Christianity Today

Future of Disciples

I appreciate the new heart revealed with the Global Gospel Project (GGP). As a seminary student I have been disillusioned by the references to older CT articles that served as credible evidence in theological discussions. It seemed like CT had come a long ways from its disciple-making roots and fallen into the trap of cultural discussion that so many Christian organizations pigeonhole themselves into. The latest issue renewed my hope in the ministry of CT.

Tor Langehaug
Jacksonville, Arkansas

Prove It

It helps that the article "It's Okay to Expect a Miracle" [December] addresses the issue of fraud. I was an atheist, and I found that Jesus could and did indeed appear to me. Later, I would find his invisible presence more real than the vision that led to my conversion. While the miraculous has a place, it is by no means as important as the mind. Our Lord first called for repentance, a change of mind based on thinking through a matter and then making a change.

James Willingham
E-mail

Beautiful Gifts

Thank you for "My Perfect Child" [December]. Our son was born with spina bifida and we faced pressure from the medical community to abort him. I don't know what the future holds but I am happy that he is here even if he isn't "perfect"—then again, neither am I.

Richard Davies
E-mail

Immigrants Among Us

I really enjoyed the article on Vineyard Columbus ["The Kingdom in Columbus," December]. Founder John Wimber's teaching on the kingdom of God radically changed my life and ministry, and I applaud the church's efforts to reach out to the immigrant and destitute.

Still, I do not believe that the political stance on illegal immigration is a kingdom issue. Previously, I grew a Hispanic ministry in Florida. We gladly ministered without regard to their immigration status because the church is not called to check it. However, our leadership never said that immigration laws were unjust.

The term "social justice" is misapplied when used in reference to legal immigration laws that do not discriminate. At the same time, I support the right of Christians to voice their concerns about immigration laws and to advocate for new laws.

William P. Payne
Ashland, Ohio

How God Governs

Thank you for your thoughtful and restrained remarks on Elizabeth Warren's recent comments in "No Taxpayer Is an Island" [December]. However, the editorial implied something that needs examining. You wrote, "We believe God exercises sovereignty not by manipulating his creatures like so many chess pieces, but by ordaining institutions to which he delegates a caretaking role. Government is one of those institutions."

I agree that God is indisputably sovereign. I disagree that the government or any other institution is "God ordained." I do not accept Luther's position that the state, i.e., king, is God's representative on earth. Jesus was God's representative on earth. Jesus did not envision a Christian government but rather Christians in government. That is the path of peace and successful governance. Christians behaving as Christians is our hope.

Tom Tomshany
E-mail

Serving Schools

I commend Chuck Colson and Timothy George for writing on public education ["Education Is in Our DNA," December]. As a public educator I have gotten backlash from other believers who think homeschooling is the only way. I disagree with them 100 percent. I have been given a position in a secular place to be a light to countless students. Their education is important to me not only in academics but also morally: I also show them the love of Christ by how I relate to them and my coworkers.

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