J.C. Ryle: It is possible for the most loving heart to use the language of stern reproof.

J.C.Ryle says this about Matthew 23:1-12- We are now beginning a chapter which in one respect is the most remarkable in the four Gospels. It contains the last words which the Lord Jesus ever spoke within the walls of the temple. Those last words consist of a withering exposure of the Scribes and Pharisees, and … More J.C. Ryle: It is possible for the most loving heart to use the language of stern reproof.

John Piper: Matthew 22 is “a window into heaven, if you have eyes to see.”

John Piper, in a sermon, “Love Your Neighbor as Yourself, Part 1” said, Matthew 22:37–40: On These Two Hang . . . But let’s go back to our text in Matthew 22:37–40. Here Jesus DOES mention both love for God and love for neighbor; and he explicitly says (in v. 40), “On these two commandments depend the … More John Piper: Matthew 22 is “a window into heaven, if you have eyes to see.”

Piper: The very fact that any of us is alive today is owing to this great kindness of God.

Romans 2:1-4 states: Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. 2 We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. 3 Do you suppose, O man—you who judge … More Piper: The very fact that any of us is alive today is owing to this great kindness of God.

Piper: A Rejected Stone

Pastor John Piper, in a message on Matthew 21, “The Marvelous Rising of a Rejected Stone” Jesus’ Word in Matthew 21:42 The word of the Lord is found in Matthew 21:42 at the end of the parable of the wicked tenants. The owner of the vineyard had sent servants to get fruit from the tenants. They … More Piper: A Rejected Stone

Piper: He still rides a donkey and not yet a white war-horse with a rod of iron.

In today’s passage from Matthew 21, we read about Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, which was a fulfillment of prophecy. ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. They brought … More Piper: He still rides a donkey and not yet a white war-horse with a rod of iron.

God’s Calendar Answers Deep Questions of Life

We’re almost to the end of our reading through Leviticus.  Coty Pinckney has a very helpful summary,  a look back at where we’ve been reading and some questions to prompt more study: This chapter (Leviticus 23) has been called God’s calendar, because it describes festivals God planned for the people of Israel. Most of us … More God’s Calendar Answers Deep Questions of Life

Coty Pinckney: Christian behavior RESULTS from a relationship with God; it is NOT a prerequisite to that relationship.

Today in our reading plan, we come to Leviticus 18-20. Pastor Coty Pinckney shares some insights that help us understand Leviticus in light of the New Testament: The break in Leviticus between chapters 1-16 and chapters 17-27 is similar to the break in Ephesians between chapters 1-3 and chapters 4-6. Remember, in the first half … More Coty Pinckney: Christian behavior RESULTS from a relationship with God; it is NOT a prerequisite to that relationship.