I grew up in a small town and enjoyed swimming and fishing in the summer, hunting in the fall and playing pond hockey in the winters. I talk to many people who long for simpler times in rural America. Having said all that, I am increasingly convinced of the importance of cities. And after 23 years in Grand Rapids, I have appreciated the strategic … [Read more...]
Entering the Kingdom
C.S. Lewis wrote the Chronicles of Narnia to communicate the powerful truths of the gospel. Narnia, like earth, was filled with beauty, brokenness, evil and redemption. Lewis wrote the series in 1940 during the outbreak of WWII. The people of London were anxious and fearful. The four Pevensie children were sent away from their parents because of … [Read more...]
Always Advancing
General George S. Patton was a legendary figure in World War II. But he was not necessarily well-liked by President Franklin Roosevelt or General Dwight Eisenhower, the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe. Patton was supremely arrogant. He had a brash and audacious manner – always looking for the limelight. His language was atrocious. … [Read more...]
Christian Patriotism
I have a cousin who was born in Japan to American parents. As a result, he has dual citizenship. Christians share a similar designation. We are citizens of the particular country where we were born or where we now reside. But we are also citizens of God’s kingdom. On this 4th of July weekend filled with excitement and national pride, let’s consider … [Read more...]
The City of God
We are in the midst of an election season and emotions are running high. Many Christians I have talked to are disgusted – unable to identify a candidate that they are able to fully stand behind. They are disillusioned with the political process. They are wondering how we got here as a country and how America can be restored to greatness. The … [Read more...]