Podcasts about read luke

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview Those who enter the kingdom depend on Jesus completely and treasure him supremely.I. Who enters: those who depend on Jesus completely (vv. 15-17)II. Who enters: those who treasure Jesus supremely (vv. 18-30)III. How Jesus makes entry possible: suffering in our place (vv. 31-34)IV. How entry looks: dependent faith produces joyful following (vv. 35-43)Digging Deeper    Read Luke 18:15-431. Jesus exhorts us to receive the kingdom of God like a child, in complete dependence. How does this help us in entering his kingdom? 2. What's the opposite of being like a child in approaching God? How could/does this show up in your life?3. Wealth isn't evil, but it is a danger. How is wealth a powerful rival to God?4. Where do you struggle when thinking about money? Greed? Discontentment? Jealousy? Overreliance on it for security? What might you do or change to grow in this area?5. Those who follow Jesus give up much now, but also receive much now. If you follow Jesus, what good things have you already experienced because you are a part of God's kingdom now?6. It was asked in the sermon, “Do you see Jesus's love?” What does it mean to see His love, and how does it help us enter his kingdom?       7. The blind man at the end of the passage is a picture of the one who enters the kingdom. How do we live our lives marked by the kind of joyful following that the blind man exhibits upon being healed? 8. What is one specific thing that keeps you from entering the kingdom? Self-righteousness? Pride? Wealth that consumes your life? How do you flee from it? 9. How can we live in such a way that witnesses to unbelievers about the goodness of entering the kingdom of God?Prayer

I Am Allowed to be Great Jesus once said that among those born of women, no one was greater than John the Baptist. But what made him so great? It wasn't status, his success, his boldness, his baptizing, or his camel-hair fashion—it was that he faithfully pointed others to Jesus. In this sermon, we explore Luke 7 and what it truly means to live a life that directs people to Christ. Is it possible that there's a deeper level of purpose and power available in your walk with God? Tune in and discover how greatness is defined in the Kingdom.  John 7:18-28 Discussion topics Have you ever been disappointed in God?  John the Baptist knew Jesus personally and still had doubts while in prison. What does this tell us about faith during hard seasons?  Read Luke 7:18-28 - Jesus comforted John by pointing to the evidence of His work—healing, deliverance, good news. What “evidence” do you see of Jesus working in your life or around you right now?  What does Jesus' statement—“among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he”—mean to you?  John's entire life pointed people to Jesus. In what ways can your life and words do the same?  What are some practical ways we can avoid becoming “offended” at Jesus when life doesn't go as expected?  Check out our other audio series and video playlists that can help you find Jesus in every moment and then discover what's next

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview Come to God, trusting not in yourself, but in Jesus. God's saving mercy and grace are only for those who know they don't deserve it.Digging Deeper    Read Luke 18:9-141. In our passage, the Pharisee comes to God trusting in himself (and how good he is). Where do we see this in the text?2. What are subtle or obvious ways we can trust ourselves instead of Jesus?3. “Whenever we feel God does not love us because we have failed, we have adopted the Pharisee's approach.” Do you experience this? If so, how can you respond to these feelings? How can we help each other?4. One of the ways Pharisee-like self-righteousness reveals itself is in a propensity to treat others with contempt (cf. v.9b). Reflect on some of the words (and tone) you have used with others around you in the past. Do you see any supporting evidence that you may have, at times, been guilty of treating others with contempt?  What heart-level attitudes might such words reveal? 5. How tempted are you to compare yourself with others to determine how good or bad you are? A lot? A little? Something else?6. What's the problem with assessing yourself based on comparison to others?7. How easy is it to view yourself like the tax collector, claiming no righteousness of your own?8. It was said in the sermon, “... we are all far more sinful than we think. And it is only when we grasp this that we can receive the good news.” What was meant by this?  Do you agree?       9. How might we use this parable (and the truths it teaches) to engage with unbelievers about the good news of the Gospel?   10. What one specific application from this passage might God want you to consider and take with you into the week ahead?  Please share. Prayer

Sermon by Fr. Peter Smith24th Sunday of Ordinary TimeQuestions for Group Discussion1. Read Luke 23:39-43. In what ways are the two thieves the same, and in what ways are they different?2. Have you considered that these two thieves represent us: humanity?  What is significant about that?3. When the second thief says, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom,” what do you think he means, and what is he hoping for?4. In what way does Jesus' statement to the thief—“Today you will be with me in paradise” —bring encouragement to you when you think about your own life or about the lives of those around you?5. As we look ahead towards Advent and the coming of Christ, what do you sense God is calling you to pursue in order to get ready?

Discipleship isn't a title; it's a trail.When Jesus walked the shores of Galilee, He didn't hand out pamphlets or build a following through social media. He looked a few fishermen straight in the eyes and said two words that changed everything:“Follow Me.”That's it. No marketing pitch. No promise of comfort. Just a call — and an invitation to leave everything behind for something greater.Following Jesus isn't about location — it's about direction. Every disciple starts the same way: walking away from self and walking toward the Savior.I still remember the day that truth hit home. I'd been a Christian for years, but I was still driving the car while asking God to bless my route. Then one morning, the Holy Spirit convicted me hard: “Matthew, I can't lead what you won't surrender.”That's when I realized being a disciple isn't about asking Jesus to walk with me; it's about me walking wherever He's going — even if it's uncomfortable.Michelle and I have lived this out over and over. From ministry highs to financial struggles, from seasons of clarity to moments of silence — we've had to decide: Will we trust Him when the map runs out? Will we still follow when it costs us pride, plans, or comfort?The answer had to be yes — because discipleship is not a once-a-week commitment. It's a daily death and daily resurrection.Luke 9:23 says, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.”Notice that word — daily. Discipleship isn't about perfection; it's about persistence.You won't get every step right, but every step you take with Jesus changes you. The disciples weren't perfect men — they argued, doubted, ran, and failed. But here's the difference: they kept following.Every day, you and I wake up in a world screaming, “Follow your heart.” But Jesus says, “Follow Me.” And that one command flips everything.When you follow your heart, you'll end up lost. When you follow Jesus, you'll find your heart's true home.Maybe your path today looks uncertain — your marriage tested, your kids wandering, your faith stretched thin. Following Jesus doesn't mean you won't face storms. It means when the wind howls, you've got the One who commands it walking beside you.When Michelle and I look back at the times we tried to carry everything ourselves — our ministry, our dreams, our disappointments — we see the same pattern. Every time we surrendered control, peace came back. Every time we followed His whisper instead of our worry, doors opened we didn't even know existed.That's what discipleship looks like — obedience over outcome.

Discipleship isn't a title; it's a trail.When Jesus walked the shores of Galilee, He didn't hand out pamphlets or build a following through social media. He looked a few fishermen straight in the eyes and said two words that changed everything:“Follow Me.”That's it. No marketing pitch. No promise of comfort. Just a call — and an invitation to leave everything behind for something greater.Following Jesus isn't about location — it's about direction. Every disciple starts the same way: walking away from self and walking toward the Savior.I still remember the day that truth hit home. I'd been a Christian for years, but I was still driving the car while asking God to bless my route. Then one morning, the Holy Spirit convicted me hard: “Matthew, I can't lead what you won't surrender.”That's when I realized being a disciple isn't about asking Jesus to walk with me; it's about me walking wherever He's going — even if it's uncomfortable.Michelle and I have lived this out over and over. From ministry highs to financial struggles, from seasons of clarity to moments of silence — we've had to decide: Will we trust Him when the map runs out? Will we still follow when it costs us pride, plans, or comfort?The answer had to be yes — because discipleship is not a once-a-week commitment. It's a daily death and daily resurrection.Luke 9:23 says, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.”Notice that word — daily. Discipleship isn't about perfection; it's about persistence.You won't get every step right, but every step you take with Jesus changes you. The disciples weren't perfect men — they argued, doubted, ran, and failed. But here's the difference: they kept following.Every day, you and I wake up in a world screaming, “Follow your heart.” But Jesus says, “Follow Me.” And that one command flips everything.When you follow your heart, you'll end up lost. When you follow Jesus, you'll find your heart's true home.Maybe your path today looks uncertain — your marriage tested, your kids wandering, your faith stretched thin. Following Jesus doesn't mean you won't face storms. It means when the wind howls, you've got the One who commands it walking beside you.When Michelle and I look back at the times we tried to carry everything ourselves — our ministry, our dreams, our disappointments — we see the same pattern. Every time we surrendered control, peace came back. Every time we followed His whisper instead of our worry, doors opened we didn't even know existed.That's what discipleship looks like — obedience over outcome.

