Ethan Harvey > Recent Status Updates

Good arguments on the use of money thus far. The biblical argument—which is the one Piper presents—is God blesses us with “abundance” so we can have enough and others may be blessed. Christians do not pursue money for selfish earthly gain, rather our heavenly reward and earthly generosity.

Joy in God results in love for others. Piper essentially argues in this chapter that loving and serving others is motivated out of a reward for joy in God.

He also shares a good point: pastors/preachers are to enjoy their work. If they don’t enjoy their work, then they should pass it off. There is no greater joy than sharing the Word and shepherding the flock—you are the very vessel of Grace.

Worship is not separate from theological depth. I especially appreciated this section. Loving God is also loving the richness of His Word. The richness of His Word produces the emotional spontaneous joy that we see in many Churches today.

Piper makes bold claims—grounded in truth—stating that faith without joy is not saving faith. Joy in God is essential to possessing saving faith.

A remarkable chapter giving insights into authentic worship. Piper engages what it means to emotionally love God and then thoughtfully love God. True worship is spontaneous joy. It’s crying out to God because you get to feast in His remarkable presence. It’s not avoiding hands raised, undignified worship rather it’s embracing the joy found in His presence. We shouldn’t flee from that reward but feast on it.

Good. Piper has made a lot of bold claims to lay a foundation—hopefully—building to his ultimate point. Practically, he stated that without joy in Christ there is zero salvation. Yet, it seems he has not yet gone deep into the meaning of joy. What does this practically look like to have joy in Christ? Is it to read, to attend, to hate sin, to worship? Or is it to smile?

Really good introductory thoughts to the ultimate topic of Desiring God. It is true that man longs for happiness. It is also true that the Church in years past seems to suppress that feeling. Yet, to love God is to deeply find happiness in Him.

In this study on miracles, Lewis rightly defines naturalism and supernaturalism. Naturalism, of course, is deeply rooted in the Atheist/Agnostic belief. Essentially, nature is all that exists and there is nothing apart from nature. C.S. lewis combats this theory through the first part of this book.

John covers the first 4 Churches of Revelation. It’s a dichotomy, one has many great works and calls out false teachings yet forgot their first love in Christ. Others justify, allow, and tolerate sin that will lead them to destruction.

We need to be prepared for the second coming by pursuing holiness

John Bevere has greatly studied and articulated his point of view on the end times. His belief is that the Church is to be “caught away,” avoiding the great tribulation. Christians need to live urgently waiting for the second coming but also occupying ‘til that moment.

Upon Jesus’ return, it will be an instantaneous “catching away” to meet Jesus in the heavens. The dead will rise and those still alive will all be caught in the sky.

We should not fear this event, but look forward to this event with great comfort. Finally…united with our Lord!

We need to earn Jesus’ trust. He longs to be united with us and rule with us, however we must first suffer as he has suffered to be heirs with Christ.

The Second Coming is a Royal Marriage!

Really good insight on the importance of studying, mediating, and preaching on Jesus’ second coming. This is something many have neglected—especially from the pulpit—however it should be foundational instruction.