The world changed in December 2019 when the COVID-19 pandemic spread exponentially in every part of America and around the World. It’s not just a health crisis, but a terrible economic crisis. At no other time in history has a modern, industrialized economy essentially shut down in a matter of weeks.
I am convinced that the economic ripples will continue long after the health scare has passed. With thousands of businesses closed, leaving millions unemployed, it will take time—perhaps years—to rebuild. The economy is not a light switch that can be shut off and turned back on. I believe there …
The good news: God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.
The bad news: Satan hates you and has a destructive plan for your life.
Although not explicitly stated in Scripture, I believe Satan has already made meticulous plans for the downfall of believers. All that is left is for us to step into his carefully laid trap. Unfortunately, the trap is hidden—it blends in with our aptitudes, surroundings, and friends—and it’s disguised as the path to fulfillment. Satan does not come to us announcing who he is; he comes to us and tries to put ideas …
Jesus was born into a nation mired in political conflict.
Political conflict is as old as civilization itself. The fight for power, profit, and self-determination has existed since Adam and Eve were chased out of Eden. The history of the world has been one of strife between families, cities, and nations. And when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, political tension and anger was rife throughout the then-known world.
Luke’s version of the Christmas story begins with these words, “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered” (2:1). On the political level, …
When Rebecca and I were married fifty years ago, we had only a glimmer of what the future would hold. She had graduated from Dallas Bible College, and I had already spent a year teaching at the Briercrest Bible College in Saskatchewan, Canada. We met at a church in Dallas while I was in seminary and later began a courtship by letter. We got married in Dallas and then drove to Canada where I taught for one more year. The details of how God led us from Canada to Chicago, and to The Moody Church, are in and of themselves …
As the youngest child in our family, it was customary for me to read the Christmas story in our home before we opened our gifts. As you might guess, I probably had my mind on the presents under the tree rather than on the words I was reading. Even so, I often was puzzled by the promise of the angel, “Peace on Earth.” Even back then I knew that there was little peace in the world.
I’m sure you know the story. The shepherds are tending their flocks on the outskirts of Bethlehem at night. They are startled when suddenly …
