Christians, Past and Present

Gilbert Gleason writes, “Bert and Colleen serve as the right kind of examples for ‘average’ followers of Jesus, proving that, for most of us, substantial, supernatural impact is achieved through simple daily faithfulness, listening to Jesus and loving people in His name.”

In this clip Randy speaks about what Jesus meant when He said “Blessed are...” in the beatitudes and how the original audience would have understood those statements.

“Charles Spurgeon loved Christmas. In fact, he once said, 'I like Christmas; I wish it came six times a year.' He liked the generosity of 'those who give to the poor,' and as for the cheer of the season exclaimed 'I would not stop a smile. God forbid me!'”

Have you ever come across something, or been given something, whether a photo or recording or something written, that has taken you back in time, and stirred up something in you that was either forgotten or dormant, just waiting to be remembered? That happened to me recently when my long-time friend Alan Hlavka came across this while rereading a journal entry he’d written nearly 34 years ago.

This Wednesday, November 3, for one night only, the movie “The Most Reluctant Convert: The Untold Story of C. S. Lewis” will be in cinemas nationwide.

When I was writing my book Giving Is the Good Life, there were some people of times past I wished I could have interviewed. One of them was Stanley Tam, whom I’d read about years earlier. I contacted a friend who’d known Stanley to find out more about his life. I was shocked by his response: “Want to talk to Stanley on the phone this Saturday?” So to my delight, I spoke with then-102-year-old Stanley Tam. 

My friend Josh Howeth is pastor of Gresham Bible Church, a wonderful fellowship near us, which our daughter Angela and her family are part of.  Josh recently sent these words to his church. I share his deep appreciation for Amy Carmichael, so I asked him if I could pass them on to you.

Last Friday, J. I. Packer, one of my favorite writers and favorite people, went to be with Jesus just five days short of his 94th birthday. I will always love that man. He had a huge impact on me, particularly through his books Knowing God and The Quest for Godliness.