Redemption Hill Church | Lawrence, KS

Luke 22:35-38 | JD Summers We are called to carry out our mission in a hostile world. Jesus did not ask us to follow him merely when the going is good, but instead calls us to take up our cross and follow him. Jesus was numbered among the transgressors, taking on our sin and the penalty that accompanied it. Just as he experienced opposition and hardship, so should we. In light of this, let us make the necessary preparations and place our hope squarely in Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us.

Luke 22:31-34 | JD Summers Those who follow Christ are a group of people in process, so we know that there will be failures along the way. But we also know that our failures do not define us and are not the end of our story. We face a real and dangerous enemy in Satan who desires to lead us into sin, and our flesh wants to satisfy its sinful cravings as well. But thanks be to God who lovingly works his all-sufficient power in us to aid in our battle against sin. And when we do fall, Christ mercifully restores us by drawing us to repentance. What a wonderful savior!

Luke 22:24-30 | JD Summers The ambition that the twelve disciples displayed at the Last Supper was a common problem for them, and so it is for us. Though our hearts often strive to be great and gain power by means of exalting ourselves above others, in reality, true greatness is exemplified in humble service. Our pride leads to conflict with others and a rebuke from Christ, but lowering ourselves to serve others shows love to them and brings joy to our Savior. Let us humble our hearts to serve and rejoice that God's grace has enabled proud people like us to find true greatness by simple submission!

Luke 22:7-23 | JD Summers At the Last Supper, Jesus demonstrates providence in orchestrating every event in the world according to his plan. He gives grace, pointing to his coming sacrifice and showing that he loves and delights in his followers. And Jesus affirms his hope that he will be with us again, enjoying a future meal with us in eternity. As he initiated the new covenant on the cross, Jesus accomplished salvation for all who would believe in him. As we consider the gospel, and especially as we participate in communion, let us enjoy the sweet fellowship Jesus has allowed us to have with God through his broken body and shed blood.

Galatians 5:22-23 | Steven Parkin What comes to your mind when you think about love? Love is too important for us to lack clarity about what it is and how to express it, so we must turn to God's Word, where he describes and defines what love is. Love is definitional to Christ, marking out his ministry more than perhaps any other attribute. As we seek to express the fruit of the Spirit, of which love stands at the forefront, we must immerse ourselves in the love of God, watering our own hearts and souls so we can grow. And we must also weed out sinful hindrances that seek to choke out godly love. As we seek to love well, let us behold the love of Christ for us and be changed into his image as we love others.

Luke 21:37-22:6| JD Summers It is often uncomfortable to consider the betrayal of Jesus, especially thinking about the role of Judas, one of the 12 disciples. Judas spent 3 years side by side with Jesus, but he wasn't a real follower. He was an unclean hypocrite who loved money above all else, and he was primed for Satan's demonic influence in his life. We must beware lest our own hearts latch onto similar hypocrisy, idolatry, and greed. But we must not grow discouraged, for we know that God is sovereign - over Satan and Judas in their betrayal of Jesus, and over every aspect of our lives today. Our sovereign God is worth trusting!

Romans 8:18-30 | JD Summers Jesus is risen! The resurrection of Jesus Christ marks a new age of redemption, but we still feel the marks of a fallen world. Creation also groans with us as we await the fullness of Christ's restoring work. Until then, we must hope. We must long for Christ to return, waiting patiently and expectantly. Our strength would fail us, but the Holy Spirit bears us up and maintains us by his power. Our hope is grounded in God's redemptive purpose - he has called us to salvation, and his power is more than sufficient to bring it about. Let us hope in Christ today!

Luke 21:29-38 | JD Summers Why do we as a society have such an interest in the end of the world? In large part because we have a deep-seated sense that we need to be prepared for it. As Christians, how should we live to be ready for Christ's return? We should rest in assurance of Christ's work and strive for holiness in all we do. We must also place our entire hope in Christ, relying on him with our entire being. Are you prepared? By faith in Christ, you can be!

Luke 21:20-28 | JD Summers God's glory is displayed in the climax of his plan to bring judgment and salvation through his son. What a glorious thought that God will one day demonstrate his righteousness by giving justice to the wronged and giving judgment to the wicked. Yet how saddening it is to consider the extent of this judgment upon the world. As we consider God's plan to redeem the entire world through his final judgment and restoration, let us share the good news of our hope in Christ with those around us.

Luke 21:10-19 | JD Summers What comes to your mind when you consider persecution? Jesus tells us to expect persecution to come; it is a normal part of following Christ. He also encourages us not to waste our persecution, but rather to use it as an opportunity to proclaim the gospel and glorify God in the midst of suffering. The way to do this is by entrusting our souls to the one with power over death, Jesus Christ, who not only provides for us in the midst of persecution but also promises eternal life to all who trust in him.

Luke 21:5-9 | JD Summers We do not know when God's final judgment will come upon the world, but we do know for certain that it is coming. Many seek to deceive God's people about the future, and we must be on guard against falsehoods. As we reject lies about the future, we must also reject fear about the future. Yes, God will judge the world, but he will not pour out his wrath on believers. Earthquakes, famines, and wars rage around us, but they need not shake our faith in Jesus. Let us place our hope in nothing else than the Rock of Ages.

Luke 20:45-21:4 | JD Summers Man looks on the outside, but God sees the heart. Some portray a guise of strength, generosity, or importance. Image is everything, and they are skilled at looking right in the eyes of others. But God is not concerned with how someone looks on the outside. He knows our intentions, he sees our thoughts, and he peers through our deceptions. Instead, God loves the one who lives genuinely, no matter the level of means or station. Do you live to put on a show? Or do you go through life with a genuine heart?

Galatians 5:16-26 | Steven Parkin The Holy Spirit is foundational to the Christian life. He indwells our hearts when we believe and he sustains us and empowers our sanctification. As we pursue holiness, we must reject the temptation to rely wholly on ourselves, forgetting that God produces holiness in us. We must also reject the temptation to put no effort in, assuming that nothing is required of us. Instead, let us walk by the Spirit, actively depending on the Spirit to sanctify us as we obey him.

Luke 20:27-47 | JD Summers God's Word bears the authority of God himself. In Scripture we see ultimate truth that contains the good news of the gospel, but this good news challenges our own assumptions. Without Christ, our own understanding of ourselves, of the world, and of God are faulty, and we must forego our own misconceptions and instead align ourselves with the truth of Scripture. What will you do when Scripture challenges you? Will you harden your heart and reject it, or humbly embrace the living Word which is able to lead you to salvation?

Luke 20:19-26 | JD Summers What authority does human government have in the life of a believer? This question was on the minds of contemporaries of Jesus even as it is on our minds today. Thankfully, the answer Jesus' provided during his time on earth still bears true as well. God has ordained that human government has legitimate, though limited, authority. But even as we submit to human government, we should turn our attention more preeminently to our submission in all things to God. The Lord has ultimate and limitless authority, and our duty to worship him trumps any other responsibility. Are you rendering to him what he rightly deserves?

Ephesians 3:14-21 | Dave Hintz When we think about what we'd like to change about our lives, we often focus on our circumstances - better health, better career, better relationships. But when Scripture talks about change, it focuses on change in our inner person. God desires to transform us and to conform us to the image of Jesus Christ. This is who we were made to be, but left to our own devices, we often fail to look much like our savior. Praise be to God that he delights in answering the prayer for true change. Let us come to the One who is able to change us far more abundantly than anything we could ever ask or imagine!

Luke 20:9-18 | JD Summers God has poured out his love throughout history. He created the world and entrusted it to his image-bearers. He called out his people Israel and covenanted with them to bless, grow, and establish them. And he sent his son Jesus as the Messiah, the curse-breaker, the redeemer - but even as Jesus came to his own, his own did not receive him. Thus even in the greatest demonstration of God's mercy, he also demonstrated his righteousness, meting out justice to those who rebel and reject him. As we stand in the shadow of the cross, let us turn from unbelief and instead embrace the sacrifice of Christ, finding forgiveness for our sins!

Luke 19:45-20:8 | JD Summers Jesus has ultimate authority over all. In expressing his authority, he values right worship and exposes unbelief. We must not corrupt or stain true worship, but rather come to Christ with clean hands and open hearts. Those who approach worship with a spirit of unbelief will find themselves in opposition to the authority of Christ, but all those who come to Jesus in faith will enjoy the blessings and mercy of our good and kind King.

Luke 19:41-44 | JD Summers During his time on earth, Jesus demonstrated the depths of his nature and character. Entering Jerusalem through a serenade of palm branches and hosannas, he does not linger in the afterglow of a warm reception but instead expresses his heartfelt lament for the many who have rejected him. Jesus contains immeasurable depths of compassion, even to those opposed to him. His heart goes out to fallen humanity, moving him to act in love to lay down his life. And yet even in the throes of compassion, he does not abandon the reality of judgment for those unwilling to trust him. Jesus is a wellspring of compassion, but we must not presume upon it. Rather, his compassion should draw us to life-giving faith.

Luke 19:28-40 | JD Summers Jesus reigns as King over all. How will you respond to him? Jesus calls for a response of faith. True faith expresses itself in obedience to Christ's commands. It honors him in humility, even as Jesus humbled himself. And true faith is demonstrated in a joyful embrace of his words. True faith submits to Christ, but it also rejoices in Christ. As we look to Jesus our king, let us look to him in real faith!

