Gospel Opportunities and Islam
In the coffee shop I have had the opportunity to get to know a particular family from the neighborhood. In getting to know them I have come to appreciate the common grace that exudes from their home. They value the family structure. They exercise modesty. They have a desire for the renewal of the neighborhood. They care for the neighborhood kids. They have taken in individuals whose lives have been shattered. This is a family whom I have grown to love and respect. Each morning in which I have an opportunity to pour them a cup coffee is an opportunity to thank God for his common grace in our lives!
What makes this an interesting relationship is that this particular family is Muslim. More recently I have had the opportunity to explore their beliefs regarding Christ, the Trinity, the justice of God and the inspiration of Scripture. This has been a joy to constructively dialogue through these doctrines in order to gain clarity on Islam but also to raise the banner of Christ and him crucified.
Please pray that God will give the wisdom to lovingly interact with this family. It is easy to function out of theological pride which leads to jousting for theological dominance. What I say is as important as how I say. I can share the gospel of Christ and yet contradict it in the same breath by how I say it. So pray for a gracious and winsome apologetic.
And pray with us as we pray for a God-sized work. We are praying that he would regenerate this family and use them to lead a revival amidst the Muslim people in our neighborhood.
What makes this an interesting relationship is that this particular family is Muslim. More recently I have had the opportunity to explore their beliefs regarding Christ, the Trinity, the justice of God and the inspiration of Scripture. This has been a joy to constructively dialogue through these doctrines in order to gain clarity on Islam but also to raise the banner of Christ and him crucified.
Please pray that God will give the wisdom to lovingly interact with this family. It is easy to function out of theological pride which leads to jousting for theological dominance. What I say is as important as how I say. I can share the gospel of Christ and yet contradict it in the same breath by how I say it. So pray for a gracious and winsome apologetic.
And pray with us as we pray for a God-sized work. We are praying that he would regenerate this family and use them to lead a revival amidst the Muslim people in our neighborhood.
Gospel Opportunities with Gospel Believers
While working at the coffee shop I have had the privilege of getting to know some individuals from the local community. This has given way to numerous gospel-conversations with unbelievers as well as believers.
Take for instance Jill. Jill is a Philly native who endured significant trials as young woman growing up in the city. Later in life she came to know Christ through the evangelism of a missionary couple. For the last five years she has lived in this particular neighborhood and she has faithfully proclaimed the name of Christ to this neighborhood. In fact, I first met Jill as she was going door to door inviting the local women out to a bible study and I often run into her as she is passing out tracks to those she meets on the streets.
Recently while talking with Jill she shared the struggles and the rejection she has endured as a result of proclaiming Christ in this neighborhood but when I spoke to her of a potential church plant she was excited and eager to pray for us.
This past week I ran into Jill again as she was handing out tracks. She had mentioned that she was struggling with some physical problems and she was attempting to cling to God in the midst of it. She humbly asked for prayer and as brother and sister we had the opportunity to go before the throne of grace for help in time of need.
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