FAVORITE QUOTES OF THE WEEK

5/15/23

If Jesus is not everything to you, He is nothing to you. Steven Lawson
The Bible teaches that the church is a family, God’s family and ours. In the church, then, we must let ourselves be transparent and accountable to others (Heb 3:13), like in healthy families. We don’t just ‘attend’ church. Tim Keller
We all need to find gracious, wise, older fathers and mothers in the faith and listen to them, observe them, and imitate their love, courage, gentleness, patience, and humility. Burk Parsons
For the believer, our last day will be our best day, because it will be our first day with Jesus. Steven Lawson
If God did not ordain all things, He would not be sovereign over all things. And if He is not sovereign over all things, then He is not God at all. R.C. Sproul
The gospel: Jesus died, so we wouldn’t. Jesus rose, so we would too. Paul Tripp
We must never cease to pray for our children until they cease to breathe. No case is hopeless while Jesus lives. Charles Spurgeon
We know our best days are all ahead of us. We know that death isn’t the end of the best time of our life; it’s the start of it. Alistair Begg
Prayer is never about asking God to submit his awesome power to your will and plan; prayer is an act of personal submission to the always-right will of God. Paul Tripp

5/1/23

God doesn’t give us hypothetical grace in lifetime supply. He gives us what we need today—one day at a time. Tim Keller
Unless we silence sin, sin will silence our consciences. Unless we heed God’s word, the day may come when we despise God’s Son—and then God will have nothing more to say to us. Sinclair Ferguson
It’s true, Jesus was a friend of sinners, and because he was a true friend, he called those friends to repent and believe. Burk Parsons
We don’t worship in order to get right with God but because God has declared us right with himself in Christ. Thus, we cannot help but worship. Burk Parsons
Every test and trial, every storm in life is another opportunity for you to see the glory of Jesus Christ and discover his power in your life. Sinclair Ferguson
You can love without agreeing with someone. You can disagree without hating them. Tim Keller
If I’m growing in grace, that means I’m becoming more bothered by my offenses than I am by yours. Scott Sauls
The first, second, and third characteristics of a maturing Christian is humility. Burk Parsons
When God writes our names in the “Lamb’s Book of Life,” He doesn’t do it with an eraser handy. He does it for eternity. R.C. Sproul

4/17/23

Our sins are many, but His mercies are more: our sins are great, but His righteousness is greater: we are weak, but He is power. John Newton
Half our fears arise from neglect of the Bible. Charles Spurgeon
We too often ask the Lord to change our circumstances rather than asking him to change us so that we can find joy in any circumstance. Albert Mohler
In Christ a wonderful exchange took place. He became what He was not, a condemned criminal, in order that we might become what we are not, men declared righteous and justified in the sight of God. Sinclair Ferguson
Prayers are always to be requests made in humility and submission to the Father’s will. R.C. Sproul
You can tell your faith is real when the Holy Spirit pricks your conscience you bleed repentance. Burk Parsons
Be killing sin or it will be killing you. John Owen
True maturity does not mean repenting less. It means repenting more, and also more quickly. Scott Sauls
Everything bad, sad, and broken has an expiration date. Scotty Smith

4/3/23

We can be sure our prayers are answered precisely in the way we would want them to be answered if we knew everything God knows. Tim Keller
Grace is only given to those who know they are beggars. Beggars only know they’re beggars because grace is given to them. Burk Parsons
The gospel is not just the ABC of the Christian life but the A to Z of the Christian life. Tim Keller
Salvation is something that God does in us and for us, not something that we in any way do for ourselves. R.C. Sproul
A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t. Charles Spurgeon
The God of the Bible takes our misery and suffering so seriously that he was willing to take it on himself. Tim Keller
Prayer must not be our intermittent work but our daily business, our habit and vocation. Charles Spurgeon
Weekly, normative, ordinary-means-of-grace gathered worship on the Lord’s Day is one of the more extraordinary and radical things in the world. Burk Parsons
Though I am not what I ought to be, nor what I wish to be, nor what I hope to be, I can truly say, I am not what I once was. John Newton

3/13/23

Each of us is leaving a legacy. Every day we are adding something to the portrait of our lives, and eventually what we leave behind—our decisions, our contributions, our priorities—will remain, at least for a time, for others to reflect upon and consider. Alistair Begg
The same God who directs the earth in its orbit, who feeds the burning furnace of the sun, and trims the lamps of heaven has promised to supply you with daily strength. Charles Spurgeon
One of the greatest enemies of true Christianity is “spirituality.” People believe themselves to be good with God because they say “I’m a spiritual person.” Everyone is a spiritual person. The question is: Of which spirit are you—Christ or Satan? Burk Parsons
The sinner can no more raise himself from the deadness of sin than Lazarus, who had been dead four days until Jesus came. George Whitefield
We cannot see an hour before us, but the Lord Jesus will lead us even to our journey’s end. Charles Spurgeon
The issue on which everything hangs is not whether or not you like Jesus’ teaching but whether or not he rose from the dead. Tim Keller
There is more mercy in Christ than sin in us. Richard Sibbes
His mercy is so great that it forgives great sins to great sinners after great lengths of time and then gives great favors and great privileges and raises us up to great enjoyments in the great heaven of the great God. Charles Spurgeon
We don’t believe in the power of prayer. We believe in the power of God, and that’s why we pray. Burk Parsons

2/20/23

We are righteous by virtue of God’s imputing to us the righteousness of Christ. R.C. Sproul
We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased. C.S. Lewis
One man with God on his side is in the majority. Charles Spurgeon
He who has Christ has all he needs and needs no more. Jonathan Edwards
When our lives are united to Christ through faith, we have the assurance that our best days are always ahead of us and never behind us. Scott Sauls
Christ went more readily to the cross than we do to the throne of grace. Thomas Watson
Whatever your heart clings to and confides in, that is really your God. Martin Luther
The more you trust him, the better you will love him. John Newton
Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less. C.S. Lewis

2/6/23

No matter how much power you acquire, your hope in life and death is still found in the power of God. Paul Tripp
His mercy is so great that it forgives great sins to great sinners after great lengths of time and then gives great favors and great privileges and raises us up to great enjoyments in the great heaven of the great God. Charles Spurgeon
If your knowledge of doctrine does not make you a great man of prayer, you had better examine yourself again. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
There is ultimately no such thing as unanswered prayer. If the answer at first is “no” or “not yet,” it is because he gives us what we want in ways better than we asked. Tim Keller
God has not called you to be awesome. He has called you to be humble, faithful, and free. Leave the awesome to him. Scott Sauls
Jesus said I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. There is no expiration date on that promise. So never panic. Tim Keller
Christians know that an ounce of contentment is more valuable than a ton of gold. Charles Spurgeon
If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. If you look at God you’ll be at rest. Corrie ten Boom
You should not begin to pray for all you want until you realize that in God you have all you need. Tim Keller

1/23/23

The church is not a museum for pristine saints, but a hospital ward for broken sinners. Tim Keller
Earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can. John Wesley
My job is faithfulness. God’s job is fruitfulness. John Piper
Every hour of every day, God is richly blessing us; both when we sleep and when we wake His mercy waits upon us. Charles Spurgeon
Heaven will be full of thankful people asking, “Why me, Lord?” Hell will be full of people demanding fairness. Burk Parsons
Do all the good you can, to all the people you can, in all the ways you can, as long as you can. D.L. Moody
God treated Christ on the cross as if He had lived my life, so He could treat me as if I had lived His life. That’s the beautiful glory of the gospel. John MacArthur
When we focus on self, we see nothing. When we focus on others, we see the specks in their eyes. When we focus on Christ, we see the logs in our own eyes. Burk Parsons
The truth is that more spiritual progress is made through failure and tears than success and laughter. Alistair Begg

1/9/23

Forgiveness is a form of voluntary suffering. In forgiving, rather than retaliating, you make a choice to bear the cost. Tim Keller
Those who make laws around God’s laws may seem really conservative but are in fact liberal, going beyond Scripture, binding consciences, making their traditions as if they are the Word of God. Legalists always seem conservative, but they’re actually liberal. Burk Parsons
Jesus cannot simply be liked–you either must reject him utterly, or crown Him King of your life. Tim Keller
Money, itself, may not be your idol. But what you put your money towards most readily and most eagerly can show you what your true idols are. Tim Keller
Real spiritual friendship is eagerly helping one another know, serve, love, and resemble God in deeper and deeper ways. Tim Keller
We don’t produce good works in order to acquire God’s love but because we have his love. We obey, not in order to obtain God’s salvation, but because God has saved us. Dan Doriani
The sovereignty of God is the one impregnable rock to which the suffering human heart must cling. Jerry Bridges
If you don’t believe in God’s wrath, you can never really understand God’s love. Burk Parsons
In the first commandment we discover that the essence of sin is– not just that we want bad things but that we make good things into ultimate things. Tim Keller

12/5/22

Our character must matter more to us than our reputation. We must learn to love the light, even when it exposes the darkness in us. Scott Sauls
People are messy; therefore, relationships will be messy. Expect messiness–and that’s why no one can expect lasting marriages, friendship, or communities without knowing how to give and receive forgiveness. Tim Keller
No one can enter the kingdom of God without repentance, without fleeing from sin and putting his trust in Christ alone. R.C. Sproul
Union with Christ is the essence of the Christian life. Gabe Fluhrer
Shallow theology leads to shallow faith, shallow preaching, and shallow worship, but the deeper we go in theology, the deeper our faith, the deeper the preaching, the deeper our worship, the deeper our reverence, the deeper our joy, and the higher our praises. Burk Parsons
The greatest act of mercy that God performs is giving the gift of faith. R.C. Sproul
The love of God, when internalized and felt, frees us from any need to be noticed, to make a name for ourselves, to find significance through achievement and advancement or from leading and influencing others. Scott Sauls
We often presume what God won’t do and, thus, never ask him. Burk Parsons
What you do today is shaped by what you believe about tomorrow. Tim Keller

11/14/22

One of our greatest sins is being impatient with God, not trusting our sovereign God to do things according to his own perfect plan and in his own time. Burk Parsons
The basic purpose of prayer is not to bend God’s will to mine, but to mold my will into his. Tim Keller
The more you know about Christ, the less will you be satisfied with superficial views of Him. Charles Spurgeon
Everything is needful that He sends; nothing can be needful that He withholds. John Newton
Success and suffering will either darken your heart or make you wise, but they won’t leave you where you were. It depends on how you respond to them. Tim Keller
Saying you’re a new kind of Christian with a new kind of Christianity is basically saying you’re an old kind of heretic. Burk Parsons
Sin is not simply doing bad things; it is putting good things in the place of God. Tim Keller
Your Lord doesn’t just want to rule your mind, he also wants to rule the thoughts, desires, hopes and dreams of your heart. Paul Tripp
We are all servants. The only question is whom we will serve. R.C. Sproul

10/17/22

You can’t love Jesus and divorce yourself from his bride. If you truly love Jesus, you’ll love his church and love to worship with the church. Burk Parsons
Grace guarantees that God will love you even on your worst, most rebellious, self-oriented day. His love was purchased for you, not earned by you. Paul Tripp
All places are places of worship to a Christian. Wherever he is, he ought to be in a worshiping frame of mind. Charles Spurgeon
If we believe in God only when he is doing great things for us, we are not really serving him; we are only using him. Tim Keller
We should be careful about the words of the music we sing and ensure that those words communicate truth. C. Sproul
Christianity isn’t true because it’s relevant. It’s relevant because it’s true. Tim Keller
Often when we partake of the Lord’s Supper, we wallow in the mire of shame and sadness remembering ourselves and our sins rather than rejoicing with joy remembering Jesus who took our sins and nailed them to the cross. Burk Parsons
In justification we become righteous in the sight of God by means of the cloak of Christ’s righteousness. R.C. Sproul
We don’t repent to get God to love us, we repent because God loves us. Burk Parsons

10/3/22

We too often worry about tomorrow because our focus is on tomorrow and not on our God who is sovereign over tomorrow. Burk Parsons
Just because you can’t see or imagine a good reason why God might allow something to happen doesn’t mean there can’t be one. This is one of the hardest truths to hold while suffering. Tim Keller
As I stand in God’s presence and He looks at me, I hear Him say: “Where have I seen that righteousness before? Come near. I recognize it now. That is My Son’s righteousness you are wearing. Enter! You are welcome—and safe—here.’” Sinclair Ferguson
The gospel isn’t a summons to work harder to reach God, it’s the story of how God sovereignly worked all things together to reach you. Burk Parsons
The more times we are in narrow straits, and we see God bring us through, the more peace and courage we will have as time goes on. Tim Keller
The world wants us Christians to affirm every religious belief except our own. Burk Parsons
God doesn’t give us hypothetical grace in lifetime supply. He gives us what we need today—one day at a time. Tim Keller
No matter how deep our darkness, he is deeper still. Corrie ten Boom
The LORD will receive my prayer. He will accept it, think of it, and grant it in the way and time which his loving wisdom judges to be best. Charles Spurgeon
May our passion for Christ always be greater than our passion for an easy and comfortable life. Burk Parsons

9/19/22

Trauma is perhaps the greatest mission field of the 21st century. Diane Langberg
Everything is needful that he sends; nothing can be needful that he withholds. John Newton
The church isn’t full of hypocrites. Christians aren’t hypocrites, we’re repentant sinners. And when we act hypocritically, we repent of that as well. Jesus rebuked hypocrites and said they’re headed for hell. Christians know we’re sinners, and hypocrites pretend they’re not. Burk Parsons
People in awe never complain that church is boring. R C. Sproul
Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, to all the souls you can, in every place you can, at all the times you can, with all the zeal you can, every time you can. John Wesley
Grace is not something we earn or deserve. It’s not something we muster up from within. It’s something that must be given to us by God. Burk Parsons
At the end of the day, when we put our heads down on the pillow, we know that our ultimate hope, ultimate help, and ultimate encouragement is found only in Jesus Christ. Burk Parsons
Jesus may ask of you far more than you planned to give, but He can give to you infinitely more than you dared ask or think. Tim Keller
Christ is not valued at all unless He be valued above all. Augustine

8/22/22

For the Christian, every Lord’s Day is to be a celebration of the resurrection of Christ. R.C. Sproul
Humility and gratefulness are the closest companions, and entitlement is their greatest enemy. Burk Parsons
To pray “in Jesus’ name” isn’t a magic phrase. It is a declaration of humility as we approach God confidently only on the basis of Christ’s life and work. Tim Keller
Our worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God’s grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God’s grace. Preach the gospel to yourself every day. Jerry Bridges
Jesus took the tree of death so you could have the tree of life. Tim Keller
In times of trouble, one way to defeat fear or discouragement is to focus your thoughts on how best to minister to the spiritual and physical needs of others. Paul Tripp
Truth doesn’t have to try to be cool or popular. Burk Parsons
We may weaken in our pursuit of God, but God’s grace won’t weaken in its pursuit of us. Paul Tripp
Everyone believes in God, but not everyone believes God. If you only believe in God but don’t believe God you don’t know God. Burk Parsons

8/1/22

The joy of heaven will be that much sweeter to us not in spite of the fact that we suffered, but because of the fact that we suffered. Scott Sauls
It’s true, Jesus was a friend of sinners, and because he was a true friend, he called those friends to repent and believe. Burk Parsons
If we identify as Christian but experience little criticism or opposition for our faith, a serious gut check is in order. Scott Sauls
Satan is a lion (1 Pet. 5:8). Jesus is a lion (Rev. 5:5). One is on a leash. The other is on the throne. Matt Smethurst
One of the greatest characteristics I most admire in a man is empathetic kindness, particularly kindness that is authentically shown to others who cannot do anything for him in return. Burk Parsons
Prayer is how the loves of our heart are re-ordered so we love God first and everything else second. Tim Keller
A man who says “I’m not going to die on that hill” but never fights on any hill is not a man you can trust to fight for anything that really matters. Burk Parsons
Christian talk, if not accompanied by a Christ-like walk, will get us nowhere. Scott Sauls
A crowd of people in a building isn’t necessarily a community. Real community exists where we don’t need to wear masks, where true friends bear our burdens, and where we can confess our biggest sins and our church family still loves us. Burk Parsons

7/18/22

If salvation, A to Z, is God’s doing, his calling, his plan, his action and his work, then he deserves all the glory, all the time. Tim Keller
Christians don’t actually believe in the power of prayer – we believe in the power of God, and that is why we pray. Burk Parsons
Suffering can refine us rather than destroy us because God himself walks with us in the fire. Tim Keller
The best way to love someone is to serve their best interest, even at your own expense. Tim Keller
When truth gets into a hymnbook, it becomes the confident possession of the whole church. Sinclair Ferguson
Evangelism isn’t a fish on your car, a cross around your neck, or your personal testimony. It’s not counsel, advice, or inspirational therapy. It’s telling people the good news about all God has accomplished through Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. Burk Parsons
I’m not afraid of failure; I’m afraid of succeeding at things that don’t matter. William Carey
You will not always understand why God brings something into your life, what you can understand is that he is wise, loving, good, kind and full of grace. Paul Tripp
We should let Scripture interpret us more than we interpret Scripture. Tim Keller

7/4/22

If Jesus didn’t think he could handle life without knowing the Scripture inside and out, what makes you think you can? Tim Keller
There is a difference between accountability and suspicion. Accountability happens between friends and is done in a spirit of love. Suspicion involves enemies and is done in a spirit of resentment. Daniel Darling
We tend to demonize the opposite group of people or thing of what we idolize. Tim Keller
If God, in Christ, took care of your past and guaranteed your future, you can rest assured he will take care of you right here, right now. Paul Tripp
Jesus didn’t die for us because we were lovely; He died to make us lovely. Tim Keller
I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer. Martin Luther
If anything becomes more fundamental than God to your happiness, meaning of life, and identity then it is an idol. Tim Keller
When we behold the face of God, all memories of pain and suffering will vanish. Our souls will be totally healed. R.C. Sproul
There is ultimately no such thing as unanswered prayer. If the answer at first is “no” or “not yet,” it is because he gives us what we want in ways better than we asked. Tim Keller

5/23/22

What if consistent, rich fellowship with Jesus would segue into our being more humble, kind, and less critical of others; and more generous with encouragement, our time and possessions? It most certainly will. Scotty Smith
Christians know that an ounce of contentment is more valuable than a ton of gold. Charles Spurgeon
Jesus says the infallible test of spiritual integrity is your private prayer life. Tim Keller
If reading the Bible causes me to scrutinize others more than I scrutinize myself, then I am not reading the Bible correctly. Scott Sauls
Here is a word for you, believer; rest in it. Be sure that God will be your counselor and friend; He will guide you; He will direct all your ways. Charles Spurgeon
Suffering awakens us out of our haunted sleep of spiritual self-sufficiency into a serious search for the divine. Tim Keller
Let us be more bothered by our sin than our suffering. Burk Parsons
Our greatest motive for surrendering to him cannot be what he will do in us. It must be to love him for what he did for us. Tim Keller
If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you’ll be at rest. Corrie ten Boom

5/9/22

Think more on God’s love towards you than your love towards Him. Michael Reeves
Remember today that when your life seems completely out of control, it still sits under the wise, holy and good control of your Heavenly Father. Paul Tripp
We don’t repent in order to get God to love us, we repent because God loves us. Burk Parsons
Be thankful, believer, that even in the deepest valleys of life, you will never, ever again walk alone. Paul Tripp
It’s hard to throw rocks at anybody if our hands are already holding a basin and towel for washing their feet. Scotty Smith
In Jesus, our judgment day was moved from the future to the past. Scott Sauls
Prayer is the daily surrender of our perceived control over our lives. Burk Parsons
There is ultimately no such thing as unanswered prayer. If the answer at first is “no” or “not yet,” it is because he gives us what we want in ways better than we asked. Tim Keller
Your prayers are filed in heaven, and if not immediately answered they are certainly not forgotten, but in a little while they will be fulfilled to your delight and satisfaction. Do not allow despair to make you silent, but continue to present your requests to God. Charles Spurgeon

4/25/22

Every new generation must find ways to communicate the gospel clearly and strikingly, distinguishing it from its opposites and counterfeits. Tim Keller
The most crucial mark of a Christian is humility. Humility is the foundation of all other virtues. Burk Parsons
When we get to heaven, we’ll see that God has answered all of our prayers in the way that is best. Kevin DeYoung
The only thing of my very own which I contribute to my redemption is the sin from which I need to be redeemed. Sinclair Ferguson
The more we mature in our love for Christ, the more we pray for his return on good days, and not just on bad days. Burk Parsons
Our sovereign God delights to use our humble prayers. There’s no formula, just our generous and faithful Father. Scotty Smith
Jesus cannot simply be liked–you either must reject him utterly or crown Him King of your life. Tim Keller
Saying you’re a new kind of Christian with a new kind of Christianity is basically saying you’re an old kind of heretic. Burk Parsons
The world is changing. The gospel isn’t. Burk Parsons

4/4/22

We want the storyline of our lives to go from strength to strength, from success to success, and end happily ever after. But throughout the Bible we see something completely different — a persistent narrative pattern of life through death or triumph through weakness. Tim Keller
If we feel more righteous as we read the Bible, we are misreading it; we are missing its central message. We are reading and using the Bible rightly only when it humbles us, critiques us, and encourages us with God’s love and grace despite our flaws. Tim Keller
We are saved by faith alone (apart from good works) but not by a faith that remains alone (i.e. without producing good works.) Tim Keller
The gospel says you are more sinful and flawed than you ever dared believe, but more accepted and loved than you ever dared hope. Tim Keller
Theology is not simply the pursuit of knowledge about God, it’s the pursuit of God himself. The more we know about God the more we know God and the more we’re able to worship and glorify God as God. Burk Parsons
What a man is on his knees before God, that he is – and nothing more. Robert Murray M’Cheyne
The real Jesus requires more from you than you ever thought, but offers and gives more to you than you ever imagined. Tim Keller
One man with God is always a majority. John Knox
Being cool, good-looking, full of charisma, entertaining, and a great communicator who can tell the best ear-tickling stories aren’t biblical qualifications for pastors, but sadly those qualifications are what many churches are looking for today. Burk Parsons

3/7/22

Trusting God in suffering also glorifies him to others. Tim Keller
Sin is not just the doing of bad things but the making of good things into ultimate things. It is seeking to establish a sense of self by making something else more central to your significance, purpose and happiness than your relationship to God. Tim Keller
How unspeakably wonderful to know that all our concerns are held in hands that bled for us. John Newton
The founders of every major religion said, “I’ll show you how to find God.” Jesus said, “I am God who has come to find you.” Tim Keller
For every one look at yourself, take ten looks at Christ. Robert Murray McCheyne
The Gospel is not only the way to enter God’s kingdom; it is also the way to live and grow and serve as part of God’s kingdom. Tim Keller
If you have a small view of your sin, God’s grace will seem small to you. (You will think you don’t really need it.) If you have a small view of God’s grace, even a glimpse of your flaws can bring despair. (You will think them too much to bear.) Tim Keller
We don’t believe in the power of prayer. We believe in the power of God, and that’s why we pray. Burk Parsons
Pride is the carbon monoxide of sin. It silently and slowly kills you without you even knowing. Tim Keller

2/14/22

We are more sinful and flawed than we ever dared believe, yet more loved and accepted in Jesus than we ever dared hope. Tim Keller
Repentance is a characteristic of the whole life, not the action of a single moment. Sinclair Ferguson
Kneeling in time of prayer is a sign of humility. John Calvin
Had Jesus come with a sword to destroy all evil–there would have been no one left afterwards. Instead, he came not with a sword in his hands, but with nails in his hands. He came not to bring judgment but to bear it. Tim Keller
May his mercies give you hope when things around you don’t seem hopeful. Paul Tripp
At the core of our faith lies this belief that almighty God humbled Himself to serve us and die for us. At the root of our calling is a command to imitate Him by serving one another. Francis Chan
You don’t have to struggle to find your way in life, because God’s Word provides you with the ultimate road map, so that by his grace, you may be what you were designed to be, do what you were created to do and go where he wants you to go. Paul Tripp
The gospel isn’t advice, instructions, threats, or warnings. It isn’t our response to the gospel: not our repentance, faith, or obedience. It’s not our story or our testimony. It is the good news of victory of all God has accomplished for us through Christ by the Spirit. Burk Parsons
Prayer is resting in God as your Father as you surrender to him as your King. Paul Tripp

1/28/22

Christianity is not about your best life now, it’s about eternal life forever. H.B. Charles Jr.
There is no way to know who you really are until you’ve been tested. Tim Keller
The Spirit does not add new information about Jesus. He simply opens our eyes to see who He really is. Sinclair Ferguson
The question is not, “Why is there only one way to God?”, but “Why is there even one way?” R.C. Sproul
There is ultimately no such thing as unanswered prayer. If the answer at first is “no” or “not yet”, it is because he gives us what we want in ways better than we asked. Tim Keller
We are secure, not because we hold tightly to Jesus, but because He holds tightly to us. R.C. Sproul
Those who think spiritual warfare is a joke haven’t yet entered the battle. Burk Parsons
Faith is nourished on the grace and graciousness of Jesus Christ. Sinclair Ferguson
Christian marriage does not offer a choice between fulfillment and sacrifice but mutual fulfillment thru mutual sacrifice. Tim Keller

12/27/21

Whatever circumstance you are in, the one who called you there is there with you, controlling, guiding, protecting, comforting, convicting, encouraging and providing. Paul Tripp
Resolved, never to lose one moment of time, but to improve it in the most profitable way I possibly can. Jonathan Edwards
The chief purpose of prayer is not to bend God‘s will to ours, but to bend our will to his. Scott Sauls
We have no idea of our legacy until the Lord says ‘well done.’ Os Guinness
The heart of prayer is not communicating your needs, but rather submitting your soul to the wisdom, power, love and rule of your Heavenly Father. Paul Tripp
In the end, we love people into belief. We do not argue them into belief. Tim Keller
In mundane everyday moments we should remind ourselves that God is with us even in the smallest, seemingly unimportant moments, fulfilling his promises and advancing his work of grace. Paul Tripp
The older I get, the more I want to sing my faith and get others singing with me. Theology is for doxology. Theologies that cannot be sung (or prayed for that matter), are certainly wrong at a deep level. I. Packer
At the cross, Jesus wore our filthy rags of sin so that we could be dressed in His spotless robes of righteousness. Steven Lawson

12/6/21

You are underqualified for the job of being master and commander of your own life. So is every other human being as well. Tim Keller
When life presses in on you, remind yourself of the words of your Lord, “All power is given to me in heaven and on earth and behold, I am with you always.” Paul Tripp
I am profoundly grateful to God that He did not grant me certain things for which I asked, and that He shut doors in my face. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
The basic purpose of prayer is not to bend God’s will to mine, but to mold my will into His. Tim Keller
Religion does not consist in doing great things, for which few of us have frequent opportunities, but in doing the little necessary things of daily occurrence with a cheerful spirit, as to the Lord. John Newton
God’s sovereign and loving care frees us from the burden of all the “what if’s” and “if onlys” that would otherwise haunt us. Paul Tripp
Evangelism isn’t a fish on your car, a cross around your neck, or your personal testimony. Evangelism is proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. Burk Parsons
Men who delight in God desire or ask for nothing but what will please God. Charles Spurgeon
You will never be smarter than God, your plan for your life will never be better than God’s plan for you, what you want for you will never better than what your Savior has died to give you. Paul Tripp
If we were God, we wouldn’t save adulterers and murderers like David, religious terrorists like Paul, doubters like Thomas, deniers like Peter, or wretched sinners like you and me. Burk Parsons

