I'm from Jakarta, Indonesia. How can I help my Muslim friends become Christians? -- Joe
Although we dealt with this question earlier, let me amplify what I wrote before to the brother from Boston who had similar concerns.
Have you read the Qur'an? Since your nation is over 80% Muslim, wouldn't it make sense to be familiar with the Islamic writings? Read the Qur'an. It is only 4/5 the length of the N.T., and this will help you understand where Muslims are coming from. (I would probably not aim to read the Qur'an if you have not completely read Alkitab at least once or twice; keep those priorities straight!)
As you read the Qur'an, you'll easily notice the confusion when it comes to Old Testament and New Testament events. The best book I have ever read on Islam is Norman Geisler and Abdul Saleeb's Answering Islam: The Crescent in the Light of the Cross (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1993). I would also ask your ministers for their reading suggestions.
But bringing a Muslim to Christ involves more than knowledge alone. Friendship is needed! Fundamentally, the Muslim is no different than you or me. He has become a sinner in need of God's forgiveness. Although there is much violence in your country, Jesus died for every one of these persons, regardless of their religion. Even Paul, as he relates in 1 Timothy, used to act violently towards the disciples. So don't be intimidated!
Finally, and I believe you will appreciate this, Tetapi kuduskanlah Kristus di dalam hatimu sebagai Tuhan! Dan siap sedialah pada segala waktu untuk memberi pertanggungan jawab kepada tiap-tiap orang yang meminta pertanggungan jawab dari kamu tentang pengharapan yang ada padamu, tetapi haruslah dengan lemah lembut dan hormat, dan dengan hati nurani yang murni, supaya mereka, yang memfitnah kamu karena hidupmu yang saleh dalam Kristus, menjadi malu karena fitnahan mereka itu!
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