If you desire as part of your friendship with a Muslim to discuss spiritual things, it is a good idea to understand what many Muslims believe
“I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.” John 10:9
about Christianity. Having an understanding of their beliefs will give you the opportunity to share what true followers of Christ are like.
Misconceptions:
1. Christians believe in and worship three Gods: God, Jesus, and Mary.
The Truth is: Those who follow what the Bible teaches about Jesus do not worship Mary (Luke 8:19-21). Christians do not believe God had sexual relations with Mary, but rather Christians believe that God’s spirit overshadowed Mary and that Jesus indeed was born of a virgin (Matthew 1:20-25). Christians do believe in one God and that God manifested Himself to us in the earthly body of Jesus, and after God raised Jesus from the dead, He sent His spirit. (John 1 and John 14:16-18). And Christians believe what Jesus said “I am in the Father and the Father is in me.”– John 14:10-15.
2. The Jews killed Jesus.
The Truth is: Actually, Roman soldiers physically nailed him to the cross John 19:23-34, but it was God’s predetermined plan and purpose that Jesus die as a sacrifice for our sins– Isaiah 53. And Jesus willingly submitted to God’s plan—Luke 22:39-53.
3. Christians rarely or never pray.
The Truth Is: Those who follow the teachings of Christ pray, just differently: In secret –Matthew 6:6-10 Without Ceasing – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 In the spirit, with all kinds of prayers and requests – Ephesians 6:18 To the Father – Matthew 6:6-10 In Jesus’ name – John 14:10-15 For healing from sickness –James 5:14 Giving thanks for food –Mark 14:22 In 2’s and 3’s – Matthew 18:19-20
4. Christians live immorally.
The Truth Is: Though it is easy to watch TV and movies and even look at the general public in many so-called “Christian” countries and think what you see there is what Christianity is all about, it is not the truth. The Bible teaches followers of Christ to live morally. No sexual immorality, drunkenness, jealousy, or dissension – Romans 13:12-14 Salt and Light – doing good deeds—Matthew 5:13-16 Not conformed to the world but transformed – Romans 12:2 Fleeing immorality and honoring God with the body – 1 Corinthians 6:18-20
5. Christians are Immodest and do not care about outward appearances.
The Truth is: There are definitely plenty of examples of people who profess Christianity who display behavior and appearance that is not modest. And, people who have recently come to faith are still in the process of being transformed by God’s Word. Our Holy Book, the Bible, does urge us to display modesty and to be conscious of our appearance but also cautions us of a much deeper issue, the heart. Jesus often challenged the Pharisees in regards to their heart and motive contradicting their outward appearance and behavior. Jesus teaches the greater importance of the inward… Women should dress modestly -– 1 Timothy 2:9 Gentle and quiet spirit – 1 Peter 3:3-6 Man looks on the outward appearance, God looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 What comes out of the heart –Matthew 15:17-20 Appearance of Righteousness – Matthew 23:27-28 [Here are many other verses on being set apart and holy—click here.]
Afghans Abroad 