Podcasts about scripture luke

When life hurts and heaven feels silent, what do you do?In this message from Mosaic's With series, Pastor David takes us into the Garden of Gethsemane—where Jesus wrestled with pain, loneliness, and obedience. If you've ever asked, “Why is this happening?” or “Where is God in all this?”—you're not alone. And more importantly, you're not abandoned.This episode explores:• Why suffering tempts us to believe lies about God and ourselves• How prayer reconnects us to God when nothing else makes sense• What Jesus' humanity teaches us about living with courage and hope• How God repurposes pain for redemptive goodRaw, honest, and full of grace—this is a message for anyone walking through the dark night of the soul.

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Scripture: Luke 18:9-14 

In every culture, we're drawn to do good. Yet Jesus reminds us that our works lose their meaning when they become monuments to our own name rather than a response to God's grace. The Pharisee in the parable shows how self-trust and comparison can distort even good practices, while the tax collector reveals the hope found in depending entirely on God's mercy. We often forget that grace is what begins every good work in us—and when righteousness becomes our personal ambition, it quietly separates us from both God and others. The way forward is through daily confession and a humble return to God, trusting His righteousness—not ours—as the true source of any lasting good. --- Scripture: Luke 18:9–14 (NRSV) The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax-Collector 9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10 ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax-collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, “God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax-collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.” 13 But the tax-collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” 14 I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.'    

November 2, 2025 The story of Zacchaeus shows how Christ came to seek and save the lost. Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Deacon Scott Madison | October 26, 2025 Deacon Scott unpacks the parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector with refreshing honesty, challenging us to see ourselves in both characters. Through a vulnerable personal story and the powerful reminder that "justice for the oppressed can feel like oppression for the oppressor," he reveals how most of us live in the "mushy middle" of God's grace—part holy, part complicit, but always beloved. Scripture: Luke 18:9-14

Scripture: Luke 19:1–10 | by Fabien Pering | Topic: The Mystery of Salvation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

God, I'm coming to you first.Keywords: Look; explore; seek; first; direction; follow.  Scripture: Luke 

In a world that celebrates busyness, it's easy to believe our value comes from what we do. But in Luke 10, Jesus reminds Martha that Mary “has chosen what is better.” This message looks at how we often get trapped by distraction, pride, and people-pleasing—mistaking activity for identity—and how to refocus on what truly matters: being present with Jesus.If you've ever felt overwhelmed, overworked, or disconnected from God, this is your reminder to slow down, sit at His feet, and rediscover the one thing that matters most.Scripture: Luke 10:38–42Main Idea: Who you are determines what you do—not the other way around.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Today's Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49512439Stay Updated on our Campus: https://linktr.ee/nlcsearcyOnline Giving: http://newlifechurch.tv/givingMailing Address: 2851 West Beebe-Capps Expy, Searcy, AR 72143For more information on our campus, email us at searcy@newlifechurch.tv or visit newlifechurch.tv. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram @nlcsearcy!

This Sunday we take a deeper look at the church and Jesus. Tune in as Pastor John Shughart shares the message, “The Church Jesus Dreamed Of.” Scripture: Luke 4:14-21

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14

October 29, 2025 Steer clear from praying like the Pharisee who congratulated himself. Learn how to pray by listening to the tax collector in the temple. You want to go home justified. Scripture: Luke 18:9-14

Scripture:Luke 15:11-13, 17-20, 22-32 

Judgement builds walls, instead of the bridges formed by mercy. Scripture: Luke 18:9-14Sermon transcript: https://tinyurl.com/fbcjc10-26sWorship guide: https://tinyurl.com/fbcjc10-26p

Scripture: Luke 18:9–14 | 2 Timothy 4:6–18 | by Fabien Pering | Topic: Our Posture before God Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Faith Baptist Church in Hamilton, NJ. Pastor Lance Walker is the Senior Pastor. Visit us at www.fbcchurch.org

Scripture: Luke 17:11-17  11 Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy[a] met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” 14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. 15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. 17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?

October 19, 2025 Your prayer life reflects what you believe about God. In contrast to the unrighteous judge, God is gracious to those who pray to him. Don’t doubt that God is faithful. Your calling is to be faithful in prayer. Scripture: Luke 18:1-8

Scripture:Luke 10:30-37

Scripture - Luke 18:1-8Thank You for listening!Follow us on Facebook Instagram YouTube Website You can contact us at office@newcovenantaz.orgMaking Jesus Christ the Heart of Every Home.

Scripture: Luke 18:1-8

Scripture: Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5Jesus and the early church pass on encouragement to persist… in prayer, in calling for justice, and in responding to those calls for justice. How does the practice of prayer, even—or even especially—the prayers that we do not immediately sense an answer to shape us for the in-breaking of God's ... Read more The post Keep Coming Back appeared first on Foreside Community Church.

Jesus didn't teach a polished prayer performance; He taught us to pray with realness, persistence, and childlike honesty. Discover how genuine, even "messy" prayers in your home can build profound intimacy with God. Scripture: Luke 11:1–13 Reflection Question: What would it look like for prayer in your home to be less perfect and more real?

SCRIPTURE- Luke 6:27-28“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.”REFLECTION- JavierMUSIC- "Sunrise" by Peter B. Helland- "Quiet Resource" by Evelyn SteinNOTES- All Souls Collage and Mass: click here to submit a name and photo of a loved one who has died in the last year.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.

Scripture: Luke 24

Scripture: Luke 19-28-44

18th Sunday after Pentecost October 12, 2025Sermon Series: Who's Your Neighbor?Sermon: Won't You Be My Neighbor?Scripture: Luke 10:25-37Through the familiar story of the Good Samaritan, we'll explore what it truly means to love our neighbors—not just in words, but in action. Jesus calls us to expand our understanding of “neighbor,” breaking down barriers and living with compassion that reflects His love.As you prepare for worship, reflect on these questions: Who are the “neighbors” God has placed in your path lately? What might it look like to love them the way Jesus does? How can our church embody neighborly love in our community?  Come ready to begin this new series with us as we learn to see and love others the way Christ calls us to.Sunday Worship Schedule 8:45 AM – Contemporary Worship 10:00 AM – Sunday School 11:00 AM – Traditional Worship

One of the central tensions of the Christian life is reconciling unmerited salvation and earning our repentance. How can grace be completely free—given despite our sin—while we are also called to actively love others as Christ has loved us? Through the story of Zacchaeus the tax collector, Scripture reveals how these two truths coexist: we receive salvation as a free gift, yet we also embrace the cost of repentance for the sake of love. The good news of the Gospel is that salvation and love are utterly free. This marks the beginning of our redemptive love story with the Father and compels us to pay it forward by loving others in return. ------ Scripture: Luke 19:1-10 Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 3 He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. 5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. 7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” 8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Send us a textThe kingdom of God isn't far off—it's already breaking into the world. Jesus shows us that every act of love, forgiveness, and compassion reveals His reign. This week we discover how to see the kingdom in our everyday lives and step into it now.Scripture: Luke 17:20-21

Scripture - Luke 17:11-19Thank You for listening!Follow us on Facebook Instagram YouTube Website You can contact us at office@newcovenantaz.orgMaking Jesus Christ the Heart of Every Home.

Scripture Luke: 17:11-19

October 12, 2025 Live your life as a wise steward making the most of your opportunities to invest in the Kingdom of God. Use the resources God has given you to advance the Gospel and bring blessing to his people. Scripture: Luke 16:1-13

Scripture: Luke 17:11-19Community can often spring up in times of challenge… so Jesus finds 10 lepers who have found a place of belonging. Yet, when they are healed, division springs up again. How can we live into—and offer thanks and praise to God for—communal health that can last in times that are bad… and good? The post The Way of Healing appeared first on Foreside Community Church.

We talk about the 10 lepers and Jesus, and who we can go to no matter what.

