Connecting You with God and Others
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""] Power in the Dark In our darkest hours—when we feel alone, frightened, and powerless—Jesus shows us another way. Join us in Luke 22:47–71 as we witness Jesus in His darkest hour. Though betrayed, denied, and condemned, He remains calm, courageous, and utterly in control. The BetrayalJudas betrays Jesus with a kiss. Yet Jesus, fully aware, steps forward, protects His disciples, heals His enemy, and confronts the powers of darkness. The DenialPeter denies Jesus three times. But Jesus, knowing all of Peter's failures, still loves, prays for, and later restores him. The Omniscient One is denied, but never vindictive. The CouncilIn a sham trial, Jesus refuses to play their game. Instead, He boldly proclaims Himself the Son of Man, seated at the right hand of God. Condemned, but never vanquished. Takeaway:It might look like the powers of darkness are winning.But it is King Jesus who wields Power in the Dark. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""] In this passage, the tension is building as Jesus' predictions of his arrest, suffering, death, and resurrection are becoming imminent. His disciples are beginning to realize the seriousness of the situation—they are on the eve of danger, unprepared for the trials ahead. Jesus, knowing they are not ready, seeks to prepare them for what's coming, focusing not on external threats but on internal dangers of the heart. He warns them about four specific dangers within themselves that they must confront, dangers that are also present in all of us. I. The Danger of Entitlement (Luke 22:24-30) We overindulge our ego. The disciples argue over who is the greatest. Jesus redefines greatness: true leaders serve others. Takeaway: Get serving! II. The Danger of Delusion (Luke 22:31-34) We overestimate our strength. Jesus warns Peter that Satan desires to sift him. Peter insists he will never fail, but Jesus predicts his denial. Takeaway: Get real! III. The Danger of Naïveté (Luke 22:35-38) We overvalue our success. The disciples assume their past experiences will continue without hardship. Jesus warns them to prepare for opposition. Takeaway: Get ready! IV. The Danger of Denial (Luke 22:39-46) We overlook our peril. Jesus prays in agony, fully aware of the suffering ahead. The disciples sleep instead of praying, unprepared for the coming trial. Takeaway: Get strength! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""] Have you ever felt like everything was falling apart, only to realize later that those difficult moments were actually setting the stage for something greater? As we approach the Easter season, I'm reminded of how Jesus faced His darkest hour with unwavering courage and purpose. Let's explore how His actions during the Last Supper can inspire us to find triumph even in our most challenging times. The Gathering Darkness As we look at Luke 22:1-23, we see the plot against Jesus thickening. The religious leaders are scheming, Judas is betraying, and the shadow of the cross looms large. Yet, in this moment of impending tragedy, Jesus demonstrates an astounding level of control and foresight. "Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people" (Luke 22:1-2). The irony is palpable. During a festival celebrating God's deliverance of His people, the religious leaders are plotting to kill the very One who came to bring ultimate deliverance. Jesus' Masterful Command Despite the evil brewing around Him, Jesus remains in complete control. He gives His disciples oddly specific instructions about preparing for the Passover meal: "He replied, 'As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, and say to the owner of the house, "The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?" He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished. Make preparations there'" (Luke 22:10-12). This level of detail shows us that Jesus "knows exactly what's going on. He's in full command of the situation." Nothing takes Him by surprise. He sees it all – "the upper room, the Garden of Gethsemane, the hill of Calvary, the empty tomb." Jesus is "masterfully in command of His own destiny." A Meal of Deep Significance As Jesus reclines at the table with His disciples, He infuses the traditional Passover meal with new, profound meaning: "And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you'" (Luke 22:19-20). In this moment, Jesus is "serving up His own life" for His followers. He's establishing a new covenant, fulfilling ancient promises, and preparing to become the ultimate Passover Lamb. Triumph in Tragedy Even as Jesus faces betrayal and death, we see triumph emerging: Jesus allows evil to play into His own hands, using it for ultimate good. He demonstrates His divine foreknowledge and sovereignty over all events. Jesus willingly offers Himself as the sacrifice that will bring redemption to the world. As He says in John 10:18, "No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again." Finding Our Triumph So how can we apply these truths to our own lives when we face dark times? Trust in God's bigger picture: Like Jesus, we can face difficulties knowing that God can work all things for good (Romans 8:28). Remember who we are in Christ: The Lord's Supper reminds us that we are covered by Jesus' sacrifice and united with Him. Look forward with hope: Our current struggles are temporary. We have a future glory to anticipate (2 Corinthians 4:17). Serve others sacrificially: Jesus' example challenges us to love and serve, even in difficult circumstances. Commune with Christ: Draw strength from your relationship with Jesus, especially in times of trial. Remember, "If we share in His sufferings, we know we shall also share in His glories." Whatever tragedy you might be facing, know that in Christ, triumph is possible. Fix your eyes on Jesus, who turned the tragedy of the cross into the triumph of our salvation. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
What if you could know the future? In Luke 21, Jesus reveals what is to come—both the destruction of Jerusalem and His ultimate return. This sermon explores His prophetic words, showing how history confirms His truth and how His promises shape how we live today. The Destruction of Jerusalem – Jesus foretells the fall of the Temple, which occurred in 70 AD, warning His followers to remain faithful through persecution. The Coming of the Son of Man – The chaos of the world is not the end; it points to Jesus' return in power and glory. The Posture of Faithful Awaiting – Jesus calls us to be spiritually prepared as we await His return. Takeaways Watch Yourselves – Do not be weighed down by sin or the distractions of life. Stay Awake – Remain spiritually alert and ready for Christ's return. Pray Hard – Seek God's strength to endure trials and temptation. Stand Firm – Endure faithfully and boldly witness for Christ. Listen Well – Stay grounded in God's Word, the only truth that endures. Knowing the future changes how we live today. Are you ready? Watch, be encouraged, and trust in the One whose words will never pass away.
Friends, we've been diving deep into Luke, and today I want to unpack what we really, really need in this life. We're looking at three key things: a greater son, a better goodness, and a deeper offering. You see, many in Jesus' day were fixated on a Messiah who'd simply kick out the Romans and restore Israel's glory days. They wanted David 2.0. But Jesus, through a clever little Bible study on Psalm 110, exposes their blind spot. He shows them that Messiah isn't just David's son, but also David's Lord! This means Messiah has to be both son of David AND Son of God! We need a savior who's not just a political liberator, but one who conquers sin, Satan, and even death itself! And it's not enough to just look the part, like those scribes with their fancy robes and long prayers. Jesus warns us about those who prioritize outward appearances over genuine heart transformation. We need a righteousness that surpasses mere performance, a goodness that flows from a heart made new by God's Spirit. Finally, Jesus points us to a poor widow who, despite her meager offering of two tiny coins, gives more than the wealthy folks tossing in their surplus. Why? Because God doesn't count our gifts, He weighs them. He sees the heart behind the offering. This widow, in her poverty, gave her all – a beautiful picture of surrendered delight. Friends, Jesus is the one we really need. He's the greater son who offers true salvation, the source of lasting goodness that transforms us from the inside out, and the one who empowers us to live lives of surrendered delight, holding nothing back from our loving God.
In a world rife with threats and anxieties, Psalm 17 offers a beacon of hope, reminding us that our refuge lies in the steadfast love of our good God. David's heartfelt plea in this psalm reveals the stark contrast between the menacing nature of his adversaries and the unwavering protection of the Lord. David paints a chilling portrait of his enemies: their hearts are closed to pity, their mouths spew arrogance, their eyes are fixed on his downfall, and their leader lurks like a ravenous lion. Yet, amidst this palpable fear, David finds solace in the Lord's promise of refuge. He describes God's attentiveness as an incline ear, his unwavering support as an outstretched right hand, his constant watchfulness as the pupil of his eye, and his unwavering protection as the shadow of his wings. The illustration of a mother hen shielding her chicks from a raging fire serves as a poignant reminder of God's sacrificial love. Just as the hen willingly endured the flames to protect her young, so too does our God shield us from harm, even at great personal cost. This image underscores the depth of God's love and the security we find in his embrace. David's confidence stems not from a belief in his own righteousness or a guarantee of earthly victory, but from the unwavering assurance of God's presence. He finds solace in the knowledge that even in the face of adversity, he will behold God's face and find satisfaction in his likeness. This psalm extends an invitation to draw near to God, to find refuge in his presence, and to rest in the knowledge that he is our protector and our portion. No matter how daunting the threats we face, we can find solace in the unwavering love and protection of our good God. Just as David found strength in the Lord's presence, so too can we face our fears with courage, knowing that our God is with us, his ear inclined to our prayers, his hand outstretched in support, his eye watching over us, and his wings offering us refuge.
