Podcasts about in luke

When Luke records Jesus commanding the Twelve to take nothing for the journey, neither staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money, he activates a deliberate stripping that recalls the scriptural logic of exile as exposure. The Hebrew root ג-ל-ה (gimel-lamed-heh) can function as “to uncover” or, by extension, “to go into exile,” linking displacement with nakedness in the prophetic texts themselves. There, exile is repeatedly portrayed as being uncovered, stripped naked, and shamed before the nations. Nakedness is not merely physical but signals dispossession and removal from the land. In Luke 8, the Gerasene demoniac embodies this condition, naked, outside the city among the tombs, cut off from communal and tribal life, a living figure of exposure in exile. When Jesus restores him, he is clothed and seated in his right mind, and he is commanded to return home to bear fruit as a witness, with nothing in hand but the knowledge of his sins and the command of God. Immediately afterward, in Luke 9, Jesus sends the Twelve out divested of staff and supplies, stripped of institutional and tribal supports, and of any authority derived from them. Though not naked in body, they are stripped of the signs of power, protection, affiliation, and provision. Both the demoniac and the Twelve thus reflect the same scriptural function: exile as nakedness, and exposure out in the open as the precondition of restoration for mission.ῥάβδος (rhabdos) / מ-ט-ה (mem-ṭet-heh)Staff; tribe, delegated power. From the triliteral root נ-ט-ה (nun-ṭet-heh), to stretch out, to extend, to incline.“And you shall take in your hand this staff [מַטֶּה (maṭṭeh)] with which you shall do the signs.” (Exodus 4:17)The staff represents what is stretched out. In Exodus, it symbolizes the instrument through which delegated authority operates, acting as an extended hand. In Numbers 17, each leader brings his staff, which denotes his tribe. Extension here signifies lineage: what is stretched out becomes a branch, and that branch becomes a tribe. Thus, the rod is not just wood but a visible symbol of authority and continuity, indicating the ordered descent and delegated power.ῥάβδος (rhabdos) / ש-ב-ט (šin-bet-ṭet)Rod, scepter, tribe. From the triliteral root ש-ב-ט (šin-bet-ṭet), associated with striking and ruling.“You shall break them with a rod [בְּשֵׁבֶט (be-šebeṭ)] of iron.” (Psalm 2:9)The rod is the instrument of rule. It disciplines, enforces, and governs. In Proverbs, it corrects; in Isaiah, it becomes the rod of divine anger; in royal psalms, it signifies sovereign authority. The same word names a tribe, linking governance with structure. The rod is therefore not merely a stick but embodied jurisdiction, the visible sign of judicial and royal power.ῥάβδος (rhabdos) / ק-ל-ל (qof-lamed-lamed)Rod; stick; branch, to be light, slight.“And the Philistine said to David, ‘Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks [בַּמַּקְלוֹת (ba-maqqelot)]?'” (1 Samuel 17:43)This rod belongs to the field, not the throne. It is the shepherd's implement, the ordinary support of the traveler. In Genesis 30 Jacob uses rods in the tending of flocks; in Samuel David carries them into battle as a shepherd confronting a warrior. The stick here signifies pastoral presence rather than institutional authority. It is wood in the hand of the lowly, not the emblem of a court.ῥάβδος (rhabdos) / ש-ע-ן (šin-ʿayin-nun)Staff of support. From the verbal root ש-ע-ן (šin-ʿayin-nun), to lean upon, to rely.“Behold, you are trusting in Egypt, that broken staff [מִשְׁעֶנֶת (mišʿenet)] of reed.” (Isaiah 36:6)The staff here is what one leans upon. It represents reliance, alliance, and structural backing. When it breaks, dependence collapses, and the individual who is leaning on it falls. The rod becomes a metaphor for political trust and misplaced confidence. It is not an instrument of striking but of support, the symbol of that upon which stability rests.ῥάβδος (rhabdos) / שַׁרְבִיט (šarbiṭ)Scepter; royal staff. Likely a Persian (modern-day Iran) loanword associated with imperial authority.“If the king holds out the golden scepter [שַׁרְבִיט (šarbiṭ)] that is in his hand, he shall live.” (Esther 4:11)In Esther, the rod is sovereignty compressed into a single gesture. Life and death depend on whether it is extended. It is not the shepherd's staff, not the tribal symbol, not the rod of discipline. It is ceremonial kingship embodied in gold. The scepter draws the line between execution and mercy, exclusion and acceptance. Authority is visible, concentrated in the king's hand.But does the king's own life ultimately matter? A wise leader knows that his life is of little value because it does not belong to him. As Jesus commands, the sign of God is neither the owner, the support, nor the strength of God's many peoples. There is no god but God. Scripture repeatedly shows, through Persian rulers like Cyrus and Xerxes, that real control belongs neither to Israel, nor to the king, nor to the empire. Sovereignty belongs to God alone, who governs history itself, directing kings as easily as he directs the sun and the moon, according to his plan.πήρα (pera)Shepherd's bag.“And he took his staff [τὴν ῥάβδον (ten rabdon)] in his hand and chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook and put them in the shepherd's bag [εἰς τὴν πήραν τὴν ποιμενικήν (eis ten peran ten poimeniken)]…” (1 Samuel 17:40 LXX)David advances toward Goliath carrying two things: the rabdos (ῥάβδος) and the pera (πήρα). The rabdos is the shepherd's staff, the maqel (מַקֵל), a rod in the hand of one who tends flocks. The pera is the shepherd's satchel, the container of stones and the place of stored provision. One extends the arm; the other holds what sustains the strike. This is the only occurrence of pera (πήρα) in the Septuagint.The five stones evoke Torah, the Five Books. Their smoothness carries the root ח-ל-ק (ḥet-lamed-qof) / ح-ل-ق (ḥāʾ-lām-qāf). In Hebrew, ḥalaq is to divide, to apportion, to allot. In Arabic, ḥalaqa is to shave, to make smooth, to strip bare. These are not separate functions. To smooth a stone is to shape it by removal. To allot land is to cut it from the whole. The triliteral holds division and preparation together.The brook itself sharpens the resonance. Naḥal (נַחַל), from the root נ־ח־ל (nun-ḥet-lamed) / ن-ح-ل (nūn-ḥāʾ-lām), in Hebrew is a wadi, a seasonal stream. But the same consonants in both languages yield naḥalah (נַחֲלָה), naḥala (نَحَلَ) / niḥla (نِحْلَة) inheritance, endowment, gift, or allotted possession. Water and land converge in the root. David reaches into the stream and draws out inheritance. Surat al-Naḥl سورة النحل refers to “The Bee,” an animal associated with provision, honey, and divinely guided producti...

