Five Steps Toward Walking by the Spirit by John Piper Let me conclude by mentioning five things that I think we must do so that it can be truly said that we are walking by the Spirit. 1. Acknowledge First, we must acknowledge from our hearts that we are helpless to do good apart from … More Five Steps Toward Walking by the Spirit
John Piper has an analogy that demonstrates what true, full freedom means: Full freedom is what you have when no lack of opportunity, no lack of ability, and no lack of desire prevents you from doing what will make you happiest in a thousand years. In order to be free in the fullest sense you … More True, Full Freedom
Coty Pickney, in a sermon on 2 Corinthians 11:16-33, “Boasting in Weakness” Here Paul says, “They are very foolish to have a boastful confidence, to be proud of themselves in a worldly way. But please, given that you have foolishly listened to them – even though they are enslaving you! – bear with me as … More So…you want to boast?
John Piper, in a sermon, “Where is God? The Supremacy of Christ in an Age of Terror:” …the joy we pursue and the joy we embrace in Jesus Christ is always—always in this world—interwoven with sorrow. There is no unadulterated joy in this world for people who care about others. The Bible describes Christ’s servants … More Sorrowful yet always rejoicing
Pastor Ray Ortlund posts this interesting way to look at the way we are counted righteous when we are in Christ: 2 Corinthians 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. There’s your picture on a baseball card. … More Baseball Card Justification…2 Corinthians 5:21
Coty Pinckney describes God’s solution to the sin problem: But although God would be just to do away with every one of us, He chooses not to. He chooses to show His justice in another way, by providing the solution to our failure. [2 Corinthians 5] Verse 21 is a wonderful summary of this solution: … More The Sinless Made Sin for the Sinful
John Piper explains: Too many people say, “I’m so ordinary, so average and undistinguished. I can’t do anything significant.” 2 Corinthians 4:7 shows that this argument is wrong and why. It says, “We have this treasure in earthen vessels (or clay pots!) to show us that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to … More Calling all Clay Pots….
2 Corinthians 3:18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. John Piper comments: The main point is that Christian believers are being transformed—progressively, degree by degree—into … More You Become What You Behold
For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:17 John Piper asks: So the utterly crucial question for many of you, as you have prayed and thought about giving your life, or … More Take the “Missionary Test”
So look for statements about God’s promises as we read these verses [2 Cor 1:17-22] Was I vacillating when I wanted to do this? Do I make my plans according to the flesh, ready to say “Yes, yes” and “No, no” at the same time? 18 As surely as God is faithful, our word to you has … More God’s Promises
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 