This is a careful, verse-by-verse series on the "Gospel of Luke: Know Your Faith" series, designed to help you to gain a greater heart after God, and to know your faith. Pastor Brad Abley: Biblical Educator & Religious Broadcaster This series is broadcas
A believer who understands his or her rich identity in Christ is unstoppable. But sadly, I find that not many believers know their identity in Christ- particularly in our subject for today - justification. What is justification? How does knowing it impact your life? Stay tuned to find out.
The Church and society desperately need leaders with character. God knows this, which is why He has so much to say in Scripture about this vital matter. Find out about this in this broadcast!
Leadership is influence. We all influence others -- for good or bad. But we have assurance from 2 Chronicles 16:9 that God is looking to strongly support those who want to influence others for Him. What does this entail? Find out in this broadcast!
This new series is a further development of a pastor and leader conference I recently held in Uganda. Truly biblical leaders are in short supply there -- and all over the world. What kind of a leader is God searching for? This will be our focus, with 2 Chronicles 16:9 as our key Scripture.
This third and last installment is on a topic of major importance in Scripture. Few truths are more life-changing than what the future holds for the believer in Jesus -- yet many are unaware of what the Bible teaches on this matter. As such, we will seek to carefully examine what it has for us -- and expect our lives to be transformed.
The Bible is a book oft present and eternal, explaining carefully what awaits the believer in Jesus. The promises are astounding, and the biblical writers staked their lives on those promises. What are they? What do they mean? How will they impact you?
The core of the Christian faith is redemption -- seen especially in God's plan for the resurrection and restoration of all things, through faith in Jesus. This is what brings present hope and perspective. Do you know what the Bible teaches on this subject?
No believer in Jesus can take one penny or one material item to Heaven. What will endure, however, is the fruit we develop for Jesus (John 15:1-8). And so much of the fruitfulness we produce comes through prayer -- prayer to know God, prayer for ourselves, and prayer for others. These prayers -- offered in faith -- will have eternal results. ETERNAL results. I hope this reality stirs you to grow in prayer. And certainly, the teaching of Jesus here in Mt. 6:5-14 will accomplish so much of this!
I just finished an in-depth study of David's remarkable prayer in Ps. 86 -- certainly one of the greatest prayers and insights into the nature of God anywhere in Scripture (and I will be doing a message series on this soon). Even so, it cannot improve upon what Jesus teaches in Mt. 6:5-14, the subject of this message.
I continue to marvel at the brilliance of the Lord's Pattern of Prayer 44 years after first learning of it, in Mt. 6:5-14. No teaching on prayer can come close to it!
If you were to ask any of the men and women we read about in the Bible about prayer, they would all rate it as high as possible and urge everyone to embrace it. The Lord Jesus knows how vital prayer is, but He also knows its challenges. In His teaching on prayer -- The Lord's Pattern of Prayer (Mt. 6:5-14) -- He reveals the great secrets to prayer and also invites you to experience its eternal value.
An intriguing, heartfelt message on the great joy -- and vast importance -- of prayer. This comes from what I like to call The Lord's Pattern of Prayer, from Mt. 6:5-14. This is the life-giving, brilliant, matchless teaching of Jesus on prayer.
I have a feeling that this new series -- Jesus Reveals the Father Heart of God from John 1:18 -- might be the most important I've ever taught. Ultimately, however, that doesn't matter; what matters is that it changes you and me and glorifies God. This new series will air on the local FM station in Siaya, Kenya on my weekly broadcast there. Accordingly, you'll hear me use some words from the local language -- Luo.For example, Nyasaye oguedi is God bless you; Nyasaye Wuonwa is God our Father; Erokamano ahinya is thank you very much. Yesu Opaki is Praise Jesus. Osiepena is friends. Koro is "so."
I have a feeling that this new series might be the most important I've ever taught. Ultimately, however, that doesn't matter; what matters is that it changes you and me and glorifies God. This new series will air on the local FM station in Siaya, Kenya on my weekly broadcast there. Accordingly, you'll hear me use some words from the local language -- Luo. For example, Nyasaye oguedi is God bless you; Nyasaye Wuonwa is God our Father; Erokamano ahinya is thank you very much. Yesu Opaki is Praise Jesus. Osiepena is friends. Koro is "so."
This Part Four, the last in our short series on The Peace of God. Learning to walk in His peace toward others -- admittedly often challenging -- is possible through a renewed mind and through prayer in dependence upon the Holy Spirit. Learning this is critical to the maturity of the believer and it will bring greater joy.
In Part Three of this important series, we're reminded that human peace is elusive; it's weak and it will always fall short, being dependent upon circumstances. However, God's peace is supernatural and independent of circumstances. How do we walk in His peace? It's more abundantly available to us than we realize! This message will prayerfully help you to grow in the peace of God.
In Part Two of this four-part series, we'll learn how to walk in the peace of God over strife. Human peace is never constant; it's weak and it will always fall short, being dependent upon circumstances. However, God's peace is supernatural and independent of circumstances. How do we walk in His peace? It's more abundantly available to us than we realize! This message will prayerfully help you to grow in the peace of God.
In Part One of this four-part series, we'll learn how to walk in the peace of God over strife. Human peace is never constant; it's weak and it will always fall short, being dependent upon circumstances. However, God's peace is supernatural and independent of circumstances. How do we walk in His peace? It's more abundantly available to us than we realize! This message will prayerfully help you to grow in the peace of God.
In this remarkable Parable of Jesus, we learn about the danger of pride, which He's trying to protect us from. Pride is often subtle, and we can miss seeing it until it's too late. Let's learn today from the Lord how to spot pride in us and protect ourselves from it.
Developing hardness of heart toward a person, a thing -- or God -- is both easy and dangerous. When hardship or tragedy strikes, we often look to blame someone or something. But are we better or worse off when that happens? How can we guard our hearts? The teaching of Jesus in Luke's gospel today will show us the way.
Psalm 32 -- written by David the man after God's own heart -- is an extraordinary insight into the life of a believer as he seeks to understand and please God. Over these four messages, we'll learn so much about God's nature -- perhaps things you didn't know before -- and through the work of the Holy Spirit in us we'll be changed. May the Lord grant you wisdom and insight into this series, and may He enable you to bear great fruit for Him!
Psalm 32 -- written by David the man after God's own heart -- is an extraordinary insight into the life of a believer as he or she seeks to understand and please God. Over these four messages, we'll learn so much about God's nature -- perhaps things you didn't know before -- and through the work of the Holy Spirit in us we'll be changed. May the Lord grant you wisdom and insight into this series, and may He enable you to bear great fruit for Him!
We're in a verse-by-verse series in Luke's gospel, called "The Know Your Faith Series," and in today's broadcast, we learn much about how and why God is always a God of redemption. Do you know Him this way?
Jesus said a lot about the names of people in the Bible -- names revealing their character. What does He think of you? What do you want Him to think about you? This passage in Luke will give us insight into this vital matter!
We're pausing our series in Luke to study Psalm 32 -- written by David the man after God's own heart -- an extraordinary insight into the life of a believer as he seeks to understand and please God. Over these four messages, we'll learn so much about God's nature -- perhaps things you didn't know before -- and through the work of the Holy Spirit in us we'll be changed. May the Lord grant you wisdom and insight into this series, and may He enable you to bear great fruit for Him!
We're pausing our series in Luke to study Psalm 32 -- written by David the man after God's own heart -- an extraordinary insight into the life of a believer as he seeks to understand and please God. Over these four messages, we'll learn so much about God's nature -- perhaps things you didn't know before -- and through the work of the Holy Spirit in us we'll be changed. May the Lord grant you wisdom and insight into this series, and may He enable you to bear great fruit for Him!
What impresses God is not what most people think -- and this is true even for far too many Christians. Jesus has something extremely important and urgent about this, in Luke 13:22-30 in the second of a two-part series.
Jesus was never moved by numbers, but sadly, too many Christians are -- and are easily taken in or impressed with what the world is impressed with. What does the Bible teach about this important matter? Find out, from our series in Luke, from 13:22-30 in the Know Your Faith series through the gospel of Luke.
