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Reading Recommendations: Providence.

 “Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’” (Isaiah 46:9–10 (ESV)

Today’s reading recommendation is Pastor John Piper’s book Providence. Published in 2020 by Crossway, it may be considered his Magnum Opus (great work). Dr. Piper has crafted a masterpiece of sound biblical doctrine and practical application.

John Piper is founder and lead teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. He previously served for over three decades as the pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is the author of over fifty books.  

Piper’s thesis is fourfold. First, he invites the reader “into a world of counterintuitive wonders of God’s unsearchable judgments and inscrutable ways (Rom. 11:33).

Second, he desires readers to penetrate through words into the reality of biblical truth. Like the words Trinity, Discipleship, Evangelism, Exposition, Counseling, Ethics, Politics and Charismatics, the word Providence is not found in the Scriptures. However, the doctrine or teaching certainly is according to Piper.

He defines providence as God’s purposeful sovereignty. Providence contains the idea of God’s purposeful action. He alone has the right and power to do all that He wills. “My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,” (Isaiah 46:10).

“Providence means to supply what is needed; to give sustenance or support. So in reference to God, the noun providence has come to mean the act of purposefully providing for, or sustaining and governing, the world. God sees to it that things happen in a certain way,” explains Dr. Piper.

Third, Piper wants the reader to enter into a God-centered world. “Jesus said to look at the birds because God clothes them (Matt. 6:26), and to consider the lilies because God clothes them (Matt. 6:28-30). His aim was to free His people from anxiety. He really considered it a valid argument that if our heavenly Father feeds the birds and clothes the lilies, how much more surely will He feed and clothe His children,” states Piper.

Fourth, Piper invites us to know God’s involvement in our lives is so all-embracing, pervasive and powerful. All life’s occurrences are what God designs for our glorification of Him and His sanctification and ultimate glorification of us (2 Thess.1:12).

The book is divided into three parts. Part 1 defines providence. Part 2 focuses on the ultimate goal of providence. Part 3 is on the nature and means of providence.

At 711 pages, not including a General and Scripture index, Piper’s work seems intimidating at first glance. However, the chapters have multiple subheadings containing an average of four-five paragraphs. Reading each section a day makes the reading journey much more manageable and enjoyable.

Have a blessed day. Read well!

Soli deo Gloria!

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Reading Recommendations: The Works of Jerry Bridges.

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:24–27 ESV)

There are but a handful of authors, secular or sacred, in whom I always read their books or articles. Whether for personal enjoyment, or greater knowledge and insight regarding a particular theological subject, I am never disappointed in their efforts. These include Louis L’Amour, Robert B. Parker, John MacArthur,   R. C. Sproul, J. I. Packer, the Reformers, the Puritans, J. Gresham Machen and Francis Schaeffer. Last, but certainly not least, is Jerry Bridges.

Jerry Bridges (1929-2016) was an evangelical Christian author, speaker and staff member of The Navigators; an evangelical publishing company of devotional books and Bible studies. Based in Colorado Springs, CO, the Navigators specialize in small groups and one on one mentoring.

Jerry spoke at various Bible conferences and also served as an adjunct professor at Grace Theological Seminary. It was while I was a doctoral student at Grace that I had Jerry as a professor.

Jerry’s primary and prolific contribution to the evangelical church were his many books. Winsome, witty, insightful and openly honest are some of the adjectives describing Jerry’s writing. He never shied away from the tough topics, and never lost his grounding in the inspirited and inerrant Word of God. Here is brief list of Jerry’s publications.   

My personal favorite is The Pursuit of Holiness. It was the first of Jerry’s books I bought. My reason was not exactly spiritual in purchasing it. I am a recreational runner and there was a picture of a runner on the front cover of my copy. I was     initially intrigued and as I read it, thoroughly challenged.

My wife and I have led small group studies with Jerry’s materials; particularly on the subject of Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts and Respectable Sins. Jerry’s writing always contains solid biblical doctrine balanced with practical application.

I encourage you to take up and read anything written by Jerry Bridges. You will be blessed. Read well!

Soli deo Gloria!

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Reading Recommendations: It Is Well.

“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18 (ESV)

“From time to time I’ve been asked, “Where is the cross in your church?” People look around our 1911 meeting house and find no cross there. You won’t find it in gold, silver, or wood. You won’t find it embroidered on a banner or carved in the paneling. It’s nowhere on the pulpit or on the table. Where is it? It’s there. It’s there at the heart of our church. It’s in the Bible. It’s in the sermons. It’s in the songs and the prayers. And it’s in the hearts of the people.” — Mark Dever

The preceding quotation is from the preface of It Is Well: Expositions on Substitutionary Atonement.  The book is co-authored by Pastor Mark Dever, senior pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D. C., and the President of 9Marks, and Pastor Michael Lawrence, senior pastor of Hinson Baptist Church in Portland, Oregon.

