Yesterday I was interviewed by Marcus & Joni Lamb on the Daystar Network.  It was about my new book “Bold as Love” and what I see taking place globally and here in the U.S. with people of different faiths.  Candidly I was nervous – I’m used to interviews by global media – but not studio sit down, put on makeup, lights, camera, action . . . kind of stuff!  It was live, so I needed to be clear & deliberate in what I said.  Marcus and Joni were great at putting me at ease.  I later saw the program and felt like I still was talking machine gun fast. 

Marcus and Joni have a strong commitment to Israel – as do I.  But I’m also very committed and love the Palestinian people just as much.  So, when I was asked to come and be a part I was hoping they’d read my book or at least been briefed on where I stood.  I didn’t want to get them in trouble or me.  For many Muslims & Arabs around the world, and in the US, Christian media in their minds has played a role creating negative attitudes among Christians towards Muslims, as some Christian pastors would preach.  In addition, I value my Muslim/Arab relationships and didn’t want to be misunderstood by them for being on Christian television.  I was in for a HUGE and PLEASANT surprise. 

The first chapter of my book “Bold as Love” deals with migration and how we are truly glocal – everything is everywhere.  We talked about that – how the world and DFW is changing.  They asked about how I got involved in all this and I told them the stories from the book.  I explained how I came to know Muslims in Afghanistan which led to the rest of the world . . . including the Palestinians and how I loved Muslims as well. 

Marcus blew me away.  He started talking about how “Abraham had two sons and one of those is Ishmael and God gave promises to Ishmael as well.”  He went on to say, “I love the Jewish people and always will, but don’t think we don’t love Muslims and Arabs as well.”  At that moment, I was hoping Arabs & Muslims all over the world were listening!  Often, they will think I’m alone and other evangelicals don’t feel the same way – I tell them there are others but they question it.  To have the Founder & President of “DAYSTAR” Christian Television Network – supporting Israel and Jews but affirming Arabs as well was powerful.  Many of my friends around the world have seen it already and it is making a positive impact.

You can’t hate people and show them the love of Jesus at the same time.  This is the story of Jonah & Nineveh all over again.  Later at lunch Joni shared how she has become friends with Atheist and homosexuals and talks about Jesus with them in a non-condeming way and the impact it is having.  When we start with sin, it’s impersonal, harsh, judgmental, and isolating.  This is why Jesus says, “Judge not lest ye be judged.”  BUT, when we start with Jesus, his love and his message – then people are open and ready to hear.  The Holy Spirit draws men – and the Holy Spirit convicts men – I wish we really believed it.  If we did, it would free us from judgmental finger pointing and lead to Jesus encounters.  Guess what, people would also change.  But not because I told them to, but because the Holy Spirit convicted them.  Guilt and shame has not changed mens behavior for thousands of years – only the Holy Spirit.  May the Holy Spirit not just change them – but may he change us. 

Thank you thank you thank you – Marcus & Joni – thank you for what you said – thank you for your courage -