Podcasts about sometimes jesus

Sometimes Jesus says things that we are okay hearing, and sometimes Jesus says things that we are not as okay hearing. In Luke's Gospel for today Jesus says to "love your enemies." Sometimes it's hard to love the people we like, let alone our enemies. However, how does Jesus treat His enemies? He dies for them. And if Jesus is going to give up His life for His enemies, whom He wants in heaven with Him, then people are not truly our enemies. And if people are not really our enemies, and we view them as such, people that Christ died for, then maybe it makes it easier to love them?

This week at our Perdido Key Campus, Senior Pastor Kyle Valaer continues preaching expositionally through the gospel of Luke in our series, “ And So It Begins.” We hope this resource is a blessing to you. For more information about the Point Church, please visit us online at www.tothepoint.church.Take Aways: When Jesus is in the boat of your life, He's never working around your life without also working in your life.“But at your word, I will”—that's the formula of faith Jesus wants to see in our lives.“Sometimes Jesus' foolishness is simply a cover for His goodness that can sink your boats!”--Dale Ralph DavisIt's only as we see the Lord rightly that we can see ourselves rightly.Your lowliness is not an obstacle to God's acceptance of you.Your brokenness and weakness hasn't surprised Jesus...nor has it made Him look elsewhere for other options. 7. At the end of your days, what will your catch consist of?

Let's be honest: Sometimes Jesus says things are just downright confusing, a this course will delve into some of the challenging and often misunderstood sayings of Jesus. Participants will gain tools for interpreting tough biblical texts, addressing questions and concerns that arise from passages that seem confusing or troubling. With a focus on clarity and sound biblical interpretation, we'll explore how these hard sayings reveal profound truths about the character of God and the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven. Taught by Alex Tuckness and Alanna Sellinger.Other Details:Interpretive Journey and study resources handout

Send us a textArnie is joined by Glenn Landrum to continue the discussion of the literal and figurative aspects of the Bible. This episode begins by noting some helpful hints on how to distinguish between literal and figurative expressions in the Bible. We shouldn't make up our minds prematurely on a particular subject without considering the context of it. The time that the Pharisees misrepresented Moses as commanding divorce is discussed at length. Sometimes Jesus or one of the writers tells us which figure of speech is being used, whether it is a parable or an allegory. That is discussed. We ought to note how the inspired writers or speakers treat an event recorded in the Bible. Jesus speaking about Moses at the burning bush and the Hebrew writer noting Noah and the flood is looked at. We discuss Jotham's fable to show some of the figurative language found in the Bible and how to understand it. A good guide to follow is what someone has been quoted as saying, which is, "The sense that makes the most sense is the correct sense." There is a little bit more that needs to be said about this subject, so we will complete it in the next episode. Take about 30-minutes to listen in on our discussion. Have your Bible handy so you can verify what we are saying. There is a transcript of this Buzzsprout episode for your convenience.

Sign-up for my free 20-day devotional, The Word Before Work Foundations, at http://TWBWFoundations.com--Series: 7 Biblical Principles for Resolving Conflict at WorkDevotional: 6 of 7Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:5-6)Today's passage points us to the 6th biblical principle for resolving conflict at work…Principle #6: Address the Conflict with Grace that flows out of the grace you've been shown by Christ.As we saw a few weeks ago, sometimes we're called to overlook an offense. But when we sense God prompting us to address it, we must do so graciously. This includes grace in our motives, methods, and medium of communication.First, motives. Our motive in addressing conflict is primarily to bless rather than blame, help rather than hurt, and serve rather than shame.Second, methods. Sometimes Jesus addressed sin via methods that were sharp, direct, and public, like the time he overturned tables in the temple. Other times, he opted for methods that were gentle, indirect, and private, like the conversation he had with the Samaritan woman at the well. Similarly, Scripture calls us to adjust our methods based on what will bless and restore the person we're in conflict with (see Titus 1:13 and 1 Timothy 5:1).Finally, medium. When Paul “had no peace of mind” because of an unresolved conflict, he didn't send a letter, but went to resolve the issue in-person (2 Corinthians 2:12-13). Similarly, John said he “would rather not use paper and ink” to share certain things (see 2 John 1:12).Our motives, methods, and medium of communication all play a part in addressing conflict graciously. Now, let's put those insights into practice. Throughout this series, I've been encouraging you to journal through how you will address conflict with a specific person at work. Pull open that note right now and work through these 5 steps.#1: Review the plank in your eye you journaled a couple of weeks ago. And remember the grace and mercy Christ has shown you so that you can extend grace and mercy to the person you're in conflict with.#2: Write down the method of communication this situation calls for. Sharp or gentle? Direct or indirect? Private or public? Read Matthew 18:15-17 and pray for wisdom.#3: Write down the medium you will use to address the conflict. Spoiler alert: I doubt God's calling you to address it via email. In person is ideal. But if you work remotely, Zoom is a great alternative.#4: Write down what you want to say (and don't want to say) as clearly as you can. Sometimes writing down what I don't plan to say is what best allows me to communicate with grace.  #5: Write down when you will address the other person. The sooner the better for God's glory, their good, and your peace!

Sometimes Jesus takes on the persona of a situationally unaware 7 year old! “The Kingdom of God is among you.”

Sometimes Jesus' teaching can be confusing. Listen to this homily to hear an explanation of our Gospel passage, and be ready for our Lord!

[John 9:1-3] As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. [2] “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents' sins?” [3] “It was not because of his sins or his parents' sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. Some people are always looking for someone to ___________. Light is more _______________ in the dark. God can use our _______________ for His glory. [John 9:6-7] Then he spit on the ground, made mud with the saliva, and spread the mud over the blind man's eyes. [7] He told him, “Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam” (Siloam means “sent”). So the man went and washed and came back seeing! Sometimes Jesus uses unconventional _______________ to accomplish His _______________ in our lives. [John 9:24-34] So for the second time they called in the man who had been blind and told him, “God should get the glory for this, because we know this man Jesus is a sinner.” [25] “I don't know whether he is a sinner,” the man replied. “But I know this: I was blind, and now I can see!” [26] “But what did he do?” they asked. “How did he heal you?” [27] “Look!” the man exclaimed. “I told you once. Didn't you listen? Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?” [28] Then they cursed him and said, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses! [29] We know God spoke to Moses, but we don't even know where this man comes from.” [30] “Why, that's very strange!” the man replied. “He healed my eyes, and yet you don't know where he comes from? [31] We know that God doesn't listen to sinners, but he is ready to hear those who worship him and do his will. [32] Ever since the world began, no one has been able to open the eyes of someone born blind. [33] If this man were not from God, he couldn't have done it.” [34] “You were born a total sinner!” they answered. “Are you trying to teach us?” And they threw him out of the synagogue. In one moment he went from _______________ beggar to _______________. God can use our _____________ to show his _____________. We can't control the cards we were _______________, but we can control how we _______________ them. [2 Corinthians 12:9-10] Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. [10] That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Our greatest _______________ can often be found in our greatest ___________________.

A chilling realization-Sometimes Jesus does walk away and say no --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/william-wannall/support

Pastor Josh preaching from the Book of Mark and Matthew about a woman beseeching the Lord to cast the Devil out of her daughter, but Jesus is abrupt with her. Sometimes Jesus hurts our feelings in order to to bring us to a place of faith. She can't be turned away though and says Oh Lord, help me.

Pastor Josh preaching from the Book of Mark and Matthew about a woman beseeching the Lord to cast the Devil out of her daughter, but Jesus is abrupt with her. Sometimes Jesus hurts our feelings in order to to bring us to a place of faith. She can't be turned away though and says Oh Lord, help me.

Pastor Josh preaching from the Book of Mark and Matthew about a woman beseeching the Lord to cast the Devil out of her daughter, but Jesus is abrupt with her. Sometimes Jesus hurts our feelings in order to to bring us to a place of faith. She can't be turned away though and says Oh Lord, help me.

We can play our part in seeing God do amazing things in our lives and the lives of others, by activating our faith. By definition, a miracle is a divine operation that happens outside of the laws of nature; it cannot be explained upon any natural basis. Amazingly, Jesus taught His disciples that God would do whatever we ask if we have faith, so faith is key to seeing miracles (Matthew 21:22). Even a little faith is powerful (Matthew 17:20).  In our convenience culture, there is a danger that we try to reduce the miraculous to a convenient formula. Faith is not an impersonal force, not a principle or a method. As we see from examples in the Bible, faith rests on the person of Jesus Christ. Our faith needs to be activated. Different times in the gospel we read Jesus saying ‘your faith has healed you' (Matthew 9:22 ESV; Mark 5:34 ESV; Luke 17:19; Luke 18:42).    The word used in the original language of the New Testament to describe healing is ‘Sozo'. It means “to preserve, rescue, save from death, or keep alive.” Sometimes, ‘Sozo' refers to spiritual salvation, resulting from a person's faith. For example, when a repentant prostitute washed Jesus' feet with her tears, He told her: “Your faith has saved you” (Luke 7:50). When Jesus said to certain people, “Your faith has made you well,” He was saying that their faith (their confidence in Him) caused God to bring their restoration. The power of Christ brought about the cure, but His power was applied in connection with their faith.   So, the value of one's faith does not come from the one who expresses it but from the one on whom it depends (Mark 10:52, Mark 11:22). In the case of a paralysed man at the pool of Bethesda where multitudes gathered to be healed (John 5:1-11). Jesus asked the man if he wanted to be made well. But he really didn't really understand the question. He thought the only way to be healed was to get into the pool at the right moment, but he couldn't do that. Jesus healed him anyway! This confused and needy man was healed by God's grace. He had no faith in Jesus at the time; he didn't even know it was Jesus who had healed him until later (John 5:12–13). That is how Jesus dealt with the sick in many cases. He separated their physical problems from their spiritual needs. Everyone whom Jesus willed to be healed was healed. Sometimes Jesus emphasised the faith they had, other times, in His great mercy, He healed those who had no faith and later drew them to Himself. So, what did Jesus mean when He told people, “Your faith has made you well”?   1. Faith in the authority of Jesus (Matthew 8:5-13) 2. Have faith to call on the name of Jesus (Mark 10:46-52; Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 53:4-5; Mark 10:48; Exodus 15:26) 3. Faith to reach out to Jesus (Mark 5:24-34)  Apply    1. Faith in the authority of Jesus (Matthew 8:5-13). The story of the centurion whose servant was healed by Jesus appears both in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. This centurion recognised that Jesus had authority and power in an area that he himself did not, that is physical healing. His own power and authority, great as it was, could not make his servant well again. His great faith on its own could not change the situation either. He needed the person and authority of Jesus. He activated his faith by finding Jesus and submitting to His authority. He had no doubt that sickness itself is under the authority of Jesus to command. Amazingly, Jesus would have willingly gone to the centurion's house out of compassion but responded according to his great faith instead. If you think of faith as a currency, it can only make a difference when you take it out of your purse or wallet! Similarly, when you activate your faith in God and allow yourself to believe in Him, the possibilities are endless. This means you act and talk like you have faith, you make decisions based on it, and you're not ashamed of it just like this centurion. The lesson here is that God alone is the miracle worker. So, come to Him, submitting to His authority in every area, just like this centurion. If you ask Him to work out His plans in your life as He sees fit, without pre-conditions, you will see miracles. Ask yourself: is it possible that you are limiting the size of your miracle because you have not put your faith in the authority of Jesus in your life? Make that decision, give Him first place to work as He sees fit without fear.   2. Have faith to call on the name of Jesus. In the story of Jesus's encounter with blind Bartimaeus, Jesus was leaving the city of Jerico with a large crowd following Him (Mark 10:46-52). Bartimaeus activated his faith by calling on the name of Jesus. He most likely knew who Jesus was through the scriptures that were read publicly, and by the many miraculous things Jesus was doing all around him. He called Jesus ‘Son of David', which showed that he believed Jesus to be the long-awaited Messiah, the King sent as the Saviour of the world, starting with Israel (Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 53:4-5). Knowing who Jesus was and hearing about the miracles He was doing, Bartimaeus could hardly contain himself! Even in the face of discouragement Bartimaeus would not be silenced (Mark 10:48). This kind of faith caused Jesus to stop. He Jesus responded to the faith Bartimaeus had in His name, His reputation and person. Being blind, he had never seen Jesus, but that did not stop him believing Jesus. The same is true today. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. One of the names of God is ‘Jehovah Rapha' which means ‘The Lord who heals'. There's healing in His name (Exodus 15:26). Cry out to Jesus for mercy in your need and like Bartimaeus you will be saved, healed and delivered.   3. Faith to reach out to Jesus (Mark 5:24-34). In this final example, a woman's faith moved her to reach out and touch the garment of Jesus so she could be healed. This example illustrates powerfully that genuine faith relies on the person of Jesus. There were many who touched Jesus in that crowd, but only one had reached out to touch Him because of her faith in Him. Having to explain her bleeding in a crowded place would have been a great embarrassment to her, but she had faith in the divinity of Jesus, and in the compassion of Jesus. For her, Jesus was not just a good man, He is ‘Emmanuel', God with us in our pain, in our suffering. Her faith led her to believe that just taking hold of His garment would be sufficient for her healing. It is not the healing ministers that heal, it is not the longest, loudest prayer, it is Jesus and only Jesus who heals. If you reach out to Him now, He will answer you as He has promised. It is time like never before to activate our faith in the authority of Jesus, in the name Jesus, and to reach out to touch Jesus in our lives. Refuse to be held back by limitations and the discouragement of others. Go after God! If you draw near to God, He promises that He will draw near to you. 

