On the Importance of Preaching

Through preaching those who hear (effectually) are called into a state of grace, and preserved in it. William Perkins, The Art of Prophesying, 7.  

The Excellency of the Power Belongs to God

If you ask, whence hath the word preached this mighty power? The answer must be, neither from itself nor him that preaches it, but from the Spirit of God whose instrument it is, by whose blessing and concurrence with it, it produceth its blessed effects upon the hearts of men. First, This efficacy and wonderful [...]

“If You Abide In My Word, You Are Truly My Disciples”

A characteristically helpful sermon by John Piper on John 8.31. Go here.

Immanuel Baptist Church and the Gay/Straight Alliance

Last Thursday I had a tremendous opportunity. Along with six other believers (mostly from Immanuel) I went to a local public high school to dialogue with a student group called the ‘Gay, Straight Alliance’. This event was made possible because one of our Pastoral Apprentices, Andrew Wilkinson shared the gospel with, and befriended his lesbian [...]

Reflections on Genesis 6:5: Depravity and Grace

In the past couple of weeks, the Lord has grabbed my heart for meditation upon four verses in particular: Genesis 6:5, Psalm 42:2, Isaiah 42:3, and Hebrews 12:14.  Over the next couple of days, I hope to post some reflections upon them in that order. Genesis 6:5, “The Lord saw that the wickedness of man [...]

One Thing You Still Lack!

A rich ruler is a man that seems to have everything going for him, everything that seems to be the idol of most of America: he is rich, and he rules.  He has money and he has power, authority, influence.  In coordination with this, the rich were also perceived to be of that elite group [...]

Wonderful Sermon on Ruth 1

It is not surprising that the preacher is John Piper.  He is truly blessed of God to preach and expose the meaning of God’s Word.  Though I suppose I should be more thankful that God is God, rather than in the fact that God has given a man like Piper to His church.  Indeed, his [...]

Gleaning #3: The Bible’s Theology of the Heart

While American marketing and the larger pop culture advertises the human heart as the seat of foolish, comedic and temporary lust (culturally synonymous with love), the Bible reveals a more comprehensive understanding.  The heart, while remaining tied to the affections, is the seat of the person’s thought life, his or her inner life, the character, [...]

Give Thanks In All Circumstances

Really?  This is what Paul writes to the church at Thessalonica in his first letter (5:18).  It is part of a rather incredible triad of amazing “really?” verses.  ”Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  So, yes, really! This morning [...]

Spurgeon’s Conversion

Mark Dever, commenting on the importance of a reference to Numbers 21:8-9 cf. John 3:14-15 in the conversion of Charles Spurgeon, writes and, then, quotes: The great preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon came to a saving knowledge of Christ when, during a snowstorm, he stumbled into a primitive Methodist chapel and heard a laymen expounding on [...]