Podcasts about in luke

In Luke 10:19, Jesus reminds the disciples, "Listen! I have given power to you. You will even stand on dangerous snakes and insects and you will have authority over all the power of the Devil. Nothing will hurt you."We have the authority, yet how many of us are actually using it to bring our lives into alignment with the Kingdom?! In today's episode of the Shine with Frannie Show, I share a story about a humble missionary, Don Richardson, and how he wielded the power given to him by the authority of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. The same power lives in us! It's time to start using it! tune in and be inspired by Don's amazing testimony and then join the Miracle Mindset Masterclass where we will learn about your rights as a Kingdom citizen and give you the practical steps to activate them every single day. The training is free but you have to register to receive the link and other essentials.If you are ready to show the enemy who is boss, regain total control of your life, and take back exactly what the enemy stole from you—this training is for you!Don't wait. Click here to register for this free live training today! You are going to leave this masterclass equipped with the tools you need to walk, talk, and live in your divine authority.

Minimalism isn't about removing the things you love. It's about removing the things that distract you from the things you love. That insight from Joshua Becker gets to the heart of a much deeper issue than messy closets or crowded garages. Clutter competes for more than our space. It competes for our attention, affection, time, energy, and generosity. Joshua Becker, New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author and founder of Becoming Minimalist, joined the show today to talk about his book, Uncluttered Faith: Own Less, Love More, and Make an Impact in Your World.  His message is not that every Christian needs bare walls, a tiny home, or a life stripped of beauty and enjoyment. Rather, it's an invitation to ask a better question: Are the things we own helping us live faithfully, or are they quietly distracting us from what matters most? Minimalism Is Not One-Size-Fits-All For many people, the word “minimalism” brings to mind stark white rooms, empty shelves, or getting rid of nearly everything they own. But Becker is quick to point out that minimalism will look different from one person to another. Some may enjoy a simpler aesthetic. Others may not. Some may feel called to live with very little. Others may simply need to become more intentional about what they own and why. Becker defines minimalism as “the intentional promotion of the things we most value by removing anything that distracts us from it.” That definition moves the conversation from rules to purpose. The goal is not to own less for its own sake. The goal is to make room for what God has called us to value most. When Possessions Begin to Possess Us Becker's journey began on an ordinary Saturday morning. He set out to clean his garage while his young son wanted him to play. Hours later, still surrounded by stuff, he realized he had spent his day maintaining possessions instead of investing in his son. That moment became a turning point. He and his wife began removing unnecessary possessions from their home, eventually giving away or discarding 60 to 70 percent of what they owned. With each step, Becker noticed practical benefits. Their home became easier to maintain. Their lifestyle costs less. They had more time and energy. They also found new opportunities for generosity. As a pastor, Becker began to see the connection between simplicity and faith. Jesus had been inviting His followers into this kind of life all along—not as deprivation, but as freedom. He calls us away from storing up treasures on earth and toward a life oriented around the Kingdom of God. Consumerism Shapes Us More Than We Realize We live in a culture that constantly tells us more is better. Advertisements, social media, algorithms, and comparison all work together to convince us that the next purchase will make us happier, more secure, more admired, or more complete. The message is subtle but powerful: your life will be better if you buy what we're selling. Over time, that message shapes our desires. We begin to define success by accumulation. Bigger homes, newer cars, fuller closets, upgraded technology, and constant consumption start to feel normal. But normal is not always wise. And common is not always faithful. Scripture repeatedly warns us that riches and possessions can deceive us. In Luke 8, Jesus describes the seed choked by “the cares and riches and pleasures of life,” keeping it from bearing mature fruit. Possessions are not evil in themselves, but they can become thorns when they crowd out our attention to God, neighbor, and calling. Simplicity Is Not Deprivation Biblical simplicity does not mean rejecting every comfort or refusing to enjoy God's gifts. 1 Timothy 6:17 reminds us that God “richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” Money can be used for celebration, hospitality, beauty, rest, and meaningful experiences with family and friends. Those are good gifts from a generous God. The issue is not whether we enjoy what God provides. The issue is whether those gifts become idols. When possessions begin to promise identity, security, comfort, or joy in ways only God can provide, they no longer serve us. They master us. That is why simplicity can be a path toward abundance. When we own less of what distracts us, we gain more of what matters: time, margin, focus, generosity, relationships, and availability to God's work. Clutter Steals Margin Many people today feel hurried, anxious, and stretched thin. While clutter is not the only reason for that exhaustion, it often contributes more than we realize. The more we own, the more we must clean, organize, protect, repair, insure, store, and pay for. Possessions require attention. They make demands. They quietly add weight to already busy lives. A less cluttered life can create margin—space to pray, rest, serve, listen, give, and be present. It can help us become more attentive to God and to the people He has placed before us. Becker shared the story of a woman named Trish, whose grandmother modeled a simple and faithful life. Her grandmother gardened, gathered eggs, sat on the porch, and lived with a peaceful attentiveness that left a lasting mark. Trish remembered that example as the kind of life she wanted to cultivate in her own family—not disconnected from the world, but less rushed by it. That kind of legacy is often caught more than taught. Owning Less Can Free Us to Give More One of the clearest connections between simplicity and faith is generosity. When we spend less on accumulation, we have more freedom to give. For someone in debt, owning less may create room to pay down what is owed. For someone living paycheck to paycheck, it may provide breathing room. For someone already financially stable, it may open the door to greater generosity. This is not merely a financial principle. It is a spiritual one. Jesus said in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Our spending and giving reveal what we value. And as we direct our resources toward God's Kingdom, our hearts are shaped in the process. Generosity helps loosen the grip of materialism. It reminds us that money is not our treasure, our protector, or our purpose. It is a tool entrusted to us by God for His glory and the good of others. A More Faithful Question The goal of an uncluttered faith is not to make everyone's home look the same. It is not to shame people for enjoying good gifts. And it is not to create a new form of legalism around how much a Christian should own. The better question is this: What is God calling me to make room for? Maybe it's more time with your children. Maybe it's more generosity. Maybe it's less anxiety. Maybe it's a greater availability to serve. Maybe it's simply the freedom to stop chasing what the world says you need and begin living more deeply in what Christ has already given. Owning less is not the treasure. Christ is. But when we remove what distracts us, we may find ourselves freer to love Him, love others, and make an impact with what He has entrusted to us. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Can I borrow from my 401(k) instead of taking out a loan from the bank? My house is paid off, but I'm considering moving and may need funds available for a bridge loan. As the primary beneficiary of my late husband's IRA, do I have to move the full account into my name, or can I transfer part of it directly to my children since they're listed as contingent beneficiaries? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Uncluttered Faith: Own Less, Love More, and Make an Impact in Your World: A Minimalist Book by Joshua Becker Becoming Minimalist 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 14, Jesus tells the Parable of the Great Banquet. In this parable we have the Nature of God behind the gift of this important banquet revealed to us. The Nature of God is to gather the broken to Himself that they might be made whole again. The Nature of God is to provide precisely what every soul needs to be raised up from the condition the fall of man left us in. As Jesus said when He instituted the Lord's Supper, "It is with fervent desire that I have longed to eat this Passover with you." In this parable we see the weight of importance God puts upon this heavenly meal. The banquet is the Eucharist. Our God avails Himself to be present among us. He invites us to come and receive life. Our response, "Lord, we come. Here we are. Heal us, redeem us, and have mercy upon us."

