Josh Benner

Category: Commentary

  • The gospel in Les Miserables

    Originally published as “Jesus in Les Miserables” on December 24, 2012 Caught. Jean Valjean had stolen silver from the Bishop and the local authorities had caught him red handed. On his own merits, there was nothing Valjean could do to rectify the situation. He didn’t have the money to pay for it. He was guilty. But…

  • I hope your wedding day is the day you love each other the least

    I hope your wedding day is the day when you love each other the least. I hope the love is there. But I hope a week, a month, a year, 10 years, 50 years later, that you love each other more than you did on your wedding day. I hope it’s a deeper, richer, fuller…

  • Willow Creek fallout continues as pastor and elders all resign

    Willow Creek church was formerly the third largest church in America. A trailblazing church over the past 40 years under the visionary leadership of Bill Hybels. Hybles planned to retire later this year but this past spring, the Chicago Tribune reported about accusations of sexual misconduct. In the fallout, Hybels retried shortly after. The reigns…

  • Jesus didn’t die to keep you the same

    Jesus died to save sinners. It is out of the love that he has for that he died. But it is also because he loves us that he didn’t die to keep us the same. When the gospel takes root in someone’s heart, part of the evidence for a sincere faith is a life that…

  • More allegations, more problems for Willow Creek

    Bill Hybels is one of the most influential Christian leaders of the past generation. Earlier this spring he stepped down from his position at Willow Creek, the church he founded, in the wake of a number of allegations stretching back several years of inappropriate contact between Hybels and women connected to the church and leadership…