Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. (1 Peter 4:19 ESV) In the introduction to his sermon, “The Holy Spirit Will Help You Die,” John Piper gives two examples of martyrs and then says: I think it is very important for every one … More “How would I ever have the strength and courage to die for Christ?”
John 7:3-5 So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” For not even his brothers believed in him. J. C. … More Not even his brothers believed in him
The Lord has done what he purposed, has carried out his threat; as he ordained long ago, he has demolished without pity; he has made the enemy rejoice over you, and exalted the might of your foes. (Lamentations 2:17 RSV) Ray Stedman on Lamentations 2: In other words, God is faithful. Suddenly Jeremiah realizes that … More God is Faithful to His Purposes
Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh,arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. For the time that is past … More Intentional holiness
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. —John 6:63 ESV J.C. Ryle: Our Lord says, “It is the Spirit who gives life.” By this He means that it is the Holy Spirit who is the special … More Spirit-stirring and life-giving words
Solomon 6:10 I belong to my lover, and his desire is for me. “His desire is for me.” Song of Songs is a story of redemption, of God bringing beauty and hope where there was once brokenness. This reminds me of Zephaniah 3:17– The LORD your God is in your midst,a mighty one who will … More God brings beauty and hope and love
Ray Stedman on Lamentations, to be continued over the next few days: What a description of the utter despair of the human spirit in the grip of deep distress and sorrow! And yet, in each of these chapters an insight is revealed, a lesson that God teaches through sorrow that otherwise would never have been learned. … More Lessons through sorrow
1 Peter 3:14-15 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; … More Picture this text as a sandwich
John 6:44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. In reference to John 6:44, does God compel people to come to him? R. C. Sproul gives some background on biblical languages that helps us understand: That passage, of course, is very controversial. In an older translation of it, … More What does it mean “to draw”?
A garden locked is my sister, my bride, a spring locked, a fountain sealed. Song of Solomon 4:12 From “TODAY IN THE WORD” Despite evidence that indicates they are effective, abstinence programs continue to be a controversial approach to sex education in many public schools. Most abstinence programs do not use the Bible to convince … More This garden of secret delights locked to all but one’s spouse
