Taming the Tongue

Pastor Steven Cole: On a windswept hill in an English country churchyard stands a drab, gray slate tombstone. The faint etchings read: Beneath this stone, a lump of clay, lies Arabella Young, Who, on the twenty-fourth of May, began to hold her tongue. Let’s hope that we learn what that woman never did, to tame the tongue! … More Taming the Tongue

Obedient Son, Ultimate Purifier, All-Providing Bridegroom

We see overflowing grace in our reading for today, John 2:1-11.  Here is the concluding summary of a sermon, Obedient Son, Ultimate Purifier, All-Providing Bridegroom, by John Piper: Each of these three manifestations of glory—obedient Son, ultimate Purifier, all-providing Bridegroom—is overflowing with grace. From his fullness, we receive grace upon grace. As the obedient Son of … More Obedient Son, Ultimate Purifier, All-Providing Bridegroom

Spot-changing Odds

Our passage for today, Jeremiah 13:23 says, “Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots? Then also you can do good who are accustomed to do evil.” In the same way, the nature of a tree determines or defines the kind of fruit it produces. Jesus said in Matt 12:33 that the tree is known by its fruit. Apple … More Spot-changing Odds

Where God and Man Meet

John 1:51 And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” John Piper explains: In this strange passage, Jesus is calling to mind the picture from Genesis 28 where Jacob has a dream and sees angels … More Where God and Man Meet

Let’s Get Vertical

Solomon now turns from a beautiful section (Ecclesiastes 3:9-15) about God making everything beautiful in its time, taking pleasure in God’s gifts to us, thanking and fearing our sovereign God… to the section which is our focus for today, verses 16-22.  Solomon’s brief interlude into a vertical perspective quickly ends and he turns his attention back to the … More Let’s Get Vertical

Piper: If you treat the word of God like your kidneys, you are making a big mistake.

James 1:21  Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. John Piper, in a sermon, “Receive With Meekness the Implanted Word” Receive it—this implanted word. In other words, if you treat the word of God like your kidneys, you are making … More Piper: If you treat the word of God like your kidneys, you are making a big mistake.