5 Times Blocked

John Piper, in a sermon from Amos 4:4-13, “Prepare to Meet Your God” In verses 6–11 Amos is done with irony. He reminds the people that God has shouted the truth of his reality to them in five striking ways that they might return. But they would not. In verse 6 he says there had … More 5 Times Blocked

But you, O Lord….

But you, O Lord, are enthroned forever; you are remembered throughout all generations. Psalm 102:12 It would be interesting to read through the Bible and mark every “…but God” that you come across. In Psalm 102, the author is clearly distressed and depressed. “But you, O Lord…” He remembers God’s sovereignty and His eternal existence. Charles H. … More But you, O Lord….

Still praying for Japan

This week, one year ago(March 11, 2011), a massive earthquake and catastrophic tsunami struck Japan.  Today in our read-through-the-Bible plan, we come to Psalm 60: O God, you have rejected us, broken our defenses; you have been angry; oh, restore us. You have made the land to quake; you have torn it open; repair its … More Still praying for Japan

Mercy that humbles us

And the word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, how does the wood of the vine surpass any wood, the vine branch that is among the trees of the forest? Is wood taken from it to make anything? Do people take a peg from it to hang any vessel on it? Behold, it is … More Mercy that humbles us

What does your theology of suffering and sin call for in the face of tragedy?

John Piper on Luke 13:1-5 “Unless you repent you will ALL likewise perish.” A group of people come to Jesus and tell him about how Pilate had murdered some worshiping Galileans and taken their blood and mixed it with the blood of their sacrifices—their sheep and pigeons and doves. It’s as though some anarchists should … More What does your theology of suffering and sin call for in the face of tragedy?

Seeing our faithful, merciful, sovereign God in 1 Samuel

The reading for today, 1 Samuel 29-31, brings us to the end of this book.  Bob Deffinbaugh offers this encouraging commentary at Bible.org- This text reminds us of the faithfulness of God, even when we lack faith. If we are faithless, He remains faithful; for He cannot deny Himself (2 Timothy 2:13). God anointed David … More Seeing our faithful, merciful, sovereign God in 1 Samuel

John Piper: Vessels-by mercy, through mercy, and for mercy

God’s purpose in Romans 9:23 is “to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory.” John Piper states in a sermon, “God’s Ultimate Purpose: Vessels of Mercy Knowing the Riches of His Glory”- As a Christian you are a vessel of mercy. You were called out of spiritual … More John Piper: Vessels-by mercy, through mercy, and for mercy

John Piper: do not jump to the conclusion that the battle is a charade

What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!  Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves,  you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But … More John Piper: do not jump to the conclusion that the battle is a charade

Spurgeon: When we can measure the heavens, then shall we bound the mercy of the Lord.

Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judgments are like the great deep; man and beast you save, O Lord. How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.   … More Spurgeon: When we can measure the heavens, then shall we bound the mercy of the Lord.