Ephesians 4:1-16 | JD Summers As a new year begins and people consider areas they'd like to change, it can be helpful instead to look backward and remember what must stay the same. Christ has created a spiritual unity in the church and part of our mission is to maintain it, meaning to walk in light of it and steward it. A love for the gospel fuels this mission, as does a love for God's people and a love for God's truth. As we consider God's love for us, let us grab hold of his love and put it to use in our daily lives in the church.

1 Corinthians 15:8-11 | Dan Rudman In Scripture, God speaks to us from his very own heart. As the human authors record God's message to us, they are living examples of God's divine grace. This grace draws sinners out of depravity and brings them into glorious light. Grace works effectively in the lives of believers, empowering them to accomplish God's will. And it moves God's people to share the good news of the gospel with those who have yet to experience saving grace. Let us face our own pride and reject it, instead embracing God's wonderful grace that strengthens us in our weakness.

Psalm 24 | JD Summers God reigns in glorious might, strong in power, triumphant in victory. How then can we approach our magnificent Lord? Who can ascend the hill and stand in his presence? To come before him we must have clean hands and a pure heart, but no one meets this holy standard. Praise be to God, for he has sent his Son to make a way. What God requires of us he also provides for us in Jesus Christ. Who is this King of Glory? Jesus Christ, the Lord of Hosts, the incarnate savior!

Psalm 110 | JD Summers Our Lord is in the heavens; he does whatever he pleases. Jesus is our exalted king, deserving of glory and honor because of his own humiliation in coming to earth and dying on the cross. Jesus is our priestly king, bringing redemption through his perfect sacrifice. And Jesus is our triumphant king, conquering over all his foes and righting every wrong. As Christmas draws near and our attention is drawn to the memory of Jesus as a baby in the manger, let us also remember Jesus as king, giving him the praise he deserves and receiving the mercy he provides.

Psalm 98 | JD Summers Why is it that we worship God? What directs our praise to him? True worship is a response to what God has done, a reflection of God's goodness and faithfulness directed back to him in the form of thanksgiving and awe. Believers should take time to look at God's saving work, meditating on what he has done in giving Jesus Christ to provide salvation through the cross. And believers should also spend time worshipping in a biblical manner. Scripture encourages us to praise God exclusively, joyfully, publically, artistically, corporately, and submissively. And all our worship should lead us to an eternal expectation of God's ultimate salvation. Praise be to God!

Psalm 8 | JD Summers Advent is a time of anticipation, and the Psalms can help us replace sentimentality with awe. In the Psalms, we see God's people eagerly awaiting the coming of the Messiah, marveling at his intimate care and his majestic plan. God is transcendent, yet he made the pinnacle of his creation, human beings, just a little lower than the heavenly host. And God is imminent, taking on human flesh and joining his creation as a man himself. At Christmas, we rejoice as the magnificent glory of Christ comes among us as one of us. Praise Jesus!

Luke 19:11-27 | JD Summers While we live in the period between the first and second comings of Christ, we eagerly await his return. But we must not wait passively, as Jesus gave us a commission, commanding us to make disciples and spread the good news of his death and resurrection. Believers have a choice to respond to this responsibility in faith or to shirk our task in disobedience. Others will respond to Christ's message of the gospel in rejection, rebelling against their true Lord. What is your response to the Son of Man, the rightful ruler of the world?

Luke 19:1-10 | JD Summers Jesus comes to provide salvation. He seeks out the lost and brings them to salvation. He provides faith to those he saves and grants them the grace of repentance. All people are sinners, but believers are repentant sinners, those who have turned from their sin and embraced Jesus Christ. Real repentance runs deep and it produces significant change and significant joy. Like Zaccheus, let us eagerly respond to the call of Jesus and enjoy the blessing he provides in salvation!

Luke 18:31-43 | JD Summers We see the world around us with our physical eyes, but the ability to see physically does not mean we can see spiritually. Spiritual sight, true sight, comes as a gift of God's grace. When God opens someone's eyes to understand the mystery of the gospel, he bestows upon them faith, the ability to see and grasp God's goodness in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus miraculously gave sight to the blind, and he miraculously gives sight to the spiritually blind even today.

Romans 15:1-7 | Carey Wilson The church is made up of a wide variety of people who differ in ethnicity, social class, gender, age, and a multitude of other categories. In light of these significant differences, how can believers live together in unity? Christians must humble themselves and selflessly serve one another, even as Christ did for us. Our pursuit of practical unity flows from the gospel reality that we are already united in Christ, and we live out that truth in a desire for the glory of God.

Habakkuk 3:1-19 | Steven Parkin Trials and tribulations often drive us to fear. We fear our circumstances or our oppressors. We are afraid that we will not endure or that we will be abandoned by God. But in the midst of fears that discourage us, there is a holy fear that sustains us. True faith in God leads to a fear of the Lord that does not drive us away from him but instead draws us in, draws us close to the God who is worthy of reverence, awe, and trembling delight. As we walk through our own valley of the shadow of death, let us fear not evil, but the Lord who sustains.

