Martin Luther on Being a Theologian, Writer, and Preacher

Last updated on: May 3, 2018 at 1:26 pm By Randy Alcorn

As a student of theology, writer, and occasional preacher, I loved reading Martin Luther talking about learning theology, and about the “little books” some of us write and the little sermons we preach. Sometimes the reformers really make you smile. Luther writes: I want to point out to you a correct way of studying theology…. First, you should know that the Holy Scriptures constitute a book that turns the wisdom of all other books into foolishness, because not one teaches about eternal... Read more

Four Pieces of Advice for Graduates

Last updated on: May 2, 2018 at 1:33 pm By Randy Alcorn

With graduation season almost upon us, here are four pieces of advice for both high school and college graduates (and reminders for all of us, in any stage of life). You can watch the video or read the edited transcript. 1. Ask God to speak to you through His Word. Something I encourage you to do every day is to go before the Lord and say, “God, open your Word to me, and open my heart to your Word. Let Your book always... Read more

The Proper Study of a Christian Is the Godhead: Charles Spurgeon on the Subject of God

Last updated on: April 27, 2018 at 5:38 am By Randy Alcorn

Nanci and I have been going deep in the character of God as we face her cancer and the treatments. She read a portion of this to me the other day, and I went back and found Spurgeon’s larger context, which we first posted on our site eight years ago, to read to her. We were both encouraged that there is nothing like the attributes of God to overwhelm us with a sense of eternal perspective as well as to give... Read more

Will There Be Books and Reading on the New Earth?

Last updated on: April 26, 2018 at 5:20 am By Randy Alcorn

My friend said, “I don’t see why there shouldn’t be books in Heaven. But you will find that your library in Heaven contains only some of the books you had on earth.” “Which?” I asked. “The ones you gave away or lent.” “I hope the lent ones won’t still have all the borrowers’ dirty thumb marks,” said I. “Oh yes they will,” said he. “But just as the wounds of the martyrs will have turned into beauties, so you will... Read more

The Early Christians Experienced Happiness in Christ Despite Suffering; So Can We

Last updated on: April 19, 2018 at 3:22 pm By Randy Alcorn

Recently Nanci and I saw the movie Paul, Apostle of Christ. We were both surprised at how dark it was, focusing almost exclusively on Rome’s brutal violence done against Christians and their children. Paul is suffering in prison nearly all the movie, and even the flashbacks are either him suffering or inflicting suffering on others. Of course, historically there was plenty of such violence, and we don’t want it whitewashed! That’s not my concern. But Paul’s life contained many events that... Read more

Nine of My Spiritual Heroes

Last updated on: April 18, 2018 at 11:11 am By Randy Alcorn

I have only one Lord, but many spiritual heroes. Here are nine of mine. (This is a repost of an article I shared several years ago; this version has been expanded and updated with links to more on each of my heroes.) 1) Pastor Charles Haddon Spurgeon Even as a twenty year old, Spurgeon spoke with an incredible depth and biblical insight, and his sermons and writings, which are full of grace and truth (and unsurpassed eloquence), always draw me to Christ.... Read more

A Prayer to the Shepherd of My Life

Last updated on: April 13, 2018 at 9:33 am By Randy Alcorn

Earlier this year, my wife and best friend Nanci was diagnosed with colon cancer, and is now beginning a combination of radiation and chemotherapy treatments. (You can read more on her Caring Bridge page; we would really appreciate your prayers.) Nanci recently wrote a prayer based on Psalm 23. It spoke to me, and I hope it speaks to you too, as you reflect on your heavenly Shepherd and the ways He leads and cares for you through every circumstance. Read... Read more

The MLK50 Conference on Why Racial Unity Is a Gospel Issue (and Some Thoughts About John Perkins)

Last updated on: April 12, 2018 at 5:23 am By Randy Alcorn

Last week, the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission and The Gospel Coalition hosted the MLK50 Conference, which focused on the state of racial unity in the church and the culture 50 years after Martin Luther King Jr.’s death. I watched parts of the conference over their free livestream, and one of our EPM staff members, Kathy Norquist, watched all of it. She wrote this: I’m so glad Randy encouraged our staff to watch the livestream. If you’ve ever thought “I wish they... Read more

Why Does the Truth Matter?

Last updated on: April 6, 2018 at 1:33 pm By Randy Alcorn

In an age of endless Internet gossip, tabloids, false advertising, lying politicians, and “made up reality,” how important is the truth? Reformer Ulrich Zwingli wrote, “The business of the truth is not to be deserted, even to the sacrifice of our lives.” Luke makes a profound observation: “Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said... Read more

Benjamin Watson on Finishing the Drill of Life, to God’s Glory

Last updated on: April 5, 2018 at 4:24 pm By Randy Alcorn

I’ve mentioned before my profound appreciation for New Orleans Saintstight end Benjamin Watson. I love this brother and admire his willingness to speak out on things that are close to his heart, and that are close to God’s heart too, including racial justice and value of the unborn. At times this makes him unpopular with others, but he’s continued to boldly share about these issues. He’s also the author of two books: Under Our Skin, a book on racial issues, which I highly... Read more

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