Take Jesus Back

I encouraged the 1000 Muslims from around America at the Muslim American Society annual conference to “take Jesus back.” I reminded them that Jesus was from Nazareth, not Tulsa. And that he was probably 5 foot 8 with brown skin and a big hooked nose. That he looked more like the Arabs sitting on the front row than he did me. (They liked that).

I retold the parable of the Good Samaritan and how provocative it would have been in his day. And I finished with Luke 4 – Jesus’ “mission statement.” And how interesting that everyone loved his speech until he pointed out that the Prophet Elijah went to a widow in Zarapheth (modern day Lebanon) and that Elisha healed the leper from Syria. Then they tried to kill him.

Merry Christmas and Arab TV

Chris and I and our three kids want to wish each of you a wonderful and merry Christmas. We hope it’ll be wonderful, with or without lots of presents.

Two other quick things:

1. Remember to pray for me as I address about 1000 Muslims in Chicago on the 26th.
2. And I will release the video of me speaking on Hezbollah TV on the 28th. It wasn’t easy, but we got a decent quality live video of my whole talk (5 minutes) to the nation of Lebanon when we were there in November. It went out to the whole region on their satellite station as well. So when I get back, we’ll have a chance to post that. Should be interesting!

Middle East Trip Video Update: 11/10

In this final video blog from the Middle East, Carl talks from the beach in Tel Aviv about the simplicity of Jesus and the answer that He is to all the chaos, questions, and conflict — not just in the Middle East, but in every single one of us.

Middle East Trip Video Update: 11/9

Check out this quick video blog about the power (and challenge) of loving our enemies — recorded yesterday afternoon in front of Arafat’s tomb in Ramallah. Also, we’ve posted a few new photos of our time in Bethlehem and Ramallah on Facebook.

Middle East Trip Video Update: 11/8

Here’s Carl in Hebron in front of the half mosque-half synagogue that houses the tombs of the patriarchs (Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, and Leah). We’re also posting photos daily, so be sure to check them out on our Facebook page.

Middle East Trip Video Update: 11/7

For our fourth video blog from the Middle East, Carl talks from the Mount of Olives about the religiosity in Jerusalem, both during Christ’s time and today.

Middle East Trip Video Update: 11/6

Video update #3 from Bethlehem…Carl and Chris share some highlights from the last couple days. Plus, we’ve posted some new photos from the last couple days, so be sure to check those out on Facebook.

Middle East Trip Video Update: 11/4

Carl gives a quick update on what’s going on with the team in the Middle East, and he talks to a couple young people who live in Beirut. Take a few minutes to watch the video, and be sure to post your comments. Also, check out Carl’s Facebook page to see daily photo updates from the team.

Middle East Trip Video Update: 11/3

Carl gives a quick “live update” from the team currently in Beirut, Lebanon. Be sure to pass the video along to your friends, and if you’re not a fan on Facebook, become one so you can keep track of us. We also just posted photos of the day’s events on Facebook, so be sure to check them out.