Podcasts about Emmaus

One of the great treasures of the Church is to know the glories of St. Joseph. Why not introduce our children to him? In today's episode of The Road to Emmaus, co-authors Scott Hahn and Emily Stimpson Chapman introduce you to their latest joint project, a new children's book titled Joseph: Keeper of the King. To pre-oder your copy visit: https://stpaulcenter.com/josephkeeperoftheking Through their discussion, you'll learn tips and resources for evangelizing children and why poetry and typology are so effective for catechizing children. Through this episode, you will discover the foundations of a biblically rooted devotion to St. Joseph. 

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (03/16/26), Hank answers the following questions:How do we know what we should change in the world or leave alone, and what is and isn't the will of God? Lindsey - Memphis, TN (1:01)Whose sins are covered in James 5:20? Billy - Charlotte, NC (4:23)Is the Walk to Emmaus acceptable for Christians? Victor - KS (8:13)Regarding the command to be “Salt and Light”, what is our responsibility when it comes to politics and the media? Craig - Vancouver, BC (15:13)Clarify comments on the Walk to Emmaus. What are they going to tell me that I shouldn't hear? Bob - Bakersfield, CA (21:15)How should we as Christians respond to attacks and persecution against Christians in the world? Stephen - Calgary, AB (22:23)Is William Branham a false prophet? Stephen - Calgary, AB (24:47)

While Jesus' encounter with the men on the road to Emmaus may not be thought of as a sermon per se, Jesus did indeed preach them a comprehensive message expositing what the Old Testament prophets said about His coming and His mission. Join Dr. James Boice next time on The Bible Study Hour as he reviews the abundance of Old Testament Scripture pointing to Christ and the sermon he may have preached on the way to Emmaus. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

