One of the things I find most freeing about the Alpha course is that its focus is
on sharing the gospel and allowing the Holy Spirit to do the convincing and convicting.
Its not the role of any person to bring others to repentance through convincing argument. This reminds us once again of the greatness of our God. He includes us in the
work he is doing on earth. He wants us to hear his voice so that we can be involved
with him in his work. But he doesn't depend on us to do it, and we certainly don't
have to force his hand.
The current 'On Being' magazine has an excellent article under the title 'St Frances
calls cease-fire on Islam'. Here are some excerpts -
"The church launched her warfare in the Crusades, and Muslims today still harbour
a horror of the Cross. ... Francis of Assisi spurned the aggressive spirit of his
age towards Muslims. He sent his Little Brothers into Muslim lands, instructing them
'Wherever you go, share the Gospel - sometimes with words.' Francis the evangelist taught
that 'a leader is a good preacher insofar as he knows how to do good works, faithfully
and humbly'. Where the Crusaders seized blazoned victories, Francis' followers gave
unproclaimed service and indiscriminate love. In contrast to the flood of Christian
vitriol against Muslims, Francis and his followers demonstrated before they preached
that the Gospel was good news."
We should not be fearful of Muslims - "Francis saw the dignity of God in every Muslim
person, and with this respect, he found open hearts. Such grace towards Muslims was
radical in his day. It is still too rare today."
Read the rest of this article by Christine Mallouhi (a Christian living in a Muslim
country) in "On Being".
We have wonderful opportunities to befriend people of other nationalities and religious
groupings in our city. Earlier this week, the focus of the "30 Days Muslim Prayer"
booklet was on Universities. This reminds us that university and college campuses
provide access and opportunity for Christian witness to the many unreached people studying
and lecturing there.
Students/workers from Islamic countries may never have the same opportunity to hear
the gospel in their own nation as they do while they are here - and we certainly
do not have the same freedom to share it in many other places.
Let us not allow this window of opportunity slip away.
We can -
* Invite workmates or fellow students into our homes.
* Show them some of the places of interest in our area - many don't have a vehicle
* Join organisations that link Australians with people of other countries.
* Teach English as a second language.Our role is to love people into the kingdom, while at
the same time praying for their releasefrom the powers
of darkness that hold them captive - see Ephesians 6:12
Jenny Kallmier