Pixelated Pad and Pen

Kevin DeYoung on Patriotism and the Church

2011-05-30T17:01:00.000+04:00

There are approximately 25 nationalities in the church where I'm an elder. Every Friday (we worship in a Muslim country) is a little vision of Revelation chapter 7:9-12.

Last year there was a young man from the US who was doing a semester internship in Dubai and attending out church. He had never had an extended experience outside the US and God was teaching him some important things about his heart for the ALL the nations.

One Friday after the service he said, "It's amazing to experience this church... You don't pray for the troops (like my church back home). But if you did, who's troops would you pray for?!"

Along that theme, Kevin DeYoung, a US pastor, author, and blogger writes on Memorial Day celebrations and the church...

We (Americans) should pray for service men and women in our congregations. We should pray for the President. We should pray for the just cause to triumph over the evil one. We are not moral relativists. We do not believe just because all people are sinners and all nations are sinful that no person or no nation can be more righteous or more wicked than another. God may be on America’s side in some (not all) her endeavors.

But please think twice before putting on a Star Spangled gala in church this Sunday. I love to hear the national anthem and “God Bless America” and “My Country, Tis of Thee,” but not in church where the nations gather to worship the King of all peoples. I love to see the presentation of colors and salute our veterans, but these would be better at the Memorial Day parade or during a time of remembrance at the cemetery. Earthly worship should reflect the on-going worship in heaven. And while there are many Americans singing glorious songs to Jesus there, they are not singing songs about the glories of America. We must hold to the traditions of the Apostles in our worship, not the traditions of American history. The church should not ask of her people what is not required in Scripture. So how can we ask the Koreans and Chinese and Mexicans and South Africans in our churches to pledge allegiance to a flag that is not theirs? Are we gathered under the banner of Christ or another banner? Is the church of Jesus Christ–our Jewish Lord and Savior–for those draped in the red, white, and blue or for those washed in the blood of the Lamb?

In some parts of the church, every hint of patriotism makes you a jingoistic idolater. You are allowed to love every country except your own. But in other parts of the church, true religion blends too comfortably into civil religion. You are allowed to worship in our services as long as you love America as much as we do. I don’t claim to have arrived at the golden mean, but I imagine many churches could stand to think more carefully about their theology of God and country. Churches should be glad to have their members celebrate Memorial Day with gusto this Monday. We should be less sanguine about celebrating it with pomp and circumstance on Sunday.

You can read the rest of his post here.

(ht: Justin Taylor)

HRH Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid al Maktoum Visits the American School of Dubai

2011-05-09T17:42:00.000+04:00

My wife works half time as a nurse at the same school my kids attend here in Dubai: The American School of Dubai. It's the oldest American curriculum school in Dubai and they just moved to a brand new campus in Al Barsha. The campus is spectacular.

Today Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid al Maktoum visited (one day notice) to tour the new facility. Flags were handed out to all the students and the day was spent getting ready for his arrival and then in welcoming him.

When we arrived 9 years ago I saw Sheikh Mohammad driving down the road or on the beach several times during the first couple years.

Then as Dubai exploded in growth and Sheikh Mohammad became the countries Vice President, rather than Dubai Crown Prince, he became less prominently seen in public.

Here's a picture my wife snapped with her phone camera this afternoon.

A Christian's View of Osama's Death - Part 2 (Thankful)

2011-05-04T10:43:00.002+04:00

As our dinner conversation continued I interjected, "As much as I'm sad that he was not a Christian before his death, I'm also thankful upon hearing this news".

"Why thankful Dad?"

I'm thankful because the Bible teaches that God has put governments and earthly powers in place to restrain evil and even punish evil, at least in an 'earth-bound' sense. God even uses governments and leaders who do not believe in him and do not submit to his law or believe his gospel.

Osama bin Laden was a man who ordered the murder of thousands of people. I believe it was right to order that he be hunted down and stopped. That is the role of the state, as fallible and imperfect as it is.

But I don't think that my thankfulness should turn to jubilation or celebration. That implies vengeance and that is not something that Christians are to take on (Rom 12:19). As thankful as I am for this event, the scenes of partying, flag waving, and raucous singing of songs like "We Are the Champions" seems grossly inappropriate for Christians because even God does not take pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezek 18:23).

These two feelings, sadness and thankfulness, remind me of the two Kingdoms of which I'm a part. First I'm a part of the heavenly Kingdom because of faith in Christ. My citizenship is ultimately in heaven. This is my most important citizenship (Phil 3:20) and my desire to see all men come to a saving knowledge of Jesus is the sentiment that brings sadness at Osama's death.

But I'm also a citizen of an earthly Kingdom; the United States. And I'm commanded by God to obey the authorities over me in this Kingdom as well, in as much as they don't force me to disobey God. So I'm glad when the government restrains and punishes evil as God has intended it to do. (Incidentally, I'm also a resident of the United Arab Emirates and I see it as my duty before God to obey their laws and be subject to their government as well, in as much as they don't command me to refrain from doing something that God has commanded me to do).

The goal of the people in the first Kingdom, local churches, is to spread the knowledge of God and his Gospel (see Matt 28 again). And a major goal of the second Kingdom, the State, is to uphold earthly justice, restrain and punish evil (1 Peter 2:14). It's the proper role of militaries to defend, protect, and restrain evil but the role of the church in the world is take the Gospel to the nations.

And so you and I live with a cross section of responsibilities and citizenships, both "in the world but not of the world". That's how I can be both sad and thankful for Osama's death.

Note: Some of you have commented on what it means to "love your neigbor" if your neighbor was Osama bin Laden. I would hope you would share the gospel with him (if possible). Or at least wouldn't you want the gospel shared with any jihadist? One popular account these days is of the conversion of son of a Hamas leader. What if no one had shared the gospel with him? And I would hope too that you would pray that any murderer would be caught and punished for his actions. Loving people doesn't mean we let them do whatever they want to do, but it doesn't include withholding the message of hope from them either.

A Christian's View of Osama's Death - Part 1 (Sad)

2011-05-03T14:11:00.001+04:00

We finished thanking God for our dinner and then began eating.

"So Osama bin Laden was shot and killed yesterday. There are pictures all over the internet of cheering Americans waving flags celebrating. What do you think a Christian should think about his death? How should we think about this event in a Christian way?"

"We should be sad because he wasn't a Christian" piped up Emma, my youngest and only not-yet-a-teenager.

As much as I'm glad that a mass murderer has met with justice (more on that in another post) I agreed with her. To think about the world from a Christian perspective means to think about it from a Gospel perspective. And anyone who has not repented and believed in Christ still has the condemnation of God to face. (John 3:18) That's true for him and it's true for everyone else as well. It's why we share the Gospel with everyone and anyone. (Matt 28:18-20/Acts 4:12) Because the gospel message is the only thing capable of removing the condemnation of God from us and making us adopted sons and daughters of the King.

In the 2 Chronicles 33 there is a story of King Manasseh. If ever there was a despicable human being it was him. Charged with leading the nation of Israel in the ways of God, he did the exact opposite. He led Israel away from God. Injustice, murder, immorality, and idol worship all grew during his reign. And as if to characterize his evil reign with one sentence, it says he sacrificed his own children on the altar of foreign gods. (2 Chronicles 33:6) He literally put his children to death in a selfish attempt to gain favor with the foreign gods of the nations around them.

So God brought other nations to conquer Israel in judgment. And Manasseh was led away in chains and thrown into the prison of his captors. That seems just doesn't it?

But God is so rich in mercy that he moved in Masasseh's heart to truly and deeply repent of his sin. Sitting in that dungeon was the mercy of God to awaken him to his own wretchedness. He truly and deeply repented. And God forgave him.

Not only that but God eventually had him rescued from prison and restored to the throne in Jerusalem.

Now that's amazing grace.

If God can forgive Manasseh then there is hope for everyone else on the planet. People like Osama bin Laden and even me.

Dubai Muslim Christian Dialogue - Raw Audio

2011-03-14T10:19:00.006+04:00

The following is the 3+ hour audio of the recent Muslim-Christian Dialogue held in Dubai on March 6, 2011. The event featured Thabiti Anyabwile and Bassam Zawadi as speakers. Video is being currently produced and will be available in April.

http://www.mediafire.com/?83g6artz4tsp1p9

Great Quote: The Aim of Music

2010-07-29T01:29:00.002+04:00

The aim and final end of all music should be none other
than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul. If heed
is not paid to this, it is not true music but a diabolical
bawling and twanging.

... J. S. Bach (1685-1750)

Great Quote: The Limits of Logic

2010-07-18T17:48:00.002+04:00

Every logical position ... will eventually lead into
trouble, and heresy, and chaos. Every logical position is fully
consistent, but coherence arises from the human mind, not
God's. The human mind is finite and cannot grasp eternity, and
therefore the finite mind sees the infinite as not graspable
coherently. If we could grasp it all coherently, without
contradiction, we would be God. The person who insists on being
logical to the end winds up in a mess. I am not saying that we
should not be rational. I am not anti-intellectual. I am saying
that the intellect by itself is helpless to arrive at total
truth.

... Kenneth L. Pike (1912-2001), Stir, Change, Create, p.
44

Iranian Government Unveils Islamic Ministry Approved Haircuts

2010-07-06T14:16:00.000+04:00

As reported in the UK Telegraph, the Iranian government unveiled Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance. People without these "approved" haircuts risk arrest and barber shops offering "un-Islamic" haircuts risk being shut down.

"The proposed styles are inspired by Iranians' complexion, culture and religion, and Islamic law," said Jaleh Khodayar, who is in charge of a Modesty and Veil Festival later this month at which the guide will be promoted.

AFP: Boxing's Mike Tyson on Mecca pilgrimage: report

2010-07-04T16:15:00.000+04:00

AFP: Boxing's Mike Tyson on Mecca pilgrimage: report

Fun with Misplaced News Headlines

2010-07-04T14:59:00.001+04:00

Is Diego Maradona looking for a new home after his current World Cup loss?

7days, a local newspaper here in Dubai, is famous for it's headlines and pictures that don't match. I don't know why they don't see the funny associations that will occur when they look at the final layout. There are typically two stories on the front page. One that is dominated by a picture and the other that is dominated by text.

Often the two become intertwined. The above picture is an example. The headline belongs to an article about some workers who have been abandoned by their company here in Dubai. Diego Maradona, the coach of the Argentinian football team in the current World Cup is pictured as well. He's dejected because Argentina are out of the tournament.

And with their recent loss combined with the extreme passion for football in Argentina, maybe he does qualify as a "stranded man". Maybe it's not so smart for Diego to go back to Argentina for a while.

gulfnews : Scholars divided over imam's fatwa on music

2010-06-29T12:41:00.000+04:00

Riyadh: A fatwa (religious ruling) issued by Shaikh Adel Al Kalbani, a former imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, in which he claimed that Islam does not forbid singing and music has split Saudi scholars, Islamic thinkers and secularists...

Al Kalbani is a son of an emigrant from the UAE who came to Saudi Arabia from Ras Al Khaimah in the 1950s looking for work.

gulfnews : Scholars divided over imam's fatwa on music

History and Doctrine - J. Gresham Machen

2010-06-29T11:26:00.002+04:00

"From the beginning, the Christian gospel, as indeed the name "gospel" or "good news" implies, consisted in an account of something that had happened. And from the beginning, the meaning of the happening was set forth; and when the meaning of the happening was set forth, then there was Christian doctrine. "Christ died"-that is history; "Christ died for our sins"-that is doctrine. Without these two elements, joined in an absolutely indissoluable union, there is no Christianity.

It is perfectly clear, then, that the first Christian missionaries did not simply come forward with an exhortation; they did not say: "Jesus of Nazareth lived a wonderful life of filial piety, and we call upon you our hearers to yield yourselves, as we have done, to the spell of that life." Certainly that is what modern historians would have expected the first Christian missionaries to say, but it must be recognized that as a matter of fact they said nothing of the kind.

...The great weapon with which the disciples of Jesus set out to conquer the world was not a mere comprehension of eternal principles; it was an historical message, an account of something that had recently happened; it was the message, "He is risen." The world was to be redeemed by the proclamation of this event. And with the event went the meaning of the event; and the setting forth of the event with the meaning of the event was doctrine. These two elements are always combined in the Christian message. The narration of the facts is history, the narration of the facts with the meaning of the facts is doctrine. Such was the Christianity of the primitive church."

(Taken from J. Gresham Machen's Christianity and Liberalism [Eerdmans, 1923], pp. 27-29)

In Islamic Iran prayer sellers' trade is booming

2010-06-28T15:53:00.000+04:00

In Islamic Iran prayer sellers' trade is booming

Here's an interesting quote from the article...

"'There are lots of methods depending on the problems. Some prayers (written on a piece of paper) should be burned and some should be put in a bowl of water. You should follow the instructions.'

According to Islam, prayers have a divine source and make a spiritual connection between God and his servants. Those who have the right religious knowledge can write prayers for others to help them obtain better results."

What do you think effects if and how God answers our prayers?

Consider reading Matthew 6:5-13 and Matthew 7:9-11 in the Bible.

First 'official' gurdwara in Dubai - Chandigarh - City - The Times of India

2010-06-26T17:27:00.003+04:00

First 'official' gurdwara in Dubai - Chandigarh - City - The Times of India

This Sikh temple has been under construction about 200 meters from the church we attended up until planting Redeemer Church in February. They've been working on it for over 2 years I would say. I think it's pretty progressive for the country to allow this temple to be built. And it's kind of interesting that it's been given space right next to the church compound in Jebel Ali where there are about 12 churches meeting each week.

Some might be upset about it but I hope it provides an opportunity to engage some new Sikh neighbors in conversation about who is God and what is true about the world, people, and our eternal destiny.

By the way, I (hope) think this might have been a misquote?... "Sikhs don’t worship idols like in Islam and once authorities were convinced that setting up a gurdwara was not anti-Islamic, things quickly started falling in place. My dream is to make Guru Nanak Durbar the best, second only to the Golden Temple in Amritsar," adds Kandhari."

Canada cancels travel visa of Islamic preacher - thestar.com

2010-06-24T15:46:00.000+04:00

More places that Zakir Naik can't visit now...

Canada cancels travel visa of Islamic preacher - thestar.com

UAE shuts 40 firms for illegal trade with Iran - Arab News

2010-06-24T09:14:00.001+04:00

Ahem... It's interesting to know that there may be nuclear centrifuges in the neighborhood. It is only a short boat ride from Ras Al Khaimah to Iranian shores. :)

UAE shuts 40 firms for illegal trade with Iran - Arab News

On C.H. Dodd's Influence in the Revised Standard Version

2010-06-23T13:26:00.000+04:00

For all you Christian theology buffs...

There's an interesting quote in the first chapter of the book "Pierced for Our Transgressions: Rediscovering the Glory of Penal Substitution". It sheds some light on a bible translation that I've used often in the past.

"In the mid-twentieth century, the case against penal substitution was articulated most strongly by the Biblical scholar C. H. Dodd... his understanding of (texts referring to propitiation) was also reflected in the Revised Standard Version, produced in 1946."

This makes me want to go back and read some important passages in the RSV. Passages like Romans 3:25, 1 John 2:2, and 1 John 4:10.

Email Campaign to Protest the UK's Rejection of Zakir Naik

2010-06-22T13:40:00.000+04:00

An interesting development has come about as a result of the UK's rejection of Dr. Zakir Naik to enter the UK for a Muslim event in Sheffield. An email is circulating here in the UAE with this message:

World Briefing - Europe - Britain - No Entry for Preacher With Radical Views on Islam - NYTimes.com

2010-06-20T07:04:00.000+04:00

World Briefing - Europe - Britain - No Entry for Preacher With Radical Views on Islam - NYTimes.com

This article above is about Dr. Zakir Naik, an Islamic preacher based out of Mumbai. I heard him speak in Dubai several years ago and I was on some type of Islamic mailing list and was sent an announcement of his Sheffield lectures recently as well. I have some Muslim friends here in Dubai who know him. I'm sure they're disappointed with this outcome.

Sermon on Luke 7:1-10; The Centurion with the Greatest Faith

2010-06-08T15:43:00.000+04:00

My latest sermon on Luke 7:1-10.

Evangelism and Social Justice

2010-06-06T13:42:00.001+04:00

I recently read a 2009 Christianity Today editorial with which, for the most part, I really agreed. It is entitled "The Greatest Social Need". Here is a quote to help you know what it's about.

The greatest social need in the world today is not HIV/AIDS outreach. It's not hunger. It's not global warming. Not ending poverty or eliminating malaria or tuberculosis. Not clean water. Not racial reconciliation. Not sexual trafficking. Not abortion. And it's not peace in the Middle East, and not even world peace... That social problem is alienation from God.

I posted this article on my facebook page and it drew an interesting response from one young woman. Here is her response.

She says, "strange, i've noticed the opposite. christians who evangelize to the poor without addressing any of their needs (except perhaps to put a band-aid on their problems by throwing money at them or going on a week or two trip). seems that there should be a balance between addressing both the physical and spiritual needs of a person. we do not fully know the gospel if we preach to the suffering, but leave them in it. we "do violence to the poor" by giving them a gospel that we do not live out."

I've written a response to her here. Read it and tell me what you think. It's a pressing issue in Evangelicalism today.

Let me address your comment and the article. The article argues that the spiritual problem of alienation from God is the biggest problem the world faces. Genesis chapter 3 (and onward) makes this clear. All other problems stem from sin and death being loosed into the world. And if you believe what Jesus and his apostles taught then you know that dying without coming into a saving relationship with Christ leaves people separated from God and eternally condemned. This is a terrible fate.

These days, the pressure from those outside our faith (and from many inside now) is to basically abandon sharing the Gospel with people and to emphasize things like eradicating hunger, disease, and things like sexual trafficking. These are all terrible things of course. All stemming from Genesis 3.

The article doesn't say that Christians should not help those in physical need. In fact, those who are truly regenerated by God through the Gospel and who understand the implications of the Gospel for their lives will begin to work for these issues of social justice but they continue to understand the proclamation of the gospel is the greatest pressing need of the people on our planet.

So why are there lots of people who are rich and go to church and do nothing in the way of physically loving their neighbor? I think that's what is bothering you. My opinion is that there are many who are not truly regenerated; they are not really Christians. The other problem is that they are not being taught well and discipled in the implications of the Gospel for their lives.

But the answer for both these categories of people is not to just demand that they begin to feed to the poor. That is what seems to be happening in evangelicalism. The drumbeat is to focus on social action. But in doing this many of these people are left unconverted and undiscipled with no real knowledge of the very Gospel that would produce sacrificial lives (Acts 2:42-47).

In fact, sidelining the true Gospel only produces self-righteous do-gooders, many of whom will meet Jesus on the day of judgement and point to their acts of service to others only to have Jesus say, "Depart from me, I never knew you." (Matthew 7:21-23)

If it's true as James says, "Faith without works is dead" then what people who have no true faith need is... faith! They need the transforming power of the Gospel. Remember, the Gospel is not just how we enter into the Kingdom of Christ, it's how we're sustained and grow too. Titus 2:11-14 reminds us that it's grace (or the Gospel essentially) that teaches us to live godly lives, i.e. feeding the poor and healing the sick.

Teach the Gospel to transform people and the world; to both save people for all eternity and unleash a community which will serve others sacrificially.

Great Quote: "He Who Through Faith is Righteous, Shall Live"

2010-05-14T16:18:00.000+04:00

In Romans 1:17, we are accustomed to find the words, "The
just shall live by faith." This declaration has been a clarion
call to faith and has been the text for many a sermon on the
necessity of continued faith throughout life. It is true that
this verse may have this meaning, but it is more probable that
it means, "He who through faith is righteous shall live." This
is in keeping with the whole emphasis of Paul throughout
Romans, which has as its theme "justification by faith" (Romans
5:1). Paul does not present two themes in Romans: the one,
"living by faith," and the other, "justification by faith." His
purpose was to emphasize one great primary truth of Christian
doctrine: the righteousness which comes by faith in God. It is
a kind of imputed righteousness, which has its origin in the
grace of God and its response in the faith of man. Not only is
this translation more in keeping with the Pauline context, but
it is more faithful to the Hebrew of Habakkuk 2:4, of which it
is a quotation.
... Eugene A. Nida (b. 1914), God's Word in Man's Language,
Harper, 1952, p. 73

Sad But Funny Satire on Contemporary and Relevant Church Services

2010-05-10T15:26:00.000+04:00

It's been another long stretch of time since I posted to the blog. Kinda feeling the "itch" to restart. Of course long layoffs are not good for building faithful readership :) Oh well.

