Note from Randy: Many of my readers already know this story, but I wanted to share it for others who might not have yet heard it. It also sets up why the fact that our ministry has now given away over $8.2 million in book royalties is so significant! In 1990, I was a pastor of a large church Nanci and I had helped start in 1977, making a good salary and earning book royalties. I had been a pastor... Read more
We live in an age when politicians and nearly everyone else only admits to as much wrongdoing—if they admit it at all—as is necessary to minimize it and then move on with their lives. But what does true repentance look like? Repentance begins with our personal walk with God, our families, and those closest to us. Sometimes it needs to go further than that—for example, to those we work with and under, depending on how broadly we have wronged people. To... Read more
Benjamin Watson is a highly respected veteran tight end in the NFL. He retired for a few months then recently came back to the game, signing with the New England Patriots, the team that drafted him in the first round back in 2004. Ben and his wife Kirsten are committed followers of Jesus. Nanci and I deeply appreciate both of them. Listen to what Kirsten has to say, as she speaks up for those who cannot speak for themselves (Proverbs 31:8-9): @LiveAction 8:00 AM – May 15, 2019 Is... Read more
In a time of suffering, David engaged in righteous self-talk about how he should respond in light of God’s goodness: “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14). The call to wait on God is an invitation to trust and hope. It entails believing that one day—even if today is not that day—He will make all things right. In times of waiting, as we seek God in prayer, we must learn... Read more
I recently received this question: Our ministry is setting up a retreat center for Christian leaders, and has the opportunity to long-term lease some beautiful facilities on government property. However, their requirement is that the general public also be able to use the facilities, which are currently used for weddings. We may not be able to eliminate weddings, and are concerned because we do not want to host gay weddings, which would violate our convictions. What are your thoughts? Here... Read more
On Sunday, June 2, President Trump showed up unannounced to McLean Bible Church in Vienna, Virginia, which is pastored by David Platt. A White House spokesperson said the president was there to “visit with the pastor and pray for the victims and community of Virginia Beach.” Joe Carter sets up what happened next: “The president arrived at 2:25 pm during a musical performance and wore khakis and a jacket over a polo shirt. He held a golf hat. During the 15-minute visit to... Read more
In a sermon on “The Heavenly Singers and Their Song,” Charles Spurgeon wrote this: “They sang a new song, saying, ‘Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth’” (Revelation 5:9-10). I must take away the poetry... Read more
A while back I was asked to share some thoughts on 1 Peter 5:5 for a study series for my church. Here’s the video, and below is an edited transcript. I’ve made some substantial edits and additions, so the words below have a fair amount not in the video. First Peter 5:5 (ESV) says: Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the... Read more
We know that God isn’t against technology. After all, He gave us the creativity to make it, and technology helps us govern the earth as He commanded. I have always loved science (and science fiction) and artificial intelligence doesn’t scare me, it fascinates me. Still, because of sin, technology can be used for bad as well as for good. With great potential for good comes great potential for evil. That’s why I encourage you to read this statement from the... Read more
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My Concerns about the Responses to David Platt and Sunday’s Visit by President Trump; and a Call to Repentance
In my previous blog post, I shared a letter from Pastor David Platt, who publicly prayed for President Trump when he came unannounced to McLean Bible Church on Sunday, June 2. When we posted a link to the article on my Facebook page, there were a lot of comments, many of which were bewildering and saddening to me. I’m not talking about mere disagreement, which is normal and which I welcome; this was something far deeper than differing opinions. This will... Read more