Together, these men seek to explain the purpose and meaning of the substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ on the cross. The book is a collection of meditations concerning God’s sacrifice for sinners in Christ. Their desire is for believers in Christ to re-center their life on the cross.

It Is Well, published in 2010 by Crossway, contains fourteen chapters examining various biblical truths, from both the Old and New Testaments, on the vocabulary and significance of the crucifixion of Christ. Topics include The Passover, The Day of Atonement, the meaning of Ransom, Propitiation, Justification, and the Curse of handing on a tree.

“Theological and devotional, expositional and inspirational: these are four words that will capture this excellent work on the doctrine of penal substitution,” explains Daniel L. Akin, president, Southeastern Baptist Theological

“Dever and Lawrence remind us that at the heart of Christianity is Christ, and the heart of Christ’s ministry is the cross, and the heart of the cross is penal substitution,” states Thomas R. Schreiner, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

“The theological glue that holds the gospel facts together is the substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ. Yet no concept is more unique and audacious to the Christian faith than that of a crucified Messiah and Savior. Dever and Lawrence have provided an extensive, simple, and practical guide to grasping this subject without compromising its complexity,” comments Rick Holland, Pastor, Mission Road Bible Church, Prairie Village, KS.

Have a blessed day. Read well!

Soli deo Gloria!

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Reading Recommendations: God’s Passion for His Glory.

“The emanation or communication of the divine fullness, consisting in the knowledge of God, love to him, and joy in him, has relation indeed both to God and the creature: but it has relation to God as its fountain, as the thing communicated is something of its internal fullness. The water in the stream is something of the fountain; and the beams of the sun are something of the sun. And again, they have relation to God as their object: for the knowledge communicated is the knowledge of God; and the love communicated, is the love of God; and the happiness communicated, is joy in God. In the creature’s knowing, esteeming, loving, rejoicing in, and praising God, the glory of God is both exhibited and acknowledged, his fullness is received and returned. Here is both an emanation and remanation. The refulgence shines upon and into the creature, and is reflected back to the luminary. The beams of glory come from God, are something of God, and are refunded back again to their original. So that the whole is of God, and in God, and to God; and he is the beginning, and the middle, and the end.” – Jonathan Edwards, The End for Which God Created the World

Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) is one of my heroes. He is arguably the greatest theologian America ever produced. I enjoy reading what he prolifically wrote. I also enjoy reading books about him that are prolifically written. One such publication is entitled God’s Passion for His Glory by another great American theologian; Dr. John Piper.

Published in 1998, I periodically find myself returning to its pages for refreshment and fresh insights by two men passionate for the glory of God. The first lived in the 18th century colonial America while the second lives in the 21st century Representative Republic of America. Both preached the truth, and lived, in light of the all-encompassing, eternal and holy God of heaven and earth.

God’s Passion for His Glory containstwo main sections. PART ONE is entitled A Personal Encounter with Jonathan Edwards by John Piper. It consists to four chapters: CHAPTER ONE: The End for Which God Created the World: Why Publish an Old Book? A Personal and Public Concern. CHAPTER TWO: Jonathan Edwards, The Man and His Life: Learning from an Unmodern Evangelical. CHAPTER THREE: Jonathan Edwards, A Mind in Love with God: The Private Life of a Modern Evangelical.  CHAPTER FOUR: Jonathan Edwards, Enjoying God and the Transformation of Culture; The Public Life of a Modern Evangelical.

PART TWO is a reprint of Edwards’ work The End for Which God Created the World. The book contains an introduction, and two chapters; respectively containing three and seven sections. Dr. Piper adds a preface to PART TWO entitled A Note on How to Read the End for Which God Created the World.

[The secondary teacher] should regard himself as learning from the masters along with his [students]. He should not act as if he were a primary teacher, using a great book as if it were just another textbook of the sort one of his colleagues might write. He should not masquerade as one who knows and can teach by virtue of his original discoveries. . . . The primary sources of his own knowledge should be the primary sources of learning for his students, and such a teacher functions honestly only if he does not aggrandize himself by coming between the great books and their . . . readers. He should not “come between” as a nonconductor, but he should come between as a mediator—as one who helps the less competent make more effective contacts with the best minds,” explains author Mortimer Adler, How To Read a Book.

