Podcasts about Zacchaeus

Can good thing like your career, ministry, family, hobbies, or even serving God, become idols? In this episode of the 9941 Podcast, Granger Smith and the crew explore how to recognize when a God-given gift begins competing with God for your identity, security, and attention. Through honest stories about country music, pastoring, football, money, grief, and family, the group shares practical warning signs of idolatry and explains how prayer, Scripture, accountability, and an open-handed posture can help keep priorities in order. Drawing from the rich young ruler, Zacchaeus, Psalm 61, and Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, they discuss what it means to surrender control and sincerely pray, “Not my will, but Yours.” If you’ve ever wondered whether something important in your life has become too important, this biblical conversation offers encouragement for finding freedom, protecting your relationship with God, and placing your identity in Christ.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zacchaeus was not popular. A lot of people thought he was a liar and a cheater. Who knows why people thought that, except for the fact that he WAS a liar and a cheater. But then one day Jesus invited himself over for dinner. Find out what happened next!

 Matthew 21 opens with Jesus's Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem—his coronation as King. Pastor Karl unpacks why this moment was unlike any earthly coronation: a king who arrived not on a warhorse but on a humble donkey, fulfilling prophecies spoken generations earlier through Isaiah, Zechariah, and Daniel. As King, Jesus fulfills God's mission, exercises God's authority, restores proper worship according to God's Word, and extends God's compassion. From the crowds shouting "Hosanna" to Jesus clearing the temple of corruption, this passage reveals a King who demands total allegiance while never withholding compassion from those who come to Him in need. Join us in person 8:00am, 9:30am & 11:00am every Sunday morning.37193 Ave 12 #3h, Madera, CA 93636For more visit us at flipside.churchFor more podcasts visit flipsidepodcasts.transistor.fm

Every Christian has the same core testimony: Jesus sought me and saved me.Luke 19:1-10, John 6:44, Ephesians 2:1-6, Titus 3:5, Romans 10:9 Every Christian has the same core mission: to seek the lost through the proclamation of the gospel.Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8, 2 Corinthians 5:17-20, Romans 10:13-15 --------DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH RON MOOREGet Ron's Daily Devotional to your inbox each morning; visit biblechapel.org/devo.CAREGIVINGDo you have a need we can pray for? Do you need someone to walk alongside you? Do you know of another person who needs care? Let us know at caregiving@biblechapel.org.GROWTH TRACKWe all have a next step - what's yours? To learn more about our Growth Track and to take your next step, biblechapel.org/connect.

In this powerful message, Pastor Risheem Whitten uses the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19 to challenge us to pursue Jesus above comfort, status, and worldly success. Through Zacchaeus's desperation to encounter Jesus, we are reminded that sometimes following Christ requires us to step beyond our comfort zone, lay down our pride, and pursue Him wholeheartedly. Pastor Risheem emphasizes that Jesus sees beyond our past mistakes and labels to the identity and destiny He has for us. A genuine encounter with Jesus transforms not only our hearts, but also our actions, our families, and the legacy we leave behind.Freedom Church exists so that you would know God, find freedom, discover your purpose and make a difference. We want to help you find freedom from anything that holds you back from all that God has planned for your life. Our mandate comes from the Bible, and we have a few steps we've implemented to make finding freedom simple. Find out more here — http://myfreedom.org/Stay Connected!Freedom Church Website: http://bit.ly/2w8wD4QFreedom Church Facebook: http://bit.ly/2MgOd1c Freedom Church Instagram: http://bit.ly/2PfYkRE --To invest in the mission of Freedom Church, click here.http://bit.ly/2Zm0Nz8--#freedomchurch #iamfreedomchurch

Zacchaeus had money, influence and success, but he was still lost. This Sunday, we'll see what happens when Jesus finds the person everyone else has written off, and why real salvation always changes a life. The King is still seeking the lost. Will you come down?

What does your relationship with money reveal about your relationship with Jesus?In Luke 18-19, three very different people encounter Jesus: a wealthy young ruler, a blind man, and Zacchaeus. One walks away devastated. Another receives mercy. Another encounters Jesus and becomes radically generous.Why the difference?Jesus shows us that money and possessions aren't merely financial issues, they can reveal what we truly treasure, what we trust, and what sits on the throne of our hearts. The rich young ruler had everything, yet couldn't let go. Zacchaeus had lived for himself, yet grace transformed the way he lived.This message explores the wrong way to approach Jesus, the right way to approach Him, and how grace leads to generosity.

