Ben Sasse on Life, Cancer, and the Gospel

Before entering public office, Ben Sasse served as the Director of White Horse Inn and Executive Editor of Modern Reformation at Sola Media. On February 7, 2026, he joined longtime friends Michael Horton and Dan Bryant to discuss his cancer diagnosis, the early days of Sola Media, and the hope of the gospel. As Executive Editor of Modern Reformation at Sola Media from 1998 to 2000, Ben Sasse helped articulate our vision for a modern reformation. “[We want to teach] individuals about historic Protestant theology,” Sasse wrote, “creating a community of Protestants who take their particular church bodies and confessions very seriously, and (not "but") take their pan-Protestant, evangelical identity seriously as well.” Ben’s work in Sola’s early years was invaluable in advancing our mission to serve the church with resources for reformation. We are immensely grateful for Ben, his friendship, and the legacy he has helped build. 0:00 An update on Ben Sasse's cancer diagnoses and treatment 6:55 Ben Sasse's history with Sola Media and friendship with Mike Horton 11:50 What is the gospel? 17:04 How Ben's theological knowledge shaped his time as a US Senator 20:35 How theology helps us face death and suffering 26:28 How can I reorder the priorities of of my life? 32:04 1 Corinthians 15, the resurrection, and the reason we have to die 35:17 "AND THE DEAD SHALL BE RAISED" 40:44 Gallows humor 45:21 Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 1 PARTNER WITH US - https://solamedia.org/partner/?sc=AS2502VY When you become a partner today, you'll receive two remarkable books as our thanks: Rediscovering the Holy Spirit by Dr. Michael Horton and Praying with Jesus by Pastor Adriel Sanchez. We believe these books can guide you into a clearer understanding of the Spirit’s work and a richer prayer life. LISTEN TO THE SHOW Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/know-what-you-believe-with-michael-horton/id1776875542 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3iVTLF8opWifHQ8KtvXdr5?si=2f3cb2f11ef34b33 FOLLOW US Newsletter: https://solamedia.org/subscribe/ Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/solamediaorg/ X/Twitter  https://x.com/solamediaorg  Facebook https://www.facebook.com/solamediaorg/     WHO WE ARE  Sola is home to White Horse Inn, Core Christianity, Modern Reformation, and Theo Global. Our mission is to serve today’s global church by producing resources for reformation grounded in the historic Christian faith. Our vision is to see reformation in hearts, homes, and churches around the world.  https://solamedia.org/