Doctrine Matters — free ebook by John Piper

From Desiring God: Doctrine Matters is the theological summary of one preacher’s lifetime of investment in a local church. Completing three decades of pastoral ministry at Bethlehem Baptist, John Piper gave a final sermon series on the doctrinal emphases from his years of preaching. These ten emphases, delivered as ten sermons in 2012 and now […]

What is sin?

This post is part of a series of posts on the basics of systematic theology. Why do we need theology, and what are the essential truths to know about each doctrine? All the posts are archived under the category “Theology 101.” Sin is defined as a transgression of the law of God — a […]

Today’s Quote – Keeping the Faith (Machen)

J. Gresham Machen, Christianity and Liberalism: The type of religion which rejoices in pious sound of traditional phrases, regardless of their meanings, or shrinks from “controversial” matters, will never stand amid the shocks of life. In the sphere of religion, as in other spheres, the things about which men agree are apt to be the […]

Today’s Quote – Obedience (Calvin)

John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion: …what is the beginning of true doctrine but a prompt eagerness to hearken to God’s voice? [1.7.5]

Better (Teenage) Saints

How shall we parent and shepherd our teens so that they will walk faithfully with God? In his most recent “Taste and See” column, John Piper interacts with two recent books and draws the conclusion that “Good Doctrine Makes Better (Teenage) Saints.” A sample statement: “…even though growing a church by serious teaching of biblical […]

A few more thoughts on the tragedy at Virginia Tech

This week we have learned the importance and reality of Rom 12:15 — Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. You could not read the headlines, watch the news or hear the reports of what happened at Virginia Tech and not be moved to compassion. Amidst all the “analysis,” however, there […]

What to say about Virginia Tech

The events today at Virginia Tech are tragic. Several years ago, after the shootings at Columbine, John Piper compiled 21 ways to love and comfort the hurting. He later revised the list after the 9-11 tragedy. His words are just as appropriate for today. A condensed version of his essay may be found here.