Finally alive by John Piper (available from Amazon or free on the internet here)
Then in Chapter Ten Piper begins a new section that answers the question, 'What are the signs in your life that God has caused you to be born again?' Eleven evidences are given from 1 John - those who are born of God:
(i) keep his commandments;
(ii) walk as Christ walked;
(iii) don't hate others but love them;
(iv) don't love the world;
(v) confess the Son and receive (have) him;
(vi) practice righteousness;
(vii) don't make a practice of sinning;
(viii) possess the spirit of God;
(ix) listen submissively to the apostolic word;
(x) believe that Jesus is the Christ;
(xi) overcome the world.
I liked Piper's clear condemnation of Yoga: '"Yoga focuses on harmony between mind and body. Yoga derives its philosophy from Indian metaphysical beliefs. The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit language and means union or merger. The ultimate aim of this philosophy is to strike a balance between mind and body and attain self-enlightenment. To achieve this, yoga uses movement, breath, posture, relaxation, and meditation in order to establish a healthy, lively, and balanced approach to life." You were born again through the living and abiding word of God. This word is the gospel of Jesus Christ crucified and risen. Don’t fall prey to another gospel. There is no other gospel, and there is no other path to God—or to ultimate well-being—than hearing, understanding, and believing the scandalous news of Jesus Christ in the gospel.'
I fear that many Christians do not understand the danger of yoga and are conned into thinking it is simply about physical fitness when it is really an alternative to the gospel.
Next week's reading
Chapters Eleven and Twelve.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
2 comments:
I very much enjoyed Ch 10 and I couldn't help but think of what we have been reading in Ryle's "Holiness". While we could never do anything to earn our salvation, I fear that many of today's Christians do not understand that holiness or sanctification will always follow after justification. The will of God is beautiful, not burdensome!
Chapter 9 and 1 John 5:1 gave me much food for thought (and discussion with my husband), making me wish I knew Greek and Greek grammar, to understand that the new birth comes first, and that believing is the consequence of the new birth.
I totally love chapter 10, where Piper lists why John is writing the letter and the 11 evidences of the new birth in our lives. Excellent reading!
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