Overview
Over 1,500 years ago, Christians in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia encountered a vibrant and rapidly growing new religion: Islam. These encounters between Christian and Muslim societies were sometimes peaceful, sometimes violent—but they were always a clash. The most infamous of these were the Crusades of the Middle Ages. Despite the long history of relations between Christians and Muslims, believers in America have never had much reason to learn to interact with and reach out to Muslims. Now, all that has changed.
Since September 11, 2001, Americans have been increasingly interested and invested in understanding Islam. But beyond this national interest, American Christians have another motivation for understanding this faith. If we are to share the gospel with our Muslim neighbors, then we must learn how best to communicate our faith with them. Fortunately, it is not as difficult as you might imagine. What is the most effective way of reaching Muslims? What must we be sure to say—and not say—when we talk about the gospel?
Table of Contents
SCRIPTURE: Acts 17:16–31; 8:26–35; 1 Thessalonians 4:3–12; 1 John 4:7–21
LEADER'S GUIDE
• Identify the Current Issue
• Discover the Eternal Principles
—Teaching point one: Christians must replace fear of Muslims with love for Muslims.
—Teaching point two:Christians must live a life that exemplifies the gospel.
—Teaching point three:Christians must educate themselves about Islam.
—Teaching point four:Christians must know enough about Christianity to articulate its differences with Islam.
• Apply Your Findings
• Additional Resources
ARTICLE FROM CHRISTIANITY TODAY and BUILDINGCHURCHLEADERS.COM:
• "Connecting with Muslims," interview with T.V. Thomas, BuildingChurchLeaders.com. and "Loving Muslims One at a Time," interview with Andrew White, Christianity Today
Total number of pages—
