Podcasts about in luke

Jesus ends the Sermon on the Mount with a familiar picture: two men building two houses. One builds on rock. The other builds on sand. When the storms come, only one house remains standing. The difference isn't the weather. Both houses face the storm. The difference is the foundation. That picture from Matthew 7 offers a helpful way to think about our financial lives. Job losses, medical expenses, market declines, and unexpected bills eventually test every household. The question is whether our financial lives are built on something strong enough to withstand them. John Cortines, a Family Office Advisor with Blue Trust and co-author of God and Money and True Riches, offers a helpful framework: Think of your financial life as a house. Christ is the foundation. Gratitude, contentment, trust, and love form the walls. Our identity as stewards serves as the roof. And wise financial practices furnish the rooms. The Foundation: Christ, Not Money Every house begins with a foundation, and the Christian financial life begins with Christ. Jesus taught that we cannot serve both God and money. So before we ask how much to save, spend, invest, or give, we have to settle a more fundamental question: What—or whom—are we trusting? 1 Timothy 6 warns against placing our hope in wealth. Money is useful, but it was never designed to carry the weight of our security or identity. Instead, biblical stewardship begins by recognizing that everything ultimately belongs to God. Haggai 2:8 reminds us that the silver and gold are His. What we possess has been entrusted to us temporarily. That changes the way we approach money. Rather than asking, “What do I want to do with my money?” a steward begins asking, “What is the next faithful decision with what God has entrusted to me?” Money moves from being our master to becoming a tool we manage for God's purposes. The First Wall: Gratitude Once the foundation is in place, the first wall is gratitude. Gratitude protects us from one of wealth's most subtle dangers: pride.  Pride says, I earned this. I deserve this. Look at what I've accomplished. Gratitude answers, God provided this. Deuteronomy 8:18 warns God's people not to forget that He is the One who gives them the ability to produce wealth. Our abilities, opportunities, relationships, education, health, and circumstances are all gifts we did not create for ourselves. That doesn't diminish the value of hard work. It simply puts our work in its proper place. A grateful steward can work diligently without believing everything depends on personal achievement. Gratitude opens our hands because it reminds us that every good thing ultimately comes from God. The Second Wall: Contentment The second wall is contentment, which guards us from coveting and comparison. Our culture constantly invites us to look sideways. Someone always seems to have a nicer home, a newer vehicle, a larger portfolio, or a more comfortable lifestyle. The result can be a restless appetite for more. But biblical contentment allows us to experience peace in seasons of abundance and in seasons when resources are limited. In Philippians 4:12-13, Paul explains that he learned the secret of being content whether he had plenty or was in need. His famous statement, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me,” comes in the context of learning contentment through Christ. Contentment does not mean we stop planning, working, or pursuing worthwhile goals. It means our peace is no longer waiting on the next financial milestone. We don't have to keep telling ourselves, I'll finally be satisfied when I get there or when I have that. In Christ, we can receive today's provision with gratitude while faithfully preparing for tomorrow. The Third Wall: Trust The third wall is trust. Financial anxiety often grows from the assumption that our future rests entirely on us. Am I saving enough? What if something happens? Will there be enough for retirement? What if the economy changes? Wise stewardship certainly includes preparation. But preparation can quietly turn into self-reliance if we begin believing our savings account is ultimately responsible for keeping us safe. In Luke 12, Jesus reminds His followers that the Father knows what they need. That frees us to seek His Kingdom first rather than allowing fear about tomorrow to dominate today. Our deepest security goes even further. For the Christian, our ultimate hope is not that we will avoid every financial problem. Our hope is in Christ, His victory over death, and the eternal future He has secured for His people. That perspective doesn't eliminate wise financial planning. It puts planning in its proper place. We prepare faithfully while trusting God completely. The Fourth Wall: Love The fourth wall may be the one we least often associate with money: love. It is easy for financial planning to become entirely inward-facing. We think about our budget, our goals, our retirement, and our future without considering how God may want to use what He has entrusted to us for the good of others. But Christian stewardship is shaped by Christ's love. 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 point us to Jesus, who gave Himself generously for us. Our generosity toward others becomes a response to the generosity we have first received from Him. As we grow spiritually, we begin asking not merely, How much can I keep? but, How can what God has entrusted to me become an expression of love? That may mean financial generosity, hospitality, using our abilities to serve someone, supporting the local church, or simply noticing a need we might otherwise have ignored. Money becomes one more way to love God and love our neighbor. The Roof: Your Identity as a Steward Resting on those four walls is the roof: our financial identity. There are two unhealthy extremes. The first is ownership: It's mine. I earned it. I'll do whatever I want with it. The second is helplessness: Nothing I do matters. I'll never get ahead. Life just happens to me. Stewardship offers another way. A steward says, “Everything belongs to God, and I am responsible for faithfully managing what He has entrusted to me.” That perspective brings both responsibility and freedom. We take our decisions seriously because stewardship matters. But we also recognize that we are not the ultimate owners or providers. God is. Our task is faithfulness. Furnishing the House With Wise Financial Practices Only after the foundation, walls, and roof are secure do we begin furnishing the house. These furnishings represent the everyday financial habits Scripture commends: working diligently, spending purposefully, handling debt carefully, saving steadily for future needs, investing patiently and wisely, practicing generosity, and showing hospitality. These practical decisions matter. But they work best when they flow from the right heart. Otherwise, we can follow every financial rule and still be driven by pride, comparison, fear, or selfishness. That's why biblical financial wisdom goes deeper than behavior. God is interested not only in what we do with money but in what is happening in our hearts while we do it. Four Questions Before Your Next Financial Decision This financial-house framework can become a practical tool whenever you face an important money decision. Before making a major purchase, investment, career move, or other financial choice, prayerfully ask: Am I approaching this from pride or gratitude? Am I being driven by coveting or contentment? Am I responding from anxiety or trust? Am I acting with indifference or love? Those questions can expose motivations that a spreadsheet never will. Sometimes they may lead us away from something we originally wanted. Other times, they may give us greater freedom to move forward. Either way, they help us consider not merely whether we can make a financial decision, but whether that decision fits the kind of steward God is shaping us to become. Build From the Inside Out It's tempting to begin our financial lives with tactics: budgets, investments, debt repayment plans, and retirement accounts. Those things are important. But Scripture invites us to start deeper. Build your foundation on Christ. Strengthen your life with gratitude, contentment, trust, and love. Remember that your identity is not owner but steward. Then let wise financial practices flow from those convictions. Storms will come. Jesus never suggested otherwise. But a financial life built on the Rock has something stronger than money holding it together. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I have a 3% mortgage on about $300,000 and keep seeing ads promoting simple-interest home loans. Would it make sense to convert my current mortgage, or consider a simple-interest loan when we move in a few years? My husband and I are considering living off our savings for a year while I attend an accelerated nursing program at full out-of-state tuition. We live very frugally and have built up substantial savings. Does using that money to fund my schooling make financial sense? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Satisfied: Discovering Contentment in a World of Consumption by Jeff Manion FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Luke 15:1–7, Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep—a powerful picture of the heart of God for those who are far from Him.Pastor Dave Klassen reminds us that every single soul matters to God. The shepherd does not simply settle for the ninety-nine; he goes searching for the one that is lost until he finds it. And when that sheep is found, there is great rejoicing.This message challenges us to see people the way God sees them—not as unimportant, hopeless, or beyond reach, but as people deeply loved by their Shepherd. As followers of Christ, we are also given the responsibility to reach out to those who are lost, hurting, and searching for hope.Key themes from this message:- Every person matters to God.- God does not want anyone to be lost.- Jesus is the Good Shepherd who cares for His sheep.- We are called to reach out to those who do not yet know Christ.- Finding the lost brings great joy.May this message give you a renewed passion to see the lost through God's eyes and to share the love and hope of Jesus with those around you.Scripture: Luke 15:1–7; John 10:11–12; Psalm 23; Isaiah 40:11; Ezekiel 34:11–12

We live at a pace that can leave us exhausted in ways that sleep and vacations can't fix. In Luke 4, we see Jesus making space to stop and gather, showing us a different way to respond to the busyness of life. Join Celebration Church Orlando as we explore the Sabbath and what it looks like to follow Jesus in a world that never stops. If you've been feeling worn down by the pace of life, this message is for you.Connect with Us:Next Steps: https://celebrationorl.org/Subscribe: Don't miss an episode or message—follow along!Follow Us: Instagram: https://bit.ly/2MConG0 / Facebook: https://bit.ly/2Yxe6h7Feedback: Have questions? Need prayer? DM @celebrationorl or email celebra...

