“Christ did not die to forgive sinners who go on treasuring anything above seeing and savoring God. And people who would be happy in heaven if Christ were not there, will not be there. The gospel is not a way to get people to heaven; it is a way to get people to God. It’s a way of overcoming every obstacle to everlasting joy in God. If we don’t want God above all things, we have not been converted by the gospel.”
― John Piper, God Is the Gospel: Meditations on God’s Love as the Gift of Himself
I’m beginning to think there are some things you can’t talk about in church. Mind you, nobody has come right out and told me this. But then maybe everyone just assumes I should have the good sense to know without … Continued
Is persecution coming to America? Yes. I’m sad to say I believe it is. At this point it doesn’t seem like a question of if, but rather of when. So what will we do when Christians are persecuted in America, and … Continued
I realize the worst terrorist attack on American soil since 9/11 just occurred yesterday, but why should I pray for Orlando? Politicians have said it, and the anchormen and women on the news have too. Pastors have written it and … Continued
The Greatest Story Ever Told When I was a kid my Grandparents Ranew down in Florida would send my brother and I boxes of gifts throughout the year. Sometimes they sent clothes Grandma found on sale at the commissary, other … Continued
Spiritualizing cowardice has become du jour. I am almost surprised we do not hear sermons about how David was being unspiritual, a poor witness, or uppity to fight Goliath. Had David taken the plank out of his own eye? Surely … Continued
Optimism, pessimism, and realism – which is the correct view? Every attitude’s proponents believe theirs is the most faithful and authentic, otherwise they wouldn’t hold to it, and there’s at least some supporting evidence for each of these three. Is … Continued
The Christmas Story After four hundred years of silence, God had again spoken. (1) Stargazers in the heart of the ancient Babylonian empire, far to the east of the land of Israel, searching the heavens for a sign from their … Continued
Why Christians Should Get Involved In Politics “My kingdom is not of this world lest my children would fight.” – John 18:36 That’s what Jesus said. But what did he mean? What are the implications of the Lord’s assertion that … Continued
Let’s examine America’s relationship with guns – past, present, and future. In this second post in a two-part series, I’d like to make a case in defense of self-defense.
From my background as both native Montanan and inheritor of some Amish and Mennonite pacifist views, I’d like to make a case in defense of self-defense in this first post in a two-part series.