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Jan 2015 30 Jan 30, 2015
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[This is an excellent article from Michael J. Kruger, posted on January 30, 2015, at www.michaeljkruger.com.] Continue reading . . . [This is an excellent article from Michael J. Kruger, posted on January 30, 2015, at www.michaeljkruger.com.] As one considers the values of Hollywood and American pop culture, it would be easy to conclude that no one is concerned all that much about morality. The dominant message is that people should live whatever life-style suits their...Read More

Jan 2015 29 Jan 29, 2015

Wise counsel from John Piper: Continue reading . . . Wise counsel from John Piper: “It astonishes me how many Christians watch the same banal, empty, silly, trivial, titillating, suggestive, immodest TV shows that most unbelievers watch - and then wonder why their spiritual lives are weak and their worship experience is shallow with no intensity. If you really want to hear the Word of God the way he means to be heard in truth and joy and power, turn off the tel...Read More

Jan 2015 28 Jan 28, 2015

We are now in our third and final article looking at Hebrews 10:34 – “For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one” (Heb. 10:34). Continue reading . . . We are now in our third and final article looking at Hebrews 10:34 – “For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of...Read More

Jan 2015 27 Jan 27, 2015

In the previous article we took our first look at Hebrews 10:34. There we read, “For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one” (Heb. 10:34). Continue reading . . . In the previous article we took our first look at Hebrews 10:34. There we read, “For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plu...Read More

Jan 2015 26 Jan 26, 2015

I love the book of Hebrews. Over and over again, almost on a daily basis, this letter has rocked my world. I’ve been deeply convicted by the Holy Spirit only then to be reminded by this book of the glory of having had my sins finally and forever forgiven. I’ve been stunned by the majesty of Jesus, our Great High Priest, only then to be overwhelmed by his meekness and mercy. Continue reading . . . I love the book of Hebrews. Over and over again, almost on a d...Read More

Jan 2015 22 Jan 22, 2015

I recently read an article devoted to the subject of lust and pornography and how best to wage war against such temptation. It reminded me of what I had earlier written in Chapter Five of my book, Pleasures Evermore (NavPress). I thought it might be helpful to post it here again (with only slight revisions). Continue reading . . . I recently read an article devoted to the subject of lust and pornography and how best to wage war against such temptation. It reminded me of...Read More

Jan 2015 20 Jan 20, 2015

I’m often asked: "What books influenced you most?" The question isn’t about those books that have had the greatest impact in the history of the church. If that question were asked, my list would be significantly different. Nor am I being asked what books are of the highest literary quality or the best-sellers of our time. The list below is simply those books that have shaped my thinking and my life more than any others. I’ve listed them in no particular...Read More

Jan 2015 19 Jan 19, 2015

Come again . . . happiness depends partly on grammar? Are you serious? Entirely. Continue reading . . . Come again . . . happiness depends partly on grammar? Are you serious? Entirely. The following is taken from Gwynne’s Grammar: The Ultimate Introduction to Grammar and the Writing of Good English (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2014). “Here is a step-by-step proof (yes, a proof that really is valid) that happiness depends partly on grammar. Step one. For ge...Read More

Jan 2015 16 Jan 16, 2015

The parables of Jesus are incredibly instructive but can be equally baffling if we don’t understand the purpose for them. Continue reading . . . The parables of Jesus are incredibly instructive but can be equally baffling if we don’t understand the purpose for them. First, what is a parable? Is it, as some have said, an earthly story with a heavenly meaning? Actually it is a comparison drawn from the scenery and events of everyday life designed to communica...Read More

Jan 2015 15 Jan 15, 2015

In the previous article I made reference to the Parable of the Sower and focused on Satan’s strategy for subverting gospel proclamation. Perhaps we would do well to look more closely at this parable. Before doing so, I encourage you to carefully read Mark 4:1-20. Continue reading . . . In the previous article I made reference to the Parable of the Sower and focused on Satan’s strategy for subverting gospel proclamation. Perhaps we would do well to look more ...Read More

Jan 2015 14 Jan 14, 2015

In Mark 4:15 Jesus tells us that when the gospel is preached Satan will often come and “take away” the word that is “sown in” the people who hear it. How seriously have we thought about the Enemy’s efforts to undermine our gospel proclamation? Perhaps it’s time we did. Continue reading . . . In Mark 4:15 Jesus tells us that when the gospel is preached Satan will often come and “take away” the word that is “sown in&rd...Read More

Jan 2015 13 Jan 13, 2015
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Biblical passages such as Hebrews 10:26-31 make a lot of people extremely uncomfortable with its talk of judgment (v. 27a), the fury of fire consuming sinful people (v. 27b), punishment (v. 29a), and vengeance (v. 30). Continue reading . . . Biblical passages such as Hebrews 10:26-31 make a lot of people extremely uncomfortable with its talk of judgment (v. 27a), the fury of fire consuming sinful people (v. 27b), punishment (v. 29a), and vengeance (v. 30). It’s e...Read More

Jan 2015 12 Jan 12, 2015

“Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity” (Ps. 32:1-2a). I seriously doubt if David, King of Israel, ever spoke more comforting and encouraging words than those. There is perhaps no greater joy than knowing that one’s sins have been forgiven. Continue reading . . . “Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the ...Read More

Jan 2015 8 Jan 8, 2015
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One of John Piper’s lesser known but extremely insightful books is titled, Spectacular Sins, and their global purpose in the glory of Christ (Wheaton: Crossway, 2008). In this book John writes chapters on such sins as the fall of Adam in Eden, the rebellion of Satan and his demons, the tower of Babel, and the sale of Joseph into slavery. Continue reading . . . One of John Piper’s lesser known but extremely insightful books is titled, Spectacular Sins, and th...Read More

Jan 2015 7 Jan 7, 2015

There is an important practical lesson for us to learn in the choice of the twelve by Jesus (see Mark 3:13-19). As a result of the decision made by our Lord, Matthew, a tax collector and Roman collaborator, finds himself on the same side as Simon the Zealot, the sworn enemy of Rome who is determined to throw off the yoke of oppression. A Zealot was as far removed from a tax collector as a radical Islamic jihadist is from a passionate tea party conservative. Continue read...Read More

Jan 2015 6 Jan 6, 2015
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Would it surprise you to know that on the night before choosing the twelve apostles Jesus spent a whole night in prayer: “In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles” (Luke 6:12-13). Continue reading . . . Would it surprise you to know that on the night before choosing the twelve apostles Jesus spent a whole night ...Read More

Jan 2015 5 Jan 5, 2015

Those of you who love Jonathan Edwards as I do are probably asking yourselves: “What do you mean Jonathan Edwards on Romans? He never wrote a commentary on Romans. In fact, he never wrote a commentary on any biblical book!” Continue reading . . . Those of you who love Jonathan Edwards as I do are probably asking yourselves: “What do you mean Jonathan Edwards on Romans? He never wrote a commentary on Romans. In fact, he never wrote a commentary on any b...Read More

Jan 2015 1 Jan 1, 2015

[This guest post by Gavin Ortlund is an excellent way to start the new year and your efforts at reading through the entire Bible. Gavin’s insights are excellent and should stir your heart to dig deeply into the Word of God.] Continue reading . . . Gavin Ortlund 12/26/14 [This guest post by Gavin Ortlund is an excellent way to start the new year and your efforts at reading through the entire Bible. Gavin’s insights are excellent and should stir your heart to...Read More