POPULARITY
Categories
Scripture: Luke 5:1-11; Series: The Way of Jesus; Speaker: Monte French, Senior Minister
What happens when heaven feels quiet and prayers go unanswered? In this sermon from Pastor Landon, we walk through Luke 18:1–8, where Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge. This passage speaks directly to weary believers—those who haven't stopped believing in God, but have quietly stopped praying the prayers that cost them something. Jesus isn't addressing people who don't pray. He's addressing people who pray faithfully… until nothing changes. This message explores: • Why prayer often fades from discouragement, not unbelief • How delay tests faith more than doubt does • Why persistent prayer is about endurance, not manipulation • What it means to pray between promise and fulfillment • How God uses waiting to shape us before He changes circumstances • Jesus' sobering question: “When the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” Luke 18 reminds us that prayer is not about wearing God down—it's about keeping faith alive while we wait. God is not an unjust judge. He is a righteous Father who sees, knows, and acts in His perfect time. If you've laid a prayer down… if hope feels stretched thin… if faith feels tired—this message is for you.
Join us as teaching elder Adam Vinson continues our study through the book of Luke. Notes from today's sermon can be found at the link below. https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/0ByWNkY1YBNCBN0xoM0p1QXBaclE?resourcekey=0-qD6_pc1G39R1qE59jo2ntA
Scripture: Luke 4:1-13 This Sunday we remembered Martin Luther King, Jr. and also focused on the temptations of Jesus as recounted in Luke (and Matthew and to a lesser degree in Mark). Temptations offer a test. There's a chance to pass it and a chance to fail it. With Lent soon approaching next month, Susan suggested it's a great opportunity to address one of the temptations you face in this tumultuous time. She provided a number of ideas to get us thinking about how we could address some of the temptations we might be facing due to the national turmoil. What life-giving practice would you do well to embrace? Or what destructive habit would you benefit from turning away from?
Send us a textWelcome to Crossroads Online!Today we conclude our series WITH by focusing on what remains when everything else fades — love.In Week 8: With Love, Pastor Jono Contestabile teaches from Luke 7, where a woman encounters the overwhelming grace of Jesus. Her response isn't obligation or performance — it's love flowing from having been deeply loved.
Jesus, help me not to miss the true miracle you have for me.Scripture: Luke 5:9Keywords: Success; miracles; Simon Peter; leaving; following Jesus; Jesus said. {{Best of}}
Jesus, you were sent to mend, heal, and make me free.Keywords:Jesus; freedom; mended heart; sent; welcome; Savior; Jesus said. Scripture: Luke 4:18 (Best of)
We all know the story of the Good Samaritan. Most of us learned it in Sunday school as a lesson about being kind, helping others, and doing the right thing.But Jesus wasn't just giving us another moral rule to follow.In this Sunday School Remix episode, I take a deeper look at Luke 10:25–37 and the moment that prompted Jesus to tell this parable in the first place. A lawyer—someone who knew all the religious rules—asked Jesus a familiar question: “Who is my neighbor?” Luke tells us he asked it hoping to justify himself.That detail matters.Because this story isn't about earning goodness or proving you're right. It's about how easily religious rules can distract us from mercy—and how God keeps placing opportunities for compassion directly in our path.Why Jesus tells this story in response to self-justificationHow religious rules can become barriers to compassionWhy the priest and Levite walk by—and why that made sense religiouslyWhy making the Samaritan the hero was so shockingHow humility is the starting point for real compassionWhat it looks like to notice the needs God places right in front of usThe Good Samaritan isn't a story about being a better rule-follower. It's an invitation to live a life shaped by mercy—again and again.
Jesus, you have the answer for the question I struggle even to ask.Keywords: Truth; listen; ask; motivation; authority; real need.Scripture: Luke 20:8 (Best of)
Scripture: Luke 4:14-30; Series: The Way of Jesus; Speaker: Isaac Karow, Associate Minister
Jesus, I'm not sure I'm ready but I trust your timing.Keywords: Ready; comparison; obedience; submission; trust; Jesus said.Scripture: Luke 19:31 (Best of)
Treasure that which will never lose its value. Keywords: Jesus; teaching; giving; sacrifice; treasure; heavenly deposit; Jesus said.Scripture: Luke 12:33 (best of)
Lord, help me to give up this grudge to live in wholeness.Scripture: Luke 12:14Keywords: Vendetta; revenge; snare; bitterness; resentment; freedom; Jesus said. (Best of)
What if you succeeded at every goal this year—and still missed what mattered most? In Luke 18, Jesus shows us a better way forward. A way marked by dependence, persistence, and trust in a faithful Father. In this message, we talk about: • Why posture before God matters • How consistent practices shape real faith • Why God's faithfulness is the foundation for everything If you're stepping into a new year with hope, questions, or weariness—this message is for you.