Audio Transcript Are glad you’re with us today. I just didn’t know what today would look like with the weather. And I know some were not able to come in because of the weather, but I’m glad that you’re, you’re here today. So if you have a Bible with you, if you’d open up to the Gospel of Luke and continue our study of Luke today, the text from chapter 7, verses 11 through 17. So Luke 7, 11:17, which is on page 503 on the Pew Bibles. If you didn’t have a Bible with you this morning, if you want to grab one of those, page 503. And so let me read the sacred text and then I’ll pray, ask for the Lord’s blessing on this time, and then we’ll get to work. So Luke 7, starting verse 11 through 17, please hear the words of our God. Luke wrote this. Soon afterward he went to a town called Nain and Disciples, and a great crowd went with him. And he drew near to the gate of the town. Behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother. And she was a widow. And a considerable crowd from the town was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, do not weep. Then he came up and touched the briar, and the bearers stood still. And he said, young man, I say to you, arise. And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they glorify God, saying, a great prophet has risen among us and God has visited his people. And this report about him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country. So that’s God’s word for us this morning. Would you please pray with me? Lord, it is good to be here. And Lord, we’re here this morning on this cold, wintry day because we want to hear from you in your word. And so, God, I pray for the glory of Christ that you would indeed speak through the folly of my preaching and ways that you just fill our hearts with Christ. And I pray song in Jesus name. Amen. Okay, so perhaps my favorite passage in the Gospel of Luke is actually found at the end of the gospel account. So this is one that came after the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, where I read a story of two men on a road to Emmaus who are trying to figure out all the things that just took place concerning Jesus Christ and specifically his death and then resurrection from the dead. And if you’ve Read through Luke before you may remember that these two men are having this discussion, you know, trying to process these events, trying to process reports that were circling around that the risen Christ actually showed up and he entered into their conversation with the two men at the beginning of the story, actually not able to recognize the Lord. Then after some back and forth between Jesus and the two men, Jesus actually rebuked them for being foolish, for not understanding and believing that which was taught in the Old Testament through the prophets concerning the Christ and the suffering that was to come on him to rebuke. Starting with the old test teachings from Moses, which are the first five books of the Bible, and then continuing through the rest of the Old Testament Scripture and the various prophets, Jesus interpret for these two men how all the scriptures are about him, to show them that he is indeed the fulfillment of the Scriptures as God’s word in the end is about Him. It points us to him. Then, after doing this incredible Bible study with these two men, appears that the Lord celebrated the Lord’s supper with them as he broke bread, as he celebrated the meal. Finally the man’s eyes were open, and they’re open in ways they were able to recognize Jesus as the one they were talking to over as their eyes were open. From there, Jesus actually vanishes from their sight, where he went off to appear to some of his disciples. But after he vanished in the story that I love, the two men started to process all that Jesus had told them, how he opened up their eyes to the Scripture, where they’re in dismay, how they didn’t recognize the Lord at first, primarily because of how their hearts burned within hearts burned of the truth of Scripture that Jesus taught to them. Truth of scripture that is mentioned points us to him. Now I tell you that story, it’s a story that we eventually get to in our study of Luke and the months to come. Not simply because it’s actually one of my favorite stories in the Gospel account, but I wonder how important this story of Jesus testifying to all the Old Testament is about him, how important that story was actually to Luke, the author of this gospel that we’ve been studying. Where I’ve wondered, as Luke was going around interviewing eyewitnesses to the life, the death, resurrection of Jesus Christ as he was told this story of the two men on the road to Emmaus, which I have wondered, maybe told directly from them. I’ve wondered how Luke’s heart was like burning inside as he heard the story, as he was starting to see more and more how the scriptures in the End are about Christ. The Scriptures became even more alive to him when he understood them in light of Jesus Christ. I wonder how the truth of Moses, the truth of all the prophets, ultimately speaking about Jesus became so important to Luke that as he wrote this orderly account, that he desired to do so in such ways that he would share stories to help his readers, including us, see how indeed all of the Old Testament is there to point us to Christ, including our text today, which is a text where we’ll continue to see the power and the authority of Jesus Christ on display. So this is something that we’ve seen multiple times in multiple passages that we’ve looked at recent, as Jesus has power and authority even over demons and sickness. Now today we’ll see that the power and authority of Jesus is even over death. So that’s one of the things we’ve seen in the text. Addition, our text today, perhaps even more primary to the passage, is we’re actually going to see the compassion of the Lord Jesus Christ, where Jesus used his power, his authority, in direct correlation to his compassion, where we see his good heart towards his people who are suffering. And in the text, we’re going to see how Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament, which I think to me is clear that Luke is wanting us to see how we’re to see that two of the more important characters of the Old Testament, two of the greatest prophets, Elijah and Elisha, ultimately were there to point us to Christ, as they were types of Christ to come, who is the great and true prophet. Now, before we dive back into text, just a quick reminder where we left off last week so you may remember. Jesus just finished one of his most famous sermons recorded in Scripture. Sermon mentioned many times, referred to as a sermon on the plain. And after Jesus dismissed that congregation from the plain, he himself left the plane and headed towards a city called Capernaum, which is a place that he previously ministered at, at least on two occasions, where he did some incredible acts of ministry. In fact, Capernaum actually seemed to be Jesus like, almost like his home base during his earthly ministry. So in our text last week, if Jesus returned to that city, we learned that there was a wealthy, influential Roman military officer, a centurion, who sent for Jesus. And. And he sent for Jesus because he wanted Jesus to come heal his favorite servant who was at the point of death. In our story last week, the centurion sent a delegation of Jewish elders to go get Jesus, doing so with the belief that he was worthy of Jesus coming to do this for him to heal his servant because of the authority that he carried. However, as Jesus responded to this request by starting to make his way to the house, somewhere in the short time between sending for Jesus and Jesus drawing near to the house, somewhere in that short period of time, the centurion has like a major change of heart and a tone towards the Lord Jesus. Or for me, I think the centurion actually was converted. Because as Jesus Christ came near the house, the centurion sent a second group of delegates, some of his friends, to tell Jesus to come no further. Because the centurion now understood he actually was not, not worthy of Jesus Christ, even though he was a man of great wealth and authority. As Jesus came near, the man understood and he testified that he actually was a man under authority, specifically the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ. And upon hearing the centurion make this declaration, which the man who I should mention was a Gentile, Jesus had his own declaration in response, saying that nowhere in all of Israel did he find such faith, a faith that rightly understands the lordship of Christ over all of our lives. But I should mention here that some actually connect this story of the centurion to a famous Old Testament story of a different gentleman who had power, remember Naaman, who had leprosy on the end of that story, professed faith in God. So some connect that story of centurion to him. And finally, where we ended our text last week, after Jesus making the declaration about the centurion, the second group of delegates then returning back home and they found the sick servant healed, where Jesus healed a man, where he continued to show power, authority over sickness. Now today, as we continue in our study with Luke, we actually come to an even greater healing, even greater then the healing of the centurion. Who’s the point of death where text today is mentioned, Jesus actually raises a young man from the dead. And this morning I hope that this increases the burning in our hearts as Jesus puts his power and authority and compassion on display as he proves that all the scriptures are about him. So that is the intro if you want to look back with me, starting in verse 11. So if you’re visiting with us. So what we do here is I’m just going to walk us back through the text verse by verse. So if you have your Bible open, please keep them open. So starting verse 11. So we read these words so soon after this refers to the interaction that Jesus had with the centurion, which is the start of chapter seven. So soon after that we see that Jesus was back on the move and we See that he traveled maybe 25 or 30 miles or so to the south, you know, a good day’s walk. And he now came to a town called Nain. Now when it comes to this town, this is actually the only time it’s mentioned in scripture. But where we gather through archaeology, this town seems at one point to be a town that had some size to it, but perhaps maybe to like a change in economy, something like that by the time of Christ. This is now a smaller, more insignificant town that’s located in the southern part of Galilee, which is where Jesus spent much of his public ministry. Now what’s interesting about N is that this little town was really close to a more familiar town in scripture. A town to seem to be the location like a large cemetery of like tombs and caves that served this area. A town called Endor. No, for Star wars fans, not that Endor, but if you’ve read the Old Testament, maybe this town is familiar to you. There’s a very famous yet very odd story about a witch who was from Endor who practiced divination which where in this odd Old Testament story, Saul, who was the king of Israel, began to understand that his like kingdom was slipping out of his hands because of his own sinful practices where like he rejected the Lord and his authority over him. I mean unlike the gentile centurion, Saul was not a man under authority. And as Saul rightly understood, the king was slipping away. In his desperation he came to this witch in Endor, asking her to speak to the dead on his behalf, specifically to speak to the former prophet and priest who anointed Saul as king, a man named Samuel. As Saul wanted to get some advice from him. Now in this odd story, really much to the surprise of the witch, when she called upon Samuel, he responded to her, communicating to her, communicating to Saul through her that soon the kingdom will be taken from him. Now we don’t have time to work through that story, but various scholars I read this week do wonder how this story in Luke perhaps has that story of the witch and Endor like kind of running in the background in subtle ways in the text here. So Jesus entered into Nain, it appears that he is about to run into those who are headed towards endorphins. So not sure if that should be running in the background as we think through this passage, but is it interesting to consider back to verse 11 of our text. As Jesus went to Nain, we say he did not make this 20 file 25 mile walk alone. Rather we see that his disciples are with him. Along with a great crowd, which this really had to be an interesting sight to see for those who are along the route from Capernaum to Nain. You know, just think like, maybe like out working your field and you look up and you see a large