Last week we concluded our study on the reliability of the Bible using the acronym MAPS-S, with the final “S” emphasizing “Saved Lives” because of Jesus and His truths found and taught in the Word of God. Over the next several weeks I want to highlight a few “saved lives” because of Jesus, and the impact those lives have had on countless others. This week I am presenting the “saved life” of a man named Nabeel Qureshi and his incredible story that I encourage you to share with others.
Nabeel’s life story is amazing, and I have been an avid follower of his work since his first book came out, Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus. His role as a warrior for the Kingdom of God is unmatched. 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.
Nabeel 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. I know for the family, and those closest to him, the loss of his presence will continue to 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 very soon!
Watch Nabeel’s presentation based on his his book and conversion story, Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus:
Overview
The Importance of Christian Apologetics
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 [was] 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 passing] 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.
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.
Check out Nabeel’s other lectures and presentations on YouTube, Vimeo and other platforms.
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.
Going Deeper
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 also 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)
Bible Study
Note: Basic answers will be posted mid-week for your review, and to make a leader’s guide for future studies!
Always remember to pray before you study and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and lead you into the truth found in God’s Word – pray for protection from the evil one who will try to discourage, distract and deceive us when we commit to growing closer to the LORD.
Note: Questions are taken directly from the chapters, and answers should be found and cited from the Scripture text in order to be Biblically accurate (unless asked to summarize in your own words). Study Bibles, commentaries and your own thoughts can be used for Discussion or Going Deeper questions. If you use these kinds of sources share them with your group.
1. Review of Class Topic:
With your group, discuss today’s presentation by summarizing what you learned, commenting or asking any questions.
Read 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18 with your group then, to the best of your ability, answer the following questions:
2. What specific prayer is asked for by Paul and his companions (3:1-2)? What is said about the Lord’s faithfulness towards the Thessalonians (3:3-5)?
3. What is Paul’s command for the Thessalonians, why do you think he needed to give it and how were Paul and his companions a good example of this (3:6-13)?
4. What was to be the consequence for those who did not follow Paul’s command, and why (3:14-15)?
5. Discuss: Do we have these types of problems in our Churches today? If so, how do we make application of this command, and what difficulties might we run into?
6. What did Paul say about his own authorship of this letter, and why do you think this would be important for him to emphasize (3:17-18)?
7. Memory verses: Recite – 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 (the importance of specific prayer); 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (comfort and hope through God’s grace); and 2 Thessalonians 3:5 (a point of emphasis in prayer for ourselves and toward others)
Join us next week as we continue our study in Christian Apologetics with more stories that matter, and a new study in 1 Timothy!
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You will not find this material in the public school curriculum even though it is based on solid evidence and grounded in research. It is ironic that following the evidence to where it leads stops at the door of our public schools as they will not let a “Divine footprint” in! Join us as we examine evidence for Christianity and learn how to become a thoughtful defender and ambassador of your faith.
Click into the resource page of this website to view many of the top Christian thinkers and apologists along with some of their work; connecting to these types of resources is essential in your Christian growth.
Please let me know what you think: Give feedback, ask questions or send concerns in the comment section of the blog.
Teri Dugan
TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com
1 Peter 3:15
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