Jonah's Failure

Jonah's sulking disappointment came from a failure of imagination, a failure of heart. He had no idea what God was doing--the largeness of his love ...

Too Self-Centered to Do Christ's Will?

If I really wanted only Christ's will (as I claim), then when you remind me in front of a nominating committee that I never get things in on time, ...

A Tough Time for Discipleship

While the spirit of the time makes evangelism easier, it makes discipleship much more difficult.

Humor: Paying Off God

Our 7-year-old daughter had just won $2.00 for her memory work in Sunday school. After the morning service, the pastor's wife congratulated her.

Our ...

Hung Up on Happiness

An English visitor recently commented about U.S. churches, "You Americans are so concerned about being happy," as if our kingdoms were the focal ...

Trivial Pursuit in Church

Trivialization in the church, as in society, results in a loss of the ability to think. Christians are lured to view the world as the world views itself--uncritically ...

The Smallness of the Self

The smallest package I ever saw was a man wrapped up wholly in himself.

Atheism and Piracy

If I am an atheist in my heart, making myself sovereign in place of God, and therefore arranging things in accordance with my appetites and needs and ...

Purpose or Notoriety

Two centuries ago, when a great man appeared, people looked for God's purpose in him. Today we look for his press agent.

Heaven Helps the Humble

Christ sends none away empty but those who are full of themselves.