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview Jesus' sure and sudden return calls for wholehearted loyalty and persevering prayer.Digging Deeper    Read Luke 17:20-18:81. Did this sermon help you in your understanding of what the Kingdom of God is? How so? 2. How does Daniel 7:13-14 shed light on what Jesus meant when he spoke of “the kingdom of God” and “the Son of Man”?3. The coming of the Son of Man will be unmistakable to all (17:22-25). Why do you think Jesus wants his disciples (including us) to know this? What does this truth help guard against? 4. The coming of the Son of Man will be unexpected by many (17:26-30). In mercy, Jesus is warning his people, lest we be numbered among those who are not ready for his return. How can we help one another guard against complacency and against living with no sense of urgency (as those in Noah's and Lot's day did - until it was too late)? 5. The coming of the Son of Man will be for salvation and judgment (17:27, 29, 34-35). Apart from God's grace, we can be inclined to think that we're really not all that bad, and certainly not worthy of God's judgment. How might we use the truths taught in this passage to help unbelievers see both the sober reality of coming judgment and the salvation Christ offers?      6. One rightful response to what Jesus shows us in this passage about his return is to live with wholehearted loyalty to God. Is there a specific area of your life in which you are okay with something less than wholehearted loyalty to God? Please share. What would be a good next step toward change in this area? 7. Another rightful response in light of the second coming of the Son of Man is persevering prayer to God (18:1-8). Are there things you have prayed for, and yet God has not answered the way you hoped he would?  Have you found yourself tempted to give up praying, and “lose heart”?  Please share. 8. It was said in the sermon that “the key to not losing heart (in prayer) is the character of God.”  What aspects of God's character would you say are most important for you to be mindful of as you seek to persevere in prayer until the Son of Man comes again? 9. What might be some ways we can encourage one another to persevere in prayer until the Son of Man returns?  Prayer

CD 1768 Having, Holding, Hearing the Holy SpiritPraying in the Holy SpiritDonna and I laid down at 8:00. Went to sleep somewhere around 9:00 then woke up after about 30 minutes. I have took NyQuil and Benadryl, a cold out the salsa still awake so now I took I a amitriptyline. So I'm sitting in my chair praying in tongues. Scriptures:Text: Jude 1:19-21 KJV 19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. 20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.From these versus the scripture we see three great benefits of praying in the Holy Spirit: #1 Faith being BuiltNotice in verse 19 they talk about being sensual in other words carnal rather than spiritual! But then the Lord with his word gives us the solution. He tells us to build ourselves up on our most holy Faith. Remember in Romans 12:3 we know that the lord gave us the measure of faith. We know that Romans 10:17 tells us that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. When we consider what Jesus told us and John chapter 14 about the holy Spirit would remind us of things Jesus had said and teach us new things then it's clear that when we start praying in the holy Spirit that The measure of Faith the word was built on causes our soul  - our mind will and emotions to be renewed! #2 Living by LoveBut as we see then in verse 21 there is a great extra added benefit as well! Notice he said that we were to keep ourselves in the love of God! Romans 5:5 tells us that the love of God is being shed abroad in our heart. So when we pray in tongues not only does it build up our faith but it puts the love of God to work in our lives. When we consider that first Corinthians 13:8 tells us that love never fails! So just in these few verses of scripture we see the power of living the abundant Life that Jesus came to give us!This is a great benefit in the understanding that Jesus said in John 14:15 if you love me you'll keep my commandments. So in other words we should be able to follow the word of God more closely in truth. This is very exciting when you consider and John 8:31 through 32 and then in verse 36 Jesus teaches about becoming his disciple and knowing the truth that would make us free. He said who the Son makes free is free indeed!#3 Moved by MercyHe tells us to look for His Mercy! That word translated looking means to wait and confidence with patience!Read Luke 1:71-75 KJV 71 That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; 72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; 73 The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, 74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.Notice in verse 72 that God had promised Mercy all through his word through his son Jesus Christ! From Genesis 3:15 to Isaiah prophesying about Jesus 700 years before the fact! So we can be assured of his Mercy. The more that we pray in the holy Spirit the more aware of the fact that because of this Mercy we have fellowship with him and do no longer have to be controlled by the spirit of fear! Note 2 Timothy 1:7 the word of God tells us that God is not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and love and of a sound mind!Support the show

Before the manger, before Bethlehem, before “Silent Night,” there was eternity — and in that eternity, the Word already existed. John 1:1 declares: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”The Incarnation isn't a sentimental Christmas story; it's a strategic rescue operation. The Creator stepped into His own creation, not as a King demanding tribute, but as a servant offering redemption. Think about that. The God who sculpted galaxies took on skin, lungs, a heartbeat. He entered our world through the frailty of a newborn, crying in a manger He created.Why? Because love demanded proximity. You can't redeem what you refuse to touch. Humanity's problem was separation — sin built the wall, and only divinity wrapped in humanity could tear it down. Jesus didn't come as a tourist; He came as a resident, moving into our neighborhood to change it from the inside out.Philippians 2 tells us that Jesus “emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant.” The One who commanded angels learned obedience through suffering. He traded Heaven's throne for a carpenter's bench. He who knew no limits submitted to time and pain.And because He became flesh, He knows you. He's felt hunger, exhaustion, loneliness, betrayal. He wept. He rejoiced. He was misunderstood. Every ache in your heart has an echo in His story.That's what makes the Incarnation miraculous — not just that God became man, but that He understands man. He gets your struggle, your fear, your frustration. He doesn't look down from Heaven; He looks out from beside you.When life feels cold and distant, remember: God once walked under the same sun, breathed the same air, and carried a cross up a real hill. He knows what it means to be human — and He did it perfectly so that you could finally be free.This isn't abstract theology; it's divine intimacy. The Word became flesh — so the Word could dwell within you.

Before the manger, before Bethlehem, before “Silent Night,” there was eternity — and in that eternity, the Word already existed. John 1:1 declares: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”The Incarnation isn't a sentimental Christmas story; it's a strategic rescue operation. The Creator stepped into His own creation, not as a King demanding tribute, but as a servant offering redemption. Think about that. The God who sculpted galaxies took on skin, lungs, a heartbeat. He entered our world through the frailty of a newborn, crying in a manger He created.Why? Because love demanded proximity. You can't redeem what you refuse to touch. Humanity's problem was separation — sin built the wall, and only divinity wrapped in humanity could tear it down. Jesus didn't come as a tourist; He came as a resident, moving into our neighborhood to change it from the inside out.Philippians 2 tells us that Jesus “emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant.” The One who commanded angels learned obedience through suffering. He traded Heaven's throne for a carpenter's bench. He who knew no limits submitted to time and pain.And because He became flesh, He knows you. He's felt hunger, exhaustion, loneliness, betrayal. He wept. He rejoiced. He was misunderstood. Every ache in your heart has an echo in His story.That's what makes the Incarnation miraculous — not just that God became man, but that He understands man. He gets your struggle, your fear, your frustration. He doesn't look down from Heaven; He looks out from beside you.When life feels cold and distant, remember: God once walked under the same sun, breathed the same air, and carried a cross up a real hill. He knows what it means to be human — and He did it perfectly so that you could finally be free.This isn't abstract theology; it's divine intimacy. The Word became flesh — so the Word could dwell within you.