Just saw this today. Pretty funny stuff.

"Sunday's Coming" Movie Trailer from North Point Media on Vimeo.

Women of Saudi Arabia

2010-04-26T22:24:00.000+04:00

Very interesting video today on the women of Saudi Arabia. The women of Dubai/UAE have many more freedoms and yet the video is instructive about some of the basic aspects of the lives of women in the Gulf.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Disturbing Article on Marital Reconciliation Methods

2010-02-08T07:09:00.000+04:00

This article published on November 9, 2009 is titled Official Stresses Need for Marital Reconciliation in the GulfNews states this near the end.

According to Sharia, a husband is counselled to adopt a civilised and productive method and to be responsible and patient before divorcing.

"We call that ... the gradual edifying reconciliation method … whenever a husband notices a bizarre behaviour from his wife, he can advise her, then avoid sleeping with her in one room and if that doesn't work out then he can whip her gently in a manner that makes her understand the situation.

Is this standard interpretation of Sharia Law?

New Marriage Laws in Saudi

2010-01-23T13:19:00.001+04:00

Story out of the GulfNews:

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia is exploring the prospect of allowing senior government officials, diplomats and judges to get married to foreigners. The amendments, proposed by the Ministry of Interior and the Expert Authority under the Council of Ministers, in this respect have been okayed by higher authorities, according to a report carried by Al Riyadh Arabic daily. The amendments stipulate that any Saudi citizen, holding key posts such as ministers, members of the Shoura Council, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and judges will be allowed to get married to foreigners. The amendments will be applicable to all government officials in the grades of 15 and 14 and above. The officials also include those working with the Royal Court, Court of the Crown Prince, Court of the Council of Ministers, National Security Council, Ministry of Defence and Aviation, Ministry of Interior among others.

I'm really curious why this would be allowed for top officials and not for all others in Saudi society? Is there some religious reason this would be allowed for only a privileged few? Also, I had never heard in the first place that this was the policy... that Saudi citizens could only marry Saudis. True?

Quranic Instructions for Muslims Encountering Christians During Christmas

2010-01-09T12:42:00.001+04:00

Christmas has past but I wanted to pass on an interesting article that was sent out on a local Muslim email listserve. It's instructions for Muslims about how to respond to Christians during their Christmas holidays or other Christian celebrations.

It might sound harsh to some of you Christians out there but, in all honesty, I think if Muslims are going to be true to their holy scriptures then they should follow these guidelines.

I did have an observant Muslim friend talk to me on chat a few weeks back. He asked me how my Christmas was. I thought this was a very friendly yet perhaps Quranically acceptable way to handle the situation. Although you could possibly argue from the Quran that he is in grave danger having me as a friend in the first place.

See what you think about the article:

AssalamualaykumwarahmatAllah!
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked about the ruling on greeting the kuffaar on the occasion of Christmas and how we should respond when they greet us on this occasion. Is it permissible to go to the parties that they hold on this occasion?

Is a person sinning if he does any of the things mentioned without intending to, and he only does it to be nice, or because of or shyness or embarrassment or other reasons? Is it permissible to imitate them in that?

He replied:
Greeting the kuffaar on the occasion of Christmas or any of their other religious holidays is haraam according to scholarly consensus, as was stated by Ibn al-Qayyim in his book Ahkaam Ahl al-Dhimmah, where he says:
"Congratulating the kuffaar on the rituals that belong only to them is haraam by consensus, as is congratulating them on their festivals and fasts by saying ‘A happy festival to you’ or ‘May you enjoy your festival,’ and so on. If the one who says this has been saved from kufr, it is still forbidden. It is like congratulating someone for prostrating to the cross, or even worse than that. It is as great a sin as congratulating someone for drinking wine, or murdering someone, or having illicit sexual relations, and so on. Many of those who have no respect for their religion fall into this error; they do not realize the offensiveness of their actions. Whoever congratulates a person for his disobedience or bid’ah or kufr exposes himself to the wrath and anger of Allaah." End quote.

Congratulating the kuffaar on their religious festivals is haraam to the extent described by Ibn al-Qayyim because it implies that one accepts or approves of their rituals of kufr, even if one would not accept those things for oneself. But the Muslim should not accept the rituals of kufr or congratulate anyone else for them, because Allaah does not accept any of that at all, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):
"If you disbelieve, then verily, Allaah is not in need of you, He likes not disbelief for His slaves. And if you are grateful (by being believers), He is pleased therewith for you. .
[al-Zumar 39:7]
". . .
This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islaam as your religion . .
[al-Maa’idah 5:3]

So congratulating them is forbidden, whether they are one’s colleagues at work or otherwise.
If they greet us on the occasion of their festivals, we should not respond, because these are not our festivals, and because they are not festivals which are acceptable to Allaah. These festivals are innovations in their religions, and even those which may have been prescribed formerly have been abrogated by the religion of Islaam, with which Allaah sent Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) to the whole of mankind. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"Whoever seeks a religion other than Islaam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers."
[Aal ‘Imraan 3:85]

It is haraam for a Muslim to accept invitations on such occasions, because this is worse than congratulating them as it implies taking part in their celebrations.

Similarly, Muslims are forbidden to imitate the kuffaar by having parties on such occasions, or exchanging gifts, or giving out sweets or food, or taking time off work, etc., because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Whoever imitates a people is one of them." Shaykh al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyah said in his book Iqtidaa’ al-Siraat al-Mustaqeem Mukhaalifat Ashaab al-Jaheem: "Imitating them in some of their festivals implies that one is pleased with their false beliefs and practices, and gives them the hope that they may have the opportunity to humiliate and mislead the weak

End quote from Majmoo’ Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 3/44.
From IslamQA.com
http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/69811

Great Quote: A.W. Pink on Saving Faith

2009-12-29T13:00:00.001+04:00

The nature of Christ's salvation is woefully misrepresented
by the present-day "evangelist." He announces a Saviour from
hell rather than a Saviour from sin. And that is why so many
are fatally deceived, for there are multitudes who wish to
escape the Lake of fire who have no desire to be delivered from
their carnality and worldliness.

... A. W. Pink (1886-1952), Studies on Saving Faith,
Swengel, Pa.: Reiner Publications, 1932, p. 9-10

This is one of the most interesting quotes I've run across lately. Like all great quotes it sums up a simple but profound truth in a short form.

It helps me answer many Muslim friends who ask me "what would motivate a person to live for God's glory and seek holy living after having their sins forgiven?". They see the forgiveness of sin (past, present, and future) as giving license to continual sinning. "If God will forgive all your sins why would someone stop sinning then?" they ask.

This quote provides a clue to at least one answer to my friends. The saving faith that God grants to those who put their faith and trust in Christ's sacrifice, is faith in a Savior who saves from sin and it's consequences. He's not a Savior who merely saves us from the consequences themselves. Sin is what brings condemnation to us all. It seems reasonable and logical that if Christ only saved us from an eternal hell then the Christian would indeed feel the freedom to continue in sin. But being saved from sin is what true saving faith brings through Christ's death on our behalf.

If the faith I have in Christ is a belief in being saved from sin then that faith will produce in me an ongoing desire to fight against sin in my life rather than just mere belief that I will avoid an eternal hell. This saving faith motivates the Christian to fight sin throughout their lives. And it is sustained in them by the presence of the Holy Spirit.

A second reason that the Christian is motivated to fight against sin rather than giving in to sin is that when we put faith in Christ for salvation we are bound to him as Lord. He is the source of our new life as it says in Colossians 3:3 "For you died and your life is now hidden in Christ with God." Romans 8:1 says "For now there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus".

If we are "in him" then we are bound to him and are constantly and eternally with him. We don't just receive something from him. We are with him and in him. And the person who is with him will be motivated to continually fight against sin by his holy presence in them. Just like if a coach or parent were with us in every and all situations in life. If we truly loved them and had faith in them then we would be motivated to live for them at every moment as they urged and encouraged us. So it is all the more with Christ who is with us and in us all the time.

Each of these two reasons and explanations of why the true Christian fights against sin rather than welcomes it need some illustrations but I'll have to supply that later.

Real Clear Politics – TIME.com - Opinion, News, Analysis, Videos and Polls.

2009-12-26T10:04:00.000+04:00

Real Clear Politics – TIME.com - Opinion, News, Analysis, Videos and Polls.

Good Quote: Murray on Sin in the Believer

2009-12-20T14:18:00.002+04:00

There must be a constant and increasing appreciation that
though sin still remains it does not have the mastery. There is
a total difference between surviving sin and reigning sin, the
regenerate in conflict with sin and the unregenerate complacent
to sin. It is one thing for sin to live in us: it is another
for us to live in sin... It is of paramount concern for the
Christian and for the interests of his sanctification that he
should know that sin does not have the dominion over him, that
the forces of redeeming, regenerative, and sanctifying grace
have been brought to bear upon him in that which is central in
his moral and spiritual being, that he is the habitation of God
through the Spirit, and that Christ has been formed in him the
hope of glory.
... John Murray (1898-1975), Redemption, Accomplished and
Applied, Grand Rapids: W. B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 1955,
p. 145-146

New Video Game Set in Dubai

2009-11-22T15:57:00.001+04:00

Below is a new video game trailer showing us the storyline and scenes from an upcoming game set in Dubai. The city seems to have been hit by a cataclysmic dust storm and the gameplay takes place among the wreckage of all the amazing buildings of Dubai. Pretty interesting for those who see the buildings everyday we drive from home to work and back. The game is a first person shooter.

Great Quote: C.S. Lewis on God and Impossibilities

2009-11-22T14:26:00.000+04:00

God's omnipotence means [His] power to do all that is not
intrinsically impossible. You may attribute miracles to Him,
but not nonsense. This is no limit to His power. If you choose
to say, "God can give a creature free will and at the same time
withhold free will from it," you have not succeeded in saying
anything about God: meaningless combinations of words do not
suddenly acquire meaning simply because we prefix to them the
two other words "God can." It remains true that all things are
possible with God: the intrinsic impossibilities are not things
but nonentities. It is no more possible for God than for the
weakest of His creatures to carry out both of two mutually
exclusive alternatives--not because His power meets an
obstacle, but because nonsense remains nonsense even when we
talk it about God.
... C. S. Lewis (1898-1963), The Problem of Pain

Great Quote: C.S. Lewis on Humility

2009-11-18T18:11:00.000+04:00

The vice I am talking of is Pride or Self-Conceit: and the
virtue opposite to it, in Christian morals, is called Humility.
You may remember, when I was talking about sexual morality, I
warned you that the centre of Christian morals did not lie
there. Well, now we have come to the centre. According to
Christian teachers, the essential vice, the utmost evil, is
Pride. Unchastity, anger, greed, drunkenness, and all that, are
mere fleabites in comparison: it was through Pride that the
devil became the devil: Pride leads to every other vice: it is
the complete anti-God state of mind.
... C. S. Lewis (1898-1963), Christian Behavior

Taqwacore: Punk Islam Documentary

2009-11-11T10:43:00.000+04:00

Now here's something very interesting. I'll have to catch this somewhere. Combines my interests in Islam and culture.