caravan people headed towards this little insignificant town, which didn’t seem to be part of any like major traveling route for this time period. Rather seemed like this little town was like fairly isolated, fairly removed from much of the world around it. However, we see it’s not isolated or removed from the heart of the Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 12. As Jesus and his great crowd drew near to the gate of the town, this time they’re about to end, we see that they were met at the gate by a considerable crowd who’s about to head out of the city, headed seemingly towards Endor. As this crowd that Jesus met was part of a funeral procession. And in this procession there would have been people there that we assumed would be there, like family and friends. But culturally, during this time this procession also probably included like hired mourners as well as hired musicians, making this like a huge crowd which as these two crowds, the crowd of Jesus and crowd of mourners, they meet here. This would have made a huge group like converging at the gate, perhaps well into the hundreds, all at the city gate. Verse 12. See that this procession of mourners was there because of a man, a man who was being carried out, a young man who died, who was the only son of his mother, who now was, or who also was a widow. Okay, now just a few things on this just to interest you. So first, for this woman, I mean, this would have been awful, a really awful thing for her to endure and have to process through hard enough to have your only son die and all the pain associated with death. But culturally this would have put her in like the most vulnerable of places where culturally women would have been dependent upon either her husband or her sons like, to provide and support and protect. But now for this woman who was a widow, she’s now culturally void of those realities. So for those who read the Old Testament book of Ruth and the story of Naomi, remember how she like, basically considered herself like, good as dead when her husband’s, her husband and sons died. That’s the woman here in this text. All of the pain, all of the hurt of losing her only son, as well as all the fear, all the concern, all the worry on what was before her, to have no husband or son, provide, support, protect her. This woman was in desperate need of grace and Mercy. She was desperate for someone to show her some compassion. Second, a widow losing a son. This is actually where her mind should be taken back to the great prophets Elijah and Elisha. So you may remember this. In the ministry of Elijah in First Kings 17, there’s a widow from a town called Zarephath who had a son who died, who God brought back to life through the prayers of Elijah, who laid upon the boy three times as he prayed that God would give back his Life. Then in second Kings 4, there’s another young boy who died, who Elisha also prayed for doing so with laying on top of his dead body. And in both these stories, not only did the Lord give back to life, each of these boys as the sons were brought back from the from the dead to the land of living. The prophets then brought the sons back to their moms. Which we’re going to see in just a bit is our text in verse 15. But for now, just know the story of Jesus here in Luke 7. This is tied with like strong allusions to Elijah and Elisha and the stories that’s mentioned, particularly the one of Elijah in 1st Kings 17. Third, I also want to just mention here something I read in one of the commentaries that I thought was actually pretty insightful. This came from the John Phillips commentary where Phillips wrote concerning verse 12, concerning two different crowds, two different processions that met at the city gates. Philip wrote, one was being led by the angel of death, but the other by the Lord of life. And that reality of being led by the angel of death or the Lord of life was not just true of the scene here, but that reality is true of all of us where either we all are dead in our sin being led by the angel of death, or we are walking by faith in Christ as he leads us as the Lord of life, as he leads us into eternal life that is to come. So by the way, just kind of on this, I just do have to ask, as you walked in this morning, what procession are you following right now? Keep going. Verse 13. As the true processions met each other, as this large crowd was forming at the city gate, we see that the eyes of Jesus found the one in the crowd who was hurting the most as his eyes were taken to the mother who was mentioned again would be carrying like overwhelming pain with the loss, incredible stress on what would be for her coming next. And as the eyes of Jesus fell upon this woman, we see that his eyes were filled with compassion towards her, which is important for us to see in this passage as well in our own lives. So, yes, Jesus is the Lord. He’s the one filled with all power, all authority, where all things exist by him and for him. And in his power and in his authority, he will justly judge all things. But within those truths, what we see in the text, we see throughout Scripture, is that towards his people, Jesus sees them with eyes filled with compassion, where he sees his hurting people, our pain is not absent from Him. And as the Lord sees our pain, he sees us with his tender heart. One of my favorite passages in Scripture, a bruised reed he will not break, a smoking flax he will not quench. And that is so true in this passage here. For this mom, who is hurting, who is grieving, Jesus did not come to her to break her, to quench her. Rather, text, with his eyes and heart filled with compassion, we see Jesus, like, walked up to the woman to console her with the words, woman, do not weep, saying this because he knew he’s about to dry her tears in the most incredible ways, which, by the way, is what he promised to do for all his people as they enter into eternal life, where Jesus will dry every tear that we shed with kindness, with compassion, we heal, dry our tears in such a way that we actually will never cry painful tears ever again, as he removes all pain and hurt and tears from his people forever. In text, verse 14, after consoling the woman, see, Jesus went to the brier, which is a frame that a coffin or a deceased body is laid upon. As the body being carried to the tomb, as he approached the dead body of the young man, we see that it stopped the bears, you know, the ones carrying the briar, and stopped them in their tracks. And they stood still before the Lord, you know, just waiting to see what he was going to do. As the bear stood still, assuming everyone else, and both parties at the gates stood still silent before the Lord. We see in the story that Jesus spoke up in the text, young man, I say to you, arise. Which is notice here. Jesus is speaking to the dead man with all of his power, all of his authority, doing so in such a way that Jesus knew that the dead man would hear him. Which is a stark contrast to the witch of Endor as mentioned, was shocked with her divination. As Samuel responded from the dead, Jesus spoke up to this man. Jesus knew that his word would not return to him void, but he knew that the dead man would hear and respond to his sovereign voice. So in verse 15, as the word of Jesus went forth, we see the dead man head no choice, but he had to Respond. And he sat up and began to speak. Alive, risen. And this had been an incredible sight to behold for those at the scene. But even more for this young man, this scene, as the first thing he sees after his resurrection is Jesus. Just a couple things on this. So Pillar commentary points out that this face of Jesus would have been most likely unfamiliar to this young man. Most likely. He probably did not meet Jesus prior to this. But as he saw the face of Jesus as he rose again, he saw the face to which he belonged. Second, while this story is unique in scripture, there’s not many who were raised from the dead. In fact, in the ministry of Jesus, we only see three such occurrences. So there’s this one, there’s his friend Lazarus we can read about in John 11. And then there’s a daughter of a man named Jairus we’re actually gonna get to when we get to Luke chapter 8. So while this reality of being raised from the dead to see Jesus is unique in this life. But for those who are in Christ, friends, this will be your reality, where one day, yes, you will come to your last breath, where to this life you will be dead. But the promise of scripture, for all those who have faith in Jesus Christ, as we die to this life, our eyes will be open to the eternal life that is to come. And the first thing that we’re going to see is Jesus. So for us right now, yes, we have to imagine what this must have been like for this young man. But for those who are in Christ, one day, you will not have to imagine what this was like because you’re going to experience it yourself. You will see Jesus face to face, the very one to whom you belong. Keep on the text with more compassion, more kindness from our Lord Jesus Christ. As Jesus resurrected this man we see, he now turns back to the mother to give her her son. As mentioned earlier, this action is very similar to what Elijah did in 1st Kings 17. For us. Once again, with imagination, we can only imagine the joy this had to be for the mother to have Jesus return to her her only son. However, one day, because of eternal life that Jesus offers friends, we don’t have to imagine what that would be like either, to be reunited with a loved one who had died. For all who are in Christ, not only will we see Jesus with our eyes, but we will see each other as we will live with Christ and each other throughout all eternity. Keep going. Verse 7 or 16. For those that have seen, they didn’t have to imagine what this all looked like because they were there to Experience. And as he experienced the power and the authority of Jesus to raise the dead, as well as he experienced the kindness, the compassion of Jesus to care for this woman who was in deep pain. In the text we see that they were like seized by fear. And this fear here is not like fear of danger. It’s not like a fear tied to some type of worry or anxiety. Rather, this is a fear that’s filled with like awe. As both crowds that met at the gate stood almost dumbfounded with awe by that which they just witnessed. You know, for the crowd to arrive at Jesus of the gate. Yeah, most likely they would have witnessed some incredible things beforehand. You know, various hearings that Jesus did, casting out of demons, but now raising the dead, that’s next level for the crowd who was there as part of the funeral procession. Right. This would have been the last thing they would expect as they’re proceeding out to the graveyard, as they headed to Andor, they’re expecting to place the body in the tomb, not seeing the body raised up from the dead. Going into the theme of imagination for us does not take a lot of imagination, our part to see and understand why the crowd stood seized with fear, with awe and the text as this awe filled crowd, as they witness all this that Jesus did, we see they did the only thing that they could do in response to the Lord and what he did. And they began to worship and they began glorifying God in the text, saying, a great prophet has risen among us and God has very visited his people. Now, just a couple things and these two phrases said by the crowd. The first phrase, the declaration, the great prophet has risen among us sends a crowd like understanding that indeed Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament. The Old Testament is written about him. In the Old Testament there’s a few passages speaking towards a great prophet who was to come that you’re connecting now here to Christ. One they probably most likely had in mind is Deuteronomy 18, where Moses wrote this says, the Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers. It is him you shall listen. I also wonder, perhaps you’re thinking about Malachi 4, which says this. So behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet, before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes, you will turn the hearts and fathers of their children, and the hearts of their children, and children in the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest they come and strike the land with a decree and utter destruction. Which that passage of Elijah to come we do see is first pointing to John the Baptist, who is a forerunner Christ. But I do think that both Elijah as well as John the Baptist are there for us to see Jesus as the great and true prophet. As mentioned our text, as a crowd stood seized with awe, it seemed like they were understanding. Their hearts were burning inside as they were recognizing that Jesus indeed is the prophet. Promised