A sermon preached by Rev. Ginger E. Gaines-Cirelli with Foundry UMC, August 2, 2026, tenth Sunday after Pentecost. “We Know Who We Are”series. ​​​   Texts: Romans 15:5-7; Luke 19:1-10​​​​   For days now, I've been ruminating on what it means to say of Foundry: “No outsiders here…” The clear intent of the phrase is to suggest that no one will be turned away, ignored, left out, or treated as less than. It's one of Foundry's corevalues to “make especially sure that people who feel excluded elsewhere are welcomed and invited to be an integral part of our congregation.” As Guy preached so powerfully last week, our biblically-rooted convictions around inclusion, affirmation, equity, and diversity are clear—regardless of the critiques those convictions draw. Our goal is to practice what we preach—to mean it when we say you are welcome here “no matter what.” As I study our texts for today it becomes clear that, to do that, we can't rely on our banners outside or the words of welcome we repeat at the beginning of every service to carry all our welcome water. We can't settle for our core values tucked onto a webpage to be the only communication of our commitment to cultivate a certain kind of community. We can't get so comfortable that we forget what it is like to be a stranger in a strange land, or to forget that souls tend to be shy and that people carry wounds that are often invisible to the eye. To truly advance our goal of radical welcome, we need a more muscular strategy, theologically and biblically grounded, physically embodied, and embedded in the very DNA of our congregation. And our texts provide the guidance we need. The few verses from Romans 15 that were read aloud today are a summary of at least two chapters of Paul's letter to the church in Rome. That community was experiencing deep tensions between Jewish and Gentile Christians—driven by disagreements related to Torah observance, holy days, and dietary practices. These issues were flashpoints for deeper questions: Who belongs? Whose interpretation of Torah is correct? What practices are central to our shared life? Paul writes to a diverse people who are all trying to follow Jesus. They have different backgrounds—some began as highly observant Jews and others as pagan Gentiles. But here's the thing they have in common: they have all been welcomed “προσλαμβάνω (proslambanō)” by Christ. And because of that, Paul teaches, they need to welcome one another in the same way. The question then, is how does Christ welcome people? Our familiar text from Luke 19 helps us answer the question. For those who may not be familiar with the story of the “wee little man,” Zacchaeus, here's some context. Just before our story Jesus has welcomed children his disciples tried to send away, taught a rich ruler what it would take for him to enter the kin-dom, and showed mercy to a begger at the roadside who asked Jesus to restore his sight. Then Jesus enters the prosperous city of Jericho where his reputation precedes him. People know he is coming by. And Zacchaeus, a rich, chief tax collector wants to see him. Now to be a tax collector in that time and place was to be associated with the exploitation, violence, and ritual impurity of the Roman empire. A “chief” tax collector was at least in middle management—if not the CEO of collusion. All of that to say, Zacchaeus was not popular or trusted, but rather seen by the general public as an enemy and a threat. The crowds must have been shocked when the CEO climbs a tree— high profile, wealthy men didn't climb trees. Zacchaeus' willingness to do so suggests something in him was already stirring. Jesus picks up on that and proceeds to invite himself over. The text says, Zacchaeus “hurried down and was happy to welcome Jesus.” The crowds were not so happy. Why is Jesus going in to share table fellowship with this sinner? Because Jesus makes it his habit to welcome and befriend those whom others want nothing to do with. Children, beggars, the ill and disabled, women; and with those others judged as sinners—including rich tax collectors. Jesus puts it this way: “I came to seek out and save the lost.” And based on the whole story of Jesus, the “lost” include both those who inflict harm and those who suffer it. So which category of “lost” is Zacchaeus? In one sense, he's the one doing harm as he supports an exploitive and unjust regime. But the crowd has also written him off as unworthy of fellowship with Jesus and beyond the possibility of change. Jesus' action creates an opportunity for transformation—not only for Zacchaeus, but also for those who have decided that he is nothing more than a hopeless sinner. That day salvation comes because everyone is reminded that Zacchaeus is also a son of Abraham, a beloved child of God, worthy of mercy and care, capable of growth and change. Jesus' welcome is fueled by the love of God: love strong enough to receive each of us as we are, and strong enough to call us toward growth, change, and restored relationship. That means Jesus' welcome is not a cheap welcome characterized as indiscriminate acceptance and “anything goes.” Nor is it conditional welcome that requires change as the price of admission. It is welcome offered not simply for comfort, but for transformation through God's embrace and mercy. So back to us, what does it mean for Foundry to say, “no outsiders here?” We rightly celebrate that people who have been excluded elsewhere often discover a home at Foundry. But every church eventually develops its own insiders and outsiders. We instinctively know whom we trust. And, if we're honest, we instinctively know whom we've already decided not to trust. If Jesus were walking through Washington today who would make us grumble if they showed up to see him? Whose house would surprise and disturb us if Jesus said, “That's where I'm going to dinner.”