Return to flip book view
eternaleternalperspectivesFALL/WINTER 2023ALSO INSIDEIntroducing the Nanci Alcorn Memorial LibraryHow Scripture Memorization Tethers You to ChristThe Darkness Does Not WinWhy Remembering Our True Inheritance Changes How We Live and Give
This magazine is a publication of Eternal Perspective Ministries, a Christ- Alcorn. It can be read online at epm.org/magazine. Version (ESV), unless otherwise noted.Subscribeto epm.org/subscribe.Permissions of an article, please submit to us for permission.) Feel free to reproduce this complete magazine, and pass it on to individuals, churches, or groups. Contactinfo@epm.org | 503.668.5200 Donateepm.org/donate.contentsNews from EPMCombating the Spirit of Entitlement with GratitudeRandy Alcorn9 Lessons God Teaches Us rough SicknessJ. C. RyleIntroducing the Nanci Alcorn Memorial Library Q&ARandy AlcornCould You Summarize the Christmas Story with One Word?Paul David TrippStart Giving Before You InheritRandy AlcornHow Scripture Memorization Tethers You to ChristGlenna MarshallGiving Is a Major Pathway to Spiritual Growth and JoyRandy AlcornYahweh Is the Sweetest Name I KnowJohn Pipere Darkness Does Not WinKevin DeYoung3468aboutconnectCopyright © 2023 by Eternal Perspective Ministries. Produced and designed by Stephanie Anderson, EPM sta.epm.orgFind resources and purchase books.epm.org/blogRead Randy's latest blog posts.facebook.com/randyalcornConnect with Randy and read daily posts.twitter.com/randyalcornRead short daily thoughts from Randy.facebook.com/EPMinistriesFollow EPM for the latest news from our oce, including promotions.101112162 ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES FALL/WINTER 2023pinterest.com/randyalcornExplore and pin quotes and resources.instagram.com/randyalcorn_epmSee EPM's word art featuring quotes from Randy and others.youtube.com/eternalperspectivesWatch and subscribe to Randy's videos. vimeo.com/randyalcornWatch videos and messages from Randy.192122
FALL/WINTER 2023 ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES 3newsEnd of Year Donations: Join EPM in Impacting EternityIf you've found our books, articles, social media posts, and/or magazine to be helpful, would you prayerfully consider supporting EPM and being a part of this eternity-shaping ministry in 2024? If you wish to make a year-end, tax-deductible donation, please note donations postmarked no later than December 31, or received online at epm.org/donate by 11:59 p.m. PT on December 31, will be included on this year’s tax receipts. with shipping, customer service, and special projects. Welcome Amy Schafer to EPM¿Proelección o Provida? Análisis de 15 argumentos proeleccióneach for 80 or more copies, and $2.25/each for 1,000 or more copies. Print copies and a epm.org/providaPro-Choice or Pro-Life? Now Available in Spanishincluding Heaven for Kids, on sale November 16-epm.org/connected, media mail shipping on orders of $30 or more with the code 23THANKFUL (U.S. continential epm.org/store to see our latest specials.Don't Miss Our Holiday Specials on Randy's Booksand gender confusion as part of the Fall. These articles can help guide us as to what we need to series at epm.org/gender.Blog Series on Gender Confusion
4 ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES FALL/WINTER 2023Imulti-stage miraculous deliverance miraculous dividing and crossing of is not insensitive to their needs or ours. So do (This passage proves that the spirit of entitlement did not begin in America, but we are perfecting it as an art form.)complain further. Moses throws the branch in the again. (Showing that we need more than periodic moments of gratitude, we need an ongoing spirit which we view life.)Forgetful and Entitledsimilar to us. When their circumstances are good, Combating the Spirit of Entitlementwith GratitudeBY RANDY ALCORN
FALL/WINTER 2023 ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES 5for falling short of their standards.those who drive too slow or too fast, who steal that We live in a culture where there is a spirit of Stir up Thanksgivingperspective-shaping habit.people, wandering in desert wastelands, without Gratitude Sets Us Apartsomething that is built into what it means to be a clear line between us and a Christless world.If the same spirit of entitlement and ingratitude that characterizes our culture characterizes us, what What if we are wired for happiness in Jesus?God tells us, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Randy writes, "This is as close as Scripture gets to a formula for happiness." Explore more about Christ-honoring happiness in his book Does God Want Us to Be Happy?, available from epm.org/happy
9 Lessons God Teaches Us Through Sickness6 ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES FALL/WINTER 2023A iction is a friendly leer from Heaven.of conscience. It is the voice of it, who hears the Note from Randy: During her four-year battle with cancer, my precious wife and soulmate, Nanci, immersed herself daily in God’s Word, read great books about His attributes, and wrote to Him in her journal. Together we turned to Jesus in prayer and worship as we drew close to God and each other and faced her death side by side. Nanci’s physical decline was heartbreaking, but her spiritual growth was stunning and profound. Recently I read “9 Lessons from God Concerning Sickness” from J. C. Ryle, an Anglican bishop (1816–1900). Every lesson he shares applies to how Nanci lived out her last years before relocating to Heaven. In fact, I was surprised I’d never read this before. Nanci would’ve loved it, and she probably loves it now more than ever. Praise God for J. C. Ryle!BY J. C. RYLE
FALL/WINTER 2023 ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES 7teach us.1 To make us think, to remind us that we have soul that will live forever in happiness or in 2 To teach us that there is a world beyond the grave, and that the world we now 3 To make us look at our past lives honestly, fairly, and conscientiously.4 To make us see the emptiness of the world and deepest needs of the soul. 5 To send us to our Bibles. shelf, becomes the safest place in which to from the shelf and throws new light on its pages. 6 To make us pray. hurried words morning and evening death is in sight. 7 To make us repent and break o our sins. 8 To draw us to Christ. see the full value of that blessed Savior. deeds, and sacrament-receiving will save our souls. 9 To make us feeling and sympathizing towards others.and none are so able to feel as those who have Summary: learn spiritual lessons in the school of ease and not shut out from the world, are often lessons which we should never learn elsewhere.
