Glorifying God with Our Bodies Isn’t About What We Don’t Do. David Mathis writes “Glorifying God in our bodies isn’t mainly about what we avoid and don’t do with them. It’s far more about what we do with them—where we go with our feet, what we do with our hands to help others, and what we say with our mouths to give meaning to the acts of our bodies.”
When Weakness Overwhelms Us. Joni Eareckson Tada writes “Our call to suffer for the sake of Jesus comes from a God who is tender beyond description. In your pain and weakness, he is nearer than a brother (
Proverbs 18:24), he heeds your cry of affliction (
Psalm 9:12), he treasures all your tears (
Psalm 56:8), and he’ll reward your endurance with all the joy eternity can muster (
2 Corinthians 4:17). Perhaps best of all, if we suffer with him, “we will also reign with him” (
2 Timothy 2:12). Oh, the joy!”
Click on ‘Continue reading’ for:
More interesting article linksFavorite Quotes of the Week
Living Pure in a Corrupting Screen Age. On this episode of the
Ask Pastor John podcast, John Piper responds to the following question “I have been learning a lot about the conscience lately, and how some things affect me in varying degrees compared to other Christians. I know I cannot pass judgment on those who do not share my convictions of conscience on things that are not inherently sinful. But I do struggle to apply my convictions to group settings. Specifically, constantly watching television and playing video games as an adult weigh heavy on my conscience. These are the things my family, whom I still live with, and my friends maintain as part of their daily lifestyles. So, how do I live in a space that does not share my convictions with love and grace — and especially when it comes to screens?”
Was My Pre-Faith Suffering Discipline or Justice? On this episode of the
Ask Pastor John podcast John Piper responds to the question “My question is about God’s fatherly chastening in
Proverbs 3:11–12. How do we distinguish his chastening from the decay and difficulties that result from this sin-filled world?”
Silent Women, Speaking Women. On this episode of the
Ask Pastor John podcast, John Piper responds to the question “In
1 Timothy 2:12, Paul writes, ‘I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.’ I’m trying to understand exactly what Paul is forbidding here. Does this mean women should never teach men, even in Bible studies or classrooms? Is he only referring to the formal role of pastors or elders? What about women sharing insights or asking questions in small-group discussions?”
How Attractive Women Abuse Their Beauty. On this episode of the
Ask Pastor John podcast, John Piper responds to the questions: “As a woman living in a culture that heavily emphasizes physical beauty, I find
Proverbs 11:22striking and convicting. ‘Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman without discretion.’ Could you explain the meaning behind this metaphor? And more personally, how can I discern whether I am prioritizing external beauty over godly character? What practical steps can I take to guard my heart against the temptation to focus on appearance at the expense of wisdom and discretion?”
How Can I Correct Others Gently? On this episode of the
Ask Pastor John podcast, John Piper responds to a question that reads in part “Paul instructs us to correct opponents with gentleness, hoping that God may grant them repentance (
2 Timothy 2:25). But when I look around — especially online — it seems like so much correction, even from Christians, is harsh, sarcastic, or aggressive. How do we correct with gentleness without compromising truth?”
We Can’t Endure on Our Own. On this episode of the
Ask Pastor John podcast, John Piper responds to a question that can be summarized as “I was reflecting on
1 Corinthians 10:13, which speaks of God providing a way out of temptation, and I began thinking about Jesus’s crucifixion, particularly the moment when Simon was made to carry Jesus’s cross. Could it be that in our lowest points, when we are tempted beyond our capacity to bear, God’s provision — whether through his direct help or through others — gives us what we need to keep going?”
The High Price of Watching Nudity. On this episode of the
Ask Pastor John podcast, John Piper addresses the question that reads in part “Lust fuels so much of Western media. So, Pastor John, what are your convictions here? How do you personally navigate this culture while honoring Christ’s call to purity?”
How Much Church Can I Miss to Serve? On this episode of the
Ask Pastor John podcast, John Piper responds to the question “Is it appropriate to miss the service if you’re serving in another area of the church, such as the nursery? I’ve heard one of my pastors suggest alternating weeks between attending the worship service and volunteering. While I understand that serving can be an act of worship, according to
Romans 12:1, I am struggling to make peace with the idea of missing the service. Is attending the worship service and sitting under the teaching of the pastor, say, fifty percent of the time truly enough?”
What Is the Gospel, Really? Responding to John Mark Comer and Scot McKnight. John Mark Comer and New Testament scholar Scot McKnight take issue with how the gospel is often articulated in evangelical circles. Michael Horton responds to these concerns and critiques and gives his own assessment of what they call the “King Jesus Gospel.”
Glorifying God in 1,000 Decisions a Day. On this episode of the
Ask Pastor John podcast, John Piper responds to the question “I’m curious about the balance between fate, hearing the voice of God, and our own power in decision-making. In Acts, the apostles drew lots to replace Judas (
Acts 1:20–26), and we see God speaking to individuals in various ways (
Acts 9:3–20). While God clearly speaks to people in different ways, there are also decisions he seems to leave to us, like whether to have turkey or chicken on a sandwich. Where do you see the balance between these elements, and how can a believer know which to follow when making decisions?”
One Pentecost Was Enough. Patrick Schreiner writes “Recently, Jesus Culture—a well-known worship group connected to Bethel Church in California—posted a clip
on Xof a song they released today. The lyrics repeatedly declare, “We need another Pentecost.” This simple refrain raises an important theological question: Is this how we should think about Pentecost? Should Christians be praying for another one? Or has God already given us what we’re asking for?”
Easing Comer’s Fears on Penal Substitution. John Mark Comer recently expressed his concerns about the core doctrine of penal substitution atonement. Derek Rishmawy tries to ease them here. “I want to review some good biblical and historic answers to these concerns, so we might rest more assured in the glory of the Father, the Son, and the Spirit’s work to save us in Christ’s death in our place.”
New Podcast on the Nicene Creed.
ByFaith is launching a new podcast, “What Christians Believe,” examining the Nicene Creed. Each episode examines a different line of the creed to understand its meaning and ongoing significance for Christians. This year marks the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, from which the Nicene Creed emerged.
The Worst Gospel Misunderstandings. Michael Horton joins Tim Keller and missiologist Alan Hirsch to discuss how today’s culture is redefining core doctrines in therapeutic terms. Sin, grace, and even salvation are recast as recovery or self-affirmation, rather than deliverance through Christ.
The Memorial Service for John MacArthur. Watch the memorial service for John MacArthur, which took place August 24. Alistair Begg, Joni Eareckson Tada, Keith and Kristyn Getty and Sinclair Ferguson, among others, participated in the service.
We should be careful about the words of the music we sing and ensure that those words communicate truth.
R.C. Sproul A Christian has never finished his education till he stands before the golden throne of God.
Charles SpurgeonHe that will play with Satan’s bait will quickly be taken with Satan’s hook.
Thomas Brooks“We know that for those who love God all things work together for good.” The Christian does not merely hold this as a theory, but
he knows it as a matter of fact.
Charles SpurgeonGood friends help one another know, love, serve, and resemble Jesus.
Tim KellerThe most miserable person in the world is the half committed Christian; just enough into God to be miserable in the world, but just enough into the world to be miserable in God.
Charles SpurgeonThe gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.
Tim KellerOf all the doctrines of the Bible none is so offensive to human nature as the doctrine of God’s sovereignty. J.C
. RyleIf the Lord wants to surprise his people, he has only at once to give an answer to their prayers.
Charles Spurgeon
