In Matthew 28:18-20 we are called to "go"; to go and make disciples of all nations. This command is played out differently in each of our lives. For some we are called to stay and pray, for some to give, for others to pick up and move. One thing is sure, we are given no other option, other than "go." However God has called you to live out this great commission, this video produced by AsiaLink will open your eyes anew to the great reality of missions.
Showing posts with label John Piper. Show all posts
Showing posts with label John Piper. Show all posts
Reaching The Unreached
When Life Gets Strange
A lesson many of us learned very early on in life is, life is not fair. The journey of life is filled with confusing, challenging and just flat out difficult seasons. With each twist and turn the question most often posed to God is ... why? Why God do you allow such pain and suffering. Why God do you allow me to experience such difficult circumstances. Throughout the ride of life, I have certainly asked my share of why questions.
A truth that we can hang our hat on is that God is for us. God is for us in life's trying times and has a purpose for them all. As I have emerged from the dark times in my life I find that I begin to see God's purposes for my life so much more clearly.
God's Word is filled with such stories; beautiful narratives of God's redeeming purposes. I think of the story of Job. A man who when all of life's joys, comforts and pleasures were ripped right out from beneath him, continued to trust that His God would not abandon him.
I think of the story of Paul. A man who gave his life to spreading the gospel to the world around him and at the same time found himself shipwrecked, hungry, beaten, and imprisoned. Through it all he remained set upon the call and purpose God had on his life.
The story of Ruth is yet another amazing story. A story of God at work in the midst of pain, confusion, and loss. A story of a young lady who travels through a very dark season, yet because of her faithfulness to do what is right, emerges experiencing God's incredible blessing.
It is as John Piper coins it, a "Sweet and Bitter Providence."
As we navigate the twists and turns of life may we see and experience God's presence and love. May we not look for reasons to explain God away, but rather see life's strangeness as a way to allow God to reveal His divine purposes for us.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Does God Want Us Happy?
Does God want us to always be happy? If so, why does He allow all the pain, negative circumstances, and trials in life? I have been asked this many times. I myself have wrestled with the notion.
John Piper does a masterful job of addressing this age old question.
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:31-31
I am thankful for a God like this.
Sacrifice
If there is one thing in this life that I attempt to avoid, it's pain and persecution. I don't know anyone that enjoys it. Unlike many in this world, we as the American Church find ourselves fairly sheltered from it. This concerns me. I am often haunted by the words of 2 Timothy 3:12, "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."
Listen to John Piper's words and consider your life of sacrifice.
To live a radical life of sacrifice for Christ is both our highest calling as well as the highest honor we can ever achieve.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10
HT to Adam.
Treasure
What is it you treasure? What are the things in life that are most important to you? We live in a culture that desires to dictate to us the things in which we should treasure. Money, cars, friends, homes, status, success, all things we fall victim to.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21
Recently I have been captivated by the words of Paul in Philippians 4:10-13.
I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
I love that Paul knew what it meant to be content. In whatever circumstances he found himself in, he was content. If he was without food, he was content. If he was in poverty, he was content. If he was experiencing wealth, he was content. He understood the secret to true contentment. Christ. It was through Christ that he was able to go through any situation and experience contentment. Christ was his treasure.
John Piper says it well in this 1031sermonjams produced video.
Satisfied with Christ
How satisfied with Christ are you? We live in a culture that tells us the end goal in life is the accumulation of stuff. We live in a relentless pursuit of more; more money, more things, more friends, more pleasure, and the list goes on.
I was challenged recently with a John Piper quote I came across while reading Francis Chan's book, Crazy Love. In asking, how in love with Christ are we, he shared the following quote.
The critical question for our generation - and for every generation - is this: If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ was not there?
When we are in love, everything in life changes. It changes the way we view our stuff, our relationships, and our priorities.
May we love Christ in a way that causes everything else in life to pale in comparison to knowing and loving Him.
The Good News of Christmas
Santa may be checking his list to see who's been naughty or nice, but the good news of Christ is that He has no list!
"whoever comes to me I will never drive away." John 6:37.
Jesus is, the Good News of Christmas.
John Piper says it well.
May you enjoy and celebrate the Christ of Christmas!
Perspective on Election Outcome
John Piper nails it with his thoughts on having a proper perspective on the election outcome. I could not agree more.
May we remember where our citizenship lies.
If "our candidate" does not get elected, may our perspective and response be Kingdom centered. May we remember that God has placed our leaders in their positions of authority (Romans 13:1). And may we live out the gospel of love, grace, and peace, and pray that God would use us, and our leaders, to bring about the Kingdom peace we all desire.
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
Think On This
When this age is over, and the countless millions of the redeemed fall on their faces before the throne of God, missions will be no more. It is a temporary necessity. But worship abides forever.
-John Piper
Think On This
"Truth without emotion produces dead orthodoxy and a church full (or half-full) of artificial admirers (like people who write generic anniversary cards for a living). On the other hand, emotion without truth produces empty frenzy and cultivates shallow people who refuse the discipline of rigorous thought. But true worship comes from people who are deeply emotional and who love deep and sound doctrine. Strong affections for God rooted in truth are the bone and marrow of biblical worship."
- John Piper
"Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." John 4:23-24
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