Podcasts about in luke

Many Christians long to share their faith but struggle with fear, uncertainty, or a lack of confidence. Yet Scripture shows us that bold evangelism begins not with a strategy, but with a heart captivated by Jesus Himself. In Luke 2, the shepherds encountered the newborn Christ and immediately “spread the word,” becoming some of the first evangelists in the New Testament. Their example challenges us to consider what passionate witness could look like in our own lives. When we truly love Christ, we naturally want to talk about Him—and God uses ordinary people to make His extraordinary news known. Main Takeaways You’ll learn why the shepherds’ response to seeing Jesus models bold, joy-filled evangelism. Discover how passion for Christ fuels our desire to share the gospel with others. Understand why plans and formulas have value, but real witness begins with loving Jesus deeply. See how God consistently uses ordinary men and women—shepherds, fishermen, everyday believers—to spread His good news. Reflect on how your own enthusiasm for Christ can become an invitation for others to know Him. Bible Verses Referenced Luke 2:7 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/luke/2-7.html Luke 2:8–15 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/luke/passage/?q=luke+2:8-15 Luke 2:17–18 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/luke/2-17.html Matthew 28:5–7 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/passage/?q=matthew+28:5-7 Acts 10:39–40 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/passage/?q=acts+10:39-40 Your Daily Prayer Lord Jesus, thank You for the incomparable gift of knowing You. Fill my heart with a deeper love for You—one that naturally overflows into conversations and actions that point others to Your grace. Make me bold like the shepherds who joyfully shared the news of Your birth, and like the disciples who testified fearlessly through the power of Your Spirit. When I feel uncertain or afraid, strengthen me. When I struggle for words, guide me in truth and grace. Let my life reflect Your goodness so others may be drawn to You.Amen. Want More? Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer for daily encouragement and biblical truth. Leave a rating or review to help others discover the show. Visit LifeAudio.com to explore more faith-building podcasts. Read more devotionals, Bible studies, and spiritual growth articles at Crosswalk.com and Christianity.com. Relevant Links & Resources Here are helpful resources related to the themes of today’s devotion: Articles on sharing your faith or evangelism atCrosswalk.com – https://www.crosswalk.comChristianity.com – https://www.christianity.com Explore Bible passages referenced using BibleStudyTools.com – https://www.biblestudytools.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!” (Isaiah 9:6–7 NLT) As we look at our world today, it becomes apparent that part of the promise of Isaiah 9:6–7 has not yet been fulfilled. The Child has been born. The Son has been given. But He has not yet taken the government upon His shoulders. We do not yet have peace with fairness and justice. The good news is that the day is coming. Christ will return. He will establish His kingdom on this earth. And it will be the righteous rule of God Himself. Before Jesus could take the government upon His shoulder, He had to take the cross upon His shoulder. Before He could wear the crown of glory as King of kings, He had to wear the shameful crown of thorns and give His life as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. The first time He came, a star marked His arrival. The next time He comes, the heavens will roll back like a scroll, stars will fall from the sky, and He Himself will light the universe. This season, we celebrate the Incarnation and what it means to us. God came near to us so that we can come near to Him. He came to give our lives purpose and meaning, to forgive us of our sins, and to give us the hope of Heaven beyond the grave. Christmas is not about tinsel or shopping or even spending time with family. Christmas is not about the gifts under the tree. Rather, Christmas is about the gift that was given on the tree—when Christ died on a wooden cross for our sins and gave us the gift of eternal life. He also gave us the hope of His return. In Luke 21:25–28, Jesus said, “And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!” (NLT). So, as we celebrate Christmas this year, let’s do so with an eye toward the Lord’s return. Let’s remember that one day our hope will be fulfilled, and our joy will be complete. Reflection question: How does Jesus give your life meaning and purpose as you await His return? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s Bible Verse“For no word from God will ever fail.”‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’ — Luke 1:37–38 (NIV) Advent invites us into the same posture Mary embraced—trusting God when His plans feel overwhelming, unexpected, or far beyond our understanding. In Luke 1:37–38, Mary receives a calling that would reshape her entire life. Her response isn’t rooted in certainty or comfort, but in surrender. MEET YOUR HOST: Chaka Heinze at https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Chaka Heinze is a writer, speaker, and lover of the Bible. She is actively involved in her local church on the Prayer and Healing team and mentors young women seeking deeper relationships with God.After personally experiencing God's love and compassion following the loss of her eleven-year-old son, Landen, Chaka delights in testifying to others about God's unfathomable and transformative love that permeates even the most difficult circumstances.Chaka and her husband of twenty-six years have five children ranging from adult age to preschool. Trained as an attorney, she’s had the privilege of mitigating sibling disputes for twenty-plus years.Follow her on Chakaheinze.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Some people seem born with the gift of hospitality. The moment you step through their doorway, peace meets you like a warm blanket. The room smells inviting, your needs are anticipated, and the details have been thoughtfully arranged with love. Many of us admire these “natural hostesses,” even if we don’t see those qualities in ourselves. Alicia Searl shares honestly that hosting doesn’t come as easily for her anymore—especially now that the holidays feel heavier, the gatherings larger, and the expectations higher. When she learned it was her turn to host Christmas, her first reaction wasn’t joy but stress. Yet the Lord softened her heart and reminded her of something far more important than décor, menus, or perfect planning: Hospitality is ultimately about peace, not presentation. In Luke 10, Jesus sends out seventy-two disciples with one simple instruction upon entering a home:“First say, ‘Peace to this house.’”No elaborate preparations. No expectations. Peace was the first gift exchanged. If peace rested there, they were to stay, share meals, and bring the good news of God’s kingdom. If not, the peace simply returned to them, and they moved on. Simple. Sacred. Purposeful. Hospitality is one of the primary ways believers embody the heart of Christ. Whether our homes are large or small, tidy or lived-in, beautifully decorated or simple, we are called to cultivate atmospheres where peace dwells. Our mission field begins at our front door.The people who enter our homes—and the homes into which we enter—should encounter the peace of Christ through us. This season, whether you’re hosting Christmas, visiting relatives, or gathering with neighbors, you have the opportunity to bring peace into every room you enter. Today's Bible Reading:“When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you… Do not move around from house to house.” – Luke 10:5–7 Main Takeaways True hospitality is not about perfection—it's about peace. Jesus instructs us to bless homes with peace before anything else. Our homes can become places of ministry through simple, Christ-centered welcome. The peace of Christ rests where hearts are open, and it returns unharmed where it is not. Peace on earth begins with peace exchanged between believers in everyday relationships. Let’s Pray Father God, Thank You for giving us a beautiful model of hospitality through Your Word. Help us to release the pressures of hosting and instead focus on welcoming people with Your peace. Soften our hearts toward every person who enters our home and every home we enter this season. Teach us to greet others with grace, truth, and love. Fill our homes with Your presence so they may radiate peace on earth in the most ordinary and sacred ways. Let the atmosphere within our walls reflect the hope we have in Christ, and may our hospitality become a testimony of Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Additional Scriptures for Reflection Romans 12:13 Hebrews 13:2 John 14:27 Colossians 3:15 Calls to Action Subscribe to the Your Daily Prayer podcast at LifeAudio.com Share this devotional with someone preparing to host holiday gatherings Explore related articles on Crosswalk.com and Christianity.com for more resources on hospitality and peace Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What if the whole of Advent could be summed up in one question: what are you seeking, and how precious is it to you? In Luke 2, we meet a chorus of seekers—shepherds, Simeon, Anna, the temple teachers, and even Mary and Joseph—each revealing a different way hearts move toward Jesus. We start with the shepherds, overlooked but chosen, who drop the lesser assignment to run toward the greater one. Joy meets them in a manger, reminding us that impact is measured by proximity to Christ, not platform. Then Simeon teaches us to see the end in the beginning, to bless a promise while it still looks like a baby. Anna shows how devotion rewires attention; when you make room for what's sacred, you recognize God in places others miss. The temple teachers demonstrate that honest questions can be a doorway to faith, and that knowledge must bow to encounter.Finally, Mary and Joseph offer a wake-up call: you can assume Jesus is with you and still walk on without Him. When routine replaces presence, even good work grows heavy. We talk about faithfulness in your field, recovering wonder in ordinary rhythms, and building practices that keep Jesus at the center of your calendar, your home, and your ministry. By the end, you'll have a clear lens for this Advent: hurry with clarity, wait with hope, seek with devotion, ask with courage, and turn back quickly when you realize you've moved on without Him.My hope is that this podcast helps grow your faith and equips you to accomplish your dreams and goals!Follow me on InstagramFollow me on FacebookFollow me on TikTok