Scripture: Luke 2:41-52; Series: The Way of Jesus; Speaker: Monte French, Senior Minister
Scripture: Luke 3:1-18; Series: The Way of Jesus; Speaker: Monte French, Senior Minister
Jesus, it feels risky to reach out to you, but it's where my healing will begin. Keywords: Healed; healing; risk; touch; unclean; whole; Jesus said. Scripture: Luke 8:45
Jesus, thank you that you mend the broken pieces of our lives.Scripture: Luke 7:47Keywords: Forgiveness; worth; redeemed; shame; change; bravery;Jesus said. (Best of)
Scripture: Luke 2:21-40The Greatest Story SHOW NOTES: For encouragement on your spiritual journey, we invite you to visit our ministry website, Discover God's Truth, where you can access additional resources to enrich your Walk with God. The central message of Christmas, found in Luke 2:11, is "Christ the Savior is born." Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, the promised Messiah, brings hope and peace to the world. This phrase symbolizes Jesus' fulfillment of prophecy, His divine identity as God's Son, and His mission as Redeemer. This is God's story—His master plan. Scene 1: Zechariah and Elizabeth (Luke 1:13-25)Scene 2: The angel, Gabriel, visits Mary in Nazareth (Luke 1:26-38) Scene 3: Joseph's Dream (Matthew 1:18-25) Scene 4: Mary Visits Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-45)Scene 5: Jesus' birth in Bethlehem is witnessed by angels and shepherds (Luke 2:8-20)In Scene 6, Joseph and Mary take Jesus to the temple for purification as required by the law of Moses. Two trustworthy witnesses, Simeon and Anna, who had faithfully walked with God for many years and waited for this child—God's gift—were present. Anna shares the good news of Jesus, and Simeon proclaims, “My eyes have seen Your salvation.” “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation that You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel.”Luke 2:29-32 Song: He Came Down - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEPUvf9IhQk&list=RDIEPUvf9IhQk&start_radio=1
Sermons from McLean Presbyterian & Capital Presbyterian Fairfax
A sermon in our Advent series "Face to Face."Scripture: Luke 2:8-14
Sermons from McLean Presbyterian & Capital Presbyterian Fairfax
A sermon in our Advent series "Face to Face."Scripture: Luke 2:8-14
Join us as we interact with the story of God in a unique and wonder filled way. Scripture: Luke 2:1-20
What does it mean to truly recognize Jesus?In this final message of our Advent series Come and Behold Him, we turn to the story of Simeon—a man whose entire life was shaped by waiting on a promise personally given by God. In Luke 2, Simeon is led by the Holy Spirit into the temple at just the right moment, where he takes the infant Jesus into his arms and declares, “My eyes have seen your salvation.”This message explores how:Only the Holy Spirit enables true recognition of ChristJesus is revealed as salvation for all people, Jew and Gentile alikeChrist both brings peace and exposes the human heart, dividing and revealing what we truly believeSimeon's encounter reminds us that the Christmas story is not just something to hear—it is something to behold. Christ comforts, confronts, reveals, and redeems. And when we truly see Him, everything changes.Scripture: Luke 2:22–35Waiting ends when salvation is revealed—when the Spirit opens our eyes to behold Christ.#ComeAndBeholdHim #AdventSeries #Simeon #Luke2 #SalvationHasCome #LightOfTheWorld #ChristmasSermon #JesusChrist #GospelTruth
To navigate the "dark nights of the soul" is one of the most difficult challenges in the human experience. Whether it is a season of grief, confusion, or spiritual silence, the darkness can feel overwhelming and permanent. In this message, guest speaker Pastor Jeremy Isaacs explores the story of the shepherds in Luke 2 to reveal how God often does His most significant work in the dark. Discover how to walk by faith when you cannot see what is next and why the "nighttime" is often a setup for morning joy. Key Takeaways: - Understand the Night: Learn why seasons of darkness are a normal, biblical part of the walk with God rather than a sign of abandonment. - Navigate the Fog: See why trying to look too far ahead can actually blind you to what God is doing right in front of you. - Hold on to Hope: Be reminded that darkness ias temporary and the morning always comes. Scripture: Luke 2:8, Psalm 30:5, John 16:33 _____ Ready to take a Next Step? www.mygochurch.com/next Give to GO: www.mygochurch.com/give
Today's Scripture: Luke 24:32Emmaus shows us Christ's presence. Revelation calls for our response. And both remind us that transformed hearts produce unstoppable testimony.
