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The Gospel for Muslims: An Encouragement to Share Christ with Confidence

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It's easy to feel ill-equipped or uncertain when it comes to evangelism at the best of times. I'd imagine that for many of us sharing our faith comes about as naturally as speaking in public. Its hard work at the best of times, especially when there's no natural segue or a cameo appearance by Jesus Himself.

But when it comes to a Muslim neighbor, coworker, classmate or friend--how do we do share the gospel with them?

"It's a fine question, but it has a fatal flaw. It assumes that somehow Muslims require a different gospel or a different technique, that Muslims are somehow impervious to the gospel in a way that other sinners are not," writes Thabiti Anyabwile in the opening pages of The Gospel for Muslims: An Encouragement to Share Christ with Confidence.

The book is broken into two parts. The first is primarily theological, addressing topics of God, man, Jesus, repentance and faith and highlighting the similarities and differences between the Muslim and Christian understandings of these teachings. This was particularly fascinating to read because it truly shows how fundamentally different the two belief systems are.

Three quick examples:

While Muslims and Christians largely agree on the basic attributes of God (holiness, justice, etc.), the Trinity is a stumbling block in part because it's so essential to the Christian view of salvation from sin and judgment.

The view of sin is strikingly different. While Christians believe that all humanity is enslaved to sin because of Adam's fall (Genesis 3, cf. Romans 6:6, 15-20; 7:25), Muslims deny original sin.

"Adam is not said to have sinned against God, but to have made an ethical mistake," Anyabwile writes (p. 44). "Most define sin as simply disobeying Allah's will. This disobedience comes from man's weakness and ignorance, but not from a corruption of his nature." Further, he explains that in Muslim theology, the object of sin is man--that when we sin, we do evil to ourselves, rather than offend a holy, perfect God.

As in all things, the greatest stumbling block is Jesus Himself. Given His claims about Himself, "[t]o accept Jesus as `a good moral teacher' or as a prophet as Muslims do, only to then reject His prophecy and teaching is not an honest position to take" (p. 64). The truth that Christ is both fully man and fully God is an unavoidable reality and something with which we all--whatever our background--must contend. "Who is Jesus" is the most important we will ever answer, and we must do so.

These chapters are to be considered carefully. For the Christian reader, there is much encouragement and even some correction here. It's easy to take for granted the truths of Christianity and forget how truly distinct our beliefs are. Looking at them side-by-side with an opposing view gave me the opportunity to see them again with fresh eyes and just marvel at how audacious the claims of the Bible truly are. How ridiculous they would be if they were not true, and how wondrous they are because they are.

The second half of the book offers thoughtful, pastoral advice as we witness in the world.

Anyabwile reminds us of the importance of hospitality and the local church to evangelism.

By practicing hospitality we're afforded numerous opportunities for friendships and evangelism by doing something as simple as sharing a meal. The local church, imperfect as it may be, "is God's plan for demonstrating His wisdom and love in a fallen world" (p. 143). So we should embrace the command to be hospitable and embrace the local church.
We should pray for boldness, what Anyabwile describes as the true meaning of being filled with the Spirit. "The Spirit who dwells in us will not leave us nor forsake us. He will give us what we need to testify to Christ," he writes (p. 106).

He exhorts us to trust the Bible and use it in our evangelism. "Using the Scripture demonstrates your trust in it." If we believe the Bible is the Word of God, we need not be embarrassed about it.

Finally, we need to develop a good theology of suffering. It is the common earthly experience for all believers (cf. Matt 16:24-25; 2 Tim 3:12; Phil 1:29; 1 Pet 2:20-21). How we react to suffering is a powerful witness to the efficacy of Christ's death, burial and resurrection--because our hope is in Him, not in the things of this world.
So why is Thabiti Anyabwile qualified to write this book? Because it's his story.

He converted to Islam while a sophomore in college. "I was zealous for Islam, `the perfect religion for the African American,'" he recalls (p. 19).

