Question #2: Your idea that Muslims can follow Jesus and somehow stay Muslim has always confused me.

This is a big one. And a cornerstone of what we believed God has called us to be a part of…seeing Arab Muslims love and follow Jesus and stay within their context.

First of all, I’m not a Universalist. The scriptures are clear that a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the one and only way to life here on earth and forever. All ways do not lead to God. Only Jesus does.

Let me try several ways to describe what I mean when I say “Muslims following Jesus,” because it is complex.

Question 1: Why do we insist on not using some words and always using others?

Question 1: Why do we insist on not using some words and always using others? When words like “Christian” or “Missionary” or “Evangelism” have been used for centuries, why would you discard those and try to “make up” some new ones when it only confuses people?

There are so many times when I think it’d be easier if I simply said to you – and the rest of the world – “Yes I’m a Christian. Church Planting Missionary among Muslims. Making them into Christians and getting them into Churches that meet at 10 am on Sundays.” That would be so much easier!

What do Muslims think of Jesus?

Exploring the Impact of Media

Why Not Talk to Terrorists?

Remember when I asked your opinions about me writing for the Washington Post? Well, I wrote what I thought I could write – and get it published – and then sent it and never heard back. Just yesterday I found out that they published it back on May 6th and forgot to tell me. So here it is…. Remember, this is for a secular political blog – so I got as much Jesus stuff in as I could and still get it published. Read it through that lens.

Which Religion Saves You?

The Differences Between Hamas, Hezbollah, and Al Qaeda

Do you know the differences between Hamas, Hezbollah, and Al Qaeda?

Medearis Kids Go to the Middle East

Our three kids and one of their friends have developed a website and are going to be filming in Israel and the West Bank this June. It’s amazing what they’re doing.

Check out their site (all produced and written by them and all the filming will be done by them): www.withinbrokenborders.com.

We are so proud of them. Go there and read the whole thing. And see what you think. If you like it, pitch in!

New Book Idea #2

A few of you have responded to my last cry for help by interviewing 10 people and asking them two questions: what first comes to mind when you think of the religion of Christianity, and secondly, what first comes to your mind when you think of Jesus of Nazareth. You can vary those questions, use them for your own means, but I want your feedback for the book I’m writing. Please send those in as a response to that last blog or on Facebook – or email them to me.

The next thing I’d like you to help me with is to ask as many of your friends as you want – that go to your church and you know are fairly mature in their faith – these questions:

Obama’s Deadly Sin

Okay, I’ll tell you upfront, the subject line was merely a ploy to get you to read this. I guess it worked…

Have you heard that he wanted to cancel the National Day of Prayer? I have. Lots of my friends are worried about it. And do you know, he’s never even suggested cancelling it. Actually, a right-wing nut on the radio simply made it up, which got the Christian gossip machine rolling, and now, almost everyone I know thinks it’s going to be canceled unless we stand up and fight. Amazing!