For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. —1 Thessalonians 2:5-6 ESV John MacArthur, in a sermon, “Fail-Proof Spiritual Leadership”, on … More MacArthur: What makes an effective ministry?
While he was coming, the demon threw him to the ground and convulsed him. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. And all were astonished at the majesty of God. But while they were all marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus said to his … More Ryle: Jesus takes a special delight in helping
Psalm 136 opens with “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love [mercy] endures forever.” Each of the following 26 verses of this Psalm declare “for for his steadfast love [mercy] endures forever.” Charles Spurgeon comments: Mark the one sole cause of his bounty—For his mercy endureth for ever. He … More Spurgeon: God does all things from this motive
“And you, Solomon my son, KNOW the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you SEEK him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever. Be … More Seeking and Knowing God
1 Thessalonians 1:2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. John Piper, in a sermon “The Fruit of Hope: Endurance” Let us probe the connection … More Must or shall?
J.C. Ryle on the Transfiguration account in Luke 9: …this passage shows us that the Old Testament saints in glory take a deep interest in Christ’s atoning death. We are told that when Moses and Elijah appeared in glory with our Lord on the Mount of Transfiguration, they “talked with Him.” And what was the subject of … More Christ dying for our sins, and rising again for our justification, must be our only plea, if we wish to be saved.
John Piper on Psalm 135: The psalm begins by calling us to praise the Lord: “Praise the Lord. Praise the name of the Lord.” Then, starting in verse 3 the psalmist gives us reasons for why we should feel praise rising in our hearts toward God. It says, for example, “Praise the Lord, for the … More God has pleasure in all that he does.
David and the chiefs of the service also set apart for the service the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who prophesied with lyres, with harps, and with cymbals. The list of those who did the work and of their duties was: Of the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asharelah, … More Prophecy, thanksgiving and praise
Paul’s closing line in Colossians is “I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.” Sam Storms on Colossians 4:18 ….But why call on them to “remember” his “chains”? Certainly he’s not asking for pity. The last thing he wanted was for them to shift their focus from … More Chains and grace
Luke 9:20 Then he said to them,“But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.” J.C. Ryle: We should pray frequently that God would raise up more Christians of the stamp of the apostle Peter. Erring, and unstable, and ignorant of his own heart as he sometimes proved, that blessed apostle … More Wanted: Those who will cleave to Christ when the many are against Him
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 