What does Communion really mean, and why did Jesus institute it? In Luke 22, during the Passover meal with His disciples, Jesus revealed that the ancient story of Israel's deliverance was ultimately pointing to Him. Through the bread and the cup, He showed that His body would be given and His blood shed for our redemption. In this message we explore how Communion reinterprets Passover, reveals our redemption, reminds us of our Savior, and continues to shape the life of the church today. Speaker: Pastor Ben Dixon Scripture: Luke 22:7-20 Series: The Practices of the Faith Thank you for Joining. For more information visit www.BenDixon.org or fill out a Northwest Church Connect Card - https://nwc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/118663

When life gives you every reason to be afraid, how do you respond with faith? In Luke 8, we explore two extraordinary miracles of Jesus and uncover what true faith really looks like in the middle of impossible situations.Welcome to Antioch Georgetown! We are a church in Georgetown, TX, and our mission is simple--We lead people to follow Christ in a life-changing way.Get Connected:

In Luke 19:28–40, Jesus demonstrates through His triumphal entry that His rightful kingship calls His followers to recognize Him, proclaim His glory, and respond with faithful obedience. I. The King Orchestrates His Own Entrance (vv.28–35) A. Jesus draws near to Jerusalem. (vv. 28–29) B. Jesus instructs his disciples. (vv. 30–31) C. Jesus's disciples obey. (vv. 32–35) II. The King Receives Messianic Praise (vv.36–38) A. The road is prepared before Him. (v. 36) B. The multitude rejoices loudly. (v. 37) C. The King is publicly proclaimed. (v. 38) III. The King Confronts Religious Resistance (vv.39–40) A. The Pharisees demand silence. (v. 39) B. The King declares His praise inevitable. (v. 40)

In Luke 22v31-38 Jesus warns his disciples that a sifting is coming. Their trust in Him will be tested in the coming days.   Jesus points out that it is Satan, or, “The Accuser” whose aim it is to expose & inspire faithlessness in His followers. Satan's accusation is that the disciples only love Jesus for what they think He can do for them.    The New Testament refers to Satan as the ruler of this age. So it's safe to say that we too can expect to be sifted in this life. The beautiful thing about Jesus is that no matter how humiliated or hopeless you may have become in the sifting, His heart remains open to you. The sifting at its best creates an opportunity for mercy you didn't know existed.    The path of the disciple, like Peter, is the path of having all your images of God fail you, so that you can truly know and love Him as He is.

In Luke 10 Jesus explains who our neighbor is. Everyone is valuable to God and He created each person in His very image. If you are a follower of Jesus, you are a missionary and you get to share the good news with everyone, no matter their background.

Thursday, 5 March 2026   Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” Matthew 17:19   “Then, the disciples having come to Jesus off alone, they said, ‘Through what we – not we could eject it?'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus admonished the demon, and it came out of the boy, curing the boy immediately. Matthew next records, “Then, the disciples having come to Jesus off alone.”   Matthew's gospel does not give the location of this verse, as if it could have been right there where the boy was cured. However, Mark says, “And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately...”   It appears they were embarrassed about their public failure, and probably timid because of His admonishment of them. As such, they departed to a house, at which time they could readdress the matter without any pokes of laughter or ridicule from the people. With them gathered in the house, “they said, ‘Through what we – not we could eject it?'”   It is an obvious question. The twelve had been sent out to tend to the ministry in Matthew 10 with the words, “Being feeble – you cure, leprous – you cleanse, dead – you rouse, demons – you eject. Freely you received, freely you give” (CG). In Luke 10, at the return of the seventy, it said, “Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.'”   So this was a part of the ministry they participated in. Despite this, they were collectively unable to cast out this boy's demon, and they didn't know why.   Life application: As noted, it seems the disciples were ashamed of their inability to do what they had previously been charged to do. And yet, some of these same men either wrote or were certainly consulted about the events regarding their time with Jesus.   This is common among people. We don't want to look dumb in front of others. However, with the passing of time, we openly speak about how stupid, naive, etc., we were in the past. It is as if the past gives us a buffer from the state we once were in, allowing us to convey things that we wouldn't have dreamt of mentioning when the event occurred.   Time is both a teacher and a healer. As we get older, we gain more experience in matters (well, if we are willing to learn from our mistakes and those we see in others), and we also mature in our ability to let go of things that we once held close.   Time allows us to process events and resolve them in our minds. It is common after a war for soldiers to come home and refuse to mention any of the horrors they experienced. And yet, after considering the events over months or years, it normally becomes easier to open up and share what happened with others.   The disciples took in the things that happened and were able to convey them to us with notes concerning their own imperfections to teach us that it is ok to accept our own failings. This is true with the events of those in the Old Testament as well.   David's failings, along with his victories, times of anger, and so forth, were put into psalms. He was able to express to us how those events affected his life. From there, God chose these recorded events to place in His word, having inspired them for us to learn from.   Keep reading the Bible. As events in our lives occur, we can see similar events occurring in the lives of others from the past. From there, we can see how God used those events to reveal many things to us, if we are willing to learn what He is telling us.   The Bible is an ever-relevant manual on how we can more perfectly run our lives if we will take advantage of its contents.   Lord God, thank You that Your word is so open and frank about human activity. We can learn so much about our own lives and how to deal with our personal circumstances by knowing what Your word says about such things. What a great life manual You have given to us. Thank You for this wonderful word. Amen.

After wiping down tables with disinfectant, Shelia stooped to tie a garbage bag filled with used cups and plates. She heaved the bag over her shoulder and turned to survey the church’s multipurpose room. She’d volunteered to clean it for the next gathering and wanted to make sure it was ready. A thought fluttered through her mind: Would anyone notice? It’s easy to wonder if our everyday contributions to the kingdom are valued. Whether we clean, balance spreadsheets, lead a Bible study, or give money, so many of us remain unseen in our places of service and unnamed in public commendations. In Luke 8:1-2, the historian catalogs the faithful service of women in the ministry of Jesus. He lists three by name: Mary of Magdalene who was among the women freed of evil spirits and diseases; Joanna the wife of Chuza, who managed Herod’s household; and Susanna. Then Luke says, “Many others . . . were helping to support [Jesus and His disciples] out of their own means” (v. 3). Luke spotlights these unnamed women who invested themselves in supporting the gospel, and so underlines their value. Just as God includes unnamed women in His account of valuable contributions to His kingdom, He sees our efforts. He knows our names (John 10:3), and He sees our investment in His work (Hebrews 6:10).

Empty nets. Exhausted workers. A normal day. Then Jesus steps into the workplace. In Luke 5, Peter has nothing to show for a full night of effort—until the voice of Jesus breaks into the "normal rules" and invites him deeper. What follows is more than a miracle; it's supernatural progress—favor that accelerates what should take months, and abundance that can't be traced to performance alone. Alan reminds us that God is moving beyond the sanctuary—stories in the streets, in small groups, and in your Monday morning world. If you've been stuck in "labor mode," this is your invitation into a new day: One day of favor > a life of labor.

In Luke 23, Jesus speaks His first words from the cross: “Father, forgive them.” Instead of anger or revenge, He responds to His enemies with mercy. These words reveal why forgiveness is at the center of the Gospel.

Join Us for Worship: Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM https://www.flourishinggrace.org/plan... In this sermon from Flourishing Grace Church, Pastor Benjer preaches through Luke 20:9–19, the parable of the tenants, and shows why this story is one of the clearest snapshots of the whole Bible in just a few verses. Jesus tells of a landowner who plants a vineyard, entrusts it to tenants, and then sends servants to receive fruit, only for each servant to be rejected, shamed, and harmed. Benjer explains how Jesus is summarizing Israel's history, with the servants representing the prophets God sent again and again, and how the violence against them exposes a pattern of resisting God's authority. The parable is not just an ancient farming story but a direct confrontation of the spiritual posture that takes what belongs to God and treats it like personal property. Pastor Benjer connects the vineyard imagery to Isaiah 5, where God describes Israel as His carefully tended vineyard and grieves that it produced wild grapes instead of the fruit of justice and righteousness. In Luke 20, Jesus adds a striking twist: tenants. These tenants represent religious leaders who were meant to shepherd God's people but began to use their position for their own power, comfort, and control. The sermon unpacks how the crowd understands the implications of Jesus' words when He says the vineyard will be taken from the tenants and given to others. This is not a minor leadership change but a massive shift in how God's people will relate to Him, moving away from gatekeeping and toward the reality fulfilled in Jesus. A central focus of this message is the shocking moment when the landowner decides to send his beloved son. Benjer highlights how this is not naïve optimism but the heart of God's plan, that the Son would come in vulnerability, take on flesh, and be rejected by the very people He came to save. The sermon ties the parable to the cornerstone language from Psalm 118 and to the New Testament's witness that Jesus is the rejected stone who becomes the cornerstone. Benjer points to passages like Hebrews 1 to emphasize that God's final and decisive word is spoken in His Son, and to Romans 5 to show that God proves His love in that Christ died for us while we were still sinners. This sermon also presses into a personal diagnosis: we are not owners, we are tenants. Just like the tenants in the parable who used violence to seize what was not theirs, we often grasp for control and claim authority over our lives, our resources, our relationships, our careers, our bodies, our desires, and our dreams. Benjer asks a piercing question that sits at the center of the message: what has God given you to tend for His purposes that you lay claim to for yours. He explains why following Jesus can feel frustrating, because Jesus does not simply offer inspiration, He walks through the rooms of our lives like the rightful owner. The sermon invites listeners to consider where resentment has grown, where a key has been withheld, and where surrender is needed. To illustrate this surrender, Benjer references the classic book My Heart, Christ's Home, using the image of Jesus identifying a locked closet where something dead and hidden has been kept. This becomes a powerful picture of confession, trust, and the hard honesty of discipleship. The message broadens beyond obvious sin to include grief, unmet desires, and the preferred future that never arrived, the vineyard we imagined years ago that looks nothing like the vineyard we are living in now. Benjer speaks candidly about pain and disappointment while still calling listeners to release ownership and trust God's goodness and purposes.

