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I've found a lot Christians are sincerely waiting for a season of greater glory. In the midst of dryness andlethargy, they desire greater access to the "supernatural." There's a deep longing for breakthrough. A day is being envisioned whenhealing,deliverance and vastspiritual empowermentwill finally be available in thechurch.
The phrase "without measure" means there's no limit to the availability and scope of the Holy Spirit's power. It may seem unfathomable, but the present access to the "supernatural" is truly vast and unending. Despite what popular religion espouses, God isn't holding back from us.
If the Spirit has truly been given without measure, then there's an obligation to actively engage the world as responsible stewards. I'm sure you know God doesn't make it a practice to limit the advancement of His own work. So whenever there's a breakdown, it is undoubtedly due to us. Our tendency to waver in faith always brings tragic consequences.
I believe it is time for the saints to emerge. We must raise deflated hopes and help restore an expectation for good in the earth. Now more than ever it's time for us to press into glory.
What would happen if Christians weren't so risk adverse? Can you imagine a world where the sons and daughters of the living God weren't afraid to access marvelous inheritances? I certainly can. Though many would contest this, I believe the glorious day of the Spirit has already come. It is only waiting to be appropriated.
It's time for the Church to embrace a much greater destiny and calling. God is inviting us to venture out of the darkness and boldly express His wonder. He is positioning us to live like a people who truly have the Spirit without measure.
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This is a rhythm and pattern to growing in the Holy Spirit. (Rosan Harmens)
Holy Spirit Uses These 4 Methods to Guide You in His Will
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I had a vigorous discussion with a colleague the other day. Reflecting on some of the deeper realities of God, our conversation pivoted into an exploration of how life-change happens.
I think that most everyone is interested in spiritual growth. Yet, how does the desired maturation actually transpire? What is it that elicits this transformation?
My friend and I discussed the fact that God can effectively operate in a myriad of ways. As you probably know, the architect of the cosmos has never been limited by means or methods. I love the fact that His benevolent actions are often characterized by intense displays of imagination and wonder.
Nevertheless, in the midst of all of this, there are particular approaches that seem to be utilized more than others. There are certain avenues of engagement that more readily come to the forefront.
In the following article, I would like to point out some prominent ways that personal development takes place. My friend and I talked about this subject at length, and now I would like to briefly discuss it with you.
Here are four ways that life-change happens:
1. Revelation
Encountering foundational truths from God's Word is a catalyst for personal transformation. As kingdom precepts are accessed, our perspective widens, and we begin to observe previously overlooked realities. Revelation enables us to hear and see. This illumination, not only ignites the imagination, but it also becomes an invitation for exploration.
Disclosing some of God's inexplicable mysteries, Solomon, the sage, declared: "It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the honor of kings is to search out a matter" (Prov. 25:2).
2. Encounter
Through heaven's reverberating glory, the sons and daughters of the Most High are uniquely positioned for the future. Divine encounters often become the impetus for identity and advancement. As a touch from God is encountered, we not only discover His goodness and glory, but we also find our place in a family. One brief moment with God can utterly transform the bitter and the broken.
From time to time, we need to be reminded of Jesus' desire for engagement. He said, "I came that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10).
3. Connection
Experiences of revelation and encounter bring us into edifying connections with fellow sojourners. As "family members" begin to "do life" with each other, we come into sync with healthy rhythms and patterns. Despite claims to the contrary, everyone was uniquely designed for connection. I understand that relationships can wound, but they can also heal.
Many of the answers we seek are woven into the tensions of community. The writer of Hebrews exclaims: "And let us consider how to spur one another to love and to good works" (Heb. 10:24).
4. Activation
It isn't adequate to only know and feel. We were also formed to express the unfathomable mysteries of the kingdom. Often what's needed the most will not be evident until the dormant gifts of God are activated. Many are waiting for the river to part before they advance, not realizing that the waters will never recede until they make the first step.
Sometimes the answer is found in casting off the constraints of the past and boldly pursuing our inheritance. "Therefore, since we are encompassed with such a great cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us" (Heb. 12:1).
J.D. King, director of the World Revival Network and co-pastor at World Revival Church, is writingRegeneration: Healing in the History of Christianity. King is a sought-after speaker, writer and author. Learn about J.D. King's book that is currently in the final stages of development: Regeneration: Healing In the History of Christianity
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The SpiritLed Woman podcast is empowering women weekly to follow their purpose in Christ and boldly walk in faith. Listen at charismapodcastnetwork.com.
Pain and anguish are rampant in our world. It seems that many emerge into adulthood from deeply troubled backgrounds, continually struggling because of broken families and a marred sense of identity.
Over the years I've encountered many who quietly agonize over issues related to their father—perhaps the most significant natural relationship in this life. It seems that many are attempting to process deep feelings of inadequacy and fear as result of this strained relationship.
This assertion may surprise you, but Jesus was confronted with similar issues as He walked the Earth as a man. From the moment of His miraculous birth, He was denounced. He was sometimes unjustly accused of illegitimacy. Sadly, Jesus even had to face ridicule from His immediate family (Mark 3:21).
People don't consider this, but circumstances weren't always easy for the Son of Man. He was dishonored and renounced by many. After inviting Jesus as a special guest into his home, one of the leading Pharisees publicly spurned Him. Reflecting on this, Jesus exclaimed, "I entered your house. You gave me no water for my feet ... You gave me no kiss ... " (Luke 7:44a, 45a).
Despite all of the disparagement, Jesus was able to triumph. Scripture reveals that Jesus' identity came, not from His earthly circumstances, but from His heavenly Father. Although others chided Him, Jesus heard the following words spoken over Him: "You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Mark 1:11).
The Son of Man held on to a healthy identity because of His abiding relationship with His Father. As He pressed into heaven's goodness and glory, His earthly role became clear. This unique posture made all the difference in His life.
Jesus vividly demonstrates that astounding realities unfold as one embraces true sonship. One's ultimate identity doesn't come through striving, accommodation or acquisition. It originates from intimate fellowship with the heavenly Father.
In the face of fierce alienation and duress, you must discover the incredible power of "sonship." Outside of this shared sense of family, you'll never truly become who you were called to be. The Bible reminds us that "God has sent forth into our hearts the Spirit of His Son, crying, 'Abba, Father!' Therefore you are no longer a servant, but a son" (Gal. 4:6-7).
In the midst of intense isolation and anxiety, God is offering something that could truly transform the world. It is time to discover your identity in the only place it can truly be found—the family of God.
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Do you stay or move when God's leading looks chaotic? (Jake Malara)
When You Aren't Sure Which Way God Is Leading You
Most assume that ancient believers possessed a much greater anointing and insight. It is believed that they gained an inroad with God that can't be accessed in the same way today. Paul and the early disciples are imagined as being more than mere flesh and blood.
This outlook is rarely beneficial. It keeps modern believers from examining the relevant stories and drawing personal examples from their lives. Rather than seeing the disciples as available models, they've become almost mythological figures.
Sometimes the 12 experienced incredible moments of revelation, but other times they had to contend with unsettling challenges. These men and women undoubtedly possessed a tremendous anointing, but they also had to find a way forward in the midst of profound confusion.
Let me illustrate this reality. In Acts 16, Paul and Silas were desperately trying to determine their next assignment. They understood that sometimes God's direction was evident, but on other occasions, it would require deeper exploration and engagement.
"They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia and were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia" (Acts 16:6, MEV).
This beloved duo originally planned to travel to the far reaches of Asia, but as their way was blocked, they wisely pivoted. Not afraid to think on their feet, they were always prepared to keep listening and adapting.
"When they came near Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not allow them. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas" (Acts 16:7-8).
Once again Paul and Silas needed to process the leading of the Lord. What they originally imagined as they began their journey wasn't what they witnessed as they went further down the road. However, those discontinuities didn't discourage them. They were willing to cast aside the "maps" and transverse territories far outside their realm of experience.
Ultimately, a clear sense of direction emerged. In the midst of deep intercession, Paul experienced a heavenly vision that helped him uncover the elusive next step.
"During the night a vision appeared to Paul: A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, 'Come over to Macedonia and help us.' After he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them" (Acts 16:9-10).
In the end, Paul and Silas finally arrived in Greece. Nevertheless, they reached this God-ordained destination only after making several unintended stops. Throughout all of this, they had to learn to carefully meditate on what the Lord was showing them.
Sometimes a destiny will only be realized after you expectantly advance into the chaos. God is undoubtedly inviting you on a beautiful journey. However, you'll never discover that astounding passageway if you're reluctant to move.
It is time for you to truly process the leading of the Lord.
