Not My Will

J.C. Ryle on Luke 22: Submission of will like this is one of the brightest graces which can adorn the Christian character. It is one which a child of God ought to aim at in everything, if he desires to be like Christ. But at no time is such submission of will so needful as … More Not My Will

The double weapon of hope and encouragement

This is a long quote today, but very encouraging (even double-encouraging)  if you read to the end!  John Piper explains Luke 22:31-32 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat,  but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” … More The double weapon of hope and encouragement

Passover and Missions

John Piper asks: What did Jesus mean that the passover would be fulfilled in the kingdom of God? “I shall not eat it until it (the passover) is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” [Luke 22:16]  I thought the passover was fulfilled in the death of Jesus our final passover lamb. Remember the passover was … More Passover and Missions

Judas Iscariot, the Suicide of Satan, and the Salvation of the World

John Piper, in the sermon series “Spectacular Sins and Their Global Purpose in the Glory of Christ” The most spectacular sin that has ever been committed in the history of the world is the brutal murder of Jesus Christ, the morally perfect, infinitely worthy, divine Son of God. And probably the most despicable act in … More Judas Iscariot, the Suicide of Satan, and the Salvation of the World

Watch out!

J.C.Ryle comments on Luke 21:31-36 “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 But stay awake at all times, praying … More Watch out!

Nothing can ever happen to us that Christ has not known long ago.

J.C.Ryle, comments on Luke 21:20-24 We should mark in this passage, our Lord Jesus Christ’s perfect knowledge. He gives us a fearful picture of the miseries which were coming on Jerusalem. Forty years before the armies of Titus encompassed the city, the dreadful circumstances which would attend the siege are minutely described. The distress of … More Nothing can ever happen to us that Christ has not known long ago.

Risk and the Cause of God

 In America, generally,Christians have not had to face the kind of risk and persecution that is common in other parts of the world.  Here is a recent report from northern Nigeria, from the Persecution Blog (VOM)   “The militants attempted to force the pastors to convert to Islam, but they refused to abandon their faith. … More Risk and the Cause of God

Games People Play

Luke 20:27, “they asked him a question, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, having a wife but no children, the man must take the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. Now there were seven brothers. The first took a wife, and died without children. And the second … More Games People Play