We can play our part in seeing God do amazing things in our lives and the lives of others, by activating our faith. By definition, a miracle is a divine operation that happens outside of the laws of nature; it cannot be explained upon any natural basis. Amazingly, Jesus taught His disciples that God would do whatever we ask if we have faith, so faith is key to seeing miracles (Matthew 21:22). Even a little faith is powerful (Matthew 17:20).  In our convenience culture, there is a danger that we try to reduce the miraculous to a convenient formula. Faith is not an impersonal force, not a principle or a method. As we see from examples in the Bible, faith rests on the person of Jesus Christ. Our faith needs to be activated. Different times in the gospel we read Jesus saying ‘your faith has healed you' (Matthew 9:22 ESV; Mark 5:34 ESV; Luke 17:19; Luke 18:42).    The word used in the original language of the New Testament to describe healing is ‘Sozo'. It means “to preserve, rescue, save from death, or keep alive.” Sometimes, ‘Sozo' refers to spiritual salvation, resulting from a person's faith. For example, when a repentant prostitute washed Jesus' feet with her tears, He told her: “Your faith has saved you” (Luke 7:50). When Jesus said to certain people, “Your faith has made you well,” He was saying that their faith (their confidence in Him) caused God to bring their restoration. The power of Christ brought about the cure, but His power was applied in connection with their faith.   So, the value of one's faith does not come from the one who expresses it but from the one on whom it depends (Mark 10:52, Mark 11:22). In the case of a paralysed man at the pool of Bethesda where multitudes gathered to be healed (John 5:1-11). Jesus asked the man if he wanted to be made well. But he really didn't really understand the question. He thought the only way to be healed was to get into the pool at the right moment, but he couldn't do that. Jesus healed him anyway! This confused and needy man was healed by God's grace. He had no faith in Jesus at the time; he didn't even know it was Jesus who had healed him until later (John 5:12–13). That is how Jesus dealt with the sick in many cases. He separated their physical problems from their spiritual needs. Everyone whom Jesus willed to be healed was healed. Sometimes Jesus emphasised the faith they had, other times, in His great mercy, He healed those who had no faith and later drew them to Himself. So, what did Jesus mean when He told people, “Your faith has made you well”?   1. Faith in the authority of Jesus (Matthew 8:5-13) 2. Have faith to call on the name of Jesus (Mark 10:46-52; Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 53:4-5; Mark 10:48; Exodus 15:26) 3. Faith to reach out to Jesus (Mark 5:24-34)  Apply    1. Faith in the authority of Jesus (Matthew 8:5-13). The story of the centurion whose servant was healed by Jesus appears both in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. This centurion recognised that Jesus had authority and power in an area that he himself did not, that is physical healing. His own power and authority, great as it was, could not make his servant well again. His great faith on its own could not change the situation either. He needed the person and authority of Jesus. He activated his faith by finding Jesus and submitting to His authority. He had no doubt that sickness itself is under the authority of Jesus to command. Amazingly, Jesus would have willingly gone to the centurion's house out of compassion but responded according to his great faith instead. If you think of faith as a currency, it can only make a difference when you take it out of your purse or wallet! Similarly, when you activate your faith in God and allow yourself to believe in Him, the possibilities are endless. This means you act and talk like you have faith, you make decisions based on it, and you're not ashamed of it just like this centurion. The lesson here is that God alone is the miracle worker. So, come to Him, submitting to His authority in every area, just like this centurion. If you ask Him to work out His plans in your life as He sees fit, without pre-conditions, you will see miracles. Ask yourself: is it possible that you are limiting the size of your miracle because you have not put your faith in the authority of Jesus in your life? Make that decision, give Him first place to work as He sees fit without fear.   2. Have faith to call on the name of Jesus. In the story of Jesus's encounter with blind Bartimaeus, Jesus was leaving the city of Jerico with a large crowd following Him (Mark 10:46-52). Bartimaeus activated his faith by calling on the name of Jesus. He most likely knew who Jesus was through the scriptures that were read publicly, and by the many miraculous things Jesus was doing all around him. He called Jesus ‘Son of David', which showed that he believed Jesus to be the long-awaited Messiah, the King sent as the Saviour of the world, starting with Israel (Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 53:4-5). Knowing who Jesus was and hearing about the miracles He was doing, Bartimaeus could hardly contain himself! Even in the face of discouragement Bartimaeus would not be silenced (Mark 10:48). This kind of faith caused Jesus to stop. He Jesus responded to the faith Bartimaeus had in His name, His reputation and person. Being blind, he had never seen Jesus, but that did not stop him believing Jesus. The same is true today. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. One of the names of God is ‘Jehovah Rapha' which means ‘The Lord who heals'. There's healing in His name (Exodus 15:26). Cry out to Jesus for mercy in your need and like Bartimaeus you will be saved, healed and delivered.   3. Faith to reach out to Jesus (Mark 5:24-34). In this final example, a woman's faith moved her to reach out and touch the garment of Jesus so she could be healed. This example illustrates powerfully that genuine faith relies on the person of Jesus. There were many who touched Jesus in that crowd, but only one had reached out to touch Him because of her faith in Him. Having to explain her bleeding in a crowded place would have been a great embarrassment to her, but she had faith in the divinity of Jesus, and in the compassion of Jesus. For her, Jesus was not just a good man, He is ‘Emmanuel', God with us in our pain, in our suffering. Her faith led her to believe that just taking hold of His garment would be sufficient for her healing. It is not the healing ministers that heal, it is not the longest, loudest prayer, it is Jesus and only Jesus who heals. If you reach out to Him now, He will answer you as He has promised. It is time like never before to activate our faith in the authority of Jesus, in the name Jesus, and to reach out to touch Jesus in our lives. Refuse to be held back by limitations and the discouragement of others. Go after God! If you draw near to God, He promises that He will draw near to you. 

Disciples live differently than conventional cultural means. Sometimes Jesus' expectations seem impossible. How are we faithfully formed?

Sometimes Jesus feels absent when we need him and acts in ways that don’t make sense. It takes us years to come to trust in the promises of God, and still God puts our hope to the test. But even when we cannot see Jesus, yet Jesus can see us, and Canon Jonathan reminds us of the Lord’s compassion. In his time and his way, he will reveal himself and restore us to peace.

Sometimes Jesus feels absent when we need him and acts in ways that don't make sense. It takes us years to come to trust in the promises of God, and still God puts our hope to the test. But even when we cannot see Jesus, yet Jesus can see us, and Canon Jonathan reminds us of the Lord's compassion. In his time and his way, he will reveal himself and restore us to peace.

Homily of Fr. Mike O'Connor from Mass on July 7th, 2024 at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church in Bay St. Louis, MS Referenced Readings: Ez 2:2-5 2 Cor 12:7-10 Mk 6:1-6 If you would like to donate to OLG and her livestream ministry, please go to  https://olgchurch.net/give

Matthew 8:23-27, in these verses, we see Jesus and the disciples in a boat when a great storm arises and threatens to sink the ship. The disciples, out of fear, woke Jesus. He rebuked the storm and everything was calm. You may be going through a storm right now, and it may seem that your boat is about to sink. But, Jesus is right there, give your fears to Him.

Sometimes Jesus does weird things. Sometimes it seems Jesus does nothing! We may have something we need him to do, yet he seems to just... Wait. Why does he do that? And does that mean he doesn't love us?

"Sometimes Jesus just needs us to go, pray and trust. Jesus will do the rest." - @dpma Derek Ma challenged us by sharing his testimony of what God has done in his life over the years through the story of Ananias in Acts 9 He expounds from the view of Ananias, who might not have understood God's assignment initially, but acted in faith and trusted in God command and was used as an instrument in Saul's conversion. May we all enter our week learning to trust in God and availing ourselves as instruments of God!