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2/4/2016 J.D. KING SPIRITLED WOMAN CHARIMSA MAGAZINE
Throughout the pages of Scripture, visual realities erupted and revealed subtle mysteries of God's kingdom. This may seem strange today, but the ancients believed that God would speak to them in the midst of their dreams.
In this nocturnal state of mind, unparalleled insight and understanding were sometimes accessed. Reflecting on this, Job once declared, "In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men as they slumber in their beds, he may speak in their ears" (Job 33:15-16).
In one instance, God conveyed the immensity of His covenant with Abraham through the image of a smoking firepot and a blazing torch passing through the sacrifice.
"As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness came over him. ... When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a smoking fire pot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces. On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram and said, 'To your descendants I give this land'" (Genesis 15:12, 17-18).
Many haven't considered this, but Abraham's experience with God took place in his "mind" while he slept. Through visceral images, he began to understand something of who God was and what He intended to do in his life.
The pattern of the Lord speaking through dreams continued to have a lengthy heritage in the Bible; shaping the lives of the Patriarchs (Genesis 28:12; 37:5; 46:2), Prophets (Daniel 7:1-9), and Kings (1 Kings 3:5). It even comes into play in the New Testament with the birth of the Messiah (Matthew 1:20-21; 2:12-13; 2:19) and the expansion of the church (Acts 2:17; 16:9-10; 18:9-10).
Dreams were a form of divine encounter widely accepted in the Middle East (and are still valued by Semitic people today). What was being conveyed during slumber, tended to shape their understanding of the purposes of God. The children of Abraham weighed out every dream; considering what the Lord might be sharing with them.
We obviously place our greatest trust in Scripture. Yet, in the pages of the Bible, men and women were often impacted by intense spiritual encounters. Are modern Christians willing to follow the ancient biblical pattern? Do we truly have an openness to encountering God's purposes in trans-rational ways?
How would you respond if God whispered to you tonight while you were slumbering?
J.D. King,author and speaker, is the director of the World Revival Network and associate pastor of World Revival Church.
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There are innumerable gems in seemingly obscure places in the Bible. We all know the stories of Noah, Moses, and Daniel, but fewer are aware of Jehoash, the conflicted king of Israel. In the following, I would like to explore an episode from this man's life.
I've found that the biblical narratives are always transparent and raw. They expose truth about people in ways that are surprising. As we see what God does in the lives of others, it helps us discover who we are and how to navigate our lives.
In Scripture we observe that Jehoash, like so many others, was squandering his calling. He was compromised and living a life that was at arm's length with God. His bad choices should have side-lined him, but somehow God wasn't actively holding his sins against him.
In spite of everything else, Jehoash was still being positioned for greatness. If nothing else, it seems that God blessed him for the sake of the people he was leading. Sometimes God will do amazing things in us, for the sake of those around us. That is what I believe He was doing for Jehoash in this instance.
In this fascinating story, God shows us that He is willing to use someone in spite of their foolishness and sin. Shockingly, the emphasis wasn't on his understanding or even his performance. Nevertheless, that doesn't mean that God wasn't looking for something.
In this narrative, Elisha laid his hands on Jehoash - and as prophetic act - exhorts him to aim high and shoot an arrow through the eastern window. This quick release of the bow represented Jehoash's God-ordained victory over the evil armies of Aram. Yet, with the arrow's assent, the prophetic decree wasn't over.
Many think they know how things operate, but few have the clearest insight. Sometimes the real test is unseen and unanticipated. After the first arrow was released, the prophet Elisha looked at Jehoash and declared, "Now pick up the other arrows and strike them against the ground" (2 Kings 13:18, NLT).
I'm sure Jehoash didn't realize that the test was still underway. So, as the aging prophet instructed him to shoot more arrows into the ground, he didn't put much thought into it. He probably dragged his feet as he made his way to that ancient window. Out of a quiver filled with many arrows, Jehoash casually grasped a few.
The fate of Israel was in play and the king only saw fit to fire off three arrows. In his tepid response he had no idea that he was failing the test.
As soon as Elisha saw Jehoash's response to the word of the Lord, he was aghast. He angrily declared,
"You should have struck the ground five or six times! Then you would have beaten Aram until it was entirely destroyed. Now you will be victorious only three times" (2 Kings 13:19).
This wasn't a test of purity. In many ways Jehoash had already failed at that. This wasn't a test of perspective, God knew Jehoash had limited insight. It was actually a test of passion. God wanted to see what was going on in Jehoash's heart.
What He discovered was a man who was extremely passive and disengaged. Although he was placed into a position of greatness, Jehoash displayed no passion for God's purposes.
In many ways God is conducting the same test today. He wants to see if you burn for the Kingdom of God or not. The only way that you fail is if you have no heart.
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In the darkest corners of the Middle East, there's a revival beginning that's unprecedented in the history of world missions. (iStockPhoto )
The churning, tempestuous world looks remarkably different than many imagine. This is undoubtedly true if you're an average American.
In the darkest corners of the Middle East there's a revival beginning that's unprecedented in the history of world missions. I've previously reflected on it hereand here, but I wanted to take this amazing story further than before.
I hope that you'll journey with me as I explore unbelievable developments in the expansion of Christianity in the Middle East.
Reliable reports suggest more Muslims have become followers of Jesus over the last two decades than in Islam's combined 1,500-year history. Based on the accounts of several missiologists, it has been surmised that "more Muslims have committed to follow Christ in the last 10 years than in the last 15 centuries of Islam."[1] In spite of great difficulty and turmoil, Christianity is unquestionably expanding throughout Islamic world. God is up to something amazing in a region that many have thought was unreachable.
Rosenberg's Insights Into the Middle-Eastern Revival
Joel Rosenberg, an evangelical researcher, author and resident of Israel has documented the recent upsurge of Christianity in the Middle-East. Through first-hand reconnaissance, coupled with reports from Arabic nationals, Rosenberg demonstrates that Christianity is rising rapidly in the world of Islam.
Some of the particulars can certainly be debated, but in many of the Mediterranean nations, Christianity is making extraordinary inroads. Though the subsequent conversion figures are impossible to confirm, even in their imprecision, they provide a snapshot of what's transpiring in the Middle East.
Sudan
A number of reports suggest that increasing numbers of Christ-followers are emerging in the brutal, war-torn nation of Sudan. Here, in the Nile river valley—along the Islamic strongholds of Northern Africa—it is being noted that:
"One million Sudanese have turned to Christ since the year 2000—not in spite of persecution, war and genocide, but because of them ... the estimated total number of believers in the country is more than 5.5 million."[2]
Many are convinced that the great brutalities that this nation has encountered are becoming a catalyst for the expansion and growth of Christianity. Rather than inhibiting the church, the war is actually propelling it.
Pakistan
Pakistan is typically not identified as a nation experiencing a move of God, but apparently they're beginning to see one spark within their contentious borders. Christianity's Middle-Eastern expansion is particularly evident in this unexpected place. Rosenberg acknowledges that:
"Senior Pakistani Christian leaders tell me there is a 'conversion explosion' going on in their country.There are now an estimated 2.5 million to 3 million born-again Pakistani believers worshiping Jesus Christ. Whole towns and villages along the Afghan-Pakistani border are ... converting to Christianity."[3]
This Islamic country is not alone, many others in this region are having similar things take place.
Egypt
Reliable reports suggest that there is also a great revival erupting in the land of Egypt. Rosenberg declares that, "Ministry leaders in Egypt estimate there are more than 2.5 million followers of Jesus Christ in their country. Many of these are Muslim converts."[4]
Undoubtedly, the severe persecutions and disruptions related to the "Arab Spring" have affected the lives of Christians throughout this nation, but the faithful have remained strong. Martyrdom invites outsiders to examine the claims of those willing to die for Jesus. It is believed that many amazing things are taking place in Egypt.
Iran
Surprisingly, the contentious nation of Iran is also beginning to encounter the rising flames of awakening. Violent Islamic Fundamentalism has not been able to impede the advancement of the gospel in this fierce Persian nation. Reflecting on this reality, Rosenberg writes,
"At the time of the Islamic Revolution in 1979, there were only about five hundred known Muslim converts to Jesus inside the country. By 2000, a survey of Christian demographic trends reported that there were two hundred twenty thousand Christians inside Iran, of which between four and twenty thousand were Muslim converts. And according to Iranian Christian leaders I interviewed, the number of Christ-followers inside their country shot dramatically higher between 2000 and 2008."[5]
Yes, you read that right. Christianity went from 500 people to 220,000 in 21 years. Contrary to what many Americans think, Christianity is quietly advancing behind the scenes in some of the most unlikely places around the globe.
