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 trees do NOT produce oranges. … More God of the Impossible
From the conclusion of John Piper’s sermon, “Does James Contradict Paul?” When Paul teaches in Romans 4:5 that we are justified by faith alone, he means that the only thing that unites us to Christ for righteousness is dependence on Christ. When James says in James 2:24 that we are not justified by faith alone he … More Does James Contradict Paul?
John 1:51 And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, [10] 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 Genesis 28 where Jacob has a dream and sees angels … More The final, decisive link with heaven
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 the … More Confessions of a cynic
Seven Reasons Why We Should Not Show Partiality The rest of the text is argument. I see seven reasons that James gives for why we should not show partiality. We don’t have time to deal with all of them. So let me just name them and then close by looking at the last, and the … More Mercy, Not Racial Prejudice
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 Surface question-Deep answer
We come to arguably the most famous text in Ecclesiastes, often quoted at memorial services and funerals. This passage has also inspired songs to be written: Pastor Chris Brauns posted this article which helps us understand: Ed Welch has written a helpful article focusing on the meaning of Eccl 3:11(which is in bold): But, given this … More A Time to Trust
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 Boasting in God!
James 1:21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. John Piper, in a sermon, “Receive With Meekness the Implanted Word” Receive it—this implanted word. In other words, if you treat the word of God like your kidneys, you are making … More Receive like oxygen, not like kidneys!
John Piper comments on John 1:29 So what does it mean when John said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”? It meant two shocking things for the Jews—and both of them are relevant for us today. First, it meant that the God-man would die. And not just die, … More Behold, the Lamb of God!