11/15/21

God’s gift of his Son is your eternal guarantee that he will provide everything you need between the “already” and the “not yet.” Paul Tripp
Do you realize that it is only in the gospel of Jesus Christ that you get the verdict before the performance? Tim Keller
Our calling, shared with every Christian, is to see how and where and to whom we can serve as bondservants. Sinclair Ferguson
Religion: I obey God in order to get things from God. Gospel: I obey God to get God –to see his beauty only. Tim Keller
Our sins are many, but His mercies are more: our sins are great, but His righteousness is greater: we are weak, but He is power. John Newton
When we focus on self, we see nothing. When we focus on others, we see the specks in their eyes. When we focus on Christ, we see the logs in our own eyes. Burk Parsons
The sabbath is about restoring the diminished. It’s about replenishing the drained. It’s about repairing the broken. It’s NOT just an off day. Tim Keller
To pray “in Jesus’ name” isn’t a magic phrase. It is a declaration of humility as we approach God because of His life and work. Tim Keller
The real test that I believe that God is love is that tragedies don’t separate me from the conviction that God is love. Sinclair Ferguson

10/25/21

Grace means your life will end in victory, no matter how many defeats you’ve had along the way. Paul Tripp
No man can do me a truer kindness in this world than pray for me. Charles Spurgeon
Grace means that when God asks you to wait, waiting is not just about what you will get at the end of the wait, but what you will become as you wait. Paul Tripp
No man was ever sorry that he served the Lord. No man ever said at the end of his days, “I have read my Bible too much, I have thought of God too much, I have prayed too much, I have been too concerned about my soul.” Oh, no! C. Ryle
Many of our idols are good things that have become dangerous things because they have become ruling things. Paul Tripp
When you offer critique, do so gently. When you offer encouragement, do so fiercely. Scott Sauls
As a result of grace, your identity is rooted in the achievements of another. Your hope is not based on how well you are doing, but on what Jesus has done for you. Paul Tripp
Joy isn’t the absence of sadness, it’s the presence of the Holy Spirit. Burk Parsons
When Satan tells me I am a sinner he comforts me immeasurably, since Christ died for sinners. Martin Luther

10/11/21

If Jesus was really, bodily raised from the dead according to the Scriptures, then evil and injustice will be vanquished forever— and death and suffering banished forever. Everything will be all right. Tim Keller
A good reminder: The church is primarily a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints. Tim Keller
The genius of the divine salvation by faith is that in it we are personally, actively united to Jesus Christ, but in a way that contributes nothing to His work. Sinclair Ferguson
We must strive to hold ourselves accountable to practice forgiveness and reconciliation. Our mutual love for one another is how the world will see who Jesus is. Tim Keller
If Christ be anything, He must be everything. Charles Spurgeon
Grace means that the Spirit carries your groanings to the Father, in those distressful moments when you do not know how to pray. Paul Tripp
We should habitually seek out others who know more than we do about a subject and learn from them. We should have an entire life marked by being teachable rather than opinionated. Tim Keller
Everyone believes in God, but not everyone believes God. If you only believe in God but don’t believe God you don’t know God. Burk Parsons
The more we look at Christ, the more there is to see. Charles Spurgeon

9/27/21

You are not able to keep a thought from occurring in you, but you don’t have to entertain it either. Tim Keller
Grace means you don’t have to be paralyzed by past regrets. Paul Tripp
God’s grace virtually never operates on our time frame, on a schedule we consider reasonable. He does not follow our agendas or schedules. Tim Keller
It is Jesus’ own righteousness, His performance and not my performance, that is the grounds of my justification. R.C. Sproul
Grace means God will take the very bad things you’re experiencing and produce out of them very good things. Paul Tripp
Self-deception is not the worst thing you can do, but it’s the means by which we do the very worst things. The sin that is most distorting your life right now is often the one you can’t see. Tim Keller
Every time you leave your place of comfort and enter into the suffering of another, you are living and loving as God. A healing touch to the least, He says, is a healing touch to the Highest. Diane Langberg
At the cross, Jesus redeemed sinners. Reconciled rebels. Appeased God. Expiated sin. Purchased forgiveness. Won righteousness. Defeated Satan. Steven Lawson
We are all servants. The only question is whom we will serve. R.C. Sproul

9/13/21

They lose nothing who gain Christ. Samuel Rutherford
Weekly, normative, ordinary means of grace gathered worship is one of the more extraordinary things in the world. Burk Parsons
Remember this in the face of the failure of others. The cross levels the playing field. We are all the same, sinners in desperate need of forgiveness. Paul Tripp
Christians need to be neither quick to criticize nor afraid to confront. Tim Keller
If Christ is the solid rock on which you stand, you don’t have to be constantly worrying about sinking sand. Paul Tripp
Generally speaking, those areas in our character about which we become most defensive are also the areas that need the most work. Scott Sauls
The most crucial mark of a Christian is humility. Burk Parsons
I want people to love the Lord, not just for what He does for them, but for who He is. R.C. Sproul
Relationships are costly. Whatever it will cost you to be with God is nothing compared to what it cost Him to be with you. Tim Keller

8/30/21

The only thing of my very own which I contribute to my redemption is the sin from which I need to be redeemed. Sinclair Ferguson
You are more sinful than you could dare imagine and you are more loved and accepted than you could ever dare to hope. Tim Keller
In heaven, I don’t know if all our questions will be answered, but it seems to me that once we see Jesus face to face, we won’t feel the need to ask many questions. Burk Parsons
More often than not, the reason your life is out of control is because you’re afraid of giving control of your life to God. Tim Keller
It is not enough to believe the Gospel with your head. It must become operational in your heart. Tim Keller
It is hard to sense the Spirit’s presence in any particular moment. However, with hindsight it is amazing to see his work. Tim Keller
God knows both the things that you are facing and the condition of your heart as you face them and gives you mercy that is form fit for both. Paul Tripp
We all want real community but only on our own terms, only when it’s convenient, and only when no one demands anything from us. Real community takes love. It takes patience and time. It takes courage. It takes risking our hearts being broken. It takes sacrifice. Burk Parsons
If you look down at the poor or stay aloof from their suffering, you have not really understood or experienced God’s grace. Tim Keller

8/9/21

When people don’t adhere to the historic orthodox confessions and creeds, they must make up their own creeds, and that always leads to heresy. Burk Parsons
Prayer acknowledges that God knows better and wants better for you than you could ever want for yourself. Paul Tripp
Truth without love really isn’t truth. Love without truth really isn’t love. They have to be together. Tim Keller
The chief end of prayer is not to bend God’s will to ours, but ours to his. Scott Sauls
Either you rest in God’s wise and loving control or you fight for control. Pray that you would be rescued from trying to do what only God can do. Paul Tripp
Trust is accepting what God sends into your life whether you understand it or not. Tim Keller
Whatever you live for actually owns you. You do not really control yourself. Whatever you live for and love the most controls you. Tim Keller
Godly living means a Godward focus in everything you do, wherever you are and whoever you’re with and there’s powerful grace for this. Paul Tripp
If God always makes the first move and finishes what He starts, would He then leave the middle up to us? Grace carries us all the way through. The green pastures, the still waters, the rod and staff, the oil—all of these are provided by our Shepherd. He will not leave you wanting. He provides abundantly for your needs and cares for you in seasons that are frightening. Gloria Furman

7/26/21

Because of Jesus, there is always hope, even in the darkest moments of your life. Tim Keller
It is not your hold of Christ that saves you, but his hold of you. Charles Spurgeon
Hardship should never be interpreted as the absence of your Lord. Paul Tripp
God is not like a chess player casually moving us pawns around on a board. Nor is it usually clear until years later, if ever in this life, what good God was accomplishing in the difficulties we suffered. Tim Keller
Prayer is hard because dying to self, humbling ourselves, coming to the end of ourselves and admitting we’re helpless is hard. Burk Parsons
If you seek righteousness first, you get happiness through contentment. If you seek happiness first, you get none of them. Tim Keller
Your goal in biblical study is not just to master its theology, but to have every area of your life mastered by the One who is at the center of that theology. Paul Tripp
Doing justice for our neighbors, whether they believe in Christ or not is, paradoxically, one of the best recommendations for the faith. Like Jesus, we must be mighty in both word and deed (Luke 24: 19). Tim Keller
Let our present privileges awaken us to present duty, and now, while life lasts, let us spend and be spent for our sweet Lord Jesus. Charles Spurgeon

6/12/21

There is no greater freedom than to live inside of the purpose for which you were created and recreated in Christ Jesus. Paul Tripp
You should not begin to pray for all you want until you realize that in God you have all you need. Tim Keller
Trusting Jesus is not a leap of faith, it’s falling into his rescuing arms and resting thereupon him forever. Burk Parsons
This side of eternity, your faithfulness track record will be spotty, but your Savior’s will be perfect in every way. Paul Tripp
You are a great sinner, but He is a greater Savior. Charles Spurgeon
A cheap Christianity that offends nobody, requires no sacrifice, and costs nothing—is worth nothing. J.C. Ryle
If you tell yourself that your sin is not a big deal, then you’re also telling yourself that God’s grace is not that important. Paul Tripp
Let us be more bothered by our sin than our suffering. Burk Parsons
We are secure, not because we hold tightly to Jesus, but because He holds tightly to us. R.C. Sproul

6/7/21

Christianity gives a meaning for life that suffering can’t take away from you. Tim Keller
Christ in you is far greater than any crisis before you. Steven Lawson
“If I have THAT, my life will have meaning. I’ll have value and feel significant and secure.” THAT—is the object of your worship. Tim Keller
The things you daydream about in your spare time are ultimately the things you serve. Tim Keller
Jesus Christ is the only one fit for heaven and only those united to him by faith, whom he holds in the palm of his hand, will be with him. Burk Parsons
A crisis will contribute to who we become but it is revealing who we already are. David Cassidy
If it is easier for people to guess what your politics are than it is for them to guess what your religion is, it is quite possible that politics has become your religion. Scott Sauls
When people say “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” too often their focus is on “I can” rather than “through Christ.” Burk Parsons
If Jesus is not everything to you, He is nothing to you. Steven Lawson

5/24/21

Jesus will always exceed our expectations. He will be more than what we can ask for or even imagine every time. Tim Keller
Sin is not just bad things, but good things we make ultimate over God. Tim Keller
Nothing in physical creation was designed to satisfy the longing of your heart. Paul Tripp
There is ultimately no such thing as unanswered prayer. If the answer at first is “no” or “not yet,” it is because he gives us what we want in ways better than we asked. Tim Keller
Jesus lived in our place. He was judged in our place. He died in our place. He provided us with the complete salvation we desperately need. Steven Lawson
The best way to love someone is to serve their best interest, even at your own expense. Tim Keller
In eternity, what every single person will be celebrating will not be personal accomplishments and successes, but rather, with endless joy, we will celebrate God and his amazing grace. Paul Tripp
You can’t have peace in the church without doctrinal purity in the church. True peace comes on account of the truth, not through compromise. Burk Parsons
Our bond with others in Christ should be stronger than our relationship to other members of our own racial and national groups. Tim Keller

5/10/21

You are worse than you think you are, but also far more loved than you feel you are. Tim Keller
Every test and trial, every storm in life is another opportunity for you to see the glory of Jesus Christ and discover his power in your life. Sinclair Ferguson
God relentlessly offers his grace to people who do not deserve it, seek it, or appreciate it after they have been saved by it. Tim Keller
The key to humility is not trying to think less of yourself, nor trying to think of yourself less; it is thinking of Christ and others more. Michael Reeves
Jesus is not our consultant or adviser. Nor is he our personal assistant. He is our Lord. Scott Sauls
To say doctrine doesn’t matter, only how you live matters, is itself a doctrine. It’s the doctrine of salvation by works. Tim Keller
You know you’re glorifying something when you find it beautiful for what it is in itself, and not what it can do for you. Tim Keller
We will spend eternity unpacking and understanding the height, depth and breadth of the love of God, because it is that high, that deep and that wide. Paul Tripp
God is intensely concerned for the weak, the orphaned, the poor, and the powerless. Christians will be moved to help the needy and the poor if their faith is genuine. Tim Keller

3/22/21

The Bible is not ultimately about me or you. It is about Him. Tim Keller
True gospel-humility means I stop connecting every experience, every conversation, with myself. Tim Keller
If you have Christ, you have everything. If you don’t have Christ, you have nothing. Steven Lawson
We are not reborn because we believe. We believe because we are reborn. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
It’s not the pastor’s job directly to lead a church that changes culture but to create culture-changing people. Tim Keller
Without adoration and submission, prayer is reduced to a set of demands that make us look as if we are gods, and God’s job is to submit his almighty power to our lordship. Paul Tripp
Let us be more bothered by our sin than our suffering. Burk Parsons
It is a loss of pride and self-will that leads a person to humbly serve others. Tim Keller
Are you devoting time to developing wisdom? Begin by assessing how much planned time you give to, first, Bible study and, second, personal accountability with Christian friends. Tim Keller

2/8/21

If you grasp the gospel of grace, a clearer view of your flaws and sins will make Christ’s love for you all the more precious, electrifying, and amazing. Christians have a unique identity, based on Christ’s performance not ours. Tim Keller
The essence of gospel-humility is not thinking more of myself or thinking less of myself, it is thinking of myself less. Tim Keller
It is one thing to believe in God but it is quite another thing to trust God. Tim Keller
Your greatest fears are ignited when the thing you have put your hope in is threatened or has failed. Hope in God is where sturdy rest and security of heart is to be found. Paul Tripp
Ministry to the poor is a crucial sign that we believe the gospel. Tim Keller
We get angry when we feel like God owes us a better life than we have. Tim Keller
One of the greatest characteristics I most admire in a man is empathetic kindness, particularly kindness that is authentically shown to others who cannot do anything for him in return. Burk Parsons
You can’t believe in Jesus and not believe in hell. R.C. Sproul
One of the world’s greatest sins is presuming upon God by mistaking his long-suffering for tolerance of sin. It’s also one of our greatest sins. Burk Parsons

1/25/21

Everybody has something, that if they lose it, they won’t even want to live life anymore. That is what you’re worshiping. Tim Keller
The reason why Christians all over the world invest their lives so sacrificially is simple: They have come to believe that God’s gifts and graces are never meant to be hoarded, but are always meant to be shared. Scott Sauls
No one is so good that they don’t need the grace of the gospel, nor so bad that they cannot receive the grace of the gospel. Tim Keller
A borrowed manger at birth, a borrowed tomb at his death, he did not come to own or possess, but to give his life as a ransom for many. Paul Tripp
There is only two ways to read the Bible: is it basically about me or basically about Jesus. What must I do, or what has he done? Tim Keller
Legalism is doing something to earn your salvation. Discipline is doing something because it’s a good in and of itself. Tim Keller
Although my memory’s fading, I remember two things very clearly: I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior. John Newton
The Christian should take nothing short of Christ for his model. Charles Spurgeon
No matter our situation, our very best days are always ahead of us and never, ever behind us. How do we know this? Because the Bible tells us so, and the resurrection makes it so. Scott Sauls

12/28/20

Being charitable and gracious and speaking the truth in love to those you disagree with isn’t liberalism, it’s Christianity. Burk Parsons
Living in the Spirit means a daily commitment to please Christ and not to please self. Sinclair Ferguson
Give more functional power over your heart to the One who will never remember your sins against ou (Heb. 8:12), than to those who choose never to forgive you. Scotty Smith
People don’t reject the Bible because it contradicts itself; they reject the Bible because it contradicts them. Following Jesus and following Scripture are inseparable endeavors. Scott Sauls
Because of Jesus—there is always hope, even in the darkest moments of your life. Tim Keller
That baby in the manger had a tree in his future, not beautifully decorated, no, this tree would be stained with his blood. Paul Tripp
If you want to know the lessons you need to learn the most, pay attention to the verses in Scripture that you don’t underline. Scott Sauls
Prayer must not be our chance work, but our daily business, our habit and vocation. Charles Spurgeon
God doesn’t accept me just as I am, he loves me despite how I am, he loves me just as Jesus is. David Powlison

12/7/2020

10 Favorite Quotes of the Week from Tim Keller

There is ultimately no such thing as unanswered prayer. If the answer at first is “no” or “not yet,” it is because he gives us what we want in ways better than we asked. Tim Keller
Not everyone is your brother or sister in the faith, but everyone is your neighbor. And you must love your neighbor. Tim Keller
God is so committed to your ultimate joy that he was willing to plunge into the greatest depths of suffering himself for you. Tim Keller
Religion makes us proud of what we have done. The Gospel makes us proud of what Jesus has done. Tim Keller
Jesus came not to accrue power. He came to give power up. Tim Keller
Behavioral compliance to rules without heart-change will be superficial and fleeting. Tim Keller
Everybody has something, that if they lose it, they won’t even want to live life anymore. That is what you’re worshiping. Tim Keller
By exaggerating our own significance, we end up losing it. Tim Keller
If Jesus didn’t think he could handle life without knowing the Scripture inside and out, what makes you think you can? Tim Keller

11/23/2020

If anything becomes more fundamental than God to your happiness, meaning in life, and identity, then it is an idol. Tim Keller
Everything that causes us concern, everything that makes us afraid, all the things we don’t understand are known by the Lord and are under his rule. Paul Tripp
True Christian gratitude rejoices not in how one’s self is changed, but rejoices in the one who has changed you. Tim Keller
Why do we wait until the funeral before we start gushing about someone’s best attributes? What if we all started “eulogizing” people while they are still with us? What if we started offering ten praises for every one concern? Imagine how such encouragement could change things. Scott Sauls
Every sin in the history of the world will be punished by God. They will either be punished in Christ, or punished in hell. But no sin will go unpunished. Steven Lawson
It’s true, Jesus was a friend of sinners, but because he was a true friend, he called those friends to repent and believe. Burk Parsons
Every sin is an act of cosmic treason, violates the rightful rule of God, and insults his infinite glory and perfection. R.C. Sproul
If you should ask me what are the ways of God, I would tell you the first is humility, the second is humility, and the third is humility. Augustine
We need to remember that we are saved by grace when we fail. But we need to remember it much more when we succeed. Tim Keller

11/11/2020

Study the Bible diligently, believe it savingly, trust it entirely, proclaim it fearlessly, and sing it joyfully. Alistair Begg
Don’t be discouraged today. You can leave your “what-ifs” and “if-onlys” in the hands of the One who loves you and rules all things. Paul Tripp
As you consider the Father’s heart for you, remember that he is the Father of mercies. He is not cautious in his tenderness toward you. He multiplies mercies matched to your every need, and there is nothing he would rather do. Dane Ortlund
God’s grace rarely operates according to our schedule. Tim Keller
Everything that concerns us, disappoints us or makes us afraid is under the care of the One who loves us and gave his Son for us. Paul Tripp
God will only give you what you would have asked for if you knew everything he knows. Tim Keller
Looking inside ourselves, we can anticipate only harshness from heaven. Looking out to Christ, we can anticipate only gentleness. Dane Ortlund
It is a good time to remember and be comforted by the amazing truth that, by grace, your citizenship is in heaven. Paul Tripp
God is not keeping score, granting or withholding blessings on the basis of our performance. The score has already been permanently settled by Christ. Jerry Bridges

10/26/2020

Life between the already and the not yet was not meant to be comfortable…it was meant to be transformational. Paul Tripp
Our worship should strive for the best lyrics available and the best tunes available and the best musicians available so that God is truly honored. J.I. Packer
One way we glorify God is by our obedience to him, our refusing to believe we know best and instead trusting that his way is the way of life. Dane Ortlund
The Bible is living and active. It’s light in the darkness. It’s hope for the hopeless. It is right and it’s true. It’s breathed out by God and it accomplishes the purposes of God. It is the word of eternal life. It is the living and abiding word. Alistair Begg
Science is very good at telling us what we are made of. Only the Word of God tells us what we were made for. John Lennox
The sovereignty of God means that since I don’t have to be in control, I can focus on being a servant. Paul Tripp
Make my words honest and true, economical and few, wise and well chosen, calm and kind. Give me so much love and grace that this kind of conversation comes naturally to me. Amen. Tim Keller
We love until we are betrayed. Jesus continued to the cross despite betrayal. We love until we are forsaken. Jesus loved through forsakenness. We love up to a limit. Jesus loves to the end. Dane Ortlund
There’s a Lamb at the center of the Throne, not an Elephant or a Donkey. David Cassidy

10/16/2020

from Sing! Global

Suffering is never neutral. You don’t just suffer from the thing you are suffering from. You always bring your view of God into your suffering that shapes your experience. Paul Tripp
Christianity, I believe, becomes more and more relevant as we see the world fragmenting at so many levels. John Lennox
The essence of worship is to display the worth of God. We instinctively think of God as there to meet our needs rather than thinking the reverse–ourselves as created and sustained to meet His desires. J.I. Packer
There is a direct correlation between the abiding impact of the truth of God’s word and the overflow of the praise of God’s people. Alistair Begg
Our attempt to pile up credit in order to eventually earn God’s acceptance by trying to follow a prescribed path of moral teaching is the way of most religions, but it is not Christianity. John Lennox
If the Word of God is central in your heart, it will be central in your home. Paige Benton Brown
The second most common command in scripture is to sing. Keith Getty
I cannot wait for the glory of seeing Jesus Christ…to jump up out of this wheelchair, have such fun jumping and dancing, it will be so exciting to have hands that work! But that’s not the focus, I’ll have a new heart, a heart without sin. Joni Eareckson Tada
The Bible isn’t about us; it is about what God’s done because he loves us. Sally Lloyd Jones

8/24/2020

We love until we are betrayed. Jesus continued to the cross despite betrayal. We love until we are forsaken. Jesus loved through forsakenness. We love up to a limit. Jesus loves to the end. Dane Ortlund
The purpose of prayer is the glory of God. H.B. Charles Jr.
Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are. John Wooden
In a world that often seems out of control, it’s comforting to know that your Lord has things under his control. Paul Tripp
Beloved friends, it was never about the “victorious Christian life,” but always the victorious Christ. Our calling isn’t to impress Jesus with anything; but to rely on his everything. Scotty Smith
We might think we are doing the right thing by speaking against injustice, but if we do this without having all the facts and spread misinformation, we are sinning. Even if we are doing it in favor of a right cause. Daniel Darling
God doesn’t call you to do what no human being has the power to do. No, he calls you to be a willing tool in his mighty hands. Paul Tripp
Jesus invites us to come to him as we are, but this must never be mistaken for an invitation to stay as we are. Scott Sauls
There is ultimately no such thing as unanswered prayer. If the answer at first is “no” or “not yet,” it is because he gives us what we want in ways better than we asked. Tim Keller

7/20/2020

In a loud-noise outrage culture a grace-filled gentle answer is a radical, powerful thing. Paul Tripp
The real pursuit of wisdom begins by understanding that there is One who not only knows more than we do, but knows us by name. Daniel Darling
God can shape us in any way he pleases. He raised Moses in a palace in order to use him in a desert; he raised Joseph in a desert in order to use him in a palace. Ravi Zacharias
When Jesus is all you have left, you realize Jesus is what you ultimately need. Tim Keller
Because Jesus has covered all of our offenses, we can be among the least offensive and least offended people in the world. This is the way of the gentle answer. Scott Sauls
One way to think of Christ’s intercession, then, is simply this: Jesus is praying for you right now. Dane Ortlund
Tests, trials, and temptations abound in the Christian life. If we are to grow to maturity, we must learn how to handle them. Sinclair Ferguson
A stable and functional culture requires the establishment of stable marriages and the nurturing of families. Without a healthy marriage and family life as foundation, no lasting and healthy community can long survive. Albert Mohler
God makes it clear that He has the sovereign prerogative to give mercy and bestow grace on whomever He wants to. He can give an executive order of unmerited clemency to those whom He pleases. That is why it is mercy. That is why it is grace. R.C. Sproul

7/6/2020

Let us come to the cross as we are: children desiring love, sinners needing mercy, souls weary of running through our nights and days, and ready to follow the One who ordains us. Ravi Zacharias
Where there is no consistent biblical preaching and teaching, expect theological chaos—and worse. Albert Mohler
Jesus does not love like us. We love until we are betrayed. Jesus continued to the cross despite betrayal. We love until we are forsaken. Jesus loved through forsakenness. We love up to a limit. Jesus loves to the end. Dane Ortlund
You may be parched and dry, but grace will rain again today. Go stand in God’s downpour until you’re soaked in his mercy. Paul Tripp
The secular age exerts a subtle but constant influence on churches and Christians. If not careful, churches will look less and less like churches and more and more like the secular world around them. Albert Mohler
That Jesus is “lowly in heart” means you don’t work your way up to get to him; you collapse your way down to get to him. Dane Ortlund
Hasten the day when we will finally and fully love one another as you love us Jesus. Until that day keep us groaning and growing in grace. Grant us quick repentances when we love poorly. May the world recognize us as your disciples by the way we love one another. Scotty Smith
God makes it clear that He has the sovereign prerogative to give mercy and bestow grace on whomever He wants to. He can give an executive order of unmerited clemency to those whom He pleases. That is why it is mercy. That is why it is grace. R. C. Sproul
Dear doubting Christian: When Abraham counted the stars, he was counting you. Burk Parsons
It costs us dearly to forgive somebody. It costs us even more not to forgive. Scott Sauls

6/1/2020

Say this to yourself today, “Whatever it is, God’s grace is sufficient.” Paul Tripp
Jesus didn’t come to tell us the answers to the questions of life, he came to be the answer. Tim Keller
Because Jesus has covered all of our offenses, we can be among the least offensive and least offended people in the world. This is the way of the gentle answer. Scott Sauls
God knows your pain firsthand. He has been through it himself. Nothing you are experiencing; he hasn’t experienced first. Tim Keller
We don’t repent to get God to love us, we repent because God loves us. Burk Parsons
Even when there’s no signs of hope, keep hoping. God didn’t bring you this far for nothing. Lecrae
Just remember, nothing in your life escapes the power of God’s amazing grace. Paul Tripp
The soft pillow upon which we can lay our heads during hard times is the sovereignty of God. Steven Lawson
The same sovereignty that could stop the coronavirus, yet doesn’t, is the very sovereignty that sustains the soul in it. John Piper

5/11/2020

Not only do all the circumstances of my life not take God by surprise, but he actually employees them for my blessing. Sinclair Ferguson
Everything in this world is changing. Society is changing. Culture is changing. Values are changing. But the word of God never changes. Truth endures. Steven Lawson
This is the amazing part of grace, that it is given to us when we are spiritually dead. R.C. Sproul
Jesus will always exceed our expectations. He will be more than what we can ask for or even imagine every time. Tim Keller
In all that we do, the pursuit and promotion of the glory of God must be our all-consuming passion. Steven Lawson
God intends the Christian life to be a life of joy—not drudgery. The idea that holiness is associated with a dour disposition is a caricature of the worst sort. In fact, just the opposite is true. Only those who walk in holiness experience true joy. Jerry Bridges
We possess neither the ability, free will, power, nor the righteousness to repair ourselves and escape the wrath of God. It must all be God’s work, Christ’s work, or there is no salvation. Michael Horton
The intensity of our irritation reveals the depth of our idolatry. Scotty Smith
Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God. William Carey

4/13/2020

Relationships are costly. Whatever it will cost you to be with God is nothing compared to what it cost Him to be with you. Tim Keller
It is idolatry to worship the true God by a wrong method. Charles Spurgeon
The things you daydream about in your spare time are ultimately the things you serve. Tim Keller
Our task as Christians is not to discover the secret will of God but instead to learn the revealed will of God. Sinclair Ferguson
Those who resist criticism, especially fair criticism, show themselves to be unhealthy people. Unhealthy people, when criticized, tend to spin, manipulate, and regroup. Healthy people, on the other hand, confess and repent. Scott Sauls
To be indifferent to doctrine is thus but another way of saying we are indifferent to Christianity. B.B. Warfield
The church is not a museum for pristine saints, but a hospital ward for broken sinners. Tim Keller
Whatever your heart clings to and confides in, that is really your God. Martin Luther
You need more than the removal of your sins to find acceptance with holy God. You need the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ. Steven Lawson

3/30/2020

If Jesus didn’t complain when he received a life infinitely worse than he deserved, how can I complain while I experience a life infinity better than I deserve? Tim Keller
God’s grace cuts both ways: it can neither be earned by your merit nor forfeited by your demerit. Jerry Bridges
We all live in a world starving for true friends, genuine community, and meaningful relationships, but that takes love, patience, repentance, and forgiveness and it only happens if you are willing to risk your temporary discomfort for long-term joy. Burk Parsons
We may not be spared from the trial, but we will be spared through the trial. This is what our redemption means: we are his. Derek Thomas
The closer we are to God, the more the slightest sin will cause us deep sorrow. R.C. Sproul
We are called to die with Christ that we may live with him, and to suffer with him that we may reign with him. William Tyndale
Any time you hear someone began a sentence with, “Well I know that the Bible says… but I like to think of God as…” Whatever the end of that sentence is, is heresy. Ligon Duncan
Humility doesn’t mean thinking less of yourself, it means thinking of yourself less. C.S. Lewis
Only through worship are we restored to vigor from the exhaustion and burnout of seeking our own glory. Tim Keller

3/16/2020

To become a Christian believer is to be brought into a reality far grander than anything we could ever have imagined. It means communion with the triune God. Sinclair Ferguson
God does not give us everything we want, but he does fulfill his promises. Dietrich Bonhoeffer
May we sit at the foot of the cross; and there learn what sin has done, what justice has done, what love has done. John Newton
Consequently, we can never be finally satisfied with anything the world can offer us. Made as God’s image, created for him, we must remain forever dissatisfied until we live in fellowship with him and for his glory. Sinclair Ferguson
God said it’s not good for people to be alone (Genesis 2:18). He understands our need for friends and our desire for those friendships to continue in Heaven. He’s the one who made us that way. In Heaven we’ll have our old friends who know Jesus and many new friends as well. Randy Alcorn
Religious people obey God to get things. Gospel people obey God to get God. Tim Keller
Many Christians are only concerned about radical Islam when they should be even more concerned about complacent, nominal Christianity. Burk Parsons
Our sanctification is the clear evidence of our justification and the confident assurance of our glorification. Steven Lawson
And is not this a matter of comfort? Though the world hates me, Christ still loves me. Thomas Watson

3/6/2020

You cannot judge God by your calendar. God may appear to be slow, but he never forgets his promises. Tim Keller
We are not called to balance grace and truth, arriving at a pitiful equation of 50 percent of each. We are called to practice 100 percent of grace and 100 percent of truth. Love of God and love neighbor calls for nothing less. Rosaria Butterfield
A cheap Christianity that offends nobody, requires no sacrifice, and costs nothing—is worth nothing. J.C. Ryle
If grace is obligated it is no longer grace. The very essence of grace is that it is undeserved. R.C. Sproul
Nothing is too big for God to handle, and nothing is too small to escape His attention. Jerry Bridges
Biblical leadership is quick to repent of wrongs, slow to accuse others and hungry for reconciliation. Wisdom from above sows seeds of peace. Michael Horton
If I was not a Calvinist, I think I should have no more hope of success in preaching to men, than to horses or cows. John Newton
Our good works do not go up to God for our reimbursement, but out to others for their refreshment. God is thus glorified. Michael Horton
We only fully grasp the gospel when we understand, as Paul did, that we are the worst sinner we know. Tim Keller

2/17/2020

The basic premise of religion– that if you live a good life, things will go well for you– is wrong. Jesus was the most morally upright person who ever lived, yet He had a life filled with the experience of poverty, rejection, injustice, and even torture. Tim Keller
We break our promises to one another. We break our promises to God. But God never breaks His promises to us. R.C. Sproul
Everything lacking in us is given to us by Christ, everything sinful in us is imputed to Christ, and all condemnation merited by us is borne by Christ. Sinclair Ferguson
God calls us to love our neighbors not because they like us or look like us but simply because they’re our neighbors. Burk Parsons
It is in the routines of life that real gains are made, real joy is found, and the reality of God’s provision becomes most obvious. Alistair Begg
Prayer must not be our chance work, but our daily business, our habit and vocation. Charles Spurgeon
To be Christ to your neighbor means that your life is so conformed to the will of God that when people look at you, they see the holiness of Christ reflected in your life. R.C. Sproul
One of the ways God, in his wisdom, loves us is by not telling us what we don’t need to know or what we could not handle. His Word is enough. Paul Tripp
When we see Jesus, he’ll dry every tear from our eyes, not just our tears of sadness but our tears of joy, otherwise we would never be able to see him. Burk Parsons

1/27/2020

The gospel is thoroughly realistic. It starts with us exactly where we are, at the bottom of a pit of corruption. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
The issue is not, “Have I done enough good to outweigh my lack of performance?” On that account, I could never reach a state of assurance. Rather, the focus of our thinking must be, “Am I in Christ?” Derek Thomas
Prayer is an act of surrender, not the communication of desire. It is willingly placing yourself in the hands of One who knows more about what you truly need than you ever will. Paul Tripp
You cannot be holy without knowing your doctrine. Doctrine is the direct key that leads to holiness. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
The only way to be blessed is to be a blessing and to be a blessing we must leave our comfort. Tim Keller
You cannot come and you will not believe unless the Father draws you. God is absolutely sovereign over salvation. John 6:44 is not a Calvinist verse, it’s a Jesus verse. Kevin DeYoung
As Christ died for sin, so we should die to sin. Matthew Henry
As long as you are alive, there is gospel work for you to do. You may retire from your career, but you never retire from ministry. Steven Lawson
The gospel says you are more sinful and flawed than you ever dared believe, but more accepted and loved than you ever dared hope. Tim Keller

12/6/19

Mercy will live longer than your sin, longer than your temptations, longer than your sorrows, longer than your persecutors. John Bunyan
Once a man has the love of Christ in his heart you need not train him to witness; he will do it. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you. C.S. Lewis
If you have a small view of your sin, God’s grace will be small to you. Tim Keller
Serve God with integrity, and if you achieve no success, at least no sin will lie upon your conscience. Charles Spurgeon
God is Father to the Christian. He is not Father to anybody else. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Christians are Christlike; none deserves the name of Christian who is not so in his prevailing character. Jonathan Edwards
If Christians try to be relevant and accepted by making up truth on the fly, then the Jesus we speak of will not be the Jesus of the Bible who was full of both grace and truth. He will be the “loving Jesus” remade in our culture’s image, in which we redefine love as tolerance. Randy Alcorn
True Gospel-humility means I stop connecting every experience, every conversation, with myself. Tim Keller

11.15.19

If we say we believe the doctrines of grace but do not show grace to others, we do not understand the doctrines of grace. Burk Parsons
There is no entrance into the kingdom of heaven that does not march through the gate marked repentance. Kevin DeYoung
If you do not believe in God’s wrath there is no real need for the sacrifice on Calvary’s hill. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
The great need is for us to be taught theologically, not just stirred emotionally. Alistair Begg
Jesus cannot be just liked. His claims make us either kill him or crown him. Tim Keller
The glory of the gospel is that God pronounces people “just” while they are still sinners. R.C. Sproul
Grace is only given to those who know they’re beggars, and beggars only know they’re beggars because grace is given to them. Burk Parsons
The safest place to be is in the will of God, but the safe place may not be the will of God. God has not called us to live in safety but only in the will of God. The best life is doing daily God’s will. H.B. Charles Jr.
The Lord intends to educate us by non-success as well as by success. Charles Spurgeon

7.8.19

Your character is a collection of your choices. Jackie Hill Perry
It is Jesus’ own righteousness, His performance and not my performance, that is the grounds of my justification. R.C. Sproul
Through the cross my great debt has been paid, and through the Resurrection my future wealth is assured. Tim Keller
We always choose according to our greatest inclination at the moment. R.C. Sproul
We must place our reliance entirely on the perfect obedience and sin-bearing death of Christ as the sole basis of our standing before God—on our best days as well as our worst. Jerry Bridges
No one is so sinful that he cannot be saved. No one is so good that he does not need to be. Steven Lawson
Through the gospel, we have come to base our identity not on what we have achieved but what has been achieved for us in Christ. Tim Keller
When people are right with God, they are apt to be hard on themselves and easy on other people. John Newton
Whatever you think is going to give you ultimate satisfaction in life is what you worship. Ligon Duncan

5.27.19

The more we are convinced of our utter depravity and inability from first to last, the more excellent will Jesus appear. John Newton
Your salvation is not kept secure by you holding onto Jesus, but by Him holding onto you—and He will never let you go. Steven Lawson
You are coming to a King––large petitions with you bring, for His grace and power are such none can ever ask too much. John Newton
The question is not, “Why is there only one way to God?” but “Why is there even one way?” R.C. Sproul
Christ did not die to make men savable, but to save them. Charles Spurgeon
When Jesus died on the cross, the veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom so that big sinners like me might fit through. Charles Spurgeon
The parent who tries to train without setting a good example is building with one hand and pulling down with the other. J.C. Ryle
Biblical orthodoxy without compassion is surely the ugliest thing in the world. Francis Schaeffer
Hear our loss of focus on the gospel in our songs. This isn’t a comment about musical styles and tastes… In many cases, congregations unwittingly have begun to sing about themselves and how they are feeling rather than about God and His glory. Sinclair Ferguson

5.13.19

Our love for the word of God is best shown by living it out. Ligon Duncan
Without the gospel, a gathering of people, though they claim otherwise, cannot be an authentic church. R.C. Sproul
Indwelling sin always abides while we are in this world; therefore it is always to be mortified. John Owen
What you treasure will ultimately require you die for it, Jesus is the only treasure that died for you. Tim Keller
If God did not act first, no one would be saved. R.C. Sproul
God treated Christ as we deserved to be treated, so that He might treat us as Christ deserved to be treated. Jerry Bridges
If God is not at the center of your life, something else is. Tim Keller
Natural man’s sin is precisely this: He wants the benefits of God without God Himself. R.C. Sproul
The fear of God consists in a right appreciation of, and response to, who God is. Derek Thomas

4.23.19

There is more mercy in Christ than sin in us. Richard Sibbes
There is no such thing as free will in fallen man. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
How sweet is rest, after fatigue! How sweet will Heaven be, when our toilsome journey is ended. George Whitefield
The only thing of my very own which I contribute to my redemption is the sin from which I need to be redeemed. Sinclair Ferguson
Let no man think to kill sin with few, easy, or gentle strokes. John Owen
The sin underneath all our sins is to trust the lie of the serpent that we cannot trust the love and grace of Christ and must take matters into our own hands. Martin Luther
Isn’t it interesting how we can be patient with ourselves in our own sins, but impatient with others in their sins? It’s been said, “If you want to get Christians angry, put them around other Christians that sin differently than they do.” Ligon Duncan
We are to be mirrors of grace to others, reflecting what we have received ourselves. R.C. Sproul
Prayer is to the Christian what breath is to life, yet no duty of the Christian is so neglected. R.C. Sproul

2.18.19

Our beliefs dictate our behavior. R.C. Sproul
My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: That I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Saviour. John Newton
The gospel is meant to control and govern everything in our lives. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
When there’s something in the Word of God that I don’t like, the problem is not with the Word of God. It’s with me. R.C. Sproul
When the bottom falls out and disappointments come, you will learn what you believe, what you love, and what you treasure. Ligon Duncan
If you think you can walk in holiness without keeping up perpetual fellowship with Christ, you have made a great mistake. If you would be holy, you must live close to Jesus. Charles Spurgeon
The gospel isn’t a summons to work harder to reach God, it’s the story of how God sovereignly worked all things together to reach you. Burk Parsons
Two things that every human being absolutely must come to understand are the holiness of God and the sinfulness of man. R.C. Sproul
Father, you promise sufficient grace, not the satisfaction of our agenda. You promise to make us like Jesus; not to place us in a hammock under a cool breeze; full redemption, not immediate relief. Thank you. We want to want what you want, more fully, gladly, and quickly. Scotty Smith

2.4.19

One of the greatest threats to gospel faithfulness is when Christians buy into the myth of influence, wanting to impress the world and fear being thought fools for Christ. Burk Parsons
As long as someone is living for himself, he is sensitive, jealous, envious, and always reacting to what others do. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
When we practice hospitality, here’s what happens: we experience the refreshing joy of becoming conduits of God’s hospitality rather than being self-decaying cul-de-sacs. The joy of receiving God’s hospitality decays and dies if it doesn’t flourish in our own hospitality to others. John Piper
By definition, the big difference between mercy and justice is that mercy is never ever obligatory. R.C. Sproul
I spend half my time telling Christians to study doctrine and the other half telling them doctrine is not enough. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
To live by grace is to live solely by the merit of Jesus Christ. To live by grace is to base my entire relationship with God, including my acceptance and standing with Him, on my union with Christ. Jerry Bridges
If our sins be forgiven, our best things are yet to come. J.C. Ryle
I have reason to praise him for my trials, for, most probably, I would have been ruined without them. John Newton
God created a world of beauty in space and time; but he also made us to know him and to live in his presence; he thus set eternity and a desire for it in our hearts. Sinclair Ferguson

1.28.19

May our passion for Christ always be greater than our passion for an easy life. Burk Parsons
Culture is never so bad that it can’t be redeemed, nor so good that it can’t be critiqued. Tim Keller
Salvation is something that God does in us and for us, not something that we in any way do for ourselves. R.C. Sproul
We are not reborn because we believe. We believe because we are reborn. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
We have become too easily satisfied. We are content if a person leaves pleased. God wants them awed. Francis Chan
In Jesus, our judgment day was moved from the future to the past. Scott Sauls
There is more political power in the gospel and in being the church than there is in electing a president, installing a Supreme Court justice, or even changing a constitution. Jonathan Leeman
We take far more credit for our prosperity than we should. When we flatter ourselves that our assets are the result of our work, it leads us to believe any lack of such assets must be the result of laziness. Tim Keller
In the eyes of a watching world, our lives are often perceived as being more lackluster than compelling, more contentious than kind, more self-centered than servant-like, more fickle than faithful, more materialistic than generous, more proud than humble. Scott Sauls

11.26.18

If we believe in God only when he is doing great things for us, we are not really serving him; we are only using him. Tim Keller
The more sanctified a person is the more heavily weighted his prayer time is in adoration. R.C. Sproul
Why does God have to punish sin? Because he’s so good. Why does God want to forgive sin? Because he’s so good. Tim Keller
The point of your life is to point to Him. Whatever you are doing, God wants to be glorified, because this whole thing is His. Francis Chan
What is it about your own miserable works and doings that you think you could please God more than the sacrifice of His own Son? Martin Luther
In my judgment they are the happiest, who have the lowest thoughts of themselves, and in whose eyes Jesus is most glorious and precious. John Newton
Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live. Jonathan Edwards
Anxiety may look more humble than pride, but it’s really just pride without the make-up on. Mark Dever
God’s love in John 3:16 is not amazing because the world is so big, but because the world is so bad. D.A. Carson

11.12.18

When the message of the gospel is clear, moral people tend to dislike it, while irreligious people are intrigued and attracted. Tim Keller
People in the American Church are drawn towards the most amount of comfort with the least amount of cost. David Platt
We don’t just give our hearts to Christ, we give our entire being—body and soul—all by God’s sovereign grace. Burk Parsons
Love does not think about doing works, it finds joy in people; and when something good is done for others, that does not appear to love as works but simply as gifts which flow naturally from love. Martin Luther
Holiness is nothing but the implanting, writing and living out the gospel in our souls. John Owen
Without Jesus as the author and finisher of our faith, we’d be without hope and headed for hell. Burk Parsons.
The person who slanders others to you will slander you to others. Eric Geiger
God’s plans for your life far exceed the circumstances of your day. Louie Giglio
If left to ourselves, in our spiritual deadness, we would never incline ourselves to the things of God. R.C. Sproul

11.5.18

You don’t have the right or ability to forgive yourself. Only God can do that. Derek Thomas
To focus on Jesus as just an example is to reduce him from sovereign Savior to ethical coach and to transform the gospel into law. Tim Keller
People who truly love the God above them will work for justice for those around them. David Platt
If grace is obligated it is no longer grace. The very essence of grace is that it is undeserved. R.C. Sproul
I believe in the doctrine of election because I am quite certain that, if God had not chosen me, I should never have chosen Him. Charles Spurgeon
Good friends don’t grow on trees, nor can you have a large number of them. Give more time to the ones you have. How can you be more intentional about deepening the friendships you have and giving more time to them? Tim Keller
Sin is folly, because it is disobedience to and rebellion against the will of the One who has made us, loves us, sustains us, and will finally assess us. What could be more foolish than that? Sinclair Ferguson
Unity without the gospel is a worthless unity, it is the very unity of hell. J.C. Ryle
The marvel of marvels is not that God, in his infinite love and justice, has not elected all of this guilty race to be saved, but that he has elected any. B.B. Warfield

10.8.18

A snare I continue to see within “Christian Celebrity” culture is the lack of commitment to a local church. As popularity increases, some begin to believe that their ministry to many churches is a sufficient substitute to committing to one church locally. Jackie Hill Perry
Idolatry is trusting some substitute for God to serve some uniquely divine function. David Wells
When Satan tells me I am a sinner he comforts me immeasurably since Christ died for sinners. Martin Luther
The gospel is not ‘’God loves us,’’ but ‘’God loves us at the cost of his Son.” Derek Thomas
One mark of growth in grace is increased humility. The man whose soul is growing feels his own sinfulness and unworthiness more every year. C. Ryle
God is always trying to give good things to us, but our hands are often too full to receive them. Augustine
If there were 1,000 ways to God, we would want 1,001. David Platt
Only when we see the depth of our sin will we be electrified by the wonder of grace. Tim Keller
The Christian life is a life full of grace as we rest in God’s grace, receive his grace, proclaim his grace to sinners, and show grace to those who’ve hurt us. Burk Parsons

9.17.18

If the Church is not transforming the culture around her, then the culture around her is transforming the Church. There is no static equilibrium point. Douglas Wilson
The chief feature of the New Jerusalem will be the immediate presence of God. God will be in the midst of His people. R.C. Sproul
In the end, all that matters is did we live for the glory of God. Steven Lawson
The cross is meaningless without the incarnation and incomplete without the resurrection. R.C. Sproul
The gospel overturns everything sin does. D.A. Carson
Until now there has never been a culture in the history of world that put so much emphasis and hope into sex for happiness and fulfilment. Tim Keller
As you go through your day, rest in this—that in Christ we have a Great High Priest mediating for us and pouring His grace out on us day by day. Alistair Begg
The gospel cannot be truly preached without offense and tumult. Martin Luther
The first link between my soul and Christ is not my goodness but my badness, not my merit but my misery, not my riches but my need. Charles Spurgeon

9.3.18

Faith properly exercised drinks deeply from the springs of grace, and sees that Christ is not only perfectly equipped to become the Savior, but actually is my Savior. Sinclair Ferguson
In creation, God did all the work & rested. In redemption, God did all the work so we could rest. Tim Keller
The cross is not the place where we see our worth, but where see the weight of our sin. And the empty tomb is not the place where God overturned divine justice, but where God in mercy fulfilled justice. Kevin DeYoung
A god who is all love, all grace, all mercy, no sovereignty, no justice, no holiness, and no wrath, is an idol. R.C. Sproul
Your salvation does not depend upon what you do, but upon what Christ did when he offered himself as a sacrifice for sin. Charles Spurgeon
Bad theology can lead to ineffective lives or, worse yet, lives spent striving after what the Spirit of God opposes. Francis Chan
If you take away the cross as an atoning act, you take away Christianity. C. Sproul
The Spirit does not add new information about Jesus. He simply opens our eyes to see who He really is. Sinclair Ferguson
Satan doesn’t control us with fang marks on the flesh but with lies in the heart. Tim Keller

8.27.18

Not only can we say, “He is risen indeed,” but we can also say “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command. …And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive…will be caught up together with them…and so we will always be with the Lord.” Jerry Bridges
True enjoyment of God must lead naturally to mission—to helping others see the beauty you see. God never draws us in except to send us out—to serve and reach others. Tim Keller
At the heart of reformed theology this axiom resounds: Regeneration precedes faith. R.C. Sproul
If you are in Christ, temptation is not about some essential truth or inherent wisdom about us—and therefore should not become a term of selfhood, self-representation, or identity. It is about warfare. Rosaria Butterfield
God is not going to negotiate His holiness in order to accommodate us. R.C. Sproul
All joy is really found in God, and anything you do enjoy is derivative, because what you are really looking for is him, whether you know it or not. Tim Keller
Jesus is not so much a teacher as he is a rescuer. Because that is what we most need. Nothing in who we are or what we do saves us. Tim Keller
Is God unfair in not choosing to save everyone? ‘Fair’ would send everyone to hell. You don’t want fair, you want mercy. John MacArthur
“False teachers creep into the church not because they look like false teachers but because they look like angels. Burk Parsons

8.20.18

When you pride yourself on sound doctrine and don’t love people on the basis of that doctrine, you prove your doctrine to be unsound. Scott Sauls
Theology is not simply the pursuit of knowledge about God, it’s the pursuit of God himself. The more we know about God the more we know God and the more we’re able to worship and glorify God as God. Burk Parsons
No one simply denies the glory of God; we always exchange the glory of God for the glory of something else. Tim Keller
The more I remember God’s lavish, unwavering, inexhaustible love for us in Jesus, the more I forget to be irritated with others. Scotty Smith
When someone is grieving, we might hand him a book that helped us in a difficult moment. But how many of us would take the time to really invest in his life? Would we listen on a consistent basis and offer help whenever we find a need that we are able to meet? Francis Chan
Social ethics must never be substituted for personal ethics. Even if I am a model of personal righteousness, that does not excuse my participation in social evil. What God requires is both personal and social justice. R.C. Sproul
No wonder, then, if there is confusion and frustration when we turn away from him. It should not surprise us that, if we choose to live in the dark, we cannot see. Sinclair Ferguson
The essence of sin is man substituting himself for God, while the essence of salvation is God substituting Himself for man. John Stott
Fill your affections with the cross of Christ, that there may be no more room for sin. John Owen

7.2.18

The word of God can be in the mind without being in the heart, but it cannot be in the heart without first being in the mind. R.C. Sproul
Men fall in private long before they fall in public. J.C. Ryle
If we knew what God knows, we would ask exactly for what he gives. Tim Keller
Be patient enough to live one day at a time as Jesus taught us, letting yesterday go and leaving tomorrow until it arrives. John Newton
Abundance isn’t God’s provision for me to live in luxury. It’s his provision for me to help others live. God entrusts me with his money not to build my kingdom on earth, but to build his kingdom in heaven. Randy Alcorn
We are not free to do what is right in our own eyes. We are called to do what is right in His eyes. R.C. Sproul
Fear and worry reveal us. They reveal the things that we love and value. Ed Welch
Our character is mainly shaped by our primary social community—the people with whom we eat, play, converse, and study. Tim Keller
To know God is to be stunned by his presence. Sinclair Ferguson

6.18.18

“… unless God has raised you up for this very thing, you will be worn out by the opposition of men and devils. But if God be for you, who can be against you?” John Wesley to William Wilberforce
If anything exposes our culture to the unmitigated wrath of God it is the frivolous way that we use His name. R. C. Sproul
It is folly to think the Lord provides grace for every trouble but the one you are in today. Charles Spurgeon
When people are right with God, they are apt to be hard on themselves and easy on other people. John Newton
As Head of the church, Jesus Christ is both our Lord reigning over us and our Life residing in us. Steven Lawson
Our religion will be unprofitable if it does not change our heart, pervade our manners, and transform us into new creatures. John Calvin
The Christian should take nothing short of Christ for his model. Charles Spurgeon
Be obedient even when you do not know where obedience may lead you. Sinclair Ferguson
Jesus is not saying he’s a prophet showing you a way to find God, but actually God come to show you the Way. Tim Keller

6.4.18

To me, Calvinism means the placing of the eternal God at the head of all things. Charles Spurgeon
We never move on from the Gospel to something more. We never can and we never need to. Tim Keller
The failure of modern evangelicalism is the failure to understand the holiness of God. C. Sproul
Children who grow up with legalistic pharisaism and then rebel aren’t rebelling against Christianity but an altogether false religion. Burk Parsons
You don’t have a need that God won’t supply if you trust him. He will meet every need of his children who wait for him. John Piper
Every hour of every day, God is richly blessing us; both when we sleep and when we wake His mercy waits upon us. Charles Spurgeon
It is not the imitation of God that makes sons of God; it is sonship that makes imitators. Martin Luther
The same people who are putting angels on plaques to hang in bathrooms are telling you that when the Bible says ‘Fear God,’ it doesn’t mean fear. Albert Mohler
Jesus does not merely stand knocking at the door of your heart. He blows the door off its hinges, enters, and says, You are Mine!” Steven Lawson

6.1.18

A profession of faith doesn’t justify anybody. It’s the possession of faith that justifies. C. Sproul
He wore my crown, the crown of thorns; I wear his crown, the crown of glory. Charles Spurgeon
Every treasure on this earth says, “Give your life to purchase me.” Jesus says “I’m the one treasure who died to purchase you.” Tim Keller
I exhort all, who reverence the Word of the Lord, to read it, and diligently imprint it on their memory. John Calvin
The greatest nightmare of the approval addict is rejection; of the power addict, humiliation; of the comfort addict, suffering; and of the control addict, uncertainty. Tim Keller
God relentlessly offers his grace to people who do not deserve it, seek it, or appreciate it after they have been saved by it. Tim Keller
A life not lived to the glory of God is a life wasted. Miguel Núñez
True faith means holding nothing back. It means putting every hope in God’s fidelity to His Promises. Francis Chan
Jesus always goes for conviction and conversion rather than condemnation and coercion. Tim Keller