8 ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES FALL/WINTER 2023Introducing the Nanci Alcorn Memorial LibrarySLogos Hopeon board the ship after the conference, and that turned out to be one of the Logos Hopeom.org/eng/ships.)From Karina (Alcorn) FranklinAsharing meals with our international brothers and sisters was a great privilege and blessing.Reections from Randy
FALL/WINTER 2023 ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES 9epm.org/donate in Cuba, persecuted Christians, and the Logos Hope Ship (Operation Mobilization).Nanci Alcorn Memorial FundFrom Angela (Alcorn) StumpELogos HopeLogos HopeLogos HopeWatch a video of the ship library's dedication at epm.org/dedication
10 ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES FALL/WINTER 2023Q&AQuestion from a reader: What do you think about linking current events to the end times? Is this a good thing for Christians to focus on?Answer from Randy Alcorn:whenthatbe right about some things. Will it be this time, and became a Christian as a teenager. current events in the Middle East and around the we should focus on what the Bible has told us all of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound to current events not with a spirit of fear, but of before ourselves), and a sound mind (a disciplined, self-controlled and Spirit-controlled intellect that evaluates the available information and acts in light of biblical priorities and wisdom).We need to focus on faithfully servingWe need to focus on faithfully serving our King until we die or He returns, our King until we die or He returns, either of which could happen any day.either of which could happen any day.“
FALL/WINTER 2023 ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES 11Could You Summarize the Christmas Christmas Story Story with One Word?BY PAUL DAVID TRIPPIf the outrageous rebellion of Adam and Eve and gracegrace is not a theological word; it is a name. That establishment of an some new divine program. that could rescue us from ourselves and repair the horrendous damage that sin had done to the world Paul David Tripp is a pastor, event speaker, and a best-selling and award-winning author of over 30 books, including Come, Let Us Adore Him: A Daily Advent Devotional. This book of daily readings for the month of December will help you slow down, prepare your heart, and focus on what matters most: adoring our Savior, Jesus.We need to focus on faithfully servingWe need to focus on faithfully serving our King until we die or He returns, our King until we die or He returns, either of which could happen any day.either of which could happen any day.
12 ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES FALL/WINTER 2023Start GivingBefore You InheritWhy Remembering Our Why Remembering Our True Inheritance Changes True Inheritance Changes How We Live and GiveHow We Live and GiveBY RANDY ALCORN
FALL/WINTER 2023 ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES 13M over $68 trillion from previous generations wealth? in amount, but less in proportion. According to percent or more of their income to their churches, more of their income to their local churches, while 25 percent give nothing.Without a vision for giving as investing in prospering us is so we can help the church, aid the could be a curse rather than a blessing.Dangerous Inheritancechildren, parents, or grandparents.a higher net worth than their parents do.estate to churches, parachurch ministries, missions, small portion to their children.with it. Understand it lives and marriages have been ruined unearned wealth. can be a blessing. But Jesus knew our tendency to live in denial about the dangers of money love.
14 ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES FALL/WINTER 2023undistracted.we believe could increase our standard of giving.Give Todayto compare upward, not downward. But even if nowHis When God prospers us, it’s not merely to give us new toys and more beautiful homes but to allow us to give still more.““
Giving Is the Good Life: The Unexpected Path to Purpose and JoyRandy teaches life-changing biblical principles of generosity and tells stories of people who have put those radical principles into practice. Each story is a practical application that can help stimulate your imagination and expand your dreams of serving Jesus in fresh ways. Learn more and order from epm.org/goodlifeFALL/WINTER 2023 ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES 15to raise our standard of living but to raise our standard of giving. connected to what we give and the people we Greater Rewardus after death that includes both our salvation and the eternal treasures we store up through generous rewards in the future.Giving to God's kingdom is the most dependable and protable investment ever.