In a world rife with threats and anxieties, Psalm 17 offers a beacon of hope, reminding us that our refuge lies in the steadfast love of our good God. David's heartfelt plea in this psalm reveals the stark contrast between the menacing nature of his adversaries and the unwavering protection of the Lord. David paints a chilling portrait of his enemies: their hearts are closed to pity, their mouths spew arrogance, their eyes are fixed on his downfall, and their leader lurks like a ravenous lion. Yet, amidst this palpable fear, David finds solace in the Lord's promise of refuge. He describes God's attentiveness as an incline ear, his unwavering support as an outstretched right hand, his constant watchfulness as the pupil of his eye, and his unwavering protection as the shadow of his wings. The illustration of a mother hen shielding her chicks from a raging fire serves as a poignant reminder of God's sacrificial love. Just as the hen willingly endured the flames to protect her young, so too does our God shield us from harm, even at great personal cost. This image underscores the depth of God's love and the security we find in his embrace. David's confidence stems not from a belief in his own righteousness or a guarantee of earthly victory, but from the unwavering assurance of God's presence. He finds solace in the knowledge that even in the face of adversity, he will behold God's face and find satisfaction in his likeness. This psalm extends an invitation to draw near to God, to find refuge in his presence, and to rest in the knowledge that he is our protector and our portion. No matter how daunting the threats we face, we can find solace in the unwavering love and protection of our good God. Just as David found strength in the Lord's presence, so too can we face our fears with courage, knowing that our God is with us, his ear inclined to our prayers, his hand outstretched in support, his eye watching over us, and his wings offering us refuge.
You know, they say there's two subjects you don't bring up in polite conversation: politics and religion. Convictions run deep, tempers can run hot, and it usually ends up in an argument. Well, today we dove into how the religious leaders tried to trap Jesus with these very topics, attempting to undermine His authority. But Jesus, calm, clever, and collected, brilliantly outmaneuvered them, remaining laser-focused on what truly matters. First, they challenged Jesus on paying taxes to Caesar, hoping to paint Him as a political rebel or a Roman sympathizer. With the simple question, "Whose image is on this coin?", Jesus highlighted their dependence on a system ruled by Caesar while emphasizing God's ultimate claim on their lives. "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesars, and to God the things that are God's." Give Caesar your money, fine, but give God your everything. You bear His image. Next, the Sadducees, those who deny the resurrection, presented a convoluted scenario about a woman with seven husbands, aiming to expose the supposed absurdity of resurrection life. Jesus cut through their smokescreen, reminding them that earthly marriage points to the ultimate covenant love of God. In the resurrection, we will all belong to God, experiencing a love that transcends our earthly understanding. He then challenged their skepticism by pointing to God's self-revelation to Moses, "I am the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob," the God not of the dead, but of the living! These traps reveal how easily we get distracted by political fights and religious debates, losing sight of the bigger picture. Jesus reminds us to keep the main thing the main thing: the ultimacy of God, the eternality of souls, and the supremacy of hope. We were created by and for God, destined for eternal life in His presence. This is the hope we cling to, the truth that should shape our lives. So, friends, let's not be co-opted into someone else's lesser agenda. Let's not get derailed by divisive debates or political maneuvering. Instead, let's fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who stayed the course to the cross and beyond. Let's live as gospel people, centered on the unshakeable truth of God's love and the glorious hope of resurrection life. Let's keep the main thing the main thing!
Friends, this passage from Luke 19 and 20 paints a powerful picture of Jesus rescuing true religion. It's a sad truth that religion can be twisted and corrupted by those seeking profit and power, just like those TV preachers with their private jets and mansions, discrediting authentic faith. This isn't a new problem; it's an age-old one. Jesus himself confronted these hypocrites, these "broods of vipers," head-on. He saw what they were doing to the temple, turning the court of the Gentiles, meant for prayer and seeking God, into a marketplace. They were exploiting people, lining their pockets with exorbitant fees for temple taxes and animal sacrifices. Jesus, in his righteous anger, drove them out, reclaiming the temple as a house of prayer. This act of cleansing was a powerful statement. Jesus wasn't just tidying up; he was fulfilling prophecy, coming as the refiner's fire to purify the priesthood and restore righteous offerings. He was taking back what was meant to be a place for all nations to encounter God's love. But the religious leaders weren't about to let him disrupt their lucrative system. They challenged his authority, demanding to know who gave him the right to act. Jesus, ever wise, outmaneuvered them with a question of his own about John the Baptist, leaving them trapped between admitting their hypocrisy and facing the wrath of the people. Then Jesus tells the parable of the vineyard. A man entrusts his vineyard to tenants, expecting a share of the fruit. But the tenants, consumed by greed, abuse and kill the messengers sent by the owner, even his own beloved son, hoping to claim the vineyard for themselves. This story wasn't random; it was a direct confrontation with the religious leaders. They were the tenants, entrusted with God's people and the temple, but they had turned it into a self-serving enterprise. Jesus was the beloved son, rejected and soon to be killed. He was warning them, offering them a final chance to repent. This parable reveals the heart of the problem: these leaders had lost sight of true religion. They had traded covenant love for personal gain, turning God's house into a den of robbers. Jesus, in contrast, embodies true religion. He empties himself for our sake, laying down his authority and ultimately his life as a ransom for many. He gives himself away in self-sacrificing love, the very opposite of the tenants' greed. He is the cornerstone, the foundation of true faith, and everything rests upon him. So, friends, what about us? We live in a world filled with counterfeit religious leaders, those who exploit and abuse for their own gain. But these counterfeits point to the genuine article, the real deal: Jesus. He is the faithful heir, the true cornerstone. He offers us a firm foundation, a life built on something that will never crumble. Will we let him rescue our religion? Will we turn away from the distortions and embrace the authentic faith he offers? Will we build our lives on Jesus, the cornerstone that will never let us down? He is the heart of it all.
Over the last 10 chapters of Luke, we've journeyed with Jesus to Jerusalem, and now, in Luke 19, He arrives. This marks the beginning of Passion Week, His final week before crucifixion and resurrection. Jesus' entry, riding a colt, fulfills Zechariah's prophecy and mirrors Solomon's coronation, signifying Jesus as the rightful heir and King. This act, seemingly humble, declares peace and shalom, contrasting with the image of a conquering king on a warhorse. It signals the arrival of true peace, not just for Israel, but for all nations. The disciples' joyous cries of “Blessed is the King” echo the angels' announcement in Luke 2, further emphasizing Jesus' messianic identity. The Pharisees, threatened by Jesus' claim to kingship, demand He silence His disciples. Their fear stems from a pragmatic agreement with Rome: maintain order and retain religious authority. Jesus' popularity and kingship challenge this delicate balance, risking Roman intervention. This highlights a core struggle many have with Jesus: accepting Him as King requires total allegiance, disrupting our own authority and self-rule. We often prefer Jesus as teacher or advisor, roles that don't demand surrender. Yet, true life and flourishing come only through bowing to His Kingship. Jesus' response to the Pharisees – “if these were silent, the very stones would cry out” – underscores that all creation recognizes and submits to God's rule. We, often blinded by our own desires, rebel, choosing self-inflicted misery over flourishing under His reign. Jesus' weeping over Jerusalem reveals His compassion. He grieves not out of anger, but from a deep love for His people, foreseeing the consequences of their rejection. This compassion culminates in His sacrifice on the cross, dying for those who rejected Him, offering forgiveness and shalom they don't deserve. This act of ultimate love demonstrates Jesus' unique kingship. Unlike earthly rulers who demand submission and take, Jesus gives everything, even His life, so we might willingly kneel in worship. His authority is exercised through love, His power wielded in service, and His rule expressed by sacrifice. This radical kingship extends an offer of abundant life and forgiveness even to those who crucified Him, as Peter proclaims in Acts 2. Therefore, friends, let us not be like the Pharisees, clinging to self-rule and rejecting the King who offers true shalom. Jesus' weeping reminds us of His deep love and the cost of our rebellion. Let us choose flourishing under His reign, embracing His authority and experiencing the abundant life He offers. This is the path to true peace, the shalom that only the King can bring. Let us willingly kneel before Him in worship and discover the joy of living under His loving and transformative rule.
Friends, for the last 10 chapters of Luke, we've journeyed with Jesus toward Jerusalem, where he'll lay down his life—crucified, buried, and resurrected. At the end of Luke 19, just before his triumphal entry, Jesus tells a parable based on a historical event: the scramble for Herod the Great's throne after his death in 4 B.C. His son, Archelaus, raced to Rome for Caesar's approval, facing opposition from his brother and Jewish leaders. Jesus uses this familiar story to teach his disciples, tweaking details to avoid political controversy while still making his point clear. This parable, found in Luke 19:11-27, tells of a nobleman going to a far country to receive a kingdom and then returning. He entrusts his servants with minas, instructing them to engage in business until he comes back. Upon his return, he assesses their stewardship. Some multiplied their minas, receiving authority over cities. One servant, however, hid his mina, fearing the nobleman's harshness. This servant's mina was taken and given to the one who had earned the most. Jesus uses this to illustrate the importance of faithful stewardship during his absence. Jesus is doing three things in this parable: calibrating expectations, clarifying allegiances, and compelling investments. He's reminding his disciples that the kingdom won't appear immediately as they expect. Like Archelaus, Jesus will depart and return. He's also clarifying allegiances, asking where our loyalties lie. Are we with him or against him? True loyalty is demonstrated before he returns in power, not afterward. Finally, he's compelling investments. The minas represent the time, talent, and treasure God entrusts to us. How we steward these resources reveals our faithfulness and readiness for greater responsibilities in the kingdom to come. The parable's ending leaves us with a question: what about the other seven servants? Jesus brilliantly places us within the story, challenging us to consider our own stewardship. Are we antagonists, bold loyalists, private loyalists, secretly doubtful, or faithful servants? And if faithful, how are we investing what God has given us? This life is the proving ground for future assignments in God's kingdom. We are called to get on with the King's business. So, friends, who are you living for? Is this life about you or about the kingdom? King Jesus has departed and will return. Get on the kingdom timeline. Decide where your loyalties lie. Invest wisely in the King's business. Remember C.T. Studd's words: "Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last." Don't waste this precious life. Invest it for the sake of the kingdom. Surrender to God's will and say, "Here I am, Lord, send me."
Friends, today we dove into Luke 19, exploring Zacchaeus's encounter with Jesus—a case study in gospel transformation, a journey from greediness to generosity. Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector and a rich man, was in spiritual peril, trapped by his wealth. His name, ironically meaning "pure" or "clear," contrasted sharply with his corrupt practices. Like the rich man building bigger barns or the rich young ruler clinging to his possessions, Zacchaeus was in danger of losing everything for his love of money. Yet, something remarkable happened. He humbled himself, climbing a tree in desperation to see Jesus, breaking social conventions and risking public ridicule. This act of humility foreshadowed the transformation to come. Jesus, seeing Zacchaeus, invited himself over, extending grace to this unlikely recipient. Zacchaeus's response was astonishing: he gave away half his wealth to the poor and pledged fourfold restitution to anyone he'd defrauded. This radical generosity wasn't about earning salvation; it was the fruit of salvation already received. Like the tax collector in Jesus's parable, Zacchaeus recognized his sinfulness and received God's mercy. This transformed his relationship with money. He no longer sought significance, security, or satisfaction in wealth; Jesus had become his treasure. He let go of earthly riches to grab hold of the true riches found in Christ. This transformation happened through the gospel. Jesus declared, "Today salvation has come to this house." This salvation preceded Zacchaeus's generosity, demonstrating that grace, not works, is the source of true change. Jesus came to seek and save the lost, and Zacchaeus, the bullseye of God's grace, exemplified this truth. No one is beyond God's reach. Grace transforms. Paul's words in 2 Corinthians illuminate this further: "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich." Meditating on Christ's sacrifice—leaving heavenly riches to become poor for us—motivates us to make him our treasure. And when Jesus is our treasure, radical generosity naturally follows. So, where do we go from here? We can cultivate generosity by climbing the ladder of giving. Start with an initial gift, a step of faith. Then, move towards intentional, disciplined giving, aiming for the biblical standard of 10%. From there, consider missional giving, going above and beyond out of love for God and others. Finally, embrace legacy generosity, making giving a part of your life's story. God wants to be your greatest treasure, freeing you from the grip of material possessions and offering an abundant life in His kingdom. He offers significance, security, and satisfaction that can never be taken away. Let the gospel transform your heart, leading to a life of radical generosity, a life that testifies to the joy of a changed life, a life that even an atheist can't deny. Let's pray that God loosens our grip on worldly things and fills our hearts with the magnitude of His treasure.
Friends, in Luke 18, Jesus reveals to his disciples his impending suffering and death in Jerusalem. They struggle to grasp this, blinded by their expectations of a glorious Messiah. Yet, Jesus, nearing Jericho, encounters a blind beggar who recognizes him as the Son of David. This juxtaposition is key: the disciples' blindness to Jesus' true identity and mission is contrasted with the blind man's clear-sighted faith. Jesus heals the man, demonstrating his messianic power and foreshadowing the deeper spiritual sight he offers. This miracle serves as a divine calling card, echoing Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah opening the eyes of the blind. It's a powerful reminder that Jesus is both the glorious king and the suffering servant. The disciples' struggle to accept Jesus' suffering mirrors our own difficulty in understanding pain. We crave immediate glory and healing, questioning why the cross is necessary. But Jesus' path to redemption leads through suffering. He enters into the darkness to bring us light, mirroring the ancient story of Job. Job, facing immense suffering, found hope in his Redeemer, envisioning him standing on the ash heap of his pain. This image of the Redeemer amidst suffering resonates deeply with Jesus' own journey to the cross. Job's eventual restoration foreshadows the ultimate redemption offered through Christ. Just as Job's hope rested on seeing his Redeemer, our hope lies in fixing our eyes on Jesus. He is both the messianic healer, restoring physical sight, and the suffering servant, enduring the cross for our redemption. He is the lion and the lamb, the crucified and risen Lord. We cannot have the crown without the cross, the resurrection without the crucifixion. Jesus' willingness to enter into our darkness and suffering is the very essence of his redemptive work. This truth has profound practical implications for us. In a broken and hurting world, we will inevitably face suffering. How can we endure? By fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Redeemer, who stands with us on our own ash heaps of pain. He has conquered death itself, transforming it from an executioner into a gardener. Because of Jesus, even death becomes a pathway to greater life. So, friends, let us live with eyes wide open, embracing the full spectrum of who Jesus is: the glorious king, the suffering servant, and the risen Redeemer. Let us face the darkness of this world with unwavering hope, knowing that the light of Christ will never be overcome. He is with us always, offering us his light and life, even in the midst of our deepest pain. May we fix our eyes on him, the author and perfecter of our faith, and follow him wherever he leads.
Friends, this passage about the rich young ruler is brilliant! Jesus masterfully draws out the depths of this man's heart with three deft moves: deconstructing religion, diagnosing disease, and detailing hope. This rich young ruler, seemingly the perfect disciple candidate, approaches Jesus with a question: "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" But Jesus immediately challenges his assumptions about "goodness" and earning salvation through works. He exposes the ruler's belief that eternal life can be inherited by doing, that doing is within his power, and that God's standard is within reach. This is the problem with religion – it can never bridge the gap between our efforts and God's holy standard. Jesus then diagnoses the rich young ruler's disease: idolatry. He commands him to sell all his possessions and follow Him, a personalized prescription targeting the ruler's love of wealth above God. This command wasn't a blanket requirement for discipleship, but a specific remedy for this man's heart ailment. Like Peter laying down his nets and Nicodemus his status, the rich young ruler was called to surrender his idol. The core issue is always the same: will we give God our full allegiance, making Him our ultimate treasure? Sadly, the ruler's wealth had him, and he walked away grieved. This reminds us that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and we cannot serve both God and money. But there's hope! What's impossible for us is possible with God. Even the rich young ruler, with all his advantages, couldn't save himself. We are all dead in our transgressions, needing the impossible intervention of God. Jesus specializes in raising dead things to life! His grace begins where we fail, and our hopelessness is the birthplace of His hope. Imagine if the ruler had approached Jesus with humility, acknowledging his inability to keep the commandments and begging for mercy. He would have experienced grace through faith, making Jesus his treasure. This leads us to the heart of the matter: Jesus is worth everything we must give up. Peter's example of leaving everything to follow Jesus, and Jesus' promise of abundant return, underscores this truth. Coming to Jesus always involves confronting our idols, laying down something to grasp hold of Him. For Paul, it was his religious pedigree and accomplishments, which he counted as rubbish compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. He understood that true righteousness comes through faith, not works. So, friends, what idols are captivating your heart? What must you lay down to truly grasp hold of Jesus? Does your relationship with wealth reflect that Jesus is your greatest treasure? Following Jesus requires radical obedience and faith, surrendering everything to make Him first in our lives. This is hard, and we can't do it on our own. We need God to change our hearts, and that's precisely what Jesus does. He lived the perfect life we couldn't, offering Himself as a sacrifice so we could have His righteousness. Let's give our all to Him, holding nothing back, and experience the abundant life He promises.
We often hesitate to approach God with our needs because we've learned not to bother important people. But that's a mistake! Jesus assures us that we are never a nuisance to God. He longs to hear our prayers and bless us. In Luke 18, Jesus teaches us that pining for justice, pleading for mercy, and pestering for attention never bother God. He tells the parable of a persistent widow who finally receives justice from an unjust judge, highlighting God's willingness to answer our cries for justice. He then contrasts a self-righteous Pharisee with a humble tax collector, emphasizing that God delights in our pleas for mercy, not our boasts of righteousness. Finally, Jesus welcomes little children, who naturally pester and interrupt, showing us that God cherishes our childlike faith and desire to spend time with Him. Just like the widow who wouldn't give up, we should persistently bring our requests to God, trusting in His goodness and justice. Like the tax collector, we should approach God with humility, acknowledging our need for His mercy. And like little children, we should come to God with open hearts, eager to share our lives and receive His love. God is not bothered by our needs, but rather, He is honored when we entrust them to Him. He delights in our vulnerability and welcomes our persistent prayers. Let us, therefore, approach His throne of grace with confidence, knowing that we are always welcome in His presence. Remember, God wants to waste time with you! He desires your presence and delights in your company. Don't let the busyness of life or the fear of being a nuisance keep you from experiencing the joy of His presence.
Let's talk about the word "faith." It's one of those words that has evolved over time. Today, we often use "faith" interchangeably with "belief," but the Bible paints a much richer picture. The book of Hebrews, particularly chapter 11, gives us a powerful glimpse into what real, Biblical faith looks like. We see it in Abel, who offered a sincere sacrifice to God, even though it cost him his life. Enoch walked with God for 365 years – talk about an unremarkable life of faithfulness! And Noah? He built that ark for a hundred years, enduring scorn and mockery because he feared God more than men. Then there's Abraham, who left everything he knew, risking it all to follow God's call, even though he had no idea where he was going. These examples highlight some core truths about saving faith. It's not about blind belief or hoping for the best. It's about a deep trust in God's character and promises, a trust that compels us to act, even when it's hard, even when it doesn't make sense. It's about seeking God's pleasure above all else, living as strangers and exiles in this world, our eyes fixed on the eternal city He is preparing for us. Remember, friends, true faith isn't passive. It's not just a head thing; it's a life thing. It's belief made visible. It's about taking God at His Word and allowing that Word to shape our thoughts, our actions, and ultimately, our very lives. So, as we embark on this new year, let's ask ourselves: What does it look like for us to live as people of faith in our homes, our workplaces, our communities? How can we demonstrate that our faith is more than just a word we use on Sundays? Let's be like those heroes of faith in Hebrews 11, living lives that boldly proclaim, "My God is worthy of it all!"
In our study of the threefold office of Christ this Advent season, we've been exploring how Jesus ministers to us as Prophet, Priest, and King. These three distinct roles, often held by separate individuals in the Old Testament, are beautifully united and fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Today, we're focusing on Jesus as King. The Old Testament's history with kings is intriguing. There was a time when Israel had no king at all. From the days of Abraham, through Moses and Joshua, and into the period of the Judges, God's people lived without a human monarch. They had God's law to guide them, priests as mediators, and warrior-leaders called Judges. God Himself was their King, providing for them and guiding them. However, in the 11th century BC, the elders of Israel approached the aging priest Samuel with a request: "Give us a king like all the other nations." They desired a visible, human ruler, even though God had always been their true King. This request deeply saddened Samuel, and God revealed to him that the people were rejecting Him as their King. They wanted to be like everyone else, forsaking their unique identity as God's chosen people. God instructed Samuel to grant their request but not before warning them about the potential burdens of having a human king. Samuel cautioned that a king would demand their sons for his chariots and armies, their daughters to serve in his palace, and the best of their fields, vineyards, and olive orchards. He warned that a king would take a tenth of their grain and flocks, and even their servants would be subject to his command. Samuel declared, "He will take, take, take…and you shall be his slaves." He cautioned that in their desire to be like other nations, they were turning away from their unique identity as God's chosen people, and ultimately, they would cry out because of the king they had chosen. This portion of scripture reminds us that our desire for earthly things can often lead us away from God's best. When we chase after what the world values, we risk rejecting God's rightful place in our lives. Just as Israel yearned for a king, we too can be tempted to seek fulfillment and security in things that ultimately cannot satisfy. Let us remember that Jesus is our true and eternal King, the one who laid down His life for us and offers us true freedom and purpose. He is the King who serves, who loves without condition, and who offers us a kingdom that cannot be shaken.
This Advent season, we're exploring the threefold office of Christ: Prophet, Priest, and King. Last time, we saw Jesus as the ultimate Prophet, God's final Word. Now, we turn our attention to Jesus, our High Priest. The priesthood isn't merely an Old Testament concept. It's rooted in Eden, where Adam was entrusted with priestly duties, mediating between God and creation. Tragically, he failed, leading to humanity's expulsion from God's presence. The tabernacle and later the temple, with their intricate rituals and sacrifices, were God's way of restoring a taste of Eden, allowing for His presence to dwell among His people. However, the Old Testament priesthood faced inherent limitations. The priests themselves were sinful, requiring atonement. Animal sacrifices, while symbolic, couldn't truly atone for the cosmic treason of sin. Access to God's presence was restricted to once a year, and the priests' finite lives limited their intercession for the people. Enter Jesus, our Great High Priest. Prophesied in Zechariah and Psalm 110, He unites the offices of Priest and King. Chosen by God, He offered the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice – His own life – tearing the curtain separating us from God's presence. He is a priest forever, not in the order of Aaron, bound by lineage and earthly limitations, but in the order of Melchizedek, a mysterious figure who foreshadowed Christ's eternal priesthood. What does this mean for us? Through Jesus, we have constant access to God's grace. His sacrifice has cleansed us, enabling us to approach God with confidence and boldness. No longer bound by fear or limited access, we can draw near to the throne of grace, receiving mercy and finding grace in our time of need. And because Jesus ever lives, His intercession for us is eternal, securing our salvation and ensuring that we are never separated from the Father's love. This is the hope we cling to, the hope that transforms our lives and compels us to worship the One who has made us new.
This Advent season, we're diving deep into the threefold office of Christ: Prophet, Priest, and King. These roles, distinct in the Old Testament, find their ultimate unity in Jesus, our Savior. We began today by exploring Jesus as Prophet. Why did we need a prophet? Because God's Word is life itself! It's the source of creation, the sustenance of our souls, and the light that guides our path. However, humanity found itself trapped in an echo chamber of its own making, desperately needing an intervention. Enter the prophets of old, like Moses and Isaiah, who spoke God's truth into the darkness, revealing His wonders, will, and wisdom. Yet, Jesus stands apart. He doesn't merely deliver God's Word; He is the Word made flesh. John the Baptist, that pivotal prophet, prepared the way for the Messiah, who would usher in the fullness of God's revelation. Jesus speaks with an authority unlike any other, not as a mere messenger, but as the very source of truth. But don't mistake this for a departure from the Old Testament. Jesus fulfills it! He is the culmination of God's progressive revelation, the living embodiment of the law and the prophets. Just as the Father commanded, "Listen to him," we too must open our hearts to the life-giving words of Jesus, our Prophet. In a world saturated with fleeting opinions and deceptive narratives, we find ourselves yearning for a truth that anchors the soul. Jesus, the Word made flesh, is that unwavering truth. He is not merely a prophet who speaks God's Word; He *is* the Word of God, alive and eternal. His words are spirit and life, offering us wisdom that guides, promises that sustain, and a hope that doesn't disappoint. Let us, therefore, cling to Jesus, the Prophet, for in Him we discover the very Word of Life.
In this passage, we're diving deep into the heart of God's grand story, a drama unfolding across history with us right in the middle of it. Just like an actor needs to know their place in a movie's plot, we need to understand where we fit in God's timeline. The Pharisees were obsessed with when the kingdom of God was coming, but Jesus, in his typical way, flipped the script. He told them the Kingdom wasn't coming in a way they expected – it was already here, present but not yet fully realized. This is the "already not yet" kingdom. We see glimpses of it now, but the fullness awaits us. Think of all of history like a play in six acts: Creation, the Fall, Israel, Jesus' redemption, the Church Age (that's us!), and finally, the grand finale – renewal when God makes all things new. We're living between the advents – the first coming of Jesus and the second. This time, this "age between," is crucial. So, how should we act, knowing all this? We need to live with an awareness of the "already" – the Kingdom present in our midst – and the "not yet" – the future glory that awaits. We must be like those who are ready, not caught off guard like the people in Noah's day or Lot's. Let's ask God to give us wisdom, to help us understand our place in His grand narrative. Let's live each day with purpose, knowing our role in this incredible story He's writing.
