Luther: “The life of Christianity consists in possessive pronouns.”

And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” Mark … More Luther: “The life of Christianity consists in possessive pronouns.”

8 Lessons from Joshua 6

What can we learn from this passage in Joshua 6  about Jericho? 1.  If God is for us and with us, high walls and closed doors are not a problem. See also Acts 12:10 2. Things beyond reason and “impossible” require faith. See also John 8:56 and  Hebrews 11:1 3. Our responsibilities do not stop … More 8 Lessons from Joshua 6

Piper: God’s call-It’s the gospel with an omnipotent supercharge.

John Piper, in a sermon, “God Called Us into Life and Hope,” comments on the passage in 1 Corinthians that is in our reading for today: At first glance the call of God does not look like a foundation for assurance. If somebody calls you on the phone and invites you to dinner, is that … More Piper: God’s call-It’s the gospel with an omnipotent supercharge.

Glitter or Gold?

Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. —Psalm 73:25 Here the psalmist is struggling with the ancient stumbling block of the present prosperity of wicked, godless men and the troubles of the godly man.  “Why do bad things happen to good people?” is the … More Glitter or Gold?

“Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.”

When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the … More “Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.”

What did Paul mean by denying he was sent to baptize?

Today, April 1, we start our reading of 1 Corinthians.  In Chapter 1, verse 17, Paul says,  “For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.” John Piper’s sermon titled, “Christ Did Not Send … More What did Paul mean by denying he was sent to baptize?