Know What You Believe with Michael Horton

Ben Sasse on Life, Cancer, and the Gospel

12 snips

Feb 18, 2026

Ben Sasse, former U.S. senator and early leader at Sola Media, gives a candid update on his stage 4 cancer and treatment. He and Michael Horton revisit early ministry days, explore the gospel’s shape, and reflect on how theology steadies public life, facing mortality, priorities, resurrection hope, and finding gratitude and humor amid suffering.

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ANECDOTE

From Diagnosis To Clinical Trial

Ben Sasse recounts his December diagnosis and swift move into an aggressive MD Anderson clinical trial in Houston.
He describes intense chemo side effects and being hospitalized weekly while hoping to extend life for his family.

ANECDOTE

Friendship Born In Study Sessions

Ben describes meeting Michael Horton through mutual friends after studying at Oxford and seeking theological grounding before marriage.
He remembers long study sessions over pizza and cheap beer to learn Scripture and catechisms together.

INSIGHT

Gospel In A Few Words

The gospel is summarized as 'God for us in Christ' involving imputation, justification, sanctification, and glorification.
Jesus fulfills the law, rescues sinners, and secures both present transformation and future glorification.

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Before entering public office, Ben Sasse served as executive director of White Horse Inn and 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 director of programs 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 profoundly grateful for his work, 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

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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.

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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.

Learn more: https://solamedia.org/