Piper begins with a quote from John Calvin that summarizes the main idea of the chapter and gives us a proper perspective on our own salvation. “Nearly all the wisdom we possess, that is to say, true and sound wisdom, consists of two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves.” (p. 45) These two [...]
Archive > November 2009
J.C. Ryle Giveaway
Like free books by dead guys? Ok…it’s fine if you simply like free books. Well, Erik Kowalker over at J.C. Ryle Quotes is giving away a free set of Ryle’s Expository Thoughts on the Gospels. You can enter the drawing seven different ways which also gives you seven opportunities to win (if you choose to [...]
$5.00 Albums at Amazon
Right now Amazon’s mp3 store has several albums, old and new, on sale for $5.00. You really can’t beat that price unless you have a hard time buying music that doesn’t have a physical booklet and jewel case (I really do understand your plight). In any case…here is a sample of what you will find. [...]
Finally Alive (Ch. 2)
Piper finishes up his three part answer to the question What happens in the new birth? by stressing the understanding of the new birth as new creation instead of simply the “improvement of your old human nature.” (p. 37) As Paul says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old [...]
The Word 11.22.09
It is that time of year again. During Thanksgiving we all try to pause from the craziness of everyday life and reflect on all the things we have to be thankful for. I think my pastor put it well this morning when he said that it often brings to mind the fact that I should [...]
Finally Alive (Ch. 1)
Just as Jesus is straightforward with Nicodemus, so Piper is straightforward with us from the very beginning of this first chapter. This book does not set out to simply discuss theories on the new birth. As Piper says, “Eternity hangs in the balance when we are talking about the new birth.” (p. 26) The new [...]
The Word 11.15.09
How can we distinguish sound teachers from false prophets? It would seem obvious but Jesus says that false prophets come like wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matt. 7:15-20). Their attacks are subtle. They confuse and deceive by using common phrases and words that we would associate with a godly man or woman. For these individuals, Jesus [...]
Blackberry Apps?
I recently acquired a Blackberry Tour as another work tool in the toolbox. Put another way, I get to spend less time away from work. Nevertheless, I’m going to be switching everything over to it soon so I don’t have to carry two phones (but still keep the same number). For other Blackberry folks, are [...]
Finally Alive (Intro)
Alright…we’ll not waste any time with lengthy salutations and monologues. Let’s jump right in to our reading.
What is the aim of this book? What is it about? John Piper sets out to give an explanation of what it means to be born again according to the Scriptures. He contends that there is a misconception among [...]
The Word 11.7.09
This is a tough passage on multiple levels. Jesus draws a line in the sand in verse 30. Then he addresses the unforgivable sin in verse 31-32. He says that we will all be known by our fruit in verses 33-35. Finally, he reveals that our words will either justify or condemn us in verses [...]