The world says love makes your life easier. Jesus said it reveals what your life is built on.In Luke 6, Jesus describes a kind of love that reverses everything, blessing the empty, warning the comfortable, and exposing the foundations we trust. It's not a comfortable love. It's a love that confronts pride, frees us from false security, and rebuilds our lives on something unshakable.Because storms don't destroy strong foundations. They reveal them, and Jesus invites you to build your life on the only foundation that will never fail.Learn more about us:https://www.tulsabible.org/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tulsabible/TBC - To know God, and make Him known.(Matt. 28. 18-20)

Jesus leaves the 99 for the 1 Matthew 4:1-11 “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”  Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'”  Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands,     so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'”  Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”  Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'”  Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. Have you ever had a time like this?  A time when you felt like the Devil was right there by your side, attacking you?  Did you know what to say?  Did you know what to do?  I remember reading this and wishing that I knew scripture as well as Jesus did.  I wish I knew the right thing to say when the devil comes to tell me the lies.  That is what he is known for after all.  Satan is the father of lies.  Usually, they are not bald-faced lies.  Usually, they have some sliver of truth that is twisted to make you question something.  But in this passage, Jesus was not deterred from his faith.  He did not get drawn into a debate, defending himself or his God.  He simply quoted scripture to the enemy.   This is one reason why it is helpful to read the Word of God every day.  The more we read God's word, the more we will know what to say to defend ourselves from the enemy. There are many reasons to read the word of God.  Another one would be so that we know how God wants us to live.  The Bible is full of stories, parables, and laws that can help us govern how to live.  Knowledge is power, and if we know how God wants us to live, we can try to live in an upright manner.  We can do our best to please Him.  God does so much for us.  The least we can do is try to obey his rules.  We can try to live in a manner that honors Him and makes Him proud. Do you struggle with this, with living in a way that honors God and makes Him proud?  I know I do.  I often think of the passage from St. Paul in Romans 7:15, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”  If St. Paul, who did amazing things for Christ, struggled to live a holy life, then I think it is understandable that we may struggle at times as well.  However, remembering these passages and turning over our struggle to God can help us struggle a little less.  When we are struggling, we need only repent and turn back to God.   God does not need us to be perfect, nor does he expect it. God knows every step you are going to take before you take it.  Nothing you do is a surprise to Him.  He is our creator, He is the creator of all things.  He knows how your story ends before it even starts.  He can see all the roads you will go down.  He knows the windy road that is your life.  And you know what?  He loves you anyway.  He loves you even though you are not perfect.  He loves you even though you will turn away from Him from time to time.  Maybe you have turned away from him a long time ago and have not come back yet.  Guess what?  He loves you anyway!  And He is ready for you to turn back to him.   When you do, he will rejoice and celebrate.  He won't be thinking of all the things you did in the past.  He won't be holding your past sins against you.  Once you repent and turn back to the Lord, He will rejoice that His son or daughter has returned home, and He will welcome you with open arms.  That is just one of the many amazing things about your Lord.  He is filled with so much mercy and so much grace.  He knows all of our flaws, all of our mistakes, and yet He still loves us, flaws and all.  There is nothing that you can do that is unredeemable in the Lord's eyes.   I know people who don't understand how valuable they are in the Lord's eyes.  They feel that because of their sins, they are worth less than others.  Or, maybe they feel they are worthless.  If you are one of these people who is struggling with your self-worth in God's eyes, I ask you to picture that you have 2 pennies in your hand, one of them is shiny and new, and the other one is old, dirty, and looks like it has been found in the gutter.  What is the value of each penny?  Is the penny that looks shiny and new worth more than the penny that is old and dirty?  No, they are both worth the same.  This is the same with God's love.  You are not worth less because you have made mistakes, made bad choices, or turned away from the Lord.   The Lord is our father, and he is always there waiting with open arms, ready for us to turn back to him.  Nothing makes him happier than when one of his lost sheep finds their way back home to him.  In Luke 15:3-6, Jesus tells this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn't he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.'  I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” I love this passage for a couple of reasons.  First, I love the imagery of God leaving the 99 to come after me.  He does not just let me wander away, but he comes to find me and guide me back home again.  Another reason I love this passage is that it says that He will rejoice more over the one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.  If you are living your life righteously and you have no need to repent, I admire you.  That is not easy, and it takes a lot of courage, especially in this day and age.  However, if you are one who has turned away, or if you find yourself in the same boat with St. Paul, where you keep doing the things you don't want to do and struggle to do the things you want to do, I hope you find comfort in this passage.  “There will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”  Is that one repentant sinner going to be you?  Is there some area of your life where you need to repent and turn back to the Lord?  I can already hear the rejoicing in heaven. Dear Heavenly Father, I ask that you help us see in our lives where we could repent.  Father, I ask that you shine a light on any darkness inside of us.  We want your light to fill that space.  I pray that you will put a love and desire for scripture inside our hearts.  I pray that you help us to do what is right and help us to overcome the urges to do what is wrong.  Lord, that is not easy, and we cannot do it without your help.  Lord, we love you, and we thank you for all you do for us.  We want to repent and turn back to you. Please just show us the way.  We ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus's holy name, Amen. Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus. I look forward to spending time with you tomorrow. Have a blessed day. www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

In Luke 22:54-71, Peter denies Jesus as He is interrogated, beaten, and mocked. Pastor Christopher Feigles

What happens when you truly see Jesus for who He is? In Luke 5, Peter moves from curiosity to conviction, from confidence to collapse, and from fear to calling. After a miraculous catch of fish, Peter realizes he's standing before holiness itself and cries out, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man.” But instead of pushing him away, Jesus pulls him closer. This message walks through what it means to see God clearly, to recognize our deep need, and to receive the beauty and purpose Jesus offers in exchange for our ashes. If you've ever wrestled with feeling unworthy, stuck in sin, or unsure how to take your next step, this sermon speaks directly to you.• Seeing Jesus for who He truly is changes everything• When we recognize our sin, we discover we are beggars in need of grace• Jesus offers forgiveness, adoption, and a new purposeKey Scriptures:Luke 5:1–11Isaiah 6Isaiah 61:3Romans 3:10–20Ephesians 2:10Don't settle for simply attending church. Ask God to reveal Himself to you in a fresh way. Take a step of faith, get involved, and follow Jesus where He leads. If this message encouraged or challenged you, share it with a friend or family member who needs to see Him more clearly.Bayou City Fellowship Cypress Campus | Nick Maricle | March 1, 2026https://linktr.ee/bayoucityfellowship

