Articles written by Gordan Runyan
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Forgiveness about choices, not feelings
Maybe the most difficult of the Christian duties found in the Bible is forgiveness. We like thinking God has forgiven us, but then we’re told we nee...
Take this promise into 2022
It’s been a rough month for several families in our little congregation. We are grieving deaths, fighting illness, and mourning other heartaches. Ot...
Faithful servant sets fine example
My mother-in-law passed away on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It was unexpected. On the other hand, she was a frail, little woman in her 80s, and...
Bible: Earth is still the Lord's
I am not a science denier. You may hear otherwise, but I think that’s unfair. To be anti-science is to be anti God, who created and owns everything...
The Lord is my dinner host
If you’ve watched a movie that depicted a funeral in the last 40 years or so, I’d place my bet on two things. One, it was probably raining; and,...
Major vaccine objection explained
As a pastor, I have helped people write their requests for religious exemptions to the COVID vaccines. (And I am happy to do so for anyone who needs...
Real life never free of risk
God commands me to love my neighbor. I am not, however, commanded to put any effort into making my neighbor's life risk-free. Biblical love does not...
Advance in this critical season
We’ve begun a new series at our church, preaching through the Psalms. It’s a good time to come and get in on the ground floor. Last Sunday we walk...
Don't be such a Boromir
In the movie “The Fellowship of the Ring,” a fascinating scenario plays out in multiple scenes. The titular ring is a magic item that gives its...
Conscience should not be coerced
As you’re reading your Bible, note the instances in which people try to coerce, bribe, or threaten others into complying with their will. I think...
Wrestle with hard questions
I hope I’m proven wrong, but I think the chances of another lock-down coming in the fall are right around 118%. I sincerely hope we’ve had all...
Scientism: Another false religious belief
On the whole, I’m a science guy. I’m not afraid of science, nor do I perceive any threat from it. As a Christian man, I have no worries that...
Stain deeper than we will admit
In the second verse of King David’s prayer of repentance, Psalm 51, the sinner cries out, “Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me...
Generational guilt: Real, but treatable
The current race debate highlights the issue of generational guilt. Does it really exist? What should be done about it? One side is sure it exists,...
We should study principles of liberty
Bible believers should take a hard look at libertarianism. I’m not talking about joining the Libertarian Party, which spends a lot of time masquerad...
This is how our side gets the win
I’ve spent a couple of columns trying to encourage my brethren in Christ to realize that God has given us the victory. We are not destined, as a wor...
His kingdom and peace will increase
Cheer up, believer. You have reason for optimism regarding both the present and the future, yes, even if the return of Christ is delayed. In time and...
Objections to biblical immigration answered
In my last two columns, I highlighted the Bible’s view of immigrants. That is, they are to be welcomed and loved as brothers. Foreigners in Israel...
Ancient Israel was open to migrants
In my last column, I said the Bible’s attitude toward the “alien” or immigrant is univocal. We are to love him as ourselves, and treat him as a...
Love the foreigner as yourself
Immigration is a big news item, as we find ourselves still dealing with “kids in cages” on our Southern border. My conservative friends blame...
Equality Act a teaching opportunity
The Equality Act is making its way through Congress. I think it will become law. This will expand the scope of current anti-discrimination rules, to...
It is past time to get involved
Should Christians be involved in politics? It’s a trick question, since politics always involves us. However disinterested you are in politics, poli...
Armed citizens a biblical virtue
I hear there are dozens of presidential executive orders coming soon that tighten the regulation of Second Amendment rights. This is a fundamentally...
Sins blotted out through faith
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.” (Psalm 51:1) This is...
QAnon exposed as a false religion
Find a way to remember this time. It’s historically unusual. In the span of five short years, we’ve witnessed the beginning of a brand new...