Article

My life in 7 verses

What’s it like to be a secret Christian, living in one of the countries that is most hostile to the gospel? Is it even possible to live out your faith? Surprisingly, yes. Mohammed is from a country, where if his faith was discovered by the wrong people, he would almost certainly be killed, especially as he converted to Christianity from Islam. But that’s not stopping him. When asked about his life, he said that it could be summed up in just 7 Bible verses. Here’s the ones he chose.

1. 1 Corinthians 1:24
‘…but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.’

“Jesus Christ called me. In Him is the power and wisdom of God. He’s coming back for us. Other religions offer no hope.”

2. Romans 15:20
‘…and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation.’

“I live in a very difficult country. We cannot express our faith. But the Holy Spirit is with me. He chose me as a servant of God.”

3. Philippians 3:14
‘I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.’

“I also press on toward the goal. I’m going to heaven, I am sure of this. In my country, there is a church. It’s small, but it’s there.”

4. 2 Thessalonians 3:1
‘Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored.’

“This is my request, that you pray this prayer. Pray that the Word of the Lord speeds ahead and will be honored in my country. The Bible was written 2,000 years ago, but I believe every word is from God. It hasn’t changed.”

5. Romans 1:16
‘For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.’

“I have to be careful, but I am not ashamed of the Gospel. The Word of God means salvation for everyone who believes. It’s my experience. God gives me the wisdom. Then I tell other people.”

6. Zachariah 2:8
‘For thus said the Lord of hosts, after his glory sent me to the nations who plundered you, for he who touches you touches the apple of his eye.’

“God is always with me and I’m the apple of his eye.”

7. Job 3:18
‘There the prisoners are at ease together; they hear not the voice of the taskmaster.’

“I don’t worry about my life or the dangers. I believe in Jesus Christ. I know that the Lord has said to me: ‘You are part of my house. I will always be with you. You are my son.’”

Mohammed also answered some questions about his life. To protect his identity and security we can’t mention the country he is from, but read on to see the incredible courage he has and the risks he is taking simply to show others God’s love.

Is the situation getting worse or better in your country?
“Worse. Especially if you compare it to twenty or even thirty years ago. Now everyone seems to have a gun. If I carelessly share the gospel with someone, he could shoot me instantly. Also, I live in a tribal society. Often families or entire tribes fight. It’s very violent. Of course, very few non-believers know that I’m a Christian. It’s very dangerous. My whole country is my enemy. Yet, I still pray that God will give me a Word to share with others.”

How do you challenge people with the Gospel?
“It’s so difficult. People only know the holy Quran. For them, Jesus is only a prophet and there’s no difference between one prophet and the other. I usually talk to them about Jesus in the Quran and how he has helped me always. Then I make a bridge to the Bible. Sometimes people are offended. Especially in difficult areas. I believe in the Bible, so I have many enemies.”

How do you study the Word of God?
“The Bible is my good teacher. I read it every day and spend time with God. But I don’t travel with my Bible. I only travel with notes.”

You also lead a small band of believers. What do you teach them?
“It’s very difficult and sometimes impossible to meet. But when we do, we just share the Word of God. I teach people different sermons about Jesus Christ. The most important thing is that they believe one thing: that God is our father.”

This is so dangerous. Are you not afraid of getting killed?
“My countrymen have two schools of thought. One person thinks that Jesus is a prophet and the son of God. They are close to the truth and it’s easy to talk to them about the gospel. But the other person thinks that Jesus is a prophet and not a son of God. With them, I need a lot of wisdom in what I say.”

I understand. But that still means there’s one category of people that may shoot you.
“I’ve learned only one word: Remain faithful until death and receive the crown of life.”

Mohammed is a songwriter too. These are the lyrics to one of his songs, which are pretty powerful when you know a bit more about the person who wrote them. As you read them, pray them yourself…

Oh Lord, Jesus Christ,
Thank you.
I was a sinner,
Yet, you chose me.
I request: use me
as you wish