To navigate the "dark nights of the soul" is one of the most difficult challenges in the human experience. Whether it is a season of grief, confusion, or spiritual silence, the darkness can feel overwhelming and permanent. In this message, guest speaker Pastor Jeremy Isaacs explores the story of the shepherds in Luke 2 to reveal how God often does His most significant work in the dark. Discover how to walk by faith when you cannot see what is next and why the "nighttime" is often a setup for morning joy. Key Takeaways: - Understand the Night: Learn why seasons of darkness are a normal, biblical part of the walk with God rather than a sign of abandonment. - Navigate the Fog: See why trying to look too far ahead can actually blind you to what God is doing right in front of you. - Hold on to Hope: Be reminded that darkness ias temporary and the morning always comes. Scripture: Luke 2:8, Psalm 30:5, John 16:33 _____ Ready to take a Next Step? www.mygochurch.com/next Give to GO: www.mygochurch.com/give
The Pressure Paradox | Finding Joy in a Burnout CultureWe live in a "pressure cooker" culture. From financial stress to the pressure to perform, it often feels like the weight of the world is crushing us. But what if the answer isn't to build thicker skin, but to change what's inside?In this message, Pastor Charlie explores the "Pressure Paradox." Using a surprising lesson from the Mariana Snailfish—a creature that survives crushing depths not with armor, but with internal pressure—we discover how biblical Joy acts as a stabilizer for our souls.In this message, we cover:
Scripture: Luke 2:22-35; Series: A Thrill of Hope; Speaker: Monte French, Senior Minister
Today's Scripture: Luke 2:1-15There's a reason this is called the happiest time of the year, yet we are also aware that we live in a weary world.God came in Christ to the earth to do for us what we can't do for ourselves – forgive our sins and give us fullness of joy in salvation!
DateDecember 24, 2025SynopsisIn this special Christmas Eve homily, we wrestle with the chasm between the wide-eyed wonder of a child's Christmas and the sleepless anxiety of adult logistics and existential uncertainty. We discover that the Christmas story is not a distant, sanitized tale but a radical, relatable gift of divine presence. It reveals God drawing near—Emmanuel—to stand in solidarity with us amid the pressure, grief, and disorientation of our modern lives. Joy enfleshed is for you.Scripture: Luke 2:1–20About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.
Whether life is calm or stressful, joyous or painful, Christmas comes -- just as God is present with us regardless of where we are in our own lives. Scripture Luke 2:1-20
by Brooks Simpson | From the Series: Christ - The Light of the World | Scripture: Luke 2:1-20 | Download Audio
SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:8-20SHOW NOTES: For encouragement on your spiritual journey, we invite you to visit our ministry website, Discover God's Truth, where you can access additional resources to enrich your Walk with God.During the Christmas season, we hear the words, “Glory to God in the highest.” This phrase expresses both praise and adoration. The angel's announcement and the heavenly host's chorus of praise reflect their recognition of His majesty, greatness, and immeasurable worth.And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they (shepherds) were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:9-10The angel announces good news and great joy. The heavenly host glorifies and praises God for the gift of a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. The shepherds hurry to Bethlehem to find the baby lying in a manger, surrounded by a young mother, father, and stable animals."And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them." Luke 2:20SONG: "God's Gift to Us" – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESFDAWgtGZ8&list=RDESFDAWgtGZ8&start_radio=1