In Luke 2, Simeon prophesied that baby Jesus was destined for the fall and rising of many. Jesus is a very polarizing figure. He is the most divisive person in human history, attracting some and repelling others like a magnet. How will you respond to the person of Jesus today?

What happens when God steps into the life of an ordinary person, in an ordinary place, at an ordinary moment? Extraordinary things. In Luke 1, we witness the breathtaking fulfillment of a covenant spoken more than a thousand years earlier, delivered through an unexpected visit to a young woman named Mary. God announces that the long-awaited King is on His way.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:

Ever wonder what happens when an ordinary "yes" becomes extraordinary? In Luke 1, Pastor Blake unpacks Mary's life-changing encounter with Gabriel, revealing how God transforms unexpected moments into divine appointments. Through Mary's surprise, surrender, and song, we discover that faith begins in unlikely places and flourishes through simple obedience. Whether you're feeling overlooked or facing impossible circumstances, this message will inspire you to embrace God's word with fresh confidence. Don't miss this powerful reminder that the joy of His presence arrives when we dare to say "yes" to God's purposes—watch or listen now to experience how your ordinary "yes" can become something extraordinary!

Anointed: I Am He! Speaker: Jeff Patton Location: Isaiah 61:1-2a & Luke 4:16-21 Outline Points: 1. The Truth: Anointed in Prophecy! (Isaiah 61:1-2a) - In Isaiah, we meet the PROMISED Messiah… 2. The Truth: Announced in Person! (Luke 4:16-21) - In Luke, we meet the PRRESENT Messiah… 3. The Truth: Adored in Glory! (Revelation 5:1-10) - In Revelation, we meet the PREEMINENT Messiah…

How should Christians view their money and their possessions? We're looking at the Gospel of Luke, because Luke has much to say on this subject. How does God want us to think about money in general? What should our attitude be toward it? How should we relate to giving and spending? In Luke 14, we see two things: 1) Jesus Christ lays out a standard for sacrificial giving that's so astonishing it will seem unreasonable, and 2) Jesus actually shows how reasonable this kind of giving is. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on June 20, 2010. Series: Money and Possessions – In the Teaching of St. Luke. Scripture: Luke 14:7-24. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.

In Luke 5:36–39, Jesus uses the parable of new wine and new wineskins to confront the religious mindset of His critics. After calling Matthew and dining with sinners, Jesus is questioned by Pharisees and John's disciples about why His followers don't fast like they do—a sign of comparison and religious prejudice. Jesus responds by teaching that new wine (the fresh movement of the Holy Spirit) cannot fit into old wineskins (rigid traditions, mindsets, and comfort zones). He highlights the shift from the old covenant to the new, showing that God's work requires new structures and open hearts. Throughout history, the Church has struggled with clinging to what God did in the past instead of embracing what He is doing now. The real loss isn't outdated methods—it's missing the Spirit's fresh work. Jesus notes that people naturally prefer the “old wine,” symbolizing our tendency to stay with what's familiar. Yet every generation is called to remain flexible, ready to receive and steward the ever-fresh outpouring of God.