In Luke 17:1-19, Jesus calls his disciples–and us–to have hearts that are growing in four things: vigilance, sincerity, humility, and gratitude. These traits represent a roadmap for cultivating a heart that is truly free. First, we are called to vigilance, recognizing that temptations to sin are sure to come. We must be alert, stopping sin in its tracks through confession, repentance, and forgiveness. Secondly, Jesus calls us to sincerity, living with a deep dependence on Him and extending forgiveness to others, just as God, through Christ, has forgiven us. Thirdly, we are called to humility, serving one another with the understanding that we are all servants of God. Finally, we are called to gratitude, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God. None of this comes naturally. It requires a discipleship of the heart, a conscious choice to follow the way of Jesus and cultivate these traits in our lives. As we follow the way of Jesus and learn this heart of vigilance, sincerity, humility, and gratitude, we experience the freedom and transformation that He longs to work in us.
Alright friends, we're diving into a tough but important passage today. It's a story about the twists of fate and the crux of our choices. We're going to see how God, in His love and justice, sets things right in the end. So, open your minds and hearts, and let's learn from the wisdom of Jesus. The Twist The story of the rich man and Lazarus isn't just about wealth and poverty; it's about a radical reversal, a twist of fate. The rich man, living in luxury, ignored the suffering Lazarus. But in the afterlife, their positions are reversed. This speaks to God's justice, His promise to make things right. It's a powerful reminder: Don't waste your life chasing fleeting pleasures while neglecting your soul. True wealth lies in eternity. Takeaway: Don't waste your life! The Name Now, notice how the rich man remains nameless, while Lazarus is given an identity. This is significant. The rich man lived for his wealth, making it his identity. But when his wealth vanished in death, so did he. Lazarus, however, held onto something more. This teaches us that our choices shape who we become. In the end, becoming will turn to being. So, don't waste your trust on things that fade; invest in what lasts. Takeaway: Don't waste your trust! The Crux Finally, we come to the crux of the matter. The rich man, even in torment, clings to his old ways, asking for favors instead of forgiveness. He had a lifetime to choose differently but clung to his self-centered desires. This is a sobering reminder that we get what we ask for. If we spend our lives chasing comfort and ignoring God, we shouldn't be surprised by the outcome. Don't waste your chance. Choose wisely, choose love, choose God. Takeaway: Don't waste your chance!
Today, we're diving deep into the heart of what it means to truly live, and it all boils down to one powerful principle: Living in Light of Eternity. You see, it's easy to get caught up in the here and now, but Jesus calls us to a higher perspective, one that recognizes that our choices today have implications that stretch far beyond our earthly existence. Principle: Living in Light of Eternity Life is a Stewardship that Echoes into Eternity. Everything we have—our time, talents, possessions—they're all gifts from God, entrusted to us for a season. The question is, how will we manage them? Will we hoard them for ourselves, or will we use them to build up treasures in heaven? Jesus, in Luke 16, gives us four powerful case studies to illustrate this principle: Wealth: It's not about how much we have, but how we use it. Are we faithful with what God has given us, using it to bless others and advance His kingdom? Status: The world chases after titles and accolades, but true significance comes from seeking God's approval, not man's. Freedom: We have the freedom to choose our own path, but true freedom is found in surrendering to God's will, even when it's difficult. Marriage: In a culture that treats marriage as disposable, we're called to reflect God's covenant love, a love that is lasting, sacrificial, and a beautiful picture of Christ and the Church. Every decision we make, big or small, should be filtered through this lens of eternity. That's why the question we must constantly ask ourselves is this: "In ten thousand years, how will I view this choice?" This question has the power to shift our perspective, realign our priorities, and lead us to a life of true significance.
Friends, we've all felt lost at some point, haven't we? Like that feeling in Disney World when you think you've lost your parents. It's a terrifying feeling. But what if I told you that feeling of being lost is something we all experience spiritually? You see, we were created for a relationship with God, our Father. But sin, like a powerful current, can pull us away, leaving us feeling lost and afraid. In Luke chapter 15, Jesus, through three powerful parables, reassures us of God's relentless love. He tells us about a shepherd who leaves his ninety-nine sheep to find the one lost sheep, a woman who diligently searches for her lost coin, and a father who welcomes home his lost son with open arms. Each story highlights the immense joy experienced when something lost is found. Notice how Jesus intentionally narrows the focus in these parables. We go from a ratio of 99 to 1, then 9 to 1, and finally 1 to 1. He wants us to understand that each one of us is precious to God, so much so that He leaves the ninety-nine to find the one. He rejoices over each lost soul that returns to Him. These parables aren't just stories; they are a glimpse into the heart of God. They remind us that no matter how far we stray, no matter how lost we may feel, our Father is always searching for us, ready to welcome us home with a love that knows no bounds. He yearns for us to turn back to Him, to experience the joy of being found. So, let us run to Him, knowing that His arms are always open wide.
The path of discipleship is not for the faint of heart. It demands everything, a complete surrender to Jesus. It's like a king going to war, he's got to count the cost, assess his strength, before engaging a more powerful enemy. Are you willing to lay down your all, to make peace with the King of Kings? The truth is, many are invited to the feast of God's kingdom, but they find themselves preoccupied with the things of this world. They'd rather chase after fields and oxen than partake in the banquet of God's grace. But let me assure you, true blessing lies in answering the call of discipleship, no matter the cost. Now, some might balk at this, thinking it all sounds too difficult. But remember, we're not saved by our own efforts, by our ability to perfectly renounce everything. Salvation is a gift, received by grace, through faith in Jesus. It's in our surrender, in acknowledging our weakness, that we find true strength in Him. This radical surrender, this "dying to self," is at the heart of the Christian life. We die to sin, to control, to comfort, and in that death, we find new life in Christ. It's a paradox, but it's the truth. We lay down our lives, and in that surrender, we discover the abundant life Jesus promised. So, my friends, I urge you, don't be like the lukewarm salt, good for nothing. Stand out, be different, embrace the cost of discipleship. Let the world see the transforming power of Christ in you. This is a call to action, a call to full surrender, a call to truly live as followers of Jesus. Let's choose this day whom we will serve. Let's choose Jesus, no turning back.
The Protestant Reformation of the 1500s is particularly fascinating. It's surprising how some historians miss the theological depth of the Reformation, seeing it merely as a political struggle. But the reformers stood on two theological pillars: the Bible as the supreme authority and justification by faith alone. In Romans, Paul addresses our universal problem: we are all sinners, standing before God in filthy clothes, much like Joshua in Zechariah's vision. Satan accuses us, but Jesus commands, "Take off the dirty clothes," symbolizing the forgiveness of sins. We are then clothed in a spotless robe, representing the righteousness credited to us through justification. This is God's work, a gift of grace, not something we earn. Justification by faith alone means that through faith in Jesus, God declares us righteous. This doctrine was pivotal for Martin Luther, leading to his spiritual rebirth and the Protestant Reformation. Luther realized that righteousness before God was not his own but credited to him by God's grace. This brought him peace and assurance of salvation, as Romans 8:1 assures us there is no condemnation for those in Christ. The applications of this doctrine are profound. We have peace with God and assurance of salvation, knowing we stand before Him as beloved children. This is the essence of the gospel: God is the end of our soul's quest, the one who satisfies us completely. As we sing of Jesus' all-sufficient merit, may we rejoice in the grace given to us through faith in Him alone, to the glory of God alone.
In 1972, Francis Schaeffer, a renowned Christian philosopher, wrote He is There and He is Not Silent, arguing that God is actively revealing Himself in countless ways. His presence is evident in the cosmos, from the starry night sky to the laughter of a child. As Psalm 19:1-2 declares, the heavens are proclaiming God's glory. Schaeffer and the Bible remind us that the universe echoes with God's voice, speaking through creation, scripture, and most profoundly, through Jesus Christ. The question is, are we listening? In Luke 13, Jesus addresses the tragedies of His time, like the Galileans killed by Pilate and the collapse of the tower in Siloam. These events serve as a reminder that God is speaking through history. Jesus teaches that these tragedies are not necessarily due to the victims' sins but are part of the world's brokenness since the fall of Adam and Eve. He emphasizes the need for repentance, warning that unless we repent, we too will perish. Understanding and interpreting the signs of the times involves recognizing our need for God's mercy and grace. This recognition leads to repentance, a step towards justification by faith, as we acknowledge our dependence on God's grace for salvation. Jesus calls us to live in light of what God is doing in history, urging us to pay attention to His voice. The challenge is to interpret the events around you as opportunities to draw closer to God and live in light of His ongoing work. Listen actively to God's revelations and respond with faith and repentance, aligning your life with His purposes.
