Dear Mike:

In terms of evangelism, or in any other situation when talking to a unbeliever, we're not the ones who do the convincing. That job belongs to the Holy Spirit. Our job is to present the gospel in a way that is understandable and as persuasive as we know how. But, the actual "convincing" comes only from the Holy Spirit. So we are relieved from the burden of convincing anyone of anything.

With that said, there are certain lines of thinking and argument that will be more successful than others when discussing the faith with certain populations.

Before you attempt to evangelize a Muslim you need to be thoroughly knowledgeable and solid in your own faith, especially on those elements that relate to the differences between Christianity and Islam. You also need to have some understanding of Islam. I recommend you purchase the booklet, Beginning Apologetics 9: How to Answer Muslims.

Evangelizing someone from a completely different culture can be very difficult. Evangelizing a person who is devout in their religion is even harder. Think about difficult a task a Muslim evangelist would have with you in trying to get you to convert to Islam. That is the mountain you must move to bring a devout Muslim to any hope of conversion. God said that if we have the faith of a mustard seed we can move mountains. This will be a mighty mountain.

Remember, that you are a messenger of the Gospel, who paves the way and plants the seed for the Holy Spirit to nourish and to flower.

Never look upon apologetics or evangelism as "who wins the debate." Look upon it, rather, as planting seeds for the Vineyard Master to cultivate.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary