An Assault on God
I started reading a new book yesterday by John Piper entitled, "What Jesus Demands from the World." This book addresses so many topics from being born again to laying up treasure in heaven to making disciples. The purpose of the book, as Piper says, is "God-glorifying obedience to Jesus." In Matt 28:19-20 he says for us to make disciples... "teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." Piper says that Jesus final command was to teach all of his commandments - and that is what he has intended to do.
So with that brief introduction, I have to say that this book has already blown me away! I've only made it to demand #2 - which is REPENT. (The first, of course, being "be born again.") In this particular demand, Piper tackles two things: Sin and Repentance. Jesus views sin as an offense against heaven. Sin, as Piper says, "is an assault on God." He goes on to say, "Jesus' view of sin is that it dishonors God and puts us in debt to restore the divine honor we defamed by our God belittling behavior or attitudes."
Repentance:
Repentance is "an internal change of mind and heart rather than mere sorrow for sin or mere improvement of behavior." God's judgement falls on those who do not repent. As Piper said, "The demand to repent is based on the gracious offer that is present to forgive and on the gracious warning that someday those who refuse will perish in God's judgement."
We serve an awesome Savior - who is mighty to save if only we cry out. We also serve a holy judge - who punishes sin. "So the demand of Jesus to repent goes to all the nations. It comes to us, whoever we are and wherever we are and lays claim on us. This is the demand of Jesus to every soul: Repent. Be changed deep within. REPLACE ALL GOD-DISHONORING, CHRIST-BELITTLING PERCEPTIONS AND DISPOSITIONS AND PURPOSES WITH GOD-TREASURING, CHRIST -EXALTING ONES." (Piper)
So with that brief introduction, I have to say that this book has already blown me away! I've only made it to demand #2 - which is REPENT. (The first, of course, being "be born again.") In this particular demand, Piper tackles two things: Sin and Repentance. Jesus views sin as an offense against heaven. Sin, as Piper says, "is an assault on God." He goes on to say, "Jesus' view of sin is that it dishonors God and puts us in debt to restore the divine honor we defamed by our God belittling behavior or attitudes."
Repentance:
Repentance is "an internal change of mind and heart rather than mere sorrow for sin or mere improvement of behavior." God's judgement falls on those who do not repent. As Piper said, "The demand to repent is based on the gracious offer that is present to forgive and on the gracious warning that someday those who refuse will perish in God's judgement."
We serve an awesome Savior - who is mighty to save if only we cry out. We also serve a holy judge - who punishes sin. "So the demand of Jesus to repent goes to all the nations. It comes to us, whoever we are and wherever we are and lays claim on us. This is the demand of Jesus to every soul: Repent. Be changed deep within. REPLACE ALL GOD-DISHONORING, CHRIST-BELITTLING PERCEPTIONS AND DISPOSITIONS AND PURPOSES WITH GOD-TREASURING, CHRIST -EXALTING ONES." (Piper)
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