Grace and Falling

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10 that we are to take heed of the examples of the Old Testament, because we should learn from them and not repeat their mistakes. In verse 12 he warns:  Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.  C. H. Spurgeon comments in “Morning and … More Grace and Falling

Unbelief

J.C. Ryle on Mark 6:5-6 And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief. how exceedingly sinful is the sin of unbelief. Two remarkable expressions are used in teaching this lesson. One is, that our Lord “could do … More Unbelief

The Gideon Venture

John Piper, “The Gideon Venture,” a sermon when the church was considering a building project, sending out part of the congregation to plant a new church, and doing all of this without incurring debt…. …we began to meditate on God’s unusual ways of doing things in the Bible. We saw his strange ways everywhere. God … More The Gideon Venture

Faith brings an empty hand, receives everything, and can give nothing in return.

“Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” Mark 5:34 J.C. Ryle, in his commentary on Mark, reminds us how faith is such a precious grace, or gift, from God:  Of all the Christian graces, none is so frequently mentioned in the New Testament as faith, and … More Faith brings an empty hand, receives everything, and can give nothing in return.

Stories in Song

The Song of Deborah is a great example of how we are to worship God–singing his praises by recounting all of the things he has done to save us from our sins and to deliver us from our enemies. The Psalms are God’s own hymnal given to us. Much like the inspired songs of Moses, Deborah, and others, … More Stories in Song

When a Right May Be a Wrong

Bob Deffinbaugh, “When a Right May Be Wrong,”  at Bible.org: Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 9 sheds new light on the matter of pleasing God. Pleasing God does not result from merely keeping the rules. Pleasing God comes from personal sacrifice, for the glory of God, the good of others, and the advance of the gospel. Many Christians … More When a Right May Be a Wrong