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview The whole Christian life is enabled by faith in Christ.Digging Deeper    Read Luke 17:1-191. Faith in Christ gives us a sort of superpower to do things that are really hard (some would say impossible). From the passage or the sermon, what kinds of things does faith enable?2. After all the hard things Jesus has been calling the disciples to, they feel that they need an increase of faith (vs. 5). Why do you think they ask for more faith, instead of more of something else?3. What is or may be an area you have freedom to pursue that you intentionally don't because you want the spiritual good of someone weaker in the faith?4. Christians are commanded to reconcile wrongs with others. What makes it difficult to be reconciled with someone who has wronged us (or make amends to someone whom we have wronged)?5. Where do you need to go and be reconciled? Consider both relationships in which you need to forgive, and relationships in which you need forgiveness.6. Have you ever experienced a surprising ability to serve God (through increased grace for others, stamina in ministry, resistance to sin, etc.)? Where did this come from, according to Luke 17? 7. In the sermon, it was said that faith enables us to receive God's mercy. Is it ever hard for you to receive mercy from others? What about from God? 8. Where in your life do you need to have faith in God right now and ask him to move? Do you trust Him to do what you're asking? Be specific. Prayer

Read Luke 15:17 and hear the familiar parable of the prodigal son retold with a focus on sonship, God's overflowing grace, and the path from repentance to transformation. This episode reflects on the father's extravagant love, practical steps for prayer (PAUSE, REJOICE, ASK, YIELD), and how repentance opens the way for lasting change and restoration.

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview Because death reverses the wrongs of life, the living should hear God now and respond.Digging Deeper    Read Luke 16:19-311. Money is a recurring theme in Luke 16. What does Jesus say about money? Why do you think he talks about it so much?2. When you think about someone spending an eternity without God, do you struggle with whether it is just? Why, or why not?3. Real people go to a real hell. What difference should this reality make in our lives now?4. It can be easy to feel like we have to get it all right in this life so we don't end up like the rich man in the parable. What helps us avoid thinking we can earn our way to heaven due to a fear of hell?5. The great news of the gospel is that if we are in Christ, we are beneficiaries of a second reversal, greater than that of death. What was that reversal, and what does it mean for believers?6. What brokenness in our world now might we joyfully anticipate being reversed in eternity later?7. How do you do justice and show mercy in your everyday life? If you struggle with this, how can you grow in showing mercy? 8. In the sermon, we heard that part of responding to the reversal that is death is “to be generous and prepare.” What are some needs around us that we can anticipate and meet as a community? 9. How do we share this truth of the gospel - this reversal of right and wrong - to someone who doesn't believe there is anything other than this life?Prayer

Let me tell you about the parties God throws—they're always for the wrong people! And the door is open for all to come. And, finally, these celebrations are often scandalous! Read Luke 15:1-32 to prepare.**For the best uninterrupted livestream experience, participate in this week's sermon at nblc.net/sermons

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview Pursue a God-pleasing righteousness from the heart, including in your marriageI. The righteousness God seeks is from the heart (vv. 14-15)II. The kingdom Jesus brings fulfills the law but does not relax righteousness (vv. 16-17)III. God's enduring desire for righteousness is shown in his enduring instruction about marriage (v. 18)Digging Deeper    Read Luke 16:14-181. In the sermon, righteousness is “being right, doing right, before God.” The righteousness God is seeking is righteousness from the heart. What's the difference between being righteous just on the outside (like the Pharisees) and being righteous from the heart?2. Have you ever found yourself resisting a teaching in the Bible, only to later realize (or experience a sense of conviction from the Holy Spirit) that it is a truth that was pressing on something you were loving as a rival to God?  Please share.3. If you were to be honest, is there an area of your life where you are settling for outward conformity (a merely external righteousness)?  What might be a good step toward pursuing change in this area of your life?4. After hearing this sermon, how might you respond to someone who thinks they can live however they want because Jesus counts us as righteous through trust in him?5. Jesus didn't come to make righteousness unnecessary, but rather to make it possible.  What does that mean?  Do you find this truth encouraging?  How so? MARRIAGEIn our culture, the starting point for thinking about marriage is often self-fulfillment: my wants, my needs, my goals. It's easy to miss God's design for marriage, which is a covenant to which we must be faithful, a union that is only broken with great trauma, and a picture of God's love and faithfulness. It is, therefore, not surprising that so many fail to see the grievousness of divorce as God does. 6. How can we speak and act about marriage so that those around us are pointed toward God's good design of marriage?7. This passage urges us to “Pursue a God-pleasing righteousness from the heart, including in (our) marriages.”  If you're married, what would this practically look like?8. Given your marital situation and background, what was one takeaway from this sermon God might want you to remember in the days ahead? Prayer

Who do I have to love? That's not the question Jesus wants us to ask. Instead Jesus forces us to consider, What kind of person am I becoming? Jesus moves us from obligation mindsets to character formation. Read Luke 10:25-37 to prepare.**For the best uninterrupted livestream experience, participate in this week's sermon at nblc.net/sermons

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview Followers of Jesus shrewdly manage mammon now for eternal purposes.Digging Deeper    Read Luke 16:1-131. How was the crooked manager in the parable shrewd?2. If you're a follower of Jesus, what would it look like to be shrewd for kingdom purposes?Mammon can be defined simply as money and possessions (like in verses 9 and 11). And it can be understood as a demonic power that uses money and possessions to lure people away from God (like in verse 12).3. Mammon will fail (v. 9) because it goes up and down in life, and when we die, it will be worthless. If you believed this through and through, how would it change your life?4. Western culture is a materialistic culture. What blind spots do you think this causes in our lives and church when it comes to spending your money with kingdom priorities?5. How have you experienced the influence of mammon inside of you? How have you looked to money to give you peace, security, significance, adventure, pleasure, etc?6. In what ways is Jesus a better God to serve than Money? Why is this easy to forget in day-to-day life?7. Often, we connect with what Jesus has done in the past to motivate our lives now (e.g., Jesus was generous, so we should be generous). In our passage, Jesus motivates generosity and faithfulness with future eternal rewards (see v. 9 and v. 11). Do you think much of eternal rewards? Why or why not?8. Imagine the eternal rewards God promises for shrewd stewardship of mammon, like eternal friends (v. 9) and true riches (v. 12). What comes to your mind? 9. How can we, as a Gospel Community, together encourage one another to look forward to eternal rewards? 

Sermon by Dcn. Robert Polen19th Sunday of Ordinary TimeDiscussion Questions1. Read Luke 17:20-37. How does Jesus describe the context in which we are called to pray?2. How does Jesus describe the hopelessness of the widow's situation? How does this story encourage us to pray always and not lose heart?3. How should we understand our experience of justice seeming to be delayed with Jesus' promise that God will execute justice for his people speedily?4. What might cause us to lose faith and stop praying for God's kingdom justice? How can we encourage one another to be confident in our prayers to God for justice?