Life, people, and even our own actions often don't go according to our expectations. When that happens, the result is often disappointment, resentment, or shame. In those moments, God calls us to forgive—not only others who have hurt us, but also ourselves when we fall short of who we hoped to be. Forgiveness is difficult and often counterintuitive because it requires surrendering all judgment to God—even our judgment of ourselves. But in doing so, we open ourselves to God's grace. And through His power, rather than our own strength, we become able to forgive others—freely and often. Most importantly, forgiveness is not just a command Jesus gave to His disciples; it is foundational to the Christian life. It is both an extension and an acceptance of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. ----- Scripture: Luke 17: 1-10   Jesus[a] said to his disciples, ‘Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to anyone by whom they come! 2 It would be better for you if a millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea than for you to cause one of these little ones to stumble. 3 Be on your guard! If another disciple[b] sins, you must rebuke the offender, and if there is repentance, you must forgive. 4 And if the same person sins against you seven times a day, and turns back to you seven times and says, “I repent”, you must forgive.' 5 The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!' 6 The Lord replied, ‘If you had faith the size of a[c] mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea”, and it would obey you. 7 ‘Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in from ploughing or tending sheep in the field, “Come here at once and take your place at the table”? 8 Would you not rather say to him, “Prepare supper for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink”? 9 Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded? 10 So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, “We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!”'

October 5, 2025 Jesus would have his followers watch our conduct so we wouldn’t lead others down the wrong path. When people sin against us and ask our forgiveness, we cannot refuse. We need to forgive even when we don’t feel like it. Scripture: Luke 17:1-10

Scripture - Luke 17:5-10Thank You for listening!Follow us on Facebook Instagram YouTube Website You can contact us at office@newcovenantaz.orgMaking Jesus Christ the Heart of Every Home.

Scripture: Luke 6

What did you think? Text us by clicking here! We are unable to reply on this app, so include phone # or email address.In this episode, host Chris Cashen (pastor at Trinity OPC, Lanham, MD) is joined by pastor John Shaw and deacon Bob Keys from Grace OPC in Columbus, Ohio for a conversation on the financial needs of the church and the importance of encouraging generosity. Drawing from the example of the widow's mite in Luke 21, they reflect on how this passage shapes our understanding of giving, particularly in the context of diaconal ministry.Much of the discussion centers on the application of the passage as it relates to the work of the deacon, and how the generosity of Jesus Christ should move our hearts toward love and sacrificial giving within the church. Together, they explore the deacon's role in fostering a culture of mercy ministry and faithful giving.Listen in as Chris, John, and Bob offer gospel-centered insights on selfless generosity, financial stewardship and the church's call to care for those in need.Referenced in this episode:Scripture ·       Luke 21:1–4 ·       Psalm 110:1·       Acts 6·       2 Corinthians 9:6–8, 15·       2 Corinthians 8:9·       1 Timothy 5:8·       Philippians 4:11–12·       Philippians 2:1–8·       John Calvin— Institutes' section on prayerOPC Book of Church Order on deacons You can find all of our episodes at thereformeddeacon.org. Make sure to follow us on your favorite podcast player, so you don't miss an episode. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for giveaways and more information. Find other resources on OPCCDM.org. Make sure to send us some feedback on your podcast player or ask a diaconal question by going to OPCCDM.org.

DateSeptember 28, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we reimagine salvation not as a fear-driven, one-and-done transaction but as God's healing and wholeness breaking into real life—personal and communal, present and active. We move from private assurance to public restoration, learning to “work out” salvation together through justice, mercy, and everyday mending. Where the world feels frayed, we become agents of repair, embodying Jesus' pattern of healing, belonging, and restitution—here and now. Scripture: Luke 18:42; Mark 5:34; Luke 19:8–9; Philippians 2:12–13.About 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.

Scripture - Luke 16:1-13Thank You for listening!Follow us on Facebook Instagram YouTube Website You can contact us at office@newcovenantaz.orgMaking Jesus Christ the Heart of Every Home.