December is crowded—calendars, headlines, even our minds. Advent invites us to make room: for awe that slows us down, for faith that says “let it be,” for joy that grows in community, and for peace that meets us right where life is loud. In Luke’s opening chapters, ordinary people make space—and God fills it with presence. Join us as we practice simple, practical rhythms to make room for Jesus this Christmas.

The Christmas story is filled with wonder, but it is also filled with real people who struggled to believe what God was doing around them. In Luke 1 we meet Zechariah and Elizabeth, a faithful couple who had no idea how their long season of waiting would become part of God's plan to bring the Savior into the world. Zechariah wrestled with doubt when an angel announced that their prayers would be answered and that their child would prepare the way for Jesus. His silence became a sacred space where God taught him what he could not learn in the noise. Their waiting showed that God is always working on more than we can see, even when the timing feels confusing. Their story reminds us that doubt does not disqualify us and that nothing is impossible with God. Mary believed because of the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, and you can too. You can believe for it today. (11/30/2025)

In Luke 7:36–50, a broken, humble woman pours out her worship at Jesus' feet. While others judged her, Jesus honored her. Her act wasn't just emotional—it was a bold expression of gratitude rooted in forgiveness, love, and transformation.This message, “The Art of Gratitude,” explores what true thankfulness looks like in the life of a believer. Gratitude isn't a feeling we wait for—it's a posture we choose. It's the art of remembering who Jesus is, what He's done, and why our love for Him overflows into every part of our lives.

As we begin our Advent series, Come and Behold Him, we step into the four weeks of anticipation and preparation that mark the arrival of Jesus Christ. Advent isn't just a countdown to Christmas—it is a reenactment of the longing, hope, and expectation that filled the people of God for generations as they waited for the Messiah.From the earliest pages of Scripture, God promised a Deliverer—the Seed who would crush the serpent (Gen. 3:15), the Offspring who would bless the nations (Gen. 12:3), the Son who would reign on David's throne forever (2 Sam. 7:12–16). By the time of the first Christmas, the people of Israel were living with a deep yearning for the One who would save, restore, and rule with righteousness.And then—into that centuries-long anticipation—God reveals the identity of the Promised One to an unexpected person: a young girl named Mary.In Luke 1:26–38, the angel Gabriel announces that Mary will bear Jesus—the Son of the Most High, the eternal King, the long-awaited Savior. But Mary's first response isn't about glory or privilege. It's the deeply human question: “How can this be…?” She feels the cost. The risk. The consequences.And yet her answer becomes one of the greatest statements of faith in all Scripture:“Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”Today's sermon explores:• The centuries of anticipation that lead to Jesus• Why God chose Mary and what her response reveals• The real-world cost she faced in obedience• The meaning of yielding to God's will—before understanding the outcome• How Advent calls us to the same posture: “I am the servant of the Lord.”Mary shows us the heart that prepares for the coming of Christ—a yielded, surrendered, servant posture that says:“Let it be to me according to Your word.”This Advent, may we learn to behold Him as she did.Scriptures: Luke 1:26–38; Genesis 3:15; Genesis 12; 2 Samuel 7; Isaiah 9; Romans 12:1–2; Proverbs 3:5–6; 1 John 2:16#Advent #Mary #ComeAndBeholdHim #ChristmasSeries #MercyHill #PastorTommyOrlando #Jesus #Gospel #Christmas #ChristianTeaching #Faith #Surrender

Most of us won't say it out loud, but it's there: that sense of distance, even when life looks full. That quiet ache that whispers, Why can't I feel close to God right now?—and just as often, Why do I feel so far from the people in my life? In Luke 1, we see that the story of Jesus didn't drift through history as rumor. It was intentionally handed down so every generation could know—right in the middle of doubt, noise, and relational strain—that God is truly near. This message asks what we're handing down in the everyday moments of our lives. Through our words, our habits, our generosity, and our presence, people around us receive something from us—hope or hurry, faith or fear, connection or distance. As Advent begins, we're invited to choose differently: to pass on the story of Jesus in a way that restores connection with God and with each other, starting with our own lives.

Most of us won't say it out loud, but it's there: that sense of distance, even when life looks full. That quiet ache that whispers, Why can't I feel close to God right now?—and just as often, Why do I feel so far from the people in my life? In Luke 1, we see that the story of Jesus didn't drift through history as rumor. It was intentionally handed down so every generation could know—right in the middle of doubt, noise, and relational strain—that God is truly near. This message asks what we're handing down in the everyday moments of our lives. Through our words, our habits, our generosity, and our presence, people around us receive something from us—hope or hurry, faith or fear, connection or distance. As Advent begins, we're invited to choose differently: to pass on the story of Jesus in a way that restores connection with God and with each other, starting with our own lives.

In Luke 1:1-4, we see why Jesus' birth isn't just a story. Luke shares eyewitness accounts of His life, miracles, and resurrection, inviting all of us to trust and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

A Day Is Coming – Part 1 MESSAGE SUMMARY: We are entering the season of Advent, which means “coming” or “arrival”. The Church begins this season of “arrival” or Advent as the time we recognize and celebrate the “arrival” of Jesus – both Jesus' “first coming” and His “second coming”. We celebrate Jesus' “first coming” on Christmas Eve. The season of Advent is, also, the beginning of the Church's “New Year”. Today, we begin our focus for Advent on Jesus “second coming” as promised by the Jesus in Luke 21:27-28: “And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”. Jesus realized that his first “arrival” on Earth was to sacrifice and to fulfil the Old Testament prophesies. Jesus knew, also, that His “first arrival” would provide a means that, through His sacrifice and Resurrection, could give all humans a personal relationship with God. However, Jesus knew that, after His sacrifice in His “first coming” into the World, that He would return to the World – Jesus' “second coming”. Jesus' “arrival”, in His “second coming”, is described, in the Bible text, that 1) Jesus is coming as the Son of Man – a term Jesus used to refer to Himself, from God's perspective; 2) Jesus is coming in a cloud; 3) Jesus' coming is preceded with certain signs in the Universe – all the “signs”, described in the Scripture, have already happened; and 4) the time of His coming being will be “soon” but “unknown”. As we are told in James 5:7-8, Jesus is coming again: “Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.". The Bible, clearly, teaches that Jesus is coming into the World again – the “second coming”. What do we need to do given the certainty of Jesus' “second coming”? In Luke 21:34-36, Jesus answers this important question regarding our preparation for His “second coming”: “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”. Be reminded that the “cares” and “anxieties” of our lives can trap us from being ready for Jesus' “second coming”.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, Sabbath rest is truly an unbelievable gift! Thank you that there is nothing I can do to earn your love; it comes without any strings attached. As I close my eyes for these few minutes before you, all I can say is, thank you! In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 133). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM RIGHTEOUS IN GOD'S EYES. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV):  Mark 13:32; Luke 21:27-28; Matthew 16:27; Daniel 7:13-14; Luke 21:25; Luke 21:8-10; Matthew 24:14; Mark 13:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; Mark 13:32; John 14:3; Acts 1:9; 1 John 2:28;  1 Thessalonians 3:2; Hebrews 9:28; James 5:7-8; 2 Peter 3:10; Luke 21:34-36.  (Click the blue below to read the full Bible text for these scripture references in BOLD.). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE SEARCH: www.AWFTL.org/bible-search/ WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Jesus Followers Have Eternal Life, Even Before their Earthly Death, Because Whoever “believes him {God} who sent me {Jesus}””: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Have you ever felt stuck in silence, waiting for God to move? In Luke's powerful account, Pastor Blake unveils how God broke through 400 years of divine silence through an aging priest named Zechariah. Through this remarkable story of doubt transformed to doxology, we discover four unshakeable reasons for hope: redemption gained, rescue guaranteed, restoration granted, and revelation given. Whether facing spiritual confusion, cultural tension, or personal darkness, this timely message reminds us that the God who kept His promises then still speaks and acts today. Don't miss this inspiring exploration of finding hope in life's dark seasons—your breakthrough may be closer than you think.

In Luke 1:26-38, we learn that in the story of the Gospel, the humble find grace, and we find it all in Christ alone.

In Luke 22:35-46 we see that Jesus does not fail when tempted. He doesn't just die in our place but lives and obeys in our place as well. He then is able to enable us by faith and grace in our dependent prayerfulness and endurance.

It has often been said that prayer is the greatest force in the universe. And yet, it remains a largely untapped resource for so many Christians. Why is that?There are a lot of reasons why we don't pray, but I think they can be summarized under two headings:  We don't know how it works. It feels very unnatural to talk to someone I can't actually see and whose voice I've never literally heard.  We don't think it really matters. We take a fatalistic view. “If it's supposed to happen, it'll happen, whether I pray or not.” In Luke 18, Jesus tells a parable that addresses the issue of prayer straight-up. The story has two main characters: a widow and a judge. Widows in Jesus' day were vulnerable. Unless she had a son to take care of her, she was without resources, power, or connections. In Jesus' story, this widow was being harassed by an adversary, so she took her case to the local judge, seeking relief.Unfortunately, the judge in this story was a hard-hearted man. He didn't fear (respect) anyone – neither man nor God! When the widow came to him, he dismissed her. But she wouldn't give up. She kept pestering the judge over and over again until finally, the judge threw up his hands and said, “I can't take it anymore. Give her what she wants!”Now, most people read this story and think... we're like the widow—defenseless and weak. And God is like the judge! He's super busy and doesn't have time to bother with little people like me and my little problems. So, the moral of the story is… it pays to pester! The more I pester God in prayer, the more likely He'll finally cave in and give me what I ask for!Friends, that could not be further from the truth. This parable is not an allegory. It is a beautifully crafted study in contrasts! Jesus' point is, if this sort of judge gives this sort of help to this sort of person, how much more will your Father give all kinds of help to you?  And in so doing, He gives us three prerequisites we need to understand if we hope to keep praying and not give up. 1.     We need to understand our identity.Some of us see God as Oz the Terrible. Like Dorothy and her friends, we tremble before Him. But for those who have come to faith in Christ, the King of the Universe is our Father! And He is thrilled with your presence and delighted to hear of your needs. No one's voice sounds sweeter to God than yours.2.     We need to understand God's inclination.Don't think for a minute that you have to concoct some way to wrench a blessing from some tight-fisted miser.  That just isn't so.  From cover to cover in the Bible, we read of a God who loves to give good things to His children. He delights in it.3.     We need to understand God's invitation.God calls us to talk to Him—to ask, seek, and knock—not just to have our needs met, but that we might enter into a faith partnership with Him.  Text: Luke 18:1-8Originally recorded on August 22, 2004, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

Tim Sheppard - Why is it so hard to find forgiveness in a world that claims to prize it? In Luke 6, Jesus makes a bold call to radical generosity—and also shows that only those with a gospel root can hope to bear such fruit.

In Luke 20, Jesus tells a parable about tenant farmers who reject—and ultimately kill—the master's son. Why would they do something so cruel? They confused stewardship with ownership, mistook patience for permission, and saw rightful authority as a threat. Today, Pastor Andy unpacks this story and leads us to ask: Is there any area of my life where I cannot confidently say, “It is yours”?Welcome to Antioch Georgetown! We are a church in Georgetown, TX, and our mission is simple--Lead people to follow Christ in a life-changing way.Get Connected:

In Luke 1:5-25, we learn that a miraculous birth signals God's intent to redeem.

In Luke 17, nine of the ten healed lepers hurry off to reclaim their "normal" lives, forgetting to return to the One who made restoration possible. Their absence reminds us how easy it is to crave the blessing more than the Blesser. Genuine gratitude slows us down long enough to recognize God's mercy. Let us seek God's face and not His hand only. Be blessed by this sermon as you listen and share.

In Luke 21, Jesus refuses to let His disciples stay comfortable or distracted. He gives them—and He gives us—the exact roadmap for how to live ready every single day. When Jesus returns, the only thing that will matter is whether you were ready to meet Him.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251121dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion [Jesus said] “By standing firm you will gain life.” Luke 21:19 Never It is the darkest period of World War II. For all intents and purposes, Nazi Germany has conquered the entire continent of Europe. At present, the only force that stands in its way is the island of Great Britain. Winston Churchill has been Prime Minister for only a few months, but these few months have been terrible for his country. Hitler’s bombs have been dropping on London without mercy. Entire neighborhoods are in rubble. Families are sleeping in subways to avoid the death raining down from above. It is during this difficult, frightening time that Churchill receives an invitation. His old high school has asked him to come and speak to the students. He accepts. As the date nears, Churchill must give some thought as to what he will say. What do you say to teenagers whose families are facing the deprivations of war? When the date arrives, Churchill has decided what he is going to say. He enters the school. He gathers with the students and faculty. Then he gets up to speak. He describes to the students the crucial moment in history in which they live. Then he delivers some of the most memorable words in the entire war. He tells them, “Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never.” In Luke chapter 21, Jesus describes for his disciples the hard and difficult days that lie ahead for his followers. Satan and this fallen world will rage against the message of the gospel—the good news of full forgiveness through faith alone in the crucified and risen Son of God. The lives of Christians will be fraught with persecution, temptation, hostility, and pain. But then Jesus holds out a precious promise. He says, “By standing firm you will gain life.” Apart from our Savior, of course, we would not stand at all. Left to ourselves, we would immediately fall away. But the Savior who has washed away our every sin of disloyalty is the same Savior who empowers us to stand firm. Therefore, in him, filled with the gospel in Word and sacrament, you and I will stand firm in this world until he brings us home to eternal life. Prayer: Lord Jesus, as the battle rages, move me never to give in. Never. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

In Luke 19:1–10, the familiar story of Zacchaeus reminds us just how wide and surprising the grace of Jesus really is. Zacchaeus was not only short in stature but a chief tax collector—someone people literally and figuratively looked down on. Yet while the crowd grumbled that Jesus would dare share a meal with a sinner, Zacchaeus responded to Jesus' welcome with repentance and generosity, declaring that grace was already transforming his life. When Jesus says, “Today salvation has come to this house… for the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost,” He makes it clear that no one is beyond belonging, mercy, or restoration—not Zacchaeus, not us, and not the people we're tempted to write off. This story invites us to receive grace with humility and to extend it with open arms, seeing others the way Jesus sees them and remembering that all of us are beloved children of Abraham.Shameless plug: here's a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2019%3A%201-10&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

In Luke 18:35–43, Jesus heals a blind man who refuses to be silenced and cries out all the louder for mercy, reminding us that Jesus not only restores physical sight but also gives us spiritual sight — the kind that helps us recognize God's grace and work in our lives. Like the blind man, we're called to persist in prayer even when we feel unheard or discouraged, trusting that Jesus always hears our cries and may be working in ways we can't see. As we grow older, we often realize how limited our vision once was, and even now we continue to ask, “Lord, let me see again,” knowing that He is still shaping our eyes, hearts, and understanding. The story encourages us to keep praying, keep calling out, and keep seeking the clarity only Jesus can give, believing that He will help us see what truly matters.Shameless plug: here's a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2018%3A35-43&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

In this message, “All About You,” we explore what it truly means to shift our focus from ourselves to the mission of Jesus. Self-Focus Is the Enemy's Distraction Philippians 2:3–4 reminds us that selfish ambition and self-centered living pull us away from what God has called us to. When our world revolves around us, we lose sight of the Kingdom. Matthew 6:33 challenges us to seek God first, not our own agenda. Intercession Breaks the Devil's Grip Ephesians 6:18 shows that praying for others is a powerful weapon. Intercession lifts our eyes off ourselves and helps us stay alert, connected, and aligned with God's heart for people. Jesus Modeled Selfless Prayer Jesus didn't just teach us to pray for others—He lived it. In Luke 23:34, He prayed for the very people crucifying Him. In John 17:20, He prayed for future believers, including us. His example calls us to a life shaped by compassion and intercession. Outward Focus Brings Inward Peace Philippians 4:6–7 teaches that when we release our worries and pray with thanksgiving, God's peace guards our hearts and minds. James 5:16 reminds us that prayer—especially prayer for others—carries real power and produces real change. This message will help you recognize how self-focus drifts us away from God, and how shifting our attention outward leads to purpose, peace, and spiritual strength. Dive in and see what happens when your life becomes centered on Christ and the people He cares for.

In Luke 9:37–50, the disciples are confronted with their inability to heal a demon-tormented boy, a humbling failure that exposes their need for deeper dependence on Jesus. Jesus responds not by discarding them but by instructing them—teaching again about His suffering, confronting their prideful arguments about greatness, and correcting their misguided zeal. Through each failure, He patiently forms them into servants who rely on His power and embrace His cross-shaped way of life.

We apologize for the week's delay in getting this message posted, as we had storage drive difficulties!But this week, Pastor Gregg takes a look at the way we use our earthly resources that reveals who we truly serve.In Luke 16, Jesus challenges us to invest what won't last into what will—eternal relationships. This week's message unpacks how faithful stewardship, generous hearts, and Kingdom-focused investment shape the legacy we leave behind.

