Podcasts about text luke

Jesus didn't invite people into a religion. He invited them to obedience. Whatever your next step is take it. You don't know what hangs in the balance. Text: Luke 4:14-15, 38-40, 42-44; 1 Peter 2:23-24 Speaker: Aaron Patton

Text: Luke 24:13-35Today we dive into Luke with Pastor Buddy!Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) March 1, 2026Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Why forgiveness? Jesus looks out at the people who are responsible for the pain of execution and his impending death and absolves them of their wrongdoing.  Why would Jesus do this? In this message PAstor Fikre Prince gives 3 reasons as to why this was one of the last thinsg Jesus said before he took his last breath on the cross.Text: Luke 23:34; Psalm 103:8–12Sermon Summary:Big Idea: God's heart is to forgive sinners. Key Question: Why does Jesus expect the Father to forgive sin?1.     The nature of God. (Psalm 103 v. 8)2.     The promise of God. (Psalm 103 vv. 9–10)3.     The work of God. (Psalm 103 vv. 11–12)

Before we dig into the life and teaching of Jesus, it's important to understand what Christianity is really all about. Did Jesus come to provide something for us? Yes! But, what if we're not supposed to be consumers, but in fact, contributors?! Text: Luke 3:1-20 Speaker: Aaron Patton

Text: Luke 8: 26-39 Preacher: Derek Baker

Death feels final. We soften the language. We avoid the topic. We try to keep it at a distance. But when it comes close, it exposes how little control we really have. In Luke 7, Jesus walks into a small town called Nain and meets a funeral procession at the gate. A widow has lost her only son. Everything about the scene says the story is over. And then Jesus steps forward. This Lenten message explores what death reveals about sin, what Christ's compassion reveals about the heart of God, and why this miracle is a preview of something far greater than a single resurrection. If you have ever stood in the shadow of loss and wondered whether death really gets the last word, this message points to the One who entered the darkness to overcome it. The Lord of Life has come. Text: Luke 7:11–17

Dual Citizenship Title:  Dual Citizenship Text:  Luke 20:20-26 (NIV) Date: March 1, 2026 Speaker:  Clint Nelson Listen to the Sermon audio: Register for upcoming events Give online to Parkside Get email updates from Parkside Like us on Facebook Subscribe to our Podcast Spotify Apple Podcast Google Android Amazon Previous SermonsClint Nelson2026-03-03T13:26:26-07:00Dual Citizenship Title:  Dual Citizenship Text:  Luke 20:20-26 (NIV) Date: March 1, 2026 Speaker:  Clint Nelson Listen to the [...]Clint Nelson2026-02-22T15:15:10-07:00Is Jesus Your Cornerstone? Title:  Is Jesus Your Cornerstone? Text:  Luke 20:9-19 (NIV) Date: February 22, 2026 Speaker:  Clint Nelson Listen [...]Clint Nelson2026-02-16T12:02:20-07:00Influence Title:  Influence Text:  Luke 19:11-27 (NIV) Date: February 15, 2026 Speaker:  Clint Nelson Listen to the Sermon [...]Clint Nelson2026-02-14T17:59:51-07:00Wise Investors Title:  Wise Investors Text:  Luke 19:11-27 (NIV) Date: February 8, 2026 Speaker:  Clint Nelson Listen to the [...]Clint Nelson2026-02-05T13:25:23-07:00Jesus Came for Short People Title:  Jesus Came for Short People Text:  Luke 19:1-10 (NIV) Date: February 1, 2026 Speaker:  Clint Nelson [...]Clint Nelson2026-01-29T17:04:59-07:00Contending for Breakthrough – Part 4: Believing that God is Good Title:  Contending for Breakthrough - Part 4: Believing that God is Good Text:  Luke 18:31-43 (NIV) Date: January [...]Clint Nelson2026-01-29T17:02:36-07:00Contending for Breakthrough – Part 3: All In Title:  Contending for Breakthrough - Part 3: All In (and Water Baptisms) Text:  Luke 18:18-30 (NIV) Date: January [...]Clint Nelson2026-01-13T15:33:36-07:00Contending for Breakthrough – Part 2: Dying to Self Title:  Contending for Breakthrough - Part 2: Dying to Self Text:  John 12:24-26 et al. Date: January 11, [...]Clint Nelson2025-12-23T12:32:08-07:00Angel’s Candle / Testimony of Malika W. Date: December 21, 2025 Text: Luke 2:10-12 Speaker: Clint Nelson / Testimony: Malika Warren Listen to the [...]