Pop quizzes in school are dreaded because they reveal whether you're prepared. Similarly, the Bible tells us an ultimate "pop quiz" is coming: the return of Jesus, the King of kings. We can't afford to be unprepared. Luke 12:35-59 outlines how to be ready for His return: Be Alert: Like servants waiting for their master, we must stay vigilant because Jesus will return when we least expect it. Be Faithful: Jesus challenges us to be faithful stewards, ready for His return, and to avoid neglecting or abusing our responsibilities. Be Loyal: Our loyalty to Jesus must surpass even family ties. His message will divide, but we must choose Him. Be Prepared: Just as we anticipate weather changes, we must live in light of Jesus' return. It's essential to settle accounts with Him before it's too late. Takeaway: Live in Light of the Return of the King If you don't know Jesus, now is the time to embrace Him as Savior. If you do, it's time to take discipleship seriously—be alert, faithful, loyal, and prepared. Jesus is coming back, and the ultimate "pop quiz" could happen at any time.
What exactly is the promise of Romans 8:28 (the translation question)? Romans 8:28 promises that God works all things together for the good of His people. Different translations emphasize either "all things work together for good" or "God causes all things to work together for good," but both affirm that God is actively involved. He is the one orchestrating all events for the good of His people. To whom does God make the stunning promise of Romans 8:28? To “those who love God” - These are believers whose love for God is a result of His prior love for them, expressed in saving faith. To “those who are called according to his purpose” - This refers to those whom God has called to salvation. Their calling is rooted in God's eternal plan, ensuring that their salvation depends on His purpose, not their effort. What has to be true of God for Romans 8:28 to be a gloriously true promise? God must be wisely omniscient. He knows all things and directs them with perfect wisdom. God must be omnipotently sovereign. He has the power to control all things and work them for good. God must be lovingly good. His goodness ensures that even suffering and pain are used for His people's ultimate good. What is the “good” God works for his people through “all things”? The "good" in Romans 8:28 refers to being conformed to the image of Christ. This is God's ultimate goal for believers: to shape us into the likeness of His Son, using everything in our lives, even hardships. What are just two of the “all things” God works together for the good of his people? Daily difficulties and lifetime calamities God uses trials, like sickness or loss, to refine our character and make us more like Christ. The sin of other people against us Like Joseph's story in Genesis 50:20, God can take even the wrongs done to us and use them for good, just as He did through the cross.
Everyone needs a "why"—a reason to get up, a purpose for life. It leads to big questions: What is life all about? Why are we here? How do we live meaningfully? For followers of Jesus, these questions are central to the journey of discipleship. In Luke 12, Jesus tackles these existential questions through parables and analogies, focusing on what truly matters in life. 1. Money-Grubbers There's no life in amassing stuff. In Luke 12:13-21, Jesus addresses a man's desire for wealth by warning against greed. Through the parable of the rich fool, He highlights the futility of storing up possessions for oneself, as life is not measured by abundance. The rich man's wealth couldn't secure his life, and he wasn't "rich toward God." Jesus reminds us that true life isn't found in amassing material things. 2. Worry-Warts There's no life in fretful survival. In Luke 12:22-28, Jesus tells His followers not to worry about their basic needs, like food or clothing. He uses ravens and lilies to show that God provides for His creation, and humans, being more valuable, can trust God for their needs. Worrying doesn't add to life; instead, it reflects a lack of faith in God's care. 3. Treasure-Seekers There's abundant life in our Father's kingdom. In Luke 12:29-34, Jesus urges His followers to seek God's kingdom first, promising that their needs will be met. Instead of chasing material things, they are to store up treasure in heaven by living generously. True abundance is found in seeking God, where life and security are eternal. Takeaway: Am I seeking first my Father's kingdom? Are you focused on accumulating wealth, worrying over survival, or seeking the eternal riches of God's kingdom? Jesus invites us to trust in God's provision and live for His kingdom, where true treasure lies.
A lot of us are disenchanted with religion. There's so much hypocrisy and abuse and scandal. No wonder so many people are checking out of organized religion, even if they still find Jesus to be compelling. Here at the end of Luke 11 and into 12 Jesus himself railed against the dangers of religion. It turns out that God isn't actually interested in religion after all. He's always been after a relationship with his children. If you find yourself disenchanted with religion, I want to invite you to hear what Jesus has to say. I think you'll find that Jesus is even more upset with the dangers of religion than you are, and that his call is far more compelling than you might imagine. 1. The Danger of Hypocrisy God desires integrated lives. The Pharisees focused on outward rituals while their hearts were far from God. God wants our inner devotion and outward actions to be in harmony, avoiding the pretense of righteousness without true transformation. 2. The Danger of Elitism God desires earnest pursuit. Elitism fosters spiritual superiority, but God desires that all people seek Him sincerely. The kingdom is open to anyone with a humble heart, not just the "spiritually elite." 3. The Danger of Coercion God desires faithful dependency. Coercion forces compliance, but God seeks willing trust. True faith grows from a place of dependence on God's goodness, not human pressure. Takeaway: God desires a genuine relationship with us, not empty religious practices.
Who is Jesus? This is the most important question anyone can ask. Is He a deceiver, a lunatic, a prophet, a teacher, or the Son of God? These questions have been asked for centuries. In the Gospels, people wrestled with who Jesus was—healing the sick, calming storms, and teaching with authority. Yet, they reached different conclusions. In Luke 11, we see groups who Mistook Jesus, thinking they had Him figured out, but they were wrong. Their mistaken responses are still seen today. Let's learn from their mistakes and avoid Mistaking Jesus. Dismissing without Discernment Jesus desires, deserves, and demands our attention. Liberation without Lordship Jesus desires, deserves, and demands our surrender. Fandom without Following Jesus desires, deserves, and demands our obedience. Signs without Seeking Jesus desires, deserves, and demands our trust. Revelation without Receiving Jesus desires, deserves, and demands our welcome. Takeaway: What will you do with Jesus? C. S. Lewis in Mere Christianity: “I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.”
Matthew 4:1–11 is a foundation to illustrate how Jesus prepared for his mission through fasting and resisting temptation. Context of Matthew 4: The passage follows Jesus' baptism, where He identifies with humanity despite having no need for repentance. Jesus is led into the wilderness by the Spirit to be tempted, which demonstrates both His humanity and divine nature. 4 Lessons we learn about fasting: Obedience: Jesus' immediate obedience to God's direction, despite the harsh conditions, underscores the importance of responding promptly to God's commands. Empty to Be Filled: Fasting, as demonstrated by Jesus, is not just abstaining from food but an intentional act to gain spiritual strength and perspective. The Sufficiency of the Word: Jesus relies on Scripture to resist temptation, highlighting the importance of using God's Word as a defense against sin. Desperation vs. Preparation: Jesus' example shows us not to fast out of desperation but to fast during preparation as well
The Ends God's Justice Will Cover the Earth: Christ's reign extends justice across the earth. Brings fairness and righteousness to all creation. God's People Will Be Liberated: Christ liberates God's people from spiritual blindness and bondage. God's Glory Will Be Celebrated: Christ's reign leads to the celebration of God's glory. The renewed creation worships and honors God. The Means Behold THE Servant: Jesus Christ is the true servant in Isaiah 42. Recognize and behold Him as sent by God. The Bruised Reed He Will Not Break: Christ is gentle and compassionate. He cares for the weak and vulnerable. The Smoking Wick He Will Not Quench: Christ is patient and restorative. Christ is patient and restorative. Why It Matters These truths assure believers of God's ultimate purposes. Christ's reign calls for alignment with God's will. Trust in Christ's work to bring about a renewed creation.
Now, in life, hard things will happen. We live in a fallen world marked by sin and selfishness. When you are on the ropes, God is faithful and His heart cares for people dealing with the consequences of their own sin and rebellion. When things go from bad to worse, how should we respond? Will You Double Down? When we devote ourselves to idols—something less than God—we become less human. We shrivel up and turn inwards on ourselves as we become sad self-centered shells of wasted human potential. But if we worship the triune God of the Bible—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—we will become more like Him, overflowing in peace, love, and joy, and will become more truly human than we ever thought possible. When trouble comes, will we pursue something other than God in the hopes that it will save us? Will We Believe the Promises of God? The Promise of Deliverance: If God loved you enough to send Jesus to die for you when you were his enemy, will he forget about that later and not keep you when you have been adopted into his family as his true child? The Promise to Overcome any Obstacles: In God's hands, even bruised and broken people can have victory over the scariest of circumstances. The mountains themselves would be like grain if they stood in his way. This is a promise to overcome any obstacle, especially your own doubts. The Promis to Supply all your Needs: If God supplies all your needs, you need never fear poverty, not because you won't be poor, but because your poverty has no impact on God's ability to feed you. Will We Put Our Fears and Doubts to the Test? God is simultaneously inviting the reader to question themselves and question God. He isn't speaking words of condemnation to the nations but graciously, patiently inviting them to look at the data! Who is most trustworthy? Have you been hit enough times to consider that God might be better qualified to be in charge of your life than you are? Is there anyone or anything else out there that has a stronger claim on your allegiance than He does? Is there someone else you would rather follow? If you have doubts about the Bible, about Jesus, about the church, God can stand up to the test!
