Come and See
Can anything good come from Muslims?
“Nathanael said to him, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ Phillip said to him, ‘Come and see’.” John [1:46]
After two seconds scrolling through social media, I encounter Christians who are apathetic or fearful toward Muslims. “Can anything good come from Muslims,” they seem to say.
I get it. I was one of them. Still, it stings my ears when fellow Believers avert their eyes and say, “Good luck with that,” when they consider sharing Jesus with Muslims.
It reminds me of Nathanael who said, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John [1:46]).
Anything good?
This week, we have been encouraged by fellow Believers who are intentionally engaging Muslims in their communities. These men and women are every day working people, not pastors or missionaries.
And they didn’t always share Jesus with Muslims. At first, they were apathetic, then fearful, as they began noticing more veiled women while shopping, more Muslims moving into their neighborhoods, more mosques popping up in their cities.
“Who will reach all these Muslims?”
Time passed. More Muslims moved in. More mosques appeared. They waited for someone to “do something.” No one did.
“I know God loves Muslims, and I don’t believe most are terrorists. I just didn’t see my role in reaching out to them.” – Tom
Come and See
Thankfully the story doesn’t end here. As they wondered, “Can anything good come from this situation,” a fellow Ambassador for Christ took them by the hand and said, “Come and see.”
“Nathanael said to him, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ Phillip said to him, ‘Come and see’.” John [1:46]
Come and see God’s heart for Muslims.
Come and see your role in God’s redemptive story.
Come and see the joy that comes from sharing Jesus with Muslims.
Friends, more Muslims have come to faith since 9/11/01, than the previous 1,400 years combined. And yet over a billion Muslims don’t yet know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
In our children’s lifetimes, Muslims worldwide are projected to outnumber Christians. It will take every single Believer, actively sharing Jesus with Muslims to turn the alarming trends around.
How about you?
John says, “Our actions will show that we belong to the truth,so we will be confident when we stand before God.” (1 John [3:19] NLT).
Your actions are driven by your thoughts. So, if you’re fueling thoughts of apathy, fear or even curiosity toward Muslims, you’re not likely to share Jesus.
Conversely, when you’ve fully realized God’s heart for the lost, and you’ve embraced your role as an Ambassador for Christ, you’ll be striving to engage the lost and sharing Jesus as a lifestyle right where you live. The love of Christ will compel you to share. (2 Corinthians [5:14], 18-20).
So, let’s get real. What are your thoughts about Muslims, right now?
Apathetic – Fearful – Curious – Confident
What do you want your thoughts to be?
What would happen if fellow Believers remained apathetic and fearful – waiting for someone to “do something?” Passing time. More Muslims moving in. More mosques appearing.
Be a Change Agent
I don’t know about you, but I’m not waiting for someone, somewhere to “do something.” We founded iHOPE Ministries to lead the charge – to inspire and empower Christians to be part of the solution by helping Muslims find and follow Jesus.
“No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.” (1 John [4:12] NLT)
Are you with us? Come and see!
Get the courage, confidence and know-how to share Jesus with unbelievers around you. Start small with these steps.
- Learn the impact you can have when you share Jesus with your Muslim friend. Listen to this podcast.
- Invite a small group of Believing friends to “come and see.” Use the free, iHOPE Empowers online video training and Small Group Discussion Guide to do a 5-week Bible study.
- Read and share “Muslims: 5 Biblical Essentials,” with your social circles.
- Bring a live iHOPE event to your church or organization.