How does our Western/individualistic perspective limit our understanding of the Bible that was written from an Eastern/collectivist perspective? Discover some cultural norms left unsaid in Scripture.   Receive As we read Scripture through the lens of our Western culture, this week's guest, Randy Richards, reminds us that we may miss or misread some key values embedded in the Ancient Near Eastern culture the Bible was written in. Our Western individualist culture values “me” over “we,” but the Eastern collectivist culture that the Bible was set in values kinship, patronage, and brokerage that emphasize the family or group dynamic rather than an individual.  Understanding the ancient Mediterranean culture that serves as the backdrop for the Bible can add rich context that can shed a whole new light on some passages of Scripture. How can discovering the cultural context of the Bible help you better understand and apply Scripture to your life? What could your next step toward learning more about the cultural context of the Old and New Testament look like?  Reflect  What can you learn about the family dynamics between Joseph and his father and brothers by reading Genesis 37 through the lens of valuing kinship, which emphasizes strong family ties and parents mediating between siblings? How does Ephesians 2:8 model the value of patronage, which emphasizes a patron giving a gift to help rescue a loyal friend? How do 1 Timothy 2:5 and 1 John 2:1 model the value of brokerage, which emphasizes having a mediator speak on your behalf? How do you feel reading John 1:12 and 1 Thessalonians 1:4 knowing you are part of God's family?  Based on Matthew 6:3 and Luke 6:35, how are Jesus' disciples supposed to differ from the patronage culture of that time? How significant is it that Jesus calls His disciples, including you, His friends in John 15:15? Based on Romans 1:20–21 and Psalm 50, how are we to respond to God's gifts? In Luke 7:1–10, why did the centurion send Jewish elders and then friends to Jesus instead of going to Jesus on his own?     Respond (Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) “Dear God, thank You that understanding more of the Bible's cultural context can help me get a deeper understanding of You! Help me grow in my knowledge of Scripture so I can grow in my love for You! Help me to apply Your words to my life.”      Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources Mentioned in this episode: Misreading Scripture with Individualist Eyes by our guest E. Randolph Richards  Listen: Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes  Misreading Paul | Week 1 Misreading Paul | Week 2 Read: Understanding the Original Situation In the Beginning: Reading Genesis and Exodus  Watch: Biblical Context Explained The Holy Land 

Fatherhood can leave us with deep gratitude, deep wounds, or both. But beneath every experience with an earthly father is a greater question: What is God the Father really like? In Luke 15, Jesus tells a story that overturns many of our assumptions about God. Rather than a distant Father waiting for us to prove ourselves, we find a Father who pursues the lost, runs toward prodigals, restores identity, and welcomes sinners home through grace. The gospel is not the story of people earning their way back to God. It is the story of a good Father moving toward His children.

To Be a Jesus Follower, You Must First Enter the Only Door to God's Kingdom and that Door is Jesus – the Door to Eternal Life MESSAGE SUMMARY: In John 14:6, Jesus says: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one come to the Father but through me.”. In Luke 13:23-25, Jesus is asked a pivotal question; and Jesus responded: “And someone said to him, ‘Lord, will those who are saved be few?' And he said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,' then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.'”. It is not that Jesus does not want all to be saved, it is just that the “gate”, to our Salvation and Eternal Life, is “narrow” and difficult to enter. We enter Eternal Life through Jesus and Jesus alone, and so many miss this fundamental tenant of our Christian faith; and they miss knowing Jesus – Jesus is the door, the narrow door. Neither Islam, nor Hinduism, nor just “my personal religion” is the door – Jesus is the only door.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 14:6; Mathew 3:1-3; John 4:1-5; Psalms 33a:1-11. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Be Strong & Courageous” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Podcast Title:The Father Who Ran | Anchored in Troubled Waters | Season 9 Episode 26Podcast Description:On Father's Day, we look at one of Scripture's clearest pictures of a father's heart. In Luke 15, a broken son returns home expecting judgment, but his father sees him, runs to him, embraces him, and restores him. This message explores repentance, compassion, restoration, and the grace of a heavenly Father who still welcomes the lost home.Alternate Podcast Description 2:The son left home wanting his father's possessions without his father's presence. But when the far country left him empty, he arose and returned home. In this Father's Day message, we look at the father who watched, waited, ran, embraced, and restored. Earthly fathers may fail, but Jesus reveals a heavenly Father whose grace still receives repentant sinners.Alternate Podcast Description 3:When the prodigal son returned home, he expected to become a servant. Instead, his father ran down the road, embraced him, and restored him as a son. This Father's Day message looks at the cost of the far country, the turning point of repentance, and the heart of a Father who rejoices when the lost comes home.

What would it profit you to gain the whole world and lose your soul? In Luke 9, Jesus moves beyond the crowds, the opinions, and the rumors and confronts every one of us with a life-changing question: Will you follow Him? This Sunday, we'll explore the cost of discipleship, the danger of living for yourself, and why the crown only comes after the cross.

In Luke 24:36–49, the risen King reveals that His death and resurrection fulfill God's redemptive plan, and this gospel must be proclaimed to all nations. I. The Risen King Confirms His Resurrection (vv. 36–43) A. Jesus appears to His disciples and dispels their fears (vv. 36–40). B. Jesus demonstrates the reality of His resurrection (vv. 41–43). II. The Risen King Commissions His Witnesses (vv. 44–49) A. Jesus opens the disciples' minds as He explains the Scriptures (vv. 44–47). B. Jesus commissions and prepares His disciples for mission (vv. 48–49).

How does our Western/individualistic perspective limit our understanding of the Bible that was written from an Eastern/collectivist perspective? Discover some cultural norms left unsaid in Scripture.   Receive As we read Scripture through the lens of our Western culture, this week's guest, Randy Richards, reminds us that we may miss or misread some key values embedded in the Ancient Near Eastern culture the Bible was written in. Our Western individualist culture values “me” over “we,” but the Eastern collectivist culture that the Bible was set in values kinship, patronage, and brokerage that emphasize the family or group dynamic rather than an individual.  Understanding the ancient Mediterranean culture that serves as the backdrop for the Bible can add rich context that can shed a whole new light on some passages of Scripture. How can discovering the cultural context of the Bible help you better understand and apply Scripture to your life? What could your next step toward learning more about the cultural context of the Old and New Testament look like?  Reflect  What can you learn about the family dynamics between Joseph and his father and brothers by reading Genesis 37 through the lens of valuing kinship, which emphasizes strong family ties and parents mediating between siblings? How does Ephesians 2:8 model the value of patronage, which emphasizes a patron giving a gift to help rescue a loyal friend? How do 1 Timothy 2:5 and 1 John 2:1 model the value of brokerage, which emphasizes having a mediator speak on your behalf? How do you feel reading John 1:12 and 1 Thessalonians 1:4 knowing you are part of God's family?  Based on Matthew 6:3 and Luke 6:35, how are Jesus' disciples supposed to differ from the patronage culture of that time? How significant is it that Jesus calls His disciples, including you, His friends in John 15:15? Based on Romans 1:20–21 and Psalm 50, how are we to respond to God's gifts? In Luke 7:1–10, why did the centurion send Jewish elders and then friends to Jesus instead of going to Jesus on his own?     Respond (Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) “Dear God, thank You that understanding more of the Bible's cultural context can help me get a deeper understanding of You! Help me grow in my knowledge of Scripture so I can grow in my love for You! Help me to apply Your words to my life.”      Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources Mentioned in this episode: Misreading Scripture with Individualist Eyes by our guest E. Randolph Richards  Listen: Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes  Misreading Paul | Week 1 Misreading Paul | Week 2 Read: Understanding the Original Situation In the Beginning: Reading Genesis and Exodus  Watch: Biblical Context Explained The Holy Land 

What can seem like acts of service that go above and beyond our expectations are in fact, the ordinary duty of servants in the Kingdom. In Luke 17:5-10, Jesus teaches that forgiving others and following Him are not extraordinary acts but the duty of those who have received grace. Even the smallest faith in a powerful Saviour is enough to do duty. Grace when properly understood, replaces recognition or reward freeing us to serve joyfully in humility and with gratitude. Preacher: Tony van Drimmelen  Passage: Luke 17:1-10 Support the show