Saudi Arabia
Reports continue to come in. A strikingly similar stirring is also taking place in Saudi Arabia—unquestionably the epicenter of world Islam. One wouldn't expect the growth of Christianity in Mecca, but it is happening. Summarizing some of what he has heard, Joel Rosenberg reports that "Arab Christian leaders estimated there were more than one hundred thousand Saudi Muslim background believers in 2005, and they believe the numbers are even higher today."[6] Saudi Arabia is being quickened by the Spirit of the Lord. It seems to be positioned to experience significant growth in the decades to come.
Iraq
Christianity is also quietly advancing in the turbulent nation of Iraq. Again, it needs to be noted that these numbers precede the vicious emergence of ISIS and the aftermath of the Arab Spring. Multitudes of Christians have been martyred since these figures were originally reported. Yet, even the fact that Muslims felt compelled to quell its advancement suggests that Christianity's influence has been growing.
"Before 2003, senior Iraqi Christian leaders tell me, there were only about four to six hundred known born-again followers of Jesus Christ in the entire country, despite an estimated seven hundred fifty thousand nominal Christians in historic Iraqi churches. By the end of 2008, Iraqi Christian leaders estimated that there were more than seventy thousand born-again Iraqi believers."[7]
As many are aware, the expansion of Christianity has been greatly hindered more recently in Iraq. Don't be mistaken, this martyrdom and brutality will ultimately give way to more Christians in the land once known as Babylon.
Algeria
The whole Islamic world is currently shaking. We have already discussed some of the amazing advancements that are taking place in several of Arabic nations. These are where the greatest signs of revival are evident. Nevertheless, on a lesser level, other Islamic nations are also experiencing a tremendous stirring within their borders. One of these is Algeria. Rosenberg recounts the recent upsurge in Algeria, noting that:
"More than eighty thousand Muslims have become followers of Christ in recent years. ... The surge of Christianity has become so alarming to Islamic clerics that in March of 2006, Algerian officials passed a law banning Muslims from becoming Christians or even learning about Christianity, and forbidding Christians from meeting together without a license from the government."[8]
Algeria is beginning to come alive with the gospel like much of Northern Africa.
Jordan
Another ancient Middle-Eastern locale where Christianity is beginning to take root is along the borders the eastern bank of the Jordan River. The Islamic land of Jordan is also experiencing the grace and wonder of Jesus. Reflecting on what is transpiring in this nation, Rosenberg noted the following:
"God has been reviving the Jordanian Church in the last four decades, and particularly in the past few years. Conservative estimates say the number of believers in the country is now between five and ten thousand. The head of one major Jordanian ministry, however, believes there may be as many as fifty thousand believers in the country."[9]
Jordan is also experiencing the salvation of Jesus Christ.
Other Islamic Nations
Almost every Islamic nation has been experiencing a significant upsurge of Christianity over the last 20 years. Though the numbers aren't equally high, all are experiencing the impact on some level. Here are some of the other reports.
While in the nation of Morocco it has been claimed that "between 20,000 and 40,000 Muslims have become Christ-followers."[10] Rosenberg suggests that, "The number of Afghan believers is now between 20,000 and 30,000."[11] In Kazakhstan "there are more than fifteen thousand Kazakh Christians, and more than one hundred thousand Christians of all ethnicities."[12] Reflecting on Lebanon, Rosenberg suggests that, "there are about ten thousand truly born-again followers of Jesus Christ today."[13] Reports suggest there were no Muslim background Christians in Syria fifty years ago, but today "there are between four and five thousand born-again believers in the country."[14]
Rosenberg's figures suggest that there are over 13 million Christians in Islamic countries, and a majority of them are from a Muslim background.
