There is no better story in the Old Testament, or perhaps the whole Bible, for depicting the difference between the ladder-defined life and the cross-defined life than that of the Tower of Babel.

My observation of Christendom is that most of us tend to base our relationship with God on our performance instead of on His grace.

I think it's super important for the church itself to rediscover the gospel.

I agree we have enough books that attempt to explain why God allows suffering, presumably in a way that lets God off the hook. And while much smarter men than I have constructed elaborate systems in this pursuit, they are by definition exercises in speculation.

I enjoy receiving love from my wife. I'm ecstatic when Kim loves me and expresses affection toward me. Something in me comes alive when she does that. But I've learned this freeing truth: I don't need that love, because in Jesus, I receive all the love I need.

...this culture of mandatory happiness actually promotes dishonesty and more suffering.

Grace is upside-down, to-do-list wrecking, scandalous and way-too free. It's one-way love.