Discuss from the Scriptures

Acts 17:2

And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures.

There is a third important lesson we can learn from Paul, this time in his arguments with the Jews in the local synagogues. He argues with them from the Scriptures. He did not resort to illustrations, theological discourses or human reasoning, useful though these may be at times. He based his messages on the Word of God which is the best foundation for a positive witness. It is the sword of the Spirit; it is living and active; it penetrates the very depths of soul and spirit; and it is God’s best instrument for drawing unbelievers to the gospel of his Son.

Paul worked from the power of his best source, the Word of God, with the Spirit of God as his witness to confirm his message, but he did this in the way the Bible itself does it. Our holy book, as Hebrews says, “pierces to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow”. Primarily the Christian witness is not an attempt to persuade people to believe in the truth of the gospel, it is, first and foremost, a call to men and women everywhere to be reconciled to God in their inner beings through faith in Jesus Christ. The Word of God x-rays the human heart; it analyses our emotions; challenges our indulgent distractions; it reshapes our hearts and minds; and it confront the inner man.

This week we have considered the importance of learning about Muslim beliefs and finding common ground. We have looked at four things about the uniqueness of Jesus that give us an example of how to do this. The book Sharing the Gospel with Muslims, by John Gilchrist gives many more examples of common ground between the Qur’an and the Bible.

With a love for Muslims and the power of God’s Word in your hands, you can be God’s own messenger to bring many to salvation, to the saving grace of God, which we know is found in Jesus alone.

Today's Prayer

Thank God for his powerful Word. Ask him to fill your heart with love for those you want to evangelise and to open your eyes to the opportunities you have in your sphere of influence.