Friday, 19 June 2026   Then the multitude warned them that they should be quiet; but they cried out all the more, saying, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!” Matthew 20:31   “The ‘also crowd', it admonished them that they should mute. The ‘also greater they croaked', saying, ‘You compassionate us, Lord, ‘Son, David'!'” (CG)   In the previous verse, it was noted that two blind men were sitting by the road. When they heard Jesus was passing by, they cried out to Jesus for mercy, calling Him the Lord, and the Son of David. In their crying out, there was a reaction. Matthew records, “The ‘also crowd', it admonished them that they should mute.”   As with everything in Scripture, scholars debate why the crowd would tell them to be silent. Various suggestions have arisen. They were at the gates for a reason, which was to beg for money. This is seen elsewhere, such as the lame man in Acts 3. They would be taken to the most propitious place for getting something to help pay for their daily needs.   Depending on the time of year, that might change. At this time, because this gate sat on the road to Jerusalem, it is certain that it would be a great choice. Many people who were going to Jerusalem for the Passover would traverse the Jordan and go through the city. In the city, they would get supplies, maybe stop for some chicken kabobs, and then head out.   Having stopped, they would be refreshed and happy as they set out on the road to Jerusalem. Thus, they would be predisposed to doing something nice for a blind beggar by tossing him a coin. This would be especially so as they were heading to the Passover celebrations. Their thought would be that it is always good to have done something favorable to another when going to meet the Lord at the temple.   As such, the crowd probably admonished them to shut up, supposing that these men wanted Jesus, the great Prophet, Teacher, and possible Messiah, to give them something. The scene would be perfectly normal to anyone living at the time and surrounded by such circumstances. Despite the admonitions of the crowd, Matthew continues, “The ‘also greater they croaked'.”   One can mentally picture it. They hear that their one chance to encounter the Messiah is happening right then as He passes through the city. They lift their voices in hopes of getting His attention. The people get annoyed at the two blind people, as if they are not important enough to get a moment of Jesus' time. “Shush! He's not going to give you anything. Just be quiet.”   Knowing that they have been rejected by the crowds would cause them to amplify their calls. If nobody was going to help them, they would have only themselves to bring about success. Therefore, they continued “saying, ‘You compassionate us, Lord, ‘Son, David'!'”   It is completely reasonable that the crowds would have thought they were looking for a handout. Beggars have to make themselves noticed. Thus, as people walked by, they would call out, “Help for the blind. Help for the blind.” Having them crying out at the top of their voices would be... annoying. If they realized their true intent, the crowds may have been a bit more sympathetic.   The blind men repeat the same words as the previous verse, calling Jesus Lord, ‘Son, David'. Their intent goes beyond a coin being handed out to them. They are looking for the same relief that they had surely heard others had received.   Life application: The old saying, “The squeaky wheel gets the grease,” is true of these two men. They are making noise in hopes of receiving relief. If they paid heed to the admonishments of the people, their chances of having their sight restored would probably never come about. Therefore, they not only ignored the crowd's words but they also amplified their calls.   In Luke 18, Jesus gives a parable about a woman who went to a judge in the city to get justice from her adversary. She repeatedly went to him until he finally got tired of being bothered by her and agreed to resolve her case. Her persistence brought about the result she desired.   The same is true with the person in Luke 11 who went to his neighbor's house at midnight to borrow bread. Jesus noted that the man in the house wouldn't get up because they were friends. Rather, he would rise because of the other man's persistence.   The point of these teachings, and what can be seen in the plight of these beggars, is that the Lord appreciates us diligently petitioning Him. He will respond when He sees the true nature of a person who is willing to extend himself to persistently call out for an answer to his request. As the Bible bears this out, we can learn from it and continue to present our requests, knowing that in His perfect timing, He will act according to His perfect will.   Lord God, sometimes it is hard to continue prodding You for our desires and needs through prayer, as if we are bothering You. But Lord, Your word tells us we should not feel this way. Help us to be bold in presenting our petitions to You, knowing that You will respond in the manner that is best for us. Thank You for hearing our prayers. Amen.

In Luke 15, Jesus tells three unforgettable stories about a lost sheep, a lost coin, and two lost sons. Each one reveals the searching heart of God; a God who does not wait for people to clean themselves up before He comes after them. This message reminds us that there are two ways to be lost: running from God in rebellion or staying near Him with a cold, self-righteous heart. The younger son discovers grace before performance, while the older brother exposes the danger of serving God without sharing His joy. Whether you feel far from God or quietly hardened inside the Father's house, Jesus is still seeking you. The question is not whether God will welcome you home... the question is whether you will let yourself be found.Connect with us!Missioncity.church

In Luke 4:1-13, we read and hear the words of Luke as his writes of the temptation of our Lord Jesus.Jesus is tempted by the devil on the same 3 grounds that Eve was tempted which are the same 3 grounds on which you and I can be tempted.Dr. Mitchell brings out how the Lord Jesus Christ repelled these temptations from the devil with the Word of God, specific Scriptures which dealt with the exact temptation at hand. How well do you and I know the Word of God to be able to respond to temptation with God's word? When you read and study the Word and place it in your heart, you have a weapon the Holy Spirit can use to help you in that hour of testing. Let's learn more, on the Unchanging Word Bible Broadcast, ⁠from Dr. Mitchell Luke 4:1.

Motion Church | Victor, Week 4: "I Get To" Closing out the Victor series, this week's message is delivered by Motion Church youth pastor Chris Johnson — "The Bishop" — and he's upfront from the jump: buckle up. "This is one of those sermons we are all gonna walk out here today with some hurt feet, myself included. My toes were stepped on consistently when I was writing this for the past two and a half weeks." After recapping the series — victims ask why, victors ask what; victims claim no control, victors control what they can and trust God with the rest; victims spend their lives surviving, victors invest their lives with purpose — week four lands on the final and perhaps most personal difference of all: language. "Before victim mindset shows up in your actions, it usually shows up in our words." The difference between a victim and a victor often comes down to two small words: have to versus get to. "We hear things like, I have to go to work. I have to go to church. I have to worship. I have to pray. And after a while, we stop sounding grateful and we start sounding burdened." The message draws from two scenes involving Mary and Martha. In Luke 10, Jesus visits their home. Mary sits at his feet. Martha is in the kitchen, distracted and frustrated — "must be nice to just sit at the feet of Jesus." The real diagnosis? "Your problem isn't the work. Your problem is your perspective." Martha and Mary were in the same house, with the same Jesus, at the same moment — but they experienced him completely differently. "Mary saw Jesus as privilege. Martha saw Jesus as an interruption." The warning is sharp: "Some of us have become Martha spiritually. Church became an obligation. Worship became routine. Prayer became duty." And here's what makes that dangerous — "the victim's mindset doesn't always look broken. Sometimes it looks productive." Then fast-forward to John 11, when Lazarus is dead and Martha confronts Jesus: "If you had been here, my brother would not have died." Victims identify with loss and push resurrection into the future — I will be healed one day. My marriage will be fixed one day. But victors understand that God is the God of the now. "Did I not tell you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?" Even in the middle of real grief, the issue isn't the pain — "the issue is what grief convinces us to believe." Victims eventually start identifying with the grave. "Eventually, we start decorating places God is calling us out of. But Jesus never called us to live in graves. He called us out of them." And when Jesus called Lazarus out, he didn't call him "the dead man." He called him by name. "It's not what they call you, but it's how I identify you." A personal story brings it home — Chris shares how his wife Tiffany, walking into a chemotherapy appointment, was smiling despite knowing what lay ahead. A nurse, seeing that smile, asked: "Is that real?" Tiffany's answer? "I can't change anything. But I'm here. I know who I serve." The nurse replied, "I know who you serve." That's what victory looks like. The message closes with a simple shift that changes everything: "No, you don't have to go to church. You get to enter the presence of God. You don't have to worship. You get to lift your voice after everything hell tried to throw at you. You don't have to pray. You get to approach boldly the throne of grace. You don't have to forgive. You get to let go of the things that have been poisoning your spirit." I get to. And then, in a moment that brought the house to its feet — after the message, Pastor Andy officially ordained Chris Johnson as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ. "A little over a year ago, the Lord really put Chris on my heart." Recognizing the anointing on his life, his heart for the house, his love for God's Word, and his growth in the gift of pastor and teacher, the ordination was a stake in the ground — a marker for Chris to return to on the hard days. "We're driving the stake in the sand. Chris, from this day forward, you're ordained." The church prayed over him and his wife Tiffany, believing that "the call of God is on his life, and that God is gonna continue to use him in incredible ways."