When you look at your life, what do you really see? Do you see the limits — or do you see the glory that is still waiting to emerge?Everything changes when vision changes. That's when you start seeing as God sees; that's when you stop reacting to life, and you start shaping it instead.You're not defined by what's visible; instead, you're strengthened by what is eternal. The same Spirit that hovered over chaos in the beginning at Creation now lives inside of you — still calling light out of darkness, still turning confusion into purpose, still healing what's been broken.In Luke chapter 13, Jesus saw a certain woman who had been bent over for eighteen years. Everyone else instead only saw her pain, her poor posture, her terrible past. But Jesus saw her whole, full, well, upright, standing tall, and restored. And when He spoke what He saw, creation aligned and agreed with His word.That's what happens when Heaven becomes the lens through which you see your world. Faith starts to rise. Confidence returns. The impossible begins to yield.I want you to know that God has already forgotten all your sins, but He will never forget His promised purpose in your life. So, you have to forget what He has already forgotten and hold fast to what He still remembers about the goodness of your future that's soon to become.That is the power of the eternal God's foresight into the future. That when you see as God sees, everything straightens — your posture, your purpose, together with your forward focus and your life.

This message invites us to see stewardship in a different light, not just as a financial duty but as a spiritual opportunity. In Luke 12:15, we're reminded that life isn't about possessions but about purpose. The "dinosaur" symbolizes anything we cling to out of fear, pride, or the illusion of control, things we think we need to survive but that actually hold us back from living freely in God's purpose. Everything we have, our money, time, relationships, and abilities, is a gift from God, and we are called to steward it, not hoard it. This sermon challenges us to release what weighs us down and trust that God can do more with our surrender than we could ever do with our grip. It's not just about giving to a church; it's about becoming a church that reflects Jesus, boldly loving, freely giving, and fully trusting the One who gave everything for us.

Join Pastor Derek Walker from the Oxford Bible Church as he explores the profound connections between the Gospel and the Year of Jubilee. Discover how the Gospel message, as preached by Jesus, fulfills the Old Testament Typology of the Jubilee—a time of liberation, restoration, and divine grace. He delves into the origins of the Gospel in the Old Testament, its central role in the New Testament, and its significance for believers today. This enlightening session highlights the transformative power of the Gospel as a 'now message' calling for faith, repentance, and the acknowledgment of Christ's Sacrifice. This teaching reveals the origins of the Gospel in the Year of Jubilee, which took place on the Day of Atonement, when the Jubilee Trumpeters proclaimed forgiveness, release and restoration for all, throughout all the Land, on the basis of the great sacrifice made on that day (Leviticus 25). Jesus initiated the preaching of the Gospel, and commanded us to continue preaching this same Gospel. In Luke 4, Jesus claimed that His preaching of the Gospel was the fulfilment of Isaiah 61, a prophecy of the Messiah fulfilling the Type of Jubilee for all men by preaching Good News to the poor, proclaiming the Acceptable Year of the Lord, on the basis of God's acceptance of His great final Sacrifice (Isaiah 53).

In Luke 8, Jesus meets a man everyone else had given up on and shows that nothing is too broken or too far gone for him to reclaim. We're reminded that we have a Savior who refuses to let our past, our wounds, or our brokenness have the final word. Wherever you are today, there is hope—because Jesus is still rewriting stories.To support this ministry and help us continue our God given mission, click here: http://bit.ly/2NZkdrCSupport the show

Ever slid into home plate and heard the umpire yell “Safe!” only to realize the game's not over? In Luke 17, ten lepers found healing—but only one found salvation. In this message, we unpack the danger of confusing God's temporary protection with His eternal redemption. Learn how to move from being safe for a season to being saved for eternity, and why real faith always comes back to Jesus.

It seems inevitable that our eyesight goes bad. Usually around age forty. These days there are a few solutions to ensure good eyesight until old age. But our spiritual seeing problems are a different matter. We are born blind, unable to see ourselves rightly, God for who he is, or Christ for all he has done for sinners. Blindness is a deliberately chosen metaphor for our spiritual condition since the blind cannot heal themselves. In Luke 18:31–43 we come to the last stop before Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. There he makes a final prediction concerning his death and resurrection and shows his powers of spiritual healing for one last miracle before the cross.

In Luke 14:1–6, Jesus confronts the hypocrisy of religious leaders by healing a man with dropsy on the Sabbath, exposing how human traditions had corrupted the true purpose of the Sabbath as a day of mercy, necessity, and delight in God. The passage reveals that Jesus' willingness to engage with His enemies—those who sought to trap Him—demonstrates His mission to save sinners, including the self-righteous, because salvation comes not from moral superiority but from recognizing one's need for grace. The sermon emphasizes that the Sabbath was never meant to be a burden of legalistic restrictions but a sacred time for worship, good works, and compassion, with Christ Himself as the Lord of the Sabbath who consistently prioritized mercy over ritual. It warns against substituting human traditions for divine commandments, urging believers to reject cultural and religious practices that elevate man-made rules over Scripture, and to embrace the gospel with humility, even when it requires stepping outside comfort zones to reach the lost. Ultimately, the passage calls the church to live out the Sabbath's true meaning: a joyful, active commitment to God and neighbor, reflecting Christ's redemptive work in the world.

Have you ever wondered what makes something simple sacred? In Luke 22, Jesus transforms the ancient Passover into something revolutionary—the Lord's Supper. Pastor Ken unveils how this sacred meal connects us to both God's saving grace and each other across time and cultures. Similar to how worshipping through song connects people together like Pastor Marcus looked at last week, Communion also connects believers together with Christ. Pastor Ken uses powerful stories, including a near-disaster with the priceless Codex Sinaiticus, which shows how treating sacred things as ordinary can lead to profound loss. Whether you're new to communion or have participated countless times, this message reveals fresh insights about this timeless practice that unites believers worldwide.