from old then the second phrase that people declared, the phrase God has visited his people. And for us this is such a rich and such an encouraging reality when it comes to our God. Most religions worldviews, their deity is like just distant, pretty aloof to what’s going on in the world around them. So for many, they’re just hoping to do enough good things to somehow capture the attention of their false God. They might feel compelled like to entertain them with his presence. But this understanding, this type of religion, this is so far different from the truth that we see in Scripture concerning the one true and living God. But He’s a God who’s near, who’s present, who’s active in the world around us, including in our own hearts. He is a God who indeed visits his people. In fact, we’ve learned in our study of Luke, in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, God visits His people in such a way that he actually lived among us, Emmanuel, God with us. Furthermore, we see in Scripture, particularly in the book of Acts, which is volume two of this work of Luke, in the person of the Holy Spirit, God continues to visit his people in such a way that he lives and he dwells in the hearts of his people. Meaning for his people, God could not be more near than he is, as he promises that he will forever be near to us, as he will never leave us, never forsake us. And finally, we’re going to end in our passage today, verse 17, as his entire crowd came to this conclusion, as he understood the worship that Jesus deserves, we see the groups went their different ways. And as they left the scene, we see that reports about Jesus raising the young man from the dead started spread throughout the whole region of Judea, along with all the surrounding country, which no doubt only added to the buzz and excitement and the interest of the growing conversation of Jesus and Nazareth, if indeed he was the Messiah, which He is now. As I close this time here, I just want to give you just a few kind of summary statements from what we see in the text and then we’ll be done. So first, as we think through this text, so let the power, or the authority and power of Jesus, let that burn deeply within your heart and this Power, this authority, the Lord Jesus Christ. This is something we continue to see throughout Luke, throughout the public ministry of Jesus Christ that Luke records for us or his ministry is not like one of a charlatan, like he didn’t minister in weakness. Jesus didn’t minister with like false promises where he like oversell but then vastly under deliver. Rather the ministry of Jesus was filled with real authority, with real power where Jesus was able to do that only God’s Eternal Son can do in text today. This authority, this power is found in the greatest miracle of Jesus that he performed to this day. Where according to this authority, to this power, Jesus raises the dead. And friends, let that authority, let that power burn in your hearts knowing that only did Jesus raise the dead in this text along as with the others that I mentioned earlier, but he has the authority, the power to raise all of his people from the dead so for all time they can dwell with him in eternity. You know, there’s plenty of things in this life that appear to have some type of authority, some type of power. Friends, let your heart burneth in burneth hope that in the end there’s only one authority. There’s only one power that’s gonna win out. It’s the Lord Jesus Christ and the power of his resurrection. Second, let the compassion of Jesus also burn deeply within your heart. Yes, Jesus has all power, he has all authority, but he also has all compassion. Where it’s mentioned in the end of time, as his people enter into eternal life, he’s gonna meet us with his compassion, where he’s gonna dry every tear that we have ever shed, including our most painful and grief filled tears. He’s gonna dry them with all of his compassion for us today. While no doubt the resurrection power and authority of Jesus is very present in the text, but I think even more what Luke wants us to see in this passage is the compassion, the tender heartedness of Jesus Christ who is filled with compassion towards this moment, who just lost her only son, this mom who is at the point of desperation, who needed someone to show her compassion, which in the text Jesus does with his grace upon grace. And friends, I do hope that the compassion that Jesus has for his people does burn in your hearts where it burns in ways that we feel it, particularly in our times of need. We’re in our times of need. We trust that Jesus is not aloof to your pain, to your reality. Rather he is present. He’s present in ways that he is there to visit you in your pain. As your great High Priest who ministers with compassion and Kindness and grace upon grace. Which by the way, I do wonder if maybe that’s true for some of you here this morning, that you did come in carrying just pain and grief. Jesus is here to minister to you with his compassion. Third, let Jesus fulfilling the Scripture, let that reality also burn deeply within your heart. Just back to the passage I started to share from the end of Luke, where in the end, all of scripture, all of it, is there to point us to Christ. So as you read God’s holy word, let me encourage you to do so in ways where you’re like actively engaging your mind and heart, where you’re reading, in ways you’re like actually studying it, where you’re meditating upon it, memorizing it, where you’re asking the Lord through the power of his spirit to help you see whatever you’re reading, how that is to lead you to Jesus, whether it be through promises, through types, through failures, through prophecy, or wherever it may be. May we read Scripture in ways that it’s leading us to see how all of God’s yes and Amen are all taking us to Jesus, the One who sets our hearts on fire. Back to our text, I do think it’s worth considering the odd story of the witch in Endor and her false divination, which just shows us like the sin and folly of mankind, how they’re there or that story is meant to stand in contrast to this story here in the truth and the wisdom found in Christ. Clearly in our text today, as we read about the great prophets Elijah and Elisha, as yes, we see the great things that the Lord did through them, but ultimately they’re types, pointers to the one true great prophet, the Lord Jesus, the one who raised the dead. So for us it would read God’s sacred word. May we read them in ways that they’re seen. We’re seeing how they take us to the truth that is Christ and may that truth burn deeply in our hearts in ways that we worship him, which actually leads to the next thing. Let your burning heart lead you to worship the Lord Jesus Christ, where your heart is set on fire in ways that you’re seized with awe of who Jesus is, where all that you do is done as an act of worship of him, as you pour out your life as a living sacrifice that’s holy and acceptable to him, where you’re pouring out your life in ways that shows worship of love towards him, love towards others, starting with others. Here in the church, we’re in this worship. You’re giving your time and your Treasure and your talents to prove that indeed Jesus is the Lord of your life, the great treasure of your soul. One more Let your burning heart lead you to spread reports about Jesus. So another favorite passage in Scripture comes from a different prophet. Different prophet is also there to point us to Christ Prophet named Jeremiah. Jeremiah wrote this. If I say I will not mention him speaking of God or speak any more in his name. There is in my heart as if it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary of holding it in and cannot. And church. May that be true of us as well, that our hearts burn in the worship of Jesus Christ with a burning that’s so intense, so white hot, that we can’t help but share reports about him, starting with a report of his gospel found in his death, which Jesus, God’s only son, died on a cross, which he did out of great love, according to his great kindness and compassion and mercy, which he did in accordance with the scriptures that he came to fulfill as he, Jesus took on the punishment of our sin in our place where he died. But unlike the Son in the text who was stopped before he reached the tomb, Jesus actually was buried outside of the city gates where he lay dead for three days. However, as we know, Jesus did not stay dead, but in accordance with his great authority and power, which is authority, power even over death, in accordance with the Scripture, according to the sign of the great prophet Jonah that was given to us in the Old Testament, on the third day, in his greatest of all miracles, the Lord Jesus picked back up his own life as he rose again from the dead, where he now lives eternally. And this report of Jesus crucified and risen, that has been passed down to us is a truth that is meant to seize our hearts, to seize in ways that penetrates like every fiber of our being, where our hearts are now burning so intensely inside that we cannot help but share the report in ways that we pass it down to others for us, sharing with others throughout the whole of Madison and then to the surrounding country and not stopping until we reach all the way to the ends of the earth. And by the way, if you’re looking for like a very real practical way to satisfy this burning in your heart, the sharing a report of him we know in a few weeks it’s Easter, where we’ll be even more intentionally remembering the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. So if I can encourage us, let’s invite others to come join us at that service. And who knows how on that Sunday, those who might walk in dead, dead in sin on that Sunday, maybe they hear the voice of Jesus in ways that they have no choice but respond to him, so that by faith he would believe in him. That they be risen, having their hearts set on fire for the Lord of life. By the way, I actually did wonder this morning if this may actually be true. Maybe if some of us here, or even this morning, perhaps you walked in dead to Jesus, dead in sin for sure, you might know things about him, but you’ve never met Him. He’s not the vision of your life. I do wonder that maybe today, maybe even this moment, for the first time, you would actually trust in Jesus so that through the eyes of faith you would see him. That you be raised to life with him, the new and eternal life that he offers. My friend, if that is actually true of you today, just know we would love to rejoice with you in that truth. So please share that report with us. Knowing that reports like this, that you trusted in Jesus for the first time, that only adds to the fire in our own hearts. So, yes, Redville Church, may the truth of God found in his Word, the truth that leads us to Christ, may that set our hearts on fire today and always, that all of our days are filled with the joyful worship of him and the sharing of the reports about him. That by the grace of God, others might have their hearts burned within as well. Let’s pray. Lord, I do pray that you would do a great work in our hearts. That even in this time, in this moment, that you would fan the flame within. Lord, I pray for those here who may have not yet trusted in you. That today, through your sovereign voice, that you would call them to yourself, that you would open up their eyes, that they may see the Lord Jesus Christ, the very one who died for them, to take on the punishment of their sin, only to rise again from the dead so they may have life in you. Life abundantly, both now and throughout all eternity. And Lord, we need your help to be faithful, to eagerly spread the news of reports of Christ crucified and risen. Lord, far too often our hearts are cold to share this report. Far too often we make excuse on why we are slow to share. So, God, not only do I pray you forgive us for falling short, but particularly the next few weeks, that you would just help us to be faithful witnesses. That we’d faithfully share the report. And Lord, our deep prayer is that you would use our little church to draw many to faith in Christ. And we pray that you would do that even within the next few weeks. And lastly, Lord, I just do want to pray if there’s any here that are that walked in just carrying the weight of grief, that in this moment that today you would meet them with your compassion and your kindness. That indeed you would prove to be their great high priest, who can sympathize with them in all weakness yet without sin. And that you would minister to them in their time of need with your grace upon grace. Pray song Jesus name, Amen. The post Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son – Luke 7: 11-17 appeared first on Red Village Church.

