Lance Brown

Socialism and Communism are all the rage at the universities. They appeal to young adults’ idealism, sense of fairness, and compassion for the underdog. Unfortunately, socialism and communism eventually torpedo the very people they propose to help. Let’s take a comparative look at socialism, communism and capitalism.

Our Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and our Constitution defined American ideals, values, freedoms, and limits on government. Over the last one hundred years, there has been a tug of war to redefine America. That tug of war is being waged this year in our upcoming elections.

In today’s world we hear the siren call for the abolishing of government, the abolishing of police, abolishing the criminal justice system, and a repudiation of the Judeo-Christian ethic in the name of “freedom.” It’s one thing to tear down our government; it’s quite another to build something in its place. As my mother once…

Our last “Re-routing” toward eternal joy is failure. Though failure has an awful sting to it, it is most painfully true for men, as Genesis 3 tells us. Frustration, futility, and failure are meant to drive men to God, not just in a generic way, but specifically, to discover a joy they would never experience…

Re-route to joy #8 is suffering. Yes, suffering. It strikes every one of us, somehow, and in some way. Yet, our redemptive God uses even the very worst that happens to us to bring us, eventually, to a kind of joy that nothing else will produce! But it’s painful. Excruciatingly painful.

Trials come into everyone’s life. Trials test us and shape us. For some, trials shape us toward resentment, bitterness, and cynicism. But God makes the audacious claim that when trials come, they provide a reason for joy! Let’s discover why and how that happens.