Category: 2023 column

Years ago a seminary student in Chicago faced a forgiveness test. Although he preferred to work in some kind of ministry, the only job he could find was driving a bus on Chicago's south side. One day a gang of teenagers got on board and refused to pay the fare. After a few days of this, … Continue reading Forgiveness is not Just a Feeling

When the brothers are brought before Joseph to face the music for their guilt in stealing his silver cup, Judah emerged as the group’s spokesman. What gave him the standing to take on this role? He had broken faith with his family by marrying a Canaanite. He had raised two sons who were so wicked … Continue reading Developing a Gospel Culture

Aristotle said years ago that a person’s credibility as a speaker is a product of his character and his competence. Someone said years later, “Your character is who you are in the dark.” When no one is looking, the choices you make reveal your true character. Your competence is your ability. When Aristotle’s students asked … Continue reading Character Matters

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all… Romans 8:32 Who is He in this statement? God! What did he not do? God did not spare his own Son. What did he do? He gave him up for us all. God sent Jesus to the cross, what Martyn … Continue reading The Perfect Gift

A study in the book of Ruth is so many things, but on one level it is a picture of diligence and initiative. When Ruth arrived in Bethlehem, she was an alien in a foreign land, and a widow. Her only connection in the nation of Israel, her new home, was Naomi, who was also … Continue reading Live quietly, mind your own business, and work hard

It was the summer of 1986 and Cindy and I were in Haiti with a traveling singing group, young people of diverse racial backgrounds who loved the Lord and wanted to serve him. We had also been traveling with a smaller ministry team, and it was during those two years I had found a passion … Continue reading The Providence of God