However, as he read the Quran, he found himself having to wrestle with its teaching about Jesus and, in order to be a consistent and intellectually honest Muslim, it meant coming to grips with the Bible.

He became convinced that Islam was false. Not just Islam, but he was fairly certain all religions were as well. And just over a decade ago, after a season marked by the "pursuit of the world," he turned to Christ, discovering that in Jesus was redemption. "The sinless Son of God has indeed come into the world to save everyone who believes--even a former Muslim who was an avowed and determined enemy of the cross!" (p. 22).

That's what makes The Gospel for Muslims important. It's not a book about apologetics. It's not a book about techniques. The Gospel for Muslims is a heartfelt reminder of the power of the gospel from someone who has tasted and seen that the Lord is good (Psa. 34:8).

And it's a most welcome one.

Read the book and be encouraged.

Book Review
By Jason Scott

"The Gospel for Muslims" by Thabiti Anyabwile

This short little book by Pastor Anyabawile is broken up into two parts. The first part (Chapters 1-5) the gospel is detailed. First it is God and God alone that man has offended with his sin. God is not the same as Allah or any other god for that matter. Thabiti describes the need for a Substitute to atone for man's sin. That Substitute is of course the Lord Jesus Christ. It is through His sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection from the grave that man can once again have fellowship with God.

The second part of the book (chapters 6-11) Thabiti shows how Christians can be a more effective witness for Jesus to Muslims. Thabiti admonishes that Christians need to be filled with the Holy Spirit, trust in the Bible, show hospitality to Muslims, be involved in the local church, use that church as an avenue to bring in Muslims, and be willing to suffer for Jesus.

Thabiti describes the purpose for this book on page 14
" The Gospel for Muslims is not a book on apologetics-
how to defend the Christian faith. Apologetics is a helpful
discipline, but it is not evangelism. The Gospel for Muslims is
concerned not with defense but with good offense, with getting
the gospel out to others."

This book is beneficial in two main areas: One it is thrilling to read how the gospel transforms lives. Thabiti Anyabwile was once a devout Muslim, but the power of the gospel radically changed his life and now he is a preacher of the true Word of God. The second benefit of this book is that it gives insight from a former Muslim on how to interact with Muslims and Lord willing, be able to share the gospel with them and see them come to Jesus.

Recently, I downloaded a copy of The Gospel for Muslims by Thabiti Anyabwile. I have to say this is one of the simplest yet information-packed books I've read recently. It's not a long book (144 pages) but it is a treasure trove of information. As a matter of fact, I enjoyed this book so much that I went and bought my own copy so I can mark it up and share it with my husband. I've already told several friends and family members about it.

This book is HIGHLY recommended to every Christian. It provides a foundation of the Christian faith elements, then compares/contrasts those beliefs with what is written in the Quran.

I received this download free in exchange for a review but was not ask or required to write a positive review. It's a pleasure to rate this book with 5 stars!

As you might guess from the title, this very short but excellent book offers encouragement to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with Muslim friends, neighbors, and co-workers. This is a topic dear to the author's heart, because he was once a Muslim himself. He offers himself as evidence that Muslims can and do find salvation in Christ.

The book is split into two parts. The first half outlines the specifics of the gospel message, particularly in contrast to the tenets of Islam, and the claims that the Qur'an makes about Jesus Christ. The second half contains practical advice for sharing Christ with Muslims. Throughout, the tone of the writing is very conversational, making this a quick and enjoyable read.

What I appreciated most about Anyabwile's book is the simple fact that he doesn't try to make evangelism to Muslims some formula which may be perfected. He avoids the pragmatism that most books on evangelism to a particular demographic seem to fall into. Instead, he reinforces what the Bible itself says: "The gospel is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile... even the Muslim Gentile."