Dave Brisbin 3.10.24 The reality we believe is the reality we endure. We don't see reality as it is. We see reality as we are. Our minds are a necessary tool for survival, but keyed to survival, they are fear-based, making our thoughts overwhelmingly negative as they literally create the world in which we live. As long as we're thinking, we're enduring a world we believe we must control to survive. We'll need our minds as long as we're drawing breath, but our mistake is to take them literally. To believe our thoughts are true is to live in the anxiety of our own personal hell. Jesus is acutely aware of the grip our minds have over us, that our minds can't tell the difference between the thoughts it generates and sensory input coming from the outside. Always trying to engineer breaks in our stream of thought to allow something really real to break in, he never answers a question except with another question, a story or parable. He knows an “answer,” received as part of the mind's drive to control the fear of uncertainty, is the problem. The solution is to take our thoughts by surprise so we can step away, become free of their self-created, fear-based world. Sometimes Jesus doesn't use words at all. When he washes his followers' feet, he is breaking into their fear-world in the most intense way possible. As his followers jockey for positions of power in Jesus' kingdom as they think it will be, Jesus shows them, through the most humiliating and disgusting act of service in ancient Jewish culture, the meaning of true power. The highest position is the lowest, because only in service, in laying down our lives for another, is the reality of love ever expressed. Jesus is a footwasher. He says that he and the Father are one, which makes our Father a footwasher too. We have placed God high over our thought-worlds in positions of power and control. But if we really want to find our God, we have to look down, not up—not in the clouds, but in the standing height of a child, the kneeling height of a servant. Can you honestly accept and respect a God who washes your feet? And if not, what will it take to break into your thought-world?

Dave Brisbin 3.10.24 The reality we believe is the reality we endure. We don't see reality as it is. We see reality as we are. Our minds are a necessary tool for survival, but keyed to survival, they are fear-based, making our thoughts overwhelmingly negative as they literally create the world in which we live. As long as we're thinking, we're enduring a world we believe we must control to survive. We'll need our minds as long as we're drawing breath, but our mistake is to take them literally. To believe our thoughts are true is to live in the anxiety of our own personal hell. Jesus is acutely aware of the grip our minds have over us, that our minds can't tell the difference between the thoughts it generates and sensory input coming from the outside. Always trying to engineer breaks in our stream of thought to allow something really real to break in, he never answers a question except with another question, a story or parable. He knows an “answer,” received as part of the mind's drive to control the fear of uncertainty, is the problem. The solution is to take our thoughts by surprise so we can step away, become free of their self-created, fear-based world. Sometimes Jesus doesn't use words at all. When he washes his followers' feet, he is breaking into their fear-world in the most intense way possible. As his followers jockey for positions of power in Jesus' kingdom as they think it will be, Jesus shows them, through the most humiliating and disgusting act of service in ancient Jewish culture, the meaning of true power. The highest position is the lowest, because only in service, in laying down our lives for another, is the reality of love ever expressed. Jesus is a footwasher. He says that he and the Father are one, which makes our Father a footwasher too. We have placed God high over our thought-worlds in positions of power and control. But if we really want to find our God, we have to look down, not up—not in the clouds, but in the standing height of a child, the kneeling height of a servant. Can you honestly accept and respect a God who washes your feet? And if not, what will it take to break into your thought-world?

Sometimes Jesus calls us into something that doesn't make any sense. In those moments we have an opportunity to trust and obey Him. When we do it's easy to become distracted by the level of adversity that comes our way after we've stepped out in faith. Thankfully, we have a Savior who doesn't condemn us when we lose sight of Him in the midst of the storm.

"One day, every storm will be permanently silenced. One day, chaos will be calmed for good. But for today: We don't have to hold it together. There is One who is holding us, and He's familiar with waves. Sometimes Jesus says, “Peace, be still” to the waters that rise, and sometimes, instead, He says those words to our overwhelmed hearts. But He never shows up with a tidy “just choose joy!” bow, never dismisses our sadness or grows weary of how long we've struggled to stay afloat. No, Hope just gets in the boat."Leave a comment for Kaitlyn: https://incourage.me/?p=236604--You're just a few questions away from your 2024 Word of the Year. Look to the Lord and choose one specific word that will help you intentionally live your faith in 2024. To take the free quiz, visit incourage.me/podcast and click word of the year. The (in)courage podcast is brought to you by DaySpring. For over 50 years, DaySpring has created quality cards, books, and gifts that help you live your faith. Find out more at DaySpring.com.Connect with (in)courage: Facebook & Instagram for daily encouragement, videos, and more! Website for the (in)courage library, to meet our contributors, and to access the archives. Email us at incourage@dayspring.com. Leave a podcast review on Apple!

The Romans, the Herodians, and Jewish elders ruled in various capacities as Jesus introduced His kingdom. Sometimes Jesus submitted, but other times He resisted. This look at Jesus' ministry might help us negotiate the political climate we find ourselves. Part 2 in the series.

The Romans, the Herodians, and Jewish elders ruled in various capacities as Jesus introduced His kingdom. Sometimes Jesus submitted, but other times He resisted. This look at Jesus' ministry might help us negotiate the political climate we find ourselves. Part 2 in the series.

The Romans, the Herodians, and Jewish elders ruled in various capacities as Jesus introduced His kingdom. Sometimes Jesus submitted, but other times He resisted. This look at Jesus' ministry might help us negotiate the political climate we find ourselves. Part 2 in the series.

Throughout our series, Party Crasher, we're going to explore the 10 parties in the Gospel Luke. Sometimes Jesus is hosting, other times he's attending and yet in each of them, Jesus is crashing expectations, cultural norms, and religion to show us what the gospel looks like.

Throughout our series, Party Crasher, we're going to explore the 10 parties in the Gospel Luke. Sometimes Jesus is hosting, other times he's attending and yet in each of them, Jesus is crashing expectations, cultural norms, and religion to show us what the gospel looks like.

