Quote/Unquote
“Why John Piper doesn’t watch TV”
I know that in my preaching I am addressing a visually oriented and TV influenced people. I know that 98% of you have televisions, and in 1971 the average adult in America watched 23 hours a week.
I believe John Stott is right in his new book on preaching when he says that lengthy exposure to television tends to produce physical laziness, intellectual flabbiness, emotional exhaustion, psychological confusion, and moral disorientation.
What this means for us preachers (especially me) is that we must improve our ability to communicate effectively and hold attention with no antics, no stringed orchestras, no violence, and no sex. But it does not mean that we can abandon our calling to preach the whole counsel of God. And therefore it should be expected that preaching will sometimes be the most demanding thing you hear all week. I can’t see how it would be otherwise, unless I make easy what the apostles couldn’t.
John Piper, Grow in Grace and in the Knowledge of Our Lord.
I believe John Stott is right in his new book on preaching when he says that lengthy exposure to television tends to produce physical laziness, intellectual flabbiness, emotional exhaustion, psychological confusion, and moral disorientation.
What this means for us preachers (especially me) is that we must improve our ability to communicate effectively and hold attention with no antics, no stringed orchestras, no violence, and no sex. But it does not mean that we can abandon our calling to preach the whole counsel of God. And therefore it should be expected that preaching will sometimes be the most demanding thing you hear all week. I can’t see how it would be otherwise, unless I make easy what the apostles couldn’t.
John Piper, Grow in Grace and in the Knowledge of Our Lord.
In this quote, John Piper explains the nature of the calmness exuded by a meek person, even as they might well be accomplishing much for the Lord:
". . . Meek people are quiet or still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. First, they discover that God can be trusted. Then, second, they commit their way to him. And then, third, they wait patiently in stillness for the work of God in their lives.
This doesn’t mean they become lazy. It means that they’re free of frenzy. They have a kind of steady calm that comes from knowing that God is omnipotent, that he has their affairs under his control, and that he is gracious and will work things out for the best. Meek people have a quiet steadiness about their lives in the midst of upheaval."
John Piper, Blessed are the Meek, February 9, 1986.
This doesn’t mean they become lazy. It means that they’re free of frenzy. They have a kind of steady calm that comes from knowing that God is omnipotent, that he has their affairs under his control, and that he is gracious and will work things out for the best. Meek people have a quiet steadiness about their lives in the midst of upheaval."
John Piper, Blessed are the Meek, February 9, 1986.
From earlier this year....
Do you want a successful 2008?
Joshua 1:7-8 says:
Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them to the left or to the right, and you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. That you may be successful wherever you go.
If I'm reading this right, the key to success is studying the Bible. I know that sounds simplistic. But that is where we draw the strength and courage to do the things that will make us successful. Scripture isn't just inspired. It inspires! It is the source of strength and courage. And success is the byproduct.
Now here is a thought. I don't think the Bible was meant to be read. I think it was meant to be meditated. Meditation is a thoughtful or prayer reading. Someone has said reading without meditating is like eating without digesting. If you don't meditate you lose all of the nutrients.
If I'm reading this right, the key to success is studying the Bible. I know that sounds simplistic. But that is where we draw the strength and courage to do the things that will make us successful. Scripture isn't just inspired. It inspires! It is the source of strength and courage. And success is the byproduct.
Now here is a thought. I don't think the Bible was meant to be read. I think it was meant to be meditated. Meditation is a thoughtful or prayer reading. Someone has said reading without meditating is like eating without digesting. If you don't meditate you lose all of the nutrients.
So, do you want a successful 2008? I didn’t say an easy 2008. Not a pain free, easy living kind of success. But a God honouring, life enriching, destiny fulfilling kind of success? The key to that kind of success is studying the bible.
Here’s to a successful 2008!
Andy le Roux