X2M.255 Quiétude | Stillness and the Super-Conqueror Series: CR20 Place De La Concorde Romans 8:37 does not announce escape from pressure. It names victory inside it: “in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” This is Quiétude: the stillness after obedience, the confidence before visible result, the refusal to turn victory into spectacle, seizure, or premature motion. Paul's word is ὑπερνικῶμεν: hypernikōmen: we more-than-conquer, overwhelmingly prevail, hyper-conquer.¹ A conqueror defeats the obstacle. A Super-Conqueror remains in Christ until the obstacle itself becomes testimony. Pressure becomes witness. The wound becomes proof. Accusation becomes the place where the blood speaks. Death becomes resurrection ground. But the final clause governs everything: “through Him who loved us.” The victory is not generated by force, intelligence, spiritual rank, charisma, or self-authorizing power. It is received through divine love. The Super-Conqueror is not an independent throne. The Super-Conqueror is a witness of love under pressure. Revelation gives the Lamb-shaped form: they overcome by the blood of the Lamb, by the word of their testimony, and by faithfulness even unto death.² Their testimony does not create Christ's victory. It agrees with what He has already accomplished. The Lamb was slain, yet He stands. The grave received Him, yet could not retain Him. The enemy made the wound, but the enemy does not define the wound. In Qitronix language: Qiₜ overcomes within the bounded field. Qiₜ² preserves the meaning of the whole field. Qavāmium tests whether that preserved meaning can stand. Qiₜ is coherent action under resistance. Qiₜ² is recursive coherence under pressure: testimony, identity, suffering, custody, inheritance, and outcome held together until the hostile condition loses final authority. Quiétude guards the line: Coherence is not permission. Readiness is not authorization. Standing requires measure. Solomon shows the architectural pattern. David fought while the Lord subdued the field. Solomon built only when rest, lawful succession, and the prior word of God converged.³ Victory cleared the field. Authorization built the house. Luke gives the ascension pattern. In Luke 9:51, Jesus sets His face toward Jerusalem: active resolve. In Luke 24:51, He lifts His hands in blessing and is carried upward: rested reception.⁴ Before the cross: set the face. After resurrection: lift the hands and bless. The Super-Conqueror does not climb into glory. The Super-Conqueror is carried by the victory love has already completed. In Place De La Concorde architecture, X2M.255 is the stillness-bound victory event: the battle has lost the right to define the beloved, but the next movement remains under custody. The victory is confessed. The testimony is preserved. The inheritance is held. The house waits for its measured line. Glorification | The Final Frontier Going boldly where the last man has gone before! Decrease time over target: PayPal or Venmo @clastronaut Cash App $clastronaut X2M.255 Quiétude is not passive resignation. It is love-governed hyper-victory held beneath divine timing: pressure becomes testimony, suffering loses final authority, obedience gives way to rested reception, and the Super-Conqueror preserves the victory without seizing the throne. The victory is real. The line must hold. The house may stand only through the One who loved us. Footnotes ¹ Romans 8:37 uses hypernikōmen, from hyper and nikaō: more-than-overcoming. ² Revelation 12:11 grounds overcoming in the Lamb's blood, testimony, and faithful endurance. ³ 1 Kings 5:2–5 distinguishes subdued adversaries from authorized temple-building. ⁴ Luke 9:51 and Luke 24:51 frame resolve before the cross and reception after completion. ⁵ Qiₜ², Super-Conqueror, and Qavāmium are interpretive analogies, not claims of spiritual rank, autonomous authority, or execution permission.

Recent months had been wearing me down as I solo-parented, homeschooled our four kids, and kept up with the everyday life and needs of our home and family. Exhausted and bone weary, I headed out for vacation with my two oldest kids and my mom. I wanted a great vacation, filled with tasty BBQ and ice cream, sunshine, and a day at the beach full of rest and relaxation. Living in Wisconsin, we cherish our summers. We live for warm days where we can be outside, enjoying our beautiful state. The shores of Lake Michigan are full of prairie grass and dairy cows, calming waves, and clean beaches to be enjoyed. Upon arrival, we went directly to the bakery. My mom and I had been daydreaming over flaky, fruit-filled pastries. To our horror, as we walked into the shop, we were greeted with an empty pastry case. They were sold out. Dejected, I grabbed the last loaf of sourdough bread, paid, and left. Would this be how my whole vacation would go? We'd driven four hours, and all I wanted was a great getaway. The next day, we sat and contentedly munched sourdough fruit danishes. (This time we got up early to be sure they didn't sell out.) Checking the weather, we found rain headed our way. "My beach day," I cried inwardly. Consulting the radar, we assessed and made a plan. We could drive an hour in the rain, then get there, swim, and head back in the rain. I prayed we'd get our beach time even with the rain. I was desperate. Arriving at the small town on Lake Michigan, we looked at the sky. "Oh no! We have maybe 30 minutes," my mom reported. We were supposed to have a longer break in the rain, but the sky was darkening before us. We walked out to the old lighthouse, pausing to admire the view. The driftwood peppering the shorelines, the yellow sand, and deep blue waves rolling to their own beat. Yes, my heart needed the wide open spaces that came from being by the vast lake. Finding the swimming beach, we marched to the water. To our horror, we found gray sludge slopping up out of the waves. What!? Rain clouds came closer as we raced to the next beach. Drops started falling as we once again marched toward the water. My son barely reached the sludgy lake before the rain started falling harder and faster. Instead of taking a dip in the lake, he and my 64-year-old mother started running for the car. Defeated, I trailed after. Worst vacation ever. I texted my mother-in-law– "I need a vacation do-over." All I wanted was a great vacation, rest for my weary soul, and relaxation. What I'd gotten wasn't that at all. I drove us back to the house and went for a walk after the rain stopped, talking with God. The dark blue stormy sky is a vibrant backdrop to the cornfield and wildflowers in the ditches. As I walked and talked, I expressed my sadness about my horrible vacation. I pondered why, even though I saw the vast lake and had time relaxing, I still felt weary to my bones. I didn't get an immediate answer. I had to sit with it–my discontentment. During the long drive home, I continued to mull over thoughts. My realization came in the silence of sleeping kids and a phone-scrolling mom. My weariness wouldn't be fixed by a weekend away. It would be better if I habitually rested and sought God. My expectation was that a great summer vacation would fix the fatigue I'd been feeling; instead, I had disappointment and frustration.  However, out of the experience, truth struck me. Yes, vacations are great, and time in God's creation is so beneficial, but it doesn't make up for the lack of physical or mental rest. More importantly, even a good vacation doesn't fill your soul the way that time with Jesus does. In Luke 5:16, Jesus shows us an example of going away from the crowds to spend time with his Father, God. The more I look at my summer routine, the more I recognize my lack of this personal time dwelling with Jesus. As you enter the summer months, I encourage you to plan times to rest your body and soul.  Make time in your schedule to rest. You don't have to take a vacation or trip in order to make the downtime; simply plan for it. Be intentional with your Summer plans. Leave space for down days when you can relax. Enjoy quality time with others who encourage you to grow in your relationship with Christ. Gritty Faith Magazine is a beautiful, year-round magazine with wonderful articles for Christian women. You can get their free daily prayer emails or order a magazine here.  For more writing, encouragement to rest, and running your business from a Christian perspective, follow me on Instagram.

What if the thing you're pursuing most is the very thing keeping you from true satisfaction?Near the end of his life, Johnny Cash recorded a song that reflected on success, regret, and the emptiness that can come from chasing everything the world promises. Thousands of years earlier, Jesus told a story with the exact same warning.In Luke 14, Jesus describes a great banquet prepared by a generous host. The invitation is free. Everything is ready. Yet one by one, people turn it down because they have something "more important" to do.A new purchase.A growing career.A relationship.A busy life.The shocking truth of this parable is that the greatest danger isn't always bad things, it's good things that slowly take God's place in our hearts.If you've ever achieved something you thought would make you happy, only to find yourself wanting more, this message is for you.

We've been in the story of the Good Samaritan before. Last year we asked what mercy looks like. This year we're asking something harder: what gets in the way? The priest and Levite weren't monsters. They were busy. They had somewhere to be. And maybe that's the most uncomfortable thing about this parable… most of us understand them. In Luke 10, the hidden villain isn't bad theology. It's urgency. And the Samaritan's greatest act wasn't what he did, it's that he stopped. This week in "Following Jesus in Real Life," we're inviting you to consider that love requires us to be interruptible… and that the interruptions we keep avoiding might be exactly where God is waiting.