Included Music: Love of God, Sweet Hour of Prayer, All Hail King Jesus, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, Here I Am to Worship, God of Wonders, and Trusting Jesus Message Title: Uncomfortable Truth   Text: Luke 9:10-17   Take Home Point: Our limitations do not limit what God can do. 

When Luke was writing, he wasn't writing the Bible, he was giving eyewitness testimony. The question is…was it reliable? Text: Luke 1:1-4 Speaker: Aaron Patton 

Text: Luke 7:36-50 Preacher: Derek Baker

Jesus' mission begins with grace that offends our expectations. In Gospel of Luke 4, Jesus stands in His hometown synagogue in Nazareth and reads from the prophet Book of Isaiah, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.” At first, the crowd marvels. This is Joseph's son. One of their own. But when Jesus makes it clear that this good news is not only for them, that God's grace extends to outsiders and Gentiles, admiration turns to outrage. They drive Him out of town and attempt to throw Him off a cliff. From the very beginning, Luke shows that Jesus' mission will both comfort and confront. Grace is beautiful until it crosses our boundaries. The Kingdom He proclaims lifts up the lowly and unsettles the secure. The rejected prophet from Nazareth is already walking the road toward Jerusalem, where rejection will give way to redemption. This sermon invites us to ask a searching question. Are we ready for a grace that reaches further than we would? Text: Luke 4:16–30

Is Jesus Your Cornerstone? Title:  Is Jesus Your Cornerstone? Text:  Luke 20:9-19 (NIV) Date: February 22, 2026 Speaker:  Clint Nelson Listen to the Sermon audio: Register for upcoming events Give online to Parkside Get email updates from Parkside Like us on Facebook Subscribe to our Podcast Spotify Apple Podcast Google Android Amazon Previous SermonsClint Nelson2026-02-22T15:15:10-07:00Is Jesus Your Cornerstone? Title:  Is Jesus Your Cornerstone? Text:  Luke 20:9-19 (NIV) Date: February 22, 2026 Speaker:  Clint Nelson Listen [...]Clint Nelson2026-02-16T12:02:20-07:00Influence Title:  Influence Text:  Luke 19:11-27 (NIV) Date: February 15, 2026 Speaker:  Clint Nelson Listen to the Sermon [...]Clint Nelson2026-02-14T17:59:51-07:00Wise Investors Title:  Wise Investors Text:  Luke 19:11-27 (NIV) Date: February 8, 2026 Speaker:  Clint Nelson Listen to the [...]Clint Nelson2026-02-05T13:25:23-07:00Jesus Came for Short People Title:  Jesus Came for Short People Text:  Luke 19:1-10 (NIV) Date: February 1, 2026 Speaker:  Clint Nelson [...]Clint Nelson2026-01-29T17:04:59-07:00Contending for Breakthrough – Part 4: Believing that God is Good Title:  Contending for Breakthrough - Part 4: Believing that God is Good Text:  Luke 18:31-43 (NIV) Date: January [...]Clint Nelson2026-01-29T17:02:36-07:00Contending for Breakthrough – Part 3: All In Title:  Contending for Breakthrough - Part 3: All In (and Water Baptisms) Text:  Luke 18:18-30 (NIV) Date: January [...]Clint Nelson2026-01-13T15:33:36-07:00Contending for Breakthrough – Part 2: Dying to Self Title:  Contending for Breakthrough - Part 2: Dying to Self Text:  John 12:24-26 et al. Date: January 11, [...]Clint Nelson2025-12-23T12:32:08-07:00Angel’s Candle / Testimony of Malika W. Date: December 21, 2025 Text: Luke 2:10-12 Speaker: Clint Nelson / Testimony: Malika Warren Listen to the [...]Clint Nelson2025-12-18T14:05:32-07:00Those Shepherds / Testimony of Trace R. Date: December 14, 2025 Text: Luke 2 Speaker: Clint Nelson / Testimony: Trace Royan Listen to the [...]

Text: Luke 6:45 By Rev. Nathan Gladish Recorded at Pittsburgh, PA on February 7th 1993. For more recordings, visit www.newchurchaudio.org

Included Music: Everlasting God, One Day, He Hideth My Soul, Open Our Eyes Lord, Christ Is Able to Save, Abide, and I Love Thee Message Title: Praxis   Text: Luke 9:1-9   Take Home Point: Obedience requires speaking the gospel and doing acts of kindness.