? Part of the invitation for us is to consider if there are those we really want to remain “outsiders”—if there are limits to our welcome. // That question leads us to something Fr. Greg Boyle says. After decades in Los Angeles accompanying gang members through violence, incarceration, and new beginnings, Fr. Boyle writes: “Human beings…settle for a puny, vindictive God when we are being nudged always closer to this wildly inclusive, larger-than-any life God. We allow our sense of God to atrophy. We settle for the illusion of separation when we are endlessly asked to enter into kinship with all.” Our wildly inclusive God asks us to enter into kinship with all. Even when it's hard. Through his journey with those whom others fear, judge, or write off as hopeless cases, Fr. Boyle knows something about that kind of kinship. Paul doesn't ask the diverse members of the church in Rome to agree on every matter of faith and practice, but to learn how to enter into kinship with one another in the manner of Christ. He asks believers to become more committed to welcoming one another than they are to winning every disputed argument. Jesus creates space for people in Jericho to remember that even public enemy #1 is a sibling and a beloved child of God who is not beyond God's capacity to save AND that they are also the “lost”—the recipients of harm, the grumblers, the judgy ones—who Jesus came to seek out—and who need some saving as well. That is the pattern of Christ's welcome. And it is the pattern our welcome is meant to follow. Radical welcome—which is Christ's welcome—is neither cheap welcome nor conditional welcome. At Foundry, everyone is welcome. No matter what. No conditions required. // But no one is welcome to deny someone else's belovedness. No one is welcome to demean another child of God. No one is welcome to make this community unsafe for those Christ has welcomed. And no one is welcome to declare a person beyond God's capacity to save while forgetting that we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). The boundary, then, is not ideology. The boundary is love. And that means radical welcome asks more of us than hanging banners and opening the doors. It asks us to notice who enters and still feels invisible. It asks us to cross the room, learn a name, make space at the table, and remain curious about a life we do not yet understand. It asks us to confront harm when it occurs—not because we have stopped loving the person doing harm, but because love refuses to abandon either the one being wounded or the one whose soul is being diminished by the wounding. It asks us to believe that transformation is possible, even in people we have given up on. And perhaps most difficult of all, it asks us to remain open to our own transformation—to the possibility that Christ may expose the limits of our welcome, unsettle our assumptions, and lead us into kinship with someone we would never have chosen for ourselves. This is the more muscular welcome to which we are called. Not mere politeness. Not tolerance from a safe distance. Not the pride of believing that we are already the welcoming people and everyone else needs to catch up. It is the patient, courageous, embodied work of becoming a community where strangers become neighbors and neighbors become siblings; where those who have been pushed aside are drawn into the center; where harm is named and interrupted; where repentance is possible; and where grace keeps making more of us than we believed we could become. The measure of our welcome is not whether people like us feel comfortable. The measure is whether people unlike us encounter the welcome of Christ through us. That is a demanding call. But it begins not with what we are able to accomplish. It begins with what Christ has already done. Christ has welcomed us. Christ has come looking for us when we were lost. And Christ has not given up on us. So we do not practice radical welcome in order to prove that we are good people or the right kind of church. We welcome because we have been welcomed. We make room because Christ has made room for us. We enter into kinship because, through grace, Christ has already made us one. “Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Amen.   Benediction: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Zacchaeus was a wealthy tax collector who was disliked by literally everyone around him, but when Jesus came to town, he went out of his way just to see Him.Pastor Kevin walks us through Luke 19 and how Jesus met him right where he was and how that encounter changed Zacchaeus's heart, leading him to make things right and live differently.