Two of the most important words in the New Testament and indeed the entire Bible will be defined, explained, and illustrated in today's message. Humility is rewarding, satisfying, and dramatically life-changing -- IF we will eagerly respond to what Jesus teaches about Himself and how He wants us to live before Him.
Pride destroys marriages, relationships, organizations, and nations. Humility marks one of the greatest characteristics of the Lord and Savior of the world -- Jesus. Do we follow the ways of the world ("it's all about me!") -- and hence live miserable lives? Or do we seek to do the best thing possible -- follow Jesus and His ways?
Throughout Scripture, we can see that developing confidence in God was a major focus of the godly men and women. In fact, we also learn that it's God's chief desire that we grow in our confidence in Him. Micah 7:7-8 are two very unique and powerful verses -- and a testimony from Micah -- about this very thing. Join me as we dig more deeply into the wonder of Scripture for this vital and great pursuit!
Throughout Scripture, we can see that developing confidence in God was a major focus of the godly men and women. In fact, we also learn that it's God's chief desire that we grow in our confidence in Him. Micah 7:7-8 are two very unique and powerful verses -- and a testimony from Micah -- about this very thing. Join me as we dig more deeply into the wonder of Scripture for this vital and great pursuit!
The Kingdom of God in Scripture is now spiritual, but will soon be visible when Jesus returns to this earth to rule and reign in complete peace, justice, and righteousness -- and with the humble who belong to Him joining Him in that reign. However, as important as this subject in Scripture is, it isn't often well-understood. The Kingdom of God is prominent in Daniel and in Psalm 145 -- and then especially in the Parables and the teaching of Jesus. But what is it? Why is it so important? This message will attempt to answer these questions in this second of a two-part series.
The Kingdom of God in Scripture has enormous importance, but it is not often well-understood. The Kingdom of God is prominent in Daniel and in Psalm 145 -- and then especially in the Parables and the teaching of Jesus. But what is it? Why is it so important? This message will attempt to answer these questions in a two-part series.
This message will air on the local FM station where I minister, in Siaya, Kenya -- soon to return there to preach and teach -- July 20 thru Aug. 7th. I use several words and phrases in Luo -- the local language.
Of course, this message applies for the Church anywhere, but it's directed for Kenya since I have a ministry there and this message will air on the local FM station where I minister, in Siaya, Kenya -- soon to return there to preach and teach -- July 20 thru Aug. 7th. I use several words and phrases in Luo -- the local language.
One of the earliest and most important lessons I learned as a young believer was the deep appreciation for Scripture and the instantaneous reverence for it, imparted to me from watching Billy Graham and listening to my first pastor, Ray C. Stedman. That began a life-long study of the inspiration and the completely beneficial, life-giving understanding of the authority of Scripture. However, over the past decade or so, I've noticed an alarming waning of these things among Christians. This isn't surprising, given the age of apostasy that is upon us. But the right view of Scripture -- from God Himself and from His biblical writers -- carries an ongoing urgency. It's for this reason I'm doing a four-part series on this subject. Please feel free to pass it along to others. * Side note: Each of the broadcasts I list here are from my weekly radio broadcasts on Voice of Hope Africa and Voice of Hope Americas.
One of the earliest and most important lessons I learned as a young believer was the deep appreciation for Scripture and the instantaneous reverence for it, imparted to me from watching Billy Graham and listening to my first pastor, Ray C. Stedman. That began a life-long study of the inspiration and the completely beneficial, life-giving understanding of the authority of Scripture. However, over the past decade or so, I've noticed an alarming waning of these things among Christians. This isn't surprising, given the age of apostasy that is upon us. But the right view of Scripture -- from God Himself and from His biblical writers -- carries an ongoing urgency. It's for this reason I'm doing a four-part series on this subject. Please feel free to pass it along to others.
This is Part 111 in the Know Your Faith Series in the Gospel of Luke -- an in-depth and verse-by-verse study through the entire Gospel of Luke.
This is Part 110 in the Know Your Faith Series in the Gospel of Luke -- an in-depth and verse-by-verse study through the entire Gospel of Luke.
