Desiring God Blog

Writing Leave Reminder

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:35:30 -0600

(Author: Tyler Kenney)

For the next five weeks John Piper is on his annual writing leave. During this time he hopes to work on about five projects, which also gives us the privilege to labor alongside him in prayer.

In lieu of new sermons, over the next few weeks we'll be featuring some of his more notable sermons from last year.

Smiting Morality with Gospel Joy

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 01:32:29 -0600

(Author: David Mathis)

Watch John Piper (on C.S. Lewis, on William Tyndale) explain how the biblical gospel destroys morality, external conformity, and list-keeping religion:

(To view the video, RSS readers may need to visit the webpage)

When God’s Direction Comes Through Correction

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 01:30:13 -0600

(Author: Jon Bloom)

God faithfully directs the paths of everyone who trusts in him with all their heart (Proverbs 3:5-6). But sometimes, as Moses experienced in Exodus 18, God directs us through a word of correction from someone else.

* * *

The reunion of Moses and Jethro was a sweet one. Moses was glad to have his wife and his two boys back with him. And Jethro sat astonished as Moses described the ten plagues, the pillar of God's presence, the Red Sea deliverance, the provision of manna, and water from a rock. Jethro rejoiced in such unparalleled demonstrations of divine power and confessed God's supremacy in everything.

Then Jethro observed his son-in-law at work. Clearly Moses was an extraordinary prophet, leader, and judge. But he was spending his whole day addressing one dispute or problem at a time. And the number of people waiting for a hearing only grew larger. Jethro could feel the rumblings of frustration. This looked like an eruption waiting to happen.

When Moses finally took a break, Jethro asked him a clarifying question: "Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening?" (v. 14). Note that Jethro did not assume his perception was completely correct. Perhaps Moses had a good reason. Asking this question was both wise and kind.

This gave Moses a chance to explain the job God had assigned to him: The Lord instructed Moses regarding the law, and Moses was then to teach the people and help them apply it to their particular situations.

That was helpful. Moses understood his calling and he was working hard to serve everyone.

Understanding this, Jethro said to Moses, "What you are doing is not good. You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone" (v. 17-18).

In other words, Moses' mission was right but his method was wrong. Bad systems can undermine the best intentions.

Now, Moses was used to being criticized. Some faction was almost continually calling his leadership into question. But Jethro was different. He saw a problem, sought to understand it, identified the core weakness, and offered a solution (in verses 19-23) that served both Moses' calling and the people's needs. Jethro really wanted Moses and the people to thrive.

In this world such a counselor is rare.

That said, I imagine this correction still might have stung Moses a little. It would have stung me. Our prideful fallen natures hate to have our mistakes or weaknesses pointed out.

But Moses' response revealed his humility. He didn't brush Jethro off as an outsider who didn't understand. He didn't try to protect his reputation by lying that he'd been thinking about doing that very thing himself. And he didn't pull rank by reminding Jethro who, between the two of them, tended to hear from God more. Rather, Moses humbly received and immediately implemented Jethro's counsel.

In this world such a leader is rare.

There's something else remarkable about Moses' response. Though he received frequent direct and detailed revelation from God, he was not narrow in his understanding of how God speaks and directs. Since God ruled everything he could just as easily direct him through a father-in-law as through a cloud.

Moses was not swayed by human opinion. But he was a man whose ear was always listening for God. He had been transformed by the renewing of his mind and by testing was able to discern what was the will of God (Romans 12:2).

* * *

What Jethro has to teach us about bringing godly correction to someone else:

First, we should identify specific ways God is working in and through that person and authentically rejoice with him or her.
Second, we must have in mind the good of everyone involved and be able to describe what that is.
Third, we should ask clarifying questions before we critique or counsel in order to accurately grasp the situation.
And fourth, we should be graciously specific in our correction and, if possible, work with him or her to find a helpful solution.

What Moses has to teach us about receiving correction from someone else:

First, all of us, even the most gifted, have areas that need correction.
Second, correction is an opportunity to cultivate valuing God's glory and other people's good above our reputation. It helps us not think more highly of ourselves than we ought to think.
Third, God might bring correction through an unexpected person. We should keep our ears open and communicate to others receptivity to their input.

Christian Hedonism 101

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 01:30:28 -0600

(Author: Jonathan Parnell)

For the first time in its history the Desiring God Conference for Pastors, which took place last week, was devoted to the subject of Christian Hedonism—the teaching that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.

In conjunction with the conference, it seemed good to revisit and remember some of those glad verses within the Psalter that command us to pursue our joy in God.

Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)

Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones; and shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart. (Psalm 32:11)

Sing for joy in the LORD, O you righteous ones; praise is becoming to the upright. (Psalm 33:1)

Let the nations be glad and sing for joy; for You will judge the peoples with uprightness and guide the nations on the earth. (Psalm 67:4)

Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth. Serve the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful singing. (Psalm 100:1)

For a fuller introduction to Christian Hedonism and its deep and broad biblical roots, I recommend checking out John Piper's Desiring God seminar (5 parts).

