Acts 8:1-4 And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. 3 But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off … More “I think I’m still surviving today because our God is great”
J.C. Ryle with some challenging comments on Matthew 5:38-48 The Lord Jesus forbids everything like an unforgiving and revengeful spirit. A readiness to resent injuries–a quickness in taking offence–a quarrelsome and contentious disposition–a keenness in asserting our rights–all, all are contrary to the mind of Christ. The world may see no harm in these habits … More J. C. Ryle: A standard of conduct extravagantly high?
C. H. Spurgeon writes this about Psalm 13, “We have been wont to call this the “How Long Psalm.” We had almost said the Howling Psalm, from the incessant repetition of the cry “how long?” “How long?” This question is repeated no less than four times. It betokens very intense desire for deliverance, and great … More Spurgeon: The “Howling Psalm”?
Steven Cole on Genesis 31: In Genesis 31, Jacob is between a rock and a hard place. He has left Haran and is heading back to Canaan in obedience to the Lord. Behind him is his crafty father-in-law, Laban. Before him is his brother, Esau, whom he had cheated and run from 20 years before. … More Jacob: between a rock and a hard place.
Steven Cole draws out some interesting points in our reading in Acts 7:39-60 Note the repetition in his sermon of the word “hands.” In 7:41, he mentions how in the incident of the golden calf, Israel re- joiced in the work of their hands. In 7:48, Stephen declares, “However, the Most High does not dwell … More “Hands” in Acts 7
J.C. Ryle with some convicting words on Matthew 5:21-32 These verses deserve the closest attention of all readers of the Bible. A right understanding of the doctrines they contain lies at the very root of Christianity. The Lord Jesus here explains more fully the meaning of His words, “I came not to destroy the law, … More J.C. Ryle: His Gospel magnifies the law, and exalts its authority.
The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times. Psalm 12:6 Charles H. Spurgeon comments in The Treasury of David: What a contrast between the vain words of man, and the pure words of Jehovah. Man’s words are yea and nay, but the Lord’s promises are … More Spurgeon: “Man’s words are yea and nay, but the Lord’s promises are yea and amen.”
“And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.” – Genesis 29:26 Jacob loved Rachel, but his uncle Laban tricked him into marrying Leah first, although he had served for seven years to be able to have Rachel. C. H. Spurgeon has a very interesting … More Spurgeon:The cross must be carried before the crown can be worn
In a sermon, “The Story of a Stiff-Necked People” John Piper unpacks Acts 7, our reading for today: Two Ways Stephen’s Message Ministers to Us What we need to do today is let Stephen’s message minister to us in at least two ways. He says that Israel “Always resists the Holy Spirit.” This means, first, … More John Piper: Stephen’s message is both encouragement and warning
Matthew 5:13-16 “You are the SALT of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. “You are the LIGHT of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. … More J.C. Ryle: dare to be singular and unlike the world
