Light + Truth Why Gratitude Isn’t Enough
Oct 9, 2025
Join theologian and pastor John Piper as he delves into the depths of faith and future grace. He challenges the notion that gratitude alone suffices during tough times, emphasizing the need for a stronger anchor. Piper explores loving enemies through the promise of heavenly rewards and illustrates how early Christians found joy amid persecution. He also highlights Moses' choice of lasting pleasure over earthly riches and how Jesus endured the cross by focusing on the joy ahead. A profound conversation on sacrificing for love and joy in suffering!
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Future Reward Explains Radical Love
- Loving enemies and rejoicing in persecution arise from faith in future reward, not natural inclination.
- Jesus ties present suffering to a great reward in heaven as the motive for joy and love.
Faith Defined As Assurance
- Hebrews defines faith as the assurance of things hoped for and conviction of things not seen.
- This faith centers on trusting God who rewards those who seek him, i.e., future grace.
Joy Amid Plundering
- Early Christians joyfully accepted the plundering of their property and visited imprisoned brothers despite risk.
- They acted out of compassion and joy, even when mob violence destroyed homes and goods.
