To Win an Argument

“And my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:4-5, NASB.

Believers gathered together one evening. Their purpose was to discuss how to reach the large Muslim people group who lived all around them. The Gospel message was not the issue. The problem was how to get to the Gospel before Muslim friends shut down the discussion. It was agreed that many of the approaches to sharing the Gospel from a Western context did not seem to work very well.

Derek* looked at his co-laborers grappling with this question that had gripped his heart for years. He said, “One thing is for sure, we will not be able to argue a Muslim person to faith. We are looking for a way to introduce the Gospel and allow the Holy Spirit to work in the person’s life.” As Derek said this he noticed that Alex, a local believer from a minority people group, got a thoughtful expression on his face.

The meeting continued and many good ideas were shared. In the midst of the conversation, Alex noted, “When I have shared with people in the past my main point has usually been to try to prove that they are wrong…. Perhaps that’s not the best way.” Alex was uncharacteristically quiet for the remainder of the discussion. Perhaps it had been a moment of revelation from the Lord.

As the group closed in prayer, Derek thanked God for the privilege of sharing the Good News with their Muslim neighbors, and for continuing to transform the lives of the messengers in the process!

*Names changed for security reasons.

Pray that:

God will call more believers like Alex to share His Gospel with the Muslim people group who live in his large urban center.

God will give wisdom and humility to believers enabling them to approach their Muslim friends with the Gospel of grace and truth.

The barriers of fear and prejudice will no longer keep believers from sharing their faith with their Muslim friends and neighbors.

Pacific Rim is a region of the International Mission Board, SBC.