I grew up in an unbelieving home, and first heard about Christ as a teenager. Initially, Bible stories seemed no more true than the Greek mythology and comics I loved. Then I read the Gospels, and believed that Jesus was real, and then superheroes became mere shadows of Him. When Jesus rescued me, I experienced a profound happiness I’d never known, and have never gotten over. My heartfelt gladness was the result of being born again, forgiven, and indwelt by... Read more
This video, with responses to the question, “Are voter ID laws racist and suppress the black vote?”, is fascinating and revealing. It demonstrates that racism includes well-meaning whites who patronize blacks and think they have to make things very simple so that “those people” can understand them. In my experience racism among conservatives sometimes (by no means always) takes the classic and more obvious form. Among liberals however, it often takes the paternalistic form of “you can’t take care of yourselves... Read more
I recently wrote this to a dying friend, but I’m replacing her name with “dying believer.” The reality is, I am dying and every person reading this is too. Perhaps you have reason to believe that death will come very soon. Or perhaps you have a loved one or friend who is close to death and would benefit from the Scripture and quotes I share. I hope these words will encourage your heart and help you fix your eyes on Jesus.... Read more
When I’m asked who my favorite character from all my novels is, I always say it’s Obadiah Abernathy in Dominion, who played baseball in the old Negro leagues. He modeled dignity, grace, wisdom, and humor. My spiritual inspiration for Obadiah was my friend John Perkins, now 90 years old, the son of a Mississippi sharecropper and one of my heroes. John awakened me to racial justice with his magnificent book Let Justice Roll Down, and who I got to know when we spoke together... Read more
Whether you are encouraged or distressed by the results (thus far) of the 2020 election, there is great comfort in acknowledging and embracing Scripture’s teaching that God is sovereign over human events, including the outcome of elections. In Isaiah 46:10, God says, “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please” (NIV). Those who believe in a God who knows “the... Read more
I was asked to share some thoughts on 1 Peter 4:10-11 for a study series for my church. Here’s the video, and below is an edited transcript: First Peter 4:10-11 (NIV) says, Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things... Read more
It was a labor of love finding and arranging some of the most powerful and inspiring words ever said about the Son of God for my book It’s All About Jesus: A Treasury of Insights on Our Savior, Lord, and Friend. God has profoundly used these words in my life over the past two years as I faced very difficult times. I pray God will use these insights just as mightily with you, to encourage you to love and trust and... Read more
In A.D. 400, Jerome warned the church, “Shun, as you would the plague, a cleric who from being poor has become wealthy, or who, from being nobody has become a celebrity.” In the early church, leaders led by a model of sacrifice and generosity, not by privilege and accumulation. I personally know a number of people who could be called “Christian celebrities” but lead by example and genuinely seek to honor God with the platform He has given them. But... Read more
Unfortunately, despite the clear teaching of Scripture that the preborn are fully human and created by God, the Bible’s message of love is often misused when it comes to abortion. This comment on my Facebook page expresses a common sentiment: “God wants union, understanding, compassion, love, no judgment. …people saying that women shouldn’t have abortions is like saying, ‘I’m judging you and criticizing you.’” To many people, Jesus’ words “Do not judge” mean never questioning someone’s choice of abortion, and love and... Read more
Jesus commanded Christians to love one another and told us our love for each other is the greatest proof that we love Him and follow Him (John 13). The unity and oneness of the church is a primary evidence that the Good News is true. But unfortunately, the church has never had more issues to divide us and make us outraged at each other. There’s a pandemic of accusation and blame, and the result is Christians publicly attacking and berating... Read more
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