Our passage for today, Jeremiah 13:23 says, “Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots? Then also you can do good who are accustomed to do evil.” In the same way, the nature of a tree determines or defines the kind of fruit it produces. Jesus said in Matt 12:33 that the tree is known by its fruit. Apple … More Spot-changing and other impossibilities
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?—James 2:14 ESV From the conclusion of John Piper’s sermon, “Does James Contradict Paul?” When Paul teaches in Romans 4:5 that we are justified by faith alone, he means that the only thing that … More Faith and no works?
John 1:51 And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” John Piper explains: In this strange passage, Jesus is calling to mind the picture from Genesis 28 where Jacob has a dream and sees angels … More The decisive, final connection
Jeremiah 10:12 ‘It is He who made the earth by His power, who established the world by His wisdom; and by His understanding He has stretched out the heavens.’ The creative character of God is under attack in our culture. Go to the average universities of this country. Even go to the average Christian college. Do … More Is believing in creation stupid?
Solomon now turns from a beautiful section (Ecclesiastes 3:9-15) about God making everything beautiful in its time, taking pleasure in God’s gifts to us, thanking and fearing our sovereign God… to the section which is our focus for today, verses 16-22. Solomon’s brief interlude into a vertical perspective quickly ends and he turns his attention back to … More Don’t forget the vertical perspective
My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. —James 2:1 ESV John Piper helps us understand why we should not show partiality… 1. Verse 1: Partiality contradicts faith in Jesus Christ as the Lord of glory. 2. Verses 2-4: Partiality reveals a judging heart … More Why we should not show partiality
Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” [What?!] He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about … More If you come to Jesus you see spiritual reality
Jeremiah 9:23-24 Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, … More What are you boasting about?
James 1:21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. John Piper, in a sermon, “Receive With Meekness the Implanted Word” Receive it—this implanted word. In other words, if you treat the word of God like your kidneys, you are making … More Soul Survival
The North Church Women studied the Gospel of John together in Fall 2018-Spring 2019. Teaching is available via podcast here. What did John mean when he referred to Jesus as the Lamb of God? In Genesis…. When Abraham was told to offer his son, Isaac, as a sacrifice, God provided a substitute sacrifice. a ram … More Behold, the Lamb of God
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 