CHRISTIAN NEWS...Preaching in a Mosque saves 50!

PREACHING THE GOSPEL IN A MOSQUE

Introduction

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is simple but powerful, and it is important to present it to people as simple and straight as it can be. We need to tell the gospel story in a simple and easy to understand manner because the lives of people ae involve.  The souls of men are involved, and God's will is for all to come to repentance and be saved from hell.

A clear presentation of the gospel to Muslims will clarify many of their doubts in their hearts and allow them to make the most important decision of their lives - Accepting Jesus Christ.  The gospel of Christ is the story of God's power to save and deliver willing souls from death to come. 

When we present the gospel in the simplest form of it, the recipient is able to see God's love in the work of Christ at the cross.  They will be able to assure themselves of His blessings, healing and deliverance, His presence, and protection if they receive His Son Jesus as Lord of their lives.  Everyone knows the Lord is good, and for the Muslim brothers and sisters, who are not familiar with instant miracles and healing, God is ready to demonstrate His love towards them, in the sense that, while the preacher is yet speaking, He will start healing them and setting those in bondage free.  

This was what happened recently, when Pastor Chris Donald, the Pastor of Students at Lifestyle Christianity University, recently shared a story and photos of himself preaching in a mosque in Iraq, with another Pastor who he identified as David.

Grace to share the Gospel

As in the case above of Pastor Chris, it may be that you have a lot of Muslin and other friends who do not know Jesus and you have desired to share the word with them, but find it difficult.  It may be that you don’t know what to say. Or maybe you’re sharing the gospel but nothing is happening; people are not committing their lives to Christ and you are wondering what is happening.  The truth is that your duty is to share the word plainly and accurately, then God, by His Spirit will open the person's understanding and heart, to know the truth and surrender to Christ.

Realize, child of God that you can share the gospel, without being a Pastor or an Evangelist by profession.  God, whom you are sharing His word does not call the equipped, He equips the called—and as Christians, we are all called to share what Christ has done. Some of Christ’s last words on earth were, “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Sharing our faith isn’t just a suggestion, it’s a command. And God is with us when we obey Him.

What do I do?

If you want to share the word of God, to evangelize people, friends around you, there are many steps you can take.  One of the best ways to share your faith is to live a godly life. Non-Christians often look at Christians as hypocritical because we say one thing but do another. Show those close to you that you are different.  Say what you mean, do what you promise.  Don't let your words fall to the ground, don't make promises you cannot fulfil.  There should be no lies, deception or guile coming from you.  If your life can be established on godliness, you will do well in soul winning.

Make it a habit to study and meditate on the word of God regularly.  You should be committed in your Church and fellowship activities.  You should keep the fire in your life 'burning' by passion and devotion to the things of God, and by the life of Christ you practice - Loving difficult people, forgiving people in advance, without waiting till they apologize to you.  By the life of compassion and care, kind words, patience, a gentle temperament, choosing to love people without expecting anything in return, and respecting people.  Sharing the gospel is our duty and people need to hear the gospel before they can repent.

They need to hear the good news of God's love for them, the sacrifice of Christ and how Christ died for them and that they can have eternal life. Romans 10:13-14 says, “‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”

Simple Steps to sharing the Gospel

1. God's Love and plan for them - Tell them that God loves them and wants them to experience the peace and life He offers. God created everyone in the world, but the world is working contrary to God's order and truth, so it is those people who come to Him in repentance, through Jesus Christ that are His sons and daughters.  The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). He has a plan for you.  

Stress the love of God, because it all starts with love, and that’s where we need to start. Ultimately, we have to explain that we’re all sinners and have violated God’s standards, and, because of that, there is a judgment. “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23, NIV). But don’t start with that. People know they’ve done a lot of wrong things, but they first need to hear that God is still open to forgiving them.

The plans and purpose of God are towards His sons and daughters, and not necessarily for every creature.  Everyone living is at liberty to choose who to serve, God or Satan.  If you choose God, eternity is your heavenly reward, and on earth blessings according to your faith.  If the person chooses to be identified with Satan, death and eternal damnation will follow. 

2. The dangers of Sin - Separation and death  Sin separates us from the Lord, God. A life of sin is the life of the devil and his agents, not for Believers who come to Christ.  The Bible says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). God is holy, but we are human and don’t measure up to His perfect standard. We are sinful, and “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).  When a person accepts Christ, he rejects sin and worldliness.  Accepting Christ is a personal decision that means that a person is ready to live and follow the steps of Christ.

3. Talk about God’s remedy—the cross. God’s love bridges the gap of separation between you and Him. When Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the grave, He paid the penalty for your sins. The Bible says, “‘He Himself bore our sins’ in His body on the cross so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by His wounds, you have been healed’” (1 Peter 2:24).

4. Our response to God's plea - Is to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. You cross the bridge into God’s family when you accept Christ’s free gift of salvation. The Bible says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).  He is the one sent by God to redeem man and only faith in Him can get man saved.

5. Understand that your own life is a great part of your witness. If my relationship with Christ isn’t vital, then I really don’t have a lot to share. People not only listen to your words, but they also look at your life. your passion for Christ, and the things of God.  If after inviting them to Church, they don't see you in church on Sunday, it's not good enough.  If after you invite them to church for Midweek service, they come, but you are at home or in a Bar watching Man U match, you have not done well.

6. Keep it simple. The Gospel is already simple. Christ died for our sins. He was buried. He rose again. We need to turn away from the things that are wrong in our lives, and accept what Jesus did on the cross for us and receive Him as Lord. Don’t complicate it. So many times we throw in things like our denomination or other doctrines or we use religious terms that a lot of people don’t understand. We end up confusing them and creating barriers. Explain the Gospel in a way that people can understand.

Pastor Chris who is very passionate about demonstrating the love and power of Jesus everywhere he goes, shared the story on his Facebook page, stating that there were about 150 to 200 people in attendance at the mosque. The power of God was present to heal as over 50 people had the healing power of God come through in their lives and many turned unto Jesus Christ, declaring their faith in Him.

Here’s what he wrote:

We had the amazing opportunity to preach the Gospel in a mosque. I can honestly say I have never done or heard of this happening before. After leaving I jokingly said on a scale from 1-10 how dangerous was that and one of the Iraqi translators said 12! There was anywhere from 150-200 people present. We started by praying for the sick. When we asked who was healed at least 50 people raised their hands. A few people fell over under the power of God and were healed as well. 

Then David preached the Gospel for the 20 min that he was given to share. They didn’t know that he would preach the Gospel. The leaders where on Facebook live and they were broadcasting it over the speakers in the streets as well. After David preached he asked for a response to follow Jesus many if not all the hands went in the air. It’s very hard to follow up and see what happened but we believe that many encountered God that night. I have never seen the power of God this strong in my life.

FIRE...