We all need great mentors—even if we know them only by their public example and writings—and few have influenced me more than the late John Stott. I grew up in a church where telling people about Jesus was far more important than living like Jesus. Giving someone a tract had a greater priority than meeting a tangible need. In fact, … Read More
How a Closer Look at a Christmas Prophecy Could Transform Your New Year
When Ahaz, son of Jotham and grandson of Uzziah, was king of Judah, King Rezin of Syriaa and Pekah son of Remaliah, the king of Israel, set out to attack Jerusalem…. The news had come to the royal court of Judah: “Syria is allied with Israel against us!” So the hearts of the king and his people trembled with fear, … Read More
Come Thou Long Expected Better King and Government
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order … Read More
Should We Judge a Movement By Its Abuses?
“Now, it is undeniably true that some of the more fundamentalist forms of Christianity— Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox— can do serious psychological and emotional damage to people… It’s wrong for Christians (or Jews, Muslims, and any other religious believer) to be so defensive about attacks on our faith that we deny that people within the religion can use its teachings … Read More
Exclusive Prayer & Ministry Update-122019
Hi Family and Friends! To my American friends, I hope you had a great Thanksgiving and, as always to all, thanks so much for reading and partnering in prayer. Here is my latest: As we usually discuss more theology than carpentry, I thought I’d change things up a bit! When we moved into our fixer-upper, there was this weird landing … Read More
The Stupid Religious Reason I Missed Star Wars
Christians have a strange proclivity to fashion Jesus’ teaching on the narrow way into a joyless pursuit that devalues creation and makes the world he created very small. Let me explain. I chewed a lot of gum that year. I was collecting trading cards for the movie that everyone was talking about—a movie that promised to be one of the … Read More
Navigating the Empty Nest
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!Let the redeemed of the LORD say so,whom he has redeemed from troubleand gathered in from the lands,from the east and from the west,from the north and from the south.He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death,and burst their bonds apart.Let them … Read More
The Changing Face of Pluralism
How in the world am I going to see You as my brother not my enemy? Coldplay Everyday Life In his excellent halt vs. help article (see here), Chapell says that the common enemy that should unite all Christians is pluralism. Unfortunately, he doesn’t give a clear definition, however, the late John Stott, gave one that I’m sure captures Chapell’s … Read More
Halt vs. Help, Part 2
Thanks so much for the wonderful feedback on the article last week. Below are just some of your great observations. For clarity, I’ve added a few words in brackets and put key ideas in bold: “I was… raised on the mission field… I find myself identifying more with the ‘help’ idea… I never thought of myself as part of a … Read More
Talkin’ Bout My Generation: Halt vs. Help
“Ok Boomer.” It’s certainly not a compliment and there’s more anger behind it than you’d think. “Ok boomer” is a growing fad—now on memes, t-shirts, etc.—among teens who are starting to push back against a certain type of older person. As one teen explained, “A boomer is really more of a type of personality, someone who is intolerant to new … Read More