Christian Apologetics: Honoring A Role Model

I am taking time this week from our series to honor a great teacher and Christian Apologist, taken from us too soon, Nabeel Qureshi. Nabeel has deeply impacted my life and ministry with his teachings and writings, and when Nabeel passed on to his eternal home we lost not only a great teacher but a brother, a mentor and role model for Jesus.

Nabeel’s life, and death, impacted so many people for Jesus across the country and around the world. His time here was short, yet he accomplished so much, and his ministry will live on to encourage others for years to come. I know for the family, and those closest to him, the loss of his presence will sting for a very long time, yet the knowledge that Nabeel is in the arms of his LORD should give comfort to those who know the LORD as Nabeel did. And, we will join him someday soon!

Watch Nabeel’s presentation based on his his book and conversion story: Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus:

A prayer based on Nabeel’s great influence:

My prayer is Jesus. My hope is Jesus. My eternal dwelling is in Jesus’ house where Nabeel now is. Anything beyond Jesus is wasted words and thoughts in this prayer. Nabeel gave us the best role model anyone could ever hope for because he knew, with all his heart, soul and mind, that Jesus was his Savior. He knew and trusted this even through his last days here on this earth.

We are mourning, but Heaven is rejoicing. We are living in a brief existence for now, Nabeel is living in eternal glory, and we will join him soon. I pray that his family, extended family, friends and others will come to know the depth of truth found in Jesus just as Nabeel did.

We are so thankful for Nabeel’s testimony to the truth of Jesus as evidenced through his life’s journey, his tireless work and his teachings that will continue to go on and out to a world in need. I pray that the walls built by the enemy will be broken down so that all who seek God in truth with their whole heart will find Him as Nabeel did. May the Holy Spirit come upon all those who ask for truth to be known and their eyes opened to God’s Word.

In Jesus Name, always, we pray, Amen.

For all who are mourning the loss of a loved one, please take some time to read the Gospel of John, chapter 14 where many have found Jesus’ words of comfort and assurance in times of loss.

If your ministry or passion is Christian Apologetics please use Nabeel’s work. If you are not familiar with Nabeel or his work, below is his bio taken from his website nabeelqureshi.com:

“Nabeel Qureshi is the author of the New York Times bestselling Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus, the only book ever to win Christian Book Awards for both “Best New Author” and “Best Nonfiction.” Nabeel is a global speaker and holds degrees in medicine (Eastern Virginia Medical School), Christian apologetics (Biola University), and religion (Duke University). [At the time of his diagnosis] Nabeel was pursuing a doctorate in New Testament studies at Oxford University.

His last book, No God But One—Allah or Jesus?, was released in August 2016 [at the same time he was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer].

Raised as a devout Muslim in the United States, Nabeel grew up studying Islamic apologetics with his family and engaging Christians in religious discussions. After one such discussion with a Christian, the two became friends and began a years-long debate on the historical claims of Christianity and Islam. Nabeel chronicled his resulting journey in his first book, Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus. 

Qureshi has lectured to students at more than 100 universities, including Oxford, Columbia, Dartmouth, Cornell, Johns Hopkins, and the University of Hong Kong. He has participated in 18 moderated, public debates around North America, Europe, and Asia. Christianity Today heralded Qureshi as one of “33 Under 33” in its cover story on emerging religion leaders in July 2014.

Nabeel’s other releases include Answering Jihad—a balanced examination of jihad, the rise of ISIS, and Islamic terrorism—and the Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus Video Study, which takes you deeper into the apologetics that led Nabeel himself to Christ.”

Abdu Murray and Nabeel Qureshi are both former Muslims who converted to Christianity because of the evidence and their willingness to openly investigate both sides. They are both highly sought after speakers and have written books that include: Grand Central Question: Answering the Critical Concerns of the Major Worldviews, by Abdu Murray; and of course Nabeel Qureshi’s Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus.

Watch this presentation and testimonials by these two great Christian Apologists:

I encourage everyone out there to do your part in defending the faith against false assumptions and accusations whether on social media or in the home, at your Church or on the street, or at your job or on the stage. Whatever you do stay strong in the LORD and own your faith, know what you believe and why you believe it, then tell others.

The Apostle Paul said:

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not wage battle according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying arguments and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ 

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NASB)

And, he warned:

See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. 

Colossians 2:8 (NASB)

Join us next week as we continue to look at the importance of “Case-Making” in Christianity

———————————————————————