Minister Ian Taylor

What are you living for?It's easy to spend our lives chasing good things—success, money, comfort, recognition, achievement, or simply staying busy. But what happens when good things become the ultimate things? What if we gain everything we've been chasing but miss what matters most?In the first message of EVERY ONE MATTERS!, Pastor Blake challenges us to slow down, destroy the distractions, and ask the question: Am I living for what really matters?Jesus redefined success. He lived to love God and love people. And when we look at the life of Jesus, we see that He was never too busy to stop for the ONE.Through the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19, we see Jesus stop, look up, call him by name, and invite him into relationship. Zacchaeus may have been rejected by everyone around him, but he mattered to Jesus.And so do we.Every person has a name. Every name has a story. And every story matters to God.As we begin EVERY ONE MATTERS!, we're reminded of the heart behind ONE Church: to passionately LOVE GOD and intentionally LOVE PEOPLE.Because everything this world offers is temporary, but people have eternal significance.The question is simple:Are you living for what really matters?Support the show

Assembly of Yahusha Worship Service officiated by Bro. Ludwig Richardson and Bro. Jon Dizon 08-08-2026. ©2026 Assembly of Yahusha All rights reserved. The Assembly of Yahusha exclusively own the rights to the contents of this podcast and any non-assemblymember reproduction must have the approval of the Assembly. Only bona fide members of the Assembly are authorized to copy, download, and reproduce the contents of this podcast for their personal or religious use. For permission to copy, download, and reproduce send an email to: info@aoy.today

What are you willing to do to get closer to Jesus? This message from Pastor Jeff Davis looks at the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1–10. Through his childlike faith and life-changing encounter with Jesus, we discover that true transformation begins when we know we're forgiven, grow in fellowship with Jesus, and walk in the freedom only He can give. Listen in to be encouraged to pursue Jesus wholeheartedly and share His light with those around you.

"Zacchaeus" Rev. Vickie White

Every life-changing encounter with God begins with a heart that seeks Him. Through the story of Zacchaeus, this message explores what it means to pursue Jesus, respond to His invitation, and experience the transformation that comes from His presence. Be encouraged to stay spiritually hungry and discover how God meets those who seek Him.

In Week 1 of Sent, we look at Luke 19 and the story of Zacchaeus to see the heart of Jesus for lost people. Jesus entered Jericho with intentional presence, loved Zacchaeus before he changed, recognized his receptivity and repentance, and overcame the criticism of the crowd. This message reminds us that if Jesus can save Zacchaeus, He can save anyone and He invites us to join His mission to seek and save the lost.

Today, Jesus heals a blind man, which begs the question - if He healed him, why not me?  Why do some people have easier lives than others?  Join us as we continue through Luke, as we meet the blind man and Zacchaeus today and learn valuable lessons from both!

Today, Jesus heals a blind man, which begs the question - if He healed him, why not me?  Why do some people have easier lives than others?  Join us as we continue through Luke, as we meet the blind man and Zacchaeus today and learn valuable lessons from both!

What Zacchaeus Teaches Us About Getting Close to Jesus   Series - The Gospel of Luke   Jordan Rice   Luke 19:1-10   Zacchaeus was rich, hated, and short, but his desperate climb up a tree reveals exactly what it takes to get close to Jesus: swallowing your pride, ignoring the crowd, and opening the door to your whole life.   Give to support the ministry of Renaissance Church: https://renaissancenyc.com/give   Keep up with Renaissance by filling out a connection card: https://renaissancenyc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/5/responses/new