The main thrust of the book is confidence in the power of God's Word. Witnessing to Muslims -- or to anyone else, for that matter -- can be intimidating, but God has given us a spirit of boldness, not of timidity. When we trust the Bible, and address those who oppose us with gentleness and respect, the Holy Spirit works through the hearing of the Word to convict and convince unbelievers. This is evangelism 101, but for some reason, people tend to think it's different with Muslims. It's not!

There are some practical sections that deal specifically with answering Muslim arguments and understanding Muslim culture, but nearly everything Anyabwile writes finds application in any circumstance. Most of the objections that Muslims have against Christianity are the very same objections which we encounter with other nonbelievers, and this book is a good reminder that we must always be prepared to give a defense for the hope that is in us.

Of the practical sections, the chapter on hospitality was particularly helpful. The Bible expressly commands believers to be hospitable, both to one another and to strangers, yet this is a glaring weakness in many evangelical circles. Westerners -- and Christians are no exception -- have largely lost the art of hospitality. This is an area in which Muslims excel, and one of the main criticisms they bring to bear against the Church. Learning and practicing hospitality will go a long way to reaching those in our communities with the gospel, and is particularly effective (and needed) among immigrants who often feel as if they have no friends or neighbors they can count on for companionship and help, when needed.

(On a side note: Isn't it ironic that many of us here in the United States make no effort whatsoever to reach out to the immigrants in our community, yet we often complain that they never assimilate into American society?)

On the whole, this is an excellent book for any Christian, but particularly for those living in areas that may have a high concentration of Muslims. At the very least, I hope that it will encourage you to pray for the salvation of Muslims, and for courage and boldness for those Christians who are seeking to evangelize them.

The Gospel for Muslims is the ideal introduction for those who know little about Muslim evangelism. It has a balance of doctrine, example and practical suggestion. With a joyful style, Thabiti Anyabwile [on yob WEE lay] invites his readers to listen as he excitedly tells of his many conversations with Muslims. These conversations illustrate his points in a way that invites us to follow him out the door and join the next encounter.

Anyabwile knows that most Christians are afraid to talk to Muslims and are intimidated by the theological expertise they think is required. He shows why every Christian who understands the Gospel is equipped to share it with Muslims.

One of the most valuable sections is near the end. Many Muslim women have little or no social contact with Christians. Anyabwile makes a heartfelt plea for Christian women to reach out to them with hospitality. He offers simple, practical tips for reaching these overlooked individuals.

In Part 1, Anyabwile discusses how a Christian can present Gospel essentials specifically with reference to the major obstacles in Muslim thinking. Rather than avoiding the Trinity, for instance, he pleads that we must boldly assert the impossibility of salvation without it. Muslims believe that Jesus' substitutionary death makes God to appear unjust. He shows how Jesus' death was the only way to satisfy God's justice.

Anyabwile's own conversion from Islam to Christ partly resulted from reading the
Qur' an's affirmations of major portions of the Bible as God's Word. He concluded that the Bible's teachings on salvation had to be true. He quotes several Qur' anic passages that show why even according to the Qur' an, the Bible could not have been corrupted, contrary to what Muslims are taught.

The Gospel for Muslims provides penetrating questions to clear away objections to the Gospel. For example, Muslims should be asked "how can Jesus be a great prophet who speaks the very words of God with miraculous signs and Muslims still deny what He taught about Himself?" (Pp.63-64)

Though Muslims frequently talk of God's forgiveness, their system ultimately gives them no guarantee of that forgiveness. As an antidote, Anyabwile recommends explaining the Bible's unique and rich descriptions of conversion (i.e., the new birth, raised from death to life, united with Christ).

Anyabwile confronts the fear of not knowing "the right answer." The Christian's role, he says, is "to lift the hands of suppression [of truth]" and "draw out the knowledge of sin, unrighteousness, God and judgment that God has already placed inside their hearts"
(p. 48).

