We mentioned last week that Ben Sasse left politics because he felt his evangelical conservatism was better suited in this season for building a virtuous, image-bearing educational institution. Sasse’s perspective and pivot call to mind another lens that might give us a better handle on how thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers are different, or at least more than, “the sum … Read More
God’s Power and Our Efforts
“Then he [the angel] said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6, ESV Below is a favorite by Abraham Kuyper from his devotional classic The Practice of Godliness. It’s been a great reminder in my struggles that “waiting on … Read More
How Getting the Theme of the Bible Right Helps You Live
For by him [Jesus] all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. (Col. 1:16, ESV) In his thought-provoking book, Desiring the Kingdom, James K. A. Smith gives a helpful and broad definition of the kingdom that can apply to all … Read More
God’s Kingdom is a Lot Bigger Than Your Church
Some church leaders—even full-time pastors supported by families—can feel angry or frustrated with moms or dads who are not involved and committed enough to the local church (as much as they think they should be, anyway) due to family commitments. A few years ago, one pastor shared with me over breakfast how certain young dads in his church—who I knew … Read More