Kim Riddlebarger comments in a sermon on James 1:1-18, in our reading plan today. James makes very critical two points in these verses. The first is that God does indeed allow trials to come our way. The second is that sin arises in us (because we have a sinful nature), not because God somehow tempts … More Trials and temptations
Pastor Kim Riddlebarger on James 1 as we embark on reading James over the next two weeks: Joy is simply the knowledge that it is well with our souls, despite our present circumstances. It may not be well with our bodies. It may not be well with our job, or with our particular circumstances. But … More Even in trials, it is well with my soul
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. —John 1:1-3 As we begin our reading of the gospel of John, Pastor … More Treasure Jesus in His Infinite Majesty
Today we begin reading the book of Jeremiah. (chapters 1-2) Here is John Piper, in a conference message: “Passion for the Supremacy of God, Part 2” Sin is the insanity of forsaking the pursuit of your pleasure in God. Here’s the text: Jeremiah 2:12-13: “Be appalled O heavens, be shocked. Be utterly desolate, says the … More All heaven is appalled. Why?
John Piper, comments on Hebrews 12, as we read verses 1-13 in our plan today. One more illustration: in Hebrews 12:12-13 the writer says, “Strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out … More Piper: look at your life, think hard about what you are doing, and get ruthless about what stays and what goes.
Hebrews 11:17-31 is the passage we come to today. In verses 30-31 we read: By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land; and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been encircled for seven … More Through our faith God helps us by acts of providence
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. —Hebrews 11:6 (verses1-16 in our Bible reading plan today) Here’s a helpful sermon excerpt from John Piper: Let’s put them into our own words. God is … More Piper: He is Real and He is a Rewarder
In a sermon on Hebrews 8, (part of our Bible reading plan today), John Piper gives wisdom when we come to something in the Bible that is “old and strange and foreign” to us. It’s almost inevitable that people who live in the modern world of computers and jets and television and antibiotics will read … More How do you deal with the old and strange and culturally foreign stuff in the Bible?
J.C. Ryle on Luke 23:1-12, part of our Bible reading plan today. Let us observe, for one thing, in this passage, what false accusations were laid to our Lord Jesus Christ’s charge. We are told that the Jews accused Him of “subverting the nation, forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, and stirring up the people.” … More Satan’s favorite weapons
It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out. Proverbs 25:2, part of our Bible reading plan today. C. H. Spurgeon, in a sermon, “God’s Glory on Hiding Sin” Imitate the Lord in forgetting the sins of those who repent. If ever they offend you, … More The spirit of forgiveness
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 