I find it is best to read this work in brief portions. This enables the reader to thoroughly digest the magnitude of thoughts presented by both John Piper and Jonathan Edwards. There is great value in reading God’s Passion for His Glory as the secondary teacher, John Piper, brings clarity for today’s reader from the work of the primary teacher, Jonathan Edwards.

“The longer I live, the more clearly I see my dependence on those who have gone before. The more I know of what others have thought, the less original my thinking appears. I am content to have it so. For, at least in the realm of truth, the ancient Preacher does not overstate the case when he says: “There is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9),” explains Dr. Piper.

Soli deo Gloria!

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The Gospel of Matthew: Two Blind Men.

29 And as they went out of Jericho, a great crowd followed him. 30 And behold, there were two blind men sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” 31 The crowd rebuked them, telling them to be silent, but they cried out all the more, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” 32 And stopping, Jesus called them and said, “What do you want me to do for you?” 33 They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” 34 And Jesus in pity touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight and followed him.” (Matthew 20:29–34 ESV)

In the early days of Jesus’ ministry, He healed two blind men (Matt. 9:27-31). At this time, John the Baptist, while in prison, sent his disciples to inquire if Jesus was the Christ. The Lord’s response in part was the blind received their sight (11:1-5).  

Once again, Matthew recorded the healing of two blind men. However, Mark and Luke indicate there was only one; Bartimaeus, the Son Timaeus (Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-43). Is this a biblical contradiction? Many solutions are offered. The likely explanation is Mark and Luke refer to the more vocal and insistent of the two men Matthew mentioned.

The text indicates Jesus and His disciples left Jericho on their way to Jerusalem (Matt. 20:17-19). A great crowd followed them.

“Jesus will soon arrive in Jerusalem to complete His messianic work, for He has been in Jericho, located fifteen miles or so from the Holy City, about a day’s journey in first-century Judea. Leaving Jericho, Christ and His followers begin the ascent 3,000 feet up to Jerusalem, but they do not get very far before meeting two desperate men in need,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

Two blind men sat by the roadside. Presumably this was to receive alms (money) from passersby. They heard Jesus was passing their way and began to passionately cry out, shout, and even scream “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” While the crowd told them to be quiet, they cried out all the more intensely.

These blind men, one of whom is named Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46), beg Jesus to heal them, confessing Him as the “Son of David” (Matt. 20:30), a title loaded with messianic assumptions. Knowing that the Messiah is present gives them hope that He will fulfill His call to work miracles and give them sight (see Isa. 35),” states Dr. Sproul.

“Although the road from Jericho to Jerusalem was notorious for robbers, it was widely used, and larger companies (such as Jesus’) would face no threat. Jericho was one of the wealthiest cities of Judea and beggars there would not starve, but their vocation as beggars and dependents still marked them as poor and at the bottom of the socioeconomic scale—“nobodies” who were dependent on the pity of passersby. “Son of David” indicates that they acknowledge Jesus as Messiah. “Have mercy on us” could be a common cry for alms, though here they seek more,” explain commentator Craig Keener.

At that moment, Jesus stopped and asked them, “What do you want me to do for you?” They replied, “, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” It was at that precise moment “Jesus in pity touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight and followed him.”

Jesus graciously gave the two men physical sight. By following Jesus, the two men gratefully evidence spiritual sight.

Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem to accomplish the significant work God the Father had purposed for Him (John 17:1-5). However, He took the time to minister to two men who appeared to be insignificant.

“When we do the work of ministry it can be easy to get so caught up in the big plans and programs we have going that we miss the needs of certain individuals among us. As followers of Jesus, we must imitate His compassion and take the time to minister to hurting individuals even if it may sometimes get in the way of our own plans and purposes,” concludes Dr. Sproul.

What are you doing in your church to make sure people are shown compassion and are not forgotten? Have a blessed day of ministry.

Soli deo Gloria!

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The Gospel of Matthew: Ransom Thoughts.   

