Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm … More A threefold cord is not quickly broken.
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 (read on to verse 26 in our reading plan today) From the conclusion of John Piper’s sermon, “Does James Contradict Paul?” When Paul teaches in Romans 4:5 that we are justified by … More Faith and no works?
John 1:43-51 is our passage to read today. In verse 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 … More The decisive, final connection
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 (in our Bible reading plan today) 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: … 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?
Today we read James 1:19-27. Verse 21 says, “Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” Here is John Piper on how to“Receive With Meekness the Implanted Word” Receive it—this implanted word. In other words, if you treat the word of … More Soul Survival
This also, I saw, is from the hand of God; for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment? (Ecclesiastes 2:24b-25, verses 17-26 in our reading plan today) Ray Stedman comments, in a message, “Life in the Fast Lane” That is his second declaration, and that is the true message of this … More Enjoyment is a gift of God.
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 