We have heard people say, “Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” Both believers and unbelievers alike cling to this proverbial life principle that gives us a sense of comfort and hope in the midst of our daily anxieties, miseries, and afflictions. This is a universally understood truth that Scripture itself teaches (Rom. 5:3-5; Jam. 1:2-4, 12; 1 Pet. 4:12-19). Trials do indeed make us stronger and more steadfast in our faith. Trials mature us. They help us to grow up. However, this is only one part of the biblical equation.
Tag Archives: Sin
Neal Plantinga on Sin
April 26, 2010 – 11:24 AM
The eighth Christ on Campus Initiative (CCI) essay is now available: Cornelius Plantinga Jr., “Sin: Not the Way It's Supposed to Be” (23-page PDF | HTML). Cornelius Plantinga (Wikipedia entry) is president and professor of systematic theology at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is the author of Not the Way It’s Supposed [...]
Trembling Joy: Emotional Paradox in the Christian Life
March 30, 2010 – 7:46 AM
We have all heard that the word “blessed” means “happy.” True enough. But the kind of happiness that “blessed” conveys is something that transcends the typical American definitions of happiness. It communicates a satisfaction and contentment that is firmly settled in the soul. It isn’t touched by the trivial. It communicates a sense of joy that more often than not is expressed by tears rather than laughter. It isn’t inspired by jokes.
The Pastor's Worst Enemy
March 29, 2010 – 6:18 AM
The pastor's worst enemy is pride, and it is a special danger for young pastors (1 Tim. 3:6). The Particular Causes of Pride Public gifts. As your gifts are exercised in public (unlike those with more private and unseen gifts and ministries), they are more likely to be recognized, admired, and praised. Official status. As [...]
Tripp Wants to Redeem the Realities of Marriage
March 2, 2010 – 2:15 PM
Paul Tripp has a new book on marriage coming out May 1. There's irony in this because as you'll hear in the video below, Tripp "hates marriage books." Based on what I'm learning about What Did You Expect? Redeeming the Realities of Marriage, this is not a book that people serious about strengthening their marriage will [...]
I Thought I Was Past That Sin
February 26, 2010 – 6:03 AM
I have heard often from friends and those I've discipled these words uttered in deep disappointment--"I thought I was past that sin." After being told this time and time again, and even after me saying this to myself and to God, I've come to realize that no matter how mature I've grown in Christ I'm never too far from the most disgusting and most "basic" of sins. John Bunyan would agree, as he has been credited with saying "There is enough evil in my best prayer to damn the whole world."
Enduring Temptation and Overcoming Sin
January 29, 2010 – 7:13 PM
In 1 Corinthians 10:6-11, the apostle Paul reminds the new covenant church not to crave evil. Paul recalls Israel’s past sinful cravings which led to idolatry as an example and a warning that those who persist in sin will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 10:5; see also 6:9-10). Yet for some of [...]
Do You Love the Gospel More Than TV?
January 19, 2010 – 1:17 PM
We want to love the gospel. But if we're honest, some days we love television or sports or books or shopping or computers or whatever, more. How does this change? As John Piper explains in this video excerpt from last weekend's sermon, we come to love the gospel when we reckon with the sinfulness of [...]
Does God Hate Haiti?
January 15, 2010 – 7:36 AM
Does God hate Haiti? That is the conclusion reached by many, who point to the earthquake as a sign of God's direct and observable judgment.
Sin Makes Us Fools
December 10, 2009 – 9:39 AM
When I was playing football (seems like a lifetime ago), we would often say, “Fatigue makes cowards of us all.” Since I have been a Christian, especially since receiving the call to ministry, I have been frequently reminded, “Sin makes fools of us all.” Much has been made of Tiger Woods and his admission of [...]