Prayer Fuel

The “Grace and Truth” Affirmation: Toward Christlike Relationships with Muslims (part2)

5. Be Respectful and Bold in our Witness

—In the spirit of the Prince of Peace, respectful witness focuses on giving a positive presentation of the gospel. It does not attack the other or avoid presenting truth. As the apostle Peter says: “In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15 NIV). Numerous biblical examples (i.e. Acts 4:31; 9:27-28; 13:46; 14:3; 17:30-31; 19:8) invite us to emulate the boldness of early believers in sharing the good news. In obedience to the Scripture, we seek to be both respectful and bold in our witness.

6. Be Prudent in our Google-ized World

—In the past, when leaders in a religious community spoke, it was only heard by their own community. But today our words ricochet around the world. When we try to explain who we are, what we believe, what we do, and why we do it, our words may reach beyond our primary audience and enter the global marketplace of ideas. After saying something controversial, an outspoken leader may try to clarify his statement. But the damage is already done. Words are powerful. Prudence is required. “A man of knowledge uses words with restraint” (Prov 17:27).

7. Be Peaceable and Uncompromising in our Dialogue

—Dialogue between Muslims and Christians provides us with opportunities to understand Muslims, build relationships, engage in peacemaking and share our faith. We seek to share the gospel respectfully and boldly, without compromise— as Paul “reasoned with” people (dialegomai – Acts 17:2, 17). Through dialogue, we work toward mutual respect, graciously bearing witness to our faith and working toward religious freedom. Ultimately, we long to see as many as possible reconciled with God, through the person of Christ.

8. Be Loving toward All

—The world’s Muslims are our neighbors, as Jesus used the term (Luke 10:29-37). The command of God to his people stands for all time: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Lev 19:18; Luke 10:27b). How can a follower of Christ take seriously Jesus’ command to love our neighbor, and at the same time address the real threat of terrorism (by those who position themselves as our enemies)? Jesus’ teaching about love of enemy (Luke 6:35) is among the most radical and most ignored commands in the Bible. We do not want to engage in the “hermeneutics of evasion”— figuring out ways to interpret Jesus’ command so it doesn’t apply to our lives. —

Both peacemakers and those who love their enemies are described as “sons [or daughters] of God” (Matt 5:9, 44; Luke 6:35). They are called children of God because they are acting like their Father: the God of Peace (Phil 4:9; 1 Thess 5:23). In other words, peacemakers and those who love their enemies demonstrate their authenticity as children of God by their words and acts of peace. Jesus modeled this by loving us and laying down his life for us, “while we were enemies” (Rom 5:10; cf. Col 1:21). Responding to enemies with self-giving, sacrificial love demonstrates the gospel.

Conclusion

—We have been entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18, 19). The commission to “make disciples of all nations” has not been rescinded. Neither have the commands to demonstrate sacrificial love and to work toward peace. There is no separate gospel for wartime and peacetime. The message of God’s love in Christ is for all times, places and peoples. We affirm the nine biblical guidelines presented here for all followers of Christ, that we may remain faithful to him and become more fruitful in our relationships with Muslims.

Prayer Points

—Dialogue between Muslims and Christians provides us with opportunities to understand Muslims, build relationships, engage in peacemaking and share our faith. Ask that Christians will seek to share the gospel respectfully and boldly, without compromise – as Paul “reasoned with” people (Acts 17:2, 17). We have been entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor.5:18-19).

1. Pray for Christians ministering to Muslims, for breakthroughs in making disciples of these precious people.
2. Pray that we Christians will receive grace to demonstrate sacrificial love and to work toward peace.
3. Ask for special opportunities to share Jesus’ love with Muslims during the next 30 days.

Declare God’s Personal Names and the Name of Jesus above Allah

• Yahweh Jireh (Yireh): “The Lord will provide.” Stresses God’s provision for His people (Gen. 22:14).
• Yahweh Nissi:“The Lord is my Banner.” Stresses that God is our rallying point and our means of victory; the one who fights for His people (Ex. 17:15).
• Yahweh Shalom:“The Lord is Peace.” Points to the Lord as the means of our peace and rest (Jud. 6:24).
• Yahweh Sabbaoth:“The Lord of Hosts.” A military figure portraying the Lord as the commander of the armies of heaven (1 Sam. 1:3; 17:45).
• Yahweh Maccaddeshcem: “The Lord your Sanctifier.” Portrays the Lord as our means of sanctification or as the one who sets believers apart for His purposes (Ex. 31:13).
• Yahweh Ro’i: “The Lord my Shepherd.” Portrays the Lord as the Shepherd who cares for His people as a shepherd cares for the sheep of his pasture (Ps. 23:1).
• Yahweh Tsidkenu: “The Lord our Righteousness.” Portrays the Lord as the means of our righteousness (Jer. 23:6).
• Yahweh Shammah: “The Lord is there.” Portrays the Lord’s personal presence in the millennial kingdom (Ezek. 48:35).
• Yahweh Elohim Israel: “The Lord, the God of Israel.” Identifies Yahweh as the God of Israel in contrast to the false gods of the nations (Jud. 5:3.; Isa. 17:6).
• And above all the Name of JESUS (Philippians 2:9)

