The peace this year may not be political. It is certainly not pervasive. But it is providential. And it is deeply personal. In a world of chaos, the Prince of Peace reigns first and foremost in the heart. Read…
A Thanksgiving Prayer in free verse (2016 edition)
(Editor’s Note: Chicago Tribune columnist Joan Beck annually penned a list of things for which she was grateful, letting lines from a few famous hymns to guide her prayer. With appreciation, we borrow her literary form for our own version again this year.) As we gather together to count the Lord’s blessings, 396 years after […]
Restoring fractured evangelicalism
The need of the hour is for evangelicals, Southern Baptists in particular, to process this awkward election theologically-not practically, politically, or emotionally—and identify the kingdom-worthy reasons for future political involvement. What are the few things we will stand for-that will bring us together in the name of Jesus Christ? Read…
Two Americas: Election demonstrates deep divides and challenges ahead for the church
For Christians, the issue today is how do we live Christ-like, now that the nation has chosen a president after a divisive and nasty two-year contest. “The most important lesson we should learn is that the church must stand against the way politics has become a religion, and religion has become politics,” said Russell Moore. Read…
Whatever the Outcome: Preachers stick to reconciliation, mostly steer clear of election
Whatever happens in the general election, preach the Word – and stick to the Word – speakers at the 2016 IBSA Pastors’ Conference exhorted their audience. The first day of the meeting in metro Chicago coincided with the World Series, so several the speakers got in on the Cubs banter, but ultimately the stuck to the Word. Read…