Full Text of Readings Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus Lectionary: 403/607 The Saint of the day is Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus' story Martha, Mary, and their brother Lazarus were evidently close friends of Jesus. He came to their home simply as a welcomed guest, rather than as one celebrating the conversion of a sinner like Zacchaeus or one unceremoniously received by a suspicious Pharisee. The sisters felt free to call on Jesus at their brother's death, even though a return to Judea at that time seemed to spell almost certain death. Martha's great glory is her simple and strong statement of faith in Jesus after her brother's death. “Jesus told her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?' She said to him, ‘Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world'” (John 11:25-27). No doubt Martha was an active sort of person. On one occasion, she prepares the meal for Jesus and possibly his fellow guests and forthrightly states the obvious: All hands should pitch in to help with the dinner. The Lord recognizes that Martha is “worried about many things,” also noting that Mary, who has spent the preparation time at Jesus' feet listening to his words “has chosen the better part.” John 12:1-8 describes Mary's anointing of Jesus' feet at Bethany, an act which he praised highly. Immediately after we are told that the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus “because many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him.” Lazarus was the one of whom the Jews said, “See how much he loved him.” In their sight Jesus raised his friend from the dead. Legends abound about the life of Lazarus after the death and resurrection of Jesus. He is supposed to have left a written account of what he saw in the next world before he was called back to life. Some say he followed Peter into Syria. Another story is that despite being put into a leaking boat by the Jews at Jaffa, he, his sisters, and others landed safely in Cyprus. There he died peacefully after serving as bishop for 30 years. It is certain there was early devotion to the saint. Around the year 390, the pilgrim lady Etheria talks of the procession that took place on the Saturday before Palm Sunday at the tomb where Lazarus had been raised from the dead. In the West, Passion Sunday was called Dominica de Lazaro, and Augustine tells us that in Africa the Gospel of the raising of Lazarus was read at the office of Palm Sunday. Reflection In its 2021 decree on combining veneration of Mary and Lazarus with Martha, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments said, “In the household of Bethany, the Lord Jesus experienced the family spirit and friendship of Martha, Mary and Lazarus, and for this reason the Gospel of John states that he loved them. Martha generously offered him hospitality, Mary listened attentively to his words and Lazarus promptly emerged from the tomb at the command of the one who humiliated death.”Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Have you ever had an encounter that changed your whole life? Simple Moments is a four-part series inspired by the All In Band's performance of “Dream Small” during a springtime worship service. During the month of July, we'll be paying attention to all the seemingly small things that happen in the stories of our faith. As we do, we'll explore the possibility that God might be speaking to us, or using us for good, in all the more simple moments. This week we will hear about one simple encounter on the side of the road where Zacchaeus perched in a tree changed everything for this tax collector. Link to Livestream:⁠ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPSFTqmaecYLink to Start of Sermon:⁠ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPSFTqmaecY&t=2273sIf you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to First Congo

Becky Ykema - This is the story of Zacchaeus encountering Jesus, and the invitation for all of us to climb down and be with Jesus and among others in community. Seeing can only do so much. Being WITH, is where real formation occurs.  What's Happening Sign up to volunteer on our greeter and hospitality teams. Questions? Email us! Join us on Discord! Make sure to create an account or sign in with your full first and last name as well as a picture of yourself to help keep our server safe. If you are on our server, but can't see the collective, forum, care, etc. make sure to check your messages! Support the ongoing work of SBCC by giving to the general fund. South Bend City Church is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. All donations are tax-deductible. Make sure to select the correct fund when giving.

He was rich, short, and one of the most hated men in his city — the kind of guy nobody wanted to be seen with. So he climbed a tree just to catch a glimpse of Jesus. What happened next changed everything.In this next message in our Summer series, Find Your People, we dig into Luke 19:1-10 and the scandal-prone friendships Jesus kept; the ones with tax collectors, traitors, and outsiders nobody else would sit with. We unpack why tax collectors were despised enough to have songs written about them, why Jesus invited himself to dinner with the most hated man in town, and what all of it means for the "Zacchaeus" in your own life.

Send us Fan MailChurch strategy loves the measurable stuff: seats, service flow, lights, kids check-in, and a first-time guest experience that feels flawless. We care about those details too, but after nearly 20 years in ministry we've had to admit something uncomfortable. When we keep asking, “How do we get more people in the church?” we can miss the better question: “What draws people to Jesus?” We dig into research that points to a simple, human answer. People most often show up because someone they trust invited them. Not because the worship set was perfect or the building was impressive. That puts the focus back where Jesus put it: relationships. We walk through Luke 19 and the story of Zacchaeus, the wealthy chief tax collector who climbs a sycamore fig tree just to catch a glimpse. Jesus stops, calls him by name, and chooses his table, even while the crowd mutters about “a sinner.” From there, the conversation gets practical and personal. We talk about how churches sometimes push away the very people the gospel is for, and why real hospitality means inviting someone into your life before you invite them into a service. We also share a story from high school, where one persistent friend kept inviting a resistant 15-year-old to youth group, an invitation that eventually reshaped an entire future. If you've ever wondered how to share your faith without turning people into projects, this is a roadmap. If this hit home, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review so more people can find it. Who's one person you can invite to your table this week?