Other Observers
We find that Joel Rosenberg isn't the only one observing the changing conditions within the broader Islamic world. There are other evidences of a notable transformation taking place. For example, journalist George Thomas notes that:
"A Christian revival is touching the northernmost reaches of Africa. In a region once hostile to the gospel, now tens of thousands of Muslims are following Jesus. As the sun sets over the Mediterranean Sea, Muslims across Northern Africa are converting to faith in Jesus Christ in record numbers. ... What experts say is that there is a profound move of God in the predominantly Muslim nations of Mauritania, Western Sahara, Morocco, Algeria, Libya and Tunisia."[15]
Tino Qahoush, a researcher and filmmaker, has been traveling to various parts of this region to document the Christian revival that has been taking place. Reflecting on what he observed, he noted the following,
"What God is doing in North Africa, all the way from actually Mauritanian to Libya is unprecedented in the history of missions. I have the privilege of recording testimonies and listening to firsthand stories of men and women, of all ages."[16]
Jayson Casper, a journalist with Christianity Today, also pointed out some astounding growth that's taking place in the Arabian Peninsula. He writes:
"Today the Pew Research Center numbers Christians in the Arabian Peninsula at 2.3 million—more Christians than nearly 100 countries can claim. The Gulf Christian Fellowship, an umbrella group, estimates 3.5 million. ... United Arab Emirates Christian population ... [is] 13 percent, according to Pew. Among other Gulf states, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar each about 14 percent Christian, while Oman is about 6 percent. Even Saudi Arabia, home to Islam's holiest cities (Mecca and Medina), is 4 percent Christian."[17]
One of the best examples of the expansion of Christianity within Muslim lands is through the work of Heidi and Roland Baker. Along with their church plants and trained workers from Iris Ministries, the Bakers have made an extraordinary impact on the brutal nation of Mozambique. The province that they currently operate in was entirely Muslim before their arrival, but a little over 10 years later those figures have changed drastically. Kelly Head from Christ for the Nations writes,
"The Bakers are now based full-time in Pemba, Mozambique, in an area where Heidi says was once called a 'graveyard to missionaries.' But recently the government announced publicly that it's no longer a Muslim providence; now it's a Christian providence."[18]
The abrupt changes to the once Muslim Africa are something even the Islamic clerics are beginning to acknowledge. In December 2001, Sheikh Ahmad al Qataani, the president of The Companions Lighthouse for the Science of Islamic Law in Libya, appeared on a live interview on Al-Jazeera satellite television. He declared the following:
"Islam used to represent, as you previously mentioned, Africa's main religion, and there were 30 African languages that used to be written in Arabic script. The number of Muslims in Africa has diminished to 316 million, half of whom are Arabs in North Africa. So in the section of Africa that we are talking about, the non Arab section, the number of Muslims does not exceed 150 million people. When we realize that the entire population of Africa is one billion people, we see that the number of Muslims has diminished greatly from what it was in the beginning of the last century. ... As to how that happened, well, there are now 1.5 million churches whose congregations account for 46 million people. In every hour, 667 Muslims convert to Christianity. Every day, 16,000 Muslims convert to Christianity. Every year, 6 million Muslims convert to Christianity. These numbers are very large indeed."[19]
It is obvious from these and other reports that Christianity is advancing. Yet, the question is: "Why?" Interestingly, it may have a lot to do with something many in the West would discount.
Why Is Christianity Finally Growing in the Middle East?
Throughout the Mediterranean world there's a high regard for dreams. They comprehend them the same way that individuals during the early biblical period did. Islam in particular, places a great value on nocturnal visions. Ever since Muhammad retreated to a cave in A.D. 610 and began to experience what he considered to be revelatory visions, Muslims have greatly valued impressions they may receive while they're asleep. Timothy Morgan notes that dreams are a "part of the reality of their world. Mohammad listened to dreams, and he gave Muslims the impression that God could speak through them. So they do listen to them, and they do talk about them."[20]
Tom Doyle, an evangelist, pastor and the E3 Partners Ministry Director for the Middle East and Central Asia noted the following:
"Outside of the Scriptures, Egyptian history records a significant amount of information about dreams and visions, many of which became determining factors in the overall direction of the nation. One archaeological find close to the Pyramids revealed that ancient Egyptian scribe named Kenhirkhopeshef kept a papyrus document called the Dream Book. The book is a catalog of 108 dreams and the activities and emotions that accompanied them."[21]
Interestingly, over the last two decades there have been numerous claims of Muslims having dreams about Jesus and ultimately coming to faith. Url Scaramanga, writing in conservative evangelical journal, acknowledges that "stories of Muslims coming to faith in Christ because of a vision or dream are not uncommon."[22]
It is easy to dismiss this, but I think Christians should remain open to all of the various ways that God operates. It may seem inexplicable to us, but it seems that dreams are a primary way that Middle-Eastern people are open to encountering God. Reflecting on the significance of these nocturnal visions, Nabeel Qureshi writes:
"I think the reason why dreams are an important component of people leaving Islam and accepting Christ is that most Muslims believe that God reveals himself and his will to them in dreams. In fact, it seems to be the only way that they believe God will reveal his will to them. So they have faith that God will direct them, so God uses their faith for his purposes."[23]
With all the questions and concerns about this approach, there's interest in determining to what extent dreams are driving evangelism among Muslims. Georges Houssney prepared a questionnaire and, over a period of three years, asked 100 Christian converts from Islam how they came to faith. When asked, "What was the major factor in drawing you to Christ?" 25 percent of Houssney's respondents acknowledged that dreams and visions were the primary catalyst that brought them to salvation. Furthermore, 60 percent of the respondents acknowledged that they had experienced a relevant dream or vision or both prior to their conversion.[24]
The reality of these transforming dreams are being widely acknowledged, even though they are a bit unsettling for those in the conservative evangelical community. Reflecting on his own experience, Tom Doyle says:
"I'm not a skeptic by nature. I'm actually known as a being fairly trusting. But when I began hearing about Muslims having dreams and visions of Jesus, I must say I was quite the doubting Thomas. I think it's because I have watched a few Christian television programs. ... About a decade ago, those of us who work in Muslim outreach started to hear about something new in the world of Islam. God was opening the closed hearts of Muslims by giving them spectacular dreams and visions. At first, the stories were rare, but today these amazing accounts of God breaking through to Muslims have become a common occurrence. We find that about one out of every three Muslim-background believers has had a dream or vision prior to their salvation experience. Some more precise surveys are a bit more conservative and suggest a little over 25 percent of Muslims had a dream or a vision before becoming disciples of Jesus. Either way, the percentage is significant." [25]
Though they may be misunderstood and largely outside the norm in the West, dreams are certainly changing things throughout the Arab world.
Testimonies of Former Muslims
Many Middle-Eastern Christians publicly acknowledge the fact that dreams actively facilitated them coming into a saving knowledge of Jesus. For example, Nabeel Qureshi is a former devout Muslim. He became a believer in part through a visionary experience. When recounting his conversion he writes:
"When I contrasted the evidence for Christianity against the evidence for Islam I knew that intellectually there was no comparison. So I asked God to reveal Himself to me in truth, through dreams and visions. All those things, combined with actually reading the Bible, are what drove me forward to the point of accepting Christ."[26]
When asked about his conversion to Christianity from Islam, Pastor Naeem Fazal of Mosaic Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, mentioned several things that impacted him. He pointed out things like friendship with a knowledgeable Christian as well as reading the Bible. However, it was a particular supernatural encounter that brought him into a moment of crisis. Having a visionary experience one night, Fazal had an encounter that forever shifted the course of his life.
"It looked like a figure made up with light—solid, yet transparent. It was an experience like no other. The peace I felt from this presence was so powerful, so aggressive ... and [He] introduced Himself to me and said, 'I'm Jesus; your life is not your own.' The next morning my life changed forever." [27]
Fazal acknowledges that he is not unique in this experience. He notes that "the majority of the [Muslim] conversion stories I hear seem to involve dreams and visions inspired by the Holy Spirit in which Christ is supernaturally revealed."[28]
Dreams Seem to Fill in a Gap
Many are compelled to question this approach. As I already mentioned, this seems rather unorthodox, particularly within the American Evangelical context. However, dreams are unquestionably shifting awareness and opening the door for the gospel. In fact, it might be God's way of counteracting the relative failure of Western missions in the Middle East.
Walid Shoebat agrees. He is a former PLO operative turned Christian and peace activist. Shoebat acknowledges that Jesus is compensating for the weaknesses of the Western Church. Reflecting on this, he noted the following:
"I had first doubted the countless stories of Muslims becoming Christian as a result of dreams until I met some of them and heard their testimonies. My conclusion to this phenomenon is that Christ succeeds where the church fails."[29]
I believe that it's time for Christians to celebrate the advancement of the gospel in some of darkest places on the globe. In this season, Jesus is doing amazing things in the midst of every tribe and tongue. We are obliged to acknowledge the beauty and wonder of the kingdom's advancement.
Don't be mistaken; Christ succeeds where the church fails.
"Now a word was brought to me secretly, and my ear received a whisper of it. Amid disquieting thoughts from night visions, when deep sleep falls on mortals, terror and trembling came to me, which made all my bones shake. A breath of wind was passing before my face, and the hair on my body was standing up. It stood still, but I could not recognize its appearance; a form was in front of my eyes, there was stillness, then I heard a voice saying: 'Can a mortal be more righteous than God? Can a man be more pure than his Maker?'" (Job 4:12-17).
J.D. Kingis an author, speaker and director of the World Revival Network.
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