ONLINE Dec 24th: Christmas Eve: Making Space for Love to Be Born, with Rev. Dr. Steven Koski.Description:Christmas Eve: Making Space for Love to Be Born, with Rev. Dr. Steven Koski. Series: Rediscovering Jesus A Spacious Christianity, First Presbyterian Church of Bend, Oregon. Scripture: Luke 2.Wondering what Christmas is really all about? Join us Christmas Eve online or in-person, as we explore how even a small bit of openness can make room for unexpected love and hope. You don't need to have it all figured out; just come curious and see what this story might awaken in you.At First Presbyterian, you will meet people at many different places theologically and spiritually. And we love it that way. We want to be a place where our diversity brings us together and where conversation takes us all deeper in our understanding of God.We call this kind of faith “Spacious Christianity.” We don't ask anyone to sign creeds or statements of belief. The life of faith is about a way of being in the world and a faith that shows itself in love.Thank you for your support of the mission of the First Presbyterian Church of Bend. Visit https://bendfp.org/giving/ for more information.Keywords:Christmas Eve, love, gratitude, grief, hope, Wally, Christmas pageant, improvisation, Maya, nurse, warm conversation, compassion, space, God, miracle., presbyterian, church, online worship, bend, oregonFeaturing:Rev. Dr. Steven Koski, Rev. Sharon Edwards, Becca Ellis, Brave of Heart, GuestsSupport the show
by Brooks Simpson | From the Series: Christ - The Light of the World | Scripture: Luke 2:1-20 | Download Audio
Scripture: Luke
Scripture: Luke 2:21-35 Focus: The birth of Jesus Christ brings peace to all who trust Him. Speaker: Matt Thornton, Pastor Date: December 21, 2025
Scripture: Luke 2:1-20; Series: A Thrill of Hope; Speaker: Monte French, Senior Minister
Scripture: Luke 1:46-55Resources for a life of following Jesus, every day, everywhere, with everyone.
Mary: The Lord's Servant | Luke 1:26–56 Christmas is not primarily about how we find God—it's about how God finds us. In this Advent message by Preaching Minister Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., we step into the story of Mary, a young woman from an unremarkable town who became part of the greatest story ever told. Through humor, Scripture, and thoughtful reflection, this sermon explores how God works through ordinary lives, unlikely circumstances, and simple obedience. Mary didn't have impressive credentials—but she had a willing heart. And when she said, “I am the Lord's servant,” history changed. If you've ever felt overlooked, underqualified, confused, or unsure whether God could work through you, this message is for you. Advent reminds us that God doesn't rescue the world from a distance—He comes near.
Welcome Graham fam! We are so glad you could watch Sunday morning online with us. Introduction:This series on having a Christmas Spirit focuses on the spirit of the people who brought Christmas into existence. Mary had a spirit of willingness. Joseph exemplified a spirit of obedience. Today, we talk about the spirit of the shepherds. Scripture: Luke 2:8-20 Isaiah 55:11 Malachi 3:10 Psalm 66:16-20 Luke 16:10-11 Points: The Lord is still communicating! The shepherds went! The shepherds told! The shepherds were faithful! Closing:Do you want to have a Christmas Spirit? Are you willing? Are you obedient? Are you being faithful in where you are? If you are faithful in the little things, God will trust you with greater things. The shepherds are a wonderful testament of that as we celebrate Christmas! If you would like to watch our past services, you can do so here: https://gcwesleyan.org/teaching/ Like and subscribe to our new YouTube channel, Graham Chapel Youth! We are producing some funny videos as well as live streaming our Wednesday night youth group: https://is.gd/grahamyouth. If you would like to give to Graham Chapel, you can do so here: https://gcwesleyan.org/give/ Graham Chapel Wesleyan Church is in Mayo, SC which is near Cowpens and Chesnee in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. We are affiliated with the Wesleyan denomination and have a diverse congregation. We would love to have you join us on Sunday mornings in person, or on Wednesdays with our youth! Visit our website to learn more. YouTube Tags:Christmas, Christmas Spirit, Mary, mother of Jesus, Luke, prophecy, young people, willingness, sermon, pastor
If. You. Want., with Rev. Sharon Edwards. Series: Rediscovering Jesus A Spacious Christianity, First Presbyterian Church of Bend, Oregon. Scripture: Luke 1:33-34.Come join us this Sunday, online or in person. We will explore what it means to be “midwives of God” in our everyday lives. If you're curious, questioning, or just needing hope this season, you're welcome to walk this Advent road with us and discover how Christ might be born in you today.Join us each Sunday, 10AM at bendfp.org, or 11AM KTVZ-CW Channel 612/12 in Bend. Subscribe/Follow, and click the bell for alerts.At First Presbyterian, you will meet people at many different places theologically and spiritually. And we love it that way. We want to be