Foreign Policy Mag: "Dubai's Troubles Have Just Begun" ... Yikes.

2009-10-29T15:27:00.001+04:00

I think these are not just nay-sayers. I'm concerned that denying these kinds of things will only add to the problems here.

Ravi Zacharias on "Maintaining a Christian Worldview in the Classroom"

2009-10-29T15:24:00.000+04:00

Good stuff from Ravi Z. And maybe this is helpful for people in other intellectually restrictive environments as well.

Halloween Wear... Only in America

2009-10-16T00:14:00.000+04:00

Only in America... Halloween is just around the corner in Amreica. Actually, I think this might fit my dog but I would never treat my dog like that :) You'd think PETA would picket against these kind of things. (just kidding).

Great Quote: C.S. Lewis on the Law and the Need to Be "Born Again"

2009-10-13T19:26:00.000+04:00

The very activities for which we were created are, while we
live on earth, variously impeded: by evil in ourselves or in
others. Not to practice them is to abandon our humanity. To
practice them spontaneously and delightfully is not yet
possible. This situation creates the category of duty, the
whole specifically moral realm.
It exists to be transcended. Here is the paradox of
Christianity. As practical imperatives for here and now, the
two great commandments have to be translated "Behave as if you
loved God and man." For no man can love because he is told to.
Yet obedience on this practical level is not really obedience
at all. And if a man really loved God and man, once again this
would hardly be obedience; for if he did, he would be unable to
help it. Thus the command really says to us, "Ye must be born
again." Till then, we have duty, morality, the Law. A
schoolmaster, as St. Paul says, is to bring us to Christ. We
must expect no more of it than of a schoolmaster; we must allow
it no less.
... C. S. Lewis (1898-1963), Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on
Prayer

UN to Fund "Safeguarding" of UAE Cultural Practices

2009-10-03T17:56:00.001+04:00

Here's our country's UN dues at work...

Cultural Practices to be Assisted by U.N.

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- The United Nations launched an initiative in the United Arab Emirates to prevent the death of age-old cultural practices, a press release reported.

Thursday, the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Heritage listed 76 traditions from around the world on the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Included were the tango, religious processions and fertility dances.

...The practices in need of urgent safeguarding are eligible for funding to ensure their survival.

Among these are Latvian female drone singing, a collective fishing rite in Mali, three Mongolian practices and a Belarus Christmas ritual.

Do you think Abu Dhabi really needs UNESCO funding to help with this? (See this chart on the value of various sovereign wealth funds in the world... guess whose is at the top and valued at 50% more than #2)

And what are the cultural practices that are going to be "safeguarded"?

I'm in favor of preserving heritage for future generations to learn from them. I'm not sure this is the best way to do it.

Two Interesting Articles About the UAE

2009-10-01T09:46:00.000+04:00

New York Times: The Possibility of a Nuclear Iran Alarms Arabs

The head of a prominent research center in Dubai said that it might even be better if the West — or Israel — staged a military strike on Iran, rather than letting it emerge as a nuclear power. That kind of talk from Arabs was nearly unheard of before the revelation of the second enrichment plant, and while still rare, it reflects growing alarm.

“Israel can start the attack but they can’t sustain it; the United States can start it and sustain it,” said Abdulaziz Sager, a Saudi businessman and former diplomat who is chairman of the Gulf Research Center in the United Arab Emirates. “The region can live with a limited retaliation from Iran better than living with a permanent nuclear deterrent. I favor getting the job done now instead of living the rest of my life with a nuclear hegemony in the region that Iran would like to impose.”

Another article here. I won't quote it...see for yourself.

Local Dubai Opinions on the Economic Downturn

2009-09-30T09:38:00.002+04:00

Over the last year I've been informally polling various friends in business and industry here to ask about the economic downturn and whether things are changing; getting better or worse. Sometimes it's difficult to tell from the local media reports.

Here's a quick and brief sampling from friends...

Experienced Safety Engineer

"Our company is very precarious financially..."
"(The Dubai economy) will not get better... it cannot."

Experienced Industrial Designer

"Many companies were trying to hold on until after Eid to see if business picked up but there's just not enough to go around. There are some 'big players' in the market that are going to go under soon... or just pull out."

Higher Education Administrator

"Enrollment is down significantly this year"

Taken together, these opinions paint a pretty bleak picture. We'll see what happens.

Wedad Lootah: A Progressive Emirati Marriage Counselor and Author

2009-09-29T15:54:00.000+04:00

There was a fascinating article in the Gulf News this past weekend. It really pushed the boundaries for publishing in this region in my opinion. The article is about a female marriage counselor who has stirred things up in local society here by publishing a book about Emirati marriage problems with a big focus on sexual problems. The article is written in a stilted style and seems like it might have been poorly translated. Nevertheless, it's worth a read to get a glimpse of what's "rocking the boat" here in the UAE and about some interesting cultural practices and norms in the society. Here's an excerpt:

I always feel that the bedroom is the base for happiness in marriage. When bed and love are combined, it will be the climax of marriage happiness. And even if there is no love, treating the woman well also leads to happiness. But what is not acceptable is when there is neither love nor is the man taking care of the woman.

A recent example of this is the case of a woman who came to me asking for a divorce because she said her husband had abandoned her in bed for nine years. Other counselors might take the words and submit an "abandonment case". But I talked to her and told her she was like my daughter. She said she didn't want to live with him anymore, and she couldn't. I explained to her that I want to do her a favour and talk to her husband, which I did though she said 'No need'. When I called him, he laughed and told me it is she who refused to share the bed with him. He came to me and we discussed the case in person...

Read the article here

Post Ramadan "Exhortation"

2009-09-27T21:46:00.000+04:00

For those of you not familiar with an Islamic view of what Ramadan should accomplish in a Muslim's life I've cut and pasted an exhortation from a local Islamic learning center near my home. The people there are kind and I've visited a few times before. It will give you a sense of what Muslims feel Ramadan is and should be.

========================================================================

Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmathullahi Wa Barakathuh.

Ramadan is over.

Yes, here we go again: Back to our "normal" lives, away from the obedience of Allah and back to disobeying Him, away from working towards the Hereafter back to working for something in this temporary glitzy world.

To attain Allah's Forgiveness and His Pleasure (i.e. Paradise).

Take Islamic classes as this will keep you in a religious environment. Volunteer in some Islamic/charity centre (okay, I'm heading somewhere with this, see below) so that you can continue to benefit others.

One of the signs that our Ramadan was accepted is that we continue to do good deeds after it, and one of the signs that our Ramadan was NOT accepted was that we continue with our pre-Ramadan ways and show no signs of improvement after Ramadan.

The Islamic Learning Centre has some ways for you to continue the "Ramadan spirit":

a) Send your children to our kiddie classes: Teach your child the beauty of Islam and complete your responsibility as a parent.

Aged group: 3yrs-4yrs. twice a week ; 3.30p.m.- 5.30p.m.(days will be notified later)

Aged group 5yrs - 6yrs. twice a week; 3.00p.m. - 5.00p.m.(days will be notified later)

Aged group 7yrs - 13yrs (girls) & 7 yrs - 10yrs. (boys) Saturdays 9.00am.-1pm.

Please call us for further information and register your child.

b) Volunteer to teach the kids: We are looking for committed volunteers, with knowledge of Islam and Arabic Language. You must be patient (you're dealing with kids, after all). Creativity is a bonus. Those interested are requested to email ____ giving a brief note on their credibility. Do remember an excellent command of the English language is a must.

c) Join our Arabic and Tafseer classes: One of the aspects of Ramadan was that it is the month when the Quran was revealed. It was revealed so that we could apply it and how can we apply it if we don't understand it? Arabic is a must as is understanding the explanation of the Quran (tafseer). Don't say "Tomorrow, insha-Allah". Say: "Today, insha-Allah!"

Classical Arabic Module I starts on 3rd October, 2009
Fee AED 3500/-/per module
Time 2pm. - 5.00p.m. every saturday

All those interested are requested to make the payment and join us for this course.
Tafseer class will resume on Tuesday 29th September 2009 at 7.30p.m.

Remember that there are only three things that will continue after we die:

1) A righteous child that does dua for us - How will he/she be righteous if they don't have any knowledge of the religion of Allah?

2) Beneficial Knowledge - For example, you take lectures and then teach others. Teaching kids is another way to benefit others with your knowledge.

3) Ongoing charity - Perhaps you can help out at the centre in some way.

Great Quote: Yearnings for Paradise

2009-09-26T15:22:00.000+04:00

What a great quote from C.S. Lewis!

A man's physical hunger does not prove that that man will
get any bread; he may die of starvation on a raft in the
Atlantic. But surely a man's hunger does prove that he comes of
a race which repairs its body by eating, and inhabits a world
where eatable substances exist. In the same way, though I do
not believe (I wish I did) that my desire for Paradise proves
that I shall enjoy it, I think it a pretty good indication that
such a thing exists and that some men will. A man may love a
women and not win her; but it would be very odd if the
phenomenon called "falling in love" occurred in a sexless
world.
... C. S. Lewis (1898-1963), The Weight of Glory, and other
addresses, Macmillan Co., 1949, p. 6

Good Quote: Bringing People to a Point of Decision

2009-09-23T12:01:00.000+04:00

[St. Paul] always contrived to bring his hearers to a
point. There was none of the indeterminate, inconclusive
talking, which we are apt to describe as "sowing the seed." Our
idea of sowing the seed seems to be rather like scattering
wheat out of a balloon... Occasionally, of course, grains of
wheat scattered out of a balloon will fall upon plowed and
fertile land and will spring up and bear fruit; but it is a
casual method of sowing. Paul did not scatter seeds, he
planted. He so dealt with his hearers that he brought them
speedily and directly to a point of decision, and then he
demanded of them that they should make a choice and act on
their choice. In this way he kept the moral issue clearly
before them, and made them realize that his preaching was not
merely a novel and interesting doctrine, but a life. [Continued
tomorrow]
... Roland Allen (1869-1947)

Picture of "Night of Power" In Mecca

2009-09-18T13:49:00.002+04:00

Very cool photo.

