Is it possible that events leading up to Jesus’ return are as different from what many expect, as His first arrival was different from what the Jews expected? Could our expectation of escaping pain, cause us to miss seeing God’s sovereign plan and redemptive action today? What if He is working toward something far grander…

I was flying a 1940’s Douglas DC-3 aircraft from Arizona to Pennsylvania when my co-pilot said that smoke was coming from the right engine. The worn-out engines were on the airplane as it sat in the desert for years before we bought it, so I was alert to possible troubles. My options were to take…

What does it take to bring one to the place where nothing matters more than knowing Jesus? I’m wondering what matters to our brothers and sisters in Afghanistan who are being hunted down today because of their faith. They must abandon everything to save their life, and then many must give up their life in…

Despotism: “oppressive absolute power and authority exerted by government.” (Merriam-Webster.) THE DARK SIDEAmerica is facing a kind of darkness that we never imagined possible. Sure, there was Germany’s Hitler, China’s Mao Zedong and others through history – – but this is the United States of America. “Christian America.” Those things don’t happen here. Except that…

A delusion for American Christians is our confidence that our institutional church truly represents the Body of Christ, and that the life it advocates is truly the life of the Kingdom of God. Both the pulpit and the pew believe those convenient lies. There are exceptions to that but we don’t often see them. This…

Here are some keys to the life of those heroes of faith. First was their view of God. They believed that He could and would do what He said He would do. Period! Their faith was rooted in the character and power of God Himself, and it led to obedience. How about us? Secondly, they…

Let’s be honest – – except for “Trusting Jesus” for our salvation we most often use “faith” to speak of “believing God” for something we want for ourselves, here and now. Maybe healing, or a better job, a new car, money to pay bills, a life partner or something else earthly and temporal. I don’t…

Don’t we view the God of the Old Testament as a strict disciplinarian who sent his children into captivity when they flagrantly disobeyed him – – but then act as though the God of the New Testament is a permissive parent who lets his kids do as they please? But what if it’s the same…

I respect those who will continue to fight for our constitutional rights and godly political systems (Thank you!) but feel that my specific calling now is otherwise. I must focus on what it means for us to be Jesus’ disciples in this journey, including how “the church” in America can become more the Church that…

Revised Aug. 22.Regardless of our stance on the issues, if we want life and truth in the controversy and chaos of our Day we must go to the One who is Himself Life and Truth, and He invites us to come. Watch for three “streams” in these scriptures. First, that we take initiative to seek…