Lawson Brown

Islam - Christian Dialogue

On Sunday, December 18, I shared the message JESUS AND ISLAM with our NWRC congregation. The focus of my message was the uniqueness of Jesus and his mother, in the Koran, focusing on his virgin birth. The impact of this message was amazing and so encouraging. And then later that day, I shared the same message with a group of Sufi Muslims here in our city. A good number of CSC people attended this event as well. I would like to report to you how that went.

Imam Sayed Soharwardy and his congregation first treated us to a hot meal. The day was a bit cold and so we all welcomed the meal. Then Imam Sayed and myself sat at the front of the group behind a table. I was asked to share my “talk” and I did so. After that, Imam Sayed responded. His comments were respectful - he wanted to minimize the obvious points of difference for the two faiths we represented. The floor was then opened to questions. The questions seemed to focus on the Bible - how did it come to be, is it really the Word of God. This was the right focus as it is this question that defines the great divide between the two faiths. Our time together was courteous, respectful, somewhat honest although not openly so. We then transitioned into a time of enjoying dessert and visiting together. I was pleased to see our people dialoguing with Muslim people.

My reflections are as follows:

1. It seemed that the purpose behind this invitation was to demonstrate to Christians that Muslims are peace loving and non violent. Further, to engender the will of Christians to treat Muslims respectfully. Frankly, I was a little taken aback by the apparent perception that Canadian Christians dislike, even persecute Muslims.
2. On the way home I said to my wife: “I think that Imam Sayed has had to suffer more for his faith than have I.” I said that because it seems that the Imam is not always treated well, sometimes even by fellow Muslims. This is a peace loving group and even though Imam Sayed is quite vocal with the media, he appears to want to promote good will both within his religious movement and without. Clearly, this has cost him, personally.
3. I was impressed by the graciousness of this group. We were treated with friendliness and the people seemed very interested in “the talk.”
4. I have learned so much more about Muslims and their faith through this experience. Even though the differences are fundamental and deep, I find new resolve to reach out to Muslims, love them, and demonstrate the Father’s love for them. I was so glad to have Ashwin Ramani with me. Ashwin is the gifted young man that has preached at Central several times now, the latest being New Years Day. Ashwin comes to us from India and is well versed with Muslim teaching and practice. Ashwin feels that healthy dialogues like this one can only be for good and that Christians need to not fear this kind of experience. 
5. I was impressed at the prayer support and interest there was in this event, right inside of CSC. Clearly, the Lord has put Muslim people upon the hearts of many, many Christians. And this is as it should be! 
6. I want us to reach out to Muslims, to pray for them, to build relationships with them, to engage them in discussions about their own faith and of course, our Jesus. I say “our Jesus” because the Jesus of the Koran is not the same as the Jesus of the Bible. The rift is great and much prayer, conversation, and Holy Spirit intervention is needed for this great divide to begin to crumble. I believe we have a unique opportunity right in our own country, to be of influence.

Finally, I just want to say “thank you” to all of you who prayed and to those who attended. God bless you.

 EPIC BATTLE

That is the title of the sermon I will share with the NWRC congregation this week end, January 08. My text is Genesis 3:15 and therein is the first prophecy recorded in the Scriptures. This prophecy is mysterious, disturbing, yet laced with hope. We find it right in the middle of the curse spoken by God to the Serpent, Adam, and Eve. I invite you to pray for me and for this sermon, and of course, to join us back at the theatre.

 May the Lord bless you in the year 2012.