In a sermon given on December 24, 1854, titled “A Visit to Bethlehem,” Charles Spurgeon portrayed a conversation between a Christian family on Christmas day. This excerpt is drawn (and slightly modified) from part of that conversation, and includes one of my favorite verses: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). Meditate on the truth of... Read more
A reader asked, “What does the Bible mean by the term new heavens? And why is it referred to heavens (plural) but then switches to heaven (singular)?” The Old Testament uses no single word for universe or cosmos. When Genesis 1:1 speaks of God’s creating “the heavens and the earth,” the words are synonymous with what we mean by universe. Heavens refers to the realms above the earth: atmosphere, sun, moon, and stars, and all that’s in outer space. Then in... Read more
When Jesus washed the feet of His followers (John 13), they were amazed that a leader and teacher they respected so much would do the work of a servant. Peter especially couldn’t bear the thought of Jesus doing that. But Jesus insisted on washing His friends’ feet. Jesus also said, “The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them... Read more
To the arrogant I say, “Boast no more,” and to the wicked, “Do not lift up your horns. Do not lift your horns against heaven; do not speak with outstretched neck.” No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt a man. But it is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another. In the hand of the Lord is a cup full of foaming wine mixed with spices; he pours it out,... Read more
Kirk Cousins, quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, and former QB of the Washington Redskins, is a faithful and Christ-centered brother. We’ve gotten to know each other well over the last seven years, seeing each other once or twice a year and often texting. Several years back Nanci and I spent three days with Kirk and his wonderful wife Julie in their home and saw up close their hearts and character. (Here’s a Q&A I did with Kirk on Heaven, happiness, and generosity.) Those who have seen... Read more
When the classic Dickens story A Christmas Carol begins, we meet Ebenezer Scrooge. This wealthy miser is caustic, complaining, horrendously greedy . . . and profoundly unhappy. (His life illustrates how the word miser is connected with miserable.) Scrooge’s loyal, joyful nephew says of his stingy uncle, “His offences carry their own punishment, and I have nothing to say against him. . . . Who suffers by his ill whims? Himself, always.” After a radical transformation from his three visions, Scrooge walks through the streets... Read more
In the Old Testament, we read how God kept reaching down to His people: “The Lord…sent word to them through his messengers again and again, because he had pity on his people…But they mocked God’s messengers, despised his words and scoffed at his prophets” (2 Chronicles 36:15-16). The prophets foretold the coming of Messiah. Yet centuries of oppression and suffering passed, and many lost hope. In every generation there were people like Simeon and Anna who longed for and prayed for... Read more
Recently our ministry got a letter in the mail from a 7-year-old reader. She wrote, “To Randy Alcorn: thank you for the book Heaven for Kids. I learned so much! It encouraged me to help others, like bring people lemon juice, and give missionaries money, and send this letter to you! I could never think of all that. It also helped me learn lots of other things! Thanks again! P.S. I’m getting Heaven also from the library.” Her note is precious beyond words!... Read more
If our perspective shifts from Christ, we can idolize anything—including our own incorrect views of Heaven. Some people today write about angels and Heaven, but they completely leave out God (or paint a false picture of Him). I think a perfect example is Mitch Albom’s book The Five People We Meet in Heaven. I read that book and thought, there’s nothing about God! Heaven is the dwelling place of God, and Mitch Albom doesn’t even mention Him. How tragic—only talking about ourselves is... Read more
“Mary gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7 NRSV). Paul Tripp, in Come Let Us Adore Him, writes that “the Christmas story; rather, the entire redemptive story hinges on one thing—the eternal willingness of Jesus.” He says: Without his willingness, you and I would be without hope and without God. Without his willingness, we would be left... Read more
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