George Diwakar - True happiness isn't found in wealth, success, or popularity but in following Jesus with humble faith. In Luke 6:17–26, the Saviour turns the world's values upside down, showing that those who are poor, hungry, and hated for his sake are truly blessed, for the kingdom of God belongs to them.

Have you ever felt like your tears were wasted — like God wasn't listening? In Luke 7:11–17, we see a powerful truth: your tears can move the heart of God. When Jesus met the widow at Nain, her pain didn't push Him away — it pulled Him closer. Compassion moved Him to perform a miracle that turned mourning into joy.In this message, we uncover how God responds to our deepest sorrow, how divine compassion still meets human pain, and how hope can rise again — even when everything seems lost.

Point 1. The Main ProblemIn Luke 5:8, when Simon Peter saw the miraculous catch of fish, he cried out: “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”He was aware of his sin, but not of the saviorPoint 2. On the Opposite Side is an OverflowJohn 21:3-6 NIV“I'm going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We'll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven't you any fish?” “No,” they answered. He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.To live on the opposite side is…                    To love the unlovelyTo give when it looks like we have nothing to give.To walk by faith, when confronted by fearTo forgive when we were the ones wronged Point 3. Jesus, the Lord, Holds it all togetherJohn 21:7 NIVThen the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. Jesus said, “Bring some of the fish you've caught.”Then Jesus asked Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?”John 21:18 NIVJesus said: “When you were younger, you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old, (as you grow, mature) someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”Point 4. Every Knee Will BowPhilippians 2:9–11 NIV“God exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”Point 5. The Posture of the Redeemed“Jesus Christ is Lord.”

Point 1. The Main ProblemIn Luke 5:8, when Simon Peter saw the miraculous catch of fish, he cried out: “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”He was aware of his sin, but not of the saviorPoint 2. On the Opposite Side is an OverflowJohn 21:3-6 NIV“I'm going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We'll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven't you any fish?” “No,” they answered. He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.To live on the opposite side is…                    To love the unlovelyTo give when it looks like we have nothing to give.To walk by faith, when confronted by fearTo forgive when we were the ones wronged Point 3. Jesus, the Lord, Holds it all togetherJohn 21:7 NIVThen the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. Jesus said, “Bring some of the fish you've caught.”Then Jesus asked Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?”John 21:18 NIVJesus said: “When you were younger, you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old, (as you grow, mature) someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”Point 4. Every Knee Will BowPhilippians 2:9–11 NIV“God exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”Point 5. The Posture of the Redeemed“Jesus Christ is Lord.”

“Then Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people selling animals for sacrifices. He said to them, ‘The Scriptures declare, “My Temple will be a house of prayer,” but you have turned it into a den of thieves.’” (Luke 19:45–46 NLT) In our next set of devotions, we’re going to look at ways to “tune up” our spiritual lives—ways to strengthen and mature our relationship with the Lord. And we’re going to start with some early spring cleaning. My wife, Cathe, and I are polar opposites when it comes to cleaning. My approach can be summed up by the procrastinator’s motto: Never do today what you can put off until tomorrow. Cathe’s approach is to constantly clean and organize so that over time, little messes don’t become big ones. Obviously, her approach is the better one. In Luke 19 we find the story of Jesus’ cleaning the house of God as He went into the temple and drove out the moneychangers. These temple merchants were taking advantage of people and keeping them from God, and this angered Jesus. This is the second time in Scripture that Jesus cleaned the temple. In John 2:13–17, we read that He used a whip to drive out the moneychangers. Little messes turn into big messes, so Jesus arrived to clean house again. I believe there is a parallel to our own lives. When we come to Christ initially, we ask for His forgiveness, and He pardons us of all our wrongdoing. In fact, we are told in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (NLT). What a wonderful thing it is to realize that God has forgiven us of all our sin. We are cleansed. But as time passes, sometimes some of our old sins find their way back into our lives. Maybe they start small. But they don’t stay that way. They begin to grow and take up bigger and bigger parts of our life until they become a serious problem. The longer we wait to address them, the harder the cleanup is. That’s why we must frequently examine our lives and deal with what we find instead of trying to excuse it. We must ask God to make us aware of things we may not see. We must also find accountability partners who will lovingly confront us when they see things in our lives that go against our Christian faith. The apostle Paul wrote, “Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5 NLT). The psalmist wrote, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life” (Psalm 139:23–24 NLT). Does your temple need cleansing? Are there some things in your life that shouldn’t be there? Are there some vices, some bad habits that have found their way back into your life? If so, deal with them now. Don’t let little messes turn into big ones. Reflection question: What are some little messes that you need to clean up in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In week two of Making Room for More, we explore Jesus' story of a feast that no one showed up to—and a host who kept inviting anyway. In Luke 14, we see that the kingdom of God isn't a lecture hall or a stadium, but a table where grace keeps making room for one more. This message invites us to trade convenience for connection and discover how our own tables can become places where heaven touches earth.To support this ministry and help us continue our God given mission, click here: http://bit.ly/2NZkdrC.Support the show