16 ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES FALL/WINTER 2023The older I get, the more forgetful I seem How Scripture Memorization Tethers You to ChristBY GLENNA MARSHALL
FALL/WINTER 2023 ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES 17God gave us minds that can store up the treasures of His Word.commands and encouragements from Scripture Scripture Helps Us Rememberunder the old covenant as Israel did, the principle and helpful. Paul tells us that all Scripture is reproof, correction, and training in righteousness discern what is true in this life. valuable tool for remaining tethered to Christ and The Point of Memorization
18 ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES FALL/WINTER 2023to the celebration of will never outgrow our need for Scripture, and The process of repeating and rehearsing Scripture sins at the cross, and how we are to live as loved, Redeem Your Day to Remember God’s Word• learned so far. • advantage of audio Bible apps and listen to a passage on repeat, reciting aloud with the narrator. • • Use the time media to meditate on upon the sweet words of Scripture. Glenna Marshall is a pastor’s wife and mother of two energetic sons. She is the author of The Promise is His Presence, Everyday Faithfulness, and her new book Memorizing Scripture, which helps readers build and maintain the practice of hiding Scripture in their hearts. She writes regularly at GlennaMarshall.com on biblical literacy, suffering, and the faithfulness of God.Scripture memorization helps us remember what’s true, tethering our thoughts to God and His Word.This article was originally posted on the Revive Our Hearts Blog.
FALL/WINTER 2023 ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES 19Giving Is a Major Pathway to Spiritual Growth and JoyBY RANDY ALCORNC hristmas season is upon us, and it is with the ultimate gift being the Spirit of incarnation and atonement being the most lavish Christmas becomes more meaningful as we remember it is about giving. In that giving we gain so Will We Discover the Joy of Giving?giving come in giving. When I become aware of a need makarios is the second blessing of our giving so that others and the fourth blessing of our own happiness in
Err on the Side of Giving: Randy's Interview on the Generous Business Owner PodcastThe hosts of the Generous Business Owner podcast discuss with Randy the role giving has played in his faith and Christian life, as well as the importance of giving for all believers. Listen to the podcast episode at epm.org/generous-owner20 ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES FALL/WINTER 2023of having too much, tempting us to center our lives Giving Brings Greater Blessing Than ReceivingFor Nanci and me, the process of discovering growth. In fact, it propelled it. We learned more required us to have some challenging giving marriage, and bonded us around common goals of thought of all the people from all over the world those we had the privilege of helping through food, clothes, clean water, medicines, Bibles, because of our deep love for each other, but because she and I partnered together to invest in seeing old friends but to having Nanci introduce me to these new friends we invested in before we were made for.
Yused over 5,000 times in the Old Testament. It is (small caps). Bel, or Nebo, or Molech, or Rimmon, or Dagon, or Chemosh. I turn from YahYahYahYahwehI am who I amI am has sent me to One-Who-Is. “I am who I am” is the am-nessam-nessThere are vast personal and covenantal implications of this. But this is foundational. communicates all of this with a personal name. To be Yahweh.call his name Jesus, for he will save his people Jesus is an English Iesoun. And this in turn Joshua. And YahSo Jesuswith a human nature coming to save his people that Jesus Christ is LordYahwehis in fact Yahweh incarnate.John Piper is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. For more than thirty years, he served as pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis. He is author of more than fty books, and his sermons, articles, books, and more are available free of charge at desiringGod.org.Yahweh Is the Sweetest Name I KnowBY JOHN PIPERFALL/WINTER 2023 ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES 21By John Piper. © Desiring God Foundation. Source: desiringGod.org
22 ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES FALL/WINTER 2023The Darkness Does Not WinBY KEVIN DEYOUNGT he title of this article is hard to we hear about wars and rumors of wars, about terrorism or mass shootings, about Christian persecution and cultural been diagnosed with cancer. And others who are or mired in a depression that will not lift.was made. In him was life, and the life was the light either amid our lifetime struggle with sin or in the of sin and Satan, will not prove victorious in its long, sale in town because the establishment blasted Christmas is about peace on earth and good will
FALL/WINTER 2023 ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES 23celebrate in this season is not the triumph of the over the world, because it was not victorious over the One through whom the world was made.light into the world with assurance of complete the shepherds, the angel, the manger, the star, the Quirinius and Ephrathah. All true. So now what? come into the world.Kevin DeYoung is senior pastor of Christ Covenant Church (PCA) in Matthews, North Carolina, and associate professor of systematic theology at Reformed Theological Seminary (Charlotte). He is the author of more than 20 books and a popular columnist, blogger, and podcaster. Kevin’s work can be found on clearlyreformed.org.
eternal perspective ministries39065 Pioneer Blvd., Suite 100Sandy, OR 97055This holiday season, get free media mail shipping on your order of $30 or more with code 23THANKFULOFFER VALID NOVEMBER 8 TO DECEMBER 8, 2023 | U.S. CONTINENTAL ORDERS ONLYNovember 27-30, The Promise of the New Earth is on sale for $10 (regularly $11.99, retail $19.99): epm.org/promise