The Love You're Looking For: A Short Film about an Unexpected Love
October 25, 2019
I enjoyed this short film, titled “The Love You’re Looking For."
Randy Alcorn's Blog
Godly Optimism
October 23, 2019
Do you consider yourself an optimist or a pessimist? We have no guarantees about how our circumstances will turn out in this life. But when it comes to eternity, Christians have every reason for optimism—we know how the story will end.
Let’s Be Clear What We Do and Do Not Mean When It Comes to Terms Like Gender Equality
October 21, 2019
The fact that a term or phrase can be used by one person one way, and mean something completely different to another person, is nothing new. But as people who believe that words matter—because God communicated to us using precise words, right down to the smallest jot and tittle—we as Christians should be especially thoughtful in how we use terms, and educate ourselves about what others mean when they use them.
How “Former Christian” Bart Ehrman’s Testimony Should Encourage Us to Grapple Biblically with the Problem of Evil and Suffering
October 18, 2019
That Bart Ehrman was a “devout and committed Christian” is his claim, not mine. What isn’t debatable is that he once was part of the evangelical subculture. Unfortunately, Ehrman’s Christian-to-non-theist testimony gives apparent credibility to his claims, so he functions as a winsome evangelist for atheism.
The Problem of Evil and Suffering, as Faced by Vaneetha Rendall Risner, Whose Perspective May Surprise You
October 16, 2019
While people living in relative comfort reject faith in God due to the problem of evil, those subjected to the worst evil and suffering often turn to God. Isn’t it remarkable that from Sudan to China to Cambodia to El Salvador, faith in God grows deepest in places where evil and suffering have been greatest?
Is the New Jerusalem a Literal, Massive City?
October 14, 2019
Most books on Heaven argue that the New Jerusalem cannot really be the size it’s depicted as being in Revelation 21:15-17, since twelve thousand stadia equates to fourteen hundred miles in each direction. According to one writer on Heaven, “It would dishonor the heavenly Architect to contend that its dimensions were meant to be taken literally.”
Where Is Real Peace Found?
October 11, 2019
On Monday, Nanci and I received some challenging news about the results of her recent CT scan. Two different surgeons believe her cancer, which they saw no more sign of until recently, has spread to her lungs. While Nanci and I are disappointed, of course, we had talked beforehand and were prepared to accept this from the hand of a sovereign and loving God. God is in control, and we really are at peace.
Russell Moore on American Prosperity Theology vs. the Gospel of Crucifixion and Resurrection
October 9, 2019
I recently read the following in Russell Moore’s book Onward: Engaging the Culture without Losing the Gospel, where he points out how the prosperity theology that can show up in more subtle and “culturally appropriate” forms in America is opposed to the real gospel of Jesus.
Suicide, Heaven, and Jesus—the Final Answer to Our Sorrow
October 7, 2019
In the wake of Jarrid Wilson's death, much has already been said about suicide and mental health and the need to address them within the church. But I want to highlight some things Greg Laurie, the senior pastor at Harvest Christian Fellowship, has said, and also share some more thoughts related to suicide.
What It Means to Look upon God’s Goodness (an Update on Nanci)
October 4, 2019
Many people have asked me how Nanci is doing since our last update in early September on her CaringBridge page. There has been nothing new to report since the outcome of her last test, but she'll have another test soon. I rarely repost the latest updates and prayer requests from CaringBridge on my blog, but since this test is significant, I’m posting this one since we would love your prayers.