7 times just like all the other Muslims, they throw stones at the 3 pillars representing Satan, climb Mount Arafat to pray from noon to dusk and all the other tasks required of those on pilgrimage. They have had many opportunities to talk with men, young and old, about the rituals they are performing all the while interjecting the truths of the Gospel. Several people have come to faith during these ‘visits’. Praise the Lord! Pray for their
protection and wisdom.
======
Food for thought?
G.L.
====
Did you ask these believers what they thought about Muhammad as God's rasul? I am interested to know how they sort all this out, since affirming Muhammad is certainly a big part of haj. I expect it is probably a non-issue for them. In other words, "of course he is a prophet!"
If so, it certainly challenges our Christian perspective on Muhammad.... how can someone be so zealous to tell others about the gospel and lordship of Christ and consider the the prophethood of Muhammad a non-issue? Can saving faith in Christ coexist with Islam from God's perspective?
Most of us grant that this is OK for 'beginners' in the faith, but eventually they should come out of the mosque. But what if they plan to stay in, forever? Might such faith among Muslims be used of God to encourage the development of Muslims submitted to Christ's reign? Might this be part of God's plan to bless Muslim peoples? What do you think?
Eid Mubarrak!
R.
===
Interesting questions. Now when you get answers, be sure to keep me in the
loop.
M.C.
======
You asked some good questions!! I would kinda like to know the answers
to some of them myself. But, I honestly don't have the answers as I
was not the one talking with the Arab pastor nor the "hajji." Lately I
have thought a bit about what Paul wrote to the Philippians: Some tell
it this way, some that. The important thing though is that the good
news gets out, so I am really happy! Who am I to criticize someone
else's boss? As long as the real King is acknowledged, that is key.
Actually, some would probably have objections to how I share the message of Christ on a state university cafeteria ... but some have shown a tad of interest: some jews, some muslims, some Christians, etc. The word is running. Pray 4 me.
I'll send your thoughts on to friends in the AP.
- MJH
=====
The email from last week's [lamp] oil - I don't have direct contact with the guys going into Mecca. I would suspect that they reconcile their presence in Mecca to share the love of Jesus with seeking Muslims depending on the grace that God gives believers when they step out in faith to present the gospel. I don't fully understand why Greg or the other fellow automatically believe that these brothers in Mecca are actively, mentally, spiritually invested in the activities going on around them. One can go around the Ka'aba 7 times with zero investment spiritually. One can throw stones at the 3 pillars representing shatan without spiritual engagement personally, as I heard the story from a reliable source - these guys spend their time watching for someone who is open to spiritual things - there is alot of time for discussion over the 4 - 6 days spent on the Hajj that could be redeemed for the kingdom. I stand in awe of these guys and their bold faith. PTL!
- From the pray-AP wire correspondent.
- MJH
=====
TESTIMONY:
While visiting with an expatriate Arab Christian brother, he told me several stories about his Christian friends from his home country. Several of these men are from Muslim backgrounds and now claim Jesus as their Savior and Lord. These men travel to Mecca to join the 2 million Muslims from their home country and dozens of other Islamic countries on the Hajj. These men go through the various stages of the Hajj, just as they did several times when they were Muslims–only now they do it to share the love of Jesus with Muslim pilgrims that are seeking for the truth. They go around the Ka’aba 7 times just like all the other Muslims, they throw stones at the 3 pillars representing Satan, climb Mount Arafat to pray from noon to dusk and all the other tasks required of those on pilgrimage. They have had many opportunities to talk with men, young and old, about the rituals they are performing all the while interjecting the truths of the Gospel. Several people have come to faith during these ‘visits’. Praise the Lord! Pray for their
protection and wisdom.
======
Food for thought?
G.L.
====
Did you ask these believers what they thought about Muhammad as God's rasul? I am interested to know how they sort all this out, since affirming Muhammad is certainly a big part of haj. I expect it is probably a non-issue for them. In other words, "of course he is a prophet!"
If so, it certainly challenges our Christian perspective on Muhammad.... how can someone be so zealous to tell others about the gospel and lordship of Christ and consider the the prophethood of Muhammad a non-issue? Can saving faith in Christ coexist with Islam from God's perspective?
Most of us grant that this is OK for 'beginners' in the faith, but eventually they should come out of the mosque. But what if they plan to stay in, forever? Might such faith among Muslims be used of God to encourage the development of Muslims submitted to Christ's reign? Might this be part of God's plan to bless Muslim peoples? What do you think?
Eid Mubarrak!
R.
===
Interesting questions. Now when you get answers, be sure to keep me in the
loop.
M.C.
======
You asked some good questions!! I would kinda like to know the answers
to some of them myself. But, I honestly don't have the answers as I
was not the one talking with the Arab pastor nor the "hajji." Lately I
have thought a bit about what Paul wrote to the Philippians: Some tell
it this way, some that. The important thing though is that the good
news gets out, so I am really happy! Who am I to criticize someone
else's boss? As long as the real King is acknowledged, that is key.
Actually, some would probably have objections to how I share the message of Christ on a state university cafeteria ... but some have shown a tad of interest: some jews, some muslims, some Christians, etc. The word is running. Pray 4 me.
I'll send your thoughts on to friends in the AP.
- MJH
=====
The email from last week's [lamp] oil - I don't have direct contact with the guys going into Mecca. I would suspect that they reconcile their presence in Mecca to share the love of Jesus with seeking Muslims depending on the grace that God gives believers when they step out in faith to present the gospel. I don't fully understand why Greg or the other fellow automatically believe that these brothers in Mecca are actively, mentally, spiritually invested in the activities going on around them. One can go around the Ka'aba 7 times with zero investment spiritually. One can throw stones at the 3 pillars representing shatan without spiritual engagement personally, as I heard the story from a reliable source - these guys spend their time watching for someone who is open to spiritual things - there is alot of time for discussion over the 4 - 6 days spent on the Hajj that could be redeemed for the kingdom. I stand in awe of these guys and their bold faith. PTL!
- From the pray-AP wire correspondent.