The Symptoms A world under wrath (Romans 1:18) A people in chaos and pain (1:24, 1:26, 1:28-31) A world condemned to die (1:32) The Illness and Its Progression Rejection of the Truth and the darkens of hearts (Romans 1:21-23) Embracing of the Lie and the worship creation (Romans 1:25) The Cure A timely provision (Romans 5:6) An act of love (Romans 5:8) An effective rescue from the wrath of God (Romans 5:9) Takeaways: God cares first about the heart. He will change the rest. Our call is to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Tell them the truth. Believe God and worship Him.
One of the greatest privileges we have as a child of God Is the fact that we can come to God in prayer anytime, anywhere, with anything. In Christ and by the Spirit we have total, unrestricted access to the Father. But, so many of us don't know where to start. Fortunately, we're not the first humans to be unsure when it comes to prayer. In this passage, Jesus' disciples come to Him with a simple and yet bold request: “Lord, teach us to pray.” What We Pray In prayer, we acknowledge our deep dependency on God. Jesus is teaching us to offer prayers that reflect our utter helplessness and total reliance upon God. We Pray as a child looking to his Father, Longing for His glory to heal the world And for His rule to set all to rights. We pray Looking to Him as our Portion and Provider, The Forgiver of our sin-riddled souls and Our Protector and Keeper in the face of whatever trials might come our way. How We Pray In prayer, we acknowledge our daring desperation. You only call a friend at 2am when you're desperate And you'll only pray when you realize your life desperately depends on God. Jesus is teaching us to pray With Daring Desperation, Knowing that without Him, we utterly fall apart. Why We Pray In prayer, we acknowledge our Father's devoted delight. The Father loves to give the Holy Spirit those who ask him! He's not stingy, He's lavish. He's not reluctant, He's eager. He's not bothered, He's delighted. He's not disengaged, He's devoted. Romans 8:32 says, “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” The Father loves to give the Holy Spirit those who ask him! Takeaway: Ask, seek, and knock. To pray is the great privilege of those who are children of God by grace through faith in Christ. We have an audience with the Father! We enjoy communion with the Son! We experience fellowship with the Spirit! And so, in deep dependency upon our God, with daring desperation because our life depends on it, and in light of our Father's devoted delight “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16) Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
]One of the hallmarks of Jesus' ministry is His use of parables, short and powerful stories jam-packed with spiritual insights and timeless lessons. 2,000 years later, we're still unpacking these brilliant tales. Today we get the privilege of diving into one of the most famous of all Jesus' parables: The Good Samaritan. Like many of Jesus' stories... this Parable of the Good Samaritan is given in a very specific setting. Jesus isn't telling a random story; it's a story with intent. Jesus is speaking into real life with these parables. In the case of The Good Samaritan, this story is purposefully sandwiched between two events: A Lawyer's Question and Two Sisters at Odds. The Good Samaritan is the link that connects everything. The Lawyer An expert in the Old Testament Law has come to test Jesus. He asks Jesus, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” The answer is to love God and love your neighbor. Keep Love Before You God desires, deserves, and demands our loving allegiance—heart, soul, body, and mind. Our love for our neighbor should be radical, boundless, holistic and demanding. The Neighbor In response to the lawyer's question, Jesus tells a story to illustrate exactly who a neighbor is. What kind of love does God require? To do what that Good Samaritan did. When he found a person in need, a person who could have been anyone, of any nationality, any race, any socio-economic background, any political class, any moral condition, he poured himself out in self-sacrificing compassion, care, and self-giving love. Be a loving neighbor of all. Don't do what the Priest and Levite did. They divorced their Love of God from their Love of Neighbor. They made it their careers to be all about the Love of God, but when they met a man in desperate need, they failed to love their neighbor as themselves. And in doing so, they failed to Love God as well, for it is He who made that man in His own image. Jesus is teaching us to: Keep Love Together We cannot separate these commandments: To Love our God Love our Neighbor We cannot delude ourselves into thinking we love our God while we neglect the love of our neighbor. Here's the real litmus test of my love for God: How am being a loving neighbor to those around me? Not just the people in my tribe, my group, my family, or my allies. But how am I loving those people? The Love of God and the Love of Neighbor always go together. They are inseparable because they are one: the Vertical and the Horizonal, it is a cross-shaped love. For upon the cross we behold the Love of God and the Love of Neighbor united in perfect fullness and harmony, and that is our pattern. The Sisters The scene shifts to the house of Mary and Martha, where Martha is hustling and bustling about, taking care of everyone, pulling together a huge meal, and making sure everyone's glasses are filled. Meanwhile, her sister Mary is sitting at Jesus' feet, drinking in His every word. Martha gets annoyed at Mary who is doing nothing when Martha's so obviously frazzled. Do you see why this story comes on the heels of the previous accounts? Remember, all of this began with a question about what God requires of us in the Law of Love? He requires us to Love our God and Love our Neighbor. If the Priest and the Levite show us what it looks like when we try to Love God while failing to Love our Neighbor, Martha shows us what it looks like when we try to Love our Neighbor and end up failing to Love our God. Martha was so distracted with serving others, even doing things on behalf of Jesus, that she forgot to cultivate Love for Jesus. On the other hand, Mary chose the good portion. Mary chose Jesus. Mary put the Love of God first. Keep Love in Order: We will never love our neighbor sufficiently, unless we love our God supremely. We love, because He first loved us. His love is bestowed upon us freely by grace. His love then summons our love in response. His love then compels our love for others. His love supplies and sustains our love for others Takeaway: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?” Luke 9:23–25 Know God through Worship • We find ourselves, not within, but in worship. Feed Your Soul through Community • We find fulfillment, not in autonomy, but in community. Grow in Love through Service • We find meaning, not in success, but in service. Change Your World through Mission • We find purpose, not in monuments, but in mission. Takeaway: Jesus is inviting you on The Journey of a Lifetime… How will you choose to respond?
God is a missional God. The Father sends the Son to redeem the world. And Jesus sends us, His disciples, to the ends of the earth with the message of salvation by grace through faith in Him. We are commissioned by Jesus to show and share the love of God wherever we go. All of us are sent out on mission by Jesus, and there are valuable lessons we need in this passage... 1. The Plan Jesus appoints 72 disciples, puts them into 36 pairs, and sends them out on mission into the towns and villages ahead of Him. This mission requires dependency. Go as Ambassadors of Kingdom Peace. 2. The Stakes As the 72 disciples go as ambassadors of kingdom peace, what's on the line? With great light comes great responsibility. Go with a Message of Eternal Consequence. 3. The Joy From the weight of woes, now we turn to see the joys of blessing. Your name is written in heaven as a free gift of grace from your Father though the Son by the Spirit. Go in the Beloved Security of Divine Intimacy. Takeaway: Go and Join Jesus on a Mission in Your World.
Have you ever come down from grand moment in life? You're on this high and then you come down. Back to reality and it's business as usual. It can be quite disorienting! That's similar to what's happening with Jesus in Luke 9. He goes from glory on the mountaintop and then back down to this broken world. As this chapter closes, Luke narrates a raft of discipleship failures in rapid succession. You see, Jesus will soon depart. And the disciples are going to be the ones who will carry on this Gospel movement to the ends of the earth. But they've got a whole lot to learn from Jesus. And they say the best way to learn is to learn from other peoples' mistakes. So as the disciples get mired inthese pitfalls along the path, let's lean in and learn from their mistakes. Because we need to learn the same lessons that Jesus is teaching them. So let's join up with the twelve on the road with Jesus. There are 6 Pitfalls on the path that can mire us as we seek to follow Jesus… Pitfall #1 – Self-Reliance (Luke 9:37-42) Stay Prayerful Pitfall #2 – Popular Approval (9:43-45) Stay Faithful Pitfall #3 – Prideful Ambition (9:46-48) Stay Humble Pitfall #4 – Jealous Comparison (9:49-50) Stay Focused Pitfall #5 – Abusive Power (9:51-56) Stay Gracious Pitfall #6 – Rival Allegiance (9:57-62) Stay Committed Takeaway: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” – Luke 9:23 Stay prayerful, faithful, humble, focused, gracious, committed.
“Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, Hail th' incarnate Deity! Pleased as man with man to dwell, Jesus our Immanuel.” - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - Charles Wesley In the incarnation, Jesus is God incognito. He is undercover, veiled, and among us in secret. Until Luke 9:28-36, when the veil is lifted and His glory is revealed. 1) The Glory Jesus is Gloriously Transfigured Moses and Elijah appear on the mountain and see Jesus for who he really is. 2) The Tents The Kingdom is Gloriously Tangible Peter asks to put up tents for Moses, Elijah, and Jesus. But he had forgotten that Jesus' path to the crown must first pass through the cross. 3) The Cloud The Father Gloriously Testifies “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” Peter followed Jesus through the cross to the crown! Takeaway: Jesus is our Transfiguring Glory You will be glorious in Christ! C.S. Lewis once preached a sermon called “The Weight of Glory”: “...There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilization—these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit—immortal horrors or everlasting splendors.”