Tony Coulombe (Warrenton Location)Series: Forever ChangedTopic:  We are forever changed when we see our deep need for the grace of Jesus.Core Text: Luke 7:36-50    Recorded: 2/15/2026For more resources check out evergreenchristian.org or our YouTube page

Text: Luke 7:18-35 Preacher: Derek Baker

Text: Luke 6:27-38

Influence Title:  Influence Text:  Luke 19:11-27 (NIV) Date: February 15, 2026 Speaker:  Clint Nelson Listen to the Sermon audio: Register for upcoming events Give online to Parkside Get email updates from Parkside Like us on Facebook Subscribe to our Podcast Spotify Apple Podcast Google Android Amazon Previous SermonsClint Nelson2026-02-16T12:02:20-07:00Influence Title:  Influence Text:  Luke 19:11-27 (NIV) Date: February 15, 2026 Speaker:  Clint Nelson Listen to the Sermon [...]Clint Nelson2026-02-14T17:59:51-07:00Wise Investors Title:  Wise Investors Text:  Luke 19:11-27 (NIV) Date: February 8, 2026 Speaker:  Clint Nelson Listen to the [...]Clint Nelson2026-02-05T13:25:23-07:00Jesus Came for Short People Title:  Jesus Came for Short People Text:  Luke 19:1-10 (NIV) Date: February 1, 2026 Speaker:  Clint Nelson [...]Clint Nelson2026-01-29T17:04:59-07:00Contending for Breakthrough – Part 4: Believing that God is Good Title:  Contending for Breakthrough - Part 4: Believing that God is Good Text:  Luke 18:31-43 (NIV) Date: January [...]Clint Nelson2026-01-29T17:02:36-07:00Contending for Breakthrough – Part 3: All In Title:  Contending for Breakthrough - Part 3: All In (and Water Baptisms) Text:  Luke 18:18-30 (NIV) Date: January [...]Clint Nelson2026-01-13T15:33:36-07:00Contending for Breakthrough – Part 2: Dying to Self Title:  Contending for Breakthrough - Part 2: Dying to Self Text:  John 12:24-26 et al. Date: January 11, [...]Clint Nelson2025-12-23T12:32:08-07:00Angel’s Candle / Testimony of Malika W. Date: December 21, 2025 Text: Luke 2:10-12 Speaker: Clint Nelson / Testimony: Malika Warren Listen to the [...]Clint Nelson2025-12-18T14:05:32-07:00Those Shepherds / Testimony of Trace R. Date: December 14, 2025 Text: Luke 2 Speaker: Clint Nelson / Testimony: Trace Royan Listen to the [...]Clint Nelson2025-12-07T17:23:13-07:00Peace & Preparation / Testimony of Brenda Ames Date: December 7, 2025 Text: Luke 2:4-7 Speaker: Clint Nelson / Testimony: Brenda Ames Listen to the [...]

Text: Luke 7:11-17 Preacher: Derek Baker

Text: Luke 8:4-15

What is the word that comes to mind when you think of Jesus? Jesus does not fit neatly into the boxes or groups that we create for ourselves.  Often times he calls us out of those boxes to join him on his mission of salvation for all the world.Text: Luke 4:14-30Sermon Summary:Big Idea: Jesus brings good news for all people.Key Question: How is Jesus good news for all people?1.     He fulfills the promise of salvation. (vv. 16 – 21)2.     He reveals the extent of God's grace. (vv. 22 – 27)3.     He exposes our prideful tribalism. (vv.28 – 30)

