True revival only takes place when those guilty of sin plead for mercy on the basis of the once-for-all atonement of Jesus Christ. Cultural reform profits nothing unless those whose hearts are revived cling to the cross of Christ.
Why ‘No Matter Who Wins, Jesus is Lord’ Isn’t Just a Cliché
Earlier this week, I was on a walk in my neighborhood with my three children when I happened across our Roman Catholic friends. After briefly bantering about politics and the chaos of the election, I made a comment to this effect: “Whatever the outcome is, at least Jesus is still Lord.” The wife responded, “You … Continue reading Why ‘No Matter Who Wins, Jesus is Lord’ Isn’t Just a Cliché
An Honest Question for Christians in Social Justice Movement
This article is cross-posted on Founders Ministries. One of my fondest memories of an evangelistic conversation was with a young man at my gym named Metro—an ex-con and trash collector turned competitive bodybuilder. My friend “Met” is a self-made sort of fellow and is as brash as they come, not remotely hesitant to swear or … Continue reading An Honest Question for Christians in Social Justice Movement
Weeping Without Joining the Dirge
This article is cross-posted on Founders Ministries. In a famed passage of Scripture, the author of Ecclesiastes tells us that there is “a time to keep silence” (Ecc. 3:7). As our nation reels from the effects of the pandemic, protests, riots, and unjust killings, many Christian leaders have recognized the importance of listening compassionately. We … Continue reading Weeping Without Joining the Dirge
Is There a ‘Right Side’ of History?
This article is cross-posted on Founders Ministries. The rate at which new language and orthodoxies are accepted into the public consciousness is dizzying. Our language has the power to redirect public discourse, channel new pathways of thought, and supply oxygen to movements otherwise unable to gain momentum. Just a few years ago, no one would … Continue reading Is There a ‘Right Side’ of History?
Why Risk Is Still Right
This article is cross-posted on ABWE.org. Several years ago, when I was contemplating a transition from my role as a youth pastor into missions mobilization, one of the questions that gripped me was: Am I deserting my “flock”? How many of the young adults I’m leaving behind will make shipwreck of their faith? As I … Continue reading Why Risk Is Still Right
All Our Righteousness Is as Filthy Masks
Well, it feels a bit awkward to be writing again, given that I haven’t written anything in long form really addressing COVID-19 since the beginning of the shutdowns. It’s not for want of trying, but, as they say—the spirit is willing, but the flesh is wrapping up a major landscaping project, helping the wife with … Continue reading All Our Righteousness Is as Filthy Masks
12 Bible Verses for Sharing the Gospel During Crisis
This article originally appeared on ABWE’s blog. Evangelism is hard. It is true that the current global circumstances have opened doors for spiritual conversation in a variety of ways. Record numbers of individuals are searching for keywords related to prayer and hope. According to Google, there was a 170 percent spike in searches for Psalm … Continue reading 12 Bible Verses for Sharing the Gospel During Crisis
Crunching the Numbers on the Resurrection Toll
Reading through the Bible with my son has me feeling like a kid again. This isn’t something new; we’ve always read Scripture together. But at the ripe age of seven, our son is weaned off the storybook-style, paraphrased, pop-up, scratch-and-sniff “Bibles” marketed to kids in his bracket, and now we’re plodding through the original. We … Continue reading Crunching the Numbers on the Resurrection Toll
The Blessing of Pestilence
As I begin writing, it’s day six of the national “15 Days to Slow the Spread” initiative (catchy, no?)—or at least, I think it is, but I’ll admit, the days are starting to blend together a bit. I’ll spare you the full list of activities our family has undertaken in these historic days, since our … Continue reading The Blessing of Pestilence