Video Prayer Fuel

Unreached People Groups

Azar, Former Muslim Finds the Way to Heaven !

From August 9th – September 9th 2010 Worldwide Mission Fellowship will be praying that Muslims around the world going through Ramadan will turn to Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, this is in conjunction with similar prayer strategies around the world supported by Open Doors and 30 days of Prayer. Our ultimate prayer is for their salvation. The site will be updated daily at 05:45 GMT to coincide with our early morning prayer meeting so you can join us in prayer wherever you are.

Grace and Truth: Toward Christlike Relationships with Muslims: An Affirmation

—Jesus calls his followers to experience and live out the love of God. This love is made accessible to all people through Christ, who came to the world “full of grace and truth.” However, because of cultural differences, threats of terrorism and negative stereotypes of Muslims, many of God’s people shrink back from fulfilling Jesus’ command to love all people. Scripture teaches us how followers of Christ can interact with Muslims in a Christ-honoring fashion. —We note that the Islamic World contains significant theological and ideological diversity. The spectrum of Muslim perspectives and practice ranges from secularists, modernists and some traditionalists, to extremist Islamists who promote militant jihad. Recognizing this great diversity, we affirm nine biblical guidelines that can enable Jesus’ followers to serve as his representatives in relationship with Muslims of every persuasion.

1. Be Faithful to God’s Truth – the Whole Truth

—We seek to relate to Muslims on the basis of the core convictions of Christian faith, not by hiding or diminishing them. Relating to Muslims with respect, understanding and love includes bearing faithful witness to essential truths of the gospel. Jesus is Lord. Forgiveness, salvation and eternal life are free gifts of God’s grace available to any person through repentance and faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection. We seek to obey the whole will of God, with its implications for every part of our lives in this world (Matt 22:37, 39; 28:20; Micah 6:8).

2. Be Jesus-Centered in our Interaction

—Our focus is Jesus because he is the essence of the gospel. God has revealed himself to us by taking human form. We say with Paul: “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Cor 2:2 NIV). We affirm a Jesus-centered approach to Muslims because it highlights the treasure of the gospel. It does not confuse the good news with Christendom, patriotism or our civilization. Jesus is our model, and we seek to embody his life in all we say and do.

3. Be Truthful and Gracious in our Words and Witness

—We seek to be accurate when we speak about Muslims and their faith. Overstatement, exaggeration and words taken out of context should not be found among followers of Jesus, for he calls us to be careful about the words we speak (Matt 12:36). God commands us not to bear false witness against our neighbor (Ex 20:16) and to do unto others as we would have them do unto us (Matt 7:12). Thus we endeavor to speak truthfully about Muslims, and we seek to be clear and positive in our communication of the gospel to Muslims. —

As much as it depends on us, we seek to live at peace with all people, while acknowledging that speaking the truth, even graciously, will offend some. We acknowledge that respectful and gracious witness does not imply naiveté or silence about troublesome issues. We are called to speak the truth in love. At the same time we refuse to project onto all Muslims a violent agenda espoused by only a minority. We choose to relate to Muslims as unique individuals rather than assuming they fit our stereotype of a “Muslim.” Moreover, we refuse to prioritize concerns of political power and self-protection above the commands of Scripture, such as love for neighbor (Matt 22:39). We affirm that proclaiming the Good News of Christ’s love is a higher priority than defending our culture.

4. Be Wise in our Words and Witness

—God’s Word calls us to share our faith wisely. “Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity” (Col 4:5). What does wisdom look like in practice? According to James, “the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peaceloving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness” (James 3:17-18 NIV). In our interaction with articles, books and commentators, we need to discern between those reflecting the wisdom from above and those whose approach is “earthly”. We need to embrace that which is impartial and sincere, neither glossing over vital truths nor telling only one side of a story.

Prayer Points

This is an Affirmation from a Global Network of Christians who love Muslims and many who live and serve among them. We affirm nine biblical guidelines that can enable Jesus’ followers to serve as his representatives in relationship with Muslims of every persuasion.