Wise Investors Title:  Wise Investors Text:  Luke 19:11-27 (NIV) Date: February 8, 2026 Speaker:  Clint Nelson Listen to the Sermon audio: Register for upcoming events Give online to Parkside Get email updates from Parkside Like us on Facebook Subscribe to our Podcast Spotify Apple Podcast Google Android Amazon Previous SermonsClint Nelson2026-02-14T17:59:51-07:00Wise Investors Title:  Wise Investors Text:  Luke 19:11-27 (NIV) Date: February 8, 2026 Speaker:  Clint Nelson Listen to the [...]Clint Nelson2026-02-05T13:25:23-07:00Jesus Came for Short People Title:  Jesus Came for Short People Text:  Luke 19:1-10 (NIV) Date: February 1, 2026 Speaker:  Clint Nelson [...]Clint Nelson2026-01-29T17:04:59-07:00Contending for Breakthrough – Part 4: Believing that God is Good Title:  Contending for Breakthrough - Part 4: Believing that God is Good Text:  Luke 18:31-43 (NIV) Date: January [...]Clint Nelson2026-01-29T17:02:36-07:00Contending for Breakthrough – Part 3: All In Title:  Contending for Breakthrough - Part 3: All In (and Water Baptisms) Text:  Luke 18:18-30 (NIV) Date: January [...]Clint Nelson2026-01-13T15:33:36-07:00Contending for Breakthrough – Part 2: Dying to Self Title:  Contending for Breakthrough - Part 2: Dying to Self Text:  John 12:24-26 et al. Date: January 11, [...]Clint Nelson2025-12-23T12:32:08-07:00Angel’s Candle / Testimony of Malika W. Date: December 21, 2025 Text: Luke 2:10-12 Speaker: Clint Nelson / Testimony: Malika Warren Listen to the [...]Clint Nelson2025-12-18T14:05:32-07:00Those Shepherds / Testimony of Trace R. Date: December 14, 2025 Text: Luke 2 Speaker: Clint Nelson / Testimony: Trace Royan Listen to the [...]Clint Nelson2025-12-07T17:23:13-07:00Peace & Preparation / Testimony of Brenda Ames Date: December 7, 2025 Text: Luke 2:4-7 Speaker: Clint Nelson / Testimony: Brenda Ames Listen to the [...]Clint Nelson2025-12-02T14:40:11-07:00Hope / Testimony of David Bachert Date: November 30, 2025 Text: Isaiah 9:2 Speaker: Clint Nelson / Testimony: David Bachert Listen to the [...]

Rev. John Bothof - Scripture: Luke 18:9-14; 1 Cor. 1:26-29; James 4:6;1 Pet. 5:5-7; Pro. 8:13; 16:18; Eph. 2:8-9 Text: Luke 18:9-14; 1 Cor. 1:26-29; James 4:6;1 Pet. 5:5-7; Pro. 8:13; 16:18; Eph. 2:8-9

Included Music: Tell It to Jesus  Message Title: Impossible Things  Text: Luke 8:40-56   Take Home Point: Don't hesitate to bring Jesus the impossible things in your life. Due to equipment failure, this episode begins a few minutes into Pastor Jason's message. 

Text: Luke 5:12-26 Preacher: Derek Baker

Pastor Andy Cass "Neediness" is by design. Jesus teaches us that our neediness is not a flaw—it's an invitation. We are invited to ask, to knock, and to trust that God gives good gifts to His children. TEXT: Luke 11:5–13, James 1:5, James 4:6, James 5:16, James 2:16 NOTES: -God is a Giver, and Satan is a Taker. -God gives permission to ask, and Satan takes your confidence in asking God by whispering, “You're annoying. You're too needy. You're too much.” OR God gives permission to ask, and Satan takes your humility and replaces it with pride by shouting, “You deserve it. You don't have as much as they do. What's wrong with God?” ART OF ASKING // According to the Book of James -Permission — James -Posture — James 4:6 -Person of Good Reputation — James 5:16 -Pay It Forward — James 2:16 Action Step: Permission to ask, so ask way The Problem: We forget that we are designed to be needy, or at other times we are just too whiny about what we don't have. The Plan: Ask in order to give, appreciate what you receive, and become more like God the Giver. Stay Connected: Give: https://theecho.churchcenter.com/giving Online Service: Sundays 9 AM (YouTube & Facebook Live) Connect: https://theecho.churchcenter.com/people/forms/113001 Instagram: @wearetheechochurch #EchoChurch #ChristianSermon #FaithGrowth #BibleTeaching

Text: Luke 5:1-11 Preacher: Derek Baker

Pastor Andy Cass In this message from the If I Won the Lottery… series, we confront the lie of scarcity and discover a better way forward. Jesus reframes losing, finding, and generosity through three powerful stories — a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son. God is a giver, which makes us winners — but distraction, waste, and isolation can cause us to live like we're losing. TEXT: Luke 15:3–12, Ephesians 2:10, Joel 2:25, John 10:10, Hebrews 10:24–25 NOTES: Big Idea: Patch the Pitcher and Pour out the first 10% God gives purpose — Satan takes purpose and replaces it with distraction. God gives restoration — Satan takes what is broken and exploits it. God gives community — Satan takes community and isolates. Stop losing, Start Finding God is a Giver, Satan is a Taker, What are you? Stay Connected: Give: https://theecho.churchcenter.com/giving Online Service: Sundays 9 AM (YouTube & Facebook Live) Connect: https://theecho.churchcenter.com/people/forms/113001 Instagram: @wearetheechochurch #EchoChurch #ChristianSermon #FaithGrowth #BibleTeaching