Amazing Video Model of the Spread of H1N1 (Swine Flu)

2009-09-12T23:31:00.000+04:00

There is a lot of concern here in the UAE about H1N1. It is an international place with many people traveling through from other countries. When we arrived from holiday we were scanned for fever with a special video camera that could see body temperature. I think there are 6 reported deaths here in the UAE so far.

Gulf News: Value of Prayers Increases in Final Week of Ramadhan

2009-09-12T11:35:00.000+04:00

This article in the GulfNews paper highlights the importance of the last 10 days of Ramadhan for all Muslims. I suggest you read the whole (short) article but here are a few interesting quotes:

Article Link

"...The last 10 days of Ramadan have been chosen by Allah to be the peak of self-control, worship and abstinence...Muslims should spend the last 10 days at the mosque if they can possibly do so. This should not come at the cost of slacking on household, marital or work duties. They should spend time reading the Quran, praying with fellow Muslims and refraining from saying any bad or hurtful words to anyone."

"The purpose is to emerge from Ramadan with a cleansed spirit."

"Ramadan is the month that people will be closer to Allah and the rewards are doubled."

"Laylat Al Qadr is a celebration of when Allah bestowed the Quran to the people during that period in Ramadan. This makes devotion in Ramadan equivalent to a thousand months of worship."

Entire article below:

Self-control vital as Ramadan nears end

By Fatma Salem, Staff Reporter
Published: September 11, 2009, 23:14

Dubai: Just as the last few minutes are the most critical for participants in marathon races, the last 10 days of Ramadan have been chosen by Allah to be the peak of self-control, worship and abstinence. Even Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) made the mosque his home during these last ten days.

Most Muslims try to do the same and follow his path to attain the peak of spirituality and inculcate the true meaning of Ramadan.

Muslims should spend the last 10 days at the mosque if they can possibly do so. This should not come at the cost of slacking on household, marital or work duties. They should spend time reading the Quran, praying with fellow Muslims and refraining from saying any bad or hurtful words to anyone.

The purpose is to emerge from Ramadan with a cleansed spirit. For people who cannot do that, they should control their actions and enhance their worship.

Laylat Al Qadr (The Night of Power) is a night that is said to be better than a thousand months.

Laylat Al Qadr is a celebration of when Allah bestowed the Quran to the people during that period in Ramadan. This makes devotion in Ramadan equivalent to a thousand months of worship.

Allah does not want to limit it to just one night because he does not want people to neglect worship but revive prayer during the remaining ten days. Muslims usually expect Laylat Al Qadr on the 27th day of Ramadan but they still pay attention to the odd numbered days like the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 29th because it is most likely to be on one of them.

Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said that Umrah performed during Ramadan is worth the equivalent of 70 Umrahs during other months, because Ramadan is the month that people will be closer to Allah and the rewards are doubled.

It is the month for all acts of worship, including charitable giving.

"Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has Faith, verily, to him will we give a new Life, a life that is good and pure and we will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions." Sourat Al Nahal 97.

Serenity in their hearts and comfort in their life is what Allah gives those who pray. Those people do not know depression, anxiety and are satisfied with their lives; and on their judgment day, their gift is heaven.

Great Quote: Unfinished Work (from a Great Man!)

2009-09-10T15:29:00.002+04:00

I knew Charlie Hummel. I met him as a student at the University of Tennessee. What a humble and wise servant of God he was. Great words here to take to heart.

Jesus did not finish all the urgent tasks in Palestine or
all the things He would have liked to do, but He did finish the
work which Gad gave Him to do. The only alternative to
frustration is to be sure that we are doing what God wants.
Nothing substitutes for knowing that this day, this hour, in
this place, we are doing the will of the Father. Then and only
then can we think of all the other unfinished tasks with
equanimity and leave them with God.
... Charles E. Hummel (1923-2004), The Tyranny of the
Urgent, Chicago: Inter-Varsity Press, 1967

Stoplight Scolding During the Ramadan Fast

2009-09-09T08:35:00.003+04:00

When Ramadan rolls around every year I always endeavor to not be an insensitive expat here in Dubai. I want to not cause offense to my Muslim hosts and friends by not eating in front of them if at all possible. Most restaurants are closed during the day but you can still find some open in the "free zones". Nevertheless, you can be arrested for eating in public during the Holy month.

So as my wife and I got into the car yesterday I thought to remind her about eating or drinking in the car since she had a small package of salted pumpkin seeds in her hand. I didn't say anything and, more than that, began to pop them into my mouth and chew as we drove down the road.

About 10 minutes into the drive I pulled up to a stop light, reached down to grab a few seeds, then began to chew them. I casually glanced to my left and promptly saw a man dressed in dishdasha glaring at me. He raised his hand and wagged his finger at me in disapproval. I was embarrassed and immediately wished to apologize in some way. I stopped chewing and swallowed. As I looked back at him he thrust his hand up in exasperation as if to say, "what are you doing eating during Ramadan?... you're obviously another insensitive non-Muslim unwilling to consider your host culture".

I wish I could apologize to the man. I have no desire to cause offense.

But later I began to think more about it. What is the good of fasting if all the "temptations" to eat are prevented by law or social convention? Why is it considered an offense if I don't participate in the practice of another religion; one in which I don't believe?

Again, I don't wish to offend and yet it seems inevitable that offense will be taken if we believe different things and live by them.

Your thoughts?

Blogging Restart: Something Light - Paper Plane Light!

2009-09-07T22:12:00.001+04:00

Christ-Centered Preaching... An Apt Metaphor

2009-05-20T21:40:00.006+04:00

I just heard a simple but helpful analogy or metaphor for Christ-centered preaching. Kim Riddlebarger shared it on the latest edition of the podcast White Horse Inn.

The first idea to know is that all the scriptures are about Christ. Christ himself said so in numerous places but especially verses like Luke 24:26-27 and John 5:39.

Riddlebarger then states that much of today's preaching in churches is like pastors taking one puzzle piece and carefully describing it to the congregation. Christ centered preaching does that and then relates it to the whole picture into which it fits... the Gospel and Christ. He is the focus of the scriptures.

So pastors need to have a clear view of what the puzzle "box top" picture is when they enter the pulpit and they need to tell the congregation how the piece fits into the big picture of God's redemption of his people through Christ.

Muslim - Christian Dialogue 2009 - Full Video and Trailers Up!

2009-05-09T15:55:00.003+04:00

Some of you may have noticed that over 2 months ago I spoke on this blog about an upcoming Muslim - Christian Dialogue being held in Knowledge Village. It took place on March 2 and it was attended by close to 300 people. It was a scintillating evening of conversation about "Who is God and how are we saved?".

The company I work for here in Dubai was a corporate sponsor and we also arranged for the event to be professionally filmed. Later we will offer the DVD for sale. But the video production is done!

Click here to go to our youtube channel to see all or part of the dialogue.

Embedded below are the two video trailers to whet your appetite for entire thing.

Trailer 1

Trailer 2

Entire Dialogue (~3 hours long)

I heartily recommend that you embed the videos in your own blog or link to it on your facebook page.

The flow of the dialogue was:

Muslim speaker opening statement (25 min)

Christian speaker opening statement (25 min)

Muslim questions Christian (15 min)

Christian questions Muslim (15 min)

Audience Q & A (1 hour)

Muslim closing statement (15 min)

Christian closing statement (15 min)

All of it is excellent. But if you have to choose I'd say to watch the opening statements first. Next the questioning sections (very entertaining), the closing statements are excellent as well. Audience Q and A is just as good but a little long.

I hope you enjoy it. Let me know what you think.

Banning Pork to Prevent Swine Flu?

2009-04-30T09:10:00.001+04:00

This is surprising.

Gulfnews
"UAE bans import and sale of pork as a precaution against swine flu"

It's surprising because you don't catch swine flu from eating pork. Nor is the virus transmitted on pork.

It's disconcerting to hear that the medical and municipal authorities don't understand the basic scientific facts related to this issue.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Interesting Article: The Coming Evangelical Collapse

2009-03-13T00:34:00.002+04:00

Read this article yesterday. Very provocative. What do you think?

In America: An Ode to the Financial Crisis

2009-03-12T18:56:00.002+04:00

I've been traveling in America for almost a week on business. With 24 hour a day cable news it's a real "downer" being here during the financial crisis. At least in the UAE there are laws to protect us from hearing what's really going on from our local media. As an ode to the situation here I'm posting this wonderfully humorous song. Be sure and check out RhettandLink.com. They rock and they're "clean".

3rd Bienniel Knowledge Village Muslim - Christian Dialogue

2009-02-24T15:57:00.004+04:00

Four years ago, the company I work for helped the students of the Christian Fellowship Club and the Muslim Student Association put on a Muslim - Christian Dialogue. Close to 100 showed up. That was 2005 and we think it was the first public Muslim - Christian dialogue to be held in Dubai or the entire Arabian Peninsula; perhaps the entire Middle East.

Two years later they did another one. This time almost 200 came. And video of the event hit youtube and google video. I posted about it when it happened.

Next Monday, March 2nd from 7pm to 10pm the 3rd Bienniel Dialogue will take place in Knowledge Village Auditorium with seating for 350. The Muslim speaker will be Bassam Zawadi (his website) and the Christian speaker will be Thabiti Anyabwile (his website).

If you know students, freezone workers, or others who might be interested please pass the word for this event. Others who attend will not be turned away as well. And I'll provide a followup posting to recap how it went in the days following the event.

Good Quote: The Difficult Doctrine of the Sovereignty of God

2009-02-24T12:17:00.003+04:00

All Christians believe in divine sovereignty but some are not aware that they do, and mistakenly imagine and insist that they reject it. What causes this odd state of affairs? The root cause is the same as in most cases of error in the Church--the intruding of rationalistic speculations, the passion for systematic consistency, a reluctance to recognize the existence of mystery and to let God be wiser than men, and a consequent subjecting of Scripture to the supposed demands of human logic. People see that the Bible teaches man's responsibility for his actions; they do not see how this is consistent with the sovereign Lordship of God over those actions. They are not content to let the two truths live side by side, as they do in the Scriptures, but jump to the conclusion that, in order to uphold the biblical truth of human responsibility, they are bound to reject the equally biblical and equally true doctrine of divine sovereignty, and to explain away the great number of texts that teach it. The desire to over-simplify the Bible by cutting out the mysteries is natural to our perverse minds, and it is not surprising, that even good men should fall victims to it.