What does it actually mean to follow Jesus? In Luke 5:1–11, we see an invitation that changed everything for Peter, James, and John. After a night of empty nets, Jesus calls them to trust Him, witness His power, and leave everything behind for a new purpose. This message challenges us to move beyond casual belief and into real discipleship. Jesus doesn't just invite us to attend church or clean up our lives. He invites us to Himself. And as we follow Him, He transforms us and sends us to invest in others.• Jesus calls the willing, not the perfect• Following Jesus means relationship, surrender, and trust• As we follow Him, we become “fishers of people”Key Scriptures:Luke 5:1–11Matthew 16:24–26John 21:1–19What is your next step of obedience? And who are you fishing for? Take a moment to pray, ask the Lord where He's leading you, and step out in faith. If this message encouraged or challenged you, share it with a friend, a neighbor, or someone you've been meaning to invite to church.Bayou City Fellowship Tomball Campus | Cole Ellerbrock | March 1, 2026https://linktr.ee/bayoucityfellowship

In Luke 5, Jesus meets fishermen who think they know their trade, their limits, and their future. After a night of empty nets, Jesus tells Peter to go deeper. What follows shatters Peter's categories, confronts his pride, and changes his life forever. This message walks through the journey from observing Jesus at a distance to fully surrendering your life to Him. If you've ever kept Jesus in a box, compartmentalized your faith, or wrestled with what it really means to follow Him, this sermon will challenge you to step into deeper waters.• Jesus moves us from observing to participating in His mission• He confronts the boxes and limits we place on Him• Following Jesus changes what we're chasing and requires open handsKey Scriptures:Luke 5:1–11Matthew 4:19Where are you in your journey with Jesus: observing, participating, being confronted, or surrendering? Take time this week to ask Him where He is pressing you to go deeper. Open your hands, trust His voice, and take your next step. If this message encouraged you, share it with someone who needs the courage to follow Jesus more fully.Bayou City Fellowship Spring Branch Campus | Kevin Barra | March 1, 2026https://linktr.ee/bayoucityfellowship

In Luke 5 we see Two helpless men and one powerful Savior. The real question isn't whether God is big, it's whether your view of Him is. The size of your God will determine the depth of your trust. Is He limited by your fears, your lists, your expectations? Or is He willing, powerful, and worthy of glory? This Sunday we ask: How big is your God?

Do you ever feel like no matter how much you make, it's never quite enough?Why does money promise peace… but anxiety still lingers in the background?We've been told that the way to feel secure is to protect ourselves first — save more, earn more, build more. Once we're finally stable, then we'll be generous. But what if that formula is backwards?In Luke 16:1–13, Jesus tells a surprising story about money, trust, and masters. He doesn't call money evil — He calls it a master. And masters demand our loyalty. “You cannot serve both God and money” (Luke 16:13). The real issue isn't cash flow. It's who — or what — we rely on to save us.Research shows that generosity increases joy more reliably than consumption. Jesus said it first: use your resources to benefit others. Be faithful with what you have. Because money can upgrade comfort — but it cannot rescue your soul.If you've been looking for financial peace, freedom from anxiety, or clarity about your relationship with money, this message invites you to ask a deeper question: Who is really your master?Maybe the freedom you're craving isn't found in earning more — but in trusting Someone better.Watch, reflect, and consider what it would look like to let Jesus reshape the way you see security, generosity, and true peace.

In Luke 9:62 we discover a principle of living that brings success and accomplishment. Based on stamina and persistence we overcome the temptations to wander and quit. Through guidance, encouragement and fortitude from the Holy Spirit we are able to endure to the end when we meet Jesus face to face and hear those words, “Well done, my faithful servant.”  

What keeps you standing when life's storms begin to rise? In this powerful and encouraging message, we explore what it truly means to be Rooted and Grounded in Christ. Drawing from Colossians 2:6–7, we are reminded to continue walking in Him—rooted, built up, and established in the faith. A strong spiritual life doesn't happen by accident; it grows intentionally. Through Psalm 1:1, we learn the blessing of choosing godly counsel and positioning ourselves for growth. In Luke 6:48, Jesus paints the picture of a wise builder who digs deep and lays his foundation on the rock—standing firm when floods come. And in Romans 12:1, we are called to present our lives as living sacrifices, fully surrendered and transformed. In this sermon, you will discover: What it truly means to be spiritually rooted How to build a foundation that survives life's storms The importance of daily surrender and spiritual discipline How stability in Christ leads to consistent growth If you desire a life that is steady, fruitful, and unshaken, this message will challenge and encourage you to dig deeper and anchor yourself fully in Him.

Death feels final. We soften the language. We avoid the topic. We try to keep it at a distance. But when it comes close, it exposes how little control we really have. In Luke 7, Jesus walks into a small town called Nain and meets a funeral procession at the gate. A widow has lost her only son. Everything about the scene says the story is over. And then Jesus steps forward. This Lenten message explores what death reveals about sin, what Christ's compassion reveals about the heart of God, and why this miracle is a preview of something far greater than a single resurrection. If you have ever stood in the shadow of loss and wondered whether death really gets the last word, this message points to the One who entered the darkness to overcome it. The Lord of Life has come. Text: Luke 7:11–17

In Luke chapter 8, the Lord had the disciples go to the other side of the sea/lake. Sometimes we are comfortable in the place the Lord has us and He asks us to move elsewhere. To a place of vulnerability. A place where we have to step out in faith. Join Pastor Dwayne as he takes us to the Word of God and shows us that God is right there in the boat with us.

In Luke 19:11–27, Jesus tells a parable teaching that, while the kingdom is delayed, faithfulness to Him will be rewarded and unfaithfulness judged at His return. I. The Occasion of the Parable (v. 11) II. The Content of the Parable (vv. 12-27) A. The Nobleman Departs to Receive a Kingdom (vv. 12-14). 1. The nobleman's instruction to his slaves (v. 12-13). 2. The rebellion of the citizens (v. 14). B. The King Returns and Settles Accounts (vv. 15-27). 1. The faithful servants are rewarded (vv. 15-19). 2. The wicked servant is condemned (vv. 20-26). 3. The rebellious citizens are destroyed (v. 27).

In Luke 5:14–16, Jesus tells a healed man to let his restoration be a public testimony, and then withdraws to pray. This 2 Minute Disciple devotional invites us to live our testimony and stay rooted in prayer.

In Luke 5:12–13, Jesus heals a man with advanced leprosy by reaching out and touching him — restoring not only his body but his dignity. This 2 Minute Disciple devotional invites us to let Jesus touch the “untouchable” places in our lives and to extend His love to others.

In Luke 12:19-20, the rich man said to himself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years.”...