Pastor Andy Cass Blessing in the Kingdom is never the finish line; it's the starting point. The question isn't if God has given, but how we will respond. Will we live like winners who steward what God has entrusted, or like takers who believe the lie that there's never enough? TEXT: Luke 19:1–5, 8–13; Luke 12:48, Matthew 4:8–10 NOTES: Zacchaeus encounters Jesus and responds with generosity and restoration. Blessing is not luck, success, or entitlement—it is responsibility. If God is a giver, then we are His servants. God gives; Satan takes. -God gives truth, Satan takes truth and replaces it with lies -God gives abundance, Satan takes contentment and creates scarcity -God gives unconditionally, Satan is transactional Stay Connected: Give: https://theecho.churchcenter.com/giving Online Service: Sundays 9 AM (YouTube & Facebook Live) Connect: https://theecho.churchcenter.com/people/forms/113001 Instagram: @wearetheechochurch #EchoChurch #ChristianSermon #FaithGrowth #BibleTeaching

Text: Luke 4:1-13 Preacher: Derek Baker

Text: Luke 2 Speaker: Pastor Bruce Burkett Title: All I Want for Christmas: Joy

Text: Luke 14:25-35  

January 4, 2026 sermon at Ascension Lutheran Church, Montreal, QC by Rev. Charles St-Onge. Text: Luke 2:41-52.Support the showCheck us out at ascensionlutheran.ca and intheway.org.

Text: Luke 6:14e,f

SERIES: A Divine Birth Announcement | SERMON: "The Shepherd's Response" | TEXT: Luke 2:8-20 | DATE: 12/28/2025 (AM) | SPEAKER: Jake Brown | www.Liberty-Christian.com

Pastor Andy Cass and a conversation with Chelsea Reynolds God brought the good news close. Not to kings. Not to priests. Not to the powerful. But to shepherds, ordinary people doing ordinary work in the middle of the night. TEXT: Luke 2:15–20 NOTES: Big Question: What are you selling? What are you giving away that you'll never get a return from? Two Callings, One Life All are called to share the good news: “They made known…” All are called to worship: “They returned glorifying and praising God.” Stay Connected: Give: https://theecho.churchcenter.com/giving Online Service: Sundays 9 AM (YouTube & Facebook Live) Connect: https://theecho.churchcenter.com/people/forms/113001 Instagram: @wearetheechochurch #EchoChurch #ChristianSermon #FaithGrowth #BibleTeaching

Text: Luke 6:14d

Text: Luke 1:46-55

December 21, 2025. Pastor Zach Vaughn. www.machiasvalley.org   Text: Luke 2:29-32   Sermon Points: 1) Cling to God's promises by faith in the waiting. 2) Salvation is found solely in the person of Jesus. 3) Christmas is a global invitation to a dark world. 

Text: Luke 2:21-38Christmas is easily the most popular yet underestimated holiday in the Christian calendar. In one breath, it's easy to say that Christmas is about the birth of Jesus, but in the next be completely unmoved by why the events around His birth matter for us in everyday life. So what is Christmas truly all about and why does it matter in our lives today? Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) December 21, 2025Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

I. The Salutation Itself II. The Effect on Elizabeth III. The Effect on John Scripture Reading: Luke 1:26-56 Text: Luke 1:39-45 Psalter Numbers: 268, 260, 241, 255

Text: Luke 15:1-2, 11-32 Preacher: Derek Baker

Text: Luke 2:8-20 Title: For Unto You by Steven M Kestner, elder in training

December 14, 2025. Pastor Zach Vaughn. www.machiasvalley.org. Text: Luke 1:68-79   Sermon Points: 1) Christmas is God's initiative to be with His people. 2) Jesus came with specific purposes:     a) That His people would be saved from their enemies.     b) To show His mercy.     c) To keep His covenant.     d) That His people would fearlessly serve in holiness and righteousness.  3) Christmas is an invitation to be on mission. 

