John Piper, in a sermon, “How Not to Talk to an Angel” Luke is the only gospel writer who recounts the foretelling and birth of John the Baptist. He begins in 1:5–25 with the announcement of John’s birth to Zechariah, his father. Then in 1:26–38 comes the announcement of Jesus’ birth to Mary his mother. … More Luke 1: A Lesson in “Compare and Contrast”
Bob Deffinbaugh’s comments on 2 Samuel 21- David’s dealings with the Gibeonites, at its roots, is a matter of keeping covenants. Israel had made a covenant with the Gibeonites. Even though this covenant was 400 years old, it was still to be honored. Saul broke that covenant by trying to rid the land of them. … More Promise Breakers and Promise Keepers (2 Samuel 21)
John Piper has an analogy that demonstrates what true, full freedom means: Full freedom is what you have when no lack of opportunity, no lack of ability, and no lack of desire prevents you from doing what will make you happiest in a thousand years. In order to be free in the fullest sense you … More True, Full Freedom
Mark 11:27-33 And they came again to Jerusalem. And as He was walking in the temple, the chief priests, and scribes, and elders came to Him, 28 and began saying to Him, “By what authority are You doing these things, or who gave You this authority to do these things?” 29 And Jesus said … More “Just WHO do you think you ARE?”
1 Samuel 15:22 “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. John Piper comments in a sermon, “The Pleasure of God in Obedience” Is It Good News That God Delights in Obedience? … More Is It Good News That God Delights in Obedience?
Coty Pinckney describes God’s solution to the sin problem: But although God would be just to do away with every one of us, He chooses not to. He chooses to show His justice in another way, by providing the solution to our failure. [2 Corinthians 5] Verse 21 is a wonderful summary of this solution: … More The Sinless Made Sin for the Sinful
For theLord will not forsake his people, for his great name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you a people for himself. 1 Samuel 12:22 John Piper comments: We should learn from this how faithful God is to his own name. Look at verse 22: “It has pleased the LORD to make you a people … More For HIS sake!
Coty Pinckney on Mark 10:13-16, “Childlike Faith, Childlike Giving” Jesus says, “Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it at all.” “Like a child.” What does He mean? Does He mean: (1) Children are perfect? If you believe that, I … More Receiving the Kingdom Like a Child
Pastor Coty Pinckney asks: Does prayer really do anything? Does prayer get results? If you ask me to pray for you – and I don’t do it – are you worse off? Many people have one of two unbiblical views of prayer: First, the Star Wars view: Prayer is a force to be channeled. … More Does prayer really do anything?
Pastor Kim Riddlebarger, at the Riddleblog: Mark 9:35-37 And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” 36 And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one such child in my … More Status or service?
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 