From the Empty Way

Despite its strong face and intimidating presence, despite its religious devotion and depth of cultural unity, Islam is an empty way of life which cannot save. One day, Muslims along with the rest of mankind who have not acknowledged the Lord Jesus, will ‘flee to caves in the rocks from dread of the Lord and the splendour of his majesty, when he rises to shake the earth.’ (Is 2:19) Muslims are real people, made in God’s image, for whom Christ died. Their hearts are empty of worship of the true and living God. They are shackled to an empty religion which makes daily demands, but holds no hope in eternity.

They are here in their thousands, in our cities and our universities. This issue of Isa Masih carries inspiring news of what is already happening on campuses around the UK. Discussion groups and debates are springing up as Christian students engage with Islamic societies. What have we to fear? We know the truth of abundant life in Christ, and the help of the Spirit who transforms human words into a demonstration of God’s power. It is the Lord who grants ears to hear and hearts to understand. Let Him move our hearts so that we would long to reach out, sharing our lives and engaging in dialogue with all the means at our disposal. Let us become all things to our Muslim friends, so that by all possible means we might save some (1 Cor 9:23).

This issue of Isa Masih encourages us to use all means. Firstly, we should contextualise our message, never changing the essential facts of the gospel but adapting the cultural package to a Muslim mindset. In Athens, Paul argued from pagan poetry to gospel truth (Acts 17:22-28). Here we present an article on right and wrong approaches to using the Qur’an in evangelism, as preparation for a forthcoming series in Isa Masih. Likewise we explore the qur’anic account of Jesus. Secondly, we must not be afraid to confront our hearers, demolishing arguments and taking captive every thought for Christ (2 Cor 10:4-5). In this issue, we outline the mounting archaeological evidence against the reliablity of Islam and tackle the alleged biblical predictions of Muhammad. Finally, we need to proclaim the gospel faithfully, for:

‘it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold [or zakat, or Hajj, or salat, or saum, or shahada] that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.’ (1 Peter 1:18-21)

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