Chapter 9 of the Gospel of Luke forms a hinge in the narrative. Up to this point, the key question has been, “Who is this Jesus?” And in Luke 9, that question begins to be answered and we see His glorious identity be revealed. From this point on, Jesus is moving inexorably toward Jerusalem and to the crucifixion that awaits him there. So here we are, On the Road with Jesus. Up to Jerusalem, to the cross, and to glory. And He says to each one of us, “Come, follow me.” A Glorious Confession A Sobering Clarification A Dangerous Calling A Glorious Confession Jesus is the long-awaited Davidic King A Sobering Clarification Jesus' path to the crown runs through the cross The Royal Road passes through suffering on the way to glory. Jesus is the One who shall wear the crown because He is the One who bore the cross. A Dangerous Calling Jesus bids us follow Him through suffering into glory You must learn to die to yourself, in order to truly live. There's no glory without suffering. Takeaway: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” I have decided to follow Jesus. I have decided to follow Jesus. Though none go with me, still I will follow. The world behind me, the cross before me. I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back, no turning back.
Chapter 9 of the Gospel of Luke forms a hinge in the narrative. Up to this point, the key question has been, “Who is this Jesus?” And in Luke 9, that question begins to be answered and we see His glorious identity be revealed. From this point on, Jesus is moving inexorably toward Jerusalem and to the crucifixion that awaits him there. So here we are, On the Road with Jesus. Up to Jerusalem, to the cross, and to glory. And He says to each one of us, “Come, follow me.” A Glorious Confession A Sobering Clarification A Dangerous Calling A Glorious Confession Jesus is the long-awaited Davidic King A Sobering Clarification Jesus' path to the crown runs through the cross The Royal Road passes through suffering on the way to glory. Jesus is the One who shall wear the crown because He is the One who bore the cross. A Dangerous Calling Jesus bids us follow Him through suffering into glory You must learn to die to yourself, in order to truly live. There's no glory without suffering. Takeaway: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” I have decided to follow Jesus. I have decided to follow Jesus. Though none go with me, still I will follow. The world behind me, the cross before me. I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back, no turning back.
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you” (John 20:19-21). 1. Fear is the Opposite of Faith (John 20:19a). “On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews” 2. Peace is the Christian Response (John 20:19b). Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). 3. The Cross Is Our Hope and Motivation (John 20:20). “When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.” “For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's” (Romans 14:8). 4. We Go Because Jesus Came to Us (John 20:21). Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you” (John 20:19-21). And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me” (Isaiah 6:8).
As we wake up in this universe, we find ourselves in the midst of a story that is already unfolding. But what is the story about? And how do we find our place in the story? The Bible tells us we're living in God's story. It's the story of a God who is on a mission to glorify His name by redeeming all people. It is a story that began at the dawn of creation and will continue until the renewal of all things. When we discover God's Story and realize what the Story is all about, we can find our place in the story. 6 Acts Creation, Fall, Israel, Redemption, Church, Renewal Act I – Creation Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” From the very beginning, God's heart beats for the entire world. Act II – Fall Genesis 3:15 This Promised Seed will reverse the curse and restore all that has been lost. God's heart still beats for all His lost children, scattered amongst the nations. Act III – Israel Genesis 12:1-3 God is creating a people for Himself. Israel may not have embraced God's missionary call wholeheartedly, but His heart beats nonetheless for the peoples of all nations. Act IV – Redemption John 3:16-17 Jesus is the lamb who takes away the sins, not just of Israel, but of the world! Act V – Church Matthew 28:18–20 The Church is to be a missionary movement, going into all the world to share and show the Good News of Jesus. Act VI – Renewal Revelation 5:9-10, 12-13 God's mission is to glorify His name by redeeming all people for Himself from every nation, tribe, language, people, and tongue who will come alive in joyous relationship with Him through the redemption of His beloved Son by the power of His Spirit. Takeaway: What is your place in the story?
Reputations are fragile things...you can spend a lifetime crafting a good reputation only to see it shattered by a moment of weakness, a lapse in judgment, and by sin. What do we do with our past? Are we always under the cloud, the indictment of our past actions? Today, in John chapter 4, we have the privileges of pursuing what we hear from God and hopefully gain a kingdom perspective regarding reputations. The context: The shortest distance to return to Galilee would be to go through the territory known as Samaria. But here's the rub. The Jews and the Samaritans do not like each other. Jesus did not go through Samaria to save time, Jesus did not go through Samaria to save steps; Jesus went to Samaria to save a Samaritan woman. Takeaways: Who is Jesus to you? What does Jesus say to you, about you? Why share the Gospel?
Listening to God. Barriers to hearing from God. Be transformed by the Word. Takeaway: Be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to become angry.
In the Book of Acts—which is the second part of Dr. Luke's two-volume set of historical works—we find Jesus' core disciples, the Apostles, turning the world upside down. They're boldly preaching and going to the ends of the earth to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus! But that's not where they began. Before Jesus showed up, the twelve disciples were just ordinary people. But what we're seeing, in these Gospel accounts, is Jesus training up His twelve disciples. And we too have been sent out by Jesus to change our world! But every mission requires training. Today, we get to listen in on Jesus' Masterclass as He prepares His disciples for their mission. There's so much we can learn from The Training of the Twelve. This is Jesus' Masterclass where he gives three crucial lessons: A Lesson in Dependency A Lesson in Vulnerability A Lesson in Inadequacy 1. A Lesson in Dependency When you step out into the unknown, I will take care of you. When we live on mission, Christ is our provision. 2. A Lesson in Vulnerability When you face the fires of hostility, I will be there with you. When we live on mission, we are never alone. 3. A Lesson in Inadequacy When you come to the end of yourself, I will be more than enough for you. When we live on mission, Jesus is always enough. We may not be Apostles, but we are all of us sent out by Jesus. Mathew 28:18-20 “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” There's no greater adventure in life than to be on mission with Jesus. And so, brothers and sisters, remember, you are loved, more than you know - now let's... Takeaway: “Go and Be the Church!”
Have you ever noticed that the heroes we most admire—in the books we read and in the films we watch—always combine the paradoxical traits of grit and grace? And the paradox of those traits is important. It's easy to be strong and grow hard and calloused. It's easy to be sensitive and grow soft and battered. In other words, choosing one side of the paradox is the usual course of things. But to put both sides of the paradox together, therein lies true heroism. In chapter eight of the Gospel of Luke, we find Jesus embodying this kind of paradoxical heroism. Not only is He mighty and strong, but He is also tender and compassionate, full of mercy and care. Let's walk slowly through these three stories, each of them in the care of Jesus. A Distraught Father A Desperate Woman A Devastated Child 1. A Distraught Father (Luke 8:40–42) Jesus hears our heart's cry. Our Triune God is quick to respond to our heart's cries with deep compassion. Won't you bring your heart's cry to Jesus? 2. A Desperate Woman (Luke 8:42–48) Jesus knows our deep pain. Just as Jairus is concerned with his daughter, Jesus always has time for his daughters. Won't you bring your deep pain to Jesus? 3. A Devastated Child (Luke 8:48–56) Jesus wipes away our tears. As Jesus healed the women and raised this young girl, we're getting a sneak preview of what Jesus will do for all who believe in Him when He returns and makes the world new again. Won't you bring your tears to Jesus? Takeaway: Jesus is making everything sad come untrue. Jesus is the Hero we yearn for. He heals a precious daughter of a secret wound that is draining away her life and tenderly lifts a little girl from the clutches of death. He's the Hero all our other heroes are pointing to.
You know that moment in a superhero movie where all of a sudden the hero's true identity is revealed, usually to a close friend? As an audience member, in that moment it's like you're in on the secret. In the Gospel of Luke, we've seen Jesus revealing bits and pieces of who He is. Everyone's asking, “Who is this Jesus?” But today marks a pivotal moment in the story because the hero's true identity begins to be unveiled. Jesus is with His closest friends and decides to let them in on the secret of His cosmic power. Jesus is lifting the veil, revealing His true identity, and we get to be part of the inner circle. 1. The Uncontrollable Storm Jesus is the Commander of nature At His Word, the wind and waves respond. 2. The Unassailable Captive Jesus is the Commander of the supernatural. Satan and his demons submit to Jesus. 3. The Untamable Lord Jesus is the Commander of all. Jesus is doing the work of God himself. Takeaway: Jesus commands our attention This is more than a mere man, a prophet, or even the Messiah. Jesus is the Commander of all. He's not safe, but He's good. He's the King.
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