Seattle and Santa Barbara

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 01:30:39 -0600

(Author: David Mathis)

Dear friends in the Seattle area and at Westmont College,

Come worship Jesus with us at a special Friday night gathering, February 26, at Mars Hill Church's Ballard Campus.

God willing, Pastor Piper will also be preaching at Mars Hill on Sunday, February 28, before heading to Santa Barbara to speak in chapel at Westmont College on Monday, March 1.

Live Streaming Hip Hop for Haiti

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 11:30:00 -0600

(Author: Lukas Naugle)

For those who can't make it to Hip Hop for Haiti tonight, we will be streaming the concert live online. Join the crowd in Minneapolis by watching online and by giving to Churches Helping Churches.

You can also join the crowd on Twitter using the #HH4H hashtag.

Easily Pleased

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 01:30:43 -0600

(Author: Tyler Kenney)

This video, directed by DG staffer Tristan Carnahan, was used to kick off the Pastors Conference this past Monday night.

The script comes straight from C. S. Lewis:

If there lurks in most modern minds the notion that to desire our own good and earnestly to hope for the enjoyment of it is a bad thing, I submit that this notion has crept in from Kant and the Stoics and is no part of the Christian faith. Indeed, if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that our Lord finds our desires, not too strong, but too weak. 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. (The Weight of Glory, 26)

New Song Premiering at Hip Hop for Haiti

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 01:30:47 -0600

(Author: Lukas Naugle)

Chart-topping hip hop artist LeCrae recorded a new single to benefit relief efforts in Haiti. He'll be performing this song live for the first time at Hip Hop for Haiti in downtown Minneapolis tomorrow night.

Come join us! We will be filming the music video during this live performance. You will also be able to purchase an advance copy of the song with 100% of the proceeds going directly to Haiti relief efforts.

Speaker Panel: Conference Q & A

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:33:39 -0600

(Author: Benjamin Jensen)

(Update: now you can watch the video)

These are the questions that were asked of our speakers during the final session of the conference. Listen to the audio to hear their answers.

To Sam Storms and John Piper: Is there one key C. S. Lewis insight that reigns over the others for you?

Follow-up: Is there a connection between fullness of joy and the charismatic gifts of the Holy Spirit?

To Sam: Christian Hedonism seems rooted primarily in the logic of Augustine, Edwards, C. S. Lewis, etc. Can we lead our people to Christian Hedonism mainly from Scripture?

To Eric Mason: Should I be concerned that I'm not suffering or haven't suffered much in my life and ministry, especially if suffering is a unique evidence of God's love for me?

Follow-up: If suffering is God's tool for sanctification, should we seek to be delivered from trial?

To Bob Blincoe: How do you train missionaries to persevere and suffer well?

To John: Would you say more about how blessed self-forgetfulness relates to examining yourself?

To the whole panel: So what is joy again? And how do we know when we're experiencing joy that is spiritual and not just earthly?

Follow-up: How do I enjoy God's earthly gifts without making them idols?

To Bob: You suggested in your message that if a person spoke to you concerning their fears about missions that you wouldn't sympathize with them. Can you elaborate on what you meant?

To Eric: Should I rejoice in tribulation and suffering even if it is caused by my own sin and weakness?

To John: Could Lewis have experienced more joy if he had been more orthodox in his beliefs?

To the whole panel: What are some practical ways you help your people fight for joy in the mundane realities of life?

Bob Blincoe: The Missionary Advantage

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:40:17 -0600

(Author: Johnathon Bowers)

(Update: we've got video)

The audio of Bob Blincoe's message, "Christian Hedonism—The Missionary Advantage of Desiring God," is now online. You can also read the notes.

Here's how he defined "the missionary advantage":

The missionary advantage is God's clear promise that Jesus Christ will go with us as we make disciples of the "ethnē" (the nations). Jesus will go with us through our Gethsemane. Therefore we can say with the poet, "Riches I heed not nor man's empty praise; Thou my inheritance, now and always…"

Remind your missionaries one hundred times that Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth. Remind them that they have a heavenly Father who knows their needs.

Sam Storms: Killing Sin with Christian Hedonism

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 21:15:18 -0600

(Author: Johnathon Bowers)

(Update: the video is now online)

The session notes and audio for Sam Storms' third and final message, "The Practical Sin-Killing Power of Christian Hedonism," are now online.

He laid out these five ways to work for your own joy and the joy of your people.

Weave into the spiritual and intellectual fabric of your people the awareness that God's designs in the moral commandments of Scripture are to expand their capacity to enjoy him and not to inhibit it. (See Jonathan Edwards' sermon "Christian Happiness.")
Preach often on the bigness and the beauty of God.
Labor to turn their eyes from the pathetic, little, transient pleasures of what can be seen and felt and tasted to the grand and eternal pleasures of the glory that is to come.
Build into the mental, emotional, and theological framework of your people an understanding of how suffering serves joy. (For a good resource, direct your people to Matt Chandler's videos about the brain cancer he is facing.)
Be an example to them of joy in your own life and relationship with God.

Bethlehem College and Seminary Breakout

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:15:51 -0600

(Author: Joe Rigney)

Today after Pastor John's biographical sketch of C.S. Lewis, Tim Tomlinson, President of Bethlehem College and Seminary, updated a number of the attendees about the latest news from BCS.

For those unaware, Bethlehem College and Seminary is the latest expression of Bethlehem Baptist Church's vision for Christian higher education. Formerly The Bethlehem Institute (TBI), BCS is now offering programs and courses at the graduate, undergraduate, and lay level.

The seminary offers a four-year Master of Divinity degree for men called to vocational ministry. In addition to courses in biblical languages, theology, and exegesis, seminary apprentices are mentored by Bethlehem pastors and participate in the ministries of Bethlehem Baptist Church.

At the undergraduate level, we offer four degree programs. Our foundational program is a two-year cross-disciplinary degree in Christian Worldview that integrates philosophy, history, culture, and the Christian faith in a global context.

Building on this foundation, students will have the opportunity to choose from two majors: one in Biblical and Theological Studies and one in the History of Ideas. In addition, we also offer a Degree Completion Program in Theological Studies designed to help working adults complete their college education.

Our publishing division, BCS Press, offers God-centered curriculum for adults within the local church.

More information about our vision, values, and programs may be found at our website. We are seeking people who will join with us in praying for the long-term faithfulness and vision of Bethlehem College and Seminary. We invite you to sign-up to receive our weekly prayer updates.

John Piper: Lessons from C. S. Lewis

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:28:58 -0600

(Author: Tyler Kenney)

(Update: watch the video)

The manuscript and audio of John Piper's "Lessons from an Inconsolable Soul: Learning from the Mind and Heart of C. S. Lewis" are now up.

Towards the end of his message, Piper lists 8 lessons—apart from the major lesson on joy—that Lewis has taught him. They are, as titled,

Liberation from False Dichotomies
Liberation from Chronological Snobbery
The Wakening of Wonder at What Is Really There
The Perils of Introspection
The Incompleteness of Duty Without Delight
The Painful Value of Self-Knowledge
Story Is Great—But Not Everything
The Glory of Simply Being Human

Sam Storms: Foundations for Christian Hedonism

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:34:45 -0600

(Author: Benjamin Jensen)

(Update: the video is up!)

Sam Storms has delivered his second message, "Biblical and Theological Foundations for Christian Hedonism: Seven Theses," and both the audio and notes are now available.

One question he asks is, "Why devote a conference uniquely to joy?" He gives four reasons:

Joy requires the engagement of the whole soul, unlike any other expression of the human heart. There are things I understand with my mind that I don't enjoy. There are decisions I make with my will that I don't enjoy. When I genuinely enjoy something my mind is engaged and my will is active, requiring the conscious engagement of my whole being.
There's no such thing as hypocritical or insincere joy. You can pretend to have joy but you can't have fake joy. There's something pure and serene about joy that you can't have about any other affection.
There's a power in joy that isn't true in other affections. Consider the many occasions that the Bible combines a description of suffering with joy. We know those circumstances refine us, but joy in God also empowers us to persevere amidst pain. That's why Jesus said in the Beatitudes, "Blessed are you when you are persecuted for my sake. Rejoice and leap for joy, because your reward in heaven is great."
Joy most clearly reveals what the human heart values. There's something about joy that magnifies God (not inflates or enlarges him) more than anything else.

Eric Mason: Sanctification Through Suffering

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:43:07 -0600

(Author: Johnathon Bowers)

(Update: the video is now online as well.)

The notes and audio from Eric Mason's message, "The Role of Suffering in Sanctification," are now online. He gave an illustration of suffering from his own life:

Some of you are in situations right now where you're struggling with perspective. No matter how many times suffering happens, during the first 25% of it we typically forget its purpose. When my wife and I first got pregnant, we were really excited. There was one doctor's appointment where I didn't go with her. I was in class at seminary and she paged me and I called her and she told me that the child didn't have a heartbeat.

As I drove to the hospital I was really wrestling with God. When I got to the hospital I laid my hand on my wife's belly and prayed for God to raise the child from the dead. I called the doctor back in to do another ultrasound and we saw that the baby's lungs were collapsed. To make matters even worse, my wife still had to give birth to our stillborn child. Once she did, I prayed for the child and asked for God to raise it from the dead. He didn't.

On top of this, my wife had a liver transplant and had to be cared for for more than two and a half years. During that time, God was taking the paper about suffering I had written in seminary and was working it into my heart.

We're not masochists here, but we allow God to providentially allow times of suffering for his glory.