Why Is There Suffering or evil in the World? This is a common question for humanity. Today's passage in Luke 13:1-5 addresses this issue, but it's only one area among the vast answers in Scripture which address this critical topic. Today's message is most vital because the answers come from Jesus. On occasion, someone has told me, "Ok; I'll give you the answer, but it may not be what you want to hear!" And usually, the person is correct. The truth may sting but it always helps to change behavior and thinking. This is what we find from the teaching of Jesus today -- a teaching He addressed regarding current events of His day -- and in direct response from someone who wanted to know the reason for suffering and evil.
This message hasn't yet been edited for sound, but I feel like it needs to get out now. Some of you may know what a "Berean" is, and some not. If you don't, I explain this, which appears in Acts 17:10-12. The Church needs a Berean mindset now, more than ever. I pray this message stirs you to love God and His Word more than ever. It's also a pause in my series on Luke's Gospel.
This is the last in a three-part series on the teaching of Jesus concerning His coming judgment. Whether people want to believe He will judge the world in righteousness is irrelevant. It will happen. The wise person will take His gracious warning to heart.
The wise, faithful Christian loves the entire Bible and all of Jesus' teaching – not just His teaching on love and grace – teachings that make one feel comfortable and for which the believer won't be persecuted or rejected. The foolish so-called follower of Jesus insists that Jesus is too loving, too kind to judge. This man or woman acts like Jesus never said a thing about judgment – or if He did He only warned the religious leaders of coming judgment. But to insist on this is the depth of biblical ignorance. Worse, it's spiritual malpractice. And worse still, it's idolatry because it's a false gospel, a different Jesus. Please join me in examining Jesus' own words -- His gracious word of warning of coming judgment -- and let's learn to live in greater awe and reverence of Him.
Far too many churches in America have opted for an idolatrous, false gospel -- a "me-centered," feel-good Christian faith that offers everything and requires nothing -- no daily cross-bearing. It has opted for a god who is only loving, never judgmental, and who will certainly never condemn anyone to Hell. But this is not the Jesus of Scripture. As far back as 1937, Richard Niebuhr saw this and warned against it with sarcasm: "A God without wrath brought men without sin into a kingdom without judgment through the ministrations of a Christ without a cross." In this passage, listen carefully to His words and orient your life to the truth of the gospel -- not nice-guy Jesus preachers make Him out to be.
If I knew I had only five messages to preach before I went to heaven, forgiveness would definitely be one of those messages. Living a lifestyle of forgiveness is that vital. The title is a tough, provocative one because its message is so true, so urgent. Please listen to find out why.
While the world -- and even the Church -- is sleeping concerning the things in life that matter more than anything Jesus teaches on a vital matter. Do you understand His return? Do you live with the kind of urgency about His return that He calls you to live with? These are the matters He addresses in this passage in Luke.
Jesus plainly teaches that people are not going to be ready for His return -- yet He urges that all be ready for His return! Why? How? And how could any believer in Him not be ready for His return? Stay tuned to discover the answers! This is Part 104 in our series on Luke's gospel, entitled The Know Your Faith series.
Jesus plainly teaches that people are not going to be ready for His return -- yet He urges that all be ready for His return! Why? How? And how could any believer in Him not be ready for His return? Stay tuned to discover the answers! This is Part 103 in our series on Luke's gospel, entitled The Know Your Faith series.
Forgiveness is at the heart of Scripture, from start to finish. Hence, it's an issue of major importance to God. The same holds true for how He views our unwillingness to forgive others. The parable that I teach from in Mt. 18:21-35 essentially teaches that if we want God's forgiveness (who gives it when we ask sincerely, if we're united with Jesus) -- but then we refuse to forgive others -- there are horrible consequences for our own bitterness. I really would urge you to listen to this 28 minute message -- especially if you're bitter towards someone else.
I would say most Americans are dismayed -- greatly dismayed -- by the level of anger in our nation. In fact, it rarely seems to make sense! But this message -- diagnosed by the Word of God -- answers this question. It also provides many solutions to overcome anger. A note: It has not yet been edited professionally; I just feel like it's a message that needs to get out quickly. It will air Dec. 31st on my radio program on Wilkins Broadcasting, from Richmond, VA, edited for the best sound quality. When it is, I will upload it here.