Luke 18:18-30 | JD Summers Sometimes people try to earn eternal life by following a set of rules, reasoning that if they can be good enough, God will accept them. Others desire eternal life on their own terms, willing to follow Christ in some areas but not willing to give up whatever is most precious to them. Jesus accepts all who trust in him, but saving faith in Christ is wholehearted and repentant, relinquishing sin and leaning wholly on Jesus for salvation. Salvation is impossible on our own, but with God, all things are possible, and Jesus provides miraculous salvation to those who turn to him!

Luke 18:15-17 | JD Summers It is normal for humans to despise weakness. We hate it in others and hate it in ourselves. But true faith in Christ includes a profound sense of need. The Kingdom of God belongs only to those who are completely dependent on Christ because he embraces the lowly and endorses lowliness as a defining characteristic of our lives. We will often be confronted with our inability, and how will we respond? Christ urges us to lean into our lowliness and boast not in ourselves, but in Christ, who raises us up.

Luke 18:9-14 | JD Summers Jesus makes it plain that not all roads lead to life. Those who place their faith in themselves, evidencing pride in their character and deeds, will be humbled. Exalting yourself will only lead to destruction. But those who place their faith in Christ, throwing themselves at his feet for mercy, will receive life. God exalts the humble because they trust not in themselves but in Christ alone who gives grace and kindness to needy sinners. Let our neediness drive us to our loving savior!

Luke 18:1-8 | JD Summers It is very common to run to God in the first moments of a significant trial. But the longer the time of suffering continues, the more difficult it is to continue trusting in him. But God does not grow further away, instead he invites us to keep coming back to him again and again. He wants us to run to him in prayer, petitioning him to act justly and bring about his righteousness. And he delights in wrapping his arms around us in a warm embrace of love, comforting us in the depths of our trials. Little sheep, do not lose heart!

Luke 17:20-37 | JD Summers We are often taken and distracted by many things, some more important than others. But nothing is as important as our Lord. Are you ready for him to return? As we look to Christ's second coming, we must first receive him as our savior. We must also beware of the sinful and deceptive pull of the world around us. Jesus is coming again, and while he came initially to die, he will return to judge. Let us live in light of these realities, preparing our hearts for the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 4:1-2 | Bryan Neal There are many ways to define success. We often evaluate ourselves by our position, our accomplishments, or our wealth. But Scripture reminds us that success for followers of Christ is defined by our service and our stewardship. We are servants like mere rowers on a boat; we are stewards like mere tenants of another's money. As we seek to live successful lives, let us embrace the roles God has given to us and wholeheartedly pursue God-defined success!

Habakkuk 2:2-20 | Steven Parkin Looking at the world around us often causes us to question God's goodness or plan. But his justice is perfect and he gives many reasons to trust it. God has planned out exactly how he will mete out justice in his own time. He knows the heart accurately and provides justice for external and internal sins alike. He brings justice about in accordance with the extent of the injustice done. And he does not pour out justice arbitrarily but does so for the express purpose of demonstrating his glory to the entire world. Let us trust the perfect justice of our God!

Luke 17:11-19 | JD Summers Jesus desires genuine faith from his followers, and genuine faith is grateful. Believers in Christ have so many reasons to give thanks, and a heart of faith naturally overflows in praise and gratitude for them all. We are needy and God has given us mercy. We are lonely and God has come to us personally. We are worshippers and Jesus is worthy of worship. Let us respond to Christ in heartfelt praise!

Luke 17:1-10 | JD Summers Scripture not only tells us what is true, it tells us how to live. Jesus graciously explains what it means to follow him, not merely commanding obedience but showing us the way to obey. Following Christ means taking sin and error seriously. It means forgiving as God in Christ has forgiven us. It means placing our faith, no matter how weak at times, in the almighty power of God. And it means lovingly embracing our role as servants of a good master and delighting in his service. What a wonderful God!

Luke 16:19-31 | JD Summers Death is the great equalizer. The rich and the poor both will die. No matter what your station in life, death is inevitable. But through faith in Christ, all those who trust in the Messiah will find rest and eternal life with their Savior and God. Let us take time to consider the day of our death now and place our eternal hope in Jesus!

Luke 16:18, Matthew 19:3-10 | JD Summers Followers of Christ are called to embrace and follow his Word, even when his Word seems difficult. Christ calls us to take up our cross and follow him, and there are many crosses to be born in the area of divorce and remarriage. Scripture teaches that God highly values the marriage union and desires none to separate what he has brought together. But it also teaches that God's grace and mercy towards the hurting is abundant as well. Let us follow Christ and delight in his love for us!