John Piper comments on Psalm 117: “Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” This is God’s purpose: that he be praised by all the peoples – that he be much of; that he be seen and savored and shown to be great. Missions is a cross-cultural movement aimed at helping people stop making … More Missions: Making Much of Jesus
In 2 Samuel 22, David praises God for being his Rescuer, his Refuge, his source of strength and success. You may notice that Psalm 18 is nearly the same, and meant as worship to our awesome God. Bob Deffinbaugh comments at Bible.org: David’s “successes” are ultimately God’s doing. As David reflects on his rise to … More Ultimately God’s doing
Mark 15:42-46 And when evening had come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 44 … More Joseph of Arimathea
The Bible uses some harsh and pointed language. In Galatians 5, for example: 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify … More Mark Driscoll on Harsh Language in the Bible
Mark 15:33 And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 35 And some of the bystanders hearing it said, “Behold, he is calling … More Ryle: Death of Jesus and Miracles
When the psalmist cried out, “What shall I render to the Lord for all of his benefits to me?” the reply was, “I will lift the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord” (Psalm 116:12-13). ……Jesus gives us the gift of himself and we ask, “Now what can I render to … More Can I Give Anything to Jesus?
John Piper has an analogy that demonstrates what true, full freedom means: Full freedom is what you have when no lack of opportunity, no lack of ability, and no lack of desire prevents you from doing what will make you happiest in a thousand years. In order to be free in the fullest sense you … More True, full freedom
J.C. Ryle on Mark’s account of the Crucifixion of Jesus in chapter 15: We shall find it useful to examine separately the several parts of our Lord’s passion. Let us follow Him step by step from the moment of His condemnation by Pilate to His last hour upon the cross. There is a deep meaning … More The Death of Our Substitute
Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases. Ps 115:3 Sam Storms, Enjoying God Ministries, asks: When was the last time you thanked God simply for being able? I can’t imagine anything more disheartening and depressing than believing in a God who lacks the power to fulfill his purposes, whose energy wanes … More Celebrate the God Who is Able
Absalom and David, Part 2 Poem by John Piper, DesiringGod.org King David’s son, Absalom, had killed his brother Amnon for raping his sister Tamar. Then he led a rebellion against the king and drove him out of Jerusalem. As we enter this poem, it is the night before the battle between the two armies and … More Piper: Absalom and David, Part 2
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 