5.7.18

Fear of God and self-understanding grow or diminish together. Tim Keller
The complaint that church is boring is never made by people in awe. R.C. Sproul
A sinner does not decide for Christ; the sinner flies to Christ in utter helplessness and despair. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God. William Carey
God is not looking down the tunnel of time to learn anything. He already knows everything. Steven Lawson
In Jesus, our judgment day was moved from the future to the past. Scott Sauls
Suffering can ultimately refine us rather than destroy us because God himself walks with us in the fire through Jesus. Tim Keller
You need to hear in the center of your being the voice of God saying, “In spite of everything you’ve done, I love you.” Tim Keller
Jesus can heal you of your pride; he can deliver you from anger; he can cure you of sluggishness; he can purge you from envy, from lasciviousness, from malic, from gluttony, from every form of spiritual malady. Charles Spurgeon

4.15.18

Sin shrugs at God. Its essence is failing to believe not that he exists but that he matters. Tim Keller
There are only two ways of dying. We can die in faith or we can die in our sins. R.C. Sproul
I’ll trust in God’s unchanging Word, till soul and body sever; For though all things pass away, His Word shall stand forever. Martin Luther
He who prays as he ought will endeavor to live as he prays. John Owen
You are either a Christian or you are not a Christian; you cannot be partly a Christian. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Believing right doctrine will no more save you, than doing good works will save you. Charles Spurgeon
A life of gratitude to God for being saved is far more pleasing than a life based on self-righteousness over being good. Tim Keller
If you’re living for nothing more than your own significance, you will feel more and more insignificant. Tim Keller
God loves each of us as if there were only one of us. Augustine

4.8.18

You can’t believe in Jesus and not believe in hell. R.C. Sproul
If you don’t live for Jesus you will live for something else. Jesus is the one Lord you can live for who died for you. Tim Keller
What the law requires, grace provides. What the law condemns, grace forgive. Steven Lawson
Consider the good things that you have and that have happened to you. Why has God given those things to you? Praise him for his love toward you. Tim Keller
But God doesn’t call us to be comfortable. He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we will be in trouble if He doesn’t come through. Francis Chan
Revival occurs when those who think they already know the gospel discover they do not really or fully know it. Tim Keller
If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our dead bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms wrapped about their knees, imploring them to stay. Charles Spurgeon
The key to humility is not trying to think less of yourself, nor trying to think of yourself less; it is thinking of Christ and others more. Michael Reeves
There is only two ways to read the Bible: is it basically about me or basically about Jesus. What must I do, or what has he done? Tim Keller

4.1.18

Salvation is not a reward for the righteous, it is a gift for the guilty. Steven Lawson
I know of no better thermometer to your spiritual temperature than this, the measure of the intensity of your prayer. Charles Spurgeon
Every sin is an act of cosmic treason, a futile attempt to dethrone God in His sovereign authority. R.C. Sproul
Visit many good books, but live in the Bible. Charles Spurgeon
Grace reigns. Be that my motto. John Newton
What right do I have holding a grudge against another when Jesus has forgiven all my sins and cast them into the sea of his forgetfulness? Derek Thomas
The very essence of ungodliness is to excuse ourselves by excusing our sin. Mark Dever
As soon as we think God owes us mercy, we’re not thinking about mercy any more. R.C. Sproul
What you pray about reveals what you care about. Ligon Duncan

3.25.18

How do you change your behavior? Change what you worship. Tim Keller
God requires good works to save anybody. Those good works are supplied and provided by Christ. R.C. Sproul
Truth has a long shelf life with no expiration date. It is never obsolete, outdated, archaic, or stale. Steven Lawson
True maturity does not mean repenting less. It means repenting more, and repenting more quickly. Scott Sauls
Courage is facing your heart’s greatest nightmare and doing the right thing anyway. Tim Keller
There is more mercy in Christ than sin in us. Richard Sibbes
If you remember that Jesus was thrown into the ultimate furnace for you, you can begin to sense him in your smaller furnaces with you. Tim Keller
As long as we think we are not that bad, the idea of grace will never change us. Tim Keller
Christian, don’t look to your behaviour, your feelings or your faithfulness. Jesus Christ is your righteousness. He is your status and your standing before God. Always there, always reliable, always the same. Michael Reeves

3.18.18

The Gospel takes a lifetime to appreciate and an eternity to enjoy. Tim Keller
The moment things go wrong… then you will know exactly the value of what you claim to believe. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
The gospel (the good news of what Jesus has done) will always cause offense because it shows us having a need we cannot meet. Tim Keller
As we think of God, so will we worship. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Do not say, “I cannot help having a bad temper.” Friend, you must help it. Pray to God to help you overcome it at once, for either you must kill it, or it will kill you. You cannot carry a bad temper into heaven. Charles Spurgeon
In Jesus we see the true meaning of the love, the power, the wisdom, the justice and the majesty of God. And it looks like the cross. Michael Reeves
When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die. Dietrich Bonhoeffer
One of the ways we serve God is by serving those around us. R.C. Sproul
Brother, if any man thinks ill of you, do not be angry with him. For you are worse than he thinks you to be. If he charges you falsely on some point, yet be satisfied, for if he knew you better he might change the accusation, and you would be no gainer by the correction. If you have your moral portrait painted, and it is ugly, be satisfied; for it only needs a few blacker touches, and it would be still nearer the truth. Charles Spurgeon

3.11.18

Are you devoting time to developing wisdom? Begin by assessing how much planned time you give to, first, Bible study and, second, personal accountability with Christian friends. Tim Keller
Lord, I pray for justice in the world – for the lifting up of the poor out of their misery, for the breaking of the power of tyrannical regimes, for the end of violence, warfare, racial conflict, and strife. Thank you that you are a God of justice. Amen. Tim Keller
If you haven’t become a more humble, patient, and kind Christian since embracing Reformed theology, it’s not your theology’s fault. Scotty Smith
I gave up all for Christ, and what have I found? Everything in Christ. John Calvin
Leave nothing unsettled that is eternal. Run no risk when your soul is at stake. J.C. Ryle
One of the greatest follies is procrastination. We keep saying that tomorrow we will make ourselves right with God. R.C. Sproul
Truth has a long shelf life with no expiration date. It is never obsolete, outdated, archaic, or stale. Steven Lawson
Be killing sin or it will be killing you. John Owen
Calvinism is the consistent endeavour to acknowledge The Creator as Lord, working all things after the counsel of his will. Calvinism is the theocentric way of thinking about all life under the direction and control of God’s own word. J.I. Packer

3.4.18

God planned our salvation long before we ever sinned. His grace preceded our guilt, His love before our lawlessness. Steven Lawson
Christians aren’t hypocrites, we’re repentant sinners. Big difference. Jesus called out hypocrites and said they’re headed for hell. Christians know we’re sinners, and hypocrites pretend they’re not. Burk Parsons
Since God has been kind to us and chose to transfer our offenses to the cross, we who are Christian should be the kindest and least offendable people in the world. Scott Sauls
Reformed theology comforts believers with the truth that their Father in heaven not only cares for them but controls all things. Nathan W. Bingham
Prayer is an acknowledgment that our need of God’s help is not partial but total. Alistair Begg
If an unjust law is passed and enforced, then anyone coerced to comply with the law is a victim of injustice. C. Sproul
Free will without God’s grace is not free at all, but is the permanent bondservant of evil, since it cannot turn itself to good. Martin Luther
We are not our own. Therefore, as much as possible, let us forget ourselves and our own interests. John Calvin
The great antidote to anxiety is to come to God in prayer. We are to pray about everything. Nothing is too big for Him to handle, and nothing is too small to escape His attention. Jerry Bridges
A culture in which every disagreement, correction, disappointment, or hurt feeling is treated as an occasion for victimhood belittles the experience of all who are true victims. Scott Sauls

2.25.18

Those who do not think about their own sins make up for it by thinking incessantly about the sins of others. S. Lewis
God has promised to meet all our needs, not all our greeds. Steven Lawson
You are under qualified for the job of master and commander of your own life. Tim Keller
Are you a child of God? The only condition is the utter, absolute recognition of your desperate, helpless need, and of what he was done and what he can do for you and in you-what he will do if but ask him to do it. Ask him now. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Everything is so little to God, that if he does not care for the little, he cares for nothing. Charles Spurgeon
Prayer is an earnest and familiar talking with God. John Knox
There is not one blade of grass, there is no color in this world that is not intended to make us rejoice. John Calvin
One of the greatest sins for which we need to ask forgiveness is not believing God has forgiven us. Burk Parsons
Man was never meant to be a god, but he is forever trying to deify himself. Martyn L

2.18.18

The basic premise of religion–that if you try hard to be good, things will go well for you is wrong. Jesus lived perfectly yet suffered. Tim Keller
Of all afflictions, an unkind heart is the worst. Charles Spurgeon
We are secure, not because we hold tightly to Jesus, but because he holds tightly to us. C. Sproul
Some less important things in your life could stand some planned neglect so that you might give yourself to studying the Word. John MacArthur
The chief end of God is to glorify God, and to enjoy Himself forever. Sinclair Ferguson
It is a rule of the kingdom; God’s children are not spared the losses and crosses that accompany life in the footsteps of the Saviour. Derek Thomas
A man who imagines to arrive at grace by doing all that he is able to do, adds sin to sin, and is doubly guilty. Martin Luther
Can anything be more foolish than to put off considering the eternal destiny of your soul? John Owen
The sovereignty of God refers to God’s rule over absolutely everything in this world. Ligon Duncan

2.11.18

Prayer is not the overcoming of God’s reluctance, but the laying hold of God’s willingness. Martin Luther
If you could lose your salvation, you would. John MacArthur
Want to be like Jesus? Focus less on being like him and more on being with him. His attributes must be caught before they can be imitated. Scott Sauls
Condemning others while also excusing ourselves is what allows us to hang onto both our self-righteousness AND our sin. Tim Keller
Our prayers are acceptable to God only insofar as Christ sprinkles and sanctifies them with the perfume of his own sacrifice. John Calvin
God is not only great, but incomprehensible! It is not that he cannot be known at all, but that he cannot be known fully. Derek Thomas
The amazing thing is that God chooses to save anybody, especially when he knows that the people he has chosen would not choose him apart from his grace. Michael Horton
All of our actions are ultimately rooted in our deepest desires. Unfortunately, apart from Christ, our desires are set on the wrong thing. Ligon Duncan
Jesus did not come to make bad people good. He came o make dead people live. Ravi Zacharias

2.4.18

Jesus asks for far more than you ever thought, but offers more than you ever dreamed. Tim Keller
It is a very foolish Christian who does not attend the sanctuary of God as often as he can, and who does not grieve when he cannot. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
My life didn’t begin to be complicated until I became a Christian, because only then did I have to go to war every day between that which is of the flesh and that which is of the Spirit. R. C. Sproul
There is not one square of creation over which Jesus Christ does not cry, “Mine!” Abraham Kuyper
Knowing God is your single greatest privilege as a Christian, and the one that sensitizes you to every other issue of importance. Sinclair Ferguson
Union with Christ is possible because of the Son’s descent to earth, not because of our ascent into heaven. The basis of our union with Christ is Christ’s union with us in the incarnation. He became one with us so that we might become one with Him. Kevin DeYoung
Jesus paid it all. I mean all. He not only purchased your forgiveness of sins and your ticket to heaven, He purchased every blessing and every answer to prayer you will ever receive. Every one of them – no exceptions. Jerry Bridges
Anxiety does not take away the sorrow of tomorrow, but robs away the strength of today. Charles Spurgeon
The pursuit of purity now, not in the hour of your death, is the mark of a true Christian. John Piper

1.28.18

Your identity is whatever you look to for your security and your significance. Tim Keller
The big idea of the Christian life is Coram Deo. Coram Deo captures the essence of the Christian life. R. C. Sproul
Our gifts are not measured by the amount we contribute, but by the surplus kept in our own hand. Charles Spurgeon
Faith alone saves, but the faith that saves is never alone. John Calvin
Idolatry is any time we find our satisfaction, our security, our treasure in someone, something, anything else other than God. Ligon Duncan
The power for the Christian life does not come from the question: what would Jesus do? But, rather, from the question: what has Jesus already done? Charles Spurgeon
The church does not need brilliant personalities, but faithful servants of Jesus and the brethren. Dietrich Bonhoeffer
God has not called you to be awesome. He has called you to be humble, faithful, and free. Leave the awesome to him. Scott Sauls
If we think we are not all that bad, the idea of grace will never change us. Change comes by seeing a need for a Savior and getting one. Tim Keller

1.21.18

The more you have a gospel identity the more you have the ability to admit what’s wrong with you. Tim Keller
Oh, may God grant us to see sin for what it really is. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Our prayers are included among God’s providential plan for the destiny of His world. C. Sproul
Jesus came to take away sin in three ways: to remove the penalty of sin, the power of sin, and, at last, the presence of sin. Charles Spurgeon
Our bad things turn out for good. Our good things can never be lost. And the best things are yet to come. Jonathan Edwards
Churches that depart from the Word will soon find that God has departed from them. Robert Godfrey
We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be. S. Lewis
People who have come to know the joy of God do not deny the darkness, but they choose not to live in it. Henri Nouwen
Failure is never final as long as there is the grace of God. Steven Lawson

1.14.18

There is nothing more foolish than to think you have life under control when it is not controllable. Tim Keller
It is God’s purpose that guarantees the final perseverance of the saints, the final glorification of His people. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Every Christian is either a missionary or an imposter. Charles Spurgeon
The essential secret of godliness is Christ. Sin is precisely Christlessness; all attempts at self-improvement and moral reformation without him are sin. Only through knowing and relying on him can we become like the living God and share his vitality. Michael Reeves
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America needs its next Abraham Lincoln and the closest I’ve seen in 15 years is Ben Sasse. Os Guinness
Most heretics try to mask their heresy by using orthodox language to convey it. C. Sproul
Real friendship happens when we move toward the people we are most tempted to avoid. Scott Sauls
When I am afraid (not if), I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3. Scotty Smith
Trials are God’s unannounced exams to see how we are doing in the school of faith. Steven Lawson

1.7.18

We don’t want a King. We want a consultant in the person of Jesus to advise us as we order our lives. Tim Keller
Christianity is not primarily about lifestyle change; it is about knowing God. Michael Reeves
Jesus was there not only before matter. He was there before time. He did not come into being — he just was.” John Piper
The best of all is, God is with us. John Wesley (dying words)
If there is any concept worth restoring to its original depth and evocative potential, it is the concept of hospitality. Henri Nouwen
Death is the funeral of all our sorrows. Thomas Watson
The Bible will keep you from sin and sin will keep you from the Bible. Dwight L. Moody
Christ is not valued at all, unless he is valued above all. Augustine
It is your duty to believe and to teach what the Bible teaches, not what you want it to teach. C. Sproul

12.18.17

In our world where everything is about promoting yourself, repentance feels brutal. But repentance is the only way to be healed. Tim Keller
So long as Jesus Christ is there, in heaven before God for us, our salvation will last. Sinclair Ferguson
If you have a problem finding something to preach, I guarantee that you are not preaching the gospel. Albert Mohler
We mustn’t say more than we should, but we mustn’t say less than we must. Alistair Begg
Christ will be known in the culture when we treat people better than they deserve, not as they deserve. John Piper
When Christ becomes the only one who can stand between us and the degradation and contradiction of sin, when Christ becomes to us the only one who can stand between us and the holy wrath of God, then he has become all and in all to us. John Murray
We can only begin an upright course of life when God, of his good pleasure, adopts us into his family. John Calvin
The worst moment for an atheist is when he is really thankful and has no one to thank. K. Chesterton
If you do not die to sin, you shall die for sin. If you do not slay sin, sin will slay you. Charles Spurgeon

12.11.17

If you wait until your motives are pure and unselfish before you do something, you will wait forever. Tim Keller
It belongs only to God to alter men’s hearts. John Calvin
When our Father looks at us, He sees the perfect performance of Jesus. Jerry Bridges
Know your new identity and it will determine how you live. Sinclair Ferguson
Man’s real trouble is that he is a rebel against God and consequently under the wrath of God. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
If there is a Christian doctrine under attack today, it is the uniqueness of Christ. Ligon Duncan
It is not about how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness. Charles Spurgeon
Sanctification is to grow into the clothes that have already been put on you. Scott Sauls
To live coram Deo is to live one’s entire life in the presence of God, under the authority of God, to the glory of God. R. C. Sproul

11.27.17

Religion: I obey God in order to get things from God. Gospel: I obey God to get God –to see his beauty only. Tim Keller
A sermon without Christ in it is like a loaf of bread without any flour in it. Charles Spurgeon
Christ must be everything: the beginning, the middle, and the end of our salvation. Martin Luther
It is possible for a believer to be perfectly orthodox, but also perfectly obnoxious. Let the gospel do the offending. Let’s love people. Scotty Smith
To love to preach is one thing, to love those to whom we preach quite another. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
You contribute nothing to your salvation except the sin that made it necessary. Jonathan Edwards
You can’t have peace in the church without doctrinal purity in the church. True peace comes on account of the truth, not through compromise. Burk Parsons
Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done. Bryan Stevenson
Your sanctification can’t add to your justification. Sinclair Ferguson

11.20.17

Accepting the gift of Jesus Christ requires humility because you’re admitting that you can’t save yourself by your own means. Tim Keller
No Christ in your sermon, sir? Then go home, and never preach again until you have something worth preaching. Charles Spurgeon
Knowing God is your single greatest privilege as a Christian. Sinclair Ferguson
Only those who obey can believe, and only those who believe can obey. Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Luther would hate for us to make the Reformation all about Luther and would tell us to repent if we did and to make it all about the gospel. Burk Parsons
Christ is made our righteousness, and we are counted the righteousness of God in him. John Calvin
A true servant of Christ endeavors to follow Christ in thought, word, and work. George Whitefield
A lie is like a snowball: the further you roll it the bigger it becomes. Martin Luther
Religion makes us proud of what we have done. The Gospel makes us proud of what Jesus has done. Tim Keller

11.13.17

The core sin is to forget that God is God and we are not. Tim Keller
All men are intoxicated with self-love. John Calvin
We have suffered bereavement after bereavement, but we are going to the land of the immortal where graves do not exist. Charles Spurgeon
The Christian’s motto should not be “Let go and let God” but “Trust God and get going. I. Packer
My grand point in preaching is to break the hard heart, and to heal the broken one. John Newton
The basic purpose of prayer is not to bend God’s will to mine, but to mold my will into his. Tim Keller
It is Jesus’ own righteousness, His performance and not my performance, that is the grounds of my justification. C. Sproul
Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me. Martin Luther
God’s sovereign purpose entitles Him to do what He wills, even when it violates our desires and expectations. Randy Alcorn

11.6.17

Why does God allow evil and suffering? Look at the cross of Jesus. It can’t be that he doesn’t love us. It can’t be that he is indifferent. Tim Keller
Prayer equips human weakness with divine strength… and gives the peace of God to troubled souls. Charles Spurgeon
God knew the worst about you when He accepted you for the sake of His Son. Alistair Begg
Grace stands in direct opposition to any supposed worthiness on our part. To say it another way: Grace and works are mutually exclusive. Jerry Bridges
The key to usefulness in the Kingdom of God begins with self-forgetfulness. John Calvin
When people say “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” their emphasis is too often on “I can” rather than “through Christ.” Burk Parsons
You are as much serving God in training your own children, as you would be if you lead an army to battle for the Lord. Charles Spurgeon
I want people to love the Lord, not just for what he does for them but for who he is. R. C. Sproul
Sin is treason, not sinus trouble. God forgives sin; he does not heal sin. Rosaria Butterfield

10.30.17

No one is saved by a mere profession of faith. One must possess faith. R. C. Sproul
Either we conform to our desires to the truth or we conform the truth to our desires. Os Guinness
Go with ordinary faithfulness over extraordinary experience. Daily prayer and obedience beats a “Jesus high” every time. Scott Sauls
We have suffered bereavement after bereavement, but we are going to the land of the immortal where graves do not exist. Charles Spurgeon
There is more mercy in Christ than sin in us. Richard Sibbes
This fountain is inexhaustible; it never fails no matter how much we draw from it. Martin Luther
Jesus, thank you for taking every burden we bring, catching every care we cast, and giving all the grace that we need. Scotty Smith
Let us be more bothered by our sin than our suffering. Burk Parsons
People who go to hell deserve to be there. People who go to heaven do not deserve to be there. The first is justice, the second is grace. Steven Lawson

10.23.17

If you trust Christ, you’re united to Christ, and if you are united to Christ, you will bear fruit in Christ. No fruit, no union, no trust. Burk Parsons
Show the world that your God is worth ten thousand worlds to you. Charles Spurgeon
Every week I preach justification by faith to my people, because every week they forget it. Martin Luther
Remember He is the artist and you are only the picture. You can’t see it. So quietly submit to be painted. S. Lewis
If your joy rests on your parenting successes, you will be undone by your parenting failures. John Piper
We should ask the question John the Baptist faced: Would I gladly fade into obscurity if it meant more attention for Jesus? Kevin DeYoung
Jesus never changed the gospel to make it suit people; he changed people to make them fit into his gospel. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
When people are right with God, they are apt to be hard on themselves and easy on other people. John Newton
Christian confidence does not come from looking at the state of the world; it comes from Jesus. Michael Reeves

10.16.17

Jesus wants your obedience over your sacrifice. In other words, he wants you, not what you have to offer. Tim Keller
Abortion is government sanctioned murder for those inconvenienced by their children. Burk Parsons
Not only is the sin of man imputed to Christ, but the righteousness of Christ is transferred to us, to our account. C. Sproul
God doesn’t accept me just as I am, he loves me despite how I am, he loves me just as Jesus is. David Powlison
The true sacrifice to God is not something outside of us or belonging to us, nor something temporal…it is we ourselves, forever. Martin Luther
It was by the evil use of his free-will that man destroyed both it and himself. Augustine
Prayer must not be our chance work, but our daily business, our habit and vocation. Charles Spurgeon
Jesus, thank you for taking every burden we bring, catching every care we cast, and giving all the grace that we need. Scotty Smith
If you justify your past disobedience by your present happiness, you compound the sin, for you do not know what God would have done. John Piper

10.9.17

I am always amazed how much I hear “Oh my God” “Jesus” “damn” and “hell” from people who claim to be atheists. Burk Parsons
The basic purpose of prayer is not to bend God’s will to mine, but to mold my will into His. Tim Keller
We are never in danger of thinking too highly of Jesus. Kevin DeYoung
My security as a Christian does not reside in the strength of my faith but in the indestructibility of my Savior. Sinclair Ferguson
We become what we behold. Let us look upon Christ, love him and learn from him. Kevin DeYoung
Missions exists because worship doesn’t. John Piper
We supply the weakness, Jesus gives the strength. We supply the emptiness, He gives the grace. Steven Lawson
God involves us in His purposes not because He needs us, but because He loves us. David Platt
Christians can have radical and serious falls, but never total and final falls from grace. R. C. Sproul

10.2.17

You don’t know Jesus is all you need until He is all you have. Bob Smart
The older I get the more evidence I have that there are many, many ways to lose your life, but only one way to save it. Andy Crouch
Every hour we live, we are getting nearer Heaven, and sinners are getting nearer Hell. Charles Spurgeon
Your only joy is to be found in obeying Him, your true fulfillment is to be found in worshiping Him. Sinclair Ferguson
Prayer will make a man cease from sin, or sin will entice a man to cease from prayer. John Bunyan
I left Islam because I studied Muhammad’s life. I accepted the Gospel because I studied Jesus’ life. Nabeel Qureshi
One of the biggest struggles for Christians is lack of assurance and one of the biggest struggles for nominal Christians is false assurance. Burk Parsons
The foolish account a matter to be indisputable for the sole reason that it has been espoused by the crowd. Martin Luther
People typically know what they ought to do, the difficulty is finding strength to do it. The law guides; grace and character empower. Dan Doriani

9.25.17

We would be more patient and kind with people and less hurt if we regularly remembered that we all have deep core faults. Tim Keller
God is never obligated to be merciful to a rebellious creature. He doesn’t owe us mercy. C. Sproul
Drive a nail every day afresh through your indwelling sin. Rosaria Butterfield
Life isn’t about finding God’s ways to be acceptable, but finding God’s Son to be irresistible. Scotty Smith
Attending a church that does not preach the word is like going to a restaurant that does not serve food. Steven Lawson
We are to exhibit a form of behavior and attitude toward other people that will mirror for them the compassion of Jesus. C. Sproul
My security as a Christian does not reside in the strength of my faith but in the indestructibility of my Savior. Sinclair Ferguson
Ignorance of Scripture is the root of every error in religion, and the source of every heresy. C. Ryle
Coming to Christ means more suffering, not less, in this world. John Piper

9.18.17

The gospel turns the duty of doing and experiencing God’s will into a delight. Sinclair Ferguson
The Law tells us what to do. The Gospel tells us what God has done for us in Christ. Michael Horton
We have a fatal tendency to exaggerate the faults of others and minimize the gravity of our own. John Stott
It is absolutely crucial to speak up about the biblical teaching on racism—not just now but routinely and regularly. Tim Keller
There is no neutral ground in the universe. Every square inch, every split second is claimed by God, and counterclaimed by Satan. S. Lewis
Because of Christ, death is not final. It is a passage from one world to the next. C. Sproul
My Christian brothers and sisters, remember that your greatest power is NOT who YOU are, but Who you RELY on. Mark Dever
Our greatest fear should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter. Francis Chan
We can be courageous and confident in missions and evangelism because we know that it depends on God and not on us. Kevin DeYoung

9.11.17

The danger of legalism is that it builds up again what Christ has torn down. Sinclair Ferguson
In the church today, people claim to want revival but are bothered if their preacher goes a few minutes too long. Burk Parsons
When you go through a trial, the sovereignty of God is the pillow upon which you lay your head. Charles Spurgeon
There are two days in my calendar: this day and that Day. Martin Luther
We have a fatal tendency to exaggerate the faults of others and minimize the gravity of our own. John Stott
Doctrine severed from practice is dead; practice severed from doctrine is just another form of self-salvation and self-improvement. Michael Horton
You should not begin to pray for all you want until you realize that in God you have all you need. Augustine (summarized by Tim Keller in his book Prayer)
..is unreserved devotion to the Lord. Sinclair Ferguson
Luther stood for something as he stood against something as he stood upon something. Steven Lawson

9.4.17

Our supreme need, our only need, is to know God, the living God, and the power of His might. We need nothing else. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Holiness is not the way to Jesus. Jesus is the way to holiness. Steve Lawson
The Father’s love is ours in his Son, the Son’s gift is ours in his Spirit. Sinclair Ferguson
All of us will have temptations in the years ahead to compromise, and we will need each other to stand firm. Kevin DeYoung
It’s remarkable that in all his writings, Paul’s prayers for friends contain no appeals for changes in their circumstances. Tim Keller
If you want to know the lessons you need to learn the most, pay attention to the verses you don’t underline. Scott Sauls
One of the great uses of Twitter and Facebook will be to prove at the Last Day that prayerlessness was not from lack of time. John Piper
Have you ever considered: Adam and Eve only got clothes after they sinned? That means laundry is a result of the fall. Kevin DeYoung
I shudder to think how many churchgoers in the Bible Belt are going to hear Jesus say, “I never knew you.” John Piper

