Ray Stedman on Ezra 4-5 (from a sermon “Ezra: The Way Back”) The third factor in this return under Zerubbabel is the opposition that immediately develops, as we read in chapters 4 through 6. A force is at work in every human heart, as in world affairs, that immediately rises up to oppose everything that … More Beware the veil of friendship
The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him … More Mercy demonstrated or belittled?
Luke 13:10-16 And he laid his hands upon her, and immediately she was made straight, and she praised God. But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the sabbath, said to the people, “There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be healed, … More Fellow heirs of God’s promises
For those of you who enjoy listening to sermon series on your iPod while driving or walking or doing laundry….here is a series of free, downloadable messages from Proverbs by Pastor Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church, Seattle.There are 22 parts, click here:
Stephen Cole, of Flagstaff Christian Fellowship comments on Ezra 3- Note first that both personal and corporate worship focus on God and affirm by faith His goodness and covenant love (3:11). Worship requires skillful musicians (3:10), but if the focus is on them, you’re into entertainment, not worship. Worship praises the Lord, saying, “For He is good, for His lovingkindness … More Where is the focus? entertainment or worship?
John Piper on 1 Timothy 1:6-7 Then Paul introduces us to some men who are making a mess of the law, and not arriving at the goal of love either! Verse 6: “For some men, straying from these things [that is, “a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith”], have turned aside … More Making a mess of the law
There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And [Jesus] answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you … More God’s amazing mercy: one more chance to repent
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck. John Piper, in a sermon, “Do Not Forsake Your Mother’s Teaching”- There are at least six … More God is the center of Proverbs
John Piper, in “A Hunger for God” p 166: Israel had been taken into Babylonian exile. They had been there for decades. Now the time had come, in God’s reckoning, for their restoration. But how could this happen? They were a tiny, obscure ethnic minority in the massive Persian empire. The answer is that God rules empires. And when … More Piper: God never leaves his prophesies dangling uncertainly
As we start the book of Isaiah this month, here is some encouragement from Ray Ortlund, Jr, Pastor of Immanuel Church in Nashville. He posted this at his blog, “Christ is Deeper Still” “The books of Israel’s prophets are among the most difficult in the Old Testament, and probably among the most difficult books ever … More Ray Ortlund, Jr: God did not give us a comic book.
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 