SOAR DISCUSSION GUIDE

Christian Response to Islam

Dr Peter
16th August 2015

The Great Commission (Matt 28:18-20) is the ultimate expression of the Great Commandment to love God and love our neighbours.  Peter drew us back to the Great Commandment as the starting point to shape the way we engage with people of other faith, including Muslims.  To love God is to love the people he loves.  John 3:16 remind us that God loves the world.  Fallen we may be, but His loves sees through the fallenness to peoples’ intended beauty and purpose.  As we join with God who redeemed us to redeem others, we bring the greatest expression of love to our neighbours, by helping them come into a relationship with Jesus Christ.  This relationship is man’s greatest blessing.

It is important to realise that Muslims are just like us, human beings.  They have the same concerns like paying the mortgage, raising their children, making friends, recognition in the workplace, worrying about the bad influences in the world, injustices etc.

Below are some conversation starters and stoppers that Peter mentioned, which could assist you as you engage with Muslims in your world.

Conversation Starters

• Creation, Sin and the Fall
• Prophets
• Opposition to decadence in society
• The transcendence of God – Devine – Greater than the created world – beyond the limits of human comprehension – Not constrained by natural laws and limits of time and space
• Fasting
• Prayer
• Abraham, Isaac and Ishmael
• Love

Conversation Stoppers

• God’s desire to be known
• The Trinity
• Jesus, the Son of God
• The Holy Spirit
• The status of Muhammad
• The assurance of salvation
• A personal relationship with God
• The status of the Qur’an

Discussion Questions

1. From the Q&A what was new, what encouraged you and what confirmed something important to you?
2. Muslims are just like us. How does this understanding shape the way you would build relationships with them?
3. Do you have Muslims that are in your world – at work, at the same school your children go to etc? Discuss as a group how you (Individually and as a life group) might build bridges of friendship and understanding with them?
4. What steps will you take to show Jesus to Muslims in your world, over the next 2 weeks and longer term over the next 3 month?