In Luke's final scene, the risen Jesus shows his disciples that every page of Scripture was always pointing to him, and that his death and resurrection prove he keeps every word he speaks. He then hands them the message as a mission: forgiveness of sins offered in his name to all nations, beginning with the very city that crucified him. And instead of ending with a goodbye, Jesus ascends to his throne mid-blessing, hands still raised, and his people respond the only way you respond to majesty, with worship and great joy.

Have you recently been left out of some get together or hangout largely because of your walk with Jesus?Or have people said some pretty awful things about you, because they think you are to fanatical about the things of God?In either case, Jesus calls you BLESSED! That's right. In Luke 6:22 He says, "Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man's sake."Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.  Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." We look at how Christians throughout the world are facing persecution, and what we should do, both when others are facing it, or when we do.

A process you practice, again and againThere comes a point where peacemaking is no longer just a principle we proclaim but a process we must practice. So what is the process?In Luke 17, Jesus gives it in a single sentence. If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, even seven times in a day.

Title: No Relationship Beyond RepairSpeaker: Pastor Bill AllenDate: 26th January 2026Location: Gold Coast, Australia Summary: "There's no such thing as an irrevocably damaged relationship for those that look to the Lord and love the Lord." Episode 836 opens with a question most of us have asked at some point. Have you ever wrecked something so badly, a marriage, a friendship, a working relationship, that you assumed there was no way back? The episode works through John chapter twenty one, the last chapter of John's Gospel. The disciples are unsettled after the resurrection, so Peter does the one thing he knows how to do and goes fishing. Jesus meets them on the shore with a fire already burning and breakfast already cooking. Then comes the conversation Peter has probably been dreading, three questions that mirror the three denials by the fire only weeks before. The reading offered here is that Jesus is not reopening a wound. He is doing the opposite. By pointing Peter forward to a job that needs doing, feed my lambs, shepherd my sheep, feed my sheep, Jesus lifts him out of guilt and back into purpose. There is also a look at the friendship between Peter and John, why John is the one who recognises Jesus first and who he chooses to tell, and why the net breaking in Luke chapter five but holding here might be the whole point. Key Points: Peter carried weeks of guilt after the denials, and the shoreline meeting is most likely the first one to one conversation between him and Jesus since that night. The three questions match the three denials, but the purpose is restoration rather than punishment. The cure for condemnation is being given something to do. In Luke chapter five the net broke when the disciples worked in their own strength. Here the catch is bigger, the work is harder, and the net holds. John recognises Jesus first and tells Peter, not the others, which shows a friendship untouched by what Peter had done. John had already moved past it. When Peter asks what will happen to John, the answer is direct. That is not your concern, follow me. The first two questions use agape, the love of God. The third uses phileo, the love of a brother, an invitation into a personal, walking alongside relationship. Her sins were forgiven because she loved much. The questions that matter are whether we love the Lord, and whether we love the people around us. A person cannot be truly strong until they confront their own weakness. Peter was brittle before Pentecost and a tower of strength afterwards. Reference Scriptures: John 21:1-25 John 21:15-17 John 21:25 Luke 5:1-11 John 14:13 John 17 John 19:26-27 Luke 22:61-62 Isaiah 42:3 1 Corinthians 12:12-21 Matthew 4:19 Jeremiah 31:34 Luke 7:36-50 John 12:1-8 Romans 3:23 Listen to the entire Podcast Revival library by visiting https://podcastrevival.com The Revival Fellowship is a Bible-directed, Spirit-filled Church and we welcome visitors to our meetings at any of our locations worldwide. To find your nearest venue visit https://therevivalfellowship.com © 2026 The Revival Fellowship. All Rights Reserved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The phrase “Good Samaritan” is familiar to both the church and the broader culture. It usually evokes the image of someone stopping to help a stranger in need. But it wasn't until I was asked to teach on this passage that I realized how much more there was beneath the surface.In Luke 10, Jesus is confronted by an expert in the Jewish law who isn't seeking truth but trying to trap Him. Rather than playing the man's game, Jesus responds with a parable that cuts straight to the heart. In just a few sentences, He dismantles assumptions about righteousness, exposes pride, and challenges deeply held prejudices—likely leaving both the lawyer and His own disciples unsettled.As we explore this passage, we'll discover that Jesus isn't simply teaching us to be kind. He radically redefines who our neighbors are, confronts the way we view our enemies, and calls His followers to a costly, compassion-filled discipleship that is as challenging today as it was then.Memorable Quotes:“Jesus was much more than a rabbi, but he was certainly no less than an excellent teacher.”“Are there places in our lives where we are asking questions, deceiving ourselves, trying to escape obedience to God, when He's already made it clear?”“Where am I asking a question in an attempt to get myself off the hook?”“Jesus' implied definition of our neighbor is not based on similarity or affinity, but on need and proximity. In other words, Jesus implies that our neighbor is anyone we cross paths with who has a need.”“Friends, Jesus conquered our most real enemies so that you and I don't have to make that our life work. Jesus defeats our true enemies, which frees us up to be a neighbor.”“Faith and obedience go hand in hand. Being a Christlike neighbor to those in need proves you are in fact a disciple of Christ.”Show Notes:Luke 10:25-37Deuteronomy 6:4-5Leviticus 19:18Genesis 3:1Luke 9:51-56Acts 9:10-19Video: Alistair Begg on the Good Samaritan Book: Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Cost of Discipleship

What does the deep compassion of Yeshua see when He looks at people in need?In Luke 7, others see a Gentile, a funeral, a difficult question, and a sinner. Yeshua sees faith, a grieving mother, a faithful prophet, and a woman being restored by grace.Join us this Shabbat for Deep Compassion as we discover the heart of Messiah and learn to see people the way He sees them.Yeshua sees more than the need. He sees the person.

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when we truly pursue Jesus, allow Him to break down the barriers that keep us from Him, and intentionally bring others along on the journey?In Luke 8:1–3, we see Jesus traveling from town to town proclaiming the Kingdom of God—and He didn't do it alone. The Twelve were with Him, along with women from remarkably different backgrounds and stories. Their lives remind us that Jesus breaks barriers of gender, brokenness, social status, and our past. He doesn't define us by where we've been; He invites us into the freedom of who we can become through Him.This message challenges us to pursue the truth of the Gospel with the same passion Luke had for knowing Jesus, to stop allowing fear, doubt, or our past to keep us from Him, and to recognize that following Jesus was never meant to be a private journey.Are you pursuing Jesus? What barrier is keeping you from a life of freedom and surrender? And who are you bringing with you?Our goal isn't simply to get ourselves to Heaven—it's to take as many people with us as we can. Let's empty hell and make Heaven crowded.Listen now and discover what it means to pursue Jesus, break through barriers, and bring others along.Support the show

Welcome to Day 2924 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2924– “Exchanging What's Good for What's Best.” – Luke 10:38-42 Putnam Church Message – 08/02/2026 The Good News According to Luke: “Exchanging What's Good for What's Best.”   Last week, our message was “What About My Neighbor's Neighbor?” and we learned that we need to become the neighbor and get back to the basics: Love God, Love Neighbor, Show Mercy. Today, we continue with our thirtieth-second message from Luke's narrative of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Today's message is: “Exchanging What's Good for What's Best.” Our core passage today is Luke 10:38-42, on page 1613 of your pew Bibles. At the Home of Martha and Mary 38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[f] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Opening Prayer Father, we come before You today with grateful hearts, but also with honest hearts. We confess that we are often busy, distracted, worried, and upset about many things. We serve, but sometimes we serve with anxious hearts. We work, but sometimes our work pulls us away from the One we are working for. Lord Jesus, invite us again to sit at Your feet. Teach us that good things must never replace the best thing. Help us learn the difference between faithful service and frantic busyness, between loving hospitality and anxious striving, between doing for You and being with You. Holy Spirit, quiet our minds, soften our hearts, and help us hear the voice of Christ today. Amen. Introduction: Real People in Real Homes One of the endearing qualities of the Bible is its down-to-earth approach to life. The people in Scripture are not presented as plaster saints, polished statues, or untouchable heroes who never lose patience, never misunderstand, never get tired, and never say the wrong thing. They are real people. They have real homes, real families, real personalities, real frustrations, and real disagreements. Abraham gets afraid. Moses gets overwhelmed. David falls terribly. Elijah gets discouraged. Peter speaks too quickly. Thomas doubts. James and John want to call down fire. And Martha gets irritated with her sister in the kitchen. That is one reason the Bible speaks so deeply to us. It does not pretend life is neater than it is. I sometimes wonder if the people in the Bible knew their family moments would be preserved for centuries of readers around the world. If Martha and Mary had known that one brief household squabble would become one of the most famous family scenes in Christian history, they might have said, “Luke, could you please leave that part out?” But the Holy Spirit preserved this moment not to embarrass Martha or elevate Mary as though one sister is good, and the other is bad. This story is much wiser and much more gracious than that. Luke places this scene immediately after the parable of the Good Samaritan. Last week, in “What About My Neighbor's Neighbor?” we heard Jesus say, “Go and do the same.” We were reminded that mercy crosses the road. / Love sees need. / Mercy moves. / Grace sends. / That is important because we might now think, “Then Christianity is all about doing, serving, helping, feeding, bandaging, paying, visiting, giving, and going.” And yes, those things matter. / But now Luke gives us a balancing scene. /After showing us mercy in motion, Luke shows us worshipful attention. / After showing us the Samaritan crossing the road, Luke shows us Mary sitting at Jesus' feet. / After showing us love in action, Luke reminds us that action must flow from relationship. / The point of this passage is not that serving is bad and listening is good. The point is that even good service becomes disordered when it pulls us away from Jesus. Today's message title is: “Exchanging What's Good for What's Best.” And the central truth is this: Jesus does not call us away from service; He calls us to serve from the strength of being with Him. Our passage is Luke 10:38–42 in the New Living Translation. Jesus and His disciples enter a village, and Martha welcomes Him into her home. Her sister Mary sits at the Lord's feet, listening to what He teaches. Martha becomes distracted by the preparations and asks Jesus to tell Mary to help her. But Jesus answers with compassion, saying, “My Dear Martha,” and then tells her that she is worried and upset over many things, but only one thing is truly necessary. Mary has chosen what is best, and it will not be taken from her. We have four truths in our bulletin insert today to illustrate this lesson. Main Point 1: Martha Welcomed Jesus, But Busyness Pulled Her Away From Him Luke tells us that as Jesus and the disciples continued on their way, they came to a village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. John's Gospel tells us that Martha, Mary, and their brother Lazarus lived in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives. Bethany was close enough for Jesus to travel into Jerusalem, yet far enough away to provide rest from the pressure of the city. This little home appears to have become a place of refuge for Jesus. In Luke 9, He set His face toward Jerusalem. He is moving toward the cross. Opposition is increasing. The road is heavy. And here, in Bethany, He is welcomed into a home. Do not miss the beauty of Martha's action. / Martha welcomed Jesus. / That was not a small thing. In the ancient Near East, hospitality was sacred. Travelers depended on the kindness of households. There were no modern hotels on every corner, no drive-through restaurants, no refrigerators full of leftovers, no grocery delivery service. To welcome guests meant real labor. Water had to be brought. Bread had to be prepared. Food had to be gathered, cooked, and served. Space had to be made. Hospitality was not merely social courtesy. It was a moral responsibility. / And Martha does it. She opens her home. She takes responsibility. She sees what needs to be done. Many of us should be thankful for Marthas. Every church needs people who notice what needs doing. Every family needs people who remember the details. Every ministry needs people who prepare, plan, cook, clean, organize, schedule, unlock doors, make coffee, set tables, print bulletins, and quietly keep things moving. Without Martha-like people, many good things would collapse. So, Martha's problem is not that she served. Her problem is that her service became a distraction. Luke says she was “distracted” by all the preparations. The word carries the idea of being pulled away, dragged in different directions. Martha is not simply busy. She is divided. Her attention is stretched thin. She is working for Jesus, but she is being pulled away from Jesus. / That can happen to us too. We can serve the Lord and slowly lose sight of the Lord. / We can work in the church and become irritated with the people in the church. / We can prepare meals, teach lessons, lead committees, visit the sick, give generously, and still grow resentful because the work has become disconnected from worship. Object Lesson: The Full Tray Imagine carrying a tray filled with cups of water. At first,...

What does your relationship with money reveal about your relationship with Jesus?In Luke 18-19, three very different people encounter Jesus: a wealthy young ruler, a blind man, and Zacchaeus. One walks away devastated. Another receives mercy. Another encounters Jesus and becomes radically generous.Why the difference?Jesus shows us that money and possessions aren't merely financial issues, they can reveal what we truly treasure, what we trust, and what sits on the throne of our hearts. The rich young ruler had everything, yet couldn't let go. Zacchaeus had lived for himself, yet grace transformed the way he lived.This message explores the wrong way to approach Jesus, the right way to approach Him, and how grace leads to generosity.

August 9th 2026 Because one more matters to God. In Luke 15, Jesus tells three stories about things that were lost and found: a sheep, a coin, and a son. Each story reveals the heart of God for people who are far from Him. Jesus didn't see sinners as people to avoid. He saw them as people worth finding. In this message, we are challenged to develop the same heart. We are not simply trying to fill empty chairs we are believing for one more life to be changed by Jesus. One more seat. One more service. One more invitation. One more location. One more person brought from death to life. The question isn't, “Are ninety-nine enough?” The question is: Who is our one more? Luke 15:1–24 Romans 5:8 ONE MORE. Because every person matters to God. https://www.lifechurchwilm.com/

In Luke 4:14-30, Jesus goes to his hometown and says the time of Isaiah's prophecy is now, it's being fulfilled. His hometown tried to kill him, and part of their anger is because his mission is much wider than they would have ever anticipated. The passage in Isaiah functions as a missional vision for Jesus' ministry. 

Luke: To the Least, the Last, & the Lost - Luke 7.1-10Jobey McGintyIt's possible to know the right things about God and still slowly begin trusting your own goodness more than His grace. In Luke 7:1-10, a Roman centurion with power, money, and influence comes to Jesus with a completely different posture. He does not point to his generosity or status. He simply says he is not worthy, yet he trusts that Jesus only has to speak and healing will come. Jesus marvels at that kind of faith. Religion says, “I obey, therefore I am accepted,” but the gospel says we are accepted through Christ, and therefore we obey. Jesus isn't looking for polished performance but humble trust.

Do you ever enjoy a good argument? In the scriptures, there are a surprising number of folks who argue with God. This week we'll consider several of the people in the Bible who argued with God, and try to see what motivated them to argue with the Lord and the result of that argument. Receive Fear, insecurity, arrogance, and unbelief are just some of the reasons why people argue with God in the Bible. Maybe you've argued—or are arguing—with God over similar feelings?  As we look at the Bible accounts of Moses, Peter, and Ananias, and times they questioned/argued with God, let's also reflect on the powerful portrait we get of our God for their experiences. God is patient and doesn't simply override our human resistance, but often works through it toward ends that we could never have anticipated. How can you trust God even when you don't understand or agree with your circumstances?  Reflect  Why was Moses arguing with God in Exodus 3–4? How did God respond? Why did Peter argue with Jesus in Matthew 16:22?  In Luke 22:31–34, why did Peter argue with Jesus? What caused Ananias to argue with God in Acts 9:13–14? How did Peter justify arguing with God in Acts 10:14?  Respond (Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) “Dear God, thank You for being so patient with me! Help me not to argue with You when I don't understand or agree with what You're doing in my life. Help me to trust that You have the best plan for my life.”  Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources Mentioned in this episode: Our Daily Bread Ministries App Listen: The Times of the Judges | Week 1 The Times of the Judges | Week 2 Read: Why Should I Trust God? To the Spiritual Rebels Watch: John 11 - Arguing with God Jeremiah 33:3 - Getting Real with God 

It is easy to believe that when we become lost, broken, ashamed, or distant from God, our value somehow decreases with us. But Jesus tells a different story. In Luke 15, the coin was lost, but it was never worthless. Its condition changed, but its value did not. The woman did not search for the coin because it was impressive or useful. She searched because it belonged to her and because it was valuable. In the same way, God's pursuit of us is not a response to our performance. He searches because He values us. This message confronts the lie that our worth is determined by our productivity, success, usefulness, or spiritual performance and reminds us that our value comes from whose image we bear. Whether we feel forgotten, buried beneath the mess of our lives, or too far gone to be found, God has not moved on from us. And when what was lost is found, heaven celebrates. We are invited not only to come out of hiding and remember our own value, but to join God's search for the people around us who feel forgotten, overlooked, or far from Him. Because lost doesn't mean worthless, and being found is always worth celebrating.

Spiritual Discipline Matters!There's a difference between cleaning up your life and surrendering it completely to Jesus.In Luke 11:24–26, Jesus warns us about the danger of an empty house. Behavior modification may change what's happening on the outside, but lasting transformation happens when we allow Christ to fill every area of our lives.Persistent prayer changes the locks on the doors of our hearts. Worship gives us new furniture. The Word decorates the walls. Obedience shuts the door to the enemy.The goal isn't simply to remove what doesn't belong—it's to fill every inch of your life with Jesus: His Word, His ways, and His truth.Don't confuse the freedom of a cleaned-up life with the fullness of a surrendered one.Steep your identity in Christ and His Word, build spiritual disciplines that keep you rooted in Him, and watch how the old begins to fall away.Scripture: Luke 11:24–26Connect with Nexus Church: nexuskc.comPartner with what God is doing through Nexus Church:nexuskc.com/give

In Luke 9:18–26, Jesus calls His followers to take up their cross daily and surrender their lives to Him. Through the Hebrew word nephesh, we discover that loving God with all our soul means offering our whole selves — our lives, bodies, and everyday choices — to the One who gave everything for us.

What does it look like when good things quietly become the wrong things? In Luke 14, Jesus tells a parable about a great feast where every invited guest had a perfectly reasonable excuse for not showing up. Property to inspect. Oxen to evaluate. A new marriage to tend to. None of these were bad things. But in the moment the invitation came, each person chose something else. That choice reveals something sobering: the greatest threat to our calling is rarely outright rebellion. It is the slow drift of letting good priorities quietly outrank God. This message challenges us to take an honest look at what we are actually placing first. Are we treating our relationship with God as a privilege or a burden? Are we showing up when he calls, or are we handing him a list of reasonable explanations that lead to regrettable outcomes? The feast is prepared. The invitation has gone out. The question is whether we will take the seat that has been set for us, or let someone else sit in it while we tend to everything else. Welcome to Relevant Church Live, the online campus of Relevant Church located in Daytona Beach, Florida. We pray that through this service you find your place, reveal your purpose, and unlock your potential! We pray this message blesses you and gives you the strength you need to do and be all that God has called you to do and be! Leave a comment below letting us know how this message impacted you today, we'd love to chat with you! #RelevantChurch #ReFocus #PastorChrisSarno -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ways to Give: Text to Give: Text your amount to 888-364-4483 Online Giving: Visit our website http://www.relevantfl.org/giving to give via debit, credit, or ACH Mail It In: Send gift Via USPS to 920 Beville Rd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stay Connected: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @RelevantChurch Relevant Church Website: https://www.relevantfl.org/ Relevant Church Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relevant_fl/ Relevant Church Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RelevantFL Relevant Church TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relevant_fl Relevant Church App: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1615804850?fbclid=IwAR3aHqo_6kr8Tzd_JK6xihjfJkVk6j7-iqITDj1u1wFicDLn6g6C29gL3LY Rkidz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rkidzfl Relevant Youth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relevantflyouth/ Relevant Church Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6nUtPIkecEehfstUWWPIVU?si=QBMEtu85SyuU3FxRM1X7lg&nd=1 Pastor Chris Sarno's Website: https://www.chrissarno.tv/ Chris Sarno App: http://www.chrissarno.tv/app -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 Genesis 8:22 Luke 14:15-24 Luke 10:38-42 Matthew 6:33 1 John 2:28 Romans 10:9-10 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunday, August 9th 2026 Pastor Chris Sarno Relevant Church Refocus | Week 2 | Sunday, August 9th 2026 | Pastor Chris Sarno | Relevant Church

In Luke 15, Jesus tells a parable that's offends some, and offers hope to others. Today, we're reminded that God still pursues the one, and we'll discover our role in His redemptive plan. 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:

It's Thursday, August 6th, A.D. 2026. 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 and Adam McManus Algerian, African church going underground The Protestant church in Algeria is going underground.  The Muslim-majority country is located in North Africa. Authorities there have shut down nearly all Evangelical churches over the past decade. Many Christians now meet secretly in homes.  One Algerian pastor told Morning Star News, “The situation is undeniably difficult because we are deprived of fellowship. But God's work must not stop. We desperately lack Bibles and Christian books, as customs officials systematically confiscate them even when friends bring them from the West.” Algeria is ranked 20th on the Open Doors' World Watch List of the worst countries for the persecution of Christians.  British soldiers are asking about Christ Faith is increasing in the British military.  Army chaplains report more recruits are asking about Christianity, attending services, and requesting baptism. Dr. Martin Gliniecki is the executive director of the Soldiers' and Aviators' Scripture Readers Association. He told Christian Today, “We have prayed for revival in our nation for many years now and … revival in our Armed Forces too. Something is happening. While our Armed Forces are the smallest in modern history, the harvest remains plentiful.” In Luke 10:2, Jesus said, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” British millionaire stands up for persecuted street preachers A British millionaire is standing up for persecuted street preachers. Businessman Samuel Leeds has pledged to fund the legal representation of Christian street preachers who are targeted by police.  He told Truth Times, “We see Christians being persecuted all over the world, but seeing it happen in Great Britain — seeing the disdain, the hatred, and now the oppression of Christian voices — really bothers me. … Where Christians are being unfairly targeted simply for preaching their faith, I'm prepared to put my money behind defending them.” Amen! Democrat primary voters elect another leftist The left wing of the Democratic Party continues to win election primaries. Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, whose parents came to America from Egypt, won the Democrat primary for U.S. Senate in Michigan on Tuesday.  The 41-year-old is an epidemiologist who received his Doctor of Medicine from Columbia University, served as director of the Department of Health, Human, and Veterans Services of Wayne County, Michigan, from 2023 to 2025, and was a candidate in the 2018 Michigan gubernatorial election. EL-SAYED: “What a race! You know, in the words of Muhammad Ali, we shook up the world!” Endorsed by socialist Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, among other leftists, he narrowly defeated Congresswoman Haley Stevens, a pro-Israel moderate Democrat. Remarkably, super PACs, political action committees, spent $60 million on the race, supporting Stevens 9-1. El-Sayed champions the abolition of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement known as ICE, ending most U.S. military aid to Israel, and wants a universal, government-funded health insurance program that covers everyone. If you take the time to watch his 19-minute victory speech, which we have linked in our transcript at www.TheWorldview.com, you will notice he is an articulate spokesman for his cause. EL-SAYED: “So, whether you voted for me or voted for my opponent or didn't vote at all, we're inviting you to that movement to get money out of politics, so we can put money back in pockets, and finally guarantee the promise of health care through Medicare for All.” If elected in November, Abdul El-Sayed would be the first Muslim in the Senate.  Democrats are moving left The views of Democrats are shifting further to the left. A new Reuters/Ipsos poll found 71 percent of Democrats label themselves as liberal. That's up from 55 percent in 2012.  Most liberal Democrats identify certain positions as essential to being a liberal. These include increasing taxes on corporations and billionaires, expanding access to abortion, and government provided healthcare coverage.  In Romans 13:4, the Apostle Paul identified different priorities for government: “For [a ruler] is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.” Amazon hits $3 trillion in market value Amazon became the fifth company to reach $3 trillion dollars in market value on Monday.  The tech company saw growth in its cloud-computing services as demand for Artificial Intelligence surges. Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Nvidia are the other companies that have reached a market value of $3 trillion dollars in the past.  Doctors successfully operated on baby in the womb And finally, doctors successfully operated on a baby while still in the womb. Baby Theo was diagnosed with a severe intestinal defect in the womb. Indeed, his intestines were completely outside his body.  Such cases can require many surgeries after birth, and babies do not always survive. Parents Maisie Savage and Josh French live in London. They were referred to a clinical trial at Texas Children's Hospital.  At 26 weeks of pregnancy, surgeons conducted the groundbreaking operation. It's the first surgery of its kind in the U.S.  Praise God! Baby Theo was born full-term in February. Josh recently told Good Morning America that Theo is thriving.   Listen. JOSH: “He's doing all the things that a normal, healthy baby should be doing. He's shouting. He's screaming. He blows raspberries. It's just fantastic having him home.” Psalm 127:3 says, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him." Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, August 6th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

In Luke 18, Jesus said that blessed are the poor in spirit. Do you believe that? Today, Brett Andrews share how blessed it is to be poor in spirit. Share your stories, prayer requests, or your response to this devotional in the comments below.If you would like to know more about New Life, who we are, what we believe, or when we meet, visit http://newlife.church. Or you can fill out a digital connection card at http://newlife.church/connect - we would love to get to know you better!

In Luke 18, Jesus said that blessed are the poor in spirit. Do you believe that? Today, Brett Andrews share how blessed it is to be poor in spirit. Share your stories, prayer requests, or your response to this devotional in the comments below.If you would like to know more about New Life, who we are, what we believe, or when we meet, visit http://newlife.church. Or you can fill out a digital connection card at http://newlife.church/connect - we would love to get to know you better!

In Luke 17:1-10 Jesus teaches that temptations to sin are inevitable, yet severe judgment awaits those who cause others—especially the vulnerable—to stumble. He commands rebuking sin and forgiving repeatedly as we pursue reconciliation. Mustard-seed faith suffices for obedience. As unworthy servants we fulfill our duty without seeking praise or reward.

As we begin our new series, ROOTS, we take a closer look at the values that define who we are as a church. We begin with one of our core values, Persistent Prayer. Prayer is the life source of who we are and everything we do. It is the source of peace, comfort, wisdom, direction, and power. Prayer isn't the preparation for the greater work. Prayer is the greater work. In Luke 18, Jesus teaches the parable of the persistent widow to remind us to never give up on God in prayer. Persistent prayer is an ongoing conversation with God without giving up because He desires a relationship with us. Because of Jesus, we have direct access to the Father and can approach Him with confidence. The Creator God desires to spend time with you, hear from you, and meet you where you are. Could it be that your unanswered prayer is the very thing God is using to keep you coming back to Him? If we want to see God move in our lives and in our church, it starts with persistent prayer.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/mKmAqxhOydsSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_

Your story isn't over—and it was never meant to stop with you.In Luke 15, Jesus reveals a Father who watches the road, runs toward the broken + celebrates when the lost come home. The same grace that found you can use your story to give someone else hope.Jesus changed your STORY so you could help someone else find their way HOME.

What do you do when everything you built is taken from you in a single storm? Almost no one thinks that question will ever land on them personally, and then one day it does. Pastor Brian preached this message to a congregation whose city had just been devastated by an EF3 tornado, and the answer he gave is one every person is going to need at some point.In this sermon, Pastor Brian opens with a hard truth. On July 27, 2026, an EF3 tornado over a mile wide touched down for more than twenty minutes and tore through the neighborhoods of Appleton, Menasha, and Neenah. Miraculously, no one was killed. But the loss will take generations to rebuild. And in a moment like that, everyone around you starts watching to see how you respond. Not because you asked for the spotlight, but because the world is quietly asking a question in every disaster. How do Christians handle storms?Pastor Brian says the answer is that Christians are different. Not weird. Different. Christians still grieve. Jesus himself grieved the death of Lazarus in John 11, even though he was minutes away from raising him. Grief is not weakness. It is honesty. But the way a Christian grieves is otherworldly, because our identity is anchored in a King whose kingdom is not of this world.Then Pastor Brian walks through two storms in Scripture that reframe everything. In Luke 8, Jesus calms the storm on the Sea of Galilee, and the disciples' response is not relief but fear, because they realize they had no idea who was in the boat with them. And in Matthew 27, at noon on the day Jesus was crucified, the sky went dark and Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Psalm 22:1). He names what the cross actually is. It is the storm that defines Christians. You and I were asleep in a sinking boat we did not even know we were in, and Jesus went into the water for us. We may not get every "why" answered on this side of glory. But we know the why of Jesus. His why was you.That is why Christians are different about home (we build houses, not homes, because only Jesus is home), different about neighbors (we can be generous because we gave up everything to Christ already), and different in storms (we do not have all the answers, but we have the God who understands the tears).Eight people gave their lives to Christ in the seven days after this tornado through Samaritan's Purse and community ministry. The house may fall. The eternal work never does.If you have been through a storm you cannot explain, or you are watching one right now, this teaching is for you.#AllianceChurch #SundaySermon #BibleTeaching #JesusSaves #ChristianFaith #ChurchOnline #WisconsinChurch #FaithThatMoves #HopeInJesus #SermonSeries #faith #jesus #god #christianity #christian #tornado #storm #hope #grief #church #gospel #wisconsin

What do you do when everything you built is taken from you in a single storm? Almost no one thinks that question will ever land on them personally, and then one day it does. Pastor Brian preached this message to a congregation whose city had just been devastated by an EF3 tornado, and the answer he gave is one every person is going to need at some point.In this sermon, Pastor Brian opens with a hard truth. On July 27, 2026, an EF3 tornado over a mile wide touched down for more than twenty minutes and tore through the neighborhoods of Appleton, Menasha, and Neenah. Miraculously, no one was killed. But the loss will take generations to rebuild. And in a moment like that, everyone around you starts watching to see how you respond. Not because you asked for the spotlight, but because the world is quietly asking a question in every disaster. How do Christians handle storms?Pastor Brian says the answer is that Christians are different. Not weird. Different. Christians still grieve. Jesus himself grieved the death of Lazarus in John 11, even though he was minutes away from raising him. Grief is not weakness. It is honesty. But the way a Christian grieves is otherworldly, because our identity is anchored in a King whose kingdom is not of this world.Then Pastor Brian walks through two storms in Scripture that reframe everything. In Luke 8, Jesus calms the storm on the Sea of Galilee, and the disciples' response is not relief but fear, because they realize they had no idea who was in the boat with them. And in Matthew 27, at noon on the day Jesus was crucified, the sky went dark and Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Psalm 22:1). He names what the cross actually is. It is the storm that defines Christians. You and I were asleep in a sinking boat we did not even know we were in, and Jesus went into the water for us. We may not get every "why" answered on this side of glory. But we know the why of Jesus. His why was you.That is why Christians are different about home (we build houses, not homes, because only Jesus is home), different about neighbors (we can be generous because we gave up everything to Christ already), and different in storms (we do not have all the answers, but we have the God who understands the tears).Eight people gave their lives to Christ in the seven days after this tornado through Samaritan's Purse and community ministry. The house may fall. The eternal work never does.If you have been through a storm you cannot explain, or you are watching one right now, this teaching is for you.#AllianceChurch #SundaySermon #BibleTeaching #JesusSaves #ChristianFaith #ChurchOnline #WisconsinChurch #FaithThatMoves #HopeInJesus #SermonSeries #faith #jesus #god #christianity #christian #tornado #storm #hope #grief #church #gospel #wisconsin

Luke: To the Least, the Last, & the Lost - Luke 6:46-49Jobey McGintyIt's possible to say we trust Jesus while building our lives on something else entirely. We can look stable when work is good, relationships feel strong, or life is under control. But storms expose what our foundation really is. In Luke 6:46-49, Jesus asks, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you?” His words are not meant to shame us, but to wake us up to the difference between hearing Him and actually following Him. Jesus doesn't offer shallow inspiration. He offers a foundation that holds when sin, conflict, loss, and pressure hit hard. Psalm 127:1 reminds us that unless the Lord builds the house, the labor is empty. And James 1:22 calls us to be doers of the word, not hearers only. Wherever you're starting from, Christ invites you to build on the rock.

What will difficult circumstances reveal about your faith? In Luke 12:1-12, Jesus warns His disciples against a shallow faith that looks convincing in public but cannot withstand pressure. Nick Maricle explains why lasting faith must be cultivated before hardship comes and how seeing God's power, goodness, and faithfulness gives us the deep roots we need to endure.• Rooted faith shapes both our public and private lives, trusts God's promises, and places His approval above the opinions of others.• Suffering and pressure do not create the character of our faith. They reveal what we have already been cultivating.• Enduring faith grows as we look to God's character, trusting that the One worthy of reverent fear also knows us, values us, and cares for us as a good Father.Key Scriptures:Luke 12:1-12Romans 4:17-21Psalm 86:11Isaiah 6:1-7Exodus 33:18-23What kind of faith are you cultivating today? Do not wait for the storm to begin developing deep roots. Build a life of private obedience, trust God's promises, and keep looking to His character so that when pressure comes, your faith is ready. If this message encouraged or challenged you, share it with a friend or family member who needs a faith that can endure.Bayou City Fellowship Cypress Campus | Nick Maricle | August 2, 2026https://linktr.ee/bayoucityfellowship

Who are you really living to impress?In Luke 12:1-12, Jesus warns His disciples about the danger of hypocrisy—not simply failing to live up to your beliefs, but wearing a mask to gain the approval of others. Pastor Cole Ellerbrock shows how freedom begins when we stop living for the applause of people and start living before an audience of One. Through the fear of God, we discover His grace, find lasting confidence, and experience the kind of transformation that only Jesus can bring.• Hypocrisy grows when we care more about appearances than genuine transformation.• The fear of God replaces the fear of people and frees us to live with honesty, courage, and confidence.• When we trust God's grace instead of seeking human approval, we're empowered to boldly acknowledge Christ and rely on the Holy Spirit in every circumstance.Key Scriptures:Luke 12:1-12Luke 12:4-9Psalm 86:111 John 4:18Take a moment this week to ask yourself whose approval has the greatest influence over your life. Bring every fear, every mask, and every hidden place before Jesus, trusting that His grace is greater than your need to impress others. If this message encouraged or challenged you, share it with someone who needs the freedom found in living for an audience of One.Bayou City Fellowship Tomball Campus | Cole Ellerbrock | August 2, 2026https://linktr.ee/bayoucityfellowship

How much power do other people's opinions have over your peace? In Luke 12:1-12, Jesus warns His disciples that the fear of people can lead to hypocrisy, image management, and spiritual bondage. AK Kuruvilla explains how fearing and trusting God frees us from the need to control how others see us and allows us to live with honesty, integrity, and courageous faith.• The fear of people becomes a trap when we depend on others to provide our acceptance, approval, significance, love, respect, or security.• The fear of God shifts our attention from managing our image to living faithfully before the One who already sees and knows everything.• Because God values us, cares for us, and gives us His Spirit, we can acknowledge Jesus confidently without being controlled by rejection or opposition.Key Scriptures:Luke 12:1-12Proverbs 29:25Luke 11:42-43Romans 10:9-10Identify the people whose opinions seem to control your peace. Whose approval makes your heart rise, and whose rejection causes it to fall? Ask what you may be believing about God that gives that person so much influence over your soul. Then choose to trust the God who knows you completely, values you deeply, and frees you to pursue integrity. If this message encouraged or challenged you, share it with a friend or family member who may be struggling with people pleasing or the fear of rejection.Bayou City Fellowship Spring Branch Campus | AK Kuruvilla | August 2, 2026https://linktr.ee/bayoucityfellowship

Be the one who returns.In Luke 17, Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one came back to thank Him. The miracle changed all ten lives, but gratitude marked only one heart.How often do we become so focused on the blessing that we forget the One who gave it? It's easy to celebrate the breakthrough while overlooking the Savior who made it possible.This message is a call to shift our focus from what we've received to Who we've received it from. Take time to remember God's faithfulness, His mercy, and the countless ways He has carried you through every season.Don't allow familiarity with God's goodness to replace gratitude for His presence.Watch "The One Who Returned" and be challenged to cultivate a heart of worship, thanksgiving, and unwavering praise. The greatest miracle isn't just what God does for us—it's knowing Him.Listen now on the Nexus Church App, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream messages.To support the ministry: https://nexuskc.com/give

Jesus sees beyond human labels to the potential within every heart. In Luke 5:27-32, the calling of Levi shows that no person is too far gone for grace. While society might use categories like "scum" or "traitor," the Savior specializes in names and futures. This teaching explores the inclusive nature of the Gospel and the power of unexpected tables. Christian Life Center in Dayton Ohio shares how faith transforms identity from a past of sin to a future as a disciple. Discover a place where the sick find a doctor and the lost find a home. Pastor: Jordan Hansen Series: Spirit Led Jesus (15) Title: Too Far Gone? Date: 2026.08.01+02 LINKS:

Someone throws the party of a lifetime. Everyone is invited, then only a few show up — and their excuses are completely reasonable. In Luke 14, Jesus is at a dinner table where everyone's working the room, angling for a better seat. So he tells them about a banquet where the guest list gets thrown out, and the host sends his servant to the streets — then out past the city — until the house is full.The people in the story say, 'Please excuse me, I can't come. They're just busy. A field. A purchase. A wedding. Good things, all of them. This week: what it costs to be reasonably, responsibly occupied — and what it means that the host keeps going further out to find the one who'd never believe there was a seat for them. If you've been working the room your whole life — this one's for you. If you've been sure you were never on the list — this one's especially for you.

In Luke 11:14-28, Pastor Kevin looks at how Jesus casts out a demon and answers the crowd's claim that his power came from evil, showing his authority comes from God alone. This message walks through what it looks like to be caught in a spiritual battle, why a divided kingdom cannot stand, and how Jesus is stronger than any darkness working against us. It also touches on forgiveness, the danger of doubting God's word, and why lasting change comes through the Holy Spirit rather than self effort. Apart from Christ we have no defense against evil, but in Christ that battle has already been won.

In Luke 13, Jesus gives one of the most sobering warnings in all of Scripture. He tells His listeners to strive to enter through the narrow door because many will seek to enter and will not be able.What does that mean? Can someone be close to Jesus and still miss Him? Is church attendance, biblical knowledge, or a religious background enough to save us? And what does true discipleship actually cost?In this message, we explore Jesus' call to count the cost of following Him, examine the false securities that can keep people from genuine faith, and look to Christ as the ultimate example of surrender and obedience. As Jesus continues His journey toward Jerusalem and the cross, He reminds us that salvation is found in Him alone and that the narrow door is still open today.Whether you're a new believer, exploring Christianity, or have followed Jesus for years, this passage challenges every one of us to ask an important question:Have I truly entered through the narrow door?

Welcome to Day 2914 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2914– “Joyful Return, Insightful Response”  based on Luke 10:17-24 Putnam Church Message – 07/19/2026 The Good News According to Luke: “Joyful Return, Insightful Response.”   Last time our message was “Practical Talk to Those in Ministry,” where we learned to leave the harvest in the hands of the Lord who is the Lord of the harvest. Today, we continue with our thirtieth message from Luke's narrative of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Today's message is: “Joyful Return, Insightful Response.” Our core passage today is Luke 10:17-24, on page 1612 of your pew Bibles. The Seventy-Two Return 17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” 18 He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” 21 At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. 22 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” 23 Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.” Opening Prayer Father, we come before You today with joy and humility. Thank You for calling ordinary people into Your Kingdom work. Thank You that the name of Jesus is greater than every power of darkness, every accusation of the enemy, and every fear that troubles our hearts. Lord Jesus, help us rejoice in the right things. Teach us to celebrate Your victories without becoming proud of our usefulness. Remind us that our greatest joy is not what we accomplish for You, but that we belong to You. Open our eyes to see what prophets and kings longed to see. Give us childlike hearts that receive Your truth with faith and obedience. Holy Spirit, guide us now as we listen to Your Word. Amen. Introduction: A Story - Returning From the Battle In the early nineties, a few years after Desert Storm, General Norman Schwarzkopf wrote an autobiography titled It Doesn't Take a Hero. Near the middle of the book, he describes his thoughts as he headed for his first combat command position in Vietnam. He was a West Point graduate, full of energy and idealism. He went to Vietnam, as he said, for “God, country, and Mom's apple pie.” But later, after a second tour of duty, he returned from a battle-scarred landscape where young men under his command had died or had lost parts of their bodies to landmines. He came home to a divided nation, and he wrote with exhausted realism, “I realized then I was really tired of being a commander… I thought, Thank God it's over. I'd saved as many lives as I could… I wanted to get home to my family.” Same geography. Same war. Same mission. But what a difference between the man who went out and the man who returned. In Luke 10, the seventy-two whom Jesus sent out also return from the battlefield. But the seventy-two return with joy. In our last message, “Practical Talk to Those in Ministry,” we watched Jesus send them out two by two. He told them the harvest was great and the workers were few. He sent them like lambs among wolves. He told them to travel light, offer peace, heal the sick, and announce that the Kingdom of God had come near. They went out as messengers of the King. / Now they return. And they come back like children running through the door after seeing something amazing. “Lord,” they say, “even the demons obey us when we use Your name!” They had gone out to announce peace, but they discovered that the name of Jesus also carried authority over the powers of darkness. Jesus rejoices with them. But He also corrects their perspective. He lifts their eyes above the thrill of ministry success and says, in effect, “Yes, rejoice that evil is retreating. But do not build your joy on power. Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” That is our theme today: The greatest joy of a disciple is not what we do for Jesus, but that we belong to Jesus. Which brings us to our four truths today which are found in your bulletin insert on the side that is titled: Joyful Return, Insightful Response Main Point 1: Kingdom Ministry Pushes Back the Powers of Darkness The seventy-two return with joy and say, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use Your name.” That little word “even” carries their surprise. Jesus had told them to heal the sick and announce the Kingdom. But apparently, as they ministered in His name, demons also submitted. They saw firsthand that the mission of Jesus was not merely moral improvement, social kindness, or religious instruction. It was war against the dominion of evil. Luke has been showing us this from the beginning. Jesus confronted demons in the synagogue. He delivered the man in the region of the Gerasenes. He gave the Twelve authority over demons. He healed the boy whom His disciples could not help. And now the seventy-two discover that the authority of Jesus extends through them as well. This is where we need to understand the Bible's bigger supernatural worldview. The late Dr. Michael S. Heiser often reminded readers that the Bible presents a spiritual world populated by heavenly beings. In the Old Testament, we see scenes of God's heavenly council, sometimes called the Divine Council. God is the Most High, the Creator, the supreme King. But Scripture also shows lesser spiritual beings who serve, rebel, accuse, deceive, or oppose God's purposes. In Job 1 and 2, we meet “The Satan,” or “the adversary,” appearing among the heavenly beings. In that setting, the word functions like a title — the accuser, the challenger, the prosecutor. By the time we reach the New Testament, Satan is clearly presented as the great enemy of God's people, the tempter, the accuser, the ruler of a rebellious kingdom of darkness. So, when Jesus says in Luke 10:18, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning,” He is not giving the disciples a small compliment. He is interpreting their ministry as part of a cosmic victory. Every sick person healed, every demon rebuked, every message of Kingdom peace proclaimed — all of it was evidence that the usurper's rule was cracking. The adversary was falling. Object Lesson: The Flashlight in a Dark Room Imagine turning off the lights in a room and then switching on a flashlight. The darkness does not negotiate. / It does not hold a committee meeting. / It simply retreats where the light shines. That is what happens when the Kingdom of God advances. When Jesus walks into a synagogue, demons cry out. When Jesus steps into Gentile territory, a legion of demons loses its captive. When Jesus sends out His followers, evil spirits submit to His name. Not because the disciples are impressive, but because the King is present through them. Ancient Israelite Context For a first-century Jewish listener, this would not sound like a mere private spiritual experience. It would sound like the long-awaited victory of God. Genesis 3:15 promised that the seed of the woman would crush the serpent's head. Psalm 91 spoke of trampling lions and serpents underfoot. Daniel 7 envisioned the Son of Man receiving authority, glory, and sovereign power. The prophets looked forward to the day when God would defeat evil and restore creation. Now Jesus says, “You are seeing the beginning of that victory.” The Kingdom has come near. Modern Illustration We may not always see dramatic confrontations with evil spirits, but we still see the Kingdom push back darkness. When an addict finds freedom in Christ, darkness...

