We begin our reading of Ephesians this month. Here is a snippet from a sermon by John Piper, “God Has Chosen Us in Him Before the Foundation of the Earth” God’s purpose in the salvation of his people is invincible—it cannot fail—because it is based first not on our choosing God but on God’s choosing … More A great objective ground for assurance
John Piper, in a sermon, “How Not to Talk to an Angel” Luke is the only gospel writer who recounts the foretelling and birth of John the Baptist. He begins in 1:5–25 with the announcement of John’s birth to Zechariah, his father. Then in 1:26–38 comes the announcement of Jesus’ birth to Mary his mother. … More The sovereign God ordained and ordered their births and their destinies.
But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. —Galatians 6:14-15 ESV What does that mean, that here must be … More Every blessing in life is meant to magnify the cross of Christ.
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16 ESV Five Steps Toward Walking by the Spirit by John Piper Let me conclude by mentioning five things that I think we must do so that it can be truly said that we are walking … More Piper: Five Steps Toward Walking by the Spirit
John Piper comments on Psalm 117: “Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” This is God’s purpose: that he be praised by all the peoples – that he be much of; that he be seen and savored and shown to be great. Missions is a cross-cultural movement aimed at helping people stop making … More What is the aim of missions?
When the psalmist cried out, “What shall I render to the Lord for all of his benefits to me?” the reply was, “I will lift the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord” (Psalm 116:12-13). ……Jesus gives us the gift of himself and we ask, “Now what can I render to … More What kind of gift does Jesus love to receive?
In our passage in Galatians today (chapter 4) we read of our identity in Christ as sons of the “free woman.” What IS freedom, truly? John Piper has an analogy that demonstrates what true, full freedom means: Full freedom is what you have when no lack of opportunity, no lack of ability, and no lack … More Who are the freest people in the world?
Poem by John Piper, DesiringGod.org King David’s son, Absalom, had killed his brother Amnon for raping his sister Tamar. Then he led a rebellion against the king and drove him out of Jerusalem. As we enter this poem, it is the night before the battle between the two armies and David is meeting with his … More Absalom and David, Part 2
And though this world with devils filled Should threaten to undo us, We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us. The prince of darkness grim, We tremble not for him; His rage we can endure For, lo, his doom is sure; one little word shall fell him. John Piper … More One little word shall fell him
To give a human example, brothers: even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified. Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is … More God does not commend contrary ways of salvation
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 