In centuries past, especially before printing presses and widespread literacy, church buildings themselves were designed to illustrate Scripture. Stained glass, sculptures and murals depicted Daniel in the lion’s den, Ruth collecting wheat in Boaz’s field, and Christ walking toward Calvary. These works of art helped people relate to the… Read More

As we celebrate the Fourth of July in Philadelphia, we hear a lot about our local Founding Father, Ben Franklin. Author, businessman, scientist, statesman, he was an extraordinary man in a crucial time. As a waiter told me at lunch yesterday, “I love Franklin. He was Bruce Wayne. He… Read More

The story of the gospel is the most powerful, transcendent, compelling story that the world could ever possibly know. The Scriptures bring life and hope and freedom to humanity. Once you’re inside of it, it will set you free. But we’ve let other people tell the story about us. Read More

Last month I was privileged to attend a gathering of Christian leaders and scholars in Boston on the topic of race relations. There were brilliant insights on the psychology of cultural bigotry; on the experience of Hispanics, Asians and other minorities; and on what we can learn from South Africa. Read More

“Lord, please give her an amazing experience of you.” This had been my recurring prayer for a friend who had grown up in the faith but had lost the fire. She still believed in God but wasn’t so sure about Jesus and had drifted away from the church. Read More

My friend Joan was bragging about an actor she often worked with. “He’s so good, he doesn’t need a director.” Joan obviously meant well, but she clearly didn’t know much about directing. It’s far more than merely telling actors where to stand. Directors are mirrors, mentors, conductors, cheerleaders, translators, philosophers… Read More

My acting student was mumbling lines from a Tennessee Williams masterpiece. I was straining to hear him from the back of the room. “But I was really feeling it!” he said later. “That’s great,” I replied, “but you need to let those feelings live. You need to share… Read More

People are busy these days. It’s hard to get our church folks to spend even 15 minutes a day reading the Bible. But consider this. If you watch a one-hour TV show, you’re spending at least 15 minutes viewing commercials. That point was made by one of the participants… Read More

Our lives are made up of anything but space. Our culture promotes activity, stimulation, and achieving. It is not surprising that our annual State of the Bible survey reveals the number one hindrance for people in reading Scripture is feeling too busy with life’s responsibilities. There is never enough time. Read More