We cannot hold our tongues. We have faith on our lips! Our faith finds a voice because of what we have seen and heard. And we don't need polish. We just need to be present. Read Luke 24:13-35 to prepare.**For the best uninterrupted livestream experience, participate in this week's sermon at nblc.net/sermons

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview Disciples should share Jesus' joy in lost sinners becoming found sons.Digging Deeper    Read Luke 15:1-321. Do you now, or have you ever felt estranged from God? If so, what is/was it like?2. In the sermon, Brett mentioned that happiness dependent on something that could be lost is fragile. What makes you happy? How durable or fragile is it?3. Have you ever hit rock bottom? What was it like?4. Read Luke 15:20. When you think of God's love, how similar or different is it to what's described? 5. There are two ways to be lost: self-indulgence or self-righteousness. Which way did/do you gravitate towards?6. How is the insight this passage gives us to what brings heaven joy both a thrill for us and a challenge to us?7. If your joy is the same as what brings God joy, how will it affect:a. Your view and relationship with those who don't know Jesus?b. Your prayer life?Prayer

Prayer is a call and response. Having heard God's Word, we pray it—quote it. That's why every prayer we pray shapes who we are. It's like the Bible's echo in our hearts. Read Luke 1:46-55 to prepare.**For the best uninterrupted livestream experience, participate in this week's sermon at nblc.net/sermons

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview Not all who are interested in Jesus are disciples of Jesus (v. 25)Digging Deeper    Read Luke 14:25-351. What does Jesus mean when he says in verse 26 that to follow him means hating our family? What other passages in the Bible can help bring clarity?2. Are there any dynamics within your family that can, at times, make it challenging to put Jesus first? How do you typically handle those situations? 3. Verse 27 teaches us that to be a disciple of Jesus involves a willingness to take on the death of self-denial. What are some of the things you might otherwise say yes to, but now say no to, in order that you might say yes to Christ?  4. What is the gain of following Jesus?5. In verse 33, Jesus tells us that renouncing all that we have is a requirement for being his disciple. What does this mean? What does this look like for you? 6. To trust Jesus as our Savior and our Lord means there is nothing he does not have the right to ask of us. Is there anything that comes to mind you really hope Jesus does not ask you to give up? If so, share. How can you determine if that thing is being held on too tightly in light of Jesus?  7. “There is nothing Jesus calls us to in this passage that he hasn't already done for us.” What does that mean?  Do you find encouragement from this? How so?8. Think about how you talk about the Christian life to others. How is that similar or different from Jesus' description here?Prayer

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview The Pharisees were too busy building their own kingdom to bother with following Jesus in his. Digging Deeper    Read Luke 14:1-241. We can all, at times, find ourselves living for the “kingdom of self” rather than for the Kingdom of God. What are some of the ways you see that happen in your life? (e.g., work, responsibilities, possessions, activities, etc.)2. How does a greater focus on the Kingdom of God (with a corresponding decreased focus on the “kingdom of self”) lead to greater compassion for others?3. What are places and situations where you may be tempted to care too much about what others think of you? (e.g., work, school, neighbors, friends, kids' abilities, etc.)4. Why is it liberating to be freed from living for the recognition of others? What difference will that make at work? Home? Church? Evangelism?5. In verses 13-14a, Jesus encourages us to pursue a generosity that will not be repaid in this life. What could it look like to show compassion and generosity to “the poor, the crippled, the lame (and) the blind”?  6. Jesus promises in verse 14b a reward for moving towards those who can give you nothing in return. What is the reward? Is it motivating? Why or why not?7. “Live for the line, not for the dot” is a common phrase in the history of CrossWay that captures the desire to live now for the life to come (the line) and not for the short few years we have on earth (the dot). If we believe this to be good, how can we help one another pursue it? 8. It is a tragic and grievous reality that many around us fail to heed the invitation into the kingdom Jesus has inaugurated because they are consumed with the things of this world. What might it look like for us (in an appropriate manner) to “compel” those outside the kingdom to lay down their excuses and come join “the banquet” of the kingdom? Prayer

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview Rejoice in the restoration God's kingdom unstoppably brings.1) Jesus has come to restore and set free (vv. 10-17)2) This restoration will spread quietly but unstoppably despite opposition (vv. 18-21)Digging Deeper    Read Luke 13:10-211. God often furthers his Kingdom on earth through the weak and unimpressive (like the disabled woman in the passage) to show that the power belongs to him. How should this reality encourage us to be faithful in what may seem like small things? 2. Jesus freeing the crippled woman physically (vv. 10-13) is a picture of what he intends to do for the world spiritually. If you're a follower of Jesus, how have you experienced spiritual freedom? If you're not, what do you hope Jesus could do for you?3. Jesus has come to restore and set free. In what area(s) of your life are you most eager to see Jesus restore and set free?  4. Freedom is something that is valued and often spoken of in America. How might we pivot in a conversation with an unbeliever about political freedom to speaking of the freedom Christ brings from sin, Satan, and death?5. When we see the brokenness and “bent-ness” of the world around us (in the news headlines or in our own lives), what truths from this would it be good for us to keep in mind? 6. How do we know that Jesus' healing the disabled woman (vv. 10-17) is connected to his answer of what the Kingdom of God will be like (vv.18-21)?7. Verses 18-21 give us a picture that the Kingdom of God will be established often in slow, seemingly unnoticeable ways rather than spectacular displays of spiritual might and triumphant conquest. How have you seen this in the history of the church? How does this encourage you now? 8. Jesus' For followers of Jesus, his restoration work in us has already started, but not yet fully completed. How might knowing the “already … not yet” nature of God's restoring work in us lead to increased hope, joy, and peace in our hearts?    9. What is one area of your life where you could make a small beginning (as small as a mustard seed) of faithfulness, that God might use to further his unstoppable Kingdom?Prayer

Share a time when you felt seen in a crowd—what did it mean to you? If you were a shepherd, what kind of sheep would be the most frustrating for you? The Parable of the Lost Sheep - Read Matthew 18:12–14 What surprises you about the shepherd's actions in this story? How does this parable reveal something about God's heart? Jesus Sees the One - Read Luke 8:43–48, John 5:1–9, and Luke 19:1–10 What do these encounters teach us about the way Jesus noticed people? Which story do you relate to most, and why? We Were the One - Read Romans 5:6–8 In what ways have you personally experienced God “coming after you”? Jeremey spoke about his friend Kent who was “for him.” Who are some of the “Kents” (people God used) in your life to draw you closer to Him? Vision: For The One - Read Together “Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we walk with each one in our communities so together we experience life as Jesus meant it to be.” What does it mean to be “empowered by the Holy Spirit” in everyday relationships? If God is calling us to walk with one person in our community, what might that practically look like? From the Perspective of the 99 - Read Luke 15:1–7 Why do you think Jesus told this parable to the Pharisees? What's the danger of being content as one of the 99? How can we, as “the 99,” celebrate when God goes after someone else? Walk it Out This week, prayerfully ask God to show you one person in your life who was “for you” as a tangible example of God's grace. Take time to thank that person for the impact they have had on your life.

Discussion Questions:Sermon Overview Main Point: Escape from death by turning to God while there's still time.Repentance is the only escape from death (vv. 1-5)The opportunity to repent will soon end (vv. 6-9)Digging Deeper    Read Luke 13:1-9On Judgement and Death1. The passages of the last few Sundays have had the theme of judgment. How did Pastor Brett's illustration about the instructions of a guide on a whitewater canoeing trip help us better appreciate why Jesus is repeatedly reminding his disciples (and us) of the coming judgment?  2. In this passage, Jesus wants to help us avoid drawing straight-line conclusions from our circumstances to what God thinks of us (“Life is going great, so God must be pleased with me.”  / “Life is really hard right now, so God must be angry with me.”). Instead of this way of thinking, what should we think when we see death around us? 3. Pastor Brett said, “Sin is a debt. You cannot understand Christianity if you don't understand this.”  What did he mean by this?  Do you agree?  On Repentance4. This passage (Luke 13:5) says that repentance is the one way to escape from death. What is (and what isn't) repentance?  5. Have you repented? 6. What does repentance look like in your life? The Limited Time to Repent7. “Why hasn't Jesus returned yet?” How could you use these verses as a part of an answer to that question?8. Verses 6-9 highlight that the time for repentance is now, because the opportunity to repent will soon end. If you're a follower of Jesus, what is an appropriate response(s) in light of this truth? 9. If you're a follower of Jesus, now that you know the time to repent will soon end, how does it impact the way you engage with unbelievers?10. With whom in your life that isn't a follower of Jesus might God want you to share these truths?Prayer

We all want to be great at something. Even those who might appear to shy away from it or minimize it probably do so as a result of having failed to achieve it previously. Jesus' disciples were no different. They find themselves in a disagreement about who is greatest…or which one will end up as Jesus' right hand once the kingdom fully comes. Jesus offers several rebukes and rebuttals to patiently but powerfully reframe the conversation and redefine what true greatness looks like. The disciples are confused…and by extension, so are we today. What does true greatness look like in Jesus' kingdom?Read Luke 9:46-62 and see if you can make sense of the greatness Jesus pursues.

I'm excited to have the added privilege of opening God's word with you all this Sunday, we will pick up from last week in Luke's gospel. Read Luke 9:29-45 in preparation for this Sunday. This text is so rich, and Lord willing we will be able to engage well with the passages before us.

Write-upDebt hurts and causes stress. And stress is bad! Debt can hurt marriages, fill people with angst and anxiety, and keep us from being free by binding the borrower to the lender instead of God. In this message, we will discuss how to leave debt behind and why God calls us to plan for a life of financial freedom.  Life Group Questions1. Tomorrow gets you $100,000. What do you do with it?2. What is your worst buyer's remorse story?3. Have you ever been able to develop a process to help plan your way to financial freedom?4. Read Luke 14:28, what benefit does a plan have for you and your finances? Do you think you have the discipline to follow a financial plan?5. End your time by praying for one another.  

Sermon Notes:· Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always; I will say it again, Rejoice!· Admit we are powerless.· Realize God is greater than us and he can restore us to sanity.· We make a decision to turn our will and lives over to the care of God.· We make a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.· We admit to God, ourselves, and another person the exact nature of our wrongs.· We are ready to have God remove all the defects of our souls.· We humbly ask God to remove our sins.· “How do I get him/her/them to change?”· “How do I get God to change him/her/them?”· You can't change another person· Groveling doesn't heal the relationship.· You can only change you.· You are responsible for your slice of the pie.· Matthew 7:3 – Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?· Make a list of people we harmed and become willing to make amends to them all.· Matthew 5:23-24 – Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar and there remember your brother something against you, 24 Leave! Your gift before the altar and Go! First to be reconciled with your brother; then come, offer your gift.· Your relationships with others impacts your relationship with God.· “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.”· Make a list of people we have harmed.· Become willing to make amends.· They don't deserve it.· I don't want to.· God will forgive me without me making amends· Galatians 6:7: Do not be deceived; God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.· I can't think of anyone I harmed.· Luke 19:8 – Look, Lord! Here and now I give half my possessions to the poor and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.· Heavenly Father, forgive me for the harm I have done. I want to make amends. Please guide me.LIFE Group Discussion QuestionsOpener: In your opinion, why do people have a hard time admitting they have harmed someone else?1. Read Matthew 5:23-242. Notice the immediacy Jesus demands. What does this tell you about being reconciled with other people?3. In your opinion, how do broken relationships impact our relationship with God?4. In your opinion, what kind of character traits are required to leave your offering and go to be reconciled with your brother or sister?5. Read Luke 19:1-106. Is there anyone in your life that reminds you of Zaccheus?7. What does it say about Zaccheus that he is willing to make amends?8. Imagine the scene at Zaccheus' house after Jesus leaves Jericho. How many people take Zaccheus up on his offer? How do they feel about Zaccheus after he reconciles with him? How does Zaccheus collect taxes from this moment forward?

A Pharisee, a prostitute and a parable walk into a sermon…This isn't a joke. And you don't have to wait for a punchline.Read Luke 7:36-50 and we'll figure out how it all ties together this Sunday!

What makes something a miracle? Do you still see them today? Read Luke 7:11-17 as we seek to understand the power of Jesus' words that make the dead come alive again.

The good life. No matter who you are, chances are you have a picture of what it looks like—and how to achieve it.When Jesus opens His first sermon in the New Testament with the famous words, “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” He introduces a new paradigm for the good life—a stunning invitation to true joy in God's kingdom. The Beatitudes, eight powerful statements from Jesus, show us what following Jesus really means—and why it's the best decision we'll ever make. In this episode, we unpack Matthew 5:1-2, the introduction to the Sermon on the Mount, asking questions of the text and finding answers by searching Scripture. If you want to dig deeper into the themes of this episode, here are a few reflection questions and passages to consider:Which of the eight beatitudes surprises you the most right now? Why?Read Luke's account of the beatitudes in Luke 6:17-26. What differences do you notice? Does anything stand out that you're interested in learning more about? Why?Consider beginning our study of the beatitudes in prayer. Ask God to open your eyes to behold wonderful things about Jesus in His Word! To get you started, here's a guided prayer:Jesus, You are prophet, law-giver, teacher, preacher, and king—help me to see You with my heart.May I know You as my king, and follow You with joy.This is the blessed life—to be with You and bring You glory, now and forever. Amen. 

We have passed through the Feast of Shavuot tonite on the Hebrew calender but the Feast of Pentecost will be on Sunday June 8 on Christian calender. As we approach June 8 we need to remember that God gave the Torah on Mt Sinai (Exodus 19-20) and His Spirit in the upper room (Acts 2) that we may know Him and be more intimate with Him. He revealed Himself in Word on Mt Sinai and Word and Spirit in the upper room with fire baptism that we may be one with Him.The outcome of God revealing Himself means we must accept who He says He is through the Torah and Holy Spirit and receive His ways then we are ready to be sent and go forth! God is so good He wants us to receive these commands and move forward in being an example like God Himself and be a giver! He gave Himself in Torah and His Spirit to us!It's our job now as sent ones to give more than people even ask for. We see that in the 1st miracle that Peter and John did at the Gate of Beautiful right after receiving the baptism by fire on Pentecost !Read Acts 3:1-6 God also gives the 7 blessings from Passover stated after Pentecost in Exodus are:God will assign an angel to His people (Ex. 23:20)God will be an enemy to the enemies of His people (v. 22)God will give prosperity to His people (v. 25)God will take sickness away from His people (v. 25)God will give long life to His people (v. 26)God will bring increase and inheritance (v. 30)God will give a special year of blessing (v. 31)Read Luke 6:38As God has been giving of Himself during Feast Of Shavuot or Weeks. And just as in Deuteronomy 16:16-17 , we are instructed to give in Exodus 23:16-17.“And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field. Three times in the year all thy males shall appear before the Lord GOD.”Then in Exodus 23:20-31, God gives the 7 Blessings as He says!Let's step into freely receiving and now having boundaries that are too freely be our identity in Him- which is a giver! We are givers!Bless a ministry that pours into you wherever God leads so He can be blessed!If you want to bless Dream Mentors and Candice Smithyman Ministries you can donate here at https://www.candicesmithyman.com/donate-pageIn the Month of Sivan grab a copy of Dr Candice new book “365 Prophetic Revelations from Hebrew Calender”- go to www.Candice Smithyman.comhttps://amzn.to/4aQYoR0Want the tools to equip others to be good disciples and group leaders in the Kingdom of God? Join DREAM MENTORS and BECOME A CERTIFIED COACH!Do you want to be trained as good disciples or biblical life coach ? Do you need to experience transformation in your souls so you can be the best God is calling you to be. Go to www.dreammentors.orgFREE Zoom CALL with Dr Candice - It's time now to sign up for our next Ascension class and join Dr. Candice's Glory Road Community!Maximize Your Prophetic Potential monthly class is Thursday June 19 at 10 am and 6 pm EST. You can choose which one. Sign Up here —http://bit.ly/4gfRKXm

Discussion Questions:Sermon Overview Align your life with the real Jesus.#1: Align your trust with the astonishing power of Jesus (vv. 37-43a)#2: Align your priorities with the perplexing priority of Jesus (vv. 43b-45)#3: Align your relationships with the unconventional people of Jesus. (vv. 46-50)Digging Deeper    Read Luke 9:37-501. What circumstances make it challenging for you to trust in Jesus? (e.g., work, family, parenting, health, future, money, etc).2. What would it look like to deeply trust in Jesus' astonishing power for that circumstance? As a group, consider if there are passages that relate.3. Since exploring or following Jesus, what has surprised you about who he is?4. Jesus was compassionate with the needs in front of him without losing sight of his primary mission to save sinners through his death and resurrection. What needs are in the world around you that God may be calling you to address?5. The priority of Jesus' life was to go to the cross and die. What priority does the gospel of Jesus have in your life? How does it show up?6. Are there other things in your life that you find can, at times, replace the gospel of Jesus as your first priority? Please share.7. How can we help one another guard against this?8. The disciples were seeking greatness by comparing themselves to one another. Jesus offers greatness by means of a relationship with him. Why is the latter avenue for greatness far better?9. True greatness involves humble service to all out of obedience to Jesus. Does this characterize your life? If so, how? If not, what would it look like to grow?10. The disciples were hesitant about other people joining their tribe (see vv. 49-50). Are there ways you can feel territorial as you look at other Christians?11. Do you look at other Christians or ministries or churches with a prideful eye of skepticism? If so, don't name anyone in particular, but share how Jesus' words in verse 50 can be a help to you. Prayer

Discussion Questions:Week of: May 11, 2025 // Sermon Text: Luke 9:28-36Sermon Overview Because Jesus is God's saving Son, believe and obey his words above all.Digging Deeper    Read Luke 9:28-36Exploring the Passage1. Throughout the book of Luke, the question “Who is this (Jesus)?” has been asked repeatedly. In the passage today, we read an answer. Who answers, and how does he answer? 2. What happens in v. 29?  Why is it important?3. What do Moses and Elijah (v.30) represent?  Why is this significant?  4. In verse 31, the word “departure” could be translated “exodus.” What gets highlighted in seeing Jesus' saving work as a new exodus?On Momentary Spiritual Highs5. The mountaintop experience of seeing Jesus transfigured was meant to be a temporary experience, even though Peter wanted to keep it going. Are there moments or seasons of your spiritual life you wish to get back to but may have been intended by God to be a temporary encouragement on the journey of faith? Listening to God's Voice6. Who are the leading voices that occupy your attention? Think in terms of what you listen to, read, and watch. 7. How do these voices compare to the space you give to hear Jesus' voice?8. What are some of the indicators for you that you are listening to those other voices more than you should (more than Jesus' voice)? 9. What would it (or does it) look like for you to make time and space to devotedly listen to God's Son?    10. Pastor Brett encouraged us to listen to Jesus' words about (1) who he is, (2) what he has done, (3) how to follow him, and (4) the future. In which of these areas do you most need to do more attentive listening?  11. What might it look like for you to guard the priority of Jesus' voice above all other voices?  12. How might we help one another make Jesus' voice the one we make it our priority to hear, trust, and obey?  Prayer

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview Follow Jesus the suffering King into the greater gain of his kingdom.Digging Deeper    Read Luke 9:18-27.1. Imagine Jesus standing before you today and asking, “Who do you say that I am?” How would you answer that question? 2. Jesus describes himself as the “Son of Man” in verse 26. It was a title used in the Old Testament to mean human. With that, read Daniel 7:13-14, which expands the term. Using that background, what did Jesus mean when he said he was the “Son of Man.”3. In Luke 9:24, Jesus says, “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” What does it look like to lose your life for the sake of Christ? 4. What's one area of your life where you're more self-centered than Christ-centered?5. How can this group encourage you to become more Christ-centered in that area? 6. Who have you seen “lose their life” for the sake of Jesus? What did (or does) that look like for them? 7. What hope does this passage give us when we feel like we're losing out in this world because we're following Christ? 8. In what ways would following Jesus now be unpopular or met with opposition?9. Read Galatians 2:20 and Titus 2:11-14. How do the truths in these passages empower us to take up our cross and follow Christ? 10. The whole notion of taking up your cross and following Jesus may seem crazy to those who don't trust in Jesus. If an unbelieving friend or family member were to ask why you've chosen to deny yourself and follow Christ, what would you say to them? Prayer

Welcome to Day 2614 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2614 – The Road To Jerusalem: Why Are You Looking Among The Dead For Someone Who Is Alive? Putnam Church Message – 04/20/2025 Sermon Series: The Road to Jerusalem Message 3: Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive?    Last week, we explored The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. We answered the question, How do we respond to Jesus' Triumphal Entry today? 1) Believe that Jesus is the Messiah. 2) Serve him as King. 3) Proclaim his praises. This week is the third and final Easter message about The Road to Jerusalem. Today, ask the question, Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? The passage we will cover today is Luke 24:1-12, pages 1642-1643 of your Pew Bibles. INTRODUCTION: Today is Easter, Resurrection Sunday. We have followed Jesus and his disciples on the road to Jerusalem in the last two weeks. Last week, we witnessed Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. But a lot happened in that one week between Palm Sunday and Easter, this week that we often call Holy Week. Let me recap the events of Holy Week for you. On Monday and Tuesday, the conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders escalated as he drove out the merchants in the Temple Court of Gentiles. On Wednesday, Judas met with the religious leaders and arranged for Jesus' betrayal. On Thursday, Jesus met with his disciples in the Upper Room and shared the Last Supper with them. Later that night, Jesus was arrested while praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. Early Friday morning, Jesus was tried before Pilate and sentenced to death. By Friday evening, Jesus was crucified, dead and buried. Saturday was a Sabbath day of rest. And so, at last, we come to Sunday morning. Only seven days had passed since the triumphal entry, but so much had happened in between. Imagine how the disciples felt at this moment. They were in shock from the events of Thursday and Friday. They were in mourning over the death of their Lord and friend. And they were hiding in fear for their own lives. Jesus had warned them that the road to Jerusalem was the road to suffering and the cross, but somehow, they did not understand. But now Sunday morning had arrived, and everything was about to change. (Read Luke 24:5-8 and pray.) 5 The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? 6 He isn't here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man[a] must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.” 8 Then they remembered that he had said this. OPENING PRAYER “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive?  (

Bob Schwahn | Lead Pastor | April 20, 2025 Referenced Scripture:1 Corinthians 15:3-19, John 7:5, Mark 3:20-21, Matthew 27:62-66, Mark 16:6-7, Luke 22:32-62, Romans 6:4, John 11:25-26 Reflection Questions: 1. What have been some “fork in the road” moments you have experienced on your spiritual journey with God? How have those shaped your life either positively or negatively? 2. Why is it important to know that the truth of Christianity is rooted in an event of human history (resurrection of Jesus) and not simply the life and teachings of Jesus? 3. Do you believe that the changed lives of the disciples and Jesus' closest followers is compelling evidence for the actual resurrection of Jesus? Why or why not? 4. What other evidence convinces you that Jesus actually rose bodily from the dead? Do you have any doubts or questions? Explain. 5. Read Luke 22:60-62 Peter replied, “Man, I don't know what you're talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. 6. What expression do you think was on the face of Jesus as he looked at Peter in the midst of his failure and betrayal? Why do you think that? 7. How does Jesus look at you in the midst of your failures in this life? How is Jesus looking at you now? How does our answer to this question affect how we will respond to Jesus? Explain. 8. Are you at a fork in the road moment with Jesus right now? Why or why not? What would it look like to go ALL IN with Him at your fork in the road? What is your next step toward Him? 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 

Sermon Overview Jesus alone has the authority to give life, so trust him.Digging Deeper   Read Luke 8:40-561. The situation with Jairus's daughter went from desperate to (seemingly) hopeless. And yet, because of who Jesus is, the one who has the authority to give life, things were not actually hopeless after all. Has there been a situation(s) in your life where you were tempted to feel that things are hopeless? How did God use that situation in your life? Please share. 2. How would you counsel a follower of Jesus who has confided in you that he or she is feeling hopeless? How might this passage, and what it reveals about Jesus, bring encouragement? What other passages or truths from God's Word might you point them to? 3. What connection does this story have to our celebration of Jesus' resurrection from the dead? 4. This passage calls us to trust Jesus (the only one with authority to give life) to give us life. What might that sort of trust look like for us? What might be some signs that we are not trusting Jesus as we ought?  5. In what sense do those who trust in Christ have eternal life already (see John 3:36 & 17:3)? What does this mean? What does that look like? 6. How should the reality of a future resurrection life (in heaven) affect how we live now? To what extent would you say your hope of heaven is affecting the way you live on a regular basis? How might we (help one another) grow in this? 7. In 1 Corinthians 15:17-19 we read, “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.” What is at stake for us in Christ's resurrection from the dead? Practically speaking, what might it look like for us to live in light of it? 8. For those of us in Christ, Jesus has brought us life. He wants to bring that life to others, and he wants to use us (his people) to make that happen. Who in your life does not yet know the life that Jesus offers? How might you share this story with them, and/or point them to Christ's power to save and to give (eternal) life? Prayer

Welcome to Day 2609 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2609 – The Road to Jerusalem: The Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem Putnam Church Message – 04/13/2025 Sermon Series: The Road to Jerusalem Message 2: The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem   Last week, we explored Jerusalem: The End of the Road or Just the Beginning. It was about the parable of the Ten Servants and their investment in what the King had given them. This week is the second of three Easter messages about The Road to Jerusalem. Today, we will explore The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. The passage we will cover today is Luke 19:28-40, pages 1631-1632 of your Pew Bibles. INTRODUCTION: Throughout the ministry of Jesus set his face towards his eventual arrival into Jerusalem. His disciples followed him as he walked the long road towards the cross, although they did not fully comprehend what Christ would have to go through./ It was on this day, what we call Palm Sunday, that he finally reached his goal. This is the week that Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem to suffer and die for our sins. But you would hardly know it from the amazing reception he received as he entered the city. (Read Luke 19:36-38 and pray.) 36 As he rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of him. 37 When he reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen. 38 “Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!”[a] Opening Prayer This event we are looking at today in Jesus' life is often called the Triumphal Entry. We all know the scene well: Jesus entering Jerusalem accompanied by waving palm branches, /cheering the crowds, /and great anticipation. If you were a visitor to Jerusalem on this day and were unfamiliar with Jesus' life and teachings, you would probably be wondering what this was all about. Well, let's take a closer look at this passage and find out for ourselves. There are three things we see happening in our passage this morning. First, Jesus presents himself as the Messiah./ Secondly, the people proclaim Jesus as the Messiah./ Finally, Jesus accepts their praise of him as Messiah. (Bulletin Insert) Jesus presents himself as Messiah (28-34) So, first of all, Jesus presents himself as Messiah. The Messiah was the coming Deliverer God had promised the Jewish people many years before. For much of the later part of the Old Testament and during the intertestamental period, the Israelites looked forward to the coming of Messiah. Messianic expectation ran high among the people of Jesus' day. There were many false messiahs between the...

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview Jesus is God's Son who subdues and saves.Digging Deeper    Read Luke 8:22-39 1. The big idea from this passage is that “Jesus is God's Son who subdues and saves.” Where do we see this in the text? 2. Jesus both falls asleep in vs 23 and then commands the winds and waves in verse 24. What can we conclude about Jesus from these two verses?3. What do these passages show us about caring for others who are facing storms in their lives?4. Are there particular circumstances (e.g. relational struggles, financial problems, physical ailments, etc.), in which you find your heart has a harder time trusting Jesus as you ought? Please share. 5. Do you have a story from your own life in which you witnessed Jesus' power to subdue and save? Please share.6. Having had his life completely liberated, restored and transformed by Jesus, the former demoniac wants (not surprisingly) to be with Jesus.  Practically speaking, what might a pursuit of “being with Jesus” look like for us in our everyday ordinary lives? 7. Who is someone in your life who does not yet know Jesus in a saving way? When and where could you (with God's help), make an opportunity to tell them “how much Jesus has done for you”? 8. How could this passage help us grow in being a family of disciples on mission?Prayer

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview True "hearing" produces real fruit.Digging Deeper    Read Luke 8:4-21  1. Verse 10 seems odd at first, but it was meant to shock the crowds into truly hearing. How does verse 9 help us understand how to truly hear? 2. What are four different soils? How are they similar? How are they different? 3. What might it look like when “the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved” (verse 12)?   4. What is the problem with the rocky soil (v. 6 & 13)? What is the result?  What is a takeaway for us here? 5. The thorny soil represents “those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life.” (v. 14). Are there “cares and riches and pleasures of life” that are (to one degree or another) choking out the rightful place of the word of God in your life? Please share.   6. What would it look like to be a member of CrossWay, while also being: (a) path-like ground(b) rocky ground(c) thorny ground7. Which type would you be most likely to become without even noticing?8. Of the application points in the sermon, which did you find the most helpful?9. How do you see others in our group holding fast to the word in honest and good hearts and bearing fruit with patience? (v. 15) 10. What determines nearness to God in the last parable? (see verse 21).11. What do you think it means to “bear fruit with patience?” Read John 15:5-6 and James 5:7-8 for more insight. 12. Who is one person who faithfully shared the word of God with you so you could hear it? What would you say to them if they were sitting here today?  13. There are still many people who need to hear the word of God. As you think about sharing the gospel with others, how does this passage challenge or encourage you?   Prayer

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview Those who are extravagantly forgiven by Jesus extravagantly love him.Digging Deeper    Read Luke 7:36-8:31. From Simon the Pharisees' perspective, what's the most important thing about the woman (see vs. 39)? From Jesus' perspective, what's the most important thing about the woman (see vv. 44-47)?2. When faced with ‘sinners', how might you be tempted to think of them in the same way that Simon thought of the woman?3. Sadly, at times, our hearts are more aligned with Simon than the woman of this story. To what degree would you say you feel tempted to self-righteousness (i.e., thinking you're good on your own and don't need God's help)? How might we grow in our capacity to identify the rising of self-righteousness in our hearts and, by grace, put it to death?4. In this passage, we see two truths: sin is an unpayable debt, and forgiveness is an undeserved gift. Which of these truths does your heart need to be reminded of more often?5. Have you ever deeply felt both the seriousness of your sin and the greatness of God's forgiveness? How did it impact your love for Christ?6. How can we speak in ways that belittle or undermine our sinfulness? Why is that dangerous for Christians to do?7. How can we help each other remember the extravagant forgiveness we've received in Christ? 8. Pastor Brett said that the forgiven are marked by 1) unashamed adoration of Jesus and 2) unusual generosity. What do these marks look like practically? Do you think these two marks are evident in your own life?  9. When was a time you personally experienced or observed unusual generosity from a Christian? 10. In which circumstances (or around which people) might you be tempted to hide your adoration of Christ? 11. In what ways should the truth that we have been lavishly forgiven impact our giving / use of our resources?Prayer

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview Respond to Jesus' authority and compassion with humble faith.Digging Deeper    Read Luke 7:1-351. Why did Jesus marvel at the centurion? 2. When the centurion sent the elders of the Jews to Jesus, they touted the centurion's worthiness, but the centurion himself recognized that he was truly unworthy. Consider your own heart. Do you feel the need to defend your worthiness before God or do you see your unworthiness and trust in Christ like the centurion?3. The compassion of Jesus is eager to help all who are in need: whether Gentile (centurion) or Jew (widow), rich or poor, male or female. How does Jesus' broad compassion speak to our tendency to show favoritism to our “tribe” (i.e., those we align with or are like us)? 4. Woven throughout the storyline of the Old Testament is a theme of restoration to life (see Elijah (esp. 1 Kings 17:8-24) and Elisha (esp. 2 Kings 4:18-37). How is Jesus the ultimate Restorer-to-life in ways other great “men of God” (like Elijah & Elisha) could never be?   5. Jesus didn't respond to John the Baptist's question in verse 20 with a direct “yes” or “no.” Instead, he quotes from Isaiah in the Old Testament, showing he's the fulfillment of those promises (see Isaiah 26:19, 21; 35:4-6; 61:1-2). What difference does it make that Jesus fulfilled passages like the ones mentioned above? How does it impact the way we approach the entire Bible?6. Even John the Baptist had doubts and questions. How might Jesus' response to John and his words about John comfort you or another believer with doubts or questions about God? 7. Who in your life does not believe that Jesus is “the one who is to come?” As a group, pray for opportunities and courage to share the gospel with them and pray for their salvation. Prayer

God doesn’t want us to remain how He found us. He wants us to grow, to be refined. It’s a lifelong process, and it’s one even the most famous biblical figures experienced. Notes: Focus verses - Mark 1, Mark 10 Jesus picked ordinary men. We all are called by God. Jesus meets us where we are; not where we think we should be. You are called by God. James and John struggled with pride, impatience, and a fiery zeal. #1 The Raw ElementsMark 1:19–20 James and John were impulsive. Jesus is constantly calling us closer to Himself. Read Luke 9:53–56 James and John were nicknamed “The Sons of Thunder.” #2 The Refining ProcessMark 10:37–41 God’s discipline is a sign of His love. "But He knows where I am going.And when He tests me, I will come out as pure as gold." Job 23:10 (NLT) James and John started out as rough, impulsive, self-seeking men,but they didn’t stay that way. #3 The Finished ProductActs 12:1–2 “I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Revelation 1:9 (NKJV) The process of being refined by God is lifelong. 1. Pray2. Serve3. Give4. Be Present --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

God doesn’t want us to remain how He found us. He wants us to grow, to be refined. It’s a lifelong process, and it’s one even the most famous biblical figures experienced. Notes: Focus verses - Mark 1, Mark 10 Jesus picked ordinary men. We all are called by God. Jesus meets us where we are; not where we think we should be. You are called by God. James and John struggled with pride, impatience, and a fiery zeal. #1 The Raw ElementsMark 1:19–20 James and John were impulsive. Jesus is constantly calling us closer to Himself. Read Luke 9:53–56 James and John were nicknamed “The Sons of Thunder.” #2 The Refining ProcessMark 10:37–41 God’s discipline is a sign of His love. "But He knows where I am going.And when He tests me, I will come out as pure as gold." Job 23:10 (NLT) James and John started out as rough, impulsive, self-seeking men,but they didn’t stay that way. #3 The Finished ProductActs 12:1–2 “I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Revelation 1:9 (NKJV) The process of being refined by God is lifelong. 1. Pray2. Serve3. Give4. Be Present --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Failure wasn't the end of Simon Peter's story, and it doesn't have to be the end of our's either. God offers us second chances. Notes: Focus verses - Luke 22, Matthew 26 God sees the big picture. God chose Peter for his potential, not his perfection. Failure doesn’t have to be the end of your story. "I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten…”Joel 2:25 Jesus entered Peter’s world by the Sea of Galilee. Jesus saw what Peter would become, not just what he was. Peter saw sin. Jesus saw a spiritual leader. Our shortcomings and failures come as no surprise to God. Often the doorway to success is entered through the hallway of failure. The past cannot be changed, but our response to it can be.God can take our endings and turn them into beginnings. Peter was always talking.Peter confessed Jesus is the Christ.Matthew 16:13–17 Peter reprimanded Jesus.Matthew 16:22–23 Peter was at the transfiguration of Jesus.Mark 9:2–6 Peter is infamous for his denial of Jesus. Read Luke 22:31–32 Satan can do nothing in the life of the child of God without our Father’s permission. God has built a wall of protection around you. Were it not for the prayers of Jesus, we wouldn’t have a chance. "But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren."Luke 22:32 #1 Peter’s first step down was self confidence.Matthew 26:33 Peter’s words revealed unfounded confidence in himself anddirectly contradicted what Jesus said. #2 Peter’s next step down was his prayerlessness.Matthew 26:39–41 Jesus was in anguish as He contemplated the horrors of the cross.All He wanted was for the disciples to be present and praying. Pride and prayerlessness go hand in hand. Peter had no idea about the storm that was brewing. Prayerlessness can be as much of a sin as breaking a commandment.It’s a sin of omission.James 4:17 #3 Peter fell because he trusted human efforts instead of God’s power.Matthew 26:51-53 Peter just couldn’t get it right:1. He was boasting when he should have been listening.2. He was sleeping when he should have been praying.3. He was fighting when he should have been surrendering. Peter fought the wrong enemy with the wrong weapon. Our enemies are not flesh and blood and they cannot be defeated with ordinary weapons. Read Matthew 26:69–75 #4 Peter warmed himself by the enemy’s fire. Following at a distance, Peter became cold. “…and he [Peter] went in and sat with the servants to see the end.”Matthew 26:58 #5 Peter denied Christ. Peter wanted to be near Jesus, but he didn't want to stand up for Him. Peter denied Christ for the third time.Matthew 26:74 Peter had lost all sense of reality and seemingly all awareness of God.Luke 22:59–62 Peter’s disappointment would lead to a divine appointment.Peter’s greatest test would lead to his greatest trust in God. Jesus never gave up on Peter, and He never gives up on us. "Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding."Jeremiah 3:22 (NIV) --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Failure wasn't the end of Simon Peter's story, and it doesn't have to be the end of our's either. God offers us second chances. Notes: Focus verses - Luke 22, Matthew 26 God sees the big picture. God chose Peter for his potential, not his perfection. Failure doesn’t have to be the end of your story. "I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten…”Joel 2:25 Jesus entered Peter’s world by the Sea of Galilee. Jesus saw what Peter would become, not just what he was. Peter saw sin. Jesus saw a spiritual leader. Our shortcomings and failures come as no surprise to God. Often the doorway to success is entered through the hallway of failure. The past cannot be changed, but our response to it can be.God can take our endings and turn them into beginnings. Peter was always talking.Peter confessed Jesus is the Christ.Matthew 16:13–17 Peter reprimanded Jesus.Matthew 16:22–23 Peter was at the transfiguration of Jesus.Mark 9:2–6 Peter is infamous for his denial of Jesus. Read Luke 22:31–32 Satan can do nothing in the life of the child of God without our Father’s permission. God has built a wall of protection around you. Were it not for the prayers of Jesus, we wouldn’t have a chance. "But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren."Luke 22:32 #1 Peter’s first step down was self confidence.Matthew 26:33 Peter’s words revealed unfounded confidence in himself anddirectly contradicted what Jesus said. #2 Peter’s next step down was his prayerlessness.Matthew 26:39–41 Jesus was in anguish as He contemplated the horrors of the cross.All He wanted was for the disciples to be present and praying. Pride and prayerlessness go hand in hand. Peter had no idea about the storm that was brewing. Prayerlessness can be as much of a sin as breaking a commandment.It’s a sin of omission.James 4:17 #3 Peter fell because he trusted human efforts instead of God’s power.Matthew 26:51-53 Peter just couldn’t get it right:1. He was boasting when he should have been listening.2. He was sleeping when he should have been praying.3. He was fighting when he should have been surrendering. Peter fought the wrong enemy with the wrong weapon. Our enemies are not flesh and blood and they cannot be defeated with ordinary weapons. Read Matthew 26:69–75 #4 Peter warmed himself by the enemy’s fire. Following at a distance, Peter became cold. “…and he [Peter] went in and sat with the servants to see the end.”Matthew 26:58 #5 Peter denied Christ. Peter wanted to be near Jesus, but he didn't want to stand up for Him. Peter denied Christ for the third time.Matthew 26:74 Peter had lost all sense of reality and seemingly all awareness of God.Luke 22:59–62 Peter’s disappointment would lead to a divine appointment.Peter’s greatest test would lead to his greatest trust in God. Jesus never gave up on Peter, and He never gives up on us. "Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding."Jeremiah 3:22 (NIV) --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.