Text: Luke 2:1-20Speaker: Pastor Wyatt GholsonTitle: The Wonder of Christmas

Pastor Andy Cass 'Tis the season of noise—commercials, carols, wrapping paper, and endless hustle. But what if the greatest miracle of Christmas isn't found in the noise… but in the silence? In this Christmas message, Pastor Andy explores the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth in Luke 1, reminding us that sometimes God speaks loudest when we finally stop to listen. Big Idea: Silence is not the absence of sound. Silence is the space where God is invited to speak. TEXT: Luke 1:5–23, Galatians 6:9, Habakkuk 1:2, Mark 4:38–41, 1 Thessalonians 5:19–21, Luke 19:40 NOTES: The Problem: We are surrounded by noise—audible and internal—that muffles the most important voices in our lives. The Plan: Turn down the noise and create space to hear God. Practical Steps — How to Set Up Silence: Keep work at work. Shut off the screens. Try one weeknight with no TV or phone. No-phone zone. Leave your device overnight. Pause social media. Open your doors. Invite someone over—build connection. Make a memory. Do something simple and meaningful. Schedule silence. Set a time to be still and listen. Faith Formation Plan: Calm the Storm: Invite Jesus to quiet your chaos (Mark 4:38–41). Sit in Silence: Learn the art of listening—faith and doubt can both lean in. Raise Your Praise: If you stay silent, creation won't (Luke 19:40). Stay Connected: Give: https://theecho.churchcenter.com/giving Online Service: Sundays 9 AM (YouTube & Facebook Live) Connect: https://theecho.churchcenter.com/people/forms/113001 Instagram: @wearetheechochurch #EchoChurch #ChristianSermon #FaithGrowth #BibleTeaching

When a priest named Zechariah received word that he and his wife would have a baby in their very old age, he simply couldn't believe it.  Despite his unbelief, God had a plan for that child to prepare the way for Jesus and declare that He is the Lamb of God who takes away our sin.  When we look at Christmas, we are faced with the same question that Zechariah wrestled with: will we believe what God says is true? Text: Luke 1:5-25; 39-45; 67-80 Speaker: Aaron Patton

Text: Luke 2:1-20

SERIES: A Divine Birth Announcement | SERMON: "Mary's Response" | TEXT: Luke 1:26:38 | DATE: 12/7/2025 | SPEAKER: Jake Brown | www.Liberty-Christian.com

It has often been said that prayer is the greatest force in the universe. And yet, it remains a largely untapped resource for so many Christians. Why is that?There are a lot of reasons why we don't pray, but I think they can be summarized under two headings:  We don't know how it works. It feels very unnatural to talk to someone I can't actually see and whose voice I've never literally heard.  We don't think it really matters. We take a fatalistic view. “If it's supposed to happen, it'll happen, whether I pray or not.” In Luke 18, Jesus tells a parable that addresses the issue of prayer straight-up. The story has two main characters: a widow and a judge. Widows in Jesus' day were vulnerable. Unless she had a son to take care of her, she was without resources, power, or connections. In Jesus' story, this widow was being harassed by an adversary, so she took her case to the local judge, seeking relief.Unfortunately, the judge in this story was a hard-hearted man. He didn't fear (respect) anyone – neither man nor God! When the widow came to him, he dismissed her. But she wouldn't give up. She kept pestering the judge over and over again until finally, the judge threw up his hands and said, “I can't take it anymore. Give her what she wants!”Now, most people read this story and think... we're like the widow—defenseless and weak. And God is like the judge! He's super busy and doesn't have time to bother with little people like me and my little problems. So, the moral of the story is… it pays to pester! The more I pester God in prayer, the more likely He'll finally cave in and give me what I ask for!Friends, that could not be further from the truth. This parable is not an allegory. It is a beautifully crafted study in contrasts! Jesus' point is, if this sort of judge gives this sort of help to this sort of person, how much more will your Father give all kinds of help to you?  And in so doing, He gives us three prerequisites we need to understand if we hope to keep praying and not give up. 1.     We need to understand our identity.Some of us see God as Oz the Terrible. Like Dorothy and her friends, we tremble before Him. But for those who have come to faith in Christ, the King of the Universe is our Father! And He is thrilled with your presence and delighted to hear of your needs. No one's voice sounds sweeter to God than yours.2.     We need to understand God's inclination.Don't think for a minute that you have to concoct some way to wrench a blessing from some tight-fisted miser.  That just isn't so.  From cover to cover in the Bible, we read of a God who loves to give good things to His children. He delights in it.3.     We need to understand God's invitation.God calls us to talk to Him—to ask, seek, and knock—not just to have our needs met, but that we might enter into a faith partnership with Him.  Text: Luke 18:1-8Originally recorded on August 22, 2004, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN