When lost, it might be embarrassing to stop to ask for directions. However, when reading the Bible, John Piper suggests that we SHOULD stop and ask questions about the text. Here is a quote from the introduction of a sermon, “The Baptism and the Genealogy of Jesus”: You can learn more from a book if you stop … More Stop and ask questions
As we continue to work our way through Psalm 119, remember that Sam Storms has a wonderful commentary on Psalm 119. Here is a quote: Although utterly and in all ways dependent on God for help, don’t overlook the fact that the psalmist repeatedly commits himself and “promises” to take action to learn, store up, … More Actively embrace the Word of God
Quoting from “For the Love of God, Volume 1, October 13,” by D. A. Carson FIRST AND 2 KINGS narrate the declining fortunes of both the northern and southern kingdoms. Occasionally there is a reforming king in one realm or the other. But on the whole the direction is downward. Some orientation (1Kings 16): (1) Although 1 and 2 … More Declining Dynasties
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Ephesians 4:26-27 ESV Six Goals of Satan in Getting You to Hold Grudges by John Piper According to [Ephesians 4] verse 27 this is what Satan is watching for—the gap called … More Piper: Six Goals of Satan in Getting You to Hold Grudges
Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!Psalm 119:36 ESV Sam Storms Meditation on Psalm 119, Part 4 (4) There is great significance in the fact that the psalmist also prays that God would do more than teach him what the Law means; he prays that God would “incline” his … More Incline my heart
John Piper, in a sermon, “John the Baptist and the Brood of Vipers”, helps us understand Luke 3:1-20, our passage for today. This is the meaning of repentance: a turning of the direction of our life and the affections of our heart, so that we become oriented on God and love the things he loves. … More Repentance is a heart issue
In our reading today, Ephesians 4:17-21— Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness … More There is an escape from futility!
John Piper, in a sermon, “The Son of God at 12 Years Old” says of Luke 2:41-52- ….our text has important implications for understanding the divinity of Christ. It helps us understand what Paul meant when he said, “Though he was in the form of God, he did not count equality with God a thing … More The Son of God at 12 Years Old
In 1 Kings 12, we read that after Jeroboam joined the people, they asked King Rehoboam to “lighten the hard service of your father and his heavy yoke on us, and we will serve you.” (vs 4) Notice that they didn’t ask that he end it altogether, just that he lessen the load. If he … More A turn of events from the LORD
We continue reading Sam Storms’ 10 observations on Psalm 119: (3) One of the more remarkable things in this psalm is the number of times the psalmist pleads with God to teach him and instruct him and give him insight and open his eyes that he might understand the Word. The psalmist has no illusions about his own ability to understand God’s Word … More Sam Storms- Meditation on Psalm 119, Part 3
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 