A Showcase of Grace

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 John Piper, in a sermon, “Christ’s Power is Made Perfect in Weakness”- God’s design is to make you a showcase for Jesus’ power. But not necessarily the way the market demands: not by getting rid of all our weaknesses; … More A Showcase of Grace

5 Missionary Tests

For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ. —2 Corinthians 10:17 John Piper asks: So the utterly crucial question for many of you, as you have prayed and thought about giving your life, or … More 5 Missionary Tests

Godly Grief

As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us.  For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. —2 Corinthians 7:9-10 John Piper, in a sermon, … More Godly Grief

Debits and credits: An accounting lesson from 2 Corinthians

Coty Pinckney describes God’s solution to the sin problem, using an accounting analogy (2 Corinthians 5): But although God would be just to do away with every one of us, He chooses not to. He chooses to show His justice in another way, by providing the solution to our failure. [2 Corinthians 5] Verse 21 … More Debits and credits: An accounting lesson from 2 Corinthians

Ordinariness is not a liability; it is an asset

“We have this treasure in earthen vessels (or clay pots!) to show us that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us.” John Piper comments on 2 Corinthians 4: Too many people say, “I’m so ordinary, so average and undistinguished. I can’t do anything significant.” 2 Corinthians 4:7 shows that this argument is wrong and … More Ordinariness is not a liability; it is an asset

Better Promises

So look for statements about God’s promises as we read these verses [2 Cor 1:17-22] Was I vacillating when I wanted to do this? Do I make my plans according to the flesh, ready to say “Yes, yes” and “No, no” at the same time?  As surely as God is faithful, our word to you has not been … More Better Promises