Zacchaeus encounters the grace that transforms. The Son of Man came to seek and save sinners. The kingdom breaks into homes—and hearts. Visit us online at: RenewalChurch.net

In the eighth week of our Summer at Bethlehem series, we revisit one of the most familiar stories in Scripture: the encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10. Familiarity often breeds passivity; because we grew up singing the childhood song about the "wee little man," we frequently overlook the radical, scandalous grace displayed in this scene.   Most of us live our lives as if we are constantly auditioning for God's attention, wondering, "Am I good enough? Am I loveable? Am I worthy?" This message dismantles the myth that we must clean up our lives before Jesus will enter them. Whether you are hiding behind a resume of success or drowning in a reputation of past mistakes, the gospel declares that Jesus sees you, knows your name, and desires to move from being a guest in your life to being the Lord of your house.  

Zacchaeus wasn't respected. He was rejected, judged, and overlooked by those around him. But Jesus saw beyond his reputation and extended love, mercy, and favor.In Luke 19, we're reminded that God's grace isn't reserved for the perfect; it's offered to those willing to respond to His call. No matter your past or how others see you, Jesus still knows your name and invites Himself into your life.

What would happen if God showed up in our town? Zacchaeus' life was changed, showing Jesus' redeeming power. In this message, Pastor Lutzer discusses how Jesus moves us from radical confession, to conversion, to being commissioned. When we're changed by Jesus, we can't help but share the good news with others.  This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001. Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Running To Win," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives. Erwin W. Lutzer is Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church in Chicago, where he served as Senior Pastor for 36 years. He is a prolific author of over seventy books. A clear expositor of the Bible, he is the featured speaker on "Running To Win" and "Songs In The Night," with programs broadcasting on over a thousand outlets in the U.S. and across more than fifty countries in seven languages. He and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.   SUPPORT: Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/ Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/   SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoodyChurchMedia Daily Devotional and Weekly Digest: https://www.moodymedia.org/newsletters/subscription/

Following Jesus is not a self improvement project where spiritual fruit exists only to make our own lives easier. In “For Him. For Them.,” Part 10 of From the Vine, Pastor Josh Hersey teaches from John 15 that the work of a disciple is not to force fruit, but to abide in Jesus. When we remain connected to the Vine, His patience, love, generosity, and compassion begin to flow through us for the good of the people around us. Through the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19, we see that Jesus seeks people others overlook, calls them by name, and brings salvation into places religious people may avoid. This Christian sermon explores what it means to love people sacrificially, share your faith without having every answer, tell your testimony, identify your “plus one,” and let your light shine through practical acts of service. No one is too far gone for Jesus, and every follower of Christ has someone they can love, serve, invite, and point toward Him. Have you ever wondered what it means to abide in Christ, how to share the gospel naturally, or how to reach someone who is close to you but far from God? This message offers a biblical and practical answer. Who is your plus one, and what step can you take to help them experience the hope and love of Jesus?   New here or made a decision to follow Jesus today? We would love to connect with you. Fill out our digital connection card: https://churchontherock.net/connect-card  

Esta semana nos acompaña Shawn Boyd y nos enseña sobre la historia de Zaqueo. Mensaje basado en Lucas 19: 1-10This Week Shawn Boyd joins us to teach us about the story of Zacchaeus. Message based on Luke 19: 1-10 To discover more messages of hope, go to tallowood.org/sermons/.Follow us on X and YouTube @tallowoodbcFollow us on Instagram @tallowood.baptistFollow us on FaceBook @tallowoodbaptist

Encountering Jesus revolutionizes our hearts and even our cities. In Jericho, Jesus met the chief tax collector, Zacchaeus. In this message, Pastor Lutzer shows parallels between Zacchaeus' transformation and recent spiritual awakenings. A true movement of God brings an entire community to its knees. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001. Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Running To Win," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives. Erwin W. Lutzer is Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church in Chicago, where he served as Senior Pastor for 36 years. He is a prolific author of over seventy books. A clear expositor of the Bible, he is the featured speaker on "Running To Win" and "Songs In The Night," with programs broadcasting on over a thousand outlets in the U.S. and across more than fifty countries in seven languages. He and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.   SUPPORT: Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/ Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/   SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoodyChurchMedia Daily Devotional and Weekly Digest: https://www.moodymedia.org/newsletters/subscription/

It doesn't matter how you started—what matters is what happens when Jesus calls your name. In this episode, we walk through Luke 19:1–9 and the story of Zacchaeus to discover how curiosity leads to faith, perseverance brings us closer to Christ, and God's grace transforms us from the inside out. No matter your past, Jesus already knows your name and is inviting you into a new life. The question is: Will you answer His call?

