“Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live … More EPHESIANS 10: A Terminal Diagnosis
This excerpt from Tozer made my heart burn as I read it today. Lord, may MainStreet become a church that makes disciples such as these! -JB “Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for … More QUOTABLES: Tozer on Bold Leadership
“One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the … More I Have Many People in this city (Acts 18)
“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (1:2). Two words of enormous weight and depth so easily slip off our tongue as we hurry past Paul’s characteristic greeting: grace and peace. But let’s pause to consider them for a moment. In all his letters, these are the two … More EPHESIANS 3: Grace and Peace (1:2)
“Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at … More PHILIPPIANS 30: I Plead with You Whom I Love (4:1-3)
“Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their … More PHILIPPIANS 29: Follow My Example (3:17-21)
“We couldn’t carry this off by our own efforts, and we know it—even though we can list what many might think are impressive credentials. You know my pedigree: a legitimate birth, circumcised on the eighth day; an Israelite from the elite tribe of Benjamin; a strict and devout adherent to God’s law; a fiery defender … More PHILIPPIANS 24: Religious Badges for Boasting (3:5-7)
“Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful … More PHILIPPIANS 21: Running in Vain (2:16-18)
We’re comparing the differences between John Piper and N. T. Wright on Paul and the New Perspective using helpful summaries compiled by Trevin Wax featured in the June 2008 edition of Christianity Today. Today we finish up with the final comparison from Wax’s chart dealing with the question of the present and future realities of justification. What … More Piper v. Wright (7): Future Justification
We’re comparing the differences between John Piper and N. T. Wright on Paul and the New Perspective using helpful summaries compiled by Trevin Wax featured in the June 2008 edition of Christianity Today. Today we focus on the central message of the gospel. What is the gospel? PIPER: The heart of the gospel … More Piper vs. Wright (5): The Gospel
We’re comparing the differences between John Piper and N. T. Wright on Paul and the New Perspective using helpful summaries compiled by Trevin Wax featured in the June edition of Christianity Today. Today we look at “the righteousness of God.” What does Paul mean by the righteousness of God? PIPER: The essence of God’s righteousness is … More Piper vs. Wright (3): God’s Righteousness
I have been following the lively, helpful discussion at Jesus Creed on Wright vs. Piper on Justification and the New Perspective, and recommend you check that out for yourself for more nuanced, detailed treatment. Today, I was very pleased to find this debate featured in this June edition of Christianity Today with an enormously … More Piper vs. Wright (1) – The Sin Problem
“Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort provided by love, any fellowship in the Spirit, any affection or mercy, complete my joy and be of the same mind, by having the same love, being united in spirit, and having one purpose” (Phil 2:1-2). My teenage years were spent concert-hopping, and participating in that … More PHILIPPIANS 14: Dancing in a Mosh-Pit World (Phil 2:1-2)
“For it has been granted to you not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for him, since you are encountering the same conflict that you saw me face and now hear that I am facing.” (Phil 1:29-30) In today’s passage Paul says something that I have stressed a lot lately — namely, … More PHILIPPIANS 13: Suffering for Christ (Phil 1:29-30)
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as … More PHILIPPIANS 11: To Die is Gain (1:19-26)
I want to report to you, friends, that my imprisonment here has had the opposite of its intended effect. Instead of being squelched, the Message has actually prospered. All the soldiers here, and everyone else too, found out that I’m in jail because of this Messiah. That piqued their curiosity, and now they’ve learned … More PHILIPPIANS 9: Obstacle or Opportunity? (Phil 1:12-14
And I pray that your love may abound even more and more in knowledge and every kind of insight so that you can decide what is best… (Phi 1:9-10) We all know the famous Beatles refrain: “Love, love, love, all you need is love.” There is a lot of truth to this statement, but it has … More PHILIPPIANS 7: Praying With Paul II (Phil 1:9-10)
Kingdom Harbor 