I read the ending.  Jesus wins.

When you know that Jesus wins it puts everything in perspective.  If you know the ending of a book the rough parts do not seem so bad.  You read the entire book through the lens of a happy ending.  Well…Jesus wins—hopefully, that’s a happy ending to you. 

Yes, things might seem bleak in our nation.  It may seem like the gospel is dying in Europe.  It may seem like Islam is winning.  But Jesus wins.

Yes, things might seem bleak in your own life.  It may seem like each day is clothed in darkness.  It may seem like your world is coming to an end.  You may feel like a reject, a disappointment to God and society, and a big giant failure.  And things may legitimately stink.  But you know what?  Jesus wins. 

And if Jesus wins and you are “hidden in him” that means you win too.

PS:  That’s why I don’t get too worried about this stuff:

Abraham Piper interviews Paul Tripp.  The first question concerns the difference between adult ministry and youth ministry. The second question is about motivation for obedience. 

This is a repost by Erik Raymond, but every preacher needs to read it: Preachers, Please Sweat Out the Text.

It’s a simple statement but it hit me like a ton of bricks: Why seek fame when you already have it?

Are we called to storm the gates of hell?  Kevin DeYoung points out a few exegetical oops.  This one is Matthew 16:18.

Kevin Bussey wonders why we say “but” if we know it’s truth.

Thabiti makes a good point of 5 things we do that other “religions” do not.

Matt Svoboda offers a profile of the lukewarm.

Greg Gilbert offers some “help” to those wanting to defend the guy you think is really cool.

Abraham Piper gives us 5 foundations for a Truth-Based Youth Ministry.

Greg Gilbert challenges Rob Bell’s definition of the gospel.

Have you ever watched Mystery Men?  I think these guys have: