Human Trafficking & Reintegrating Faith with Business

Last updated on: May 28, 2014 at 1:57 pm By Bob Robinson

“It ought to concern every person, because it’s a debasement of our common humanity. It ought to concern every community, because it tears at the social fabric. It ought to concern every business, because it distorts markets. It ought to concern every nation, because it endangers public health and fuels violence and organized crime. I’m talking about the injustice, the outrage, of human trafficking, which must be called by its true name—modern slavery.” – President Barack Obama, September 25, 2012... Read more

So What’s Wrong with Neo-Calvinism?

Last updated on: December 31, 2015 at 2:00 pm By Bob Robinson

In response to the rise of the new Calvinists, we need to make sure we know who we are talking about. For the past five years, there has been a lot of discussion about the rise of a new group of Calvinists. Groups like The Gospel Coalition are encouraging and celebrating how a new generation of believers seem to be embracing Reformed theology. In a recent lecture at the bastion of “Old Calvinism,” Westminster Seminary, John Piper defined the New... Read more

Is God More Pleased With My Work Than I Am?

Last updated on: May 22, 2014 at 7:11 am By Glynn Young

My pastor was doing a short sermon series on work recently, and he said something startling. “God,” he said, “is likely more pleased with your work than you are.” What? How can God be pleased with something I know I mess up a lot? He’s pleased with all that mess, the mistakes, all the times I fall short? The confrontation with the boss? What about the person I had to lay off because my boss told me it would be... Read more

Playing It Safe Will Never Change the World

Last updated on: May 20, 2014 at 11:46 am By David Rupert

The dust swirled in the hot humid air as I trudged home from school. I slipped the report card next to Mom’s purse, hoping she would just sign it and give it back with cool indifference. No such luck. In our home, earning a mediocre grade was a major event, close to dental surgery or transmission work. Mom saw the “C” in social studies, and for the next hour, I was on the receiving end of a one-sided conversation about... Read more

Seeking Understanding on Our Political Responsibilities

Last updated on: May 13, 2014 at 7:12 am By Stephanie Summers

“I don’t get it. So are you for more government, or for less government? ” So goes my absolute favorite response after I’ve made a presentation to a Christian audience. It is a response I hear often. I lead an organization called The Center for Public Justice. We’re what folks “inside the Beltway” of Washington, DC refer to as a think tank. Our mission is focused on civic education and public policy development from a perspective that is distinctively Christian.... Read more

Integral, Not Incidental

Last updated on: May 6, 2014 at 5:40 am By Dr. Steven Garber

I think most of us want coherent lives; in fact we long for coherence. Given my own beliefs about who we are as human beings, and the kind of world we live in, I sense that we feel a dissonance in our souls when we have less than coherence. We may not talk about it; we may stuff it deep down inside, but as I watch people I see folk who hope for integrity between heart and mind, between our... Read more

Midlife Milestones Unmet

Last updated on: May 5, 2014 at 1:07 pm By Sam Van Eman

Editor’s Note: The following is a condensed version of actual conversations between a 41-year old and his spiritual director on performance vs. potential. Beyond the nuggets of wisdom about work, midlife readers especially will recognize a fellow traveler. Be encouraged. John Nesbitt: Good morning, Sam. Come on in. How’s life? Sam Van Eman: Hi, John. Thanks for meeting with me again. Life seems fine—family, work, exercise, time with God. It’s all, like, perfect. But, to be honest, I’m not happy.... Read more

Vocation and Occupation as Sacrament

Last updated on: April 23, 2014 at 1:11 pm By Dr. Steven Garber

Over lunch today at Elevation Burger, home to “burgers the way they’re meant to be,” heaven and earth, hamburgers and why ingredients matter, the sacramental life and the art of rock music were all woven into the conversation. Sometimes heaven meets earth over a hamburger. At least I think that’s possible– and when we try, working hard to figure out why food that is tasty and healthy at the same time matters, as a clear example of how our calling manifests... Read more

Four Things to Do When You Make a Mistake at Work

Last updated on: April 18, 2014 at 7:35 am By David Rupert

Each summer, as a teenager headed for college, I was determined to make as much money as possible. My dad, a roofer, needed the help. There were perks: free transportation in Dad’s ’52 Chevy, a lunch packed by mom, and a paycheck that didn’t bounce. Reality is, I wasn’t a good roofer. My lines were often crooked and, if left uncorrected, would ruin the run of shingles going all the way up the house. My patient dad would help me rip... Read more

Everyday Ordinary Christian Living is Radical

Last updated on: April 17, 2014 at 8:04 am By Bob Robinson

Being a “radical,” “missional” Christian is slowly becoming the “new legalism.” We need more ordinary God and people lovers (Matt 22:36-40). – @drantbradley That was a tweet sent out from Anthony Bradley, Associate Professor of Theology and Ethics at The King’s College in New York City and a Research Fellow at the Acton Institute. Can a Christian simply dedicate his or her life to loving God and loving neighbors, or does God demand from us a life that is extraordinary? What does it take to glorify God... Read more