Read OnlineWhile still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah.” Luke 11:29Today's Gospel takes place during the midpoint of Jesus' public ministry. By this time, He had healed the sick, cast out demons, raised the dead, preached many powerful sermons, and changed many hearts. Despite that, many in the crowds did not believe in Him and demanded more signs.Additionally, the Pharisees were becoming increasingly hostile toward our Lord. In Luke's Gospel, they confront and criticize Jesus several times before this passage. In today's Gospel, Jesus addresses His rebuke to these Pharisees and the unbelieving crowds.If Jesus' generation was “an evil generation,” what would He say about our own? In many ways, we are becoming a global culture. While there are countless faithful followers of Christ worldwide, evil seems to be more pervasive today, perhaps more noticeable due to the ease of worldwide communication.Though Jesus delivered His sermons to specific people in His time, His words transcend time and are meant for every generation. When He says, “This generation is an evil generation…,” we must understand that He is also speaking to us today.When Jesus says His generation “seeks a sign,” He points out a common human temptation. Many approach the Gospel skeptically, demanding irrefutable proof that they should change their lives, believe in the Good News, and abandon sin. In today's world, some even glorify sin, treating virtue as outdated or foolish. This distorted outlook leads many to disregard the most important sign of all—Jesus' Death and Resurrection.Yet Jesus is clear: “…no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah.” Jonah's three days in the belly of the fish prefigured Jesus' three days in the tomb. In other words, Jesus' Death and Resurrection is the one and only sign given to us. This is striking because so many fail to pay attention to this ultimate sign of salvation. In the end, we can only change ourselves and hope that our conversion becomes a witness to others.Do you believe in this sign? Do you believe that Jesus' Life, Death, and Resurrection is the sole path to salvation? Most likely, you do. But how deep is that belief?Though Jesus performed many miracles during His earthly ministry, He did so as a response to the faith already present in those around Him. Today, the same is true. Physical miracles mean little compared to the saving Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ. They are merely reflections of the greatest miracle—eternal salvation. If you truly want to witness a miracle, turn to this supreme gift of grace and mercy. Believe with all your heart, and you will witness the transformation of your soul, which is the greatest miracle of all. Reflect today on Jesus' rebuke of the evil surrounding us, which demands proof but refuses to see the one sign that truly matters. The only proof Jesus offers is the grace that transforms us. When we discover and embrace this grace, we will know, believe, and be changed. Open your heart to the miracle of conversion that God desires to bestow upon you, and become a witness of Christ's greatest miracle for others to see. My miraculous Lord, though many in every age seek superficial signs, You offer the one true miracle that brings salvation—Your Life, Death, and Resurrection. Please help me to believe with unwavering faith, and protect me from the evil of this generation. Transform my heart so that I may be the fruit of the miracle You wish to give to the world. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Jonah by Lawrence OP, license CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.   Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

Welcome to Day 2804 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2804 – The Devil Never Made Him Do It – Luke 4:1-13 Putnam Church Message – 01/18/2026 Luke's Account of the Good News - “The Devil Never Made Him Do It.”    Last week investigated a prophet who was unmatched in all history, the forerunner of Jesus Christ, in a message titled “The Greatest Mortal Who Ever Died.” Today, we begin our study through the ministry of Jesus Christ in a message titled: “The Devil Never Made Him Do It.” Our Core verses for this week are Luke 4:1-13, found on page 1595 of your Pew Bibles. Follow along as I read. OPENING PRAYER Holy Father, we gather today in the name of Jesus, our victorious Savior. As we open Your Word, teach us to recognize temptation, to discern the lies of the enemy, and to cling to the truth that sets us free. Strengthen our hearts by Your Spirit, steady our minds by Your Scriptures, and shape our lives to reflect the obedience of Christ in the wilderness. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, now and forever. Amen. Today, we come to a moment in Luke's Gospel that occurs quietly, without crowds, without choirs of angels, without disciples watching in awe. There are no miracles, no sermons, no parables, and no healings. Instead, there is silence, sand, hunger, and a solitary battle in the wilderness. It is here that Jesus faces the enemy of our souls in a way no other human ever has — and He triumphs. And He does so not by leaning on His divine authority, but by walking in obedience as a human filled with and yielded to the Holy Spirit. Our preaching text this morning comes from Luke 4:1–13 (NLT). Luke writes: “Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where he was tempted by the devil for forty days. Jesus ate nothing all that time and became very hungry.” (Luke 4:1–2) Luke wants us to see something right away: Jesus did not accidentally wander into temptation. He did not stumble into a spiritual ambush. He was led there. Led by whom? Led by the Spirit. And with that, Luke invites us into one of Scripture's most profound mysteries: God can lead His children into places of testing for the purpose of strengthening, purifying, and proving them. This is not new. Israel experienced the same. Moses reminded the people in Deuteronomy 8:2 (NLT): “Remember how the Lord your God led you through the wilderness for these forty years, humbling you and testing you…” Jesus is reliving the story of Israel — but where Israel failed, Jesus prevails.     Context: Between Baptism and Ministry Before we move further, we must notice the timing: Just before the wilderness comes the baptism. Just before the temptation comes the affirmation. Just before the war comes, the voice from heaven. In Luke 3, the heavens opened, the Spirit descended like a dove, and the Father declared: “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.” (3:22) Immediately after that, Jesus is taken to the desert. This pattern is familiar to anyone who has walked with God: Mountaintops are...

In Luke 23:34, Jesus prays, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” In His darkest moment, betrayed, beaten, mocked, and nailed to a cross, mercy came out.This message dives into a powerful truth: Pressure doesn't create what's inside you, it reveals it. And when the weight of the cross pressed Jesus, mercy was already there.

Hello, friend. Welcome back to another Encouraging Word.  In Luke 23 we read the account of Jesus appearing before Pilate, of Pilate finding no evidence to charge him, and the crowd demanding the release of another prisoner in exchange for Jesus. It's a remarkable—and literal—picture of what Christ has done for us. He who was blameless took the place of he who was condemned. 

In this episode, Tony Arsenal and Jesse Schwamb explore one of Scripture's most fascinating puzzles: the parable of the lost sheep appears in both Luke 15 and Matthew 18, yet teaches dramatically different lessons depending on its context. In Luke, it defends Christ's mission to seek the lost and exposes Pharisaic self-righteousness. In Matthew, it becomes a pastoral manual for church discipline, humility, and restoration. This conversation challenges the common assumption that parables have only one meaning and demonstrates how the same story can illuminate multiple theological truths. The hosts unpack the scandalous grace woven throughout both accounts while wrestling with practical implications for church life, confrontation, and the celebration of repentance within the covenant community. Key Takeaways Context transforms meaning: The parable of the lost sheep appears in both Luke 15 and Matthew 18 with similar wording but vastly different applications—proving that parables can have multiple valid meanings depending on their literary and theological context. Matthew 18's audience is internal: Unlike Luke 15, which addresses outsiders and critics, Matthew 18 speaks to disciples about life within the kingdom community—focusing on humility, care for "little ones," and the church's responsibility toward vulnerable or straying members. The parable sets up church discipline: In Matthew 18, the lost sheep parable (vv. 12-14) directly precedes and theologically grounds the church discipline passage (vv. 15-20), teaching that confrontation should be motivated by pastoral rescue, not punitive justice. "Little ones" matter to the Father: The phrase "little ones" refers to children, new believers, and those vulnerable within the church—Christ warns sternly against despising them and insists it is not the Father's will that any should perish (v. 14). Restoration is the goal, not excommunication: Verse 15's language of "gaining your brother" frames confrontation as recovery. Even final excommunication (v. 17) should be carried out with ongoing hope for repentance and return, not with triumphalism or relief. Christ's presence empowers difficult work: The promise that "where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them" (v. 20) is not a general prayer meeting verse—it's a specific assurance of Christ's authorizing presence during the judicial and painful work of church discipline. Divine intention shapes church posture: The statement "it is not the will of my Father...that one of these little ones should perish" (v. 14) must color every step of the discipline process, ensuring the church never loses sight of God's restorative heart. Explanatory Paragraphs Context Transforms Meaning One of the most significant insights from this episode is the recognition that the parable of the lost sheep serves distinct theological purposes in Luke 15 and Matthew 18. In Luke, Jesus tells the parable to Pharisees and scribes who criticize Him for welcoming sinners—the lost sheep represents those outside the covenant community whom Christ seeks. In Matthew, however, Jesus addresses His disciples within the context of kingdom life, and the lost sheep represents a believer who has wandered from the fold. This contextual shift demonstrates that parables are not rigid allegories with single meanings but flexible teaching tools that illuminate different facets of divine truth. The hosts argue that this reality should free interpreters from overly narrow readings and encourage careful attention to literary setting, audience, and surrounding discourse when seeking to understand Jesus' teaching. The Parable Sets Up Church Discipline In Matthew 18, the parable of the lost sheep (vv. 12-14) is not an isolated story but a theological foundation for the church discipline instructions that immediately follow (vv. 15-20). By emphasizing the shepherd's joy in recovering the one lost sheep and stating that it is not God's will for any "little one" to perish, Jesus prepares His disciples to approach confrontation with a restorative rather than punitive mindset. The language of "gaining your brother" (v. 15) echoes the recovery theme of the parable—confrontation is rescue, not victory. This connection is often missed because English Bible headings create visual breaks between verses 14 and 15, obscuring their flow. When read together without interruption, the passage reveals that every step of church discipline—from private conversation to final excommunication—must be undertaken with the Father's heart, which longs for the wanderer's return rather than their expulsion. Christ's Presence Empowers Difficult Work The promise in Matthew 18:20—"where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them"—is frequently misapplied as a general encouragement for small prayer groups or house churches. While Christ's omnipresence certainly validates such gatherings, the primary context of this verse is judicial and ecclesiastical. The "two or three" echoes the Old Testament requirement for multiple witnesses in matters requiring serious judgment (Deuteronomy 19:15), and the phrase appears at the climax of Jesus' teaching on church discipline. Christ is promising His authorizing presence specifically during the church's most difficult and painful work: confronting sin, evaluating repentance, and when necessary, declaring someone outside the visible church. This is both sobering and comforting—sobering because it reminds us that church discipline carries divine weight, and comforting because Christ does not leave His church alone in this weighty task but stands in the midst of the assembly, confirming its righteous judgments and sustaining its members through heartbreak. Memorable Quotes "This almost proves the idea that parables have one meaning just isn't really real...a single parable with the same words can have multiple, at the very least, can have multiple gradations of meaning." — Tony Arsenal "The scandal here is that it's not God's will that any one of these little ones should be lost. And that sometimes, I think, in the midst of great conflict feels scandalous." — Jesse Schwamb "Gaining your brother frames confrontation as rescue...discipline begins maybe actually all the way through as pastoral care. It's not public shaming." — Jesse Schwamb Full Transcript [The complete, unedited transcript of the episode would be included here for reference and accessibility.]

