Job lost everything: his wealth, his health, and his ten children. All swept away in one satanic storm. Reduced to a heap of flesh, ashes, and tears—rebuked by friends and jeered by strangers—righteous Job wrestled over the purpose and presence of God in the midst of unbearable pain. In this book, John Piper recounts the … More Wrestling with the purpose of God in suffering
John Piper, from Part 1 of a sermon series on Job, “Reverent in Suffering”: Did you notice that in the two heavenly scenes God handed Job over to Satan’s power? But when Satan had done his work of taking Job’s wealth and family, Job said in 1:21, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken … More Ultimate Sovereignty in God’s Hands, not Satan’s
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having … More Power and Promises
What can we learn about God this month as we read through the book of Job? In chapter 1 we read: Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. The LORD said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan … More Learning About God in Calamity
Think about how would you react if you applied to be a missionary and the missions agency told you: You are going to a very tough, hard place. This people group is rebellious and difficult. In fact, they have been double-crossing God all along. They are stubborn and offensively bold and shameless in their sin. … More When the going gets tough…
John Piper, in a sermon, “Are You Humble Enough to Be Care-free?” Did you notice (in the NASB) the grammatical connection between [1Peter] verses 6 and 7? “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares … More Piper: “undue worry about your future is probably a form of pride.”
1 Peter 3:14-15 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; … More Recipe for a Hopeful Sandwich
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. (1 Peter 3:8-9) John Piper, in a sermon, “Your Calling … More Go on trusting…and blessing.
“While being reviled, He [Jesus] did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously.”—1 Peter 2:23 John Piper, in a sermon “How To Suffer for Doing What Is Right” Here is one of the most important keys to how patient endurance of unjust … More Piper: God will have the last say. I defer to God.
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9) John Piper, in a sermon “Christian Identity and Christian Destiny” God made us who we are … More God made us who we are to show the world who he is.
