Dan Greenfield

Category: Gospels

  • The Golden Rule

    If you’d like to stir the pot, tell folks that the “Golden Rule” doesn’t apply to everyone. If you’d really like to stir the pot, say the same thing about the entire sermon encompassing the Golden Rule (Matthew 5-7, the “Sermon on the Mount”). Lest one think my dispensational convictions have…

  • There is but a step from Lent to Carnival

    J. C. Ryle’s remarks on John 18:28– It is no uncommon thing to find people excessively particular about the observance of trifling forms and outward ceremonies, while they are the slaves of degrading sins and detestable immoralities. Robbers and murderers in some countries are extremely strict about confession, and absolution,…

  • Introduction to the Gospels

    You can download a PDF of this here. Having introduced the New Testament, let’s now briefly consider some basic things about “the Gospels.” The English word Gospel comes from the Anglo-Saxon word godspell and is made up of god (God) and spell (a story). Gospel, then, means either God-story or…

  • An Evangelistic Essential

    “…so that the world may believe/know…” (John 17:20, 23) A “church” may have all kinds of external evidences of “success” but if there is no true spiritual unity such is but an outward façade. Jesus’ intention for his body (in which are unified both Jews and Gentiles) is that, by…

  • Mystery

    The word “mystery” in the NT refers to truth previously concealed but now presently revealed. That definition is borne out in Matthew 13:11-17. Note especially verse 17– For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it,…

  • Joy in Heaven

    I read Luke 15 early this morning, and especially noted verse 10– There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. Of the things that bring joy to humanity (sports, elections, war victories, amazing feats), the fact is that none of them move…

  • Great Sinners Need a Great Savior

    While doing some preparatory work for this coming Sunday’s message from John 1:3-5, I was reminded of some of John Newton’s last words before his death: My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things — that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior.…

  • Luther on John 1:3

    John 1:3 says, “All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.” If Christ is not true and natural God, born of the Father in eternity and Creator of all creatures, we are doomed…we must have a Savior who…

  • John 1:1

    Great quote on the doctrinal truths in John 1:1– It is rashness to search too far into it. It is godliness to believe it. It is Life eternal to know it. And we can never have a fully comprehension of it till we come to enjoy it. –Gaebelein, The Gospel…

  • Pleasure and Prayer

    We read Matthew 14 for our family Bible time this morning, and I noted two things: First, Herod’s actions were motivated by what pleased him–he was pleased by the dancing of his step-daughter and committed himself to what pleased him (14:6-12). I will commit myself to what pleases me. The…

  • Great Preaching Isn’t Enough

    Here’s an interesting verse: When he [Herod] heard him [John the Baptist], he was very perplexed; but he used to enjoy listening to him. (Mark 6:20) However, when push came to shove—in this case, saving face before others (v. 26) and indulging his sin nature (v. 22)—Herod rejected God’s Word…

  • The Olivet Discourse

    This discourse was triggered by questions from the disciples in response to Jesus’ statement about the destruction of the temple. It is one of Christ’s longest discourses, and one of the most challenging to interpret. This account, known as the Olivet discourse, is most fully given by Matthew. Mark’s account…