I enjoy having things figured out. Makes life so much simpler. Had a good day witnessing at some laundromats again. Really neat conversations and plenty of planted seeds. I had already decided where I was going to eat that night—a nice restaurant, witness to a waiter or waitress, and have a good meal.
As I pulled into the restaurant, I noticed something way, way off. The parking lot was full. There were cars everywhere, and, I assumed, people were everywhere inside. This was not good. Why? Mark can be a tad impatient at times! Waiting a decent amount of time for a meal? No thanks! But I knew this was where I was supposed to go. Or was it? Maybe it was just where I wanted to go.
So, what do you do at that point? You pray, of course. “God, I thought I was supposed to be here. Order my steps, as I always ask you to do, and show me where I am supposed to be, so I meet the right people.” It was literally as simple as that.
As I was driving back toward where I live, I noticed a guy sitting outside of this one establishment. It was a little too cold to be sitting outside. So, I pulled in. It was a Sonic. Not sure if I have been to one of those before. I noticed a bike parked in one of the spaces where a car is supposed to park. I liked that!!
I parked my car and walked over to order something. I asked the guy sitting there, “Are you hungry?” He told me he had already eaten. I gave him a blessing to pay for his food, and he was very grateful. So, I sat down and started chatting.
He had spent time in prison and had been released three days earlier! He spent seven years in there. He was only 27. He told me his family from California had come into town, bought him that bike, and paid for him to stay at a hotel for a month. I just love when family members come through to help when someone is down and out.
He let me know that he had gone to Christian schools for nine years, so a good foundation had been laid in his life. But as he kept talking, I just started noticing some words and phrases I had heard before. So, I asked, “Are you a Muslim?” He told me that he was. Islam is very big inside the prison system. A lot of evangelism goes on inside those places. Some inmates will join one of the Muslim groups for protection. If you ever study the UK prison system, many of those who go in there get totally radicalized to Islam during their incarceration.
We were discussing the differences between Jesus and Isa, which is what they call Jesus in Islam. One of the things that many Muslims will tell you is that Jesus was sinless. I have heard this from countless Muslims.
https://www.alimran.net/what-the-quran-says-about-isa/
Now, it is easy to witness to them from there because only a sinless Savior could die on the cross and rise from the dead. I asked about Mohammad and whether he sinned. I asked about Mohammad’s wife, Aisha. I asked him, “When did Mohammad marry her?” He told me, “Nine years old.” That is incorrect. According to Islamic scholars, he married her at six years old, and they consummated their marriage when she was nine. Did you read what I just wrote?
I asked him, “If you had a sister, and if a 40-year-old man wanted to marry her when she was six, what would you say about that?” He said, “Well, if it was the Prophet (meaning Mohammad)…” I cut him off. I said, “Let me tell you something. If a 40-year-old man tried to marry your six-year-old sister, that is wicked. That is evil…” He then cut me off! He said, “We are done.” He didn’t want anyone disrespecting “the Prophet.” Speaking truth is not disrespecting him. When you study Mohammad’s life, sin abounds throughout his life. The life of Jesus is just the opposite of that. His life was spotless.
1 Peter 2:22
Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
2 Corinthians 5:21
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Hebrews 4:15
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Well, we actually weren’t through. I gave him both booklets that I have written, and he took them. Seeds planted. And seeds that need to be watered. Please pray for that young man. He told me his name, but I forgot it. It is a Muslim name now.
Until the nets are full,
P.S. This is a great video of Dave Hunt speaking on the topic of Islam. I highly recommend you watch it. Pretty much anything by Dave Hunt is very solid. You should also sign up for his ministry’s newsletter at The Berean Call (www.thebereancall.org) and enjoy the materials and teachings they offer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8CxZnG8RQg
P.P.S. “The Second Greatest Lie” covers the various world religions, while “One Second After” gives a rock-solid explanation of the gospel. Together, they answer many of the questions that unbelievers grapple with. These booklets are currently discounted by 20% off the normally suggested donation.
Check them out and equip yourself to witness to others and give them the truth they need.