... J. I. Packer (b.1926), Evangelism and the Sovereignty
of God, p. 16 [1961]

Good Quote: The Ministry of Authority

2009-02-17T14:31:00.003+04:00

Seven Principles for Eradicating Selfish Ambition in the Fellowship:

7. The Ministry of Authority

Jesus made authority in the fellowship dependent upon brotherly service (Mark 10:43). Genuine spiritual authority is to be found only where the ministry of hearing, helping, bearing, and proclaiming is carried out. Every cult of personality that emphasizes the distinguished qualities, virtues, and talents of another person, even though these be of an altogether spiritual nature, is worldly and has no place in the Christian community; indeed, it poisons the Christian community...

Genuine authority realizes that it can exist only in the service of Him who alone has authority... The Church does not need brilliant personalities but faithful servants of Jesus and the brethren...

Pastoral authority can be attained only by the servant of Jesus who seeks no power of his own, who himself is a brother among brothers to the authority of the Word.

... Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945), Life Together [1954]

Dubai and the "Downturn"

2009-02-12T09:52:00.004+04:00

This is a graph about the indebtedness of Dubai that I've had on my desktop for months. This was published before the economic crisis. It seems ominous in retrospect.

Anecdotally, I've noticed the roads in Dubai are more clear more often. A sign of reduced population here. The malls also seem to be more empty as well. I was in a somewhat deserted Times Square Mall last night and shoppers were few and far between despite Dubai Shopping Festival sales all around.

Day before yesterday I went to close out a small checking account at a local bank here. When I told the man I wanted to close the account he pulled out a paper and asked, "Are you leaving the country?" Replying no, I then asked if a lot of people were leaving the country and closing out accounts. He paused, nodded his head, and said "yes, they are".

This is a telling article from the NYTimes titled "Laid-Off Foreigners Flee as Dubai Spirals Down". Pretty grim.

Good Quote: The Ministry of Proclaiming

2009-02-12T09:31:00.004+04:00

Seven Principles for Eradicating Selfish Ambition in the Fellowship:

6. The Ministry of Proclaiming

Where Christians live together the time must ultimately come when in some crisis one person will have to declare God's Word and will to another. It is inconceivable that the things that are of utmost importance to each individual should not be spoken by one to another. It is unchristian consciously to deprive another of the one decisive service we can render to him...

The more we learn to allow others to speak the Word to us, to accept humbly and gratefully even severe reproaches and admonitions, the more free and objective will we be in speaking ourselves. The humble person will stick to truth and love. He will stick to the Word of God and let it lead him to his brother...

Reproof is unavoidable. God's Word demands it when a brother falls into open sin. Where defection from God's Word in doctrine or life imperils the fellowship... the word of admonition and rebuke must be ventured. Nothing can be more cruel than the tenderness that consigns another to his sin. Nothing can be more compassionate than the severe rebuke that calls a brother back from the path of sin. It is a ministry of
mercy, an ultimate offer of genuine fellowship, when we allow nothing but God's Word to stand between us, judging and succoring.

... Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945), Life Together [1954]

Good Quote: The Ministry of Bearing

2009-02-10T18:57:00.003+04:00

Seven Principles for Eradicating Selfish Ambition in the Fellowship

5. The Ministry of Bearing

Thus the law of Christ is a law of bearing. Bearing means forbearing and sustaining...

The Christian must suffer and endure the brother. It is only when he is a burden that another person is really a brother and not merely an object to be manipulated. It is,
first of all, the freedom of the other person that is a burden to the Christian. The freedom of the other person includes all that we mean by a person's nature, individuality, endowment. It also includes his weaknesses and oddities, which are such a trial to our patience, everything that produces frictions,
conflicts, and collisions among us.

Then, there is the abuse of that freedom that becomes a burden for the Christian. In sin, fellowship with God and with his brother are broken. To cherish no contempt for the sinner but rather to prize the privilege of bearing him means not to have to give him up as lost, to be able to accept him, to preserve fellowship with him through forgiveness...

The service of forgiveness is rendered by one to the others daily. It occurs, without words, in the intercessions for one another. He who is bearing others knows that he
himself is being borne.

... Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945), Life Together [1954]

Good Quote: Ministry of Helpfulness

2009-02-09T12:13:00.003+04:00

Seven Principles for Eradicating Selfish Ambition in the Fellowship

4. The Ministry of Helpfulness

Active helpfulness means, initially, simple assistance in trifling, external matters. There is a multitude of these things wherever people live together. Nobody is too good for the meanest service...

We must be ready to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God. God will be constantly crossing our paths and canceling our plans by sending us people with claims and petitions. We may pass them by, preoccupied with our more important tasks, as the priest passed by the man who had fallen among thieves, perhaps--reading the Bible. When we do that, we pass by the visible sign of the Cross raised athwart our path to show us that not our way, but God's way must be done.

... Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945), Life Together [1954]

Good Quote: Ministry of Listening

2009-02-08T14:08:00.002+04:00

Seven Principles for Eradicating Selfish Ambition in the Fellowship:

3. The Ministry of Listening

The first service that one owes to others in the
fellowship consists in listening to them. Just as love to God
begins with listening to His Word, so the beginning of love
for the brethren is learning to listen to them... Listening
can be a greater service than speaking... One who cannot
listen long and patiently will presently be talking beside the
point and be never really speaking to others. Anyone who
thinks his time is too valuable to spend keeping quiet will
eventually have no time for God and his brother, but only for
himself and for his own follies...

We should listen with the ears of God that we may speak
the Word of God.

... Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945), Life Together [1954]

Good Quote: Ministry of Meekness

2009-02-07T13:31:00.003+04:00

Seven Principles for Eradicating Selfish Ambition in the Fellowship:

2. the ministry of meekness

He who would learn to serve must first learn to think
little of himself... Only he who lives by the forgiveness of
his sin in Jesus Christ will rightly think little of himself.
He will know that his own wisdom reached the end of its tether
when Jesus forgave him. He will know that it is good for his
own will to be broken in the encounter with his neighbor...

But not only my neighbor's will, but also his honor is
more important than mine. The desire for one's own honor
hinders faith. One who seeks his own honor is no longer
seeking God and his neighbor. What does it matter if I suffer
injustice? Would I not have deserved even worse punishment
from God, if He had not dealt with me according to His mercy?

... Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945), Life Together [1954]

Good Quote: Ministry of Holding One's Tongue

2009-02-06T14:29:00.006+04:00

Oh man... I need this one badly.

From Seven Principles for Eradicating Selfish Ambition in the
Fellowship:

1. The ministry of holding one's tongue

Often we combat our evil thoughts most effectively if we

absolutely refuse to allow them to be expressed in words...

Thus it must be a decisive rule of every Christian fellowship

that each individual is prohibited from saying much that

occurs to him. This prohibition does not include the personal

word of advice and guidance. But to speak about a brother is

forbidden, even under the cloak of help and goodwill; for it

is precisely in this guise that the spirit of hatred among

brothers creeps in when it is seeking to create mischief.

... Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945), Life Together [1954]

Desert Campout with the Youth Group

2009-02-05T12:49:00.002+04:00

We had a great time duning with the church youth group recently. Here are some pictures to commemorate the event.

Great Quote: A Faint Spark of Love for Christ

2009-02-05T11:47:00.001+04:00

The love I bear Christ is but a faint and feeble spark,
but it is an emanation from himself: He kindled it and he
keeps it alive; and because it is his work, I trust many
waters shall not quench it.

... John Newton (1725-1807), in a letter [1776]

It's a Party Weekend in Dubai

2009-01-22T23:11:00.004+04:00

Somehow the party commitments piled up this weekend in this multi-national, multi-cultural 'wonderland' that is Dubai. First we'll be at a Filipino 18year old Debutante Party. Next, it's a stop over at an Indonesian (late) Christmas party, and we'll cap it off with a Romanian Pig Roast.

All should be fun with friends from around the world... stay tuned for insights and pictures :)

First, pictures from the 18 year old Filipino Debutante Party... I was one of few people there over the age of 30. :)

18 young men (including myself) each brought a rose and danced briefly with the honored girl. I was asked while there... first time in a while I've danced with an 18 year old girl.

Guess what her favorite color is :)

Next on to the Indonesian Christmas party... hundreds were there.

Can't remember what the soup was called but it was fantastic!

And lastly, the Romanian pig roast. I only got a picture of the (poor) pig. But it was fun being with "frisbee" friends that evening.

US Consulate Suspends Services in Wake of Unspecified Threat

2009-01-21T16:57:00.002+04:00

I got an email last night while watching the US Presidential inauguration online. It said that services would be suspended at the consulate today in light of unspecified threats against the consulate. Here's the story on MSNBC.com.

The story states that there was no public notice given of suspended services but I got the broadcast email to all registered US citizens in Dubai so that doesn't seem correct.

2008-09 Global Village - Dubai Part 2; Obama Inauguration Special

2009-01-19T20:37:00.003+04:00

Here a few more shots from Global Village in Dubai. And to cap it off you'll see below some photos of Obama and family. That huge poster and t-shirt were in the Kenya pavilion. They are tremendously proud of the Kenyan ancestry of Obama!

And regardless of your political "stripes", the inauguration of the first minority President of the USA is an amazing event. I'm praying for him and I hope you do too.

2008-09 Global Village - Dubai

2009-01-17T17:36:00.003+04:00

We enjoyed visiting Global Village in early January. It's like a "world's fair" of sorts. Hope you enjoy the pictures as well.

Lots of Landcruisers in the parking lot as we arrived.

The Yemen pavilion is one of our favorites. Lots of silver jewelry...

... and khanjars...

And Yemeni honey (about 15 different booths for that including some honey labeled "for married only". I think it's supposed to have "viagra-like" qualities. :)

I love the Indian shoe shops.

More pictures in the next few days!

Arif's Quranic Talisman

2009-01-11T12:25:00.001+04:00

From 2008-10-12 Dubai Beach Volleyball Etc

I bought a new car recently. The 1983 Mercedes was just having to go to the repair shop far too many times PER MONTH! So I found a 6 month old Altima in the classifieds and purchased it from a guy named Arif.

