7:9 Asks, Do You Look…

The Open Doors?

The Open Doors? Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us: ‘There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens:’ ‘... a time to be silent and a time to speak,’ (3:7b).Sarah was warmly welcomed into the mosque for an interfaith event. The slightly nervous presenter spoke about the five pillars of Islam to around 45 women who had gathered; Hindu, Muslim but only two Christians. When she had finished, she invited questions. Sarah asked, “You have spoken a lot about what you can do to be pure from sins, like travelling to Mecca for the Hajj or washing before prayers. What kind of things are seen as being sins in Islam to make you impure?” She answered that, “people should not gossip or talk about people behind their backs, practical things which were not good. ”From the audience an animated lady joined in loudly saying, “Everything you need to know is in the Quran. Jesus also brought a holy book which Muslims believe in, but the bible that Christians have has been changed. ”Was this Sarah’s opportunity for gracious silence or proclaiming the truth with gentleness and respect? (1 Peter 3:15)Like Paul, Sarah asks for your support. Please, 2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Colossians 4:2-6)I’m going to stop the story there because the point is not what Sarah did next but what you think she ought to have done. And if you are urging her to speak up, then please know that Sarah is urging you also. Look for the 'open doors' and go to our Muslim neighbours who need to hear Jesus’ message of forgiveness and love.

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