8.21.17

Man’s real trouble is that he is a rebel against God and consequently under the wrath of God. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
This is so simple and so crucial — no phones in the bedroom, especially at night. Not for kids, not for adults. Seriously. Let’s fix this. Andy Crouch
In Scripture, the essence of wisdom is in knowing that you are not that wise. Sinclair Ferguson
This must be our ground and anchor-hold, that Christ is our only perfect righteousness. Martin Luther
Religious people find God useful. Christians find God beautiful. Tim Keller
Half our fears arise from neglect of the Bible. Charles Spurgeon
To despise doctrine is to despise the Word of God. C. Sproul
There is more mercy in Christ than sin in us. Richard Sibbes
There are two possible attitudes in genuine worship: delight in God or repentance for the lack of it. John Piper

8.14.2017

My security as a Christian does not reside in the strength of my faith, but in the indestructibility of my Savior. Sinclair Ferguson
Ultimately it is only the man who feels quite hopeless about himself who really trusts God. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
We gather to worship not merely out of tradition or routine, but because there is power in the cross and no one in the tomb. Kevin DeYoung
The Spirit always communicates that He’s for you when He convicts you of your sin. C. Sproul
The world wants Christians to affirm every religious belief except our own. Burk Parsons
We’re not going to be taken out of this world into heaven but heaven is going to come down at the end of time to renew this world. Tim Keller
Living in the Spirit therefore means a daily commitment to please Christ and not to please self. Sinclair Ferguson
Till sin be bitter, Christ will not be sweet. Thomas Watson

8.7.2017

Be obedient even when you do not know where obedience may lead you. Sinclair Ferguson
The gospel isn’t doing something or joining something, but receiving something. Michael Horton
If you want to be anxious today, pretend you’re in control. Michael Reeves
We need Jesus, plus what he chooses to give us… nothing more, and nothing less. Scotty Smith
No one was ever scolded out of their sin. William Cowper
The heart of the true disciple is set on the glory and purposes of God, our Father in Heaven. Eric Alexander
It is not enough to study or applaud the words of Jesus. We must do what he says. Otherwise we are in danger of a great crash. Dan Doriani
America needs its next Abraham Lincoln and the closest I’ve seen in 15 years is Ben Sasse. Os Guinness
If we dare to stand for something, we have to prepared that some people will tell us to sit down. Kevin DeYoung

7.31.17

If God is not at the center of your life, something else is. Tim Keller
The gospel turns the duty of doing and experiencing God’s will into a delight.” Sinclair Ferguson
Doctrine is not just meant to be put into catechism or a Sunday school class. Doctrine must be put into our prayers and praise. Michael Horton
Our love of neighbor is proportional to our love of God, and our love of God is proportional to how greatly we rest in his love for us. Burk Parsons
You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say. Martin Luther
Christ is not given to believers for righteousness without also being given to them for sanctification. John Calvin
You have no sin too large for God’s mercy, and no problem too little for his concern. Matt Smethurst
Half our fears arise from neglect of the Bible. Charles Spurgeon
He who prays as he ought will endeavor to live as he prays. John Owen

7.24.17

I have never met a person who fell in love with Jesus because a Christian scolded them about their ethics. Have you? Scott Sauls
Today, it’s likely we will either fix our eyes adoringly on Jesus, selfishly on ourselves, or critically on others. Scotty Smith
Not everyone is your brother or sister in the faith, but everyone is your neighbor. Tim Keller
Everything is necessary that God sends our way; nothing can be necessary that he withholds. John Newton
Sanctification is Jesus turning our lives into the likeness of His own beauty, that we might shine with His own glory. Sinclair Ferguson
What is an idol? It is anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give. Tim Keller
God’s love is not mild-mannered and limp; it is livid, potent, and committed. And therein lies our hope. Michael Reeves
There is not one piece of cosmic dust that is outside the scope of God’s sovereign providence. C. Sproul
We value a man who marches to his own beat. God values a man who marches to His beat. Randy Alcorn

7.17.17

We are eternally secure not because perseverance in obedience is optional, but because God is the one who decisively makes it happen. John Piper
Doctrine does matter. R.C. Sproul
The rich brother needs to let the gospel humble him while the poor brother needs to let the gospel affirm him. Tim Keller
I usually find that the greatest doubters are the people who do not read the Bible. Charles Spurgeon
There is nothing more important to learn about Christian growth than this: Growing in grace means becoming like Christ. Sinclair Ferguson
We discover the will of God by a sensitive application of Scripture to our own lives. Sinclair Ferguson
We may never know the treacherous journey people have taken to land in the pew next to us. Rosaria Butterfield
The most important words I’ve heard: Let us worship God. Sinclair Ferguson
We are to learn from leaders, yet be imitators of none. Iain H. Murray

7.10.17

In the cross justice and mercy meet, and in the cross God’s character is fully revealed. Kevin DeYoung
A Christian is one whose time is taken up with the happy task of daily applying the gospel to every realm of life. Burk Parsons
It is the Holy Spirit who moves us beyond mere imitation of Christ into union with Christ. Michael Horton
It is imperative that we understand the plight of persecuted Christians & stand with those who are suffering around the globe. Ravi Zacharias
The greatest joy is to know Jesus Christ. The second greatest joy is to make Him known. Steven Lawson
The key question in order to change you is not “What would Jesus do?” but “What has Jesus done for you?” Tim Keller
Divisive terror on our streets will give way one Day to God’s every-nation family gathered and united forever in the New Jerusalem. Scotty Smith
We must never, at any point in our lives, rest from our pursuit of righteousness. C. Sproul
If God is not at the center of your life, something else is. Tim Keller

7.3.17

A Christian is one whose time is taken up with the happy task of daily applying the gospel to every realm of life. Burk Parsons
Let’s not judge anyone’s story by the chapter we happen to walk into. Scotty Smith
We cannot be doctrinally orthodox unless we renounce doctrinal heresy. Burk Parsons
It must not content us to take our bodies to church if we leave our hearts at home. C. Ryle
Live as if Christ died yesterday, rose this morning, and is coming back tomorrow. Martin Luther
The sin that is killing you the most right now is the one you are most defensive about or just completely unaware of. Tim Keller
America will truly be great again if we return our roots of calling and covenant. Os Guinness
The character of God encompasses three basic realities: the true, the good, and the beautiful. C. Sproul
What if instead of waiting for good enough things to happen to us, we could be the good thing to happen to someone else who’s waiting? Ann Voskamp

6.26.17

You are so bad that you can’t do anything to save yourself. But God is so good that he’ll do everything to save us. John Piper
Sin may be crouching at your door, but grace owns the house. Scotty Smith
You can’t be a racist and a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. Burk Parsons
What distinguishes Christianity from all other religions? Atonement and Resurrection! Steve Camp
If we do not discipline ourselves, God Himself will discipline us. One way or another, there will be discipline. Steven Lawson
We’re all mathematicians. Will we spend most of our time numbering other people’s sins, or numbering our days? Scotty Smith
The sin that is killing you the most right now is the one you are most defensive about or just completely unaware of. Tim Keller
Sin will not seem great or weighty to any who consider temptation a light or small thing. John Owen
We must be convinced that our God is good all the time. Sinclair Ferguson

6.5.17

Some talk of truth, it is better to walk in it. Charles Spurgeon
Anything you add to Jesus Christ as a requirement for being happy is an idol that will sap you. It must be removed. Tim Keller
God is always doing 10,000 things in your life. And you may be aware of three of them. John Piper
My deepest awareness is I am deeply loved by Jesus Christ and have done nothing to earn or deserve it. Brennan Manning
[Don’t] waste time thinking how unworthy we are of [His] blessings…know that it pleased God to…give us His unspeakable gifts. Martin Luther
Sports have a valid place in our lives. But if we care more about the playing field than the mission field, sports are an idol. Randy Alcorn
Defend the Bible? Would you defend a lion? Loose him; and let him go! Charles Spurgeon
Be known for your love of people who disagree with you radically. Os Guinness
If your knowledge of doctrine doesn’t make you a great man of prayer, you’d better examine yourself. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

5.15.17

Antinomianism and legalism are two sides of the same coin. Both think little of their sin and little of the need for grace in all of life. Michael Horton
If you believe what you like in the gospels, and reject what you don’t like, it is not the gospel you believe, but yourself. Augustine
Get alone with Jesus, and He will comfort your hearts, and restore your weary souls. Charles Spurgeon
The friction God builds into the Christian life is not accidental. It is intended to produce growth in holiness. Sinclair Ferguson
Jesus called Judas “Friend,” promised paradise to a thief, loved the rich ruler, and restored unfaithful Peter. How could he not be for you? Scott Sauls
A Christian is the most free lord of all, and subject to none; a Christian is the most dutiful servant of all, and subject to all. Martin Luther
Sin always looks better through the windshield than the rearview mirror. Matt Smethurst
Do you realize that it is only in the gospel of Jesus Christ that you get the verdict before the performance? Tim Keller
God’s love is not mild-mannered and limp; it is livid, potent, and committed. And therein lies our hope. Michael Reeves

5.8.17

The highest form of selfishness is that of the man who is content to go to heaven alone. J.C. Ryle
Christians need the gospel as much as non-Christians do. Tim Keller
You will never turn from a sin you don’t hate. Jen Wilkin
You can choose to look the other way but NEVER AGAIN can you say that you never knew. William Wilberforce
Only the gospel brings new creation into this present age of sin and death. Michael Horton
New life is not something we can work up, it is something that must come down. Sinclair Ferguson
Christianity is Christ. It is not about a mere program or plan, but the person of Christ–knowing Him, living Him, and following Him. Steven Lawson
We’re most Pharisaical when we try to make our preferences, suggestions, habits, and laws around laws the obligatory standards for all. Burk Parsons
True repentance is firm and constant, and makes us war with the evil that is in us, not for a day or a week, but without end. John Calvin

5.1.17

I simply taught, preached, and wrote God’s Word; otherwise I did nothing. The Word did it all. Martin Luther
Whoever you are, whatever you’ve done, you’re not too good for the gospel. Whoever you are, whatever you’ve done, you’re not too bad for it. Russell Moore
The insistence that doctrines do not matter is really a doctrine itself. Tim Keller
Because Jesus faced temptation and refused it, he can forgive us when we face temptation and succumb to it. Dan Doriani
If you don’t have friends from different backgrounds, cultures, views and values. You aren’t growing like you could be. Lecrae
Everything that is not God serves a purposes higher than itself. Nothing is superfluous. Nothing is an end in itself. John Piper
We ought to flee from sin; and when God wakes us up to see the sin that we did not flee from, we ought to run to Christ with all our might. Kevin DeYoung
Prayers are always to be requests made in humility and submission to the Father’s will. C. Sproul
When your heart is really hurting, don’t look for someone to blame, look for Someone to trust. Scotty Smith

4.17.17

If you love anything in this world more than God, you will crush that object under the weight of your expectations. Tim Keller
When you feel exposed in prayer and it starts getting uncomfortable, don’t pull back from God. He is just starting to work. Paul Miller
Time misspent is not time lived but time lost. Thomas Watson
Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards. Soren Kierkegaard
You don’t have to be awesome & do everything today. You simply have to believe that the One who is Awesome loves you through everything. Ann Voskamp
If we do not abide in prayer, we will abide in temptation. John Owen
My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: That I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior. John Newton
They who truly come to God for mercy, come as beggars, not as creditors. Jonathan Edwards
We are not reborn because we believe. We believe because we are reborn. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

4.3.17

Our obedience neither impresses God nor earns anything from him, but it honors him and benefits our neighbors. Scotty Smith
Worry is not believing God will get it right, and bitterness is believing God got it wrong. Tim Keller
Faith is not primarily a function of how you feel. Faith is living out, trusting, and believing what truth is despite what you feel. Tim Keller
When Satan tells me I am a sinner he comforts me immeasurably, since Christ died for sinners. Martin Luther
Loneliness is the devil’s playground. God created us for community. Burk Parsons
Be pro-life, from conception to resurrection. Stand up for women and children. Care for those in peril. Above all, teach and live the gospel. Russell Moore
Theology, which is the proper study of God, should always lead to doxology, the proper worship of God. Steven Lawson
My weakness is my greatest strength, for then I trust alone on Jesus, when I feel my own dependence. Charles Spurgeon
The Gospel is only good news when we understand the bad news. R. C. Sproul

3.27.17

Nothing more than the gospel, just more of it; no one else but Jesus, just him more fully; no other glory, just God’s more joyfully. Scotty Smith
Preaching aims: Not 20 minutes, twice that. Not immediately practical, eternally helpful. Not relaxed or relaxing, passionate and provoking. John Piper
Sin is not simply making bad choices or mistakes. Sin is having the desire in our hearts to do the will of the enemy of God. C. Sproul
It’s not our job to hold God to whatever standards our meager minds might suggest. John MacArthur
When we stand up for religious liberty for everyone, we do so because we believe the gospel. Russell Moore
Culture is never so bad that it can’t be redeemed, nor so good that it can’t be critiqued. Tim Keller
A minister may fill his pews & communion roll but what he is on his knees in secret before God Almighty, that he is and no more. John Owen
Christ lived the purpose-driven life so we would inherit his righteousness thru faith & be promise-driven people in a purpose-driven world. Michael Horton
I’m optimistic about this week. Just kidding. I’m sure it will be horrible. Jim Gaffigan

2.13.17

We don’t get a better Christ in the Lord’s Supper, but we get Christ better. Bob Smart
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Your smart phone is the beginning of information and distraction. Kevin DeYoung
Cheer up! You’re a worse sinner than you ever dared imagine, and you’re more loved than you ever dared hope. Jack Miller
God is good—on good days, bad days and all the days in between. Don’t just say “God is good” when you feel good, say it even when you don’t. Burk Parsons
Grace often grows strongest where conviction of sin has pierced deepest. Sinclair Ferguson
A church is not a group of friends you’ve picked, it’s a group of brothers and sisters God has picked for you. Michael Horton
In America today, it is considered worse to judge evil than to do evil. Os Guinness
Abortion is not a health service it’s a death service. Albert Mohler
Holy Spirit, rescue us from being arm-chair cultural commentators and quarterbacks. Help us engage with hope, serve with joy and love with abandon. Scotty Smith

1.30.17

King Jesus, may your mercy and might bring wisdom and peace to the immigrant/refugee crisis in the US. Scotty Smith
The gospel turns the duty of doing and experiencing God’s will into a delight. Sinclair Ferguson
I am convinced that abortion involves the destruction of a living human person. R.C. Sproul
Grace is when God looks upon us. Faith is when we look upon Him. Glory is when our eyes meet. Douglas Wilson
The more you rejoice in your own forgiveness, the quicker you will be to forgive others. Tim Keller
Is it not wonderful news to believe that salvation lies outside ourselves? Martin Luther
We measure worship by how we feel as we worship. True worship is measured by what God thinks about our worship. Kevin DeYoung
We cannot expect a society that rejects anything as sacred to maintain commitment to the sanctity of life. Albert Mohler
What greater insult to God can a man be guilty of than to refuse to read the letter God sends him from heaven? J.C. Ryle

1.23.17

One day America and all its presidents will be a footnote in history, but the kingdom of Jesus will never end. John Piper
If we pick out which parts of the Bible we dislike, we actually have a god we’ve created. How can that god ever call you out on anything? Tim Keller
There is no greater state than to get up from your knees knowing that God has forgiven every sin you’ve ever committed. C. Sproul
People don’t have to be good to deserve our compassion; it’s our compassion that serves good to all people. Ann Voskamp
Beware of pride that keeps you performing, shame that keeps you hiding, and fear that keeps you from trusting. The gospel claims all three. Scotty Smith
Men generally don’t have the same thoughts of things when they come to die as when they were in health. Jonathan Edwards
The reason God seeks our praise isn’t because he won’t be fully God until he gets it but that we won’t be happy until we give it. John Piper
The fact is, we sometimes read Scripture, thinking of what it ought to say, rather than what it does say. Charles Spurgeon
It is misleading to say that God accepts us the way we are. Rather he accepts us despite the way we are. Sinclair Ferguson

1.16.17

To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing. Martin Luther
Our life is not about us being made comfortable, but about Christ being made known. Steven Lawson
He who will not go to bed till he pleases everybody will have to sit up a great many nights. Charles Spurgeon
Just my opinion, but one problem for the church today is we’ve spent more time complaining about the culture than we have making disciples. Ron Edmondson
Our church is split between antinomians and legalists. Today’s closing song was “Trust or Obey.” Church Curmudgeon
Be killing sin or sin will be killing you. John Owen
People think a Christian is one who follows Christ’s teaching and example, but Jesus is not primarily a teacher. He’s a rescuer. Tim Keller
We have nothing to prove today except the wonders of Jesus’ love. The pressure is off; the praise is on. Scotty Smith
Those who experience the grace of God in justification want to experience his grace in sanctification too. Sinclair Ferguson

12.19.16 10 Favorite Quotes of the Week from R.C. Sproul

We have the responsibility to know and do what righteousness requires.
If ever there were a time there was nothing, there would be nothing now.
Why evangelize? Because it’s a command, and it’s the highest privilege that God can give to us.
This is the amazing part of grace; that it is given to us when we are spiritually dead.
No sinner has anything to say in the presence of the holy God.
The grounds of your justification are the perfect works of Jesus Christ. We’re saved by works, but they’re not our own.
If God is not sovereign, then He is not God.
We want the approval of God—but the applause of men can be deafening.
Repentance is not just a turning to something, it’s a turning from something.

12.12.16

The magi were pagans who served pagans. Yet God spoke to them; that’s what he does. The faith is not for insiders, it’s for listeners. Dan Doriani
May our passion for Christ always be greater than our passion for a pleasant and easy life. Burk Parsons
The Lord’s mercy often rides to the door of our hearts on the black horse of affliction. Charles Spurgeon
We must never offer the benefits of the gospel without the Benefactor Himself. Sinclair Ferguson
True humility will lead us to be bashful about ourselves and boastful about Jesus. Scott Sauls
Formal Christianity is often the greatest enemy of the pure faith. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Tolerance isn’t about not having beliefs. It’s about how your beliefs lead you to treat people who disagree with you. Tim Keller
Truth cannot be sacrificed at the altar of pretended tolerance. Real tolerance is deference to all ideas, not indifference to the truth. Ravi Zacharias
The Day of no more cancer, abuse, human slavery, addiction, betrayal, shame, poverty, racism, hunger, evil, hatred and idolatry is coming. Scotty Smith

12.5.16 10 Favorite Tim Keller Quotes of the Week

We never imagine that getting our heart’s deepest desires might be the worst thing that can ever happen to us. Tim Keller
The gospel must be used to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. Tim Keller
Self-control is the ability to do the important thing rather than the urgent thing. Tim Keller
Success and suffering will either darken your heart or make you wise, but they won’t leave you where you were. Tim Keller
If you didn’t earn your salvation how are you going to un-earn it? Tim Keller
Prayer gives us relief from the melancholy burden of self-absorption. Tim Keller.
Your future self will always see your present self as unwise and immature. That means you are currently unwise and immature right now. Tim Keller
Pride is the carbon monoxide of sin. It silently and slowly kills you without you even knowing. Tim Keller
Through the gospel, we have come to base our identity not on what we have achieved but what has been achieved for us in Christ. Tim Keller

11.28.16

We actually are saved by works, that is, by the finished work of Jesus Christ upon the cross. Steven Lawson
God’s best gifts are the ones most apt to be twisted by the world, the flesh, and the devil. Kevin DeYoung
Judge yourself on what Christ is rather than on what you are. Charles Spurgeon
“Whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.“ Yes God demands perfection. Hence the need for Christ! John Piper
We want the approval of God—but the applause of men can be deafening. C. Sproul
The only election that unites enemies, destroys hostilities, & secures the perfect government is God’s electing love lavished on us in Jesus. Scotty Smith
Want to be like Jesus? Focus less on trying to be like Jesus and more on being with him. Scott Sauls
Indwelling sin always abides while we are in this world; therefore it is always to be mortified. John Owen
Oh, may God grant us to see sin for what it really is. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

11.21.16

If you uproot an idol in your life and fail to plant the love of Christ in its place, the idol will grow back. Tim Keller
When we could not take care of ourselves, God took care of us. That’s the message of grace. Bryan Chapell
Ordinary does not mean mediocre. Michael Horton
Totally refuse to give into a spirit of self-pity, entitlement, victimization, self-contempt, shame, cynicism, resentment, or fear. Scotty Smith
The worship of a holy God is made possible by his coming down, not by our climbing up. Kevin DeYoung
There is only one reason to be a Christian: Because it’s true. Francis Schaeffer
You may not always get what you ask, but you shall always have your real needs supplied. Charles Spurgeon
The kindness of God leads to repentance. A Christianity that reverses the order of these statements is not Christianity. Scott Sauls
Contentment is deeply God-like; grumbling deeply devilish. Michael Reeves

All this technology is making us anti-social. Burk Parsons

11.14.16

Repentance is a characteristic of the whole life, not the action of a single moment. Sinclair Ferguson
4 C’s for the day Cares: what has me worried today? Carnalities: what tempts me today? Consolations: what joys find me today? Christ my hope. Zach Eswine
Give me a candle and a Bible and shut me up in a dark dungeon, and I will tell you everything that the whole world is doing. C. Ryle
You are a Christian before you are a Democrat or a Republican. Do your friends, neighbors, colleagues, and children sense this? Scott Sauls
Jesus didn’t come primarily to solve the economic, political, and social problems of the world. He came to forgive our sins. Tim Keller
Really sad/mad about the election? Seek to love those who welcome it. Really happy/stoked about the election? Seek to love those who hate it. Scotty Smith
If the Christian faith gets identified with a party, it reduces the Christian faith to a political position. Tim Keller
The things you daydream about in your spare time are ultimately the things you serve. Tim Keller
Until Christ is our treasure, any other motivation we have to suffer for him is a fool’s errand. Matt Chandler

11.7.16

Congratulations Cubs fans. When Chicago last won the World Series Edward VII was King of England and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary was located in downtown Louisville. Albert Mohler
All is well, all is very well. God is on his throne, Jesus is coming back, and the Cubs won the World Series. Scotty Smith
My boys want to stay up and watch the Cubs. What am I supposed to say, “Nah, you can watch them in 2124”? Kevin DeYoung
One day America and all its presidents will be a footnote in history, but the kingdom of Jesus will never end. John Piper
If Jesus is not first place in our lives, then everything else is out of place. Steven Lawson
After you tried the higher life, deeper life, and your best life now, go to the gospel of Jesus Christ that gives abundant, eternal life. Burk Parsons
The real Jesus requires more than you ever thought, but offers more than you ever imagined. Tim Keller
God helps those who cannot help themselves. Charles Spurgeon
Until we are reconciled to God by the blood of Jesus everything to which we look for satisfaction will fully disappoint us. John Newton

10.31.16

There’s a name for those pastors who never speak of sin, repentance, or hell—they’re called false teachers. Burk Parsons
God made us to sleep so that every day he can remind us that he manages things just fine without us. Kevin DeYoung
Of one thing I am perfectly sure: God’s story never ends with ashes. Elisabeth Elliot
We are saved by works. They’re just not our works, they’re Christ’s. Stephen Nichols
We don’t hold our convictions. They hold us. Albert Mohler
Repentance is a characteristic of the whole life, not the action of a single moment. Sinclair Ferguson
Theological corruption is always prior to and explains moral corruption. Albert Mohler
There is great darkness in our land today, but God has not forgotten His promises. Derek Thomas
Nothing could be more irrational than the idea that something comes from nothing. R. C. Sproul

10.24.16

Self-control is not a matter of the will but of the heart. It’s setting the heart on the higher thing. Tim Keller
The closer we are to God, the more the slightest sin will cause us deep sorrow. C. Sproul
We have a God who condescends in coming near to us, but we must never be casual in coming near to him. Kevin DeYoung
We’ll either cast our cares on Him, or be crushed under the weight of them. Scotty Smith
Either we live for Christ or we do not live at all, but merely exist. Steven Lawson
A pastor needs two voices, one for gathering the sheep and the other for driving away wolves and thieves. John Calvin
I’m grateful not only for the good things in life but the hard things knowing all things in God’s sovereignty work together for my good. Burk Parsons
Hope has two beautiful daughters: Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are and Courage to see they don’t remain as they are. Augustine
We don’t establish the Bible as the Word of God. God establishes the Bible as the Word of God. Robert Godfrey

10.17.16

Of course, Trump should step down as Olasky and Grudem say. So should Hillary. That is what “unqualified” means. It’s never been a question. John Piper
Someone should introduce legislation mandating that every Presidential ballot henceforth shall include an option marked “Do over.” Kevin DeYoung
When I think of anyone (POTUS, etc.) or anything (the White House, SCOTUS, etc.) as more sovereign than God himself, I’m committing idolatry. Scotty Smith
The gospel is meant to control and govern everything in our lives. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Death is an enemy. It’s the last enemy to be destroyed, but it will be destroyed! Michael Horton
If you could lose your salvation, you would. John MacArthur
Idolatry is looking for God’s image where it doesn’t belong and ignoring God’s image where it exists. Kevin DeYoung
Revival occurs when those who think they already know the gospel discover they do not really or fully know it. Tim Keller
The fear of the Lord tends to take away all other fears. Sinclair Ferguson

10.10.16

I would be a coward if I saw that God’s truth is attacked and yet would remain silent. John Calvin
Culture is never so bad that it can’t be redeemed, nor so good that it can’t be critiqued. Tim Keller
The grace that saves the sinner is the power that must supply the sinner. Jerry Bridges
Suffering will come whether we allow it to make us more like Christ or not, but if we don’t, we waste that suffering. Randy Alcorn
One day America and all its presidents will be a footnote in history, but the kingdom of Jesus will never end. John Piper
The gospel doesn’t add to who we are; it transforms who we are. The gospel isn’t about addition; it’s about exchange. Rosaria Butterfield
Your prayer life reveals how much you really want communion with God and how much you really depend on him. Michael Reeves
I have held many things in my hands and have lost them all, but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess. Martin Luther

10.3.16

Thank God that He doesn’t wait until we take an interest in Him before He takes a profound interest in us by His grace. Eric Alexander
The best way to starve the idols of our hearts is to feast on the gospel of God’s grace. Scotty Smith
Anxiety is a daily statement to God saying, “I don’t think you have my best interest in mind. Tim Keller
We jump from optimism to darkness so quickly when we aren’t grounded in a deep faith that God is in the matter, no matter what the matter is. Paul Miller
Protect your character – even more than you try to protect your reputation. Do this and you’ll gain the other. Ron Edmondson
A right heart leans on Christ, hangs on Christ, builds on Christ & cleaves to Christ. C. Ryle
Humility isn’t about pretending to be lower than we are. It’s about realizing we are not as mighty as we think. Kevin DeYoung
You are worse than you think you are, but also far more loved than you feel you are. Tim Keller
We are meant to glorify God in this life and share in his glory in the next. And nothing else matters, really. Kathy Keller