Party Crasher pt 8 Throughout our series, Party Crasher, we're going to explore the 10 parties in the Gospel Luke. Sometimes Jesus is hosting, other times he's attending and yet in each of them, Jesus is crashing expectations, cultural norms, and religion to show us what the gospel looks like.

Sometimes Jesus, his parables can be confusing. Listen to my homily as I explain this parable about the wise and the foolish virgins and their oil lamps as they prepare for the wedding feast.

Party Crasher pt 7Throughout our series, Party Crasher, we're going to explore the 10 parties in the Gospel Luke. Sometimes Jesus is hosting, other times he's attending and yet in each of them, Jesus is crashing expectations, cultural norms, and religion to show us what the gospel looks like.

Luke 14:1-4Party Crasher part 6 - Throughout our series, Party Crasher, we're going to explore the 10 parties in the Gospel Luke. Sometimes Jesus is hosting, other times he's attending and yet in each of them, Jesus is crashing expectations, cultural norms, and religion to show us what the gospel looks like.

Luke 11:37-53Throughout our series, Party Crasher, we're going to explore the 10 parties in the Gospel Luke. Sometimes Jesus is hosting, other times he's attending and yet in each of them, Jesus is crashing expectations, cultural norms, and religion to show us what the gospel looks like.

Luke 10:38-42 - Dinner with Mary and MarthaThroughout our series, Party Crasher, we're going to explore the 10 parties in the Gospel Luke. Sometimes Jesus is hosting, other times he's attending and yet in each of them, Jesus is crashing expectations, cultural norms, and religion to show us what the gospel looks like.

Throughout our series, Party Crasher, we're going to explore the 10 parties in the Gospel Luke. Sometimes Jesus is hosting, other times he's attending and yet in each of them, Jesus is crashing expectations, cultural norms, and religion to show us what the gospel looks like.

Talk 5   Mark 1:29-45 Miracles of healing in Capernaum and beyond   Welcome to Talk 5 in our series on Mark's Gospel. Today we'll be looking at Mark 1:29-45. We'll begin by reading verses 29-31.   29. As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30.  Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her. 31. So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.   As we saw last time, Jesus has just cast a demon out of a man in the synagogue. He and his disciples now leave the synagogue and go to the home of Simon and Andrew. This passage gives us an interesting insight into family life at the time. Although Simon was married, his brother Andrew was living with them, and so was his wife's mother. For the extended family all to live under the same roof was normal at the time and is not uncommon in some parts of the world today. This may well account for the fact that, later in his ministry, Simon Peter, also known as Cephas, was able to take his wife with him on his apostolic travels, as did some of the other apostles (1 Corinthians 9:5).   However, more important than the social conditions prevailing at that time, is the miracle of healing so briefly described in the verses. Simon's mother-in-law is in bed with a fever. They tell Jesus. He responds immediately, goes to her, takes her hand, and helps her up. She is healed straightaway and is able to wait on them. So Jesus' response to the need is immediate and so is the healing.   Interestingly, in Matthew's account of this miracle, Jesus simply touches her hand (Matthew 8:15), and in Luke we're told that he bent over her and rebuked the fever and it left her (Luke 4:39). Of course, the differences in these accounts are not contradictions. They complement each other and give us the full picture. They all show his willingness and power to heal. Sometimes Jesus healed with a touch, at others with a word of command. In this case he does both. I have often preached about his miracle, usually from the passage in Matthew, and have commented that in many ways his word is synonymous with his touch. He touches us with his word.   On one such occasion, in March 2009, on a visit to Portugal where I was teaching for a week in Mount Hope Bible College near Lisbon, I was asked to do a weekend of teaching in a place called Tomar. On the Sunday morning I was preaching about the power of Jesus and how He healed people just by touching them. I explained that today He often ‘touches' us through the message that is preached and that He could touch and heal people now, even while I was preaching. While I was saying this, I noticed a woman in the second row who was quietly crying.     As soon as the service ended, this woman came to me and spoke to me. She did so through an interpreter as I don't speak Portuguese.  She insisted on showing me the lower part of her leg which for some time had been very swollen, had caused her great pain, and which had been greatly discoloured. Her friend, who interpreted for her confirmed that this was true. However, during my preaching the swelling had gone down completely, the discolouration had disappeared, and she was no longer in pain. Her tears were tears of joy! She pulled up her trouser leg and revealed a perfectly normal ankle. There was no evidence that she'd ever had a problem.   32. That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. 33. The whole town gathered at the door, 34. and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.   We saw last time that in verse 28, after Jesus had driven out the demon in the synagogue, the news spread quickly throughout Galilee. This is demonstrated by the immediate effect on the people of the town. In fact, the whole town gathered at the door. It's understandable that people who are suffering will flock to someone who is able to meet their need, but sadly this does not always lead to genuine conversion, as the story of the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19 makes clear. And, as we saw last time, the miracles Jesus performed in Capernaum did not bring the people to genuine repentance.   In the New Testament, miracles almost invariably attracted the attention of the crowds, and the same is generally true today, though their effect seems to vary in different cultures. For example, in Africa multitudes used to gather at the evangelistic and divine healing crusades conducted by Reinhard Bonnke, but I know from personal experience and acquaintance with him that the effects of his ministry were considerably less in Europe. Rather as in the ministry of Jesus, the Lord could do no mighty work because of the scepticism and even cynicism in the region, although he did lay his hands upon a few sick people and heal them (Mark 6:5).   Despite this, Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons. We're told in verse 41 and elsewhere that he did this because of his compassion (Matthew 14:14, 20:34, Mark 1:41, 5:19, 9:22, Luke 7:13). In healing the sick he demonstrated the love of God, even for those who were ungrateful, just as later he died for the sins of the whole world even though he knew that many would reject him.   In verse 34 Mark tells us that Jesus drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was. We have already seen one example of this with the demon-possessed man in the synagogue (vv24-25). Jesus tells the demon to be quiet because it knew who Jesus was – the holy one of God.  James 2:19 shows us that even the demons believe – and shudder. They believe, but they do so grudgingly. Jesus silences all such testimony. He looks for a voluntary and glad acceptance of who he is, as the truth is revealed by the Spirit of God to those who repent and come to faith in him as their Saviour.   Finally, in Matthew's account of these miracles (8:17), he says that Jesus performed his healings   …to fulfil what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: "He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases."   This is one of the ‘proof-texts' used by those who believe that Jesus died for our sicknesses in just the same way that he died for our sins. However, as I have argued in detail in my PhD thesis, and in a more simplified way in my book, Just a Taste of Heaven, whenever Matthew quotes the Old Testament he does so in connection with the events in Jesus' life and ministry that he is there and then recording, not to something that will take place later. And in Matthew 8:16-17 he uses the quote from Isaiah in connection with Jesus' healing ministry in Galilee, not in the context of his atoning work on the cross, which took place three years later. So, as we've already seen, Jesus' miracles are best understood as signs of the kingdom of God. They confirm the truth of the gospel message as they demonstrate God's power and his loving compassion for those who are sick.   35. Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 36. Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37. and when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!" 38. Jesus replied, "Let us go somewhere else – to the nearby villages – so I can preach there also. That is why I have come." 39. So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.   Verse 35 undoubtedly reveals the key to Jesus' power. Although he was the Son of God (v1), and although he had been baptised in the Spirit (v10), he still needed to spend time alone in communion with God. He got up very early, he found somewhere to be alone, and he prayed. It was surely on these occasions that he received revelation from God about everything he was to do. In John 5:19, after he has healed the man at the pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath day, he says:    I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.   This surely makes it clear that even Jesus could not tell God what to do. And we, as his disciples are to follow his example. We are God's servants. He dictates the agenda. If we are to be used in healing, as Jesus was, we must first hear what God is saying. The level of our authority is directly related to the extent to which we are hearing what God has to say.   But these verses also give us an insight into two other aspects of public ministry:   (1)  the external pressure of both the disciples and the general public demanding attention (36-37), and (2)  the inward pressure of one's personal conviction of God's call and purpose for our lives (38-39. Cf. also v45).   God's call to serve him is what should motivate all we do, but if we are to be effective in his service we must find the right balance between spending time with him and responding to the inevitable demands made by our fellow Christians and the desperate need of those who do not yet know Jesus. This is probably the most important reason why we need to follow closely the example of Jesus in seeking to win others for him.   And finally in verses 40-45 we have the account of the healing of the leper.   40. A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, "If you are willing, you can make me clean." 41. Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" 42. Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured.   There are several points of interest here. First is the fact that the leper came to Jesus. This was unusual in that lepers were required to keep their distance due to the highly contagious nature of the disease. Perhaps his boldness in doing so can be accounted for by the fact that he had presumably heard of the miracles Jesus had already performed and that, like the four lepers in 2 Kings 7, he felt he had nothing to lose.   Secondly, what he says makes it clear that he did not doubt Jesus' ability to heal him, but that he was unsure of Jesus' willingness to do so. I've often heard it said that to be healed we must not only have faith that God can heal us, but also that he will. But that is clearly not the case. Jesus healed the leper despite his lack of faith in his willingness to do so. But Jesus' words of reassurance – I am willing – are surely an encouragement to us all. This is the only case in the Bible where someone prays in effect, Lord, heal me if it is your will. And Jesus replied, I am willing. In the light of this, and the fact that Jesus never refused healing to anyone who came to him, we should surely continue to expect healing, at least until he shows us that there is a reason for his not doing so (as in the case of Paul's thorn in the flesh in 2 Corinthians 11 where the apostle was told that God's grace would be sufficient for him).   Thirdly, Jesus' motive for healing the leper was compassion. Ignoring social convention and the danger both of catching the disease and of being made ceremonially unclean, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man – because he loved him. And we're reminded, as we saw in an earlier talk, of Jesus' willingness to be baptised even though it made him look as though he was a sinner who needed to repent. These things all foreshadow – they are a prophetic picture – of all that Jesus was to do on the cross. Although he never sinned, he was willing for God to treat him as a sinner so that he could make us acceptable to God (2 Corinthians 5:21 CEV). And he did so because he loves us.   Fourthly, please notice that the healing was immediate. Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured (v42). In the Gospels Jesus' healings were almost always immediate. There is little evidence for miracles of gradual healing. Admittedly, in Mark 8:22-26 the healing of the blind man was not instantaneous, and the ten lepers who came to Jesus for healing were all healed, but it was only as they set off to see the priest as Jesus commanded them that on their way they were healed (Luke 17:14). However, it's clear from the context that these healings occurred almost immediately or at least very soon after Jesus had ministered to those who were suffering. This does not mean of course that God may not sometimes have a purpose in gradual healing today, but healings really need to be immediate if they are to fulfil their purpose as manifestations of the kingdom of God and as signs confirming the truth of the good news of the gospel.   43. Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: 44. "See that you don't tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them." 45. Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.   Why did Jesus tell him not to tell anyone about his healing? Because he didn't want people to come to him simply for the physical benefits they could get. He had compassion on the sick and never refused healing to anyone who asked for it, but he didn't go looking for the sick and the demon possessed. He didn't advertise his healings – nor did the apostles in the book of Acts – his miracles advertised him! His priority, as we have seen was to take time to hear what his heavenly Father was saying.   So he tells the man he has healed to obey the Law of Moses in Leviticus 14 for the priest to examine him and confirm the healing. We might have thought that the man would have gladly obeyed Jesus' instructions out of sheer gratitude, but instead he does the opposite! We're not told why, but whatever the reason, his enthusiasm to tell his story didn't help the cause of the kingdom of God. The proclamation of the good news of the kingdom of God is demonstrated with miraculous signs and wonders, but his kingship does not take away our freedom of choice or our responsibility to obey him. And surely the greatest evidence that Jesus is Lord is in the obedient lives of those who profess to follow him. If we want Christ's kingdom to be extended, we must do things his way.   And finally, seven key points to summarise what we've been saying: (1)  Jesus' authority to heal sprang from the time he spent in communion with God and his obedience to what God revealed to him. (2)  The purpose of Jesus' healings was to confirm the good news of the kingdom of God and to show his compassion for suffering humanity. (3)  His healings, as signs of the kingdom, were immediate rather than gradual. (4)  Jesus healed by a word of command, or by a touch, or by both. (5)  While his healings brought multitudes under the sound of his teaching, relatively few became true disciples. (6)  Despite this, his willingness to be identified with suffering and sinful humanity foreshadowed what was to happen at Calvary. (7)  His willingness and power to heal all who came to him, like his willingness and power to save all who come to him, were no guarantee that all would come. But he heals and he saves anyway, because he loves us. The choice is ours, whether we come to him or not.

