Fruitful Practices #3-Varied Use of Scripture

In previous “Fruitful Practices” articles, we have written about the importance of prayer and of learning the local language . If you missed those entries, I would encourage you to go back and check them out. The eight fruitful practices we are covering with this series of articles, are common patterns observed in places where Muslims are coming to Christ. They are not perfect formulas that produce an automatic result; rather, they are patterns that many have seen bearing fruit in difficult contexts, and we want to offer them to you as tools. In this issue we will be looking at fruitful practice #3- the varied use of Scripture.

As Christian workers interacting with those who do not know Jesus, we need to learn to discern what tool to reach for in any given context or situation. Every person is different, and needs to be treated and responded to as an individual. Some individuals might need a hard copy of the Bible in their language. Others may not be ready to receive a Bible, but are open to hearing Bible stories. Others still, are moved by Bible verses or pithy proverbs. A printed Bible may not be helpful to those who are illiterate or functioning in a second or third language. Instead, these individuals need the Bible in an audio format (SD card, DVD, MP3, radio, etc), or they need to hear Scripture orally. Additionally, the Jesus film, Magdalena, and other faith-based films have been translated into hundreds of languages and used to share the Gospel in a very powerful way. Since all people are different, what resonates well with one person, might not work well with another. The better you know the various tools available to you, the more effective you will be in choosing the right one for each situation and context.

Hebrews 4:12~ “The Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”