Hear more sermons at http://www.lvbaptist.org/service-podcast/ Watch Our TV Broadcast here: https://www.lvbaptist.org/wfmz-program/ Visit us here: Lehigh Valley Baptist Church 4702 Colebrook Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049

Hear more sermons at http://www.lvbaptist.org/service-podcast/ Watch Our TV Broadcast here: https://www.lvbaptist.org/wfmz-program/ Visit us here: Lehigh Valley Baptist Church 4702 Colebrook Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049

Luke 24:25-27 While Jesus' encounter with the men on the road to Emmaus may not be thought of as a sermon per se, Jesus did indeed preach them a comprehensive message expositing what the Old Testament prophets said about His coming and His mission. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he reviews the abundance of Old Testament Scripture pointing to Christ and the sermon he may have preached on the way to Emmaus.

Hear more sermons at http://www.lvbaptist.org/service-podcast/ Watch Our TV Broadcast here: https://www.lvbaptist.org/wfmz-program/ Visit us here: Lehigh Valley Baptist Church 4702 Colebrook Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049

This sermon introduces the importance of "connecting small" (joining small groups or "Packs") as an essential part of spiritual formation. Connecting small isn't just a church program; it's a vital environment for maturing in our faith, making disciples, and fulfilling the Great Commission.Scripture ReferencesMatthew 28:19-20: The Great Commission—making disciples and teaching them to obey.1 Corinthians 3:1-2: Paul addressing spiritual infants who need milk, not solid food.Philippians 2:3-4: A call to spiritual adolescence: looking to the interests of others.1 Corinthians 4:15: "You have countless instructors in Christ, but you don't have many fathers."James 1:2-4: The testing of faith produces endurance, leading to maturity.Luke 24:13-35: The Road to Emmaus, where Jesus models different learning styles (Scripture, mentoring, and an immersive meal).1 John 4:7-8: "Let us love one another, because love is from God."Luke 10:5-6: Jesus instructs His disciples to look for a "person of peace."Key PointsThe Goal is Maturity Jesus didn't just save us; He called us to grow up in Him. Using James Fowler's "Stages of Faith," we can assess our maturity:Spiritual Infancy: Fully dependent on others for spiritual nourishment ("feed me").Spiritual Adolescence: Taking personal responsibility for your own spiritual growth.Spiritual Adulthood/Parenthood: Moving from independence to interdependence. You invest in others, walking alongside them through the testing of their faith to help them grow.Connecting Small Creates a Place to Learn Sunday mornings are great, but learning theory shows we need more than just a lecture. Small groups provide:Information (Lecture/Teaching)Apprenticeship (Mentoring from someone further along)Immersion (Catching the culture and presence of God by being in the environment) Jesus used all three on the Road to Emmaus. Small groups provide the apprenticeship and immersion that a Sunday service cannot fully offer.Connecting Small Gives Us a People to Love Maturity requires love. In a small group, we hear the hopes, fears, and pains of others. Loving people stretches our capacity and creates a dependency on God ("I don't know how to help them; God, You have to come through"). Loving God fuels our love for others, and loving others deepens our reliance on God.ConclusionWe don't connect small just to have another meeting on the calendar. We do it because we desire to grow and mature, we want a context to love people deeply, and we want to set the table for others to experience the healing and peace of Jesus.Calls to ActionAssess Your Stage: Are you an infant relying on others to feed you, an adolescent taking responsibility, or a parent investing in others?Join a Group: Don't settle for the "lecture" of Sunday morning. Join a small group to experience apprenticeship and immersion.Look for a Person of Peace: Pay attention to the people in your life. Who is God already preparing? Take the risk and invite them into your life and community. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.

On the road to Emmaus, there were two men who were sad. Why were they sad when they had Jesus in their presence? Because they were slow of heart to believe all that the prophets had spoken. Is the same true for you today? Are you slow to believe the Word of God? Please listen to this sermon.

Hear more sermons at http://www.lvbaptist.org/service-podcast/ Watch Our TV Broadcast here: https://www.lvbaptist.org/wfmz-program/ Visit us here: Lehigh Valley Baptist Church 4702 Colebrook Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049

When life leaves us saying, “We had hoped,” the good news of Luke 24 is that Jesus still comes near, even when pain has made us too discouraged to recognize Him. He does not merely offer religion or quick fixes; He opens the Scriptures, reveals Himself in relationship, and uses community to help us see clearly again. And because He is risen, our disappointment is not the end of the story—our hearts can burn again, our hope can live again, and we can get up and walk forward in faith. The post Emmaus: Our Journey of Faith appeared first on Ottawa Church of Christ.

Luke 24:35 — The disciples reported what happened on the road to Emmaus. We are called to rehearse and share what God has done. Weekly biblical encouragement and Spiritual Reflections from Frank Julian Ministries. Grow in faith at frankjulianministries.com

Hear more sermons at http://www.lvbaptist.org/service-podcast/ Watch Our TV Broadcast here: https://www.lvbaptist.org/wfmz-program/ Visit us here: Lehigh Valley Baptist Church 4702 Colebrook Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049

Hear more sermons at http://www.lvbaptist.org/service-podcast/ Watch Our TV Broadcast here: https://www.lvbaptist.org/wfmz-program/ Visit us here: Lehigh Valley Baptist Church 4702 Colebrook Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049

Hear more sermons at http://www.lvbaptist.org/service-podcast/ Watch Our TV Broadcast here: https://www.lvbaptist.org/wfmz-program/ Visit us here: Lehigh Valley Baptist Church 4702 Colebrook Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049

Hear more sermons at http://www.lvbaptist.org/service-podcast/ Watch Our TV Broadcast here: https://www.lvbaptist.org/wfmz-program/ Visit us here: Lehigh Valley Baptist Church 4702 Colebrook Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049

The Poem of the Man God is a retelling of the Gospel story of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the private revelations of Maria Valtorta. In this episode, we see : little Michael and (Jesus) preaching near Emmaus on the Plain.Original music by Angela Marie (Mohammed). Messiah. Savior. Passion of Christ. Religion. Wisdom. Miracles. Catholic Christian Theology. Apostles. Disciples. Believers. Followers. Early Church. Holy Communion. Healing. Suffering Sacrifice. New Testament. Bible.

Is covenant theology alien to the Catholic tradition? In this episode of The Road to Emmaus, Scott Hahn is joined by Rob Corzine—Vice President of Academic Programs at the St. Paul Center. Together they discuss the biblical roots of the sacraments, drawing insights from Dr. Hahn's book Swear to God. To order your copy visit: http://stpaulcenter.com/promise Together they explain how sacramental theology is covenantal. Just as God used covenants in the Old Testament to expand His family from a couple to an empire, so now He uses the Seven Sacraments to draw us into His worldwide covenant family. Discover why covenant theology is at the heart of the Catholic approach to Scripture.

Hear more sermons at http://www.lvbaptist.org/service-podcast/ Watch Our TV Broadcast here: https://www.lvbaptist.org/wfmz-program/ Visit us here: Lehigh Valley Baptist Church 4702 Colebrook Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049

The Poem of the Man God is a retelling of the Gospel story of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the private revelations of Maria Valtorta. In this episode, we see Simon of Jonah's struggle and spiritual victory. Plus a second reading: Going towards Emmaus on the Plain. Original music by Angela Marie (Mohammed). Messiah. Savior. Passion of Christ. Religion. Wisdom. Miracles. Catholic Christian Theology. Apostles. Disciples. Believers. Followers. Early Church. Holy Communion. Healing. Suffering Sacrifice. New Testament. Bible.