a place where our diversity brings us together and where conversation takes us all deeper in our understanding of God.We call this kind of faith “Spacious Christianity.” We don't ask anyone to sign creeds or statements of belief. The life of faith is about a way of being in the world and a faith that shows itself in love.Thank you for your support of the mission of the First Presbyterian Church of Bend. Visit https://bendfp.org/giving/ for more information.Keywords:Advent Road, Bethlehem, St John of the Cross, midwife of God, Mary, angel, divine birth, holy imagination, Meister Eckhart, Barbara Brown Taylor, yes and, improv comedy, love incarnate, bearers of light, compassion., presbyterian, church, online worship, bend, oregonFeaturing:Rev. Dr. Steven Koski, Rev. Sharon Edwards, Becca Ellis, Brave of Heart, GuestsSupport the show
SCRIPTURE- Luke 2:10-11"The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.'”REFLECTION- Mary EllynMUSIC- ADVENT WORD OF THE DAY- Clean - Not your room—your mind and spirit. Refrain from using any social media or phone apps (other than The God Minute, of course!) and give that attention to Jesus in the quiet. Just for today.O ANTIPHON- Latin: O Sapientia, quae ex ore Altissimi prodisti, attingens a fine usque ad finem, fortiter suaviter disponensque omnia: veni ad docendum nos viam prudentiae.- English: O Holy Wisdom, you came forth from the mouth of the Most High, and reaching from end to end, you order all things with gentle strength: come and teach us the way of prudence.Performed by the monks of the Saint John's Abbey ScholaVideo: https://youtu.be/oRPNRHQL17E?si=0Hlr_SfAUMikxk4MPRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.
Joy doesn't just happen, our hearts have to be tuned to it. In this third week of Advent, Karen and Emily talk honestly about how hard it can be to find joy in the middle of exhaustion, family stress, and the very real unmet expectations of the season. Using the picture of tuning an instrument, they unpack how joy comes when we continually refocus our hearts on Jesus, not on our circumstances. If you're longing for a steadier joy this Christmas season, this conversation is for you! Episode Recap:Intro (00:00)Today we're talking about joy (2:10)We have to tune our hearts to joy (4:12)Jesus often becomes a secondary thought in this season (5:55)Remind yourself on a daily basis that this life is not about you, it's about Christ (7:50)Find ways to re-center yourself on Christ this Christmas (10:30)Decide to have NO expectations each day, live with an open hand (11:35)Focusing on God makes the trivial things of this world fade away (16:01)Scripture: Luke 2:10-11 (ESV)“And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”Discussion Questions: When you hear the idea of “tuning your heart to joy,” what stands out to you personally?What tends to pull your focus away from Jesus most during the Christmas season?Can you identify a recent moment where unmet expectations robbed you of joy?What practical practices help you re-center on Christ?How does Mary's response to God's plan challenge the way you respond to interruptions or disappointments?What would it look like to hold your plans and expectations with open hands this season?Resources:Please give today to help us reach more moms with Wire Talk in 2026! boaw.mom/give
SCRIPTURE- Luke 1: 28-30"And coming to her, he said, ‘Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.' But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.'”REFLECTION- GaryADVENT WORD OF THE DAY - Forgive - Bring to mind someone who has hurt you. Even if your heart isn't ready, say quietly, “Lord, I release them to Your mercy.” Forgiveness begins with willingness.MUSIC- "People Look East" by by Nichlas Schaal- "Immaculate Mary" by The O'Neill Brothers GroupNOTES-PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.
How should Christians view their money and their possessions? We're looking at the Gospel of Luke, because Luke has much to say on this subject. How does God want us to think about money in general? What should our attitude be toward it? How should we relate to giving and spending? In Luke 14, we see two things: 1) Jesus Christ lays out a standard for sacrificial giving that's so astonishing it will seem unreasonable, and 2) Jesus actually shows how reasonable this kind of giving is. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on June 20, 2010. Series: Money and Possessions – In the Teaching of St. Luke. Scripture: Luke 14:7-24. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.