In Part 2 Anyabwile shows how to use God's formidable resources--the filling of the Holy Spirit, the Word, Christian hospitality, and our local churches--to display Christ. He reminds us that unless Christians intentionally seek out Muslims and befriend them, they will never see that vital witness. Using our local church in that witness is essential.

Anyabwile gives five action-provoking reasons to be prepared to suffer for our witness. As an African-American, his insights in the closing chapter on understanding and reaching African-American Muslims are especially valuable.

Authors are pleased enough that people buy and read their books. I will go a step further. I am actually using The Gospel for Muslims to evangelize Muslims. Read it and be ready to share the Gospel with Muslims--with confidence.

Thabiti Anyabwile is a former muslim. Now he loves Jesus. And he's also the Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church Grand Cayman.

What more would you want from an author writing on how to lovingly engage and witness to Muslims?

Having been in several Muslim nations in the last few years, I was excited to see what Anyabwile had to say about sharing with them. In the first few pages Anyabwile reveals that his book is not designed to be an apologetical guide, but a practical help for those wanting to understand a muslim's values and mind-set and how to share Christ in that place.

The book is broken up into two parts: "The Gospel" and "As You Witness." The first section spends most of the time tracking through critical theological differences between the Christian and the muslim such as the Trinity, the Bible's validity, and Jesus' divinity. Anyabwile brings life to these topics with stories of his own encounters and experiences. I actually laughed a number of times thinking to myself, "How true that is!" Anyabwile knows his stuff; you won't find a muslim who won't bring up something about the Scriptures, Jesus, or the Trinity, if not all three! The second section focuses on things you must know for wtinessing to muslims. I loved that he spent time talking about the necessity of being filled with the Spirit to witness here. This is all too overlooked in books like these. The hospitality chapter is super-helpful for those trying to lovingly engage muslims.

I especially enjoyed that at the end of each chapter, there was a "Things to Remember" list recapping the main points being communicated. This became a great help in hammering away the heart behind what Anyabwile was saying. I found myself underlining nearly every point in these sections.

On a funny note, Chapter 4 was not numbered in my book, but the rest were. I'm not sure how that one slipped the system. While the book claims to be practical rather than apologetical, it surely spends half of the book being apologetically geared. However, Anyabwile's unifying plea is undoubtedly clear: believe in the power of the Gospel to save (Romans 1:16). Overall, the book is concise, readable, and insightful. With it's focus on the Gospel and practicals on how to witness well, I think it will be helpful for reaching out to anyone, not merely muslims!

"The Gospel for Muslims: An Encouragement to Share Christ with Confidence" by Thabiti Anyabwile is fine resource to help Christians understand and witness to Muslims. Anyabwile offers helpful approaches in discussing truth with Muslims that will assist Christians, even those who dislike evangelism, to obey the Great Commission (Matthew 28) concerning the lost and Muslims in particular.

Chapters include:

I. The Gospel
1. God by Any Other name?
2. Man's Sin
3. Jesus Christ: Fully God an Fully Man
4. Jesus Christ: The Lamb Slain--and Resurreced!

II. As You Witness
III. The Good news for African-American Muslims
And more.

The author uses a winsome style as he instructs the reader in the manner one should present the Gospel, (including Christ as very man and very God; Christ's death and resurrection) and how to use the truth in Christ to overcome impediments in reaching the Musilm heart and mind.

The author, in a readable and convincing style, discusses:

- the Trinity
- Christ's substitutionary atonement
- How to reach Muslim women through hospitality
- The reliability of the Bible
- The major differences between Islam and Christianity
- The uniqueness of Jesus in the Koranic data


I would add:
Islam is a strict unitarian religion, whereby the supreme doctrine is the absolute and indivisible unity of Allah: Al-Wahed, the One (Sura 13:16, 74:11). Islam forbids the affirmation of God as Father. Allah is often presented as rigid, inflexible, unknowable, and capricious. One cannot have a personal
relationship with Allah. Christ came to reveal the Father so that all His children can know God the Father through the Son by the Holy Spirit. Scholar Jim Halsey recognizes that the Triune God is "the key to genuine epistemology." Non-Christian thought cannot supply the necessary preconditions for the rules of logic (see "One Way to God" by Mike Robinson); thus, it is false. The contrary of the Trinity is impossible, and all non-Christian worldviews fall into absurdity because they cannot explain the universe and are self-contradictory. They lead to conclusions that contradict their own primary assumptions. Without the one God--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit--nothing can make sense. The true and living God is the precondition for knowledge and the understanding all of human experiences, including the "problem of the one and the many." One God in three persons is the inescapable truth.

Go therefore and make disciples of all the
nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
(Matthew 28:19).

Herein one finds insightful answers for many of the Islamic objections to the Christianity. The author focuses on Christ and His uniqueness and power to save; great book for those who want to start reaching Muslims with the Gospel of Christ.
Offered for sale at Westminster Seminary.

See my Presuppositional Book that refutes Islam:
[[ "One Way to God: Christian Philosophy and Presuppositional Apologetics Examine World Religions"]]type in ASIN#:1432722956 on Amazon
or see
Truth, Knowledge and the Reason for God: The Defense of the Rational Assurance of Christianity

Thabiti Anyabwile has performed an outstanding service in this literary work. His writing style is clear, crisp, and to the point. I am richer for having read this book, and I urge others to take advantage of this treasury of insight to become a more effective witness to Muslims.

A good encouragement to believe in the power of the gospel for salvation, to everyone who believes, including Muslims. Thabiti shares some tips for contextualizing the gospel message to Muslims along the way, but mainly focuses on the substance of that message, and the spiritual fruit needed for evangelism. I was encouraged and helped by this little book, and recommend it to anyone wanting to reach out to their Muslim neighbors.

An Encouragement to share the Gospel with Muslims is the theme of this work. The author, an American, once was a converted Muslim and still carries the name when he followed Allah. He starts his work with his credentials as one who has argued apologetics in a public forum with A Moslem scholar in a college forum of who is the true God. He has also had discussions with individuals of the believers of what is taught in the Qumran. Dr. Thabiti Anyabwile is an author of many fine books promoted by Michael Horton, Mark Dever, and R.C. Sproul. I have enjoyed several others of his works that contain many more words and pages. I write down these words not to down play this work but to indicate that the author made a motivated effort to keep this work simple and to the point.

To share the Gospel with anyone one must be hospitable and friendly; one has to overcome his own paranoia and preconceptions. The author experience has been that Muslims are approachable and will discuss the Muslim Faith and Christianity with you.
Do not come forward to a Muslim with a preconceive notion all are experts of the Quran and fully prepared to be expert defenders of the teachings of Mohamed. The first step in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ is to establish a friendly acquaintance with the individual. Remember most Muslims perceive Christianity and the Western Worldview as synonymous. The author does not inform the reader of this point as a debating point or a place to start the discussion, but as reminder to the true believing Christian that he represents sinful culture of the west to the Muslim believer.

The nature of man and his ability to obey God is vastly different. How God Judges sin is vastly different. The Muslim is taught that man can exceed his disobedience with his obedience to Allah. Scripture teaches the Christian that he deserves Hell and can never gain God's favor on his own. The concept of Christian church being full of redeemed hypocrites is foreign to the Moslem. This is to remember in the Humility in presenting the scripture of Jesus Christ as in the thoughts presented in sharing the Gospel. Man's lack of righteousness is the starting point in sharing Christianity with anyone. The author feels an understanding of how the Quran's depiction of the Bible is good stating point in any discussion with a Moslem about Christianity. Though the Quran argues Christianity is a corruption of the truth it does validate certain theological points of Christianity. Effective knowledge about the Koran and the Christian Bible can be persuasive about Jesus as redeemer and the Trinity.