In Luke 3:23-38, Luke presents the genealogy of our Lord Jesus from Mary all the way back in time to the first man, Adam, who also is called the Son of God. Adam was the son of God by creation, Jesus is the Son of God as eternal Deity. And here in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is the God-man, virgin born son, eternal deity and sinless humanity in one undivided person. That Jesus was a real man, Luke gives, in writing to Theophilus, His genealogy tracing his family lineage from Mary all the way back to the beginning of time when God created the first man, Adam. Matthew's genealogy, on the other hand, begins with Abraham and comes forward thru time to Joseph to reveal Jesus as the virgin born son of Mary. As a man, Jesus was to be tested.Here is Dr. Mitchell on the Unchanging Word Bible Broadcast, Luke 3:23.

Luke: To the Least, the Last, & the Lost - Luke 5:27-32Jobey McGintyJesus doesn't keep His distance from the people the world avoids or calls outsiders. In Luke 5, we see Him walk straight toward a hated tax collector named Levi. Levi hasn't cleaned up his life...he hasn't somehow made himself worthy or earned a place at God's table. And Levi knew he didn't belong. Everyone else agreed. Tax collectors were seen as traitors and thieves. Yet Jesus stops, looks at him, and says, “Follow me” (Luke 5:27–28). Jesus comes for sinners, not the respectable. When religious leaders complain, Jesus answers clearly: “Those who are well have no need of a physician… I have not come to call the righteous but sinners” (Luke 5:31–32). Grace moves first. Jesus eats with Levi. He calls him before he changes. And that call leads to real repentance and real joy.

“Love your enemies.”Not tolerate them. Not avoid them. Not secretly hope they fail.Love them.In Luke 6, Jesus gives one of the most challenging teachings in all of Scripture. The Kingdom of God operates differently than the kingdoms of this world. While culture teaches retaliation, self-protection, and revenge, Jesus calls His followers to radical mercy.In this message, we explore: • why loving enemies is central to the Kingdom Way • the difference between worldly justice and Kingdom mercy • how Jesus modeled this on the cross • why forgiveness is freedom • and what it means to reflect the character of God

What was on Jesus' mind as he was led to the cross? When he was crucified? Or, rather, who was on Jesus' mind? Surely, he thought of his own sufferings. He experienced his sufferings in his full humanity. But going by what Luke records Jesus actually saying, we can only conclude that it is we who were on Jesus' mind. In Luke 23:26–43, we not only follow Jesus from his trial to his crucifixion, but hear his heart for us. Even as he was crucified, he cared.

Who do you know that is too far gone—too far gone to receive God's grace, respond to his call, or be restored by his love? In Luke 8:26-39, we meet a Savior who crosses every boundary to reach the people everyone else has given up on, and he invites us to do the same.

3rd Sunday after Pentecost Sermon Series: Let's Go Fishin'Sermon Title: 3 More Fishing LessonsScripture: Luke 5:1-11 Have you ever worked hard for something and still come up empty?Empty nets. Long nights. Questions about what comes next.Then Jesus says, "Try again."In Luke 5:1-11, a group of exhausted fishermen discover that obedience can open the door to abundance.Join us this Sunday as we continue Let's Go Fishin' with "3 More Fishing Lessons."Summer Worship Schedule9am: Sunday School10am: Worship11am: Summer Fellowship Time

In Luke 24:13–35, the risen King opens the Scriptures and the eyes of His disciples, revealing Himself as the fulfillment of all redemptive history. I. The Risen King Opens the Scriptures (vv. 13–27) A. The disciples misunderstand God's plan (vv. 13–24). B. Jesus reveals Himself throughout the Scriptures (vv. 25–27). II. The Risen King Opens the Eyes of His Disciples (vv. 28–35) A. Jesus reveals Himself in the breaking of bread (vv. 28–31). B. The disciples respond with renewed confidence (vv. 32–35).

In Luke 2:21-40, we read about one of the most significant moments in human history, yet almost nobody recognized it. Jesus was presented at the temple, fulfilling God's promises and demonstrating the very principles that would characterize His entire life and ministry. His humility, obedience, faithfulness, and mission to bring salvation to the world were already on display. Yet because most people failed to recognize who He was, they missed what He had to offer. This passage challenges us to consider whether we are truly seeing Christ for who He is and embracing the life-changing truths He came to reveal.

“Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.” — Psalm 73:25 We spend a lot of time chasing what we think will satisfy. More money. More security. More success. More possessions. But Jesus offers a radically different vision of abundance—one that cannot be measured by what we own. In Luke 12, someone in the crowd approaches Jesus with what sounds like a practical financial request: “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” On the surface, it seems reasonable. Inheritance disputes were common, and rabbis were often asked to weigh in on such matters. But Jesus doesn't step into the legal details. Instead, He goes straight to the heart: “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). That statement would have been startling then, and it's still startling now. The Lie of Possessions Most of us would never say that our lives consist of what we own. But if we're honest, we often live as if it does. We may assume that more money will bring peace, more savings will remove fear, more success will secure our identity, or more stuff will satisfy the longing in our hearts. But Jesus says abundance isn't found there. And notice His warning: “Be on your guard against all covetousness.” This is not only a temptation for the wealthy. Coveting can show up in any income bracket. It can surface when we envy someone else's lifestyle, resent what we don't have, obsess over what we want next, or place our hope in what money can do. That's why money issues are rarely just dollars-and-cents issues. They are heart issues. Where True Abundance Is Found If abundance is not found in possessions, where is it found? Jesus answers that clearly in John 10:10: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” The abundant life is not something Jesus merely points to. It is something He brings. True abundance is found in an abiding relationship with Him. That means abundance is deeper than circumstances. It is possible to have much and still be spiritually empty. It is also possible to have little and still be full of joy, peace, and security in God. The Apostle Paul wrote, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Philippians 4:11). His contentment was not rooted in favorable conditions. It was rooted in the sufficiency of Christ. Psalm 23 paints the same picture: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” In other words, when the Lord is your shepherd, your deepest needs are met in Him. Possessions Are Gifts, Not Saviors None of this means possessions are bad. The Bible never teaches that money or material things are evil in themselves. They can be gifts from God—tools for provision, generosity, hospitality, and blessing. But they make terrible saviors. That is why financial stewardship begins with worship. Before we ask, “How much should I save?” or “What should I invest in?” or “Can I afford this purchase?” we should ask a deeper question: What am I looking to for life? That question can reshape every financial decision we make. A budget becomes more than a spreadsheet. It becomes a reflection of what we treasure. Saving becomes wise preparation, not a substitute for trust. Giving becomes an act of worship, not a threat to our happiness. Spending becomes more thoughtful because we are no longer chasing fulfillment in things. And success is redefined—not by accumulation, but by faithfulness. Freedom in Christ Maybe today you feel anxious because you haven't reached the number you thought would bring peace. Maybe you feel discouraged because resources are limited. Or maybe you have achieved the goals you once believed would satisfy, only to discover they didn't. Jesus meets each of us with the same loving truth: your life does not consist in the abundance of possessions. It is found in Him. And when Christ becomes your treasure, you are finally free—free from comparison, free from endless striving, free from the fear of not having enough, and free to steward what you have with gratitude, wisdom, and open hands. That is true abundance. Go Deeper If you'd like to go deeper into this powerful teaching from Luke 12, we invite you to pick up a copy of Rich Toward God, our four-week study on the parable of the rich fool. You can order yours today at FaithFi.com/Shop. And if you go through it with your church or small group, bulk discounts are available. That's FaithFi.com/Shop. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I make about $1,200 a month and may only have around $40 a month to invest. I don't understand investing terms and feel stuck financially. Since Kingdom Advisors may cost money, how can I start investing wisely with just a small amount? My daughter will be traveling through Europe for a few weeks this summer. Do you have a recommendation for travel insurance? I have four or five credit cards I haven't used in years, and I'm concerned about leaving those accounts open. What's the safest way to close unused credit cards without causing problems? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Schwab Intelligent Portfolios® BlueCross Travel Insurance | Allianz Travel Insurance The Sound Mind Investing Handbook: A Step-by-Step Guide to Managing Your Money From a Biblical Perspective by Austin Pryor with Mark Biller 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 workday 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 16:19–31, Jesus contrasts the rich man and Lazarus, revealing God's upside-down kingdom where worldly success is not the measure of faithfulness. This sermon explores the temptation to admire religious power and cultural influence while reminding Christians that their true hope is found in Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. Through His humiliation, death, and resurrection, Jesus rescues sinners from judgment and grants eternal life.

Have you ever felt like your faith has gone stale or wondered why you don't experience God the way you once did? In Luke 9, the Transfiguration reminds us that faith doesn't begin with dramatic experiences. It begins with trusting Jesus one step at a time. In this message, Nick unpacks one of the most incredible moments in the Gospel of Luke and shows how Jesus reveals His glory, not to create a spiritual high, but to strengthen His followers for a lifetime of faithful obedience. The Christian life isn't built on chasing extraordinary moments. It's built on following an extraordinary Savior.• Faith begins with simple obedience, not spectacular experiences or emotional highs.• As we continue following Jesus, He grows our faith and reveals more of His glory over time.• Jesus is fully God, completely sufficient, and worthy of trusting with every area of our lives.Key Scriptures:Luke 9:23–36Matthew 28:16–20Luke 16:19–312 Peter 1:3–18What is one step of obedience Jesus is calling you to take today? Don't wait for a mountaintop experience before responding to His voice. Trust Him where you are, keep following Him, and watch how He grows your faith over time. If this message encouraged you, share it with someone who needs the reminder that real faith grows one step at a time.Bayou City Fellowship Cypress Campus | Nick Maricle | June 7, 2026https://linktr.ee/bayoucityfellowship

Have you ever believed the right things about Jesus but still struggled to experience a life that reflects Him? In Luke 9, the Transfiguration reveals Jesus as the Son of God, the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, and the only One worthy of our complete trust and devotion. In this message, George Terry explores one of the most profound moments in the Gospel of Luke, showing that recognizing who Jesus truly is is more than an intellectual belief. It is an invitation to build your entire life around Him. When we behold His glory, our hearts are transformed, our faith becomes personal, and we are sent to live and proclaim the gospel with confidence.• Jesus is the complete and final revelation of God, greater than every prophet and worthy of our worship.• Real faith moves beyond knowing facts about Jesus to personally trusting Him and surrendering every area of life to His authority.• Encountering the glory of Christ transforms us and compels us to faithfully proclaim the gospel, even when it requires sacrifice.Key Scriptures:Luke 9:28–36Luke 9:18–272 Corinthians 3:18Hebrews 1:1–3John 14:7–9How is Jesus inviting you to move from simply knowing about Him to truly following Him? Spend time this week listening to His voice through Scripture and asking Him to transform your heart. If this message encouraged you, share it with a friend or family member who needs to be reminded of who Jesus really is.Bayou City Fellowship Spring Branch Campus | George Terry | June 7, 2026https://linktr.ee/bayoucityfellowship

Have you ever wished you had more certainty about God's plan for your life? In Luke 9, Jesus reveals His glory to Peter, James, and John in the Transfiguration, reminding them that even when they don't have all the answers, they can trust the One who does. In this message, Dawson Tolley walks through one of the most powerful moments in the Gospel of Luke, showing how Jesus is greater than every prophet, promise, and expectation that came before Him. When we see Jesus for who He truly is, we find confidence to keep following Him through every season of life.• Jesus is the fulfillment of God's entire story and greater than everyone who came before Him.• The Transfiguration reminds us that following Jesus is rooted in who He is, not in having every question answered.• We are transformed as we continually behold the glory of Christ and walk with Him each day.Key Scriptures:Luke 9:28–36Luke 9:23–27Exodus 33:18–23Daniel 7:9–14Take time this week to intentionally behold the glory of Jesus through His Word and prayer. Ask Him to deepen your trust, even in the places where you still have questions. If this message encouraged you, share it with a friend or family member who needs the reminder that Jesus is worthy of following.Bayou City Fellowship Tomball Campus | Dawson Tolley | June 7, 2026https://linktr.ee/bayoucityfellowship

Move beyond simply believing the right things and start living out the love of Jesus in practical ways. In Luke 10, Jesus confronts a religious expert who wants to know who qualifies as a “neighbor.” Instead of giving a list, Jesus tells a story that flips expectations upside down. The people who should have stopped to help didn't, while the person least expected to show compassion became the hero. The message reminds us that real love is more than a feeling—it stops, notices people, crosses boundaries, and costs something. Just as Jesus stopped for us in our brokenness, we are called to stop for others and bring His love into the everyday interruptions of life. (Talk by Joshua Ott)

How does a man proven innocent end up on death row? This is the stuff of political dramas and viral podcast true crime series. In Luke 23:1–25 we get the inside story on how one innocent man was handed over to death. The motivations are varied but the outcome comes down to one man's decision. Pilate caved under pressure. The voices got to him. Today he's famous for making the wrong decision. Let us learn from this failure of nerve and remember our place in this story of innocence and injustice, friendship in Jesus, and a prisoner exchange no one saw coming.

Move beyond simply believing the right things and start living out the love of Jesus in practical ways. In Luke 10, Jesus confronts a religious expert who wants to know who qualifies as a “neighbor.” Instead of giving a list, Jesus tells a story that flips expectations upside down. The people who should have stopped to help didn't, while the person least expected to show compassion became the hero. The message reminds us that real love is more than a feeling—it stops, notices people, crosses boundaries, and costs something. Just as Jesus stopped for us in our brokenness, we are called to stop for others and bring His love into the everyday interruptions of life.

The story in chapter 3 continues in chapter 4.    Pastor reminds us of the story from last week and the miraculous healing of the lame man. After the healing the people, the healed man and Peter and John, they all gathered in Solomon's Colonnade - an area inside the Temple walls.   Chapter 4 As Peter and John were talking to the multitude teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus' name the resurrection of the dead, the priests, the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees come and they are greatly disturbed by what Peter and John are preaching. So they seize Peter and John and put them in jail until the next day. Yet many who had heard their message believed and the number of believers grows. The message of Jesus is spreading quickly.   Prophecy  Then: using the prophetic scripture they tell people the gospel message quoting Genesis and Isaiah showing them that Jesus was the fulfillment of the scriptures. God's prophecies of a Savior were fulfilled in their lifetimes. In Luke 12:11-12 Jesus' prophetic word to His disciples were not to worry when brought to authorities because the Holy Spirit would teach them what to say. In verses 5-9 we see Peter and John brought before authorities and "then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit" just as Jesus had predicted. Now:  Today in our lifetimes we've not only seen these same prophecies fulfilled in the scriptures by Jesus, but also we see those things spoken by Jesus coming to fulfillment.  And like Peter we too are filled with the Spirit as Jesus prophesied would happen. Power Then: Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and accomplished God's divine purposes through the power of the Holy Spirit. Now: We too are filled with the Holy Spirit and are to keep on being filled with the Holy Spirit's power. We are to allow the Holy Spirit to have control of our lives because that is how we accomplish divine purposes through the Holy Spirit's power. Proclamation Then: Peter proclaims to the authorities and the people that it is by the name of Jesus Christ, whom they crucified (but God raised from the dead), that the man was healed. He tells them that they have rejected the Cornerstone (Jesus). Peter ends with, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12 Peter shares the gospel message. Jesus is the perfect sacrifice who saves us. Peter proclaims the Name of Jesus and the gospel message: Death, Deity and Resurrection. Pastor does a dive into "the Name" used in the chapters 2-4 of Acts. There is power in the name of Jesus and no name above the name of Jesus (Philippians 2:9-11) Now: We are to proclaim the gospel today.  Have we received the proclamation in our own lives? Because everyone who calls on Jesus' name will be saved.  Is that proclamation guiding and controlling and directing our attitude and speech? Is it how we deal with others?  Jesus' name is a powerful name that brings healing and forgiveness and gives certain and sure hope for all eternity. We are called to respond to the proclamation - the gospel message. The gospel message always demands a response.    The Dilemma Acts 4:13-18 - what could the authorities do with Peter and John? They decide to warn them not to speak to anyone any further in "the Name."    Passion Then: in Acts 4:19 Peter and John reply "Which is right in God's eyes: to listen to you or to Him… As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." (They were eyewitnesses to Jesus' life on earth) Peter and John have given everything for the Lord Jesus. Now: We too are called to do the same, to yield and surrender our lives to Him. To be filled daily with the Holy Spirit and live a life of service, joy and peace even in opposition.   In the end the authorities could not decide how to punish them so they let them go, because the people were praising God for the miraculous healing of the man who had been lame for 40 years.    There's more to this chapter! There's a 5th "P" to go along with the four P's Pastor shares today. If you are wondering what the 5th "P"is check out our Bible Class Dig Deeper playlist for the title: "Together in Prayer"  https://www.awakeusnow.com/dig-deeper   This week's READING ASSIGNMENT:   Acts chapter 3-4 (read and reflect on these two chapters together)     Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.   Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/god-acts-then-now   Or watch from our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@AwakeUsNow/streams   Join us Sundays live or on demand from our website  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service

Every family has an empty seat. A prodigal son. A wayward daughter. A relationship that went cold. Someone who walked away and hasn't come back yet.In Luke 15, Jesus tells what we've always called the Parable of the Prodigal Son — but it's actually the parable of two sons. And if you only follow one of them, you'll miss the radical message Jesus is after.The younger son takes his inheritance early, wastes it, and ends up in a pig pen. The older son stays home, does everything right, and ends up just as far from the father's heart. Both had a place at the table. Both walked away from it — just in different directions.What this parable shows us is a Father who runs. Who doesn't wait for you to clean yourself up before He embraces you. Who goes out to the bitter son standing outside the party just as eagerly as He ran toward the lost one coming up the road.God's rescue mission in your life may not start at your best moment. It may very well start at your worst.No matter how far you've gone or how long you've been away — you are welcome at the table.

Comfort promises ease, but often steals obedience. It whispers “later” when Jesus says “follow Me.” In Luke 9:57–62, we'll see how the pursuit of comfort can keep us from experiencing the life Christ calls us to live. Discover why following Jesus is worth more than anything comfort can offer.

Pentecost is so important in knowing our identity as believers in God. On the day of Pentecost, the fire of God fell, and tongues of fire allotted to each person's head signified the personal anointing God has for each of us in Christ. In Luke, we read: "And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” Luke 24:49 The Holy Spirit is our teacher, comforter, and deliverer. The Holy Spirit dispenses gifts and fruits, and most importantly, is the source of all power in our lives. We don't have strength or energy without Him. We have nothing without Him! In 2 Timothy 3, we read that some would prefer to hold to a form of godliness but deny the power of God. Behind this is a religious spirit that shuts down the voice of God and His omnipotence! 

Today we will be looking at Philippians 2:21. But before wetalk about that, let's remind ourselves what the book of Philippians is about.The book of Philippians is about the joyful mind and the secure mind. TheApostle Paul is teaching us something very powerful. Before we can claim inchapter 4, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthensme," we first must practice what istaught in the earlier chapters. Inchapter 1, Paul teaches us to have a single mind—a mind that is set on Christ,a mind that is focused on the gospel of Jesus Christ, and a mind that desiresto glorify the Lord Jesus Christ before glorifying itself. Then chapter 2becomes very practical as Paul teaches us how to have a submissive mind—a mindthat is submitted to the will of God. In verse 20, the Apostle Paul commendedTimothy as a man who genuinely cared for the spiritual welfare of others. ThenPaul makes a very sad statement in verse 21: "For all seek their own,not the things which are Jesus Christ's." Thinkabout that statement for a moment: "For all seek their own, not thethings which are Jesus Christ's." Paul was living in Rome, the centerof the Roman Empire. There were many believers there. In Romans 16, when Paulwrote to the church at Rome, he mentioned dozens of Christians by name. Yetwhen he looked for someone to send to Philippi, he found only Timothy who wasavailable and willing to put Christ's interests first. Thisverse exposes one of the greatest spiritual diseases that affects believers andchurches. It is the disease of self-interest. The natural tendency ofevery human heart is to focus on self. The first words of many little childrenare often, "Mine!" or, "I want that! That's mine! Don't touchit!" We naturally ask: "What do I want?" "What do Ineed?" "What is best for me?" Yet the Christian life is exactlythe opposite. Thesubmissive mind that Paul has been describing throughout Philippians chapter 2causes us to ask: "What does Christ want?" "What will helpothers?" "What will advance the gospel?" The world teaches us tolook out for number one. Jesus teaches us to deny ourselves. In Luke 9:23,Jesus said: "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself,and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." That is not a popularmessage today because we live in a culture that promotes self-fulfillment,self-promotion, self-expression, and self-centeredness. But Christianity iscentered on Christ, not on self. Onemissionary who served for more than fifty years in Africa once lamented thelack of long-term commitment among believers. He quoted the words of Barzillaiin 2 Samuel 19:36: "Thy servant will go a little way." Thatseems to describe many Christians today. They are willing to serve a littleway. They are willing to sacrifice a little. They are willing to commit alittle. ButJesus, our example in Philippians 2, went all the way. He left heaven. Hehumbled Himself. He became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Myfriend, we cannot truly follow Jesus Christ while living for ourselves. Whena church becomes filled with self-centered people, ministries suffer. Peoplestop serving. Needs go unmet. The gospel loses momentum. But when believers putJesus Christ first, amazing things happen. People are saved. Lives are changed.Churches become healthy. Missionaries are sent. And the gospel advances. Sothe question today is simple: Am I seeking my own interests or Christ'sinterests? Am I willing to serve even when it costs me something? Am Iavailable when God calls? The greatest joy in the Christian life is found whenwe stop living for ourselves and begin living for Christ and for others. Let'spray. Father, forgive us for the selfishness that so easily creeps into ourlives and hearts. Help us to seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness.Give us the mind of Christ and teach us to put Your interests above our own. Wepray this in Jesus' name. Amen. 

In a world filled with notifications, endless responsibilities, packed schedules, and constant pressure to do more, many Christians find themselves spiritually exhausted.In Luke 10:38-42, Jesus gives a surprising warning through the story of Martha and Mary. Martha wasn't distracted by sinful things. She was distracted by good things. Yet those good things were quietly pulling her away from what mattered most: the presence of Christ.In this message, we'll explore:• The danger of distraction• Why activity often produces anxiety• The difference between productivity and spiritual peace• What Jesus says is truly necessary• How to keep Christ at the center of a busy life

People reject good advice. They push away people who care about them. They resist change. Sometimes they even resist God. Why? In Luke 8, Jesus tells a story that helps explain why some hearts stay closed while others are transformed. In this message, Ben Young explores one of Jesus' most well-known parables—the Parable of the Sower. Jesus compares God's truth to seed and our hearts to different kinds of soil. Some hearts are open. Some become hardened over time. And some are ready to grow. Whether you're wondering why someone you love seems far from God, struggling with your own spiritual growth, or simply trying to understand why change can be so difficult, this message offers hope. Because no heart is beyond God's reach.

SPIRIT-FILLED (PART 3) | PASTOR MARK BOER | MAY 31, 2026 — Jesus never treated the power of the Holy Spirit like it was optional. In Luke 24 and Acts 1, He told His disciples not to go until they received power. Forgiveness brings you into new life, but the Holy Spirit gives you power to live it. GOT SAVED TODAY? https://lcboise.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/290/responses/new SHARE YOUR TESTIMONY https://lcboise.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/171/responses/new CONNECT WITH US Website: https://www.lcboise.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LifeChurchBoise Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifechurchboise

Who is Jesus really? A prophet? A teacher? A good moral example? In Luke 9, Jesus asks His disciples a question that every person must answer for themselves: "Who do you say that I am?"In this message, Pastor Kevin Barra walks through Peter's confession that Jesus is the Christ of God and shows why that truth changes everything. If Jesus is truly King, then following Him is more than agreement. It's a life of surrender, trust, and allegiance to the One who gave His life to rescue us.• Jesus is more than a great teacher or prophet. He is the promised Messiah, King, and Savior.• Following Jesus involves difficulty, sacrifice, and publicly identifying with Him.• The hope of God's kingdom and eternity gives us the motivation to follow Jesus faithfully.Key Scriptures:Luke 9:18-27Genesis 3:15Daniel 7:13-14Isaiah 53This week, take time to honestly answer Jesus' question: "Who do you say that I am?" Consider what area of your life still needs to be surrendered to His leadership and ask God to help you follow Him more faithfully. If this message encouraged you, share it with a friend or family member who needs the hope and truth of the gospel.Bayou City Fellowship Spring Branch Campus | Kevin Barra | May 31, 2026https://linktr.ee/bayoucityfellowship

What does it really mean to follow Jesus?In Luke 9:18-27, Jesus asks the most important question every person must answer: "Who do you say that I am?" In this message, Pastor Jeremiah Meadows unpacks how following Jesus is more than knowing the right answers about Him. It's a daily decision to surrender, take up your cross, and trust Him as King. If you've ever wrestled with the cost of discipleship or wondered what it truly means to follow Jesus, this message is for you.• Following Jesus begins with a personal confession of who Jesus truly is.• Following Jesus means daily surrender and putting His kingdom above our own.• Following Jesus leads through the cross, but ultimately toward glory and resurrection hope.Key Scriptures:Luke 9:18-27This week, ask yourself honestly: Who do I say Jesus is, and does my life reflect that answer? Choose one area of your life to surrender to His leadership and trust Him with it daily. If this message encouraged or challenged you, share it with a friend or family member who needs the reminder that Jesus is worth following.Bayou City Fellowship Cypress Campus | Jeremiah Meadows | May 31, 2026https://linktr.ee/bayoucityfellowship

Throughout Scripture, we see God working through ordinary people in extraordinary ways. One of the most powerful and often misunderstood practices in the Bible is the laying on of hands. It was used to bring healing, impart blessing, commission leaders, and demonstrate faith in God's power.In Luke 6:6, Jesus encounters a man with a withered hand and demonstrates His authority to heal and restore. In Matthew 18:18, Jesus teaches His followers about the authority that has been entrusted to them in His name. Together, these passages reveal that God desires His people to be active participants in His work of healing, restoration, and ministry.This message, “The Practice of Laying on Hands,” explores the biblical foundation of this practice and why it remains an important expression of faith, prayer, and spiritual authority toda

Jesus said:“Blessed are you who weep now…”and“Woe to you who laugh now…”Was Jesus against joy?Not at all.In Luke 6, Jesus isn't talking about emotions on the surface—He's talking about the condition of your heart.Can you still feel what God feels?Can you still grieve over sin?Can you still be moved by suffering?Can you still hear the conviction of the Holy Spirit?In this message, we explore:• what Jesus meant by weeping and laughing• how hearts become hardened• the dangers of cultural drift• how King David lost sensitivity to God• and how God restores a broken heart

Logan Holloman | Next Gen Pastor | May 24, 2026 Referenced Scripture: Luke 16:19-31, Colossians 1:16, Romans 1:28-31 Reflection Questions: 1. When you hear the question, “How could a loving God send people to hell?”, what emotions or assumptions immediately come to mind? How did this message challenge, deepen, or reshape the way you think about that question? 2. The sermon described hell as “the final form of exile from God” rather than simply punishment. How does viewing the Bible through the lens of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration change the conversation about judgment? 3. In Luke 16, the rich man's deepest issue was not wealth, but a heart curved inward on itself. Where are you tempted to become spiritually indifferent—to God, to others, or to suffering around you? 4. The cross shows Jesus entering our exile to bring us home. What stands out most to you about the idea that God personally stepped into judgment and suffering for humanity? 5. The sermon ended with the question: “Who am I becoming?” What habits, loves, priorities, or patterns are currently shaping your heart? Are they moving you toward deeper communion with God and others—or further inward toward self-centeredness? What's your next step? Connect: We'd love to connect with you! Fill out our Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any questions: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcard Connect: Get your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/children Connect: Our Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeybozeman.com/students Give: Want to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/give Gather: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozeman Gather: Download our app: https://journeybozeman.com/app Gather: Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozeman  Chapters (00:00:01) - How Could God Send People To Hell?(00:02:56) - How Could a Loving God Send People To Hell?(00:03:32) - Jesus Story of Judgement and Hell(00:05:55) - Are We Created for Communion?(00:07:20) - Luke 16: The Rich Man and His Death(00:12:15) - Paul on Romans 1:8(00:14:58) - Black Hawk Down(00:21:18) - God Sent People to Hell(00:25:18) - Jesus' knocking on our hearts(00:29:39) - Wonders of the World Prayer

Pastor Rick Warren once said, “The way you store up treasure in heaven is by investing in getting people there.” That's a powerful statement—and it raises an important question: What does it really mean to store up treasure in heaven? Jesus speaks directly to this in Matthew 6:20, where He says, “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” That word “treasure” is striking. In Greek, the word is thēsauros—the same root from which we get the word “treasury.” It describes something stored safely for the future. But Jesus isn't describing a spiritual savings account filled with gold and silver. He's pointing to the lasting fruit of a life lived in alignment with God's Kingdom. Notice that Jesus doesn't say, “Don't have treasure.” He says, “Store your treasure in heaven.” In other words, what we invest in God's purposes today carries eternal significance. What Are Eternal Rewards? In 1 Timothy 6:18–19, Paul writes that believers are “to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” That final phrase matters: “that which is truly life.” The reward is not merely something we receive later. It is the fullness of life that comes from walking in step with Christ—now and forever. The early church understood this well. Augustine wrote in The City of God, “God Himself, who is the author of virtue, shall there be its reward, for as there is nothing greater or better, He has promised Himself.” In other words, the greatest reward of eternity is not something we possess, but Someone we know. That is the heart of eternal rewards: deeper fellowship with God, fuller participation in His Kingdom, and the joy of seeing His work unfold through our lives. Money Reveals What We Treasure This is where our finances come in. Jesus often connected money to an eternal perspective because it reveals what we value. When we give generously, serve faithfully, and steward wisely, we are investing in something that lasts beyond the temporary. We are declaring that our hope is not in wealth, comfort, or control, but in God Himself. In Luke 16:11, Jesus says, “If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?” In other words, how we manage earthly resources reflects whether our hearts are ready for something far greater. Every act of generosity, every decision to trust God rather than money, every sacrifice made for His Kingdom becomes part of a story that continues into eternity. God's Rewards Are Gifts of Grace Here's the beautiful truth: God's rewards are never wages. They are gifts. Scripture does not teach that we earn God's favor through generosity or faithful stewardship. Rather, God rewards His people because He is generous in grace. He chooses to reward the very faithfulness He produces in us. That reveals something remarkable about our Father. No matter what we have or do not have in this world, because we belong to Him, He promises to entrust us with the true riches of His Kingdom. That is what it means to store up treasure in heaven. Instead of investing everything in what is temporary, we place our lives, our resources, and our trust into the hands of the One who is the very source of heaven and earth. It's not about building a spiritual portfolio. It's about orienting our hearts toward God Himself. Living Today in Light of Eternity Life with God has never been about accumulating more. It has always been about knowing Him, trusting Him, and sharing in His purposes. So the real question is not, “What do I get in heaven?” The better question is, “How can I live today in light of eternity?” Because one day, every faithful steward will hear the words Jesus spoke in Matthew 25:21—words that will fill every believer's heart with awe and joy: “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your master.” A Resource to Help You Live with Eternal Perspective If you've ever wondered how to live with that kind of eternal perspective day by day, we walk through it in our new devotional, Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship. It's designed to help you view every part of your financial life—saving, giving, planning, and investing—through the lens of eternity as you learn to treasure Christ above all else. You can pick up your copy today, or place a bulk order for your church or small group, at FaithFi.com/Shop. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I have an old individual retirement account that was purchased in 1987 and matured in 1990. I've been receiving letters from agencies offering to help me cash it out for a fee, but I still have the original receipt. What's the best way to access the money? Can I transfer it to another traditional IRA or convert it to a Roth? I'm calling on behalf of my daughter about my two-year-old granddaughter. They'd like to set aside about $1,000 a year until she's 18 or 20, but they're unsure whether to use a 529 in case she doesn't attend college. They also want to be careful about putting money directly in the child's name. What's the best way to invest and structure this? I have about $4,300 in debt, including $4,000 on a credit card. What's the best way to handle it—should I use a balance transfer card or take a loan from my 401(k)? I have about $1,000 of extra margin each month. My emergency fund is fully funded, and I've paid off all consumer debt except my home. Should I use that extra money to invest more, give more, or pay down my mortgage faster? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) The Treasure Principle, Revised and Updated: Unlocking the Secret of Joyful Giving by Randy Alcorn Christian Credit Counselors (CCC) Sound Mind Investing (SMI) 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 workday 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, Jesus tells three stories of something lost and something found. A lost sheep. A lost coin. And...