28 …even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28 (ESV)

“A “ransom” is a price paid to redeem a slave or a prisoner. Redemption does not involve a price paid to Satan. Rather, the ransom is offered to God—to satisfy his justice and wrath against sin. The price paid was Christ’s own life—as a blood atonement (cf. Lev. 17:11; Heb. 9:22). This, then, is the meaning of the cross: Christ subjected himself to the divine punishment against sin on our behalf (cf. Isa. 53:4–5; see note on 2 Cor. 5:21). Suffering the brunt of divine wrath in the place of sinners was the “cup” he spoke of having to drink (Matt. 20:22).” – Dr. John MacArthur

“Penal substitution—the suffering of Christ under the wrath of God in our place to pay the debt of sin we owe to our Creator—is the heart of the biblical doctrine of the atonement (Rom. 3:21–26; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24–25). Yet while penal substitution is essential to the gospel, it does not exhaust Scripture’s explanation of what Christ’s atonement accomplished. In today’s passage, for example, Jesus says that on the cross, He gave His life as a “ransom for many” (Matt. 20:20–28).” – Dr. R. C. Sproul

“The phrase “a ransom for many” is in all probability an echo of Isa. 53:11, as the entire surrounding phraseology would seem to indicate. Now in Isa. 53 the idea of substitution predominates: see verses 4, 5, 6, 8, and 12. See also Matt. 26:28. It is, of course, perfectly true that this ransom “in the place of” and “in exchange for” many immediately implies that benefit accrues to the many. The two ideas “in the place of” and “for the benefit of” blend into one. How can we even for a moment entertain the idea that a ransom “in the place of” many would not be for their benefit? Besides, the very context states in so many words that by means of this ransom the Son of man serves the many. He rescues them from the greatest possible bane, namely, the curse of God upon sin; and he bestows upon them the greatest possible boon, namely, the blessings of God for soul and body throughout all eternity.” (See Isa. 53:10; Rom. 4:25; 2 Cor. 5:20, 21; Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 1:18, 19). – Dr. William Hendriksen

“Never was there such an example of beneficence and usefulness as there was in the death of Christ, who gave his life a ransom for many. He lived as a servant, and went about doing good; but he died as a sacrifice, and in that he did the greatest good of all. He came into the world on purpose to give his life a ransom; it was first in his intention.” – Matthew Henry

“And to give His life a ransom for many. Christ mentioned His death, as we have said, in order to withdraw His disciples form the foolish imagination of an earthly kingdom. But it is a just and appropriate statement of its power and results when He declares that His life is the price of our redemption; when it follows that we obtain an undeserved reconciliation with God; the price of which is to be found nowhere else than in the death of Christ.” – John Calvin  

What fear can overtake my vision?
What doubt can overcome my faith?
What strife can silence all my singing?
Lord, Your wounds have paid my ransom.

What thief can steal my heart’s possession?
What pow’r can overwhelm my soul?
What shame can silence my confession?
Lord, Your wounds have paid my ransom.

And what unspeakable mercy has emptied heaven’s reserve?
And what Redeemer so worthy has covered sin with such love?
And what unsearchable riches, far beyond human words?
Lord, Your wounds have paid my ransom.

What lie can sever what is certain?
What storm can wash away my hope?
What threat of death can take my freedom?
Lord, Your wounds have paid my ransom.

And what unspeakable mercy has emptied heaven’s reserve?
And what Redeemer so worthy has covered sin with such love?
And what unsearchable riches, far beyond human words?
Lord, Your wounds have paid my ransom.

Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe.
Lord, Your wounds have paid my ransom.
Lord, Your wounds have paid my ransom.
Lord, Your wounds have paid my ransom.


Music and Lyrics by Phil Madiera,
Cindy Morgan, and Cliff Duren

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The Gospel of Matthew: To Serve.

28 …even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28 (ESV)

“A true leader leads by example, never asking others to do something that the leader is unwilling to do himself. He does not seek leadership in order to have power and authority over others, he leads in order to do good for other people,” states Dr. R.C. Sproul.

Jesus explicitly expressed true servant leadership. He did so not only in what He taught but also in how He lived; and especially in how He died.

Today’s text concisely summarizes Jesus earthly ministry. He did not come to earth to be just a good, moral teacher. He did not come to earth to be a political leader. He did not come to earth to a non-violent revolutionary.

In fact, the Son of Man did not come to be served. The phrase Son of Man is a Messianic title Jesus used of Himself. It was a title of His deity, His earthly mission, and His glorious return.

“It does not refer merely to his human nature or humanity, as some church fathers or contemporary scholars believe. Rather, it reflects on the heavenly origin and divine dignity of Jesus, on the mystery of his manifestation in human form, and on his earthly mission that took him to the cross and then into glory,” explains the Tyndale Bible Dictionary.

If anyone deserved to be served it was Jesus. However, He said He did not come to earth to be served but rather to serve (Mark 10:45). To be served (διακονηθῆναι; diakonethenai) means to be taken care of by someone else. To serve (διακονῆσαι; diakonesai) means to be the person who does the caring.

