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 “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom!
As we have been reading through Mark’s gospel this month, I was intrigued when I heard of a one-man show, currently playing in Chicago, where the script is nothing more than the entire Gospel according to Mark. Hearing the whole gospel at once, performed well by a gifted interpreter and actor, Max McLean, could give … More On Stage with Max McLean
And though this world with devils filled Should threaten to undo us, We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us. The prince of darkness grim, We tremble not for him; His rage we can endure For, lo, his doom is sure; one little word shall fell him. John Piper … More His Truth Will Triumph
Coty Pinckney comments: Pilate knows Jesus is innocent, and all things being equal would prefer not to execute an innocent man. So he tries to come up with an excuse for letting Him off, without having simply to decide for Himself that He should go free. Mark 15:6 Now at the feast he used to … More An innocent madman?
A Sad but Instructive History by William Plumer, at GraceGems.org ABSALOM was the eldest son of David, whose mother was the daughter of a king. His name signifies “the father of peace” or “the peace of a father.” It was not given him by prophecy, but only expressed the hopes entertained of him. He was … More Absalom-A Sad but Instructive History
Coty Pickney, in a sermon on 2 Corinthians 11:16-33, “Boasting in Weakness” Here Paul says, “They are very foolish to have a boastful confidence, to be proud of themselves in a worldly way. But please, given that you have foolishly listened to them – even though they are enslaving you! – bear with me as … More So…you want to boast?
From “Ask Pastor John”, a question and answer series by John Piper: It is certainly not peripheral, and it shouldn’t be the only thing we study. I’m putting myself in the middle here. I think it is an absolutely essential doctrine that Christ fulfill God’s purposes for this universe–and this world in particular. It is … More What level of importance should the doctrine of Christ’s second coming have for us?
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 