Author Archives: lawless

The Sweet Designs of GodBy John Piper He set me apart before I was born, and called me by his grace. (Galatians 1:15) Ponder the conversion of Paul, the sovereignty of Christ, and what Paul’s sins have to do with your … Continue reading →

When Obedience Feels ImpossibleBy John Piper By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac. (Hebrews 11:17) For many of you right now — and for others of you the time is coming — obedience feels like the end of … Continue reading →

Every Calvary Step Was LoveBy John Piper By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us. (1 John 3:16) The love of Christ for us in his dying was as conscious as his suffering was intentional. If … Continue reading →

Christ as Means and EndBy John Piper I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in … Continue reading →

The Perfect CityBy John Piper He has prepared for them a city. (Hebrews 11:16) No pollution, no graffiti, no trash, no peeling paint or rotting garages, no dead grass or broken bottles, no harsh street talk, no in-your-face confrontations, no domestic … Continue reading →

Lincoln’s ProvidenceBy John Piper Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! (Romans 11:33) Abraham Lincoln, who was born on this day in 1809, remained skeptical, and … Continue reading →

Saving Faith Isn’t Easily SatisfiedBy John Piper If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a … Continue reading →

Better Than Money, Sex, and PowerBy John Piper Do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. (Hebrews 10:35) We need to ponder the superiority of God as our great reward over all that the world has to offer. … Continue reading →

Are You Glad You Are Not God?By John Piper Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength! (Psalm 96:7) Here’s at least part of the experience that the psalmist is referring to when … Continue reading →

Eleventh-hour BreakthroughsBy John Piper “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (Luke 23:42) One of the greatest hope-killers is that you have tried for so long to change, and have not succeeded.  You look back and think: What’s the … Continue reading →

Reviled Here, Rewarded ThereBy John Piper He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. (Psalm 1:3) How does the … Continue reading →

The Main Purpose of MinistryBy John Piper We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. (Hebrews 10:39) Don’t look at the temporary cost of love, and shrink back … Continue reading →

Five Ways Affliction HelpsBy John Piper Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word. (Psalm 119:67) This verse shows that God sends affliction to help us learn his word. How does that work? How does affliction … Continue reading →

The Greatest LoveBy John Piper I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake. (1 John 2:12) Why should we emphasize that God loves, forgives, and saves “for his name’s sake” — for his own … Continue reading →

The Forgiveness CycleBy John Piper “And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.” (Luke 11:4) Who forgives whom first?  On the one hand, Jesus says, “Forgive us our … Continue reading →