9.12.16

Tolerance isn’t about not having beliefs. It’s about how your beliefs lead you to treat people who disagree with you. Tim Keller
We can serve Satan and the interests of the world, or we can serve the living God and be servants of Christ. C. Sproul
What a great day for resting in Jesus’ love, not trying to impress anybody, overlooking as much as possible, repenting quickly and rejoicing. Scotty Smith
Our security doesn’t depend on our ability to stay saved, but on God’s ability to keep His promise. John MacArthur
Everything I do is either going to bring reward or regret. Francis Chan
The gospel is not one of many ways to God, but the only way to Him. Every other path leads further, yet further away from God. Steven Lawson
God calls us out of darkness and into his marvelous light and then calls us to go back into the darkness and shine. Burk Parsons
To be caught in secret sin is a horrible thing. Only one thing worse. Not to be caught. John Piper
My security as a Christian does not reside in the strength of my faith but in the indestructibility of my Savior. Sinclair Ferguson

8.28.16

Hell will be filled with people who were avidly committed to Christian values. Albert Mohler
Worry is not believing God will get it right, and bitterness is believing God got it wrong. Tim Keller
A god who is all love, all grace, all mercy, no sovereignty, no justice, no holiness, and no wrath is an idol. R.C. Sproul
The gospel doesn’t create a spirit of triumphalism, but a spirit of humility. Jesus has conquered us by grace and made us his loving servants. Scotty Smith
At the very heart of the Christian life is union with Christ. Sinclair Ferguson
One day America and all its presidents will be a footnote in history, but the kingdom of Jesus will never end. John Piper
For every one look at your sins, take five looks at your Savior. Tim Keller
Our prayers reveal a lot about us. Our requests show us what we treasure. Francis Chan
For all who reject Christ, it will be death and condemnation. So this is the hour of salvation. Michael Horton

8.1.16

The gospel calls us to “man down” more so than to “man up.” There is no masculinity without a core of humility. Scotty Smith
Fill your life with things that stir your affections for Jesus and cut out what robs you of those affections. Matt Chandler
We must follow God for who He is and what He intends, not for what we want and what we prefer. Ravi Zacharias
If there are real moral absolutes and we don’t care to discover them, it would be like closing our eyes while driving. Tim Keller
People who win with money understand and practice Outrageous Generosity. Dave Ramsey
The Bible is not primarily concerned with a quest for personal meaning & fulfillment. It’s a story about God, who is so good he cares for us. Michael Horton
Freedom is not doing whatever you want, whenever, and with whomever, it is knowing what you ought to do and having the freedom to do it. Burk Parsons
There is nothing in your life that hasn’t first passed through the palm of a nail-scarred hand. Steve Brown
Ask not what your moral relativism can do for your country, ask what it is doing to you. Russell Moore

7.17.16

To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing. Martin Luther
Mission isn’t about travel, it’s not about going somewhere. It’s about following someone. Tim Keesee
I can’t believe Trump picked Hunter Pence to be his VP. The signs are going to be crazy. Kevin DeYoung
Tim Keller didn’t plant Redeemer until he was nearly 40. Most had no idea who he was until he’s 50. Stop trying to be an under 50 celebrity. Anthony Bradley
Legalistic remorse says, “I broke God’s rules,” while real repentance says, “I broke God’s heart.” Tim Keller
Your best shot at having a beautiful marriage is if both of you make it your goal to become more like Jesus. Francis Chan
Jesus Christ gives what the world cannot: contentment. Sinclair Ferguson
Our churches are to be in perpetual renewal by the gospel, not perpetual retreat from the culture. Scotty Smith
Orthodoxy, without compassion, stinks to God. Francis Schaeffer

7.10.16

A man who imagines to arrive at grace by doing all that he is able to do, adds sin to sin, and is doubly guilty. Martin Luther
To live no longer for ourselves but for Him is the essence of discipleship. Jerry Bridges
The triune One is greater in glory, deeper in mystery, more beautiful in harmony than all other realities in creation. Sinclair Ferguson
You cannot save your life, you can only spend it. The question is how. Tim Keesee
There’s a big difference between being careful not to offend anyone unnecessarily and being afraid to offend anyone anytime. Scotty Smith
Whenever I feel depression or a bit of melancholy coming on, I find that serving others keeps me from sinking down further. Jack Miller
If you look for truth you may find comfort in the end; if you look for comfort you will not get either. Ravi Zacharias
If our heart is not conscious of the hell-deservingness of sin, we cannot expect to find forgiveness. Charles Spurgeon
The opposite of joy is not sadness. It’s hopelessness. Tim Keller

6.26.16

It’s precisely because of the extraordinary hope we have of heaven that we can embrace the ordinary lives God gives us here now. Michael Horton
Satan loves to try to pamper us with temporal comforts. God loves to strip them away so we’ll find ultimate comfort in him alone. Burk Parsons
The Christian’s life is to be a thing of truth and also a thing of beauty in the midst of a lost and despairing world. Francis Schaeffer
Sin has caused our affections to stray, propelling us to worship relationships, achievement, and work – everything but God. Tim Keller
True faith inevitably and necessarily bears fruit. C. Sproul
The reality of eternity comes to all people. It will be either in glory with the Lord Jesus or in suffering in hell. Are you ready? (John 10). Steve Camp
Black, White, Asian, Hispanic, Semitic and unborn lives all matter. Charlie Daniels
Growth should be rapid where Jesus is the gardener and the Holy Spirit the dew from heaven. Charles Spurgeon
If you try to seize the day, the day will eventually break you. Seize the corner of his garment and don’t let go…He will reshape the day. Paul Miller

6.12.16

The gospel is not one of many ways to God, but the only way to Him. Every other path leads further, yet further away from God. Steven Lawson
Look at your daydreams. They tell you what you are living for, who you really are. Tim Keller
Prosperity and poverty are not signs of God’s favor or disfavor; God’s promised mercy in the gospel is the only anchor in the storm. Michael Horton
A cross without offense to the world is a cross without power in the world. Steven Lawson
You can often determine the depth of a church’s spiritual maturity by the doctrinal depth or by the shallowness of the songs they sing. Burk Parsons
I sin like a man, but He forgives like a God. Charles Spurgeon
Contentment is deeply God-like; grumbling deeply devilish. Michael Reeves
We are to exhibit a form of behavior and attitude toward other people that will mirror for them the compassion of Jesus. C. Sproul
Always be killing sin or it will be killing you. John Owen

5.22.16

Our immoral culture today would make Sodom and Gomorrah blush. Steven Lawson
The things you daydream about in your spare time are ultimately the things you serve. Tim Keller
Everyone has a relationship with God. He is either your final judge or your faithful savior. Michael Horton
There is nothing you can do to get God to love you more than he already does & nothing you can do to get God to love you less. Steve Brown
The smallest good deed is better than the best intention. John Wooden
By definition, the big difference between mercy and justice is that mercy is never ever obligatory. R.C. Sproul
The gospel creates a reverse tug of war in marriage. It’s not about winning, but serving; not being the first to judge, but first to bless. Scotty Smith
Self-control is the ability to do the important thing rather than the urgent thing. Tim Keller
It may be night in the soul, but there need be no terror, for the God of love does not change. Charles Spurgeon

5.15.16

Contentment is deeply God-like; grumbling deeply devilish. Michael Reeves
Fill your life with things that stir your affections for Jesus and cut out what robs you of those affections. Matt Chandler
If you want a religion to make you feel really comfortable, I certainly don’t recommend Christianity. S. Lewis
Our prayers reveal a lot about us. Our requests show us what we treasure. Francis Chan
Jesus was not a teacher come from God, He was God come to teach. Steven Lawson
Your next step is often found, not by restlessly recounting all the things you don’t know, but by paying quiet attention to what you do know. Zack Eswine
Because of the gospel, we can neither increase nor decrease God’s delight in us. This empties our obedience & service of all self-interest. Scotty Smith
A believer’s last day is his best day; his dying-day is better than his birthday. Thomas Brooks
Now it is my unceasing joy to know that my sins are no longer imputed to me but are laid on Him. Charles Spurgeon

5.1.16

Enjoyment of Jesus is not like icing on the cake; it’s like powder in the shell. John Piper
To know that nothing happens in God’s world apart from God’s will may frighten the godless, but it stabilizes the saints. I. Packer
To follow Jesus is to pay the cost of discipleship, and then to die to ourselves, to our own interests, our own agendas and reputations. Os Guinness
I am 81 years old. By now, I know better than to make plans. Like the foxhounds and other true Christians, I’ll follow my nose. Wendell Berry
Fill your life with things that stir your affections for Jesus and cut out what robs you of those affections. Matt Chandler
Jesus did not come just to give us our best life now. He came to give us eternal life. Michael Horton
All roads do indeed lead to God, the only question is, what will God say to you when you get there? Burk Parsons
It is not the pain but the purpose that makes a martyr. Augustine
Jesus never asks us to prove our love by being tolerant of sin. Kevin DeYoung

4.24.16

The people you are texting and tweeting are going to spend the next quadrillion years either in heaven or hell. David Platt
Many younger adults have largely given up on marriage, not because they don’t believe in it, but because they haven’t seen it work. Darrin Patrick
I dare not call that true prayer in which thankfulness has no part. C. Ryle
When you look at the cross, what do you see? You see God’s awesome faithfulness. Sinclair Ferguson
For Christ’s sake we Christians care about all suffering, especially eternal suffering. John Piper
Does your religion cover your politics, or do your politics devour your religion? Charles Spurgeon
Nothing can weaken you so much, nothing can make you so unhappy and fearful, as distrusting God. Michael Reeves
The judgment of God did not pass over Christ, so that it might pass over us. Kevin DeYoung
That first step of quickening from the dead, from flesh unto spirit, is accomplished by God, not by man. R.C. Sproul

4.17.16

◦For every look at self, take ten looks at Christ. Robert Murray M’Cheyne
◦At some point, we all face the valley of the shadow of death. We either give up and distance ourselves or learn to walk w/ the Shepherd. Paul Miller
◦Jesus remembers us without our sin, so we can remember Him when we sin. Ron Edmonson
◦God does not love you to the degree that you are like Jesus, but to the degree that you are in Jesus, which is totally. Scotty Smith
◦Every Christian is either a missionary or an imposter. Charles Spurgeon
◦When God writes our names in the “Lamb’s Book of Life,” He doesn’t do it with an eraser handy. He does it for eternity. R. C. Sproul
◦Be killing sin or it will be killing you. John Owen
◦Whatever your heart clings to and confides in, that is really your God. Martin Luther
◦Who you say Jesus is will determine everything about how you follow Him. David Platt

4.10.16

The Bible is one book, by one author, with one subject-the Lord Jesus Christ. Alistair Begg
Do you believe it honors Jesus more to trust him to forgive the sin you are about to commit, than to trust him for the power not to do it? John Piper
We find no rest for our weary bones unless we cling to the word of grace. Martin Luther
If we’re more obsessed with the insanity of this election year than preoccupied with the occupied throne of heaven, let’s get that fixed. Scotty Smith
The Bible will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from the Bible. L. Moody
If you belong to Jesus, you will keep company with those who wear the uniform of the cross. Charles Spurgeon
Religion says, ‘I obey; therefore I am accepted.’ Christianity says, ‘I’m accepted, therefore I obey.’ Tim Keller
Expect great things from God and attempt great things for God. William Carey
We actually are saved by works, but not by our works, rather by the finished work of Jesus Christ. Steven Lawson

3.27.16

It’s possible to love a theology of grace and hate legalists more than we love Jesus and hate sin. Father, show us the difference. Scotty Smith
It’s impossible to have met the real Jesus and be indifferent. You either bow down in wonder OR go away offended. Tim Keller
Abortion is for those inconvenienced by their children. Burk Parsons
Truth always carries with it confrontation. Truth demands confrontation, loving confrontation nevertheless. Francis Schaeffer
The Gospel is not good instructions, not a good idea and not good advice. The Gospel is an announcement of what God has done for us in Jesus. Michael Horton
The victory we are often granted is not the shortening of the trial but the lengthening of our faith. (see Luke 22:32). Mark Dever
Godly grief will eventually turn our sinful secrets into testimonies of grace. Zack Eswine
God holds every human being personally accountable to Him. R.C. Sproul
Popularity and applause cannot but be exceedingly dangerous, even to a rightly informed mind. George Whitefield

3.20.16

The Lord Jesus Christ did not come into this world to tell us what we have to do; He came Himself to do something for us we could never do for ourselves. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Father, during this upcoming Holy Week, supersize our boasting in Jesus’ cross and our trusting in Jesus’ crown. Scotty Smith
In heaven, there are no caucuses, no primaries, no brokered conventions, only the sovereign will of God. Steven Lawson
Our prayers do not change God’s decree, but are included in God’s decree as the means through which he brings things about. Michael Horton
There are many paths to hell, but only one way to heaven. Steven Lawson
If you see yourself as a little sinner you will inevitably see Jesus as a little savior. Martin Luther
If you want to be disappointed in life, place your expectations in people rather than in God. Burk Parsons
Every week I preach justification by faith to my people, because every week they forget it. Martin Luther
The irony of the gospel is that the only way to be worthy of it is to admit you’re completely unworthy of it. Tim Keller

3.6.16

Missions exists because worship doesn’t. John Piper

There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry: ‘Mine!’ Abraham Kuyper

Everything and everyone is being put to work for the glory of God. Whether you know it or not. Kevin DeYoung

The measure of a man’s character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out. Matt Chandler

Your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are. John Wooden

Nature abhors a vacuum. If you evict truth, you will bring in one lie after another. Ravi Zacharias

Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength. Corrie ten Boom

The first step in dealing with any sin is to acknowledge it and repent in one’s attitude toward it. Jerry Bridges

If you seek righteousness first, you get happiness. If you seek happiness first, you get neither. Tim Keller

2.29.16

He who prays as he ought will endeavor to live as he prays. John Owen
Knowing theology without knowing the Bible is a path to false self-confidence. Dan Doriani

If you can explain what is happening in a church, apart from the sovereign act of God, it is not revival. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

We should not ask, ‘What’s wrong with the world?’ Rather we should ask, ‘What has happened to the salt and light?’ John Stott

It is possible to know Bible stories, yet miss the Bible story Edmund Clowney

The moral confusion of our day represents a real opportunity for courageous Christian witness. Albert Mohler

Jesus, may our ever-growing theology about you become heart-liberating doxology in us. Grant us informed minds and enflamed hearts. Scotty Smith

Pleasure is God’s to give not ours to take. Mark Dever

2.22.16

You are required to believe, to preach, and to teach what the Bible says is true, not what you want the Bible to say is true. R.C. Sproul

The first object of the Christian is to glorify God, and the next object is to make other people happy. Charles Spurgeon

The purpose of prayer is not to get God aligned with us but to get us aligned with God. Scott Sauls

Always be killing sin or it will be killing you. John Owen

Let the Lord Jesus but enter your souls, and you shall find peace which the world can neither give nor take away. George Whitefield

God is Father to the Christian. He is not Father to anybody else. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Genuine and earnest prayer proceeds first from a sense of our need, and next, from faith in the promises of God. John Calvin

Sin is not just doing bad things. It is taking good things and making them ultimate in your life. Tim Keller

The gospel never was, isn’t, and never will be about the “victorious Christian life.” It’s about the victorious Christ. Scotty Smith

2.15.16

Life is to be lived Coram Deo, before the face of God, under the authority of God, and unto the glory of God alone. R.C. Sproul
Character may be manifested in the great moments, but it is made in the small ones. Phillips Brooks
When a man goes up into the pulpit, it is in order that God may speak to us through the mouth of a human being. John Calvin
I have held many things in my hands and I have lost them all. But whatever I have placed in God’s hands that I still possess. Martin Luther
Don’t waste your disgust. Anybody can be cynical and withdrawn. Try redemptive anger and working for justice instead. Scotty Smith
The blood of the Lamb silences the Accuser. D.A. Carson
The shortest route is not always the best route, because it can bypass some of the greatest lessons in life. Ravi Zacharias
Dads, our kids don’t belong to us, they belong to God. We are just their stewards for a short time to point them to their ultimate father. Burk Parsons
My life has been a series of wonders, mercies, supports, and deliverances. John Newton

2.8.16

God sees us as we are, loves us as we are, and accepts us as we are. But by His grace, He does not leave us as we are. Tim Keller

I am praying and hoping for a President of the United States who has demonstrated a long and consistent commitment to the sanctity of life. Albert Mohler

May the gospel be the only offensive thing about you. Jack Miller

Grace must be preached in a way that is centered and focused on Jesus Christ Himself. Sinclair Ferguson

Believer, no matter how many ways you “blew it” today, you’re no less beloved. This doesn’t minimize our sin; it exalts God’s grace. Scotty Smith

Real life parenting: Alternating between crying because the years are going by so quickly and crying because they’re going by so slowly. Joshua Harris

It is in style now to debunk the transcendent. We have lost the sense of the eternal, yet we are always on the edge of it. Ravi Zacharias

God ordains people to salvation but He also ordains the means they come to salvation. He uses our words. Alistair Begg

Money and Wealth are not evil. They are a magnifier, they make you more of what you are. Dave Ramsey

2.1.16

We are free to choose, but we are always a slave to our greatest desire. Jonathan Edwards
The poison of self-righteousness = the main thing keeping you from God isn’t so much your sins but your damnable good works. John Gerstner
If a man can preach one sermon without mentioning Christ’s name in it, it ought to be his last. Charles Spurgeon
If your name is in the Book of Life, your calling is not to stay alive but to stay in love with Christ. John Piper
“If I have THAT, my life will have meaning. I’ll have value and feel significant and secure.” THAT—is the object of your worship. Tim Keller
We are great sinners but Jesus is a greater Savior! John Newton
In the Lord Christ alone; in him only is God an all-sufficient God to any, and an exceeding great reward. John Owen
Read two old books for every new one. J.I. Packer
Compassion gives people space to be themselves. It doesn’t decide what people need. It doesn’t treat others like machines needing to be fixed. Paul Miller

1/24/16

- - Jesus, as our King, you rule over presidential races and weather fronts. As our Savior, your name is Redeemer and your grace is enough. Scotty Smith
  - There is nothing more important in the Christian life than to realize that our union with Christ is a vital one. It is a living thing. It is not something mechanical or conceptual; it is not a thought or an idea; it is really a vital, spiritual union. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
  - The most dangerous place in the United States for a human being is inside the womb of a woman. R.C. Sproul
  - Longing indeed for that day when all are judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin. Albert Mohler
  - What makes sin sin, what makes it so vile, what gives it its horrific transcendental vileness, is that it’s sin against God. D.A. Carson
  - Character is manifest in the great moments, but it is made in the small ones. Darrin Patrick
  - God relentlessly offers his grace to people who do not deserve it, seek it, or appreciate it after they have been saved by it. Tim Keller
  - Real contentment, as the Apostle Paul discovered, isn’t contingent on finances, status, or possessions. Francis Chan
  - The gospel does not exhort us to do certain things, but announces what God has done in his Son. Michael Horton
  - All who go to hell, go because of their own free will. All who go to heaven, go because of God’s sovereign will. Steven Lawson
  - Kids who grow up with legalistic pharisaism and then rebel aren’t rebelling against Christianity but against a false religion. Burk Parsons
  - If you could lose your salvation, you would. John MacArthur
  - Tolerance helps us agree to disagree but it doesn’t require us to love. Jesus commands what tolerance doesn’t, provides what tolerance can’t. Zack Eswine
  - If any man is not sure that he is in Christ, he ought not to be easy one moment until he is sure. Charles Spurgeon

1/17/16

- - The greatest works of God often happen when God’s people meet with Him in the wilderness. Bob Smart
  - It is possible to make an idol out of anything, including your perceived knowledge of doctrine. Derek Thomas
  - The gospel is like a caged lion. It does not need to be defended, it simply needs to be let out of its cage. Charles Spurgeon
  - J. I. Packer’s Knowing God changed my worldview as a college student. We are made to know God, not just to know about him. Albert Mohler
  - The Spirit never brings attention to Himself, but always drives attention to Christ and to His accomplishment. R.C. Sproul
  - We will all drink from the cup of the Lord. Some to destruction, others to delight. Kevin DeYoung
  - Holy Spirit, grant us freedom today to be quick repenters, deep forgivers, and faithful encouragers. Scotty Smith
  - Reader, beware of evening temptations. The sun is down, but sin is up. Charles Spurgeon
  - Everyone says they want community and friendship. But mention accountability or commitment to people, and they run the other way. Tim Keller

1/10/16

From the Movie “Bridge of Spies”

- - Ultimately it’s only the man who feels quite hopeless about himself who really trusts God. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
  - The opposite of joy is not sadness. It’s hopelessness. Tim Keller
  - It’s one thing to weep over consequences, it’s another thing to weep before Christ. Kevin DeYoung
  - We have a generation of people who think they can stand before the judgment seat of God despite their sins. R.C. Sproul
  - I’m looking forward to the Day I’ll never think an unkind thought, speak a hurtful word, or make a selfish choice. Scotty Smith
  - Nothing gives the believer so much joy as fellowship with Christ. Charles Spurgeon
  - When God forgives, He forgives completely. Not in shades or degrees of forgiveness, but absolutely and fully. Alistair Begg
  - We never grow closer to God when we just live life. It takes deliberate pursuit and attentiveness. Francis Chan
  - Keep your happiness where it can’t be hurt: in Christ. Michael Reeves

1/3/16

- - Does it ever get cold on the moral high ground? Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham (Maggie Smith’s character in Downton Abbey)
  - Praying that 2016 will be a year of great blessings from God, and that believers will show the glory of God in unprecedented ways. Albert Mohler
  - Only warranted trust glorifies the one trusted. A leap in the dark honors no one. Enter 2016 seeing the glory of God in his word. John Piper
  - I’m gonna trust more in Jesus’ resolve to save me completely than in my resolve to do better in 2016. Scotty Smith
  - Let January open with joy in the Lord, and December close with gladness in Jesus. Charles Spurgeon
  - Here’s two tips: 1. Open the Bible and begin reading. 2. Do it again every day. Happy New Year! Steve Camp
  - If Jesus is who He says He is- everything in your life will and should change. Tim Keller
  - Is our religion a better advertisement for God’s rightness, or our own? Mark Dever
  - God knows you’re exhausted. But a feast awaits when you allow him to be part of your life. Paul Miller
  - Oh, may God grant us to see sin for what it really is. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

12/27/15

- - If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans. Bob Smart
  - There is nothing in the law of God that will rob you of happiness; it only denies you that which would cost you sorrow. Charles Spurgeon
  - We don’t see the end from the beginning. But we can trust the One who does. Kevin DeYoung
  - No matter how big our hurt, how raw our grief, how deep our pain, or how many our disappointments, God promises grace for all of it. Scotty Smith
  - The Holy Spirit is a missionary Spirit. So the Spirit-filled church is a missionary church. John Stott
  - To be a Christian is not a religious experience…it is being radically transformed by God. Alistair Begg
  - We never move on from the Gospel to something more. We never can and we never need to. Tim Keller
  - My caution to you is this: Do not assume you are good soil. Francis Chan
  - Jesus does not call for a mere makeover of our lives, but a takeover. Steven Lawson
  - Pride is self contending with God for supremacy. William Gurnall

12/13/15

- - Anxiety is a daily fax to God saying, ‘I don’t think you have my best interests in mind. Tim Keller
  - When truth gets into a hymnbook, it becomes the confident possession of the whole church. Sinclair Ferguson
  - The gospel is like a caged lion. It does not need to be defended, it simply needs to be let out of its cage. Charles Spurgeon
  - A man who is little in his own eyes will account every affliction as little, and every mercy as great. Jeremiah Burroughs
  - When affection turns to annoyance, delight to drudgery, grace to a grudge, rest to restlessness, we have forgotten about Jesus and grace. Scott Sauls
  - We belittle God when we go through the outward motions of worship and take no pleasure in his person. John Piper
  - Wilt thou leave thy sins and go to heaven, or have thy sins and go to hell? John Bunyan
  - As Christians we never really need to fear that we will be ultimately forsaken because of the work that Jesus has done. Robert Godfrey
  - Buying things to find contentment is like drinking water to satisfy hunger; it stops the ache briefly, but can’t solve the problem. Dan Doriani

12/6/15

- - When God promises us that He will forgive us, we insult His integrity when we refuse to accept it. R.C. Sproul
  - You contribute nothing to your salvation except the sin that made it necessary. Jonathan Edwards
  - I’m throwing all my good works overboard and lashing myself to the plank of free grace; for I hope to swim to glory on it. Charles Spurgeon
  - Our lack of intimacy is due to our refusal to unplug and shut off communication from all others so we can be alone with Him. Francis Chan
  - Racism is nothing more than collective narcissism: I love my group above all others because I love myself. Michael Horton
  - Every area of Christian living––our worldview, worship, walk, work, and witness––is dependent upon the right knowledge of God. Steven Lawson
  - What does your life say to others about what you believe? Tim Kelle
  - Biblically speaking, man is free, but his freedom can never violate or overrule God’s sovereignty. R.C. Sproul
  - We should never sacrifice our values for the sake of political correctness. Ben Carson
  - God made the world out of nothing, and as long as we remain nothing, God can make something out if us. Martin Luther
  - He who begins by seeking God within himself may end by confusing himself with God. B.B. Warfield
  - The Christian life is a long obedience in the same direction. Eugene Peterson
  - The devil visits idle men with his temptations. God visits industrious men with his favors. Matthew Henry
  - If your spouse acts worthily, your love is the easier. If your spouse acts unworthily, your love is the more glorious. John Piper
  - Perhaps the most common reason people don’t believe in God is simply this: They don’t want anyone telling them what to do. Kevin DeYoung
  - There are only two ways of dying. We can die in faith or we can die in our sins. R.C. Sproul
  - Stir us up, O Lord, that we may lay hold upon the life that is really life in the Lord Jesus Christ. Alistair Begg
  - The principle of sola fide is not rightly understood till it is seen as anchored in the broader principle of sola gratia. J.I. Packer
  - Jesus isn’t interested in mowing over the weeds in our lives. He wants to uproot them. Matt Chandler

11/29/15

- - Only God can make the depraved heart desire God. John Piper
  - If Jesus didn’t think he could handle life without knowing the Scripture inside and out, what makes you think you can? Tim Keller
  - God so changes empires and times and seasons that we should learn to look up to him. John Calvin
  - Theology is not simply the pursuit of knowledge about God, it’s the pursuit of God himself. Burk Parsons
  - When you think of what you are, and despair; think also of what he is, and take heart. Charles Spurgeon
  - Upon the cross, the worst about us (our sins) was laid upon Christ and the best about Him (His righteousness) was laid upon us. Steven Lawson
  - Christianity is not useful if it isn’t true. Francis Schaeffer
  - Prosperity and poverty are not signs of God’s favor or disfavor; God’s promised mercy in the gospel is the only anchor in the storm. Michael Horton
  - Salvation is all about the grace of God. There is absolutely nothing that you can do to save yourself or earn God’s favor. Francis Chan
  - Control is an illusion. It becomes the check engine light that reveals where you’ve placed your ultimate hope. Matt Chandler
  - The gospel is like a caged lion. It does not need to be defended, it simply needs to be let out of its cage. Charles Spurgeon
  - Whatever God makes, He owns. R.C. Sproul
  - It is important for our children, and for us, to guard what we watch on television, what we read, and what we listen to. Andy Andrews
  - God is so committed to your ultimate joy that he was willing to plunge into the greatest depths of suffering himself for you. Tim Keller
  - There is not one blade of grass, there is no color in this world that is not intended to make us rejoice. John Calvin
  - God made us for a glorious purpose, but every day we violate that purpose. That is why we need a Savior who can heal and forgive. Ravi Zacharias
  - When the grace of Jesus sinks in, we will be the least offended and most loving people in the world. Scott Sauls
  - Repentance requires greater intimacy with God than with our sin. Rosaria Butterfield
  - Any theology that does not lead to song is, at a fundamental level, a flawed theology. J.I. Packer
  - When you realize that the antidote to being bad is not just being good, you are on the brink of understanding the Gospel. Tim Keller
  - An invitation to ISIS and Israel. “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.” 1 John 4:15. John Piper
  - This time of year always leads me to ask one of life’s most baffling questions: Can there be that many people giving a Lexus for Christmas? Kevin DeYoung
  - God doesn’t want us to just feel gratitude, but for us to show it by giving thanks to God with our lives. R.C. Sproul
  - The secret of how to be really boring: be self-absorbed. Michael Reeves
  - Of course we feel out-of-control, vulnerable, broken, insufficient, guilty, fearful, and ashamed. That’s why Jesus is a Savior, not a coach. Scotty Smith
  - Condemning others while also excusing ourselves is what allows us to hang onto both our self-righteousness AND our sin. Tim Keller
  - Religions usually talk about what a person has to do, but Jesus talks about what we can’t do. Paul Miller
  - Some people will only learn to love Jesus as they witness His followers loving like Jesus. Ron Edmondson
  - God wants us to study our disappointments because if we look at our disappointments we will see what it is we love. Ligon Duncan

11.15.2015

- - What an individual is in secret, on his knees before God, that he is and no more. Sinclair Ferguson
  - Where faith begins, anxiety ends; where anxiety begins, faith ends. George Müller
  - Remember that when you are at your worst and lowest, even then underneath you are the everlasting arms. Charles Spurgeon
  - Imagine a self-help book titled, “7 Steps to Losing Your Life for Another Person.” That’s the essence of HESED. You’re trapped by your love. Paul Miller
  - You can contribute nothing to your salvation except the sin that made it necessary. Jonathan Edwards
  - Everybody out there, despite their claims to the contrary, knows perfectly well that God exists. R.C. Sproul
  - If you’ve experienced God’s forgiveness, others will experience your forgiveness. Burk Parsons
  - He who runs from God in the morning will scarcely find Him the rest of the day. John Bunyan
  - Being in Christ, and united to Him, is the fundamental constitution of a Christian. Thomas Goodwin
  - The perfect church service would be one we were almost unaware of; our attention would have been on God. C.S. Lewis
  - Our present is bearable because Christ’s future glory is guaranteed. Bryan Chapell
  - What makes worship amazing is the object of our worship. Francis Chan
  - Jesus didn’t come primarily to solve the economic, political, and social problems of the world. He came to forgive our sins. Tim Keller
  - Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them. Elisabeth Elliot
  - One can give without loving, but one cannot love without giving. Amy Carmichael
  - Prosperity and poverty are not signs of God’s favor or disfavor; God’s promised mercy in the gospel is the only anchor in the storm. Michael Horton
  - Christianity is not useful if it isn’t true. Francis Schaeffe
  - The greatest dangers to the church will always come from within the church. Kevin DeYoung
  - The resurrection tells us the worst thing is never the last thing. Frederick Buechner
  - To give your life so others can be free sounds like a very Christ-like thing to me. Thank you veterans. Michael Card
  - If God only exercised justice to a fallen race everyone would perish. But God chooses to grant mercy to some. R.C. Sproul
  - No biblical writer has a view of eternal security that makes it superfluous to warn professing Christians they can make shipwreck of faith. John Piper
  - The only reason we have peace with God is because God made peace with us through Jesus. Scotty Smith
  - If you try to seize the day, the day will eventually break you. Seize the corner of his garment and don’t let go. He will reshape the day. Paul Miller
  - Pride is the commencement of all sin. Augustine
  - “How long have I been doing this? I don’t want to overdo it.” – First thoughts I have when I begin working out. Jim Gaffigan

11.1.2015

- - The rich brother needs to let the gospel humble him while the poor brother needs to let the gospel affirm him. Tim Keller
  - The world says you are loved because of what you do. Jesus says you can now do all things because you are loved. Tim Keller
  - What the heart most wants, the mind finds reasonable, the will finds doable, and the emotions find desirable. Tim Keller
  - If Christianity is really true it will be offending and correcting you somewhere. Tim Keller
  - The law says, “Do this,” and it is never done. Grace says, “Believe in this,” and everything is done already. Martin Luther
  - When our Lord said “Repent,” he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance. Martin Luther
  - I simply taught, preached, and wrote God’s Word; otherwise I did nothing. The Word did it all. Martin Luther
  - I admit that I deserve death and hell. What of it? I know One who made satisfaction in my behalf. Where he is, there I shall be. Martin Luther
  - Always and everywhere the servants of Christ are under orders to evangelize. J.I. Packer
  - God is good to all in some ways and to some in all ways. J.I. Packer
  - By trusting Christ’s redemptive work for us, we can enter into what we long for: the happiness found only in God. Randy Alcorn
  - Teach your children gratefulness. Do all you can to deliver them from our culture’s poisonous entitlement mentality. Randy Alcorn
  - Being a Christian is less about cautiously avoiding sin than about courageously doing God’s will. Dietrich Bonhoeffer
  - God has been pursuing you with love and mercy every day of your life. Zack Eswine
  - If you don’t know why it matters where a candidate stands on abortion and gay marriage, don’t lecture those who do. Denny Burk
  - Jesus, may we find greater joy this week in loving people well than getting things done. Scotty Smith
  - If you doubt your sins have been forgiven, that in itself is sin. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
  - Some churches would rather die than to get out of the comfort of the past. Thom Rainer
  - God tends to do his best work when the odds appear stacked against him. Kevin DeYoung
  - Doctrine divides!” No, friend. Doctrine defines. Matt Smethurst
  - Keep your happiness where it can’t be hurt: in Christ. Michael Reeves

10.25.2015

FROM DEAD GUYS:

- - Faith is believing that Christ is what he is said to be, and that he will do what he has promised to do, and then to expect this of him. Charles Spurgeon
  - The one condition for spiritual progress is that we remain sincere and humble. John Calvin
  - The essence of God’s action in wrath is to give people what they choose, in all its implications. J.I. Packer
  - Confession of sin shuts the mouth of hell and opens the gates of paradise. Thomas Watson

STILL ALIVE AND KICKIN’:

Tim Keller:

- - Unless you point to the good news of God’s grace people will not be able to bear the bad news of God’s judgement.
  - Jesus asks for far more than you ever thought, but offers more than you ever dreamed.
  - If Christianity is actually true it will be offending and correcting you and your society somewhere. It has throughout time.

John Piper:

- - The God of perfect patience is continually ready to start fresh with you. Totally fresh. Christ died for this.
  - God is always doing 10,000 things in your life, and you may be aware of three of them.

R.C. Sproul:

- - Every Christian is a theologian. The issue for Christians is not whether we are going to be theologians, but whether we are going to be good theologians or bad theologians.
  - The holiness of God is traumatic to unholy people.
  - Even the slightest sin is an act of cosmic treason.
  - We do not determine right or wrong based on what everybody else is doing.
  - The only reason why I’m a Christian is because I’m a gift of the Father to the Son, not because of anything I’ve ever done.
  - The only cure for anxiety is to get down on our knees.

Others:

- - The real test that I believe that God is love is that tragedies don’t separate me from the conviction that God is love. Sinclair Ferguson
  - If you want to be anxious today, pretend you’re in control. Michael Reeves
  - Whenever you try to break God’s moral law, you end up breaking yourself and hurting others — all while proving His law in the process. Ravi Zacharias
  - God is not counting our sins against us because He is counting our sins against Christ. Alistair Begg
  - Only the Holy Spirit can give you the power to not think about yourself, to set you free from yourself. Francis Chan
  - Preaching and sacraments do not save, but God saves through preaching and sacraments. Michael Horton
  - When you feel exposed in prayer & it starts getting uncomfortable, don’t pull back from God. He is just starting to work. Paul Miller
  - If you are only born once, you will die twice. But if you are born twice, you will only die once. Steven Lawson
  - If we always want grace for ourselves and judgment for others, we barely understand grace. Burk Parsons
  - There is more grace in Christ than sin in you. Burk Parsons
  - Spiritual maturity is marked by being comfortable with the unpredictability of God. Erwin Lutzer
  - The more we get to know God, the more we want to know him better. D.A. Carson

10.18.2015

- - Christ has taken our nature into heaven to represent us, and has left us on earth with his nature to represent him. John Newton
  - “He who departs from evil makes himself a prey.” (Isaiah 59:15) Bakers. Photographers. County clerks. You? John Piper
  - Joy comes not only from resting in God’s love for us, but also in showing love to others. Paul Miller
  - A marriage would weaken if you only talked to your spouse while in the car (or in texts). It will do the same to your relationship w/ God. Paul Miller
  - It is in getting to know my Bible that I get to know Jesus. Alistair Begg
  - God does not exist to make sure that we are happy and fulfilled. Rather, we exist to glorify and to enjoy Him forever. Michael Horton
  - The root cause of anxiety is a failure to trust all that God has promised to be for us in Jesus. John Piper
  - To be known by God is the highest goal of human existence. R.C. Sproul
  - Don’t be surprised at having to re-forgive. Healing relational pain is more a process than a one-time event. Scotty Smith
  - In the end, the church will either declare the truth of God’s Word, or it will find a way to run away from it. Albert Mohler
  - Jesus cannot be just liked. His claims make us either kill him or crown him. Tim Keller
  - The fear of the Lord tends to take away all other fears. Sinclair Ferguson
  - The conviction that Christian doctrine matters is one of the most important growth points of the Christian life. Sinclair Ferguson
  - The foundation of our love for the Lord lies in the recognition of His holiness, our sinfulness, and His grace. Sinclair Ferguson
  - “Safe? … Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.” C.S. Lewis
  - We should let Scripture interpret us more than we interpret Scripture. Tim Keller
  - The Imperfect Pastor by Zack Eswine might be the most helpful and profound book I’ve read in years. If you’re in pastoral ministry grab a copy. Matt Chandler
  - There are heroes who never receive the limelight of their generation. More times than not, a hero is revealed, not by applause, but by God. Zack Eswine
  - You don’t want to leave a legacy of: “He played it safe, he survived, he made it through.” Francis Chan
  - God will honor the preaching that honors Christ, but abandon the pulpit that abandons Him. Steven Lawson
  - I’m grateful not only for the good things in life but the hard things knowing all things in God’s sovereignty work together for my good. Burk Parsons
  - If your heart doesn’t ache for people who don’t know Christ, you may not know Christ yourself. Burk Parsons
  - When Satan tells me I am a sinner he comforts me immeasurably, since Christ died for sinners. Martin Luther
  - If you can explain what is happening in a church, apart from the sovereign act of God, it is not revival. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
  - Biblical orthodoxy without compassion is surely the ugliest thing in the world. Francis Schaeffer
  - There’s a throne in each life big enough for only one. Christ may be on that throne, or money may be. But both cannot occupy it. Randy Alcorn
  - Jesus has thrilled and satisfied the heart and mind of the Father for eternity. He must be all-sufficient for you. Michael Reeves

10.11.2015

- - Self-realization, self-fulfillment, and self-help are all contemporary twists on an old heresy, which Paul identified as works-righteousness. Michael Horton
  - God Himself supplies the necessary condition to come to Jesus, that’s why it is ‘sola gratia,’ by grace alone, that we are saved. R.C. Sproul
  - Heaven is a place where God will personally wipe away our tears. R.C. Sproul
  - We live in a culture where the truth claims of Christianity are not only rejected, they are ridiculed. R.C. Sproul
  - All Christians have opportunities to serve those who might never come to church or listen to a sermon. Tim Keller
  - If anything becomes more fundamental than God to your happiness, meaning of life, and identity then it is an idol. Tim Keller
  - Trust is accepting what God sends into your life whether you understand it or not. Tim Keller
  - God’s timing is rarely our timing. Kevin DeYoung
  - Inerrancy means the word of God always stands over us and we never stand over the word of God. Kevin DeYoung
  - If you may have everything by asking in His Name, & nothing without asking, I beg you to see how vital prayer is. Charles Spurgeon
  - You and your sins must separate, or you and your God cannot come together. Charles Spurgeon
  - We will never know how great God’s love is until we first see how great our sin is. Steven Lawson
  - I think all I really fear is to not know Jesus’ love and/or fail to trust in it. Scott Roley
  - Followers of Jesus who count the cost and are willing to take up their crosses after him must have broad shoulders. Os Guinness
  - There is a difference between a well-instructed congregation and a well-nourished one. Sinclair Ferguson
  - Holy Spirit, fill our hearts so full of the beauty of Jesus there won’t be space left for cataloging the failures of others. Scotty Smith
  - In many churches today, it is considered worse to judge evil than to do evil. Burk Parsons

10.4.2015

- - Before my secret meeting with the Pope I asked him to come wearing white if deep down he agreed with the Reformation. Pretty crazy. Kevin DeYoung
  - You’ll never be a mature Christian until you understand that God remembers his promises and forgets your sins. Kevin DeYoung
  - Careful. Our desires are like fireworks. They can light the night sky with beauty and wonder. But misused they can burn down a neighborhood. Zack Eswine
  - You want to do large things famous & fast. But most things that truly matter need small acts of overlooked love over a long period of time. Zack Eswine
  - When the gospel is at stake, everything is at stake. R.C. Sproul
  - To call a Christian a theist is roughly equivalent to calling the space shuttle Atlantis a glider. R.C. Sproul
  - Today, the chief ministry of the Holy Spirit is to take the work of the Son and bring it to fruition in us. R.C. Sproul
  - When you go through a trial, the sovereignty of God is the pillow upon which you lay your head. Charles Spurgeon
  - Our hope in Christ for the future is the mainspring and the mainstay of our joy down here today. Charles Spurgeon
  - As long as we think we are not that bad, the idea of grace will never change us. Tim Keller
  - Power, approval, comfort, and control are meta-idols that hold sway over our daily lives. Tim Keller
  - Jesus smashed two of the rich young ruler’s assumptions: Christianity is something you can ADD and something you can DO. Tim Keller
  - When we watch Jesus, we are watching God respond to human suffering. Paul Miller
  - He was prepared to be humbled…is there any room for pride in our own lives? Mark Jones
  - If you are in Christ, you are fully and completely forgiven for all your sin—past, present and future. Matt Chandler
  - The rule of the gospel is, that when we see our brother under any difficulty, we should be ready to bear the burden with him. Jonathan Edwards
  - Obedience and faithfulness is what God is calling us to. Bob Smart
  - Can you have any greater assurance that you are praying the will of God than when you are praying the Word of God? Don Whitney
  - The stress that some of us feel – it’s a lack of faith, it really is. Francis Chan
  - For Christians especially, identity is determined far more by the Gospel than it is by our sexual feelings. Michael Horton
  - There are many roads that lead to hell, but only one way to go to heaven. Steven Lawson
  - In Christ, God’s face shines out, full of grace and gentleness to us poor, unworthy sinners. John Calvin
  - There is no higher human state than to hunger and thirst for righteousness, and for that desire to be satisfied. Robert Yarbrough

9.27.2015

Every hour of every day, God is richly blessing us; both when we sleep and when we wake His mercy waits upon us. Charles Spurgeon

One of these days you may be unable to get rid of those habits which you are now forming. Charles Spurgeon

When God has given you your heart’s desire, what have you done with your heart’s desire? Jeremiah Burroughs

God answers the prayer we ought to have made rather than the prayer we did make. J.I. Packer

9.20.2015

- - Holding a grudge against someone means you think you know what they deserve and you take it upon yourself to give it to them. Tim Keller
  - You should not begin to pray for all you want until you realize that in God you have all you need. Tim Keller
  - Jesus didn’t come to tell us the answers to the questions of life, he came to be the answer. Tim Keller
  - God has chosen us. Our status is not a matter of our worthiness, but of His love. Sinclair Ferguson
  - Seeking happiness apart from a right relationship God is like trying to turn on a light that’s unplugged. Randy Alcorn
  - You will fear something or someone. The Bible says the wisest way to go about your life is to fear God. Kevin DeYoung
  - Our God is righteous enough to judge and kind enough to forgive. Kevin DeYoung
  - The difference between “freedom of worship” and “freedom of religion” is the difference between faith that’s hidden and faith that’s lived. Matt Smethurst
  - Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon his knees. William Cowper
  - The heart of the gospel is that God took the initiative in Christ to satisfy his holy anger, and make himself our Treasure not our Terror. John Piper
  - Satan could make an “A” in my Systematic Theology course. He knows the information and knows that the information is true. R.C. Sproul
  - The gospel isn’t about our resolve, but Christ’s righteousness; not our promise to do better, but his provision of having done perfectly. Scotty Smith
  - The church is not built on the rock foundation of geniuses and influencers but of apostles and prophets. Russell Moore
  - I am a free man, the slave of Christ. John MacArthur
  - The rule of the gospel is, that when we see our brother under any difficulty, we should be ready to bear the burden with him. Jonathan Edwards
  - Wilberforce and the band of abolitionists knew that a private faith that did not act in the face of oppression was no faith at all. Chuck Colson
  - Living at peace with everyone…is not an option, it’s an obligation. Alistair Begg
  - If we could understand how impossible our situation is, we would grow in reverence for the kingship of Christ. Matt Chandler
  - If God cared only about religious activities, then the Pharisees would have been heroes of the faith. Francis Chan
  - Only the radical news of Jesus Christ can distract us from trivial pursuits and transform us from the inside out. Michael Horton
  - Humility begins with seeing who God is, seeing yourself compared to God, and then seeing yourself as God sees you. Steven Lawson
  - Many are looking for a special word from God while it sits on their shelves gathering dust. Burk Parsons
  - We are allergic to the lower place. But acts of love require a humble posture. Taking the low place means waiting for God to fill that void. Paul Miller
  - No one leads a holy life, except he is united to God. John Calvin

9.13.2015

- - Conversion is a great and glorious work of God’s power, at once changing the heart, and infusing life into the dead soul. Jonathan Edwards
  - You are worse than you think you are, but also far more loved than you feel you are. Tim Keller
  - When you say, “Come in Jesus as my caregiver, stay out as my Lord,” he can’t. He’s both. Tim Keller
  - If you come from insignificance and when you die you return to insignificance, then nothing is significant now. Tim Keller
  - Church hoppers are like wandering dogs. If they are not regularly patted on the head, they will go elsewhere until they are. Steven Lawson
  - If you miss Christ you miss everything, and if you have Christ you have everything. Steven Lawson
  - Perhaps God brought you into this mess so that he can bring you out of it for his glory. Kevin DeYoung
  - You will fear something or someone. The Bible says the wisest way to go about your life is to fear God. Kevin DeYoung
  - The human dilemma is this: God is holy, and we are not. God is righteous, and we are not. R.C. Sproul
  - We are secure, not because we hold tightly to Jesus, but because He holds tightly to us. R.C. Sproul
  - Faith never requires us to crucify our minds or deny our senses. R.C. Sproul
  - If you’re not content, start naming everything you don’t deserve. Burk Parsons
  - Who’s sins do you hate the most, others’ sins or your own? Burk Parsons
  - The glory of the salvation of souls belongs to God, and to Him alone. Charles Spurgeon
  - If you may have everything by asking in His Name, and nothing without asking, I beg you to see how vital prayer is. Charles Spurgeon
  - Hell will be filled with people who were avidly committed to Christian values. Albert Mohler
  - If words like “obedience”, “transformation,” “change,” make you think about legalism, not God’s grace, that needs fixin’. Scotty Smith
  - Calvinism is the consistent endeavor to acknowledge the Creator as the Lord, working all things after the counsel of His will. J.I. Packer
  - Following Jesus is not about conjuring up the moral fortitude to lead good lives. It’s about loving God and enjoying Him. Francis Chan
  - The heart of the gospel is that God took the initiative in Christ to satisfy his holy anger, and make himself our Treasure not our Terror. John Piper
  - Though you have sinned much, that is no reason why you should despair, but only why you should love much, having so much forgiven. George Whitefield
  - If I were ever prosecuted for my religion, I truly hope there would be enough evidence to convict me. John Wooden
  - Thanks to the Eagles and Coach Kelly for giving me the opportunity to play the game I love! Romans 8:28 Tim Tebow
  - Why is hesed love so important? Because life is moody. Hesed is a stake in the heart of the changing seasons of life. Paul Miller
  - Millions of homeless, vulnerable refugees and all the attention goes to Kim Davis. Lord have mercy. Scott Sauls
  - We should never intentionally offend, but if you follow Jesus, you will offend religious people. Darrin Patrick
  - God made the world out of nothing, and as long as we remain nothing God can make something out of us. Martin Luther

9.6.2015

GOOD NEWS!

- - Brethren, who are we that God should have been so good to us? Charles Spurgeon
  - The Gospel is that Jesus Christ came to earth, lived the life we should have lived and died the death we should have died. Tim Keller
  - Ordinary, daily faithfulness is equally as extraordinary as a spectacular conversion experience. Scott Sauls
  - People are messy; therefore, relationships will be messy. Don’t be surprised by messiness. Tim Keller
  - Where Jesus is our portion and desire, we lack no true treasure. Zack Eswine

CHRISTIAN LIVING:

- - We’re to love our children for who they are, not for what we want them to become. Alistair Begg
  - There is no higher human state than to hunger and thirst for righteousness, and for that desire to be satisfied. Dr. Robert Yarbrough
  - The more we grow in Christ, the more our excitement for Friday turns into a greater eagerness for the arrival of Sunday. Burk Parsons
  - Conviction is not repentance; conviction leads to repentance. But you can be convicted without repentance. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
  - Today, we often use the same vocabulary, but a different dictionary. Rosaria Butterfield
  - If in a Christian pulpit you have no business saying, “I suggest to you” No! “These things I declare to you.” Martyn Lloyd-Jones
  - If a man can preach one sermon without mentioning Christ’s name in it, it ought to be his last. Charles Spurgeon
  - How can you admit that your only hope is divine grace and then throw condemnation at another sinner when you see them struggle? Paul David Tripp
  - Life is not an experiment. God gave you a life, and God gave you a Book. John Piper

8.23.2015

- - One answer to the Planned Parenthood counter sign (“Don’t take away our care”): “We only want to take away your killing not your care.” John Piper
  - Sin is a sovereign till sovereign grace dethrones it. Charles Spurgeon
  - The ultimate test of any civilization is how we treat the most vulnerable… what we do to our children. Our world has lost its direction. Ravi Zacharias
  - An unkind heart is the worst. It is a plague to its possessor, and a torment to those around him. Charles Spurgeon
  - The gospel frees us from the relentless pressure of having to prove ourselves and secure our identity through work. Tim Keller
  - The key question in order to change you is not ‘What would Jesus do?’ but “What has Jesus done for you?” Tim Keller
  - The Gospel is not good instructions, not a good idea, and not good advice. The Gospel is an announcement of what God has done for us in Jesus. Michael Horton
  - I was not born to be free. I was born to adore and to obey. C.S. Lewis
  - The unfolding shame of the Ashley Madison hack is an opportunity for repentance, grace, and the gospel. Hope pastors and churches are ready. Andy Crouch
  - Compare these statements: (1) “Life is short. Have an affair.” (Ashley Madison ad) & (2) “Know this, your sin will find you out.” Numbers 32:23. Albert Mohler
  - We are secure, not because we hold tightly to Jesus, but because He holds tightly to us. R.C. Sproul
  - Because of the gospel, God doesn’t remember our sins against us. Because of the gospel, let’s practice that a lot more with each other too. Scotty Smith
  - Preach the gospel at all times; use words, which are necessary. Justin Taylor
  - I believe the holier a man becomes, the more he mourns over the unholiness which remains in him. Charles Spurgeon
  - If Christians win a battle by using worldly means, they have really lost. Francis Schaeffer
  - How have we come to a place in society where millions of babies can be slaughtered and disposed of in the name of progress? Shocking but real. Ravi Zacharias
  - Freedom is not doing whatever you want whenever and with whomever, it is knowing what you ought to do and having the freedom to do it. Burk Parsons
  - Even the most casual events are connected to God’s purpose for His people from all eternity. Alistair Begg
  - Most people want Jesus as a consultant rather than a king. Tim Keller
  - Life is about Jesus. We are not here to tell our story, but His. Francis Chan
  - We may not have “that peaceful, easy feeling” the Eagles sang about, but the gospel announces “having been justified we have peace with God” Michael Horton
  - No one goes to heaven by parroting a prayer, being baptized, or joining a church, but by believing in Jesus Christ with humble submission. Steven Lawson
  - Being nice while wearing a gold cross around your neck isn’t a form of evangelism. Telling others all about that cross is. Burk Parsons
  - Sin rarely seems sin at first beginnings. J.C. Ryle
  - Repentance is a characteristic of the whole life, not the action of a single moment. Sinclair Ferguson
  - What is the chief end of preaching? To give men and women a sense of God and His presence. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

8.16.2015

- - I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer. Martin Luther
  - The only thing of my very own which I contribute to my redemption is the sin from which I need to be redeemed. Sinclair Ferguson
  - God is good—on good days, bad days and all the days in between. Don’t just say “God is good” when you feel good, say it even when you don’t. Burk Parsons
  - Men will trust in God no further than they know him. Jonathan Edwards
  - People will not receive the balm of the gospel unless they know something of the wounds that sin has made. Charles Spurgeon
  - It is better to preach five words of God’s Word than five million words of man’s wisdom. Charles Spurgeon
  - I get irritated when I hear preachers say, “Come to Jesus and all your problems will be over.” That’s just simply a lie. R.C. Sproul
  - By definition, the big difference between mercy and justice is that mercy is never ever obligatory. R.C. Sproul
  - The word of God can be in the mind without being in the heart, but it cannot be in the heart without first being in the mind. R.C. Sproul
  - If truth were told, most of us spend longer each day on personal cleanliness than on practical godliness. Alistair Begg
  - Fear, logic, and tradition are not going to make you live a good life when no one is looking. Tim Keller
  - Any person that says, “Of course I wouldn’t do ______” doesn’t know their own heart. Darrin Patrick
  - We never grow closer to God when we just live life. It takes deliberate pursuit and attentiveness. Francis Chan
  - Jesus, the one who rose from the dead, demonstrates his right to tell us who he is, who we are, what he came to do and what our future holds. Michael Horton
  - It will cost you to follow Christ, but it costs even more not to follow Him. Steven Lawson
  - We do live best in this world when we keep the next in mind. Mark Dever
  - There is no biblical Christianity without the cross at its center. John Stott
  - Where God’s Spirit does not reign, there is no humility, and men ever swell with inward pride. John Calvin
  - Deliver me, oh Lord, from that evil man, myself. Augustine
  - At our church, we refer to the Lord’s Supper as the dysfunctional family meal. We are all incomplete works in process. Hence…grace. Scott Sauls
  - Indwelling sin always abides while we are in this world; therefore it is always to be mortified. John Owen
  - The devil doesn’t fill us with hatred for God, but with forgetfulness of God. Dietrich Bonhoeffer

