The doctrine of election is not very popular in some circles of Christianity. If mentioned at all, it’s usually in a negative, critical way. Nevertheless, you can’t escape its presence. There are too many illustrations of God’s choosing (e.g. Abraham, Jacob over Isaac, David, Peter, Andrew, James, John, Paul…). And there are too many clear…
Every true believer in Christ will produce fruit of some kind, in some measure. Jesus makes that very clear in John 15, where He declares, “Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away…” (v. 2) Then He describes what becomes of such a branch in v. 6, “If anyone does not…
Being aware of the dual realities that (1) in this world Christians are going to face a measure of tribulation and troubled times, and (2) the end of this world as we know it is nearer than ever, how should Christians live? In 1 Peter 4, the inspired apostle first challenges us to be alert…
It’s pretty easy to be overwhelmed with all in our world that is contrary to the Christian faith. Reading the paper, watching TV, a casual perusal at the grocery store checkout, simple observation of people—all these things can surely give the impression that someone wanting to live his life according to the principles, precepts, and…
Are God, the church building, the Bible, a piece of cross-shaped jewelry Christian “good-luck charms”? Preposterous, you say? Think about it, especially in light of the attitude displayed by Micah (not the prophet!) in Judges 17. These are crazy days in Israel’s history—everyone doing what’s right in his own eyes. The spirit of idolatry has…
The national mood the last couple of weeks has involved a mixture of fear, anger, and not a little bit of anxiety. Pretty somber days. I saw it quite evident recently when I turned on Fox News a little before 9. Sean Hannity was in the closing moments of his hour covering the rioting and…
The tension in the air was so thick you could cut it with a knife. A single key play could make one partnership a ton of money, but certainly lead to the bankruptcy of another. Or if the second partnership got the play, the first’s control would be broken. I’m getting ahead of myself. The…
On a recent visit to our former home state of Vermont, my wife and I decided to hike to the summit of the state’s highest mountain, Mt. Mansfield. Although I knew which trail we were going to take and where the trailhead was, I wanted a little more information—like how long the trail was, how…
The morning fog this time of year can be a beautiful thing. While shrouding the landscape in mist, the hovering cloud can either dull the colors to various shades of gray, or it can be awash with the golden hues cast by the soft light of a rising sun. But fog can be a dangerous…
The other day, a very powerful storm arose suddenly from the west and hit the Sauk Valley with strong, damaging winds and a deluge of rain. The impact of that storm is still evident in the area. Half a tree had fallen on a house in our neighborhood; the roof is tarped, and the fallen…