This powerful message takes us on a journey down the road to Emmaus, where two disciples walked alongside the risen Christ without recognizing Him. The central question confronts us directly: how often do we fail to see Jesus walking beside us in our own lives? The scripture from Luke 24 suggests that these disciples were blinded not by divine intervention, but by their own circumstances—their dashed hopes, their downcast emotions, and their fixation on what they had expected rather than what God was actually doing. We discover that living in the past, allowing our emotions to control our vision, or clinging too tightly to our own expectations can prevent us from experiencing Christ's presence in the here and now. The beautiful revelation comes when Jesus opens the scriptures to them, causing their hearts to burn within them. This reminds us that God's Word is essential for seeing clearly, for knowing truth rather than just feeling our way through life. Every Sunday is Easter, a celebration of resurrection and new life, and we're invited to approach communion with fresh eyes—not as ritual or habit, but as a profound encounter with the God who moved heaven and earth to be in relationship with us. If you want help in starting this journey, please don't hesitate to reach out! If you want to talk to someone about going deeper in your faith or starting to walk with Jesus on a daily basis, please reach out to us at office@graceva.com

Hear more sermons at http://www.lvbaptist.org/service-podcast/ Watch Our TV Broadcast here: https://www.lvbaptist.org/wfmz-program/ Visit us here: Lehigh Valley Baptist Church 4702 Colebrook Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049

This is part 2 (or 3) of Meditating and Reading Scripture. This week's ending to the message will focus on meditating on Philippians 4 and the lead up will focus on Luke 24, the disciples walking on the road to Emmaus and Jesus reading them the scriptures.

In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan Rittenhouse and Cameron McAllister engage in deep theological reflection on the Epstein files, cultural corruption, and the crisis of meaning in the modern West. Referencing figures like Harvey Weinstein and drawing cultural parallels to excesses reminiscent of Nero, they explore why revelations of elite abuse, power, and moral collapse no longer shock us—and what that says about our spiritual condition. Are Christians becoming cynical, or are we awakening to the emptiness of fame, wealth, and influence as ultimate goals? Interacting with themes echoed in the “He Gets Us” Super Bowl campaign and thinkers like Aristotle, Nathan and Cameron examine the biblical concept of telos—our God-given purpose—and contrast radical individualism with the shared story of Scripture. Through reflections on the Emmaus road, the Sermon on the Mount, and the Church's role in restoring shared meaning, this conversation equips believers to pursue true human flourishing in Christ amid cultural decay. If you're a Christian seeking serious theological analysis of current events, cultural commentary grounded in biblical truth, and practical wisdom for faithful living in a confused age, this episode will challenge and encourage you.DONATE LINK: https://toltogether.com/donate BOOK A SPEAKER: https://toltogether.com/book-a-speakerJOIN TOL CONNECT: https://toltogether.com/tol-connect TOL Connect is an online forum where TOL listeners can continue the conversation begun on the podcast.

On Sunday we continued our journey through The Story in Chapter 27: The Resurrection, focusing on Luke 24:13–35.In this chapter, we saw how the risen King inaugurates His Kingdom through the Scriptures, the Cross, the Table, and the Mission. The disciples on the road to Emmaus misunderstood the story — and in many ways, we often do too. They expected a throne. Jesus revealed a cross. They expected immediate glory. Jesus showed victory through suffering.

00:00 Start3:44:12 What does the Bible say about being transgender?15:46 Is it okay to get tattoo's in the age of grace?23:19 At what age should we teach kids about good and evil?36:20 Is the Roman Catholic church the true church?45:03 Do you recommend the Walk to Emmaus?45:37 Help with a husband that spends too much time on his phone?51:50 Do believers need to keep the commandments to eat of the tree of life?57:24 What would you do differently if you could live your life over?1:00:16 Are believers still judged on their actions?1:05:22 Advice for a young man wanting to get married1:20:43 Papau New Guinea update

Pastor Tom preaches on the account of Jesus walking with two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Message originally preached Wednesday evening January 28, 2026.

Hear more sermons at http://www.lvbaptist.org/service-podcast/ Watch Our TV Broadcast here: https://www.lvbaptist.org/wfmz-program/ Visit us here: Lehigh Valley Baptist Church 4702 Colebrook Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049

Hear more sermons at http://www.lvbaptist.org/service-podcast/ Watch Our TV Broadcast here: https://www.lvbaptist.org/wfmz-program/ Visit us here: Lehigh Valley Baptist Church 4702 Colebrook Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049

Have you ever wondered what ties the entire Bible together? Pastor Marcus unveils a powerful truth through the lens of the Exodus story - there's a divine melody playing throughout Scripture, and its composer is Jesus Himself. Drawing from a poignant scene on the road to Emmaus, Pastor Marcus reveals how Jesus showed His followers that every biblical narrative, especially the Exodus, echoes His theme of liberation and renewal. Through an exploration of God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15, we discover an extraordinary moment where God alone passes through the sacrificial pieces, essentially saying, "If either of us breaks this covenant, I'll pay the price." This ancient ceremony foreshadowed Christ's ultimate sacrifice, where He would be torn apart to fulfill both sides of the covenant. Pastor Marcus brilliantly connects this to the opening of Exodus, showing how even a simple list of names carries the weight of God's faithfulness to His promises. Which reminds us that God's plan of redemption wasn't an afterthought - it was the melody He composed before time began.__________________________________________________________¿Alguna vez te has preguntado qué une toda la Biblia? El Pastor Marcus revela una verdad poderosa a través de la historia del Éxodo: hay una melodía divina que resuena a lo largo de las Escrituras, y su compositor es el mismo Jesús. A partir de una escena conmovedora en el camino a Emaús, el Pastor Marcus muestra cómo Jesús mostró a sus seguidores que cada narrativa bíblica, especialmente el Éxodo, resuena con su tema de liberación y renovación. A través de una exploración del pacto de Dios con Abraham en Génesis 15, descubrimos un momento extraordinario donde Dios solo pasa a través de las piezas sacrificiales, diciendo esencialmente: "Si alguno de nosotros rompe este pacto, yo pagaré el precio." Esta antigua ceremonia anticipó el sacrificio supremo de Cristo, donde Él sería desgarrado para cumplir con ambas partes del pacto. El Pastor Marcus conecta brillantemente esto con la apertura del Éxodo, mostrando cómo incluso una simple lista de nombres lleva el peso de la fidelidad de Dios a sus promesas. Lo que nos recuerda que el plan de redención de Dios no fue un pensamiento posterior; fue la melodía que compuso antes de que comenzara el tiempo.

1) Who is God talking about in Isaiah 66:17?2) Does Hebrews 10:26-31 teach we can lose our salvation?3) Are Christians to follow the dietary laws of the Jews like in Deuteronomy 14:7?4) Will there be rewards in heaven?5) Could the two on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24 be a man and his wife?6) Should Christians be involved in politics?7) Did God change His mind when Moses prayed to spare the Israelites?8) Who is the beast in Revelation 13:17-18?9) Does the destruction of Jerusalem in Matthew 24 have a parallel at the end of time?

The sermon centers on a transformative call to embrace the fullness of Christian identity and destiny, rooted in the resurrection power of Christ and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. Drawing from the Emmaus road narrative and Jesus' declaration in Luke 4, it emphasizes that true revival is not mere emotional uplift but a deep, burning conviction that renews one's vision, identity, and purpose in Christ. The message calls believers to leave behind past failures, shame, and spiritual stagnation, pressing forward with Paul's relentless pursuit of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. It underscores that the victory of Calvary is not a distant memory but a present reality, available now through surrender, faith, and the supernatural empowerment of the Spirit. The sermon culminates in a powerful altar call, inviting listeners to respond with radical commitment, trusting that God's promises—freedom, healing, vision, and divine empowerment—are already fulfilled and accessible in this moment.