September 25, 2025 The next life will either be paradise or torment based on our response to the Gospel. We must repent of our rebellious self-centered way of living. We are not here to serve money but to serve Jesus. Scripture: Luke 16:19-31

SCRIPTURE- Luke 6:37"Stop judging, and you will not be judged; stop condemning, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.”REFLECTION- Fr. JimMUSIC- "Come Ye Children of the Lord" by Paul Cardell- "Melody of My Dreams" Instrumental- "Forgiveness" By Matthew WestIt's the hardest thing to give awayAnd the last thing on your mind todayIt always goes to those that don't deserveIt's the opposite of how you feelWhen the pain they caused is just too realIt takes everything you have just to say the word...ForgivenessForgivenessIt flies in the face of all your prideIt moves away the mad insideIt's always anger's own worst enemyEven when the jury and the judgeSay you gotta right to hold a grudgeIt's the whisper in your ear saying "Set It Free"ForgivenessForgivenessForgivenessForgivenessShow me how to love the unlovableShow me how to reach the unreachableHelp me now to do the impossibleForgivenessForgivenessHelp me now to do the impossibleForgivenessIt'll clear the bitterness awayIt can even set a prisoner freeThere is no end to what it's power can doSo, let it go and be amazedBy what you see through eyes of graceThe prisoner that it really frees is youForgivenessForgivenessForgivenessForgivenessShow me how to love the unlovableShow me how to reach the unreachableHelp me now to do the impossibleForgivenessI want to finally set it freeSo show me how to see what Your mercy seesHelp me now to give what You gave to meForgivenessForgivenessForgivenessForgivenessNOTES-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.

Daily Dose of Hope September 26, 2025   Scripture - Luke 24:36-53   Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  We are so amazingly grateful for your grace and love.  Forgive us for the many times when we fall short, when we betray you, when we fail to be loving or faithful.  We want to grow stronger, Lord, but we can only do so through your power.  Lord, help us hear your voice.  In the next few moments of silence, Lord, hear our prayers... In Jesus' Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, a deep dive into the Gospels and Acts.  This is the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  Today, we are finishing up our deep dive into the book of Luke.  We are focusing on the second half of Luke 24.   The men from the road to Emmaus had found the other disciples and shared their experience.  It's beginning to sink in that something extraordinary has occurred.  And just like that, as the disciples are gathered, Jesus appears before them and says, “Peace be with you.”    A couple things to note.  We know immediately that Jesus' body is different.  He has both a human and spiritual body.  He came into the room without using a door (that isn't normal), but he also later asks for food.  The risen Lord has a body that is different from before.  Jesus also shows them his scars.  They could touch the places the nails were driven into his body.  It showed, once again, that this was really him.  He was real – he wasn't a ghost or angel.  He is physically resurrected and yet, something is also supernatural about him.   His very first statement to them is also fascinating.  Peace be with you.  They have experienced anything BUT peace over the last few days.  They've dealt with grief, depression, anxiety, uncertainty, and probably even anger.  But now, Jesus is saying that he is bringing peace.  There is something about the presence of Jesus that brings peace. In fact, Jesus is intrinsically linked to peace, which he provides not in a worldly way but as an internal state of peace with God and tranquility amid life's problems, a gift secured by his sacrifice and available to those who have faith in Him.  He is the one that provides the peace that passes understanding, it's a peace that only makes sense connected to him.   In a manner similar to what he did with the men on the road to Emmaus, Jesus then proceeds to walk them through the Scriptures.  He shows where this had been prophesied and how God had a plan all along.  Jesus was the fulfillment of the Law.  Jesus was the one that the prophets had been talking about.  Jesus was the one that God sent.  And while he had done this in other ways during his ministry, he now totally had their attention.  Their minds were opened and they began to see.   I once had a Messianic Jewish rabbi tell me that he can share the Gospel message just using Old Testament texts.  He says there is so much in the Old Testament that points to Jesus, he feels confident using those scriptures alone to provide evidence that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and the Lord of all.  That is essentially what Jesus is doing here.   How comfortable are you with the Old Testament texts?  I would challenge you to look up the many places throughout the Old Testament that speak to Jesus coming to redeem the world.  It is essential that we know the Old Testament to truly understand the New Testament.   We finally have the ascension.  Jesus tells them to wait for the helper that is going to be sent (which we know is the Holy Spirit) and his body literally ascends into heaven.  And we know that he now sits at the right hand of the Father.  He is Lord.    What does it mean to you that Jesus is now sitting next to the Father?  How does this affect your understanding of the Trinity?  How does this affect your understanding of Jesus' work in the world?    Who is Jesus to you?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

Daily Dose of Hope September 25, 2025   Scripture – Luke 24:1-35   Prayer:  Today we pray an ancient prayer from St Ambrose of Milan, who lived from 337-397 AD...O Lord, who has mercy upon all, take away from me my sins, and mercifully kindle in me the fire of Your Holy Spirit. Take away from me the heart of stone, and give me a heart of flesh, a heart to love and adore You, a heart to delight in You, to follow and to enjoy You, for Christ's sake.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional/podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently working our way through a deep dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Today, we begin a deep dive into Luke 24.    We start with Luke's resurrection account. And today, we find ourselves walking with the women: Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and others.  These are real women who traveled with Jesus from Galilee to Jerusalem, they cared for his needs, learned from him, witnessed his power and glory, and loved him.  This has been a horrible week for them.  They helplessly watched him die.  And now, filled with grief, they want to anoint his body for burial.  They need to do this.  I should mention that Jesus was crucified on a Friday.  His body was hastily put in a tomb just before the Sabbath began (Friday sundown to Saturday sundown).  So they have to wait to prepare his body for burial.  Saturday night, it would have been too dark to take care of the body so we are meeting them probably very early on a Sunday morning.  They are ready.  They have brought their spices, they plan to attend to the body properly.  In the Jewish culture, a proper burial demonstrated honor for the deceased and for these women, it was an act of love and respect.    But when they get there, the most unexpected thing happens.  The stone has been rolled away from the tomb and the tomb is empty.  Jesus' body is simply not there.  This doesn't make sense to them.  And it was while they were wondering about where the body is, totally confused and perplexed, that two men in dazzling clothes (clothes that gleam like lightening), we can assume they are angels, they stand by the women.  And the women put their faces down, they were probably scared out of their minds.  And the men say, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?”    Such a bizarre question.  Why do you look for the living among the dead?  They are at a tomb, which is typically where dead bodies, not living bodies, are kept.  And they fully expected Jesus' dead body to be there.  Afterall, they saw Jesus die.  They were the last to leave the cross.  They saw his limp, lifeless body placed in the tomb.  What do you mean?  Why do you look for the living among the dead?  But the sparkling men continue…he is not here, he is risen.  Remember how he told you these things?  Way back when you were in Galilee, he told you this was going to happen?    It was then that they remembered his words.  Multiple times, Jesus had said told them but it didn't make sense at the time.  Whether they simply weren't paying enough attention or they didn't want to know the truth, they didn't understand. Luke 9:22, And he said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.”   Now, it's all coming together.  They do remember! Maybe they don't completely understand but they know that something totally unexpected, something totally amazing has happened, and they can't wait to tell the others.  So they burst into the room where the male disciples are hiding and out it comes.  They spill their guts.  They tell them about their morning.  You can picture it.  They are probably talking really fast and they might have been talking over one another and kind of out of breath.  They are excited.  They are so excited!    And the guys, well, let's just say aren't impressed.  They don't believe the women, saying their words were nonsense.  Other translations say the men tell the women they were spreading an idle tale, that what they were reporting was fake news.  It wasn't what they were expecting so it must not have been true.  Wow.    The narrative ends with Peter getting up and running to the tomb.  He also finds it empty, with the strips of burial cloth that would have been wrapped around Jesus' body just lying there on the ground.  And he walks off, wondering what really happened.    And then the narrative shifts to a different scene. Two of Jesus' disciples, not the twelve but two other male disciples, one named Cleophus and the other left unnamed, were walking from Jerusalem to their home in Emmaus.  There are some walks that are longer than others — not because of the miles or even because of the landscape, but because of the burdens. This was a 7 mile walk but it might as well been a 27 mile walk because these men are distressed.  They are grieving.  They have been following Jesus.  They believed him to be the Messiah and Savior and they have just seen him killed, murdered on a Roman cross.  So, they are walking slowly and speaking intensely.  The Greek suggests they may have been having some kind of theological argument.  Bottom line:  they are tired, weary, sad, and confused.  They don't understand what they have just witnessed.  And now they have to go back home and continue with their lives.  You can kind of imagine the kinds of questions they had.  Why did this happen?  How did God allow this to happen?  I can relate to their distress.  Every one of us, at some point, will have to take a walk to Emmaus. Some of you have been down this road already or you are walking it right now! In this world we will have trouble. And it will hit close to home. There will be times when all hope seems lost, and our world seems to be crumbling around us.  Maybe it's a walk out of an office where you have given years of your life but you are now being let go.  Maybe it's a walk out of the doctor's office after your spouse has just been given a terminal diagnosis.  Maybe it's the walk out of the attorney's office after the divorce papers have been finalized.  These are painful walks, in which we question God.  God, how could you let this happen?  God, I thought you were powerful and real.  What in the world is going on here?  In some way, all of us have experienced a walk like that.  Now, Jesus interrupts their argument, but they don't know it's Jesus at this point.  They are kept from knowing him.  He is a stranger to them.  I love this.  Because Jesus shows up to them JUST as he shows up to us.  We don't always recognize his presence either.  I don't know about you, but I've had times in my life that were so difficult, so painful, so anxiety-provoking, that I am so consumed with those feelings and then I look back and realize later, that Jesus was there with me.  His presence was real.  It was protecting me, guarding me, guiding me.  Jesus has a way of showing up when we need him most.  We just don't always recognize it.  Here's the thing.  Jesus could have said, “Hey guys, its me.  I'm here.  I've fixed everything.  Look, I'm alive!”  But he doesn't do that.  Instead, he says, “Don't YOU understand?”  And he begins to explain, starting at the very beginning of Scripture and walks them through the prophecies, walks them through how God said he would send a Savior who would have to suffer and die.  Hope and faith must have begun to stir their hearts as he spoke. They must have never heard, really heard, the gospel like this before—a gospel that included the suffering of the Messiah before entering his glory—told by the resurrected Lord himself!  Now, keep in mind, their circumstances have not changed but their perspective is beginning to change.  Faith is budding. They invite Jesus (still a stranger to them) to come stay with them.  It's late and they insist that he come and dine with them.  It was at the table, when they were breaking bread together that they recognize him.  Just as he did on Thursday night in the Upper Room --- it's when he takes the bread, gives thanks, breaks it, and offers it to them.  Their eyes are opened and they know – this is our Jesus.  Are our eyes open to Jesus when we break bread together?  Blessings, Pastor Vicki    

Daily Dose of Hope September 24, 2025   Scripture – Luke 23   Prayer:  Lord Jesus, We come before you this morning, thanking you for a new day.  Lord, you are good and we rejoice in your holy and powerful name.  As we begin our day, Lord, help us focus on you.  Help us set aside our scattered thoughts and focus on your Word and what you want us to learn today.  We get so distracted and self-consumed.  Forgive us for that, Lord.  In these next few moments of silence, help us have laser focus on your voice... In Your Powerful Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional/podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently working our way through a deep dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Today, we are deep diving into Luke 23.    Today, we start with Jesus before Pilate and Herod.  Both Roman men believe that Jesus  is innocent.  Pilate actually tries to get the people to release Jesus, but the crowd is stirred up.  They want blood.  Jesus' innocence is not the point to them.  They are looking for a way to get rid of this trouble-maker.  And these men are not willing to stand up for what's right.    There was a man named Simon from Cyrene who was passing by and they forced him to carry the cross.  Cyrene was on the tip of Africa so this man was far from home!  And here he was, just going about his business, and he is enlisted, or more like seized, to carry the cross of the Savior of the world.  I'm guessing that Jesus' physical body was incredibly weak and bloody by this point.  And Simon walked by him, carrying the cross that would serve to execute Jesus but also save all humanity from their sin. We don't know what happened to Simon after the crucifixion.  He isn't mentioned again in Scripture.  But my guess is that his life was never the same again.  An encounter with Jesus is always life-changing.   The text in which Jesus dies on the cross is called the Good Friday scripture.  It may seem odd that we would call the day that Jesus was crucified and died “good.” Apparently, the term came into common use in the 1200s because for us, it was a truly good day, as Jesus became the final sacrifice for all sin for all people for all time. As the full expression of God's love for us, Jesus voluntarily gave his life so that we could be reconciled to holy God. It is very much good.   There is a lot to be said about the crucifixion but I wanted to highlight something in particular.  Right before Jesus breathed his last breath on the cross, the curtain in the Temple was torn down the middle. This is the curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (the Holiest of Holies) where the ark of the covenant was kept and the presence of God remained. When the curtain tore, it was a sign that the New Covenant was instituted. Because of Jesus' sacrifice (the final sacrifice for sin), those who believe in him can now go directly to the throne of God's grace. When holy God looks at us, he doesn't see our sinfulness but the blood of Christ. Thus, there are no more barriers that can separate us from God.   I'd like to close today with a prayer that is an adaptation of Hebrews 10:19-25: Thank you, Lord, that we can boldly enter heaven's Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God's house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ's blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. Lord, help us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Amen.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus teaches that we cannot serve both God and "mammon." While "mammon" is often translated as "money," it more broadly refers to anything we rely on in place of God; we cannot serve both God and anything else at the same time. Importantly, this is not a call to live an austere life devoid of possessions, but rather a call to prioritize God and steward our possessions wisely. Each of us must identify what our personal "mammon" might be—whether it's money, power, comfort, or something else—and ensure we are using it to serve God, not the other way around. By doing so, we may give up some measure of worldly wealth, but we gain something far greater: spiritual wealth that surpass anything the world can offer.   Scripture: Luke 16:10-13 NIV 10 “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? 12 And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own? 13 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”   Luke 16:10-13 AMP 10 “He who is faithful in a very little thing is also faithful in much; and he who is dishonest in a very little thing is also dishonest in much. 11 Therefore if you have not been faithful in the use of earthly wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you? 12 And if you have not been faithful in the use of that [earthly wealth] which belongs to another [whether God or man, and of which you are a trustee], who will give you that which is your own? 13 No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stand devotedly by the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and mammon [that is, your earthly possessions or anything else you trust in and rely on instead of God].”

In Luke 17:11–19, Jesus heals ten men with leprosy—but only one returns in gratitude. This passage shows us that while many received healing, only one truly encountered the saving power of Jesus.In this message from our Power series, we explore: • Why humility is the starting point for real transformation • How pride blinds us to God's work in our lives • What it means to say “Jesus is enough” • How the world's view of power contrasts with the kingdom of GodAt Mosaic, we believe true power doesn't exploit—it cultivates. Join us as we unpack what it means to live a Jesus-centered life shaped by gratitude, humility, and faith.

Many people today think of Christianity as a set of beliefs you take up, something you decide upon. But the Bible says Christianity is something that comes upon you. It's not something you pick up—it's something that picks you up.  Jesus Christ is not a passive Savior. Jesus is not someone who sits back and waits for you to figure it out. He is a revealer. He makes a provision for us, he comes after us, and he shows us the truth. Let's look at this prophetic ministry of Christ: 1) what he does, 2) why he does it, and 3) how he does it. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on January 16, 1994. Series: Understanding Jesus. Scripture: Luke 24:44–53. 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.

SCRIPTURE- Luke 13:3"No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”REFLECTION- JustinMUSIC- NOTES- Lyrics to "Will the Lord Remember Me" by Red Clay StraysWhen on the cross of Calvary, the Lord was crucifiedThe mob stood 'round Him and mocked HimYeah, they mocked Him until He diedTwo thieves were knelt beside Him to share the agonyBut one of them cried out to Him, "Oh, Lord, remember me"Will the Lord remember me when I am called to go?When I have crossed death's chilly seaWill He, His love there show?Oh, yes (oh, yes), He heard my feeble cry (ooh)From bondage set me free (set me free)And when I reach those Pearly Gates, He will remember meOh, will the Lord remember me when I am called to go?When I have crossed death's chilly seaWill He, His love still show?Oh, yes (oh, yes), He heard my feeble cry (ooh)From bondage set me free (set me free)And when I reach those Pearly Gates, He will remember me (ooh)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.