Arif was a fascinating guy. Very "Dubai". I couldn't seem to place his national identity through his facial features or his accent. When I asked I didn't feel so bad for not figuring it out. His parents are Pakistani. He was born in Tanzania and grew up there for half his life. They later moved to Sweden where he got citizenship and grew up through adolescence. They now live in Dubai and were about to move back to Sweden (I guess it was too much good weather here :). Pakistani, Tanzanian, Swedish, Dubai resident. Very "Dubai".

While I sat next to him as we were waiting to transfer the car registration I noticed this little container on his arm (pictured above). I asked him about it. He said that it contained Quranic verses and was constructed by an Islamic Sheikh from Australia. The family evidently follows the teachings of this Sheikh in particular. When I asked it what function it served he told me that he had recently received it as a wedding gift. It would prevent other family members from getting jealous of your life and possessions (maybe your wife too?) by preventing them from even seeing those things in your life. I guess the thought is that it almost makes them "invisible".

Comments or thoughts on this from readers?

Newsweek Article on Dubai: Is the Party Over?

2009-01-10T12:06:00.002+04:00

From Desktop

This very interesting article showed up in December's Newsweek. It was the cover story on the edition that was released in the Middle East and Dubai. I saw a whole rack of them at the Geant store in Ibn Battuta mall a month ago. The downturn has just been hitting Dubai in the last two months. Seems that we're hearing of layoffs almost every business day. Projects are being cancelled. A friend who runs a job search coaching business is having business boom for him; not a good sign for the economy in general here. A number of friends have noted that the slowdown has visibly effected the number of workers you see on job sites just driving down the road. I talked to a construction safety engineer this morning who told me that his company was instituting mandatory salary cuts starting with 2% for laborers and up to 40% for top level people. It will be interesting to watch and see how Dubai weathers this 'storm'.

Great Quote: On Conversion and the Church

2009-01-10T11:26:00.001+04:00

A conversion is incomplete if it does not leave one
integrated into the Church. By this we do not mean any
particular part of the Church; what we do mean is that
conversion must leave one linked in loving fellowship with
one's fellow believers. Conversion is not something simply
between a man and Jesus Christ, with no other person involved.
True, it may start in that way; but it cannot end in that way.
Conversion is not individualistic. It is, in fact, just the
opposite. It joins man to his fellow men, and certainly does
not separate him from them.

William Barclay (1907-1978), In the Hands of God [1967]

Jesus in the Temple: First Century Computer Representation

2009-01-08T21:00:00.001+04:00

This looks to be a great resource! Check it out.

In the Doghouse...

2008-12-13T20:15:00.002+04:00

This has nothing to do with the Arabian Peninsula or Faith... but it's hilarious. :)

Great Blog on UAE Economics

2008-11-28T20:45:00.000+04:00

Here's a great blog on economics in the UAE... Check it out if you're interested in following the effect of the worldwide economic downturn on the UAE... which is significant.

Emirates Economist

Herod the Great - The Man of Four Cultures ... And His Amazing Projects (National Geographic)

2008-11-27T19:06:00.001+04:00

I was just reading about Herod the Great and came upon this wonderful slideshow at National Geographic. He was the king in Palestine during the time of Jesus' birth. He ordered the slaughter of all the male babies under the age of 2 in Bethlehem.

I was reading the book "Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes" and learned some amazing things about Herod. He was really a "quadruple-cultural" man.

1. He was Arab ethnicity. He had a brother named Yousef and brother named Faisal.

2. He was Jewish in religious background. His family, several generations before him, had been forced to convert to Judaism.

3. He was Greek. His primary language of communication was Greek and he sought to make Jerusalem a Greek-like city.

4. He was politically Roman. He served Ceasar in Rome. He had sided with Mark Antony in his fight against Octavius (who later became Ceasar). But when Marc Antony lost the battle Herod sought an audience with Ceasar. He told him, "I want you to consider, not whose friend I was, but how good a friend I was". Ceasar made him king of Palestine.

Ancient UAE Church and Monastery Discovered Dating from Pre-Islamic Times

2008-11-26T18:51:00.005+04:00

There is a fascinating article in The National, a newspaper published out of Abu Dhabi. The article describes ancient ruins of a Nestorian church and monastery discovered on an island off the coast of Abu Dhabi. The ruins could date to the 4th century which is pre-Islamic (7th century).

The article is fascinating enough just when considering the finds but it's doubly interesting that the authorities are allowing the discoveries to be published and preserved. These kinds of finds are particularly sensitive in the Kingdom "next door" where freedom of worship is not allowed and the idea of a pre-Islamic "other" religion is not discussed much. The UAE is to be commended for their openness and honesty about the Christian church findings.

Here are some interesting findings related to ancient churches discovered in the countries around here...

Here

What do you think about the idea that Christian churches and communities existed on the Arabian Peninsula before Mohammad was born?

Beams of Light on the Burj

2008-11-19T21:18:00.002+04:00

Oh man, I have so much to blog about but have not been able to get it up here. So, to whet you're appetite for some interesting posts I thought I'd throw up an interesting picture to hold you over. I went to the Dubai Mall the other day for the first time. It's the largest mall in the world and has an amazing aquarium which I"ll be posting about soon. On the way home I stopped at signal and looked out of my window up at the Burj. Great shot with the sun beaming out from behind the cloud (clouds are rare here). Look for more good posts coming soon.

From 2008-11-16 Phone Pics

Synchronized Spotlights Show Up on the Burj Dubai

2008-11-08T14:33:00.004+04:00

The Burj Dubai, currently under construction near my home, has added quite a few lights and moving synchronized spotlights on several different floors. My 'point and shoot' digital camera couldn't get the video adequately but I did manage a few lowlight shots from my rooftop. Enjoy.

From 2008-11-7 Volleyball & Musical & Etc

One Commenter's Ideas on Islamic Dawah (Sharing the Islamic Faith)

2008-11-08T12:09:00.004+04:00

A frequent commenter, LDU, recently posted his thoughts on Dawah - the Arabic/Islamic word for Muslims calling those outside Islam to become Muslims. I thought you might like to read what he had to say...

The concept of Dawah is very different to the Christian understanding of preaching or sending missionaries and Christian funded aid in war zones and what have you.

Although Dawah does cover verbal discussions that only comprises a very tiny part of it. Being a good Muslim citizen and fulfilling your civic duties is Dawah; a lady wearing a hijab is Dawah and likewise a man with a prayer cap and a beard is performing Dawah; being good to co-workers and being hospitable is also Dawah.

Allah instruct's Muslims to propogate Islam - that is no secret. The Quran mentions explicitly to let the entire globe know of Islam. I can do that by wearing a prayer cap in Iceland. Allah hasn't set a fixed definition for what Dawah is nor has he set out an exhaustive list - therefore it ends up being a merits based approach and not a "one size fits all". No Muslim caliph sent an army to Indonesia. Indonesia became Muslim because of the honest trade techniques (Dawah in itself) of the Muslim traders who travelled there.

In my opinion its not a matter of inviting people to the truth. Its more of an issue of not intimidating people by preaching. If people are genuinely interested in my faith, I'd be happy to discuss it with them and answer their queries. But would i stand near a train station and hand out DVD's or would I buy airtime on national television? No.

Anyone's else's thoughts on LDU's ideas about Dawah? Do his ideas line up with yours?

An Amazing Expectation: Peaceful Transfer of Power

2008-11-06T08:20:00.006+04:00

This post at RealClearPolitics.com (my favorite blog for US political info) speaks about the amazingly peaceful and gracious transfer of power that happens every time the US elects a new president. You should read the whole short post but this quote King George stood out to me.

When (George) Washington stepped aside after two terms, his old adversary King George III is supposed to have said, "If he does that, sir, he will be the greatest man in the world."

This really is astounding and highlights the long list of 'great men' that have served as President of the United States... 'great' not because they didn't make mistakes (they did) but because they handed power over willingly.

Quote: The Most Troublesome Person

2008-11-05T11:01:00.001+04:00

I've had the same experience...

I have had more trouble with myself than with any other
man I have ever met.
... Dwight L. Moody (1837-1899)

Another Neighborhood Encounter

2008-11-04T15:31:00.000+04:00

I wrote in the last post about meeting the three guys from the mosque. Well, I was walking the dog with my wife one night last week. On the other side of the street, three men in dishdashas approached. I handed the dog leash to my wife and crossed over to greet them with a traditional Arabic greeting.

They seemed genuinely stunned and pleased. They introduced themselves and said they live in the neighborhood. Then one of the men said "That was noble of you to come and introduce yourself... many people are scared of us 'guys in white' (a reference to being a Gulf Arab person in a white dishdasha)."

It seems that many expats are reluctant to make friends with 'locals' here for one reason or another. Sometimes I think they just don't see them as people they COULD get to know. Other times I do think they're genuinely afraid because of rumors they've heard about locals not being friendly.

On the contrary, I've found locals to be extremely friendly and open to friendship. If you're an expat here in Dubai or the UAE, what's been your experience? Or, if you're a local, what's been your experience with expats?

"Door to Door" Call to Prayer

2008-11-03T21:23:00.001+04:00

I had a interesting experience earlier this week. The doorbell rang about 7pm and I went to the gate to answer it. Three men in dishdashas were standing there. Two were older with long beards. One was younger; no beard. They asked me if I was Muslim. I replied that I was a "...Christian, a follower of Jesus". They apologized for some reason and then asked me if my neighbor was a Muslim. I replied that both on either side of me were Muslims.

When I inquired in a friendly way what they were doing they told me they were going from house to house trying to get the Muslims to pray with them. I told them I'd like to come see them at the mosque sometime and talk about faith. They welcomed me.

I think these gentlemen weren't thinking of trying to convince me of the truth of Islam but were working to get self-proclaimed Muslims to come and pray regularly at the mosque as it's required in Islam. And I've met many observant Muslims who see their role as trying to "energize" or motivate "lapsed" Muslims.

I'm glad for the introductions to these men and hope to get down to the mosque sometime in the next month.

Podcast: Round Table Discussion on Christianity and Politics

2008-11-03T21:03:00.003+04:00

The White Horse Inn is a radio program/podcast that I enjoy listening to often. It comes out every week and deals with some issue of theology or culture related to Christianity. The guys who do the show, including Michael Horton, are not theological slouches and you have to listen carefully to follow along. But the reward is rich.

In honor of the election tomorrow I'm including links to two shows they recently did outlining a Biblical view of politics and faith for the Christian. These are not shows about 'who you should vote for if you're a Christian'. They had both Republicans and Democrats on the show and the conversations were really stimulating. Give them a listen.

Christianity and Politics; Part 1

Christianity and Politics; Part 2

(Great) Quote: Resolved

2008-10-11T22:29:00.000+04:00

Resolved, never to do anything which I should be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life.
... Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758)

Crossing the Street in Alexandria, Egypt

2008-10-09T22:08:00.001+04:00

It's a real adventure crossing the street in Alexandria, Egypt. I was there back in August. Here's a close-up view of what it's like to risk your life just trying to get to the other side!

From 2008-9-2 MENA - Alexandria Egypt

Missing a Good Friend: Bassam Zawadi

2008-10-09T21:57:00.004+04:00

A good friend of mine moved from Dubai over a month ago and I'm really missing him. Bassam Zawadi is a Muslim apologist and a good friend. Work took him back to Riyadh and I'm really missing our almost weekly dinners and discussions at Chili's. ;) To honor Bassam I want to point you to video of debates he did with a Christian apologist this summer in the U.S. I confess that I've not had time to watch them all. And you must know that I disagree with Bassam on many things including the divinity of Jesus and the authority of the Christian scriptures. And I have argued against him on many occasions.

Still, Bassam is a person of good character, he's helped me understand Islam, and I would urge you to check out his work. Here is his website.

Below are the first two videos posted on youtube... there are more but I'm sure you'll find them.

Thoughts on The Sermon on the Mountain - Part 1 - Matthew 5:1-11

2008-10-09T21:37:00.004+04:00

I'm reading through the account of Jesus' life written by Matthew, one of his followers. I hope my thoughts and comments might spark some thoughts for you.

Today I'm considering Matthew 5:1-11.

I'm struck by the thing that seems to motivate Jesus to teach his disciples - the gathering crowds. It seems like he saw the crowds and knew that he needed to clarify what his identity, leadership, and Kingdom were all about. He did this with his primary leaders. They needed to represent his Kingdom well.

He starts with a list of "blessed's". It's as if he is stating the results of being in covenant relationship with himself and with God. Those who enter into his covenant will receive blessing.

The first four blessed statements seem to be all about recognizing your own sin and unrighteousness. They involve seeing our own inadequacies before a holy and pure God. The essential qualities are poor spirit, mourning attitude, meekness, and a hunger and thirst for righteousness. As a composite, this would describe people who recognize their emptiness, unrighteousness, powerlessness, and personal brokenness. In brief: humble and honest about their spiritual condition.

The next three fit together; the merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers. These strike me as the actions of humble people. The substance in the lives of those who have the first four inner qualities listed above.

The last two involve the the blessings that come to those who are persecuted by others for two reasons. First, those who are persecuted because they demonstrate righteousness in their lives. Secondly, those who are directly connected with Jesus. He's describing the eternal perspective that his followers must have about this life. They must live for God and be connected with him despite the persecution that he implies will necessarily come. He even encourages rejoicing and gladness in the face of persecution and this is only possible with an eternal perspective on life.

So do these things describe you? To what degree? Have you been humbled by your own inadequacy before God? Has that humility produced the actions of mercy toward others, a purity of heart only possible for those honest about themselves, or someone who works for peace between people and God and among people themselves?

Lastly, could you be accused of anything "on Jesus' account'?

Think about it.

Quote: Lack of Missions During Reformation

2008-10-06T08:53:00.003+04:00

I love the Reformation. And I'm grateful for the Reformers. But this a sad fact that, fortunately, was corrected in time by the Reformer's own focus on the supremacy and authority of the Scriptures.

One of the results of the Reformation,... which is
somewhat difficult of explanation, was the attitude of the
Protestant Church of the Reformation to missions during the
Reformation period (1517-1650). Having themselves been
emancipated from the superstitions and slavery of a false
doctrine and a harsh ecclesiastical government, it would be
thought most natural that the Reformers and those who followed
them should promptly turn their attention to spreading these
glad tidings among non-Christian peoples; but here a strange
anomaly is found in the fact that there had been hardly any
period, in the entire history of the Christian Church, so
destitute of any concerted effort to spread the gospel in
heathen lands [as] just this period of the Reformation.

... Alfred D. Mason (1855-1923), Outlines of Missionary
History [1912]

GulfNews Report on Speeding Bus Drivers

2008-10-06T08:27:00.003+04:00

The GulfNews featured a report on construction labor bus drivers and the racing they engage in while transporting workers to and from work. They did some semi-undercover video to show what it's like riding in one of these buses and they've interviewed some workers.

I (like all Dubai drivers) pass these buses every day on the roads. It's hard to tell if and when they're racing each other. They are imposing vehicles and they're almost almost always packed to the "brim" with workers. You'll notice the the buses have speedometers that go to 100 kilometers per hour. The speed limit on the faster roads is 100 km/hr and up to 120 km/hr. Cars are supposed to go this fast but I often see cars passing me going at least 150 to 170 km/hr. I think these cars are the biggest danger on the roads.

One other issue. The government should penalize the companies for drivers who break the law. Unfortunately, I think it's usually the drivers themselves that get the full punishment and the companies go free. The companies need to be the ones that 'police' their own drivers. (Maybe they should check out the signs in the post office that I posted below :)

Basic Tech Tips from David Pogue @ NYTimes.com

2008-10-05T20:37:00.003+04:00

There's a great article about basic tech tips on David Pogue's Blog at the New York Times. It's a compilation of things that most thorough computer geeks know but the rest of us don't. Here's a sampling below. Click here to read the entire list... It might save you some time some day :)

* You can double-click a word to highlight it in any document, e-mail or Web page.

* You can enlarge the text on any Web page. In Windows, press Ctrl and the plus or minus keys (for bigger or smaller fonts); on the Mac, it’s the Command key and plus or minus.

* You can use Google to do math for you. Just type the equation, like 23*7+15/3=, and hit Enter.

* Google is also a units-of-measurement and currency converter. Type “teaspoons in 1.3 gallons,” for example, or “euros in 17 dollars.” Click Search to see the answer.

* You can switch from one open program to the next by pressing Alt+Tab (Windows) or Command-Tab (Mac).

Post-Ramadan Mosque Sermons in Dubai

2008-10-04T22:43:00.002+04:00

The following are excerpts from the published mosque sermons in Dubai. All the sermons are supposed to be the same and they are published on the Dubai Islamic Affairs website in English. It's very interesting and I'm grateful that they're published in English for the expats like me.

The title from this past week was "What Comes After Ramadan". (excerpts below)

"I bear witness that our Master Mohammed is the servant of Allah and His Messenger. His Lord sent him with guidance and the true religion to exalt it over every other religion though the polytheists hate it Allah says ‘O Prophet! Verily, We have sent you as witness, and a bearer of glad tidings, and a warner. And as one who invites to Allah by His Leave, and as a lamp spreading light. And announce to the believers the glad tidings that they will have from Allah a Great Bounty.’

I recommend you and my self to fear Allah the great, urging you to obey Him, and warning you of disobeying and deviating his commands for He had granted us all the blessings we have. Allah says 'And He it is Who has put the night and the day in succession, for such who desires to remember or desires to show his gratitude.'

Ramadan has ended like everything else in life. Everything reaches an end. Every living thing eventually dies. Allah says 'Everything will perish save His Face. His is the Decision, and to Him you (all) shall be returned.'

We have bided Ramadan farewell in sorrow, because it allowed us to obey. We have said goodbye with hearts full of love because it helps us to love Allah more.

Brothers in Islam, Ramadan has ended. Some people had committed good-deeds and some people had not. We must thank Allah for the blessing of understanding that Ramadan is the month of prayer, worshipping and fasting.

After Ramadan we must pray and ask Allah to accept the tasks we had performed during Ramadan. We cannot guarantee that Allah will accept what we have done.

Brothers of faith, many Muslims are used to fear Allah during Ramadan and practice Islam by praying and avoiding sins. Once Ramadan is over, they stop doing that. True believers are those who fear Allah and worship him all the time. The messenger of Allah may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him used to say 'O you who can change what is inside our hearts, do not turn mine against your religion."

Scary

2008-10-03T17:32:00.003+04:00

New York Times is reporting... Surveillance of Skype Messages Found in China

Speeding Is a Sin

2008-10-02T21:26:00.003+04:00

From 2008-8-17 Phone Pics

I was in the Dubai post office last spring and noticed these posters that were part of a Dubai Police Department campaign against speeding. I suppose they might be effective if you have some fear of God.

As a Christian, the scriptures teach that we should obey the laws of the land, in as much as they don't command us to do things contrary to God's commands in scripture.

Romans 13:1-7 says:

"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor."

But for the Christian there is the Gospel that tells how Jesus' death and sacrifice for us covers over all our sins past, present, and future. I'm grateful for that since I know I've surpassed the speed limit on occasion. Yet, the Gospel of Grace also encourages me to obey the laws even as I seek to obey God in thankfulness for what he's done for me in Christ.

Here's a few more pics of the posters...

From 2008-8-17 Phone Pics

NYTimes Article and Slideshow on Young Muslims in Dubai

2008-10-02T20:23:00.004+04:00

From Desktop

There is a fascinating article and accompanying slideshow on the New York Times website that came out a few weeks ago. The article really rings true to me as I have contact with young Muslims in Dubai. At least check out the slideshow here.

Quote: Docetism and Islam

2008-09-29T21:52:00.001+04:00

One attempt to reconcile the Gnostic doctrine [of the
unreality of evilness] of matter with the apostolic teaching
about Christ was the theory that the body which our Lord took
at His coming into the world was not a real body but a phantom
one. He only seemed to inhabit a material body, and from the
Greek word dokein ["to seem"], people who held this theory
were known as Docetists. But if Christ's incarnation was
unreal, His death and resurrection were also unreal; and the
whole gospel message was thus evacuated of its truth and
power: one unhappy legacy of this short-lived phase of
Christian heresy remains to bedevil Christian witness to
Muslims up to the present day. For when the Koran says of
Jesus that "they did not kill Him, nor did they crucify Him,
but they thought they did," we may infer that Muhammad was
indebted for this idea to a Christian source tainted with
Docetism.
... F. F. Bruce (1910-1991), The Apostolic Defence of the
Gospel [1959]