Send us Fan Mail

Zacchaeus' story reminds us that beneath every pursuit of success, security, or approval is a deeper longing to be fully known and fully accepted. While the world teaches us to earn our worth through achievement, Jesus meets us with grace before we've proven anything. His acceptance is not a reward for repentance but the very thing that makes transformation possible. As we receive the love of Christ, we are freed from hiding behind our accomplishments or our failures and invited into a new way of being human, one marked by humble dependence on God and the same generous grace extended to others.

Pastor Chris LehmannSupport the show

The Rich Ruler and Zacchaeus the Tax Collector provide two contrasting ways to approach Jesus with our material wealth. This mini-series will explore both.

The words spoken to you can leave wounds that last for years—but they don't have to define your future. This powerful message from guest speaker Pastor Micah Stephens explores how words have the power to shape our identity, influence our relationships, and even change the direction of our lives. Through the stories of Zacchaeus, the Samaritan woman, and Peter, we discover that while hurtful words can leave lasting scars, Jesus always has the final word. In this message, you'll discover: • Why words have the power to build up or tear down • How Jesus replaces shame with truth and healing • What to do with the lies you've believed about yourself • How God's Word reshapes your identity • Why the words you speak matter more than you realize No matter what has been spoken over you—or what you've spoken over yourself—God's truth is greater. His words bring life, freedom, and healing because words don't just communicate... they create worlds. ⛪ ABOUT GO CHURCH GO Church exists to love people to life by helping people take their next step with Jesus. With multiple locations and an online campus, GO Church is a place where you can grow in your faith, build meaningful relationships, and discover your purpose.

How can God use me? Do you ask yourself this question sometimes? In this Heartbeat Rosemary shares about the story of Zacchaeus and how God uses our gifts for good sometimes even years beforehand. 

The words spoken to you can leave wounds that last for years—but they don't have to define your future. This powerful message from guest speaker Pastor Micah Stephens explores how words have the power to shape our identity, influence our relationships, and even change the direction of our lives. Through the stories of Zacchaeus, the Samaritan woman, and Peter, we discover that while hurtful words can leave lasting scars, Jesus always has the final word. In this message, you'll discover: • Why words have the power to build up or tear down • How Jesus replaces shame with truth and healing • What to do with the lies you've believed about yourself • How God's Word reshapes your identity • Why the words you speak matter more than you realize No matter what has been spoken over you—or what you've spoken over yourself—God's truth is greater. His words bring life, freedom, and healing because words don't just communicate... they create worlds. ⛪ ABOUT GO CHURCH GO Church exists to love people to life by helping people take their next step with Jesus. With multiple locations and an online campus, GO Church is a place where you can grow in your faith, build meaningful relationships, and discover your purpose.

The words spoken to you can leave wounds that last for years—but they don't have to define your future. This powerful message from guest speaker Pastor Micah Stephens explores how words have the power to shape our identity, influence our relationships, and even change the direction of our lives. Through the stories of Zacchaeus, the Samaritan woman, and Peter, we discover that while hurtful words can leave lasting scars, Jesus always has the final word. In this message, you'll discover: • Why words have the power to build up or tear down • How Jesus replaces shame with truth and healing • What to do with the lies you've believed about yourself • How God's Word reshapes your identity • Why the words you speak matter more than you realize No matter what has been spoken over you—or what you've spoken over yourself—God's truth is greater. His words bring life, freedom, and healing because words don't just communicate... they create worlds. ⛪ ABOUT GO CHURCH GO Church exists to love people to life by helping people take their next step with Jesus. With multiple locations and an online campus, GO Church is a place where you can grow in your faith, build meaningful relationships, and discover your purpose.

Make Haste: Answering God's Urgent Call! Are you ready to stop hesitating and step into your divine purpose today? In this powerful third installment of the It's Critical podcast series aired on January 21, 2025, Pastor Charles Barksdale, M.B.E., unpacks the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:5 to reveal why immediate, wholehearted obedience to God's voice is essential for your spiritual breakthrough. Discover how acting promptly on His calling unlocks the transformative power of grace, love, and purpose in your life—and don't forget to subscribe and share this urgent message with someone who needs it!

