“The Happiest Days of Heaven”

John Piper, on Luke 15:1-10, in a sermon “The Happiest Days of Heaven”- The Ninety-Nine Finally, consider the worship of the ninety-nine who are already in the fold. Jesus says there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over these ninety-nine. Does this mean that God does not delight in our … More “The Happiest Days of Heaven”

How a person reacts to the news of sin tells a lot about that person.

Pastor Steven J. Cole of Flagstaff Christian Fellowship comments on Ezra 9: Because we are so desensitized toward sin, we fail to have the proper response toward it, whether it is our own sin, or sin in others. We minimize it, justify it, or ignore it and go on our way unaffected by it. If … More How a person reacts to the news of sin tells a lot about that person.

Temptation and Tears

At the end of Mark 14, we read of how Peter, who at one time bragged that he would never forsake Jesus, did just that.  He betrayed Jesus not once, but three times.  J. C. Ryle comments: The experience of Peter is only the experience of all God’s servants who have yielded to temptation. Lot, … More Temptation and Tears

J. C. Ryle: It matters nothing how high and self-confident a man’s profession of religion may be.

J. C. Ryle states- Let us observe in these verses, what immense encouragement our Lord holds out to those who repent.We see this strikingly brought out in the parable of the two sons. Both were told to go and work in their father’s vineyard. One son, like the profligate publicans, for some time flatly refused obedience, … More J. C. Ryle: It matters nothing how high and self-confident a man’s profession of religion may be.

The Main Thing

Doug Goins, of Peninsula Bible Church, wraps up our reading of Hosea 14: Verse 9 is an epilogue that serves as a conclusion to the entire prophecy of Hosea. It also provides the final step of returning to the Lord and remaining in fellowship with him: surrendering our will to him. Whoever is wise, let … More The Main Thing

The Issue is Repentance

John Piper, in a sermon, “John the Baptist and the Brood of Vipers”- This is the meaning of repentance: a turning of the direction of our life and the affections of our heart, so that we become oriented on God and love the things he loves. John promises the people “forgiveness of sins” in response … More The Issue is Repentance

Do you worship in vain? Kim Riddlebarger on Mark 7

Nothing is as big an impediment to the preaching of the gospel as religious “know it alls” who self- righteously pronounce judgment upon others. And yet Jesus singles these people out for the harshest of criticism. He calls them hypocrites. They pretend to be one thing, but are really something else. They claim to be righteous and yet … More Do you worship in vain? Kim Riddlebarger on Mark 7