1. Be Faithful to God’s Truth: Pray for Christians, when they relate to Muslims to do it on the basis of the core convictions of Christian faith, not by hiding or diminishing them. (Mt. 22:37, 39; 28:20, Micah 6:8)
2. Christ-Centered in Interaction: Ask that they will unashamedly present Jesus, the Essence of the gospel (1 Cor.2:2) and that they do not confuse the good news with Christianity, patriotism, culture or our civilisation.
3. Our Words and Witness: Pray that their words and witness will be in line with Scripture, containing no overstatement, exaggeration or words taken out of context (Matt.12:36, Ex.20:16, Matt.7:12, Matt.22:39).
4. Wisdom in our Words and Witness: Above all, ask that Christians will share their faith wisely, but not hesitate in making the best of every opportunity (Col.4:5, James 3:17-18).

Today’s Video Prayer Fuel

From August 9th – September 9th 2010 Worldwide Mission Fellowship will be praying that Muslims around the world going through Ramadan will turn to Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, this is in conjunction with similar prayer strategies around the world supported by Open Doors and 30 days of Prayer. Our ultimate prayer is for their salvation.

Tuesday 10th August 2010

Today we prayed through the prayer point below for muslim background believers and Christians under persecution in the islamic world. We also focused on Romans 8:26 asking the Holy Spirit to intercede through us and to be the governor and controller of our lives as we prepare to step up our prayers as Ramadn itslef starts tomorrow

Muslim Background Believers

Internet Evangelism (John 8:22)

From August 9th – September 9th 2010 Worldwide Mission Fellowship will be praying that Muslims around the world going through Ramadan will turn to Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, this is in conjunction with similar prayer strategies around the world supported by Open Doors and 30 days of Prayer. Our ultimate prayer is for their salvation.

Monday 9th August 2010

Today we watched the two videos below and  prayed that the Abrahamic covenant which was realised in Jesus Christ would be a blessing to all peoples of the earth including muslims.

Scripture references

Matthew 28:18-20

Genesis 12:1-3 | Genesis 18:18 | Genesis 22:18 | Genesis 26:4 | Genesis 28:14

Acts 3:24-26

Galatians 3:16 | Galatians 3:28-29

Video Prayer Fuel

Abdul, 13 Year Old Muslim Boy’s Journey to Truth !

Abdul’s Testimony. Convert from Islam to Christianity

In the time that it takes you to watch this video 2 Christians will have been killed for their belief in Jesus. Please pray for our brothers and sisters enduring tribulation around the world. Words can neither describe nor do justice to these images. May God and Christ be glorfied in their sacrifice.

“Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated. The world was not worthy of them.”
Hebrews 11:36-38

The world was not worthy of them
Video Transcription

• If The World Hates You,
• Remember that it hated me first.
• If you belonged to the world, it would love you.
• But you are not of this world.
• I have chosen you out of the world.
• Because of this the world hates you. John 15:18-19

• On October 29th, 2005, Noviana Malewa was walking to a Christian school with 3 friends.
• They were attacked by two men with a machete.
• Only Noviana survived

• Namrata Nayak was 10 when her house was bombed because she is Christian

• James Jeda was thrown into a fire by two soldiers in Sudan
• For refusing to renounce Jesus Christ

• Flogged for being Christian

• Attacked with a machete

• Injured by shrapnel from a bomb

• Scar from bullet that passed through his torso and then his left arm

• Churches are being burned down

• Christian homes are being destroyed

• A mob of 600 Hindus came at midnight
• They burned our homes and destroyed our church
• We had to hide in the jungle to survive

• Believers of a home church that was attacked and the Pastor beaten.
• I should have been dead long back if it were not the Grace of Jesus Christ.
• Pastor Simon prayed for me and I am a witness today to the healing power of God.
• So will you stand firmly for Jesus Christ in any situation?
• Even if they kill me I am not going to leave Jesus.

• House of Prayer: Pastor Walter Masih

• As Jesus has told us we have to practice to show the other Cheek.
• I have forgiven them, let them be blessed. They are ignorant.

• In August 2008, in Orissa, India an uproar of Anti-Christian violence swept 300 villages.
• Over 50 Christians were beaten to death, cut to pieces or burned alive.

• There are more than 26 million documented cases of martyrdom in the 20th Century alone.
• More than in the prior 1,900 years combined.
• Close to 165,000 Christians are martyred every year… One Christian is martyred every 3 minutes.
• More than 250 million Christians in over 60 nations are currently living under the threat of persecution… 60% of these are children.
• Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. Hebrews 13:3