Standing Guard

    Now when the wall had been built and I had set up the doors, and the gatekeepers, the singers, and the Levites had been appointed, I gave my brother Hanani and Hananiah the governor of the castle charge over Jerusalem, for he was a more faithful and God-fearing man than many. And I said … More Standing Guard

A reward for thinkers

Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. 2 Timothy 2:7 ESV John Piper, in “Brothers, Let Us Query the Text“— In 2 Timothy 2:7 Paul gave us a command and a promise. He commanded, “Think over what I say.” And he promised, “God will give you understanding in … More A reward for thinkers

J. C. Ryle: Faith is a grace which admits of degrees.

The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” —Luke 17:5 J.C. Ryle comments: Faith is a grace which admits of degrees. It does not come to full strength and perfection as soon as it is planted in the heart by the Holy Spirit. There is “little” faith and “great” faith. There is “weak” faith … More J. C. Ryle: Faith is a grace which admits of degrees.

Piper: God’s Interest in All Our Non-Religious Life

 A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight. Proverbs 11:1 John Piper, in a 1987  sermon, “The Pleasure of God in Public Justice” The implications here are very far-reaching. But let’s get the specific picture clear in our minds. Suppose you were a merchant in the Old … More Piper: God’s Interest in All Our Non-Religious Life

Delighting more in luxuries for himself than in love for Lazarus?

John Piper, in a sermon, “Preparing to Receive Christ: Hearing Moses and the Prophets”, comments on the Rich Man and Lazarus in Luke 16: So the rich man in the parable is one of those who presumed to say, “I am secure as a child of Abraham.” But he bore no fruit that befits repentance, … More Delighting more in luxuries for himself than in love for Lazarus?

So many words …

When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. —Proverbs 10:19 The NKJV translates this verse: “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking” Due to our fallen natures, if we speak a lot, we are going to sin.  Therefore the second half of this verse makes … More So many words …

Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight …

In Nehemiah 4, we come to two statements which contain elements of God’s awesome power and sovereignty, and also elements of our responsibility.  The setting is the rebuilding of the wall and the fierce opposition from the enemies of the Jews.  In verse 9 we read: And we prayed to our God and set a … More Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight …