As someone passionately active in missions (vvmi.org), I am still NOT on the frontlines. I experience the joys of being involved and seeing God at work, but I do not yet personally suffer any of the costs of frontier missions. John Piper explains the COSTS and the BLESSINGS of frontier missions, in his sermon, “I … More The Costs and Blessings of Frontier Missons…John Piper on Matthew 10
John Calvin, in the 16th century, said, Let us say something about fasting, because many, for want of knowing its usefulness, undervalue its necessity, and some reject it as almost superfluous; while, on the other hand where the use of it is not well understood, it easily degenerates into superstition. Holy and legitimate fasting is … More Calvin and Luther on Fasting (Matthew 9)
From Scripture Studies New Testament Study: Jesus declared His mission: “For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” This statement was surprising to the Pharisees. Presently, they expected the Messiah, I suppose, to come and pick out the righteous, beginning with themselves, and lead them into the throne room to rule the earth with … More Jesus Calls Sinners….Matthew 9
In my volunteer work with Vernacular Video Mission International (vvmi.org), we are seeking to partner with and equip ethnic Christians who proclaim the Gospel through video in their common language. One tool that is being used in many countries around the world is the Visual Bible, dubbed into the heart-language (vernacular) of the people in a … More Jesus Calms the Storm- from the Visual Bible
In his sermon, “The Dangers of Following Jesus,” John Piper says: The days will soon be gone, if they aren’t already, when you can assume that it is safe to follow Jesus—to stand for his majesty and his commandments. So I have been thinking much about whether I am willing to pay the price. And … More Following Jesus- safe? John Piper on Matthew 8:14-22
From Basic Christianity: Jesus used this event to teach His disciples; briefly, as the friends of the Roman stood before them, Jesus told His disciples that many shall come from the nations to sit at the table in the kingdom of heaven with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. His disciples had seen Jesus begin to walk … More A centurion’s faith…Matthew 8
Matthew 7:15-16 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits.” From Study–>See–>Savor! One false doctrine floating around out there is that we can change ourselves. But the Bible says, “Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots? Then also you … More Sheep or wolves? Matthew 7
John Piper says in the introduction to his sermon, Ask Your Father in Heaven: When you pause to consider that God is infinitely strong and can do all that he pleases, and that he is infinitely righteous so that he only does what is right, and that he is infinitely good so that everything he does is perfectly good, and that he … More Ask Your Father in Heaven- John Piper on Matthew 7:1-14
Day by day, and with each passing moment, Strength I find, to meet my trials here; Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment, I’ve no cause for worry or for fear. He Whose heart is kind beyond all measure Gives unto each day what He deems best— Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure, Mingling toil … More Day by Day…A Hymn that reflects Matthew 6:34