Throughout our series, Party Crasher, we're going to explore the 10 parties in the Gospel Luke. Sometimes Jesus is hosting, other times he's attending and yet in each of them, Jesus is crashing expectations, cultural norms, and religion to show us what the gospel looks like.

LIFE-N-FOCUS: ARE YOU CHASING SUCCESS DEVOTION AND MEDITATION LUKE 10:1 & 20 Sometimes Jesus drew a multitude and sometimes He only had one, but His success came from His faithfulness. MUSIC COMPOSED BY: MIKE OUTLAND MUSIC

Throughout our series, Party Crasher, we're going to explore the 10 parties in the Gospel Luke. Sometimes Jesus is hosting, other times he's attending and yet in each of them, Jesus is crashing expectations, cultural norms, and religion to show us what the gospel looks like.

Sometimes the Gospel tells us things we don't want to hear.Sometimes Jesus asks us to do things we don't want to do. Today's reading is a classic example. Most people avoid it. But when you embrace it...everything changes for the better. Watch the reflection now!

Sometimes Jesus uses really vivid language to evoke the senses and draw us in. That's what this next blessing is all about--hunger and thirst. It brings out intense, bodily sensations. But who are the hungry and the thirsty? What blessing is unique to them? How might we live this blessing our lives?

As we continue through the Gospel of John, we look at 6:16-21. Pastor Sean examines four truths in this passage. Sometimes obedience leads to difficulty. Jesus is with us through our hard times. Sometimes Jesus places us in hard times. There is blessing in obedience. The question we need to wrestle with is this... Are we O.K. with Jesus allowing storms in our life?

Sometimes Jesus spoke in parables so that only those who were genuinely listening would understand what He was saying. One parable Jesus told before He died was about sheep and goats. Just as a shepherd separates the goats from the sheep, so will Jesus differentiate between His true followers and those that are only pretending. True believers are justified by faith, and then they live out their faith as an example of what Jesus has done in their lives. 

Sometimes Jesus gave beautiful, attracting, promises when He called people to Himself. Other times Jesus called for a life of denial, surrender, renouncing and cross bearing. In our text in Luke today Jesus makes clear the high, sacrificial, life reordering that must happen if you are to come to Him.

Sometimes you can actually FREE yourself when you do what is counterintuitive. But, that is so hard to do because you are going against what EVERYTHING in you wants to do. Today we want to challenge you to step out of your comfort zone. To do something counterintuitive and adopt an opposite way of thinking. Sometimes Jesus had a different way of thinking. Instead of natural instincts, or following the world around him, he lived an opposite life.  After you watch the message leave your thoughts in the comments below! How can you adopt an opposite way of thinking in your life today?____Co-Founding Pastor Jon Ferguson continues our series: YOU+____Learn more: https://www.communitychristian.org/Watch LIVE: https://live.communityonline.tv/(Sundays at 7:30a, 9a, & 10:30a  CST)Sign up for the Bible Reading Plan: https://www.communitychristian.org/resources/bible/Join a small group: https://www.communitychristian.org/connectGive: https://www.givenow.cc____#YOUPLUS #You+

Sometimes Jesus finds "people of peace" that he can work with to reach others. In this case, he calls one tax collector to follow him, allowing him to get to know all of his tax-collecting friends. He then enters their world and meets them in their sin and shows them his Father.

When baby Jesus was born, the shepherds hurried to see Him and share the message of His peace with the world! Sometimes Jesus helps to make things better. Sometimes though, Jesus will bring peace to our hearts even when things still feel wrong. Let's celebrate and learn more! 

(Luke 23:32-37) If you're dealing with some difficulty today, you can learn to do what our Lord did. Pray! Sometimes Jesus prayed in the peaceful quietness of a garden, but today we listen to Him pray at Calvary. We find Him in the hardest place, on the hardest day, praying for the hardest people. That means something for you and me! (06126220527)