8.9.2015

ABOUT GOD AND HIS GREAT LOVE:

- - What makes worship amazing is the object of our worship. Francis Chan
  - If grace is obligated it is no longer grace. The very essence of grace is that it is undeserved. R.C. Sproul
  - In His tender mercies, God has an incredible capacity to love the unlovely. R.C. Sproul
  - To be convinced in our hearts that we have forgiveness of sins and peace with God by grace alone is the hardest thing. Martin Luther
  - Religion: ‘My identity is built on being a good person.’ Gospel: ‘My identity is not built on my record or my performance but on Christ’s.’ Tim Keller
  - The sinner can no more raise himself from the deadness of sin than Lazarus, who had been dead four days, until Jesus came. George Whitefield
  - Hell is full of people who think they deserve heaven. Heaven is full of people who know they deserve hell. Trevin Wax
  - Faith and hope…are the wings by which our souls, rising above the world, are lifted up to God. John Calvin

CHRISTIAN LIVING ~ SANCTIFICATION:

- - Our only hope of progress in gradual sanctification is that we already have a right standing with God by faith alone. John Piper
  - Hang on to this with your life: “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Albert Mohler
  - Jesus’ call to commitment is clear: He wants all or nothing. Francis Chan
  - The more seriously we understand the radical nature of sin, the more it exercises a restraint upon us. R.C. Sproul
  - Prayer is beyond any question the highest activity of the human soul. Man is at his greatest and highest when upon his knees he comes face to face with God. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
  - Christianity is not a “to-do” list, but a “‘tis done!” list. Michael Horton
  - Be obedient even when you do not know where obedience may lead you. Sinclair Ferguson
  - A sign of spiritual maturity: You’ve become more flexible, not less, on matters of taste, opinion, style, and preference. Scott Sauls
  - Love is not just a sentiment. Love is a great controlling passion and it always expresses itself in terms of obedience. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
  - It is one thing for sin to live in us; it is another for us to live in sin. John Murray
  - Our bad things turn out for good. Our good things can never be lost. And the best things are yet to come. Jonathan Edwards
  - The judgment of God against this nation will not be turned by a more conservative President, but by the repentance of its people. Paul Washer
  - My grand point in preaching is to break the hard heart, and to heal the broken one. John Newton

JUST FOR FUN:

- - Deep frying a Twinkie makes it healthy, right? Jim Gaffigan
  - Just finished biking to Toby Mac’s new CD! Tis Gospelicious Jesus-Freak-ish Funk-a-delic Thump-a-sonic Heart-a-donic. SO good! Scotty Smith

8.2.2015

- - The ungodly are not half so restrained in their blasphemy as we are in our praise. Charles Spurgeon
  - We are too prone to engrave our trials in marble and write our blessings in sand. Charles Spurgeon
  - There is nothing that will keep a person from Christ like a good opinion of himself. Charles Spurgeon
  - Great grace and small gifts are better than great gifts and no grace. John Bunyan
  - When God says something, the argument is over. R.C. Sproul
  - Of course God will give us more than we can handle. That’s what drives us to Jesus, which is the best thing that can happen to any of us. Scotty Smith
  - You can’t confuse childlike faith with childish thinking. John MacArthur
  - Settle this in your heart. Life is a gift from God. He owes it to none. He may take it at any age, any time, and do no wrong. John Piper
  - Flattery is saying something nice in order to help yourself. Encouragement is saying something true in order help someone else. Kevin DeYoung
  - The less time you spend with truth the easier it is to believe lies. Lecrae
  - Prayer is the means that God has ordained for the supply of grace that is necessary to be joyful in hope. Alistair Begg
  - Christians don’t believe that goodness gets you to heaven. Christians believe it’s exhausting to rely on your own goodness to please God. Tim Keller
  - Worry is not believing God will get it right, and bitterness is believing God got it wrong. Tim Keller
  - Everyone says they want community and deep friendship. However, because it takes accountability and commitment we run the other way. Tim Keller
  - Lukewarm people don’t really want to be saved from their sin; they want only to be saved from the penalty of their sin. Francis Chan
  - It wasn’t Luther or Calvin that reformed the church. It was the Word of God that reformed the church. Robert Godfrey
  - In the race of faith, stay focused upon Christ, not the other runners, nor the spectators. Steven Lawson
  - We discover the will of God by a sensitive application of Scripture to our own lives. Sinclair Ferguson
  - The truest spirituality comes thru ordinary means. Scripture, prayer, worship, sacraments, community. Leave it to Jesus to be spectacular. Scott Sauls

Just for Fun

- - August 1? Hey Summer where you running off to? Dave Ramsey
  - Who was the first person to walk into a harbor and say, “Whatever that horrible smell is I want to eat it.” Jim Gaffigan

7.19.2015

God and Theology:

- - If I know anything about the character of God after fifty years of ministry, I know that God hates abortion. R.C. Sproul
  - Every day we need our gaze redirected from ourselves to God. Sinclair Ferguson
  - The foundation of our love for the Lord lies in the recognition of His holiness, our sinfulness, and His grace. Sinclair Ferguson
  - Be assured, there is nothing new in theology except that which is false. Charles Spurgeon
  - There is an inherent blasphemy in seeking to add to what Christ Jesus in His dying moments declared to be finished. Charles Spurgeon
  - The devil is so subtle that he dominates man and persuades him at the same time that he is not being dominated. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
  - Temptations and occasions put nothing into a man, but only draw out what was in him before. John Owen

The Christian Journey:

- - No man can come to God but by an extraordinary revelation of the Spirit. John Calvin
  - I cannot have God in my heart if he is not in my head. Before I can believe in, I must believe that. R.C. Sproul
  - There will be no doubt about His having chosen you when you have chosen Him. Charles Spurgeon
  - You are either a Christian or you are not a Christian; you cannot be partly a Christian. You are either “dead” or “alive”; you are either “born” or “not born”. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
  - The ultimate test of our spirituality is the measure of our amazement at the grace of God. Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones
  - God’s love for you musn’t be measured by your present circumstances but by his eternal Christ. The sane choose grace over ease, every time. Scotty Smith
  - Worldliness is departing from God. Iain H. Murray
  - Look at your Facebook posts. Do they display fear, love or self-control? Pastor Duane Otto
  - What is right has to win the day over what we may see as rights. Ravi Zacharias
  - It is impossible to forgive someone if you feel superior to him or her. Tim Keller
  - You find that the things you let go of while following Jesus were the things that were going to destroy you in the end. Francis Chan
  - Our examples of enduring hardship are often more powerful than our stories of success and triumph. Mark Dever
  - All roads do indeed lead to God, the only question is, what will God say to you when you get there? Burk Parsons

Prayer:

- - Prayer should be done regularly, persistently, resolutely, and tenaciously at least daily, whether we feel like it or not. Tim Keller
  - Prayer is not optional for the Christian; it is required. R.C. Sproul

Favorite Quotes of the Week 7.12.15

Present Theologians:
•Foot washing is far more appropriate for followers of Jesus than attempts at life fixing. We serve them, only Jesus changes people. Scotty Smit
•Doing justice includes not only the righting of wrongs, but generosity and social concern, especially toward the poor and vulnerable. Tim Keller
•Everyone says they want community and deep friendship. However, because it takes accountability and commitment we run the other way. Tim Keller
•To pray is to accept that we are, and always will be, wholly dependent on God for everything. Tim Keller
•The Arminian view makes the final decision of our salvation rest upon a human choice, not upon a divine action. R. C. Sproul
•For the Arminian, salvation is possible for all but certain for none. In the Calvinist position, salvation is sure for God’s elect. R.C. Sproul
•It is not the perfection of one’s life but the direction of a life that provides evidence of regeneration. John MacArthur
•What God requires and what he has done to save us in Christ is evident from Genesis to Revelation. Michael Horton
•Truth without grace isn’t really true. Grace without truth isn’t really gracious. Scott Sauls
•Repentance: conviction of our sin, contrition over our sin, confession of our sin, consecration to turn from our sin. Repeat daily. Burk Parsons
•When your sin is exposed, you will run toward confession and forgiveness or self-righteousness and self-justification. Paul David Tripp
•If your friends never make you uncomfortable. You don’t have friends. You have fans. Darrin Patrick
•Churches should evaluate everything they do to determine how it can be done better. Thom Rainer
•The repentant man rightfully loses trust in himself. He recognizes his self-dependence as the source of his problems, not the solution. Randy Alcorn
•Only the Gospel goes deep enough to effect real hard change. Everything else is just behavior modification. Jared Wilson
•There are no freelance Christians; there is no solo-flying to heaven. Alistair Begg
•Calvin, outside of God’s Word, has been the greatest influence in my life. Ian Hamilton
•God has chosen us. Our status is not a matter of our worthiness, but of His love. Sinclair Ferguson
•What matters most isn’t what others think of us, or even what we think about ourselves, but what God has declared to be true of us in Christ. Scotty Smith
•You cannot talk about evil without assuming a moral framework. Ravi Zacharias
•Refusing to teach a passage of Scripture is just as wrong as abusing it. Francis Chan.

Theologians from the Past:
•Right is right though all condemn, and wrong is wrong though all approve. Charles Spurgeon
•If he be lost, damnation is all of man; but, if he be saved, still salvation is all of God. Charles Spurgeon
•Man was made in the image of God, and nothing will satisfy man but God, in whose image he was made. Charles Spurgeon
•Praying without fervency is like hunting with a dead dog. Charles Spurgeon
•The nearer a man gets to God, the greater he sees his sin. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
•If you look at your past and are depressed it means that you are listening to the devil. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
•I’ve held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all but whatever I’ve placed in God’s hands, that I still possess. Martin Luther
•I’ll trust in God’s unchanging Word, till soul and body sever. For though all things pass away, His Word shall stand forever. Martin Luther
•God tolerates even our stammering, and pardons our ignorance … as, indeed, without this mercy there would be no freedom to pray. John Calvin
•The greatest test of a man’s character is his tongue. Oswald Chambers

Favorite Quotes of the Week 7.5.15

CURRENT THEOLOGIANS:

Pray this for our President. “When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes.” 2 Kings 22:11. John Piper

We talk so much about rights, but we talk so little about what is actually right. Ravi Zacharias

- - Public faith means going public with what’s in your heart, with humility and respect for others, as we speak of the truth of the gospel. Tim Keller
  - Jesus says, “I want you to follow me so fully, so intensely, so enduringly that all other attachments in your life look weak by comparison.” Tim Keller
  - Everyone says they want community and deep friendship. However, because it takes accountability and commitment we run the other way. Tim Keller
  - Confession should be a daily activity for the Christian, whose entire pilgrimage is characterized by the spirit of repentance. R.C. Sproul
  - The one place where the Christian can be naked without fear is in the presence of Christ. R.C. Sproul
  - God’s grace is so powerful that it has the capacity to overcome our natural resistance to it. R.C. Sproul
  - Regeneration is the cause of faith, not faith the cause of regeneration. R.C. Sproul Jr.
  - Remember, when you’re sinned against its tempting to respond sinfully. Don’t give in, talk to your heart and seek the grace of Jesus. Paul David Tripp
  - Pressure’s off. You are not called to be awesome. Only humble and faithful. Scott Sauls
  - Jesus, forgive us for valuing our freedoms and comforts more than we value your presence and promises. Scott Sauls
  - As Christians living in changing times, we must keep three things open: our heads, our hearts, and our Bibles. Kevin DeYoung
  - We preach the gospel to others not knowing if they’re the elect bride of Christ but knowing they’re all sinners in need of Christ. Burk Parsons
  - If you can trust God to save you for eternity, you can trust him to lead you for a lifetime. David Platt
  - Why is it that we believe God’s promises of blessing but not his promises of punishment? Francis Chan
  - There will be people who will teach for the sake of greed or for the sake of ego. So watch their lives. Do they look and act like Jesus? Francis Chan
  - Until we acknowledge our sin and guilt, we will never come to discover that it can be forgiven. Sinclair Ferguson
  - People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought – which they seldom use. Dan Doriani
  - Mark it down—your progress in holiness will never exceed your relationship with the holy Word of God. Nancy Leigh DeMoss

THEOLOGIANS FROM THE PAST:

- - Only what God has commanded in his word should be regarded as binding; in all else there may be liberty of actions. John Owen
  - There are three stages in every great work of God: first, it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done. Hudson Taylor
  - Let us…once and forever put an end to that lie which says that Calvinism and an interest in evangelism are not comparable. George Whitefield
  - To go to heaven, fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here. Jonathan Edwards
  - The gospel is not something partial or piecemeal: it takes in the whole life, the whole of history, the whole world. It tells us about creation and the final judgment and everything in between. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
  - People are often unhappy in the Christian life because they have thought of Christianity, and the whole message of the gospel, in inadequate terms. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
  - The gospel is meant to control and govern everything in our lives. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
  - Don’t let your hopes or fears come between you and Jesus; follow hard after Him. He will never fail you. Charles Spurgeon
  - To receive the Word in the ear is one thing, and to receive Jesus into your very soul is quite another. Charles Spurgeon
  - If you don’t listen to theology, that won’t mean you have no ideas about God, it will mean you have a lot of wrong ones. CS Lewis
  - Every week I preach justification by faith to my people, because every week they forget it. Martin Luther
  - If you see yourself as a “little sinner” you will inevitably see Jesus as a “little savior”. Martin Luther

6.21.2015

CURRENT THEOLOGIANS:

- - Welcome to the valley of the shadow of death…thank God grace reigns here. Tullian Tchividjian (after he admitted to committing adultery and resigned as lead pastor at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church).
  - There is a danger that grace can become a topic we discuss rather than a power we experience. Heath Lambert
  - I find that if I pray for the people I’m most angry with, my anger turns into something more redemptive. Jack Miller
  - If God is not at the center of your life, something else is. Tim Keller
  - Faith is not primarily a function of how you feel. Faith is living out, trusting, and believing what truth is despite what you feel. Tim Keller
  - We’ve replaced the proclamation of Christ with an easy-listening legalism of do more and try harder. R. C. Sproul
  - The God of popular religion is not holy. R.C. Sproul
  - Jesus, many of us know what holiness is not; but we need you to show us what holiness IS. Help us to discover the beauty of gospel-holiness. Scotty Smith
  - The Father did not require the death of Christ to persuade Him to love us. Christ died because the Father loves us. Sinclair Ferguson
  - A quiet heart is content with what God gives. It is enough. All is grace. Elisabeth Elliot
  - The greatest work God ever performs was not the creation of the universe out of nothing, but is the new creation of saints out of sinners. Steven Lawson
  - The Bible knows nothing of a healthy Christian who does not or will not pray. Tim Challies
  - Every time you get on your knees and pray to God, ‘Holy’ keeps the respect and reverence while ‘Father’ brings Him close & intimate. Ravi Zacharias
  - We should be so joyful from God’s grace that others would respond by saying, ‘I wish I had your God. Francis Chan
  - We want awesomeness more than we want faithfulness. Michael Horton
  - Grace has uprooted us from a barren wilderness of sin and transplanted us by streams of living water. Steven Lawson
  - Charleston was where America split apart in 1861. Maybe it’s where America comes together in 2015. Russell Moore
  - Sin claims to free but in fact it kills. Mark Dever
  - Correct division should be preferred over corrupt unity. Mark Dever
  - Prayer is the burden of revival; repentance is the breakthrough of revival; evangelism is the blessing of revival; holiness is the bounty of revival. Steve Camp
  - God’s will is what we would choose if we knew what God knows. Nancy Leigh DeMoss
  - God is not embarrassed by his wrath or ashamed of his judgment, so we shouldn’t be either. Thabiti Anyabwile
  - True maturity does not mean repenting less. It means repenting more, and repenting more quickly. Scott Sauls

THEOLOGIANS FROM THE PAST:

- - The eternal everlasting God has become our Father and the moment we realize that, it transforms everything. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
  - Spiritual depression or unhappiness in the Christian life is very often due to our failure to realize the greatness of the gospel. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones.
  - The whole man is involved, the mind, the heart and the will, and a common cause of spiritual depression is the failure to realize that the Christian life is a whole life, a balanced life. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
  - The Holy Spirit is the bond by which Christ efficaciously unites us to himself. John Calvin
  - Unless men establish their complete happiness in God, they will never give themselves truly and sincerely to him. John Calvin
  - He makes those just who are unjust, forgives those who deserve to be punished, and favors those who deserve no favor. Charles Spurgeon
  - However little we may be, if we are the Lord’s, we may rejoice that we are preserved in Christ Jesus. Charles Spurgeon
  - The God who has been sufficient until now, should be trusted to the end. Charles Spurgeon
  - To me, Calvinism means the placing of the eternal God at the head of all things. Charles Spurgeon
  - Sin is not so sweet in the committing as it is heavy and bitter in the reckoning. Richard Sibbes
  - We should take our discouragements as means of grace. Andrew Bonar There are many persons that seem to be converted, that are not so really. Don’t rest in any appearance of grace. Jonathan Edwards
  - Free will without God’s grace is not free at all, but is the permanent bondservant of evil, since it cannot turn itself to good. Martin Luther

6.21.2015

THE BIBLE:
•Defend the Bible? I’d sooner defend a lion. You don’t defend the Bible; you open its cage and let it roar. Charles Spurgeon
•Nowhere in the Bible is God described as looking for “great worship”; but he is seeking true worshippers… a people, not a show (John 4). Scotty Smith
•We don’t go to Scripture for permission to do what we think is best, but for direction to do what He says is best. David Platt
•Whatever you read, read the Bible first. Beware of bad books: there are plenty in this day. Take heed what you read. J.C. Ryle
•God does not bestow the Spirit on his people, in order to set aside the use of his word, but rather to render it fruitful. John Calvin

SIN:
•You must be made miserable before you can know true Christian joy. Indeed the real trouble with the miserable Christian is that he has never been truly made miserable because of conviction of sin. He has by-passed the essential preliminary to joy, he has been assuming something that he has no right to assume. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
•It was not the volume of sin that sent Christ to the cross; it was the fact of sin. Ravi Zacharias
•The sinner’s problem with hell is not the absence of God, but the presence of God. R.C. Sproul
•For unbelievers, at the final judgment, there will not be one drop of mercy, only perfect justice–so much sin, so much wrath. Steven Lawson
•To expose our minds constantly to ungodly thinking is a great danger. Alistair Begg

TO SPUR YOU ON TO LOVE AND GOOD DEEDS:
•We are not to be living specimens of men in fine preservation, but living sacrifices, whose lot is to be consumed. Charles Spurgeon
•When George Müller turned 70, he fulfilled his dream of missionary work for 17 years until he was 87. Got that, boomers? John Piper
•In preaching, the ultimate crime is to propound falsehood; the penultimate crime is to let the faith seem boring or irrelevant. Dan Doriani
•Gospel progress happens not when we have pity on the weak but solidarity with the weak. Scott Sauls
•God is absolutely sovereign, but his sovereignty never mitigates human responsibility. D. A. Carson
•Everything is necessary that God sends our way; nothing can be necessary that he withholds. John Newton
•We need to be more concerned about who we are before God than our reputation before people. Francis Chan
•We run the race not by looking aside, comparing ourselves with other Christians, but by keeping our eyes fixed on Christ at the finish line. Burk Parsons
•The best way to leave a legacy is to believe, teach, defend, and promote what is true. Kevin DeYoung
•There is no happiness finally, there is no peace, there is no joy except we be right with God. The miserable Christian is wrong in his ideas as to how this rightness with God is to be obtained. Dr. Martyn Lloyd Jones

TO COMFORT YOU:
•He makes those just who are unjust, forgives those who deserve to be punished, and favors those who deserve no favor. Charles Spurgeon
•Jesus, sparrows are fed and fields are clothed, storms are stilled and days are numbered by you. Forgive me for living otherwise. Scotty Smith
• The richest treasure God has for you are the people in your life. Give thanks and don’t take them for granted. Kevin DeYoung
•God enabled me to speak with the demonstration of the Spirit, and with power. George Whitefield
•Every blessing we receive from God comes through our union with Christ. Union with Christ is greater than everything. Father, thanks for hiding us in Christ. Scotty Smith

6.14.2015

DEAD GUYS:

It is a good thing God chose me before I was born, because he surely would not have afterwards. Charles Spurgeon

- - Let us not sigh, but sing. All is well, however hard the wind blows. Charles Spurgeon
  - Sickness has frequently been of more use to the saints of God than health has. Charles Spurgeon
  - We know of no cure for the love of evil in a Christian like daily communion with the Lord Jesus. Charles Spurgeon
  - Pray often, for prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge to Satan. John Bunyan
  - Sin is bad in the eye, worse in the tongue, worse still in the heart, but worst of all in the life. Thomas Brooks
  - The ultimate cause of spiritual depression is unbelief. For if it were not for unbelief, even the devil could do nothing. It is because we listen to the devil instead of listening to God that we go down before him and fall before his attacks. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
  - You must go on to remind yourself of God – who God is, and what God is, and what God has done, and what God has pledged Himself to do. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

STILL ALIVE AND KICKIN’:

- - To allow God to be God we must follow Him for who He is and what He intends, and not for what we want or what we prefer. Ravi Zacharias
  - The whole concept of providence is that God knows everything about what we do. R.C. Sproul
  - Our greatest hope isn’t having it all together. Our greatest hope is Jesus whether we have it all together or not. Zack Eswine
  - When we are slow to tend that which is most central to our calling, and speedy to tend that which is not, our busyness is actually laziness. Zack Eswin
  - The day you stop learning is the day you stop living. Steven Lawson
  - Prayer does not change the will of God to fit my will, but changes my will to His will. Steven Lawso
  - Holy Spirit, give us power today for boasting in our weakness, boasting in Jesus, and boasting about other’s successes. Scotty Smith
  - Human beings don’t just learn things from stories. We learn things by being in the midst of a story. Of The Story. Matt Perman
  - God loves and defends those with the least economic and social power, and so should we. Tim Keller
  - Salvation is all about the grace of God. There is absolutely nothing that you can do to save yourself or earn God’s favor. Francis Chan
  - Too many men want to change the world but aren’t willing to change diapers, but that’s precisely where changing the world begins, at home. Burk Parsons
  - John Flavel’s final words were, ‘I know that it will be well with me.’ Mark Dever
  - We don’t go to Scripture for permission to do what we think is best, but for direction to do what He says is best. David Platt

6.7.2015

FROM GUYS THAT HAVE GONE TO GLORY:

- - Let us fall before the majesty of our great God, acknowledging our faults, and praying that he will make us ever more conscious of them. John Calvin
  - Christian, remember the goodness of God in the frost of adversity. Charles Spurgeon
  - Live as if Christ died yesterday, rose this morning, and is coming back tomorrow. Martin Luther
  - To go to heaven, fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here. Jonathan Edwards
  - Truth carries with it confrontation. Truth demands confrontation; loving confrontation, but confrontation nevertheless. Francis Schaeffer
  - The best of men are only men at their very best. Patriarchs, prophets, and apostles, – martyrs, fathers, reformers, puritans, – all are sinners, who need a Savior: holy, useful, honorable in their place – but sinners after all. J.C. Ryle

STILL ALIVE & KICKIN’:

- - Jesus, grant your calming presence to our friends who struggle with anxiety disorders and paralyzing fears. It’s always harder at night. Scotty Smith
  - Holy Spirit, help me to be 10 times more intrigued with people today than irritated by them. I wanna be less childish and more childlike. Scotty Smith
  - The ultimate cause of all spiritual depression is unbelief. For if it were not for unbelief even the devil could do nothing. It is because we listen to the devil instead of listening to God that we go down before him and fall before his attacks. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
  - You are either a Christian or you are not a Christian; you cannot be partly a Christian. You are either “dead” or “alive”; you are either “born” or “not born”. Dr. Martyn-Lloyd Jones
  - The cure for a cranky soul begins by repenting, by realizing that my moodiness is a demand that my life have a certain shape. Paul Miller
  - Prayer is not a discipline, though it has discipline aspects to it. Prayer is getting to know God. Paul Miller
  - The Jenner story is a tragedy. The culture is doing its best to fall into line. The church must lean into the gospel. Albert Mohler
  - The Christian’s comfort: I am not my own. I do not make my own rules or create my own identity. There is one who made me and can save me. Kevin DeYoung
  - The Sovereign Lord has spared you ten thousand more losses than he has sent you. Let every moment be a thousand thanks. John Piper
  - God doesn’t want your crises-mode promises. Darrin Patrick
  - There is no better news than that the God who makes the demand for perfection also meets the demand for perfection on our behalf. Tullian Tchividjian
  - Grace flows most refreshingly through the faucet of brokenness. Tullian Tchividjian
  - What you applaud you encourage, but beware what you celebrate. Ravi Zacharias
  - With the doctrine of the Trinity it becomes most evident that we do not all worship the same God. Michael Horton
  - The more we grow to know God, the more we realize how little we know of Him. Steven Lawson
  - Something I always keep in mind: Just because I disagree with someone doesn’t mean he or she is wrong. Burk Parsons
  - Christianity is not a religion of moralism, it is a gospel religion of grace. Burk Parsons
  - Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. He is the Seeker; we are the ones who are running. R. C. Sproul
  - Once we are reconciled to God, the estrangement and hostility is over. The peace is sealed for eternity. R. C. Sproul
  - You can’t keep up with the Joneses when you’re committed to radical generosity, and I think that’s exactly how God intends it. Tim Challies
  - There is a direct relationship between a person’s grasp and experience of God’s grace, and his or her heart for justice and the poor. Tim Keller
  - Grace is humbling and restorative. It pulls you down because Christ had to die for you, but also lifts you up because he wanted to die for you. Tim Keller
  - Ministry to the poor is a crucial sign that we believe the gospel. Tim Keller

6.1.2015

It is God alone who can subdue and govern the unruly wills of sinful men. George Whitefield
There is no true praying in the name of Christ without repentance of sin, for Christ is the savior of sinners. Jonathan Edwards

- - Faith is more than getting a theological quiz right. Faith is to know, to assent, to put your trust in, and to cherish what is true. Kevin DeYoung
  - The promises of God for tomorrow are the anchor for believers today. R.C. Sproul
  - Father, when it c