Before Jesus’ followers were called Christians they were known as the followers of “the Way.” For example, in Acts 19:23 a riot is described in Ephesus: “About that time there arose no little disturbance concerning the Way.” In Acts 22:4 Paul described his former way of life: “I persecuted this Way to the death…” This … Continue reading This is the Way
john piper
Hearing a ‘still small voice’ over the roar of your appetites
In his book, A Hunger for God, John Piper writes: “we are less sensitive to spiritual appetites when we are in bondage to physical ones.”* Fair enough. Here’s where I want to focus us. Some of your physical appetites can be good. But they’re not your boss. Previous generations were much more used to denying … Continue reading Hearing a ‘still small voice’ over the roar of your appetites
Stumbling into (or preparing to) worship
We have been talking about worship and how Jesus says to worship God “in the Spirit and in truth.” In fact, “they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks” (John 4:23). Wow. What do you seek? The weekend, a raise, losing 10 pounds? God seeks people to worship him in a certain way. Today … Continue reading Stumbling into (or preparing to) worship
Learning from a leper who drags himself to worship at 4am
John Piper tells of a young man who grew up on the mission field in Korea. His father worked with a leper colony. They had prayer meetings at 4 o’clock in the morning. That’s right, 4 a.m.! He remembers a man who came to the service, “crabbing along the ground” because he had no legs. … Continue reading Learning from a leper who drags himself to worship at 4am
True beauty
Our world is often messed up when it comes to what it thinks is beautiful. That’s why I think the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty is such a success. People know—deep within—that we’re paying attention to the wrong things when it comes to beauty. Well, do you want to know who is TRULY beautiful? God. … Continue reading True beauty
A worship state of mind
Today, let’s worship God. ‘But Matthew, it’s not Sunday.’ Well, yes—you’re right. It’s not. But worship is an all-the-time thing, not just a some-of-the-time thing. Theologian John Piper writes that “worship means consciously knowing and treasuring and showing the supreme worth and beauty of God.”* Oh yes. While there is something special that happens on … Continue reading A worship state of mind
The Up Devotional 