The Healing of a SinnerFebruary 22, 2026 • RD McClenagan • Luke 5:17–31Luke wrote his Gospel to Theophilus so he could move from partial knowledge about Jesus to deeper certainty, and in that sense Luke was written not to us but for us. Reading the Gospels is an invitation to encounter Jesus personally and be led from doubt into confident relationship with him. Discipleship is pictured as Jesus meeting us where we are and then steadily drawing us from the shallow end into deeper waters, often addressing deeper needs than we recognize. In Luke 5, friends lower a paralyzed man through a roof expecting physical healing, but Jesus first forgives his sins to show that the deepest healing is spiritual restoration with God. Jesus then heals the man's body to prove his authority to forgive, pointing ahead to the cross—like the lifted bronze serpent in Numbers 21 fulfilled in John 3—calling us to look to Christ not merely for relief but for heart renovation and life with God.WEBSITE: https://fellowshipknox.org/INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/fellowshipknox/

In Luke chapter 10, the Lord appointed seventy disciples and sent them ahead of Him into the places He would soon visit. We don't know their names, and Scripture is mostly silent about what became of them afterward, but the lessons from their mission are clear and searching. In this episode of Words of Grace, … Continue reading "Lessons from the Seventy"

Israel spent 400 years in Egypt. Even after God rescued them, Egypt was still in them.In Luke 5:15–16, Jesus models a different rhythm. As His popularity explodes and the crowds grow, He withdraws to the wilderness to pray.Why?Because the wilderness is not punishment. It's purification.God empties His people of Egypt and fills them with faith. And if Jesus needed time in the wilderness to resist the temptation to “skip the cross and take the crown,” how much more do we?If you are never intentionally emptied, you will be accidentally filled by the world.The wilderness is not where we retreat.The wilderness is where we get ready.---

Hello, friend. Welcome back to another Encouraging Word. In Luke 23 we read the account of Jesus appearing before Pilate, of Pilate finding no evidence to charge him, and the crowd demanding the release of another prisoner in exchange for Jesus. It's a remarkable—and literal—picture of what Christ has done for us. He who was blameless took the place of he who was condemned. 

In today's sermon at Flourishing Grace Church in Bountiful, Utah, Pastor Benjer teaches from Luke 19:45–20:8, a pivotal moment in Holy Week when Jesus enters Jerusalem, cleanses the temple, and then faces a public challenge from the chief priests, scribes, and elders: “By what authority do you do these things?” In the Court of the Gentiles, the one place intentionally set apart for non Jews and seekers to draw near to the God of Israel, worship had been crowded out. During Passover, Jerusalem swelled with travelers, animals, trading, and noise, and the leaders treated sacred space like it belonged to them. Jesus quotes the prophets to expose the deeper problem. Isaiah 56 shows God's heart for outsiders, foreigners, and outcasts, that God's house would be called a house of prayer for all peoples. Jeremiah 7 confronts the lie that religious activity can function like spiritual insurance, “the temple of the Lord” repeated like a mantra while injustice, oppression, and idolatry continue unchecked. When Jesus calls the temple a “den of robbers,” he is not only condemning corruption, he is revealing how the human heart turns religion into a safe house, a place to hide after we do what we want, instead of a place to meet the holy God who transforms us. This sermon is an invitation to let the Word of God do surgery beneath the surface. We can attend church, sing, confess, serve, join a table group, and even pray, yet still use those good gifts as cover for what is happening Monday through Saturday, how we treat our spouse, our coworkers, our neighbors, what we scroll, what we say, what we keep secret, and what we refuse to bring into the light. Pastor Benjer names three ways this shows up: first, “stuff it under the bed” Christianity, where everything looks tidy on the outside but the bins are packed with unresolved sin, hurt, and grief. Second, treating Sunday like a giant eraser, where we want the feeling of a reset without the healing of confession, repentance, and community. Third, loving church but never surrendering to Jesus, getting stuck at signposts like music, community, or routines, and missing the Person they are meant to point toward. In Luke 20, Jesus responds to the leaders by asking about John's baptism. It is not a dodge, it is a mirror. If John's ministry was from heaven, then Jesus' authority is from God. If it was merely from man, then the leaders can keep control. Their refusal to answer exposes a heart that fears people and protects power, and it warns us about the same impulse in our own lives. The good news is that Jesus does not discard God's promises because people misuse them. He fulfills them. He is greater than the temple, and all Scripture points to him. If you have been hurt by hypocrisy, disappointed by Christians, or tempted to conclude the gospel is not true, Jesus invites you to look at him, not at the failures of religious performance. As we worship, we want to make space for prayer, just like we did as a church this week during Ash Wednesday as we set aside time to sit with Jesus, open the Bible, and listen to the Holy Spirit. If you are not yet a follower of Jesus, today can be your day to say yes to Christ. If you are a believer but you know there are things underneath the surface that need honesty and healing, you are not alone.

What if the hardest parts of following Jesus are the parts we don't put in the pamphlet? In Luke 14, Jesus turns to a large crowd and delivers a message that would shrink most churches today. He doesn't promise comfort. He doesn't promise ease. Instead, He tells them to count the cost. In this sermon, Matthew Balentine walks through one of the most challenging teachings of Jesus: What does it mean to “hate” father and mother? Why does Jesus call us to carry our cross? What does counted-cost commitment look like? Why unfinished faith is more dangerous than we think How we subtly treat Jesus like an add-on instead of King Too often, we want our life… and Jesus. Our schedule… and Jesus. Our priorities… and Jesus. But Jesus doesn't accept a supporting role. He takes the throne. This message challenges us to examine whether we are worshiping the blessings more than the Blesser, whether we are following the crowd or surrendering fully, and whether Jesus truly holds first place in our lives. If you've ever wrestled with divided priorities, spiritual complacency, church hurt, or the real cost of commitment, this episode will push you toward deeper discipleship and lasting joy. Scripture: Luke 14:25–33 Speaker: Matthew Balentine Ninth Avenue Church of Christ Take inventory of your life. What are you holding on to that needs to be laid down?

What kind of faith gets Heaven’s attention? In Luke 7, Jesus was amazed by a Roman centurion’s faith—not a religious leader, but a soldier who understood authority and believed Jesus could heal his servant with just a word... Notes The Roman soldier’s amazing faith got Heaven’s attention. Weak or strong, everyone has a form of faith. Read Luke 7:1–10 Luke 7:9When Jesus heard this, He was amazed. Turning to the crowd that was following Him, He said, "I tell you, I haven't seen faith like this in all Israel!" Everything about Jesus was amazing. Matthew 8:27They were amazed and said, "What kind of Man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey Him!" Luke 7:9When Jesus heard this, He was amazed. Roman centurions were significant people. This centurion somehow knew Jesus could heal his beloved servant. Sometimes non-believers have more faith than believers. The two disciples on the Emmaus Road summed it up, “We had hoped He was the One.” The non-believers remembered what Jesus said would happen after He died. Matthew 27:63We remember that while He was still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise again.' Where does sickness come from? Sickness and death were not part of God’s original plan for us. Romans 5:12Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned. Satan brought the afflictions in Job's life. God will, on occasion, allow sickness in our lives to keep us humble, to teach us lessons, and to prepare us for the future. #1 Natural healing is what God built into the human body. #2 There is supernatural healing too. There is a promise of healing in the book of Isaiah.(Isaiah 53:4–5) 1 Peter 2:24"He himself bore our sins" in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by His wounds you have been healed." Lay hold of this promise when you need His healing touch. Why are some of us still sick?One reason is simply a lack of asking.(James. 4:2) Mark 6:5–6And because of their unbelief, he couldn't do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their unbelief. The people who knew Jesus best couldn’t see Him for who He really was. Hebrews 11:1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. The safest place to put your faith is in God. Faith is belief plus action. Faith does things. Amazing faith is to be used, applied, and put through its paces. The Christian life is lived by and through faith. Faith can make the difference between something happening and not happening. God is the One who works.But He chooses to work through humans living by faith. Even death is not the end. Jesus said, “I am the living One. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever!I hold the keys of death and the grave.” The powerful centurion had rank, influence, and resources.The widow had nothing. The centurion reached out to Jesus.But Jesus reached out to the woman. Read Luke 7:11–17 Luke 7:13When the Lord saw her, His heart overflowed with compassion. "Don't cry!" He said. Jesus was deeply moved by the widow’s plight. Jonah knew the nature of God was to forgive. Jesus feels sorrow and compassion for those who have lost loved ones. We will see our loved ones who died in faith again. Paul uses the word “harpazō”, translated as “caught up.”(1 Thessalonians 4:16–17) The centurion demonstrated amazing faith. For the people of Nazareth, their familiarity bred contempt. The church is a dangerous place. Every time you hear the gospel and do not respond, your heart gets harder. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What kind of faith gets Heaven’s attention? In Luke 7, Jesus was amazed by a Roman centurion’s faith—not a religious leader, but a soldier who understood authority and believed Jesus could heal his servant with just a word... Notes The Roman soldier’s amazing faith got Heaven’s attention. Weak or strong, everyone has a form of faith. Read Luke 7:1–10 Luke 7:9When Jesus heard this, He was amazed. Turning to the crowd that was following Him, He said, "I tell you, I haven't seen faith like this in all Israel!" Everything about Jesus was amazing. Matthew 8:27They were amazed and said, "What kind of Man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey Him!" Luke 7:9When Jesus heard this, He was amazed. Roman centurions were significant people. This centurion somehow knew Jesus could heal his beloved servant. Sometimes non-believers have more faith than believers. The two disciples on the Emmaus Road summed it up, “We had hoped He was the One.” The non-believers remembered what Jesus said would happen after He died. Matthew 27:63We remember that while He was still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise again.' Where does sickness come from? Sickness and death were not part of God’s original plan for us. Romans 5:12Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned. Satan brought the afflictions in Job's life. God will, on occasion, allow sickness in our lives to keep us humble, to teach us lessons, and to prepare us for the future. #1 Natural healing is what God built into the human body. #2 There is supernatural healing too. There is a promise of healing in the book of Isaiah.(Isaiah 53:4–5) 1 Peter 2:24"He himself bore our sins" in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by His wounds you have been healed." Lay hold of this promise when you need His healing touch. Why are some of us still sick?One reason is simply a lack of asking.(James. 4:2) Mark 6:5–6And because of their unbelief, he couldn't do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their unbelief. The people who knew Jesus best couldn’t see Him for who He really was. Hebrews 11:1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. The safest place to put your faith is in God. Faith is belief plus action. Faith does things. Amazing faith is to be used, applied, and put through its paces. The Christian life is lived by and through faith. Faith can make the difference between something happening and not happening. God is the One who works.But He chooses to work through humans living by faith. Even death is not the end. Jesus said, “I am the living One. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever!I hold the keys of death and the grave.” The powerful centurion had rank, influence, and resources.The widow had nothing. The centurion reached out to Jesus.But Jesus reached out to the woman. Read Luke 7:11–17 Luke 7:13When the Lord saw her, His heart overflowed with compassion. "Don't cry!" He said. Jesus was deeply moved by the widow’s plight. Jonah knew the nature of God was to forgive. Jesus feels sorrow and compassion for those who have lost loved ones. We will see our loved ones who died in faith again. Paul uses the word “harpazō”, translated as “caught up.”(1 Thessalonians 4:16–17) The centurion demonstrated amazing faith. For the people of Nazareth, their familiarity bred contempt. The church is a dangerous place. Every time you hear the gospel and do not respond, your heart gets harder. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it really mean that Jesus has all authority? And what does that mean for your life? In Luke 4:31–41, we see Jesus teach with authority, confront evil, heal the sick, and draw near to the outcast. His power is undeniable, but it is never harsh or self-serving. It is authority used to set people free. This message walks through how Jesus' kingship is not meant to control you, but to heal you from the inside out and invite you into real life. If you have ever wrestled with control, questioned who is really in charge of your life, or wondered whether Jesus is just a teacher or truly Lord, this message is for you.• Jesus speaks with unmatched authority because He is the author and fulfillment of Scripture• His power is used to confront evil, heal the hurting, and restore the outsider• His authority ultimately addresses our deepest need: forgiveness and heart transformationKey Scriptures:Luke 4:31–44Colossians 1:15–18Isaiah 6:1–7John 10:17–18Will you keep one foot in and one foot out, or will you surrender fully to the King who laid down His life for you? Take a moment this week to invite Jesus to reorder your life and trust His authority in the areas you have been holding back. If this message encouraged you, share it with a friend or family member who needs hope and healing.Bayou City Fellowship Tomball Campus | Cole Ellerbrock | February 22, 2026https://linktr.ee/bayoucityfellowship

What does it actually look like to surrender everything to Jesus? In Luke 4:31–44, we see Jesus teach with authority, command spiritual freedom, bring physical healing, and remain unwaveringly committed to the Father's purpose. The question is not just what Jesus does, but how we respond. This message walks through what it means to submit to His authority, bring our needs to Him, and learn to say no to good things so we can say yes to God's best. If you've ever wrestled with control, comfort, people-pleasing, or holding something back from God, this message is for you.• Jesus teaches and commands with true authority over both the spiritual and physical realms• We are invited to bring our spiritual and physical needs to Him in faith• Following Jesus means surrendering fully and saying no to lesser things for God's greater purposeKey Scriptures:Luke 4:31–44Matthew 5:43–44John 14:6Hebrews 1:3What is one good thing in your life that God may be asking you to lay down so you can fully say yes to Him? Take time this week to ask that question honestly. If this message encouraged or challenged you, share it with a friend or family member who needs to hear it.Bayou City Fellowship Cypress Campus | Jeremiah Meadows | February 22, 2026https://linktr.ee/bayoucityfellowship

What makes Jesus the most compelling person in history? In Luke 4:31–44, we see a powerful snapshot of one day in the life of Jesus. He teaches with authority, confronts spiritual darkness, heals the sick, and then steps away to refocus on His mission. His power is unmatched, but what makes Him truly compelling is how He uses that power with compassion and purpose. This message explores the authority of Jesus, the heart of Jesus, and the mission of Jesus. It invites us to stop carrying what we cannot control and trust the One who brings order to chaos.• Jesus has authority over spiritual darkness, sickness, and the chaos we cannot control• His power is always paired with personal compassion for the hurting and overlooked• He models a life of purpose by stepping away to pray, refocus, and reengage the missionKey Scriptures:Luke 4:31–44Isaiah 61:1–2Hebrews 1:3John 10:10Do you know the power of Jesus in your own life, or are you still trying to manage everything on your own? Take a moment this week to come honestly before Him and ask for the healing and help only He can provide. If this message encouraged you, share it with someone who needs to be reminded that Jesus still brings order to chaos.Bayou City Fellowship Spring Branch Campus | Kevin Barra | February 22, 2026https://linktr.ee/bayoucityfellowship

In Luke 17:1–10, Allyn Anderson challenges us to consider who we are becoming as followers of Jesus, emphasizing the seriousness of our influence on others and the importance of self-watchfulness in community. Jesus calls us to faithful obedience marked by repentance, forgiveness, and small acts of faith that shape us over time. Ultimately, obedience is not about earning God's favor but about surrendering humbly to Him as a natural response to His grace.OUTLINE:Jesus's warningCommunityFaithful ObedienceSurrenderQUESTIONS:(Luke 17: 1-2) Jesus says temptations are inevitable, but woe to the one who causes others to stumble. What does this reveal about how seriously Jesus takes our influence on others? How might recognizing the weight of our impact reshape the way we relate to people in community?(Luke 17: 3) Before addressing others, Jesus calls us to “self-watchfulness”, reminding us that we are constantly being formed by our words, thoughts, actions, habits, and choices. Right now, how would you honestly answer the question, “Who am I becoming?” In what ways are you currently being deformed by sin, and in what ways are you being transformed by Jesus?(Luke 17: 3-4) Jesus commands rebuke, repentance, and repeated forgiveness. How does this relational rhythm confront our natural tendencies either to attack or to withdraw in relationships? In what ways could consistently practicing honest confrontation, genuine repentance, and costly forgiveness reshape both your own soul and the culture of your community?(Luke 17: 5-6) When the disciples ask for increased faith, Jesus points to faith as small as a mustard seed. What does this teach about the connection between faith and daily obedience? How might small, simple acts of obedience form you more deeply over time than waiting for dramatic spiritual breakthroughs?(Luke 17: 7-10) Jesus concludes with the image of the unworthy servant who has only done his duty. How does this reframe obedience—not as a way to earn God's favor, but as the fitting response to a loving, good, and gracious Creator? How might embracing this posture of surrender cultivate humility, freedom, and deeper joy in following Jesus?SCRIPTURE REFERENCE:Luke 17:1-10

The prodigal son        In Luke 15, Jesus answers the grumbling of the Pharisees—“This man welcomes sinners and eats with them”—with three parables that reveal the Father's pursuing love: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. Through these stories, we see that God recovers those who can't find their way back, those who don't even know they're lost, and even those who have chosen rebellion. The climax in the prodigal son shows mercy running faster than shame, restoring sonship before condemnation can speak. The sermon calls the church to resist self-righteous, transactional religion and instead become Spirit-shaped people who “love mercy,” rejoicing when the lost are found and welcoming others the way Jesus welcomed us. (Luke 15; Micah 6:8)    

What if your empty nets are actually an invitation to something greater? In Luke 5, Jesus steps into Peter's boat after a frustrating night of failed fishing, challenging this experienced fisherman to venture into deeper waters. Pastor Blake reveals how this pivotal moment wasn't just about fish—it was about transforming an ordinary worker into an extraordinary disciple. Through powerful insights about moving from comfort to calling, this message speaks to anyone feeling successful yet unfulfilled. Discover how surrendering your expertise to Jesus' leadership can fill not just your nets, but your life with unexpected purpose. Don't miss this compelling exploration of what happens when we dare to push past the shallows of comfort into the deep waters of faith.

Luke 2:22-38 |What are you ultimately waiting for with eager anticipation? We may eagerly anticipate many good things, but only one can be ultimate: the day our faith becomes sight. The day we see our Savior face to face. In Luke 2 we are introduced to Simeon and Anna, two aged saints waiting and longing for their faith to become sight. Though we now live between the two comings of Christ, we can learn much from these two saints about what it looks like to wait and worship until our faith becomes sight.

Who is my neighbor? The bad drivers? The loud neighbors? The annoying coworker? Surely not those people. In Luke 10:25–37 Jesus tells the story of the Good Samaritan and what He says will confront your heart in the best (and hardest) way. Most people think this story is just a moral lesson about "being nice." But for the original audience, Jesus' words were a scandal. By making a Samaritan the hero, Jesus wasn't just giving a lesson on kindness; He was dismantling our excuses for who we choose not to love. The real question isn't who is my neighbor but what kind of neighbor are you? Are you the priest, the Levite, or the Samaritan? This story begs us to see people as God does, to move toward people the way Jesus, our compassionate Savior, moves toward us. In this message on the Good Samaritan, we explore: • Why we instinctively try to justify ourselves • How Jesus exposes our self-righteousness with grace • The shocking twist in the Good Samaritan story • How Jesus is the true Good Samaritan we desperately need • What it actually looks like to love people who are different, difficult, or even offensive to us Watch and let Jesus change your heart. If this message challenges or encourages you, be sure to:

Today's Sponsor: The Go BibleHave you ever told Jesus, “I'll follow you”… but deep down knew there were conditions?In Luke 9, Jesus encounters three men who all say they want to follow Him. One is overly excited but hasn't counted the cost. One delays, waiting for a more convenient time. And one wants Jesus—but still keeps looking back.Each one is close. But none fully surrender.In this message, we explore the uncomfortable truth about discipleship: following Jesus will cost you everything. Not because He wants to harm you—but because He wants to heal you, transform you, and make you fully alive.Jesus isn't looking for momentary excitement. He's looking for faithful disciples who are all in.This message will challenge you to ask:• Have I counted the cost?• Am I delaying obedience?• Am I still looking back at my old life?• Or am I fully surrendered?The greatest tragedy isn't rejecting Jesus outright. It's almost following Him your entire life.Scripture: Luke 9:57–62

In Luke 4, Jesus returns to His hometown and clearly declares who He is. He reads from Isaiah and announces that He is the promised Messiah sent to bring freedom, healing, and forgiveness. At first, the crowd is impressed. But when Jesus refuses to fit their expectations and reminds them that God's grace is for outsiders too, admiration turns into anger. This message challenges us to wrestle with a crucial question: Are we truly following Jesus, or are we trying to make Him follow us? When Jesus doesn't perform on command, doesn't stay in our box, or challenges our assumptions, how do we respond?• Jesus reveals Himself as the Spirit-anointed Messiah who brings freedom, healing, and forgiveness• Familiarity and personal expectations can blind us to who Jesus really is• Every person must choose a response: bow in faith or reject His authorityKey Scriptures:Luke 4:14–30Isaiah 61:1–2Joshua 5:13–15Where has Jesus challenged your expectations? Have you made Him too familiar, too small, or too manageable? This week, ask yourself: Am I letting Jesus lead, or am I trying to control the outcome? If this message helped you see Jesus more clearly, share it with a friend or family member who needs to wrestle with who He truly is.Bayou City Fellowship Spring Branch Campus | Kevin Barra | February 15, 2026https://linktr.ee/bayoucityfellowship