Renewing Your Mind – Sharing the Gospel with Muslims

Date: October 3, 2025
Host: Ligonier Ministries
Guest Teacher: Dr. James Anderson

Brief Overview

This episode wraps up a week-long examination of Islam and its distinctions from Christianity. Dr. James Anderson closes the series by offering ten practical “gardening tips” for sharing the gospel with Muslims—a call for Christians to approach evangelism thoughtfully, prayerfully, and with a heart for genuine connection and understanding. Central is the theme that God alone gives the increase, but believers can thoughtfully tend the soil, remove barriers, and lovingly testify to Christ among Muslim friends and neighbors.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Treat Each Muslim as an Individual

[03:16]

• Don’t assume every Muslim is the same; recognize diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• “The first step in evangelism is to listen, to listen to what the person has to say, to tell their story.” – Dr. Anderson [04:17]

2. Build Friendships and Trust

[05:00]

• Friendship is foundational—especially since Muslims may be wary of outsiders.
• Hospitality (giving and receiving) is critical, but be culturally sensitive (e.g., halal food, vegetarian options).
• Avoid giving the impression that friendship is conditional on conversion.

3. Correct Misunderstandings About Christianity

[07:15]

• Many Muslims’ objections are based on misconceptions (e.g., the Trinity, Jesus’ sonship, supposed Bible corruption).
• Clarify what Christians actually believe, highlighting the distinction between grace, faith, works, and Christian obedience.
• “We need to correct their misunderstandings about the role of works in the Christian life.” – Dr. Anderson [09:01]

4. Don’t Rush—Share the Gospel Gradually

[10:04]

• Unpacking the gospel takes time and patience, especially when speaking with someone from a vastly different worldview.
• Exceptions: If it’s a one-time encounter, share as fully as possible.

5. Emphasize God’s Holiness and the Seriousness of Sin

[11:26]

• Muslims often have a diminished sense of sin’s gravity.
• Stress how God’s holiness magnifies the seriousness of every sin.
• Memorable moment: Dr. Anderson describes giving R.C. Sproul’s The Holiness of God to a Muslim taxi driver as an especially fitting introduction to the gospel. [13:39]

6. Address Shame, Defilement, and Uncleanliness

[15:22]

• Many Muslims resonate more with purity and honor vs. shame, rather than guilt vs. innocence.
• Use stories like Jesus healing the bleeding woman (Luke 8), cleansing lepers (Luke 17), and teaching on real cleanliness (Mark 7) as starting points.
• “Perhaps the greatest need felt by Muslim people is not for assurance of salvation from sin, but for deliverance from the tyranny of being in a near constant state of defilement.” – Bruce Thomas, missionary [16:00, quoted by Dr. Anderson]

7. Keep the Focus on Jesus—His Identity and Mission

[19:12]

• Don’t get sidetracked by cultural, political, or secondary theological issues.
• Keep coming back to “Who was Jesus and what did He come to do?” as the decisive question between Christianity and Islam.

8. Quote the Bible Often and Respectfully

[20:05]

• The word of God has inherent authority and power—don’t shy away from using scripture, even if Muslims dispute its reliability.
• Treat your Bible with physical respect, akin to how Muslims regard the Qur’an.

9. Invite Muslims to Read the Gospels

[21:45]

• Encouraging Muslims to read Luke (or John) is often fruitful; Mark might be more difficult due to its immediate “Son of God” claim.
• “It’s certainly a good idea to always carry with you a copy of one of the Gospels that you can share.” – Dr. Anderson [22:58]
• The Qur’an itself references the Gospel (Injil) positively, which can be used to encourage reading.

10. Be Patient and Persistent in Prayer

[23:20]

• Deep patience is essential; often results come slowly.
• Pray continually—for open doors, clear words, and receptive hearts.
• “There’s really nothing more practical than prayer, calling upon God for help and mercy. … We are involved in a real spiritual battle with everything at stake.” – Dr. Anderson [24:08]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We don’t make the seed grow. We can’t change people’s hearts. But we can do many things to remove obstacles and to encourage the conditions for planting and growth.” – Dr. Anderson [02:43]
• On patience and prayer:

  “Jesus told his disciples a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart…” [25:01]
  “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. … Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt…” [25:45]

• Challenging listeners:

  “If you’ve listened to these lectures and digested the material, then you now know more about Islam than the majority of Christians in the West. … The question then is, what will you do with that knowledge? All of us have been called to be ambassadors for Christ.” [27:18]

• Connecting Jonah’s story:

  “Let’s not be Jonahs. … He thought that the Ninevites were not only too wicked to deserve to be saved, but too wicked to be saved. … But God surprised Jonah with the extent of his power and with the extent of his mercy. … He wants Muslims to be saved and He has the power to save them.” [28:13]

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |--------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | 00:00 | Introduction and call to join God’s work | | 01:37 | Seeds and parallels with evangelism | | 03:16 | Tip 1: Treat Muslims as individuals | | 05:00 | Tip 2: Friendship and trust | | 07:15 | Tip 3: Correct misunderstandings | | 10:04 | Tip 4: Don’t rush the presentation | | 11:26 | Tip 5: God’s holiness and seriousness of sin | | 13:39 | Memorable story: R.C. Sproul’s “Holiness of God” | | 15:22 | Tip 6: Defilement and shame | | 19:12 | Tip 7: Bring conversation back to Jesus | | 20:05 | Tip 8: Quote the Bible confidently | | 21:45 | Tip 9: Encourage reading the Gospels | | 23:20 | Tip 10: Patience and prayer in evangelism | | 28:13 | Jonah, God’s mercy, and the charge to the church |

Conclusion and Final Challenge

Dr. Anderson concludes by challenging Christians to use their newfound knowledge to be Christ’s ambassadors among Muslims, trusting in the God “of power and of mercy.” The episode urges listeners to replace indifference or fear with patient, prayerful engagement, empowered by God’s love and the message of Christ.

For further study: The episode references resources such as “Exploring Islam” with James Anderson and “Cross and the Crescent” (R.C. Sproul & Abdul Saleeb), recommended for deeper understanding and equipping for evangelism.