Lord’s Prayer: Feet on the Ground, Heart Rising to God (John Piper)

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread, 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from … More Lord’s Prayer: Feet on the Ground, Heart Rising to God (John Piper)

“I think I’m still surviving today because our God is great”

Acts 8:1-4   And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. 3 But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off … More “I think I’m still surviving today because our God is great”

J. C. Ryle: A standard of conduct extravagantly high?

J.C. Ryle with some challenging comments on Matthew 5:38-48 The Lord Jesus forbids everything like an unforgiving and revengeful spirit. A readiness to resent injuries–a quickness in taking offence–a quarrelsome and contentious disposition–a keenness in asserting our rights–all, all are contrary to the mind of Christ. The world may see no harm in these habits … More J. C. Ryle: A standard of conduct extravagantly high?

“Hands” in Acts 7

Steven Cole draws out some interesting points in our reading in Acts 7:39-60 Note the repetition in his sermon of the word “hands.” In 7:41, he mentions how in the incident of the golden calf, Israel re- joiced in the work of their hands. In 7:48, Stephen declares, “However, the Most High does not dwell … More “Hands” in Acts 7

J.C. Ryle: His Gospel magnifies the law, and exalts its authority.

J.C. Ryle with some convicting words on Matthew 5:21-32 These verses deserve the closest attention of all readers of the Bible. A right understanding of the doctrines they contain lies at the very root of Christianity. The Lord Jesus here explains more fully the meaning of His words, “I came not to destroy the law, … More J.C. Ryle: His Gospel magnifies the law, and exalts its authority.

Spurgeon: “Man’s words are yea and nay, but the Lord’s promises are yea and amen.”

The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times. Psalm 12:6 Charles H. Spurgeon comments in The Treasury of David: What a contrast between the vain words of man, and the pure words of Jehovah. Man’s words are yea and nay, but the Lord’s promises are … More Spurgeon: “Man’s words are yea and nay, but the Lord’s promises are yea and amen.”

Spurgeon:The cross must be carried before the crown can be worn

“And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.” – Genesis 29:26 Jacob loved Rachel, but his uncle Laban tricked him into marrying Leah first, although he had served for seven years to be able to have Rachel.  C. H. Spurgeon has a very interesting … More Spurgeon:The cross must be carried before the crown can be worn