Ryle: Useless religious knowledge and sinking deeper in the pit

J.C. Ryle on John 13:17  If you  know these things, blessed are you if you do them… We are taught, for another thing, in these verses, the uselessness of religious knowledge if not accompanied by practice. We read, “If you know these things, happy are you if you do them.” It sounds as if our … More Ryle: Useless religious knowledge and sinking deeper in the pit

J.C. Ryle: content to believe reverently, what we cannot grasp mentally or explain distinctly.

And Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me.  And whoever sees me sees him who sent me.  I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.  If anyone hears my words and does … More J.C. Ryle: content to believe reverently, what we cannot grasp mentally or explain distinctly.

God can use anything

John 11:49-52 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” He did not say this of his own accord, … More God can use anything

J.C.Ryle: The Church would be far more beautiful, and the world be far more happy if….

J.C. Ryle comments on one of the shortest verses in the Bible: This weeping of Christ is deeply instructive. It shows us that it is not sinful to sorrow. Weeping and mourning are sadly trying to flesh and blood, and make us feel the weakness of our mortal nature. But they are not in themselves … More J.C.Ryle: The Church would be far more beautiful, and the world be far more happy if….

God-centered love

Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.  So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. John 11:5-6 John Piper comments on the “God-Centeredness of God”: There is a category of thought here that I think is infinitely important. How can this be love? … More God-centered love

Why do you believe?

John 10:25-28  but you do not believe because you are not part of my flock. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. John Piper, from a sermon, “Jesus Is … More Why do you believe?