Hear more sermons at http://www.lvbaptist.org/service-podcast/ Watch Our TV Broadcast here: https://www.lvbaptist.org/wfmz-program/ Visit us here: Lehigh Valley Baptist Church 4702 Colebrook Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049

Disappointment is one of the most common experiences of childhood—and parenting. From small daily frustrations to long-term struggles that don't resolve quickly, learning how to walk with our kids through disappointment is part of forming them in faith, resilience, and trust in God.In this episode of The GoodKind Podcast, Clayton Greene, Chris Pappalardo, and Amy Kavanaugh continue the conversation from their recent episode on celebrating wins and turn toward the harder question: What do we do when things don't go well?Together, they explore how to take children's disappointment seriously without letting it rule the moment, how to validate hard feelings without rushing to “fix” them, and how the Christian story gives us a framework for living faithfully in unresolved tension.Listen to "Beyond Good Grades:Celebrating the Small Wins" wherever you get your podcasts! TakeawaysLet hard things be hard – Don't swoop in to fix every disappointment.Validate feelings first – Even “small” hurts matter to kids.Small disappointments add up – Watch for patterns, not just one-offs.Teach resilience – Moving forward doesn't mean ignoring feelings.Context is everything – Timing and surroundings shape how kids process hard stuff.Model healthy responses – Kids learn from how you handle your own disappointments.Faith as a framework – Examples like Paul or Emmaus show perseverance + accompaniment.Chapters00:00 - Cold Open01:09 - Welcome & episode setup 02:00 - Recap: Celebrating small wins06:20 - Introducing disappointment

This morning, we continue our sermon series, Who Do You Say That I Am?, with “Christ the Risen One,” drawn from Luke 24:13-35 - the story of Jesus walking with the disciples on the road to Emmaus. This passage will remind us that Christ often meets us not in dramatic moments, but in ordinary conversations, shared stories, and the breaking of bread. Together, we'll reflect on how resurrection is not only something we believe, but someone who walks with us still. Whether you're feeling hopeful, weary, or somewhere in between, the Good News is shaped for honest hearts and open faith. Sermon on Luke 24:13-35, delivered by the Reverend David J. Powers on February 8th, 2026.

Hear more sermons at http://www.lvbaptist.org/service-podcast/ Watch Our TV Broadcast here: https://www.lvbaptist.org/wfmz-program/ Visit us here: Lehigh Valley Baptist Church 4702 Colebrook Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049

Hear more sermons at http://www.lvbaptist.org/service-podcast/ Watch Our TV Broadcast here: https://www.lvbaptist.org/wfmz-program/ Visit us here: Lehigh Valley Baptist Church 4702 Colebrook Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049

In this message, Katherine Sikma Wadsworth reflects on the Emmaus road story in Luke 24 through the lens of neurobiology, exploring how our brains respond when our life story falls apart. She explains concepts like bilateral stimulation, co-regulation, and the reshaping of neural pathways to show how Jesus' calm presence helps the disciples process their confusion, grief, and hope. Katherine invites listeners to become a healing community for one another—holding space, telling the truth of our stories, and recognizing Christ's presence at the table and in our shared lives.

Hear more sermons at http://www.lvbaptist.org/service-podcast/ Watch Our TV Broadcast here: https://www.lvbaptist.org/wfmz-program/ Visit us here: Lehigh Valley Baptist Church 4702 Colebrook Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049

1.25.26 Pastor Tommy shares this message will reflect on the road to Emmaus, arguing that spiritual stagnation comes from subtly making faith about ourselves rather than Jesus. Using personal stories, Scripture and metaphors of ocean currents and drifting, we will be warned that believers naturally drift away unless they intentionally tether themselves to Jesus, fully surrendering rather than living in a comfortable middle ground between worldly desires and wholehearted devotion. Modern Christianity's focus on personal fulfillment is subtle. The Christian life is not about achieving one's dreams but about losing oneself in Christ, whose glory far surpasses human perspective. The message calls listeners to examine whether they have abandoned their “first love,” repent, and actively return to the practices and passion that once marked their faith, emphasizing that true love for Christ should deepen, grow, and move “further” over time, leading to sacrificial living for God and others.To get connected visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.midtownvineyardchurch.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...To Donate ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://midtownvineyard.churchcenter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.... Download the church center app to stay in the loop ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://churchcenter.com/setup⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Discover more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.midtownvineyardchurch.com...⁠⁠⁠ Find us on Instagram: / midtownvineyard Find us on Facebook: / midtownvineyardmbSermon Notes: Rightnowmedia.com

Jesus can be present right in front of us—and still be missed. This Crosswalk Devotional reflects on John 1:11–13, inviting us to examine how easily familiarity, pain, or assumptions can blind us to the presence of Christ. When Jesus came to earth, many failed to recognize Him for who He truly was. Yet Scripture reminds us that those who did receive Him were given the right to become children of God. This Christian devotional challenges us to consider how we see Jesus today. Do we recognize Him as Lord, Savior, and faithful Friend in the middle of ordinary life, hardship, or disappointment? Or do distractions, expectations, and appearances cloud our spiritual vision? God is omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent—and He is still at work, even when we struggle to perceive Him. Highlights Jesus was rejected because many did not recognize who He truly was God’s presence can be missed when we judge by appearances or expectations Pain, disappointment, and distraction can dull our spiritual awareness Christ is still present, powerful, and actively working in our lives Recognizing Jesus begins with faith, humility, and openness When we receive Christ, we are reborn as children of God God calls us to reflect Christ’s love in how we treat others Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: If We Only Knew By Alexis A. Goring Bible Reading:“He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.” - John 1:11-13 NLT While scrolling on social media a few weeks ago, I saw several skits with similar themes: a hotel concierge or a fancy purse store employee who treated someone poorly based on their appearance and denied service to them. However, after finding out who they were (famous, prominent, important, and influential), these people apologized profusely, but it was too late to take back their bad behavior and negative comments toward that person. A real, modern-day example of how people may treat you when they don’t know you’re rich and famous or influential happened several years ago when a famous American broadcast journalist was traveling in Europe. She visited a local store to shop for a purse. When she saw a purse she liked, she asked the clerk to see it. But the clerk said no because it was too expensive. The clerk proceeded to try to show the journalist other purses that she assumed were in the customer’s budget. The journalist decided to leave the store. Later, when management received news of what had happened and realized who this famous person was, they apologized and said that they didn’t know it was her. They implied that if they only knew who this famous woman was, then they would have treated her better and let her see the purse she wanted because she could afford it. After all, this woman is a billionaire. Reflecting on this real-world situation caused me to think of the Bible stories about how most people didn’t recognize the Messiah. I realized how often we can be just as shortsighted as the Pharisees and other Bible characters who didn’t recognize our Savior (Jesus Christ) when He was there with them. When Jesus was living on Earth, His own people rejected him and treated him poorly because they didn’t know who He was. It wasn’t until Christ’s death on the cross that a Roman soldier nearby said in Mark 15:39 (NIV), “Surely this man was the Son of God!” This made me think: If Jesus Christ were standing right in front of us, would we know Him? Would we recognize Him as our Lord and Savior? Would we know Him as the most faithful friend we ever had? Would we treat Him well or would we treat Him poorly based on how He appeared? It boggles my mind to know that when our Savior came to save humankind, most people didn’t recognize Him. Even the disciples of Jesus Christ had trouble realizing they were walking with Jesus on the road to Emmaus after His resurrection (Luke 24:13-35). Did they not feel His comforting Presence? Did they not experience His peace? Did they not feel that familiarity with the man whom they followed for several years? How did they not know that this was their Savior who had risen from the dead and now lives forever, just like He said would happen when they were part of His ministry prior to His death? Perhaps the disciples of Jesus were too traumatized and depressed by all the events that unfolded leading up to Christ’s crucifixion. Maybe they felt too hurt to see the hope who was walking right beside them. I can understand that because I also have felt too weighed down by the woes of the world at times, making it nearly impossible to sense God’s Presence in our broken planet. But the good news is that Jesus is here. The Bible says God is omniscient, which means He knows all and nothing is hidden from Him (Psalm 139:1-4 and Jeremiah 23:24). God is also omnipresent, which means His Presence is everywhere (Psalm 139:7-10). God is omnipotent, and that means He is the most powerful force in this world and the entire universe (Psalm 147:5). What a mighty God we serve! When you feel burdened by the problems in our world, turn to Jesus. Know Him for who He is: Our Lord, Savior, Redeemer, and most Faithful Friend. It is my hope and prayer that we will always recognize God in our lives. Let’s not be like the people of the Bible era who missed the Messiah even when He was with them. Let’s be like the ones who recognized the Son of God and welcomed Him with open arms. Let’s allow the bright light of Jesus Christ to shine through us and fill the world with His pure love for humankind. May we also treat each other with agape love, kindness, and respect, no matter how we look (Leviticus 19:18). In closing, I’d like you to listen to these songs listed below. Song of Reflection #1: “How Beautiful” by Twila Paris. Listen HERE. Song of Reflection #2: “Love God Love People” by Danny Gokey. Listen HERE. Song of Reflection #3: “Each One, Reach One” by Babbie Mason. Listen HERE. Intersecting Faith & Life: Will you know Jesus Christ when you see Him? Further Reading: Micah 6:8Matthew 5:162 Corinthians 5:20Hebrews 7:24-25Romans 10:9 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This message invites us to read the Bible not merely as a text about Jesus,but as a place where we encounter Jesus Himself. On the road to Emmaus,the risen Christ walks with two confused disciples, explains the Scriptures, and reveals that the entire Bible points to Him. Their hearts burn, their eyes are opened, and their minds are given understanding, not through technique alone, but through presence. Scripture becomes life-giving when read with Jesus, allowing Him to interpret the Word He inspired. This message calls us to slow down, stay with Scripture, and let Jesus form us through burning hearts, open eyes, and understanding minds.Move us from reading the Bible for information about Jesus toencountering Jesus through the Bible.Key Scriptures:Luke 24:13-32- Jesus walks with His disciples and explains the Scriptures.Luke 24:44-45-Jesus opens minds to understand Scripture.John 5:39-40 -Scriptures testify about Jesus, yet can be readwithout coming to Him.2 Timothy 3:15 - Scripture makes us wise for salvation through faith in Christ.Support the showThis podcast is brought to you free of charge through the donations of generous people.If this content blessed you and you would like to help us reach more people, please take a few minutes to rate our podcast and leave us a review.If you'd like to support us financially, you can make donations hereIf you'd like to learn more about us you can visit our website.If you'd like to contact us directly follow this link. If you enjoyed this teaching, Pastor Jacob has another conversation-style podcast that we think you'd really enjoy. Check it out here!

