Author’s note: This article is cross-posted on Founders.org. There is a real, positive trend in evangelical churches (as unlikely as that statement seems as an opening for an article). “Missions” is no longer seen, by and large, as “from the West to the rest.” Christians are thinking beyond simply crossing arbitrary geopolitical borders and are reflecting upon … Continue reading The ‘Critical’ Threat to Mission
Three Ways Our Adoption Enriched Our Understanding of the Gospel
Last Friday, after two and a half years as foster parents, my wife and I finally adopted our five-year-old son. Surrounded in the courtroom by loved ones, fellow church members, and case workers, we felt the weight of paperwork and legalities dissolve away, replaced by peace in our veins and tears in our eyes as … Continue reading Three Ways Our Adoption Enriched Our Understanding of the Gospel
Glut Yourself on Grace
When I boot up in the morning, my default operating system is works-righteousness. Not that I consciously believe that my good deeds can merit eternal life for me—but when left to myself, my natural mode is to believe I have to bring something to the table in order for God to reciprocate. Having firmly established … Continue reading Glut Yourself on Grace
Understanding Chester Bennington Through the Gospel
“Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:24-25a) There are moments in public life and culture when the true human condition is displayed so visibly that the gospel can’t help but to shine more brilliantly than usual. Last week was … Continue reading Understanding Chester Bennington Through the Gospel
‘Jesus, That’s Just True for You’
How many of us have heard—perhaps even used—some of these common responses to the Gospel? “That might be true for you, but not me.” “That’s your opinion, but are you saying people of other religions are wrong?” “Whatever helps you live a good life, that’s what matters.” All these clichés that permeate our conversations are … Continue reading ‘Jesus, That’s Just True for You’
Giving Teens the Full Gospel
Have you ever struggled to explain your faith? Could you explain it to a 5th grader? What about five of them in a circle? Talking about our faith can be daunting. Sometimes we’re so afraid to say the wrong thing that we don’t say much at all. It’s harder if students can’t define “sin,” “salvation,” … Continue reading Giving Teens the Full Gospel
7 Thoughtful Questions from a Humanist
The world is asking Christians some big questions. At least, that’s what I’ve found lately. Whereas most evangelicals have been trained to one degree or another to answer questions like “How can I have eternal life?” or “Who is Jesus?” I’ve found that much of the unbelieving world has a far more bulky set … Continue reading 7 Thoughtful Questions from a Humanist
The Plan for Your Ultimate Joy
Have you ever realized that everyone always, without exception, pursues what makes them most happy? Sure, we all do unselfish things from time to time. But at the bottom of all our motives, we chase after whatever satisfies us the most—what gives us joy. Is it possible to actually find that soul-satisfying joy? The … Continue reading The Plan for Your Ultimate Joy
Sin Doesn’t Keep Its Promises
Imagine witnessing the devastating plagues against Egypt, walking through the splitting of the Red Sea, looking on as the sea fell on the Egyptian soldiers, seeing the Ten Commandments engraved by the finger of God, and deciding in the end, “I don’t trust the God of Israel.” Why would God’s people make such a foolish … Continue reading Sin Doesn’t Keep Its Promises
How to Know if You’re Good Enough
Our culture can smell a Pharisee from miles away. No one likes hypocrites—especially the religious type. But that’s just one flavor of hypocrisy. What’s at the root of hypocrisy? It's trying to behave righteously without being righteous. The dirty secret of the Bible is that righteousness is a gift from God, not an achievement of ours. In … Continue reading How to Know if You’re Good Enough
Alex Kocman 