“This has always rightly been regarded as one of the most precious of Christ’s sayings. Note “just as,” clearly indicating that Christ’s humiliation in the place of, and for the benefit of, his people, must be both their example and their motivation. He is “the Son of man,” the fulfilment of the prophecy of Dan. 7:14,” states Dr. William Hendriksen.

“In himself and from all eternity he is the all-glorious One. Yet he humbles himself. He becomes incarnate, and this not with the purpose of being served but of serving.”

Jesus’ ultimate service was giving His life as a ransom for many. Ransom (λύτρον; lytron) is the means by which a release or deliverance is possible. It is the price of release for someone under the control of another.

“The term refers to the price paid to deliver someone from slavery or imprisonment. The price of freedom from sin and condemnation is Jesus’ life, given for us (I Peter 1:18-19). Since the elect are ransomed from the wrath of God, the ransom was offered to God Himself. Jesus drinks the cup of God’s wrath (vs. 23) not for His own sins but as the means of ransoming many,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

As one pastor explains, “Christians are servant-leaders because that is how their Master operates. He came to serve and give His life “as a ransom for many” (v. 28). Certainly, we cannot give our lives for others precisely as Jesus did since we cannot atone for sin. Yet we can imitate Christ’s service by not clutching tightly to any “rights” we think are ours, letting them go for the sake of another’s good. Like Jesus, we are able to see others as friends, not worthless subjects (John 15:13–15). We are not to think ourselves above “menial” tasks (13:1–17). Whatever it may look like in our lives, the only way to be great is to put the needs of others above our own.”

Soli deo Gloria!

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The Gospel of Matthew: True Greatness.

24 And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave,” Matthew 20:24–27 ESV)

Jesus’ response to James, John and the rest of the disciples was clear regarding greatness in the kingdom of heaven. It is the path of suffering. Jesus said to them, “You will drink my cup.” The metaphor of the “cup” represents not only the outpouring of God the Father’s wrath (Psalm 75:8; Isaiah 51:17, 22; Jeremiah 25:15-16), but also identification with Jesus Christ and His sufferings (Acts 9:4-5; Colossians 1:24; I Peter 2:21).   

“Charles Simeon was pastor of Trinity Church in Cambridge, England, for fifty-four years. But the members of the church opposed him and locked the pews of the church so that for the first ten years of his ministry, those who attended worship services would have to stand or sit in the aisles or along the back of the sanctuary. Yet Simeon faithfully ministered during that time to those who came,” explains Pastor Dr. William Barcley.

In his biography of Simeon, H.C.G. Moule records Simeon’s thoughts on enduring his ordeal and the outcome: “In this state I saw no remedy but faith and patience. . . . It was most painful indeed to see the church, with the exception of the aisles, almost forsaken; but I thought that if God would only give a double blessing to the congregation that did attend, there would on the whole be as much good done as if the congregation were doubled and the blessing limited to only half the amount. This comforted me many, many times, when without such a reflection, I should have sunk under my burden.”

There are those who suppose true greatness comes from unlimited power and position. These are individuals who are quick to speak of their hard work, their long hours of toil and exalted position and productivity. They want everyone to know how truly great they are. The want recognition and reward; much like James and John.

As expected, the remaining ten disciples were indignant at the two brothers. To be indignant (ἠγανάκτησαν; eganektesan) means to be angry at what is judged to be wrong. James and John’s fellow disciples believed the brother’s request was wrong. By His response, so did Jesus.

“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave,”

“To seek one’s greatness and power, Jesus tells us, is at odds with kingdom values (Matt. 20:25–28). Gentiles lord their authority over one another, a reference to the Roman system where humility was a vice and might was always right. On the other hand, God’s children serve one another. Greatness is found in putting others first and in seeking the welfare of others above one’s own (see Phil. 2:1–11).” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

John Chrysostom comments, “Loving the first place is not fitting to us, even though it may be among the nations. Such a passion becomes a tyrant. It continually hinders even great men” (Homilies on the Gospel of Saint Matthew, 65.4). In the kingdom, the last are first and the first are last (Matt. 20:16).”

“A true leader leads by example, never asking others to do something that the leader is unwilling to do himself. He does not seek leadership in order to have power and authority over others, he leads in order to do good for other people,” states Dr. Sproul.

“Is the leadership function you perform, no matter how large or small it might be, characterized by such service?”  

Soli deo Gloria!