Hear more sermons at http://www.lvbaptist.org/service-podcast/ Watch Our TV Broadcast here: https://www.lvbaptist.org/wfmz-program/ Visit us here: Lehigh Valley Baptist Church 4702 Colebrook Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049

On the final night of Opendoor Conference, we reflected on the way God meets us through His Word and awakens our hearts to truth. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we were reminded that Jesus is present and speaking, even when we don't immediately recognize Him. In this message, Brian Guerin closes out Conference by inviting us to recognize where Jesus is already at work and to respond with faith and obedience. 

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:Exodus 9–11 ; Luke 24 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In today's episode, Hunter invites us into the powerful stories of Exodus chapters 9–11 and Luke 24. As we journey through moments of great trial in Egypt—the devastating plagues and Pharaoh's hardened heart—we're reminded of God's persistent call to freedom and faith. Then we shift to a scene of heartbreak and surprise: the risen Jesus walks alongside two disciples on the road to Emmaus, opening their eyes to hope once again. Throughout the episode, Hunter encourages us to be attentive to how Jesus meets us in our own moments of disappointment and confusion, just as he did with the disciples so long ago. With thoughtful reflection, heartfelt prayers, and an invitation to see the world through love, we're guided to find God's presence—and transforming joy—even in unexpected places. Whether you're new to this community or a longtime listener, there's a warm welcome here to walk together in faith, prayer, and hope. Let's open our hearts to God's word and remember: you are loved, no doubt about it. TODAY'S DEVOTION: TODAY'S DEVOTION: Jesus meets these two men on the way to a little town outside of Jerusalem. It's a seven-mile walk and the town is called Emmaus. Their hearts are dejected, their hopes and aspirations dashed. They're broken. Having followed Jesus through his ministry, they had hoped that he was the Messiah. They had seen many of his miraculous signs and they were overcome by his amazing teaching and thought, "This could be it. This might be the man." Yet three days prior, they had seen that man that they had pinned all their hopes on crucified. Now the story that they hoped for had come to an end. So they thought. But it's here, at this moment, when their hearts are at their darkest and their hopes are most broken, that Jesus shows up. He's veiled to them, but eventually he's going to unveil Himself and show them who He really is. At this point, veiled Jesus reminds them of some things they should have known, things they should have seen. Luke writes that Jesus says to them, "You foolish people, you find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn't it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before he entered his glory?" And then, this stranger on the road begins to take them through the writings of Moses and the prophets, and he explains from the Scriptures what they should have been able to see. There are things that we should be able to see that Jesus can reveal to us. Luke says he took them through the Scriptures concerning himself. He explains who the Messiah is. He is offering them a way—a way of seeing, seeing things that they should have been able to see, things about God, things about themselves, things about love. He is showing them that He is the way that we begin to regain our sight: to see what is true about ourselves, about God, about the world, about what is true. We are on a journey. These two are on a journey to Emmaus, and they're trying to talk their way clear on this profound disappointment in their life. They're disappointed with what they believe to be true. They're disappointed that God didn't somehow change the circumstances, that Jesus didn't meet their expectations. They're disappointed with the world and the way it is. They're disappointed with themselves. No doubt they had hope for something and they thought that that hope had let them down. Maybe you are on your own journey to Emmaus, or maybe you know what that's like. Maybe you are disappointed—disappointed that God didn't come through the way you thought he would, that things haven't worked out. Maybe you're disappointed with yourself. Maybe you had hopes that didn't pan out. Maybe today we can pay close attention and see the way that Jesus is inviting us to see. Maybe today we can pay close attention to the presence of God with us. He might be unrecognizable at first, but maybe we can pay special attention and listen to Him. If we do, He will often open up the Scriptures to help us to see things that we should have seen all along. Maybe He will reveal Himself in the breaking of bread, and you'll see that He has been with you through it all—even the disappointments, the hopes unrealized. Maybe if we keep listening and walking, we'll discover His way of seeing: seeing the world, seeing ourselves, seeing our neighbors, seeing all things through love. That's the prayer that I have for my own soul. That's the prayer that I have for my family, for my wife and my daughters and my son. And that's the prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

“He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.” — Luke 24:27 The two disciples on the road to Emmaus had a most profitable journey. Their companion and teacher was the best of tutors; the interpreter one of a thousand, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. The […]

In this installment of The Road to Emmaus, join in on this thought provoking conversation between Scott Hahn and Bishop Robert Barron from our recent Annual Gala in Nashville. In their conversation, Bishop Barron and Dr. Hahn discuss the mission of the Church in the modern world and the hopes and challenges that accompany it. They also discuss how Catholics must combat the dangerous contemporary ideologies that have influenced academia and society. ✨ Want the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible for FREE? Sign up for our annual All Access Membership: ➡️ https://stpaulcenter.co/bible ___ Other ways to grow with the St. Paul Center: ⛪️ If you're a Priest looking to attend one of our annual Priest Conferences: https://stpaulcenter.co/priestconferences