It's Thursday, October 30th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Muslim Ugandan beat wife and kids for trusting Christ A Muslim man in Uganda beat his wife and two children last month for putting their faith in Christ. Kulusumu Namulondo had to be hospitalized along with her two children, ages twelve and nine. Her husband proceeded to demolish the building of the church she had visited. Namulondo described the attack to Morning Star News. She said, “My husband hit my son with the walking stick several times, and he soon fell down screaming and wailing in great pain . . . While my son was on the ground, my husband started beating up me and my daughter. Thank God, neighbors arrived, and my husband fled away.” In Luke 18:29-30, Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.” Help victims of Hurricane Melissa  in Jamaica and Cuba Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica on Tuesday as a Category 5 storm. Melissa weakened to Category 3 before making landfall in Cuba yesterday.  The hurricane is one of the strongest ones on record in the Atlantic, killing dozens of people across the Caribbean. Christian charity organizations are mobilizing aid for victims of the hurricane. Samaritan's Purse announced it is “already preparing to respond as needed — with disaster relief specialists, materials, and aircraft all on standby.” You can give towards their relief effort through a link in our transcript today at TheWorldview.com.  Trump, Cruz and Johnson urge centrist Democrats to re-open gov't The Democrats in the U.S. Senate have now shut the U.S. government for 30 days, as they attempt to undo the provisions of President Trump's Big Beautiful Bill which ensured that only U.S. citizens would get taxpayer-funded health care. President Trump didn't pull any punches. TRUMP: “Today, I'm calling on every Senate Democrat to stop the madness, to let our country get back.   In the greatest moment in the history of our country, in terms of wealth, in terms of job creation, and in terms of investment coming in, these guys go on strike. It's really a shame! “So, I'm asking them to be smart. It's not working. They're getting killed in the polls. The public understands what they're doing. They're doing the wrong thing.” Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas explained that the Democrats have failed to stop the government shutdown. CRUZ: “Thirteen times now the Republicans have voted to open the government to pay the federal workers 13 times. The Democrats' party line have voted no, keep it shut down. Keep it shut down. Keep it shut down. “And at this point it's not even clear they have an exit ramp. I think they're going to continue this another week or two, and then at some point, seven or eight Democrats are going to have some sense come into them. I think it is very likely to be retiring Democrats who will never again face a primary election. So, they're more insulated from the crazy left wing base. “But we are watching performative art. We're not watching public policy. We're not watching elected officials. This is all about political saving Chuck Schumer's rear end.” And House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, described Senator Chuck Schumer as irredeemable. JOHNSON: “We have very important work to do here, and that's why we're pleading with them. Look, I think Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries are irredeemable at this point. I don't think they'll be able to tell [New York City Mayoral candidate Zohran] Mondami, [a socialist], in New York and his disciples that they voted to open the government. “I've given up on the leadership. So, we're trying to appeal to a handful of moderates or centrists who care more about the American people and will put the people's interest over their own and do the right thing in the Senate.  There's no point in me sitting down with Chuck Schumer. He's painted himself into a corner.” The Congressional Budget office said that the economy could lose $14 billion over two months unless the government is reopened. If you have a Democrat U.S. Senator, call 202-224-3121 and urge him or her to re-open the government immediately. Half of U.S. states scored poorly on religious liberty The Napa Legal Institute released its 2025 Faith and Freedom Index on Monday. The report ranks states in the U.S. from 0-100 based on how well they treat faith-based nonprofits.  The states with the highest rankings on the index are Alabama (72%), Kansas (69%), Indiana (68%), Texas (65%), and Mississippi (63%). The states with the lowest rankings are Michigan (31%), Washington (35%), Massachusetts (37%), Maryland (38%), and Illinois (38%).  Sadly, over half of the states scored below 50% on the religious liberty index.  Nvidia now valued at $5 trillion Nvidia became the first company yesterday to reach a market value of $5 trillion. The tech company started with video game processors. Now it is a major producer of computer chips for the artificial intelligence industry.  The record valuation follows growth announcements from the company, including plans to build seven supercomputers for the U.S. government.  Apple and Microsoft, two other tech companies, are not far behind with market valuations of around $4 trillion.  America's debt has surpassed $38 trillion The U.S. government's gross national debt surpassed $38 trillion last Wednesday. That's up a trillion dollars from just August of this year.  The U.S. government debt as a percentage of gross domestic product stood at 120% last year, according to the International Monetary Fund. That's one of the highest debt-to-GDP ratios in the world. Only Japan, Venezuela, Greece, and Italy are higher.     (Look at the U.S. Debt clock.) Federal Reserve cut interest rate by quarter percent The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate by a quarter-point for the second time this year. This brings the rate to a range between 3.75% and 4%. That's the lowest it's been in three years.  The Fed's announcement noted, “Available indicators suggest that economic activity has been expanding at a moderate pace. Job gains have slowed this year, and the unemployment rate has edged up but remained low. …Inflation has moved up since earlier in the year and remains somewhat elevated.” Museum of the Bible displaying oldest copies of Jonah and 1 Peter And finally, CBN News reports the Museum of the Bible is displaying the oldest-known complete copies of Jonah and 1 Peter.  The pages come from the Crosby–Schøyen Codex which dates back 1,800 years. The text is written in the ancient Coptic language.  It's the first time the pages from the codex have been available to the public since 1988.  Dr. Bobby Duke is the Chief Curatorial Officer at the Museum of the Bible. Listen to comments he made to CBN News.  DUKE: “This dates back to about 250 A.D. That's incredible to think that we have something that's 1,800 years old. A community said, ‘Let's put these items together so that if it were read it will inspire this generation of Christians that lived in that part of Egypt.” 1 Peter 1:24-25 says, “All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the LORD endures forever.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, October 30th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

"In Luke 21, Jesus describes future upheaval—wars, persecution, signs in the heavens. How should we read these verses without falling into fear or speculation? In Luke 22, what's the significance of the Last Supper—and how does it connect to the story of redemption? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member, Susannah Gullette talk about Luke 21-22. They discuss how we can face the trials of the future in the hope of Jesus Christ's salvation and work in our lives. You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34G8zp3?si=c960a63736904665 Check out the Join The Journey Website for today's devotional and more resources! https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Watermark-Community-Church/author/B0BRYP5MQK?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1755623322&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=8aeeec3b-6c1c-416d-87ae-5dfbbb6981df"