Ray Stedman comments on Nehemiah 7: Here Nehemiah seeks to perpetuate the achievements that he has brought about, by appointing wise successors and establishing sound policies. After the wall had been rebuilt and I had set the doors in place, the gatekeepers and the singers and the Levites were appointed. I put in charge of … More Never let down our guard
John Piper, in “Brothers, Let Us Query the Text”— In 2 Timothy 2:7 Paul gave us a command and a promise. He commanded, “Think over what I say.” And he promised, “God will give you understanding in everything.” How do the command and promise fit together? The little “for” (gar) gives the answer. “Think . … More Piper: Let us query the text
The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” —Luke 17:5 J.C. Ryle comments: Faith is a grace which admits of degrees. It does not come to full strength and perfection as soon as it is planted in the heart by the Holy Spirit. There is “little” faith and “great” faith. There is “weak” … More Ryle: Faith is a grace which admits of degrees.
Nehemiah 6 tells of a tough situation in Nehemiah’s life. He and the people were just about finished building the wall, but his enemies were out to get him. they intended to do Nehemiah harm(v 2) they were spreading false rumors, “invented in their own mind” v8 (that Nehemiah and the people were intending to … More God acts. God gets the glory.
Proverbs 11:1 A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight. John Piper, in a 1987 sermon, “The Pleasure of God in Public Justice” The implications here are very far-reaching. But let’s get the specific picture clear in our minds. Suppose you were a merchant in the Old … More Piper: God’s Interest in All Our Non-Religious Life
I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. —2 Timothy 1:5 Who knows what lifelong influence a mother and grandmother can have in the life of a child? Sure, Timothy was strengthened greatly … More History Shapers
John Piper, in a sermon, “Preparing to Receive Christ: Hearing Moses and the Prophets”, comments on the Rich Man and Lazarus in Luke 16: So the rich man in the parable is one of those who presumed to say, “I am secure as a child of Abraham.” But he bore no fruit that befits repentance, … More Eternal Destiny and Cheap Grace
When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. —Proverbs 10:19 Jim Bordwine comments: This is such an interesting verse. It is a verse that serves as one of the foundational principles when it comes to understanding the Biblical doctrine of language, in general, and the use of … More Unavoidable consequence of talking alot
In Nehemiah 4, we come to two statements which contain elements of God’s awesome power and soveriegnty, and also elements of our responsibility. The setting is the rebuilding of the wall and the fierce opposition from the enemies of the Jews. In verse 9 we read: And we prayed to our God and set a … More Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. —1 Timothy 6:11-12 John Piper, … More Piper: five reasons why the fight of faith is a good fight and not a bad one.