Prayer is not about informing, instructing, or influencing God. It is about inviting Him into whatever you are facing and building a genuine relationship with Him. In Luke 18, Jesus told a parable about a persistent widow to show His disciples that they should always pray and never give up. In Matthew 7, He gave a practical framework: keep asking, keep seeking, and keep knocking. These are not one-time actions but ongoing postures of humility, passion, and persistence. God is not like an unjust judge who must be worn down. He is a good Father who hears you, loves you, and gives good gifts. The goal of prayer is not to pull God toward your will, but to align your will with His. Do not lose heart. He is leaning in. Follow and subscribe to stay updated with our latest content: Youtube  | Facebook | Instagram | Central Wired Website

You can look spiritually healthy, follow all the right rules, and still feel lifeless inside. In Luke 11:37-54, Cole Ellerbrock explains why Jesus confronts religious performance and shows us a better way. Genuine righteousness is not something we manufacture through appearances or behavior management. God gives us a new heart and produces lasting change from the inside out.• Outside-in performance prioritizes outward actions, personal recognition, and self-interest while neglecting genuine love for God and others.• Through Jesus, God gives us a new heart, a new identity, and His Spirit rather than asking us to earn His approval.• Spiritual fruit grows as we repent, yield control to God, and trust Him to transform our desires, character, and actions.Key Scriptures:Luke 11:37-54Ezekiel 36:25-28John 15:1-5Galatians 5:16-25Psalm 139:23-24Where have you been managing appearances instead of allowing God to transform your heart? Take time this week to repent, yield control to Him, and trust what He says about you. Ask God to deepen your love for Him and produce the kind of fruit that cannot be manufactured from the outside. If this message encouraged or challenged you, share it with a friend or family member who may need the reminder that real change begins with God's grace.Bayou City Fellowship Tomball Campus | Cole Ellerbrock | July 26, 2026https://linktr.ee/bayoucityfellowship

What happens when Jesus confronts what's really going on inside us? In Luke 11:29-54, Kevin Barra shows that Jesus isn't interested in outward appearances alone. He lovingly exposes hard hearts, religious hypocrisy, and the barriers that keep us from genuine repentance and lasting transformation.• Jesus calls us to trust the sign He has already given instead of demanding more proof.• True righteousness begins with a transformed heart, not merely outward obedience.• The invitation isn't condemnation but repentance, allowing Christ to change us from the inside out.Key Scriptures:Luke 11:29-54Jonah 1-3Psalm 139:23-24Take time this week to honestly ask God to search your heart. Where is He inviting you to receive correction, repent, and become more like Christ? As Kevin reminds us, lasting change comes as we hear God's Word, meditate on it, repent, and follow Jesus in obedience.Bayou City Fellowship Cypress Campus | Kevin Barra | July 26, 2026https://linktr.ee/bayoucityfellowship

Why do some people miss what God is doing even when it's right in front of them? In Luke 11:29-54, Jesus confronts those who demanded more signs while refusing to believe the greatest sign already standing before them. Pastor Keith Bower challenges us to reject spiritual blindness, embrace the light of Christ, and become people who faithfully reflect His truth to the world.• Rejecting the light isn't a lack of evidence. It's ultimately a matter of the heart.• Jesus exposes the danger of outward religion that looks righteous but lacks genuine faith.• God calls His people to choose the light, walk in the light, and faithfully reflect His truth to others.Key Scriptures:Luke 11:29-54John 3:19-21Luke 11:31-32This week, ask God to reveal any area where you've been resisting His truth. Choose to walk in His light, trust His Word, and let your life point others to Jesus. If this message encouraged or challenged you, share it with a friend or family member who needs the hope found in Christ.Bayou City Fellowship Spring Branch Campus | Keith Bower | July 26, 2026https://linktr.ee/bayoucityfellowship

Luke 1:26–38 For centuries, theologians have wrestled with how God could become a human being. The mystery of the incarnation—God taking on flesh—strains the limits of human comprehension. But Scripture doesn't leave us to wonder. It tells us how it happened. In Luke 1:26–38, Pastor Chuck Swindoll examines the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary and the Holy Spirit's role in bringing the Son of God into the world. The Spirit's most significant mission was not power—it was presence, bringing Christ to earth. Stand in wonder before the Spirit's greatest work. Let this passage renew your awe of the incarnation and deepen your confidence in a God for whom nothing is impossible.

Luke 1:26 / July 22 - 24, 2026 In Luke 1:26–38, Pastor Chuck Swindoll examines the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary and the Holy Spirit's role in bringing the Son of God into the world. The Spirit's most significant mission was not power—it was presence, bringing Christ to earth. From the Series: How Great Is Our God! read more

Luke 1:26–38 For centuries, theologians have wrestled with how God could become a human being. The mystery of the incarnation—God taking on flesh—strains the limits of human comprehension. But Scripture doesn't leave us to wonder. It tells us how it happened. In Luke 1:26–38, Pastor Chuck Swindoll examines the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary and the Holy Spirit's role in bringing the Son of God into the world. The Spirit's most significant mission was not power—it was presence, bringing Christ to earth. Stand in wonder before the Spirit's greatest work. Let this passage renew your awe of the incarnation and deepen your confidence in a God for whom nothing is impossible.

Luke 1:26 / July 22 - 24, 2026 In Luke 1:26–38, Pastor Chuck Swindoll examines the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary and the Holy Spirit's role in bringing the Son of God into the world. The Spirit's most significant mission was not power—it was presence, bringing Christ to earth. From the Series: How Great Is Our God! read more

Luke 1:26–38 For centuries, theologians have wrestled with how God could become a human being. The mystery of the incarnation—God taking on flesh—strains the limits of human comprehension. But Scripture doesn't leave us to wonder. It tells us how it happened. In Luke 1:26–38, Pastor Chuck Swindoll examines the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary and the Holy Spirit's role in bringing the Son of God into the world. The Spirit's most significant mission was not power—it was presence, bringing Christ to earth. Stand in wonder before the Spirit's greatest work. Let this passage renew your awe of the incarnation and deepen your confidence in a God for whom nothing is impossible.

Luke 1:26 / July 22 - 24, 2026 In Luke 1:26–38, Pastor Chuck Swindoll examines the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary and the Holy Spirit's role in bringing the Son of God into the world. The Spirit's most significant mission was not power—it was presence, bringing Christ to earth. From the Series: How Great Is Our God! read more

Luke 1:26 / July 22 - 24, 2026 In Luke 1:26–38, Pastor Chuck Swindoll examines the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary and the Holy Spirit's role in bringing the Son of God into the world. The Spirit's most significant mission was not power—it was presence, bringing Christ to earth. From the Series: How Great Is Our God! read more