Tuesday is election day—an opportunity for every American to choose the leaders of our country.

There are many complex issues today, and Americans have every reason to be concerned about the rising national debt, constitutional interpretation, and economic decisions. Our best choice for all areas may not be present in one candidate. How do we choose the most important issues as we vote?

At the risk of appearing to oversimplify, I’d like to share three ways I vote: (more…)

California is in dire straits fiscally—even letting out prisoners early because we can’t afford to keep them. And this Tuesday we’re voting on if we should legalize the sale of marijuana.

Proponents of this initiative (Proposition 19 on the ballet) suggest that legalizing the drug will bring in revenue through taxes and help with the overcrowded prisons. Neither will be a long-term result.

My dear friend and our state senator, George Runner, pointed out the degradation legal drugs brings to society: “I have heard from people who have traveled to countries where they allow marijuana use, and it doesn’t appear to me that is a model society that (voters) want to see in California.” Runner further explained, “You don’t go to prison for possession of marijuana. But if you have a lot and you’re selling it to minors, or carrying a gun around with you, that’s a different story.” (more…)

This is part two of this article. You can read part one here. We’ve already seen from Acts 13 that the context of God’s strategy for missions is the local church and that He calls Christians who are already engaged in service.  Let’s see one more step in this biblical strategy.

The Commencement of Missions

It wasn’t enough for the missionaries at Antioch to be called—the church had to send them to the field. It does the heathen little good if the church is full of called missionaries. The sending step is crucial. (more…)

Two thousand years ago, Christ delivered the marching orders for the local church: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). With nearly seven billion people in the world, separated by political, cultural, and linguistic boundaries, this is a staggering mission.

How can we accomplish this Great Commission? Is there a technique or element of technology we can use to boost our success stats? What should be our strategy? (more…)

How do you know if you really believe something is true? Is it because you say you believe it? Or is it because you are gripped with its reality to the point that it changes your behavior?

I’ll never forget our guide at the Temple of Heaven in China several years ago. She spoke some English, and I carefully explained the Gospel to her. She listened intently as I spoke of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection and then described His free offer of salvation. I was surprised by her question as I finished: “Do you really believe that?” (more…)