Our Doctrinal Foundation
First, we believe everything the Bible says about itself. Because it is God’s Word, it is inerrant, inspired, and unfailing (2 Ti. 3:16-17, Heb. 4:12-13). Our approach to peacemaking and building relationships in the Muslim world is formed completely upon our understanding of the message and methodology we read in the Scriptures.
Second, we believe that new birth is necessary (Jn. 3:5, Ro. 3:23-24, Eph. 2:1-7). The Bible clearly teaches that the disobedience and shame of every individual creates an eternal separation from the holy presence of God. Ultimately, it is this sinful condition that must be healed in order for lasting peace to be established.
Third, we believe Jesus is the only way to salvation (Jn. 10:9-17, 14:6, Ac. 4:12, 1 Co. 2:2). We strongly affirm (and have based our lives upon) all that the Bible says about Jesus’ origin, life, death, resurrection, and nature. He is the True King, and only through Him can lasting peace be made.
Our Approach to Peace
History has taught us that prejudice, fear, bombs, bullets and blood cannot achieve lasting peace. Instead, the Bible clearly indicates that Jesus is the message–he is our peace (Eph. 2:14). But he is also the method of making peace. We must learn to live and communicate according to his way (Jn. 20:21). Similarly, we look to the methods of Paul in the early church not just as a description but also as a prescription for us as we look to announce the Kingdom across cultures (1 Co. 9:19-23, 7:17). Finally, as we aim to walk in Jesus’ way and follow Paul’s method, we know that there is never a reason to be rude (1 Pt. 2:17). Of course, the message of the Gospel can be offensive to some. But as we talk about this pure Gospel of Jesus with our Muslim friends, we never want to add to its offense by mixing in any unbiblical traditions, culture-specific terminology, or pre-existing prejudice.
We believe that Jesus and His Kingdom truly are Good News when proclaimed clearly, and we believe that through him a generation marked by peace between Muslims and Christians will come.