The "sinner's prayer" has become a familiar part of evangelism in many churches. After a gospel message, people are often invited to bow their heads, repeat a prayer, and are then told that if they sincerely meant those words, they have been saved.Many Christians have seen this approach used in youth events, church services, and evangelistic outreaches. But is this the pattern we find in Scripture? Should leading someone in a sinner's prayer be part of our evangelism?The prayer itself is not necessarily the problem. The concern is how it is often used. While there is nothing inherently wrong with expressing faith through prayer, there are several dangers that can arise when the sinner's prayer becomes the focus of evangelism.1. Jesus and the Apostles Never Used ItThe first thing to notice is that neither Jesus nor the apostles used the sinner's prayer as a method of evangelism.Think about Jesus' conversations with Nicodemus, Zacchaeus, and the Samaritan woman. There is no example of Jesus inviting someone to repeat a prayer after Him in order to be saved. Instead, Jesus often challenged people in unexpected ways. He told Nicodemus that he "must be born again," (John 3:3) a statement that left him confused and asking questions. He told the rich young ruler to sell his possessions and give to the poor (Mark 10:21). To the Samaritan woman, He said, "Go, call your husband." (John 4:16).These were not easy responses. Rather, they exposed the condition of each person's heart and showed the impossibility of saving themselves through their own efforts.The same pattern continues in the book of Acts. After Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost, the people asked, "What shall we do?" Peter did not respond by leading them in a prayer. Instead, he called them to "Repent and be baptized...for the forgiveness of your sins" (Acts 2:38). Baptism was the outward expression of repentance and faith. Likewise, the criminal on the cross never prayed a sinner's prayer. He simply said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” - Luke 23:42-43Throughout the New Testament, there is no example of Jesus or the apostles asking someone to repeat a specific prayer in order to receive salvation.2. It Can Become a Ritual Instead of FaithAnother danger is that the sinner's prayer can easily become a ritual. In cultures with strong religious traditions, many people are accustomed to thinking that performing the right ritual brings them closer to God. It is easy for the sinner's prayer to become just another religious act. Instead of trusting Christ, people may begin trusting that they said the correct words. Many believers can remember wondering, "Did I pray it correctly?" or "Did I say the right thing?" Those questions reveal that the focus has shifted from faith in Christ to confidence in an action.Our goal in evangelism should always be to lead people to faith, not to confidence in a religious ritual.3. It Can Minimize Repentance and FaithWhen Jesus began His ministry, His message was clear: Repent and believe - Mark 1:15These two responses appear repeatedly throughout the New Testament. Repentance is more than simply acknowledging that we are sinners or repeating a prayer. It is a change of heart that turns from unbelief to faith in Christ. It is recognizing who God is, understanding our sinful condition, and turning to Christ in faith.As J.D. Greear writes in Stop Asking Jesus into Your Heart:Repentance is not simply praying a prayer that acknowledges our sinfulness and asks for forgiveness. Nor is it walking an aisle, signing a card, or giving a public testimony. Repentance is not fundamentally a motion of the hands, mouth or feet. It is a motion of the heart in which we abandon our posture of rebellion and adopt one of submission toward Christ.Charles Spurgeon also described repentance as a true change of mind that includes the Holy Spirit's work of exposing sin and producing hatred for it. When evangelism centers primarily on getting someone to pray, repentance can easily become an outward action instead of an inward change of heart.4. It Can Oversimplify the GospelAnother concern is that the sinner's prayer can reduce the gospel to a few memorized phrases.The message of Christ is rich and deep. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus taught the same gospel, but He approached different people from different angles, applying God's truth to their specific circumstances. Good evangelism does the same.Rather than rushing someone to repeat a prayer, we should help them understand who God is, who they are before Him, and how the gospel speaks directly to the deepest problems of life. The better we know the gospel ourselves, the better equipped we will be to explain its richness and apply it to the people we are speaking with.5. It Can Give False AssurancePerhaps the greatest danger is giving someone assurance of salvation before there is genuine faith.Many people remember raising a hand, walking forward at a meeting, or praying a prayer years ago. Yet when asked about the gospel, they show little understanding of who Christ is or what He has done. Their confidence rests in an event rather than in Christ Himself.One example came during an outreach to disabled refugees in Odesa. Many of those attending had backgrounds in New Age beliefs or spiritism and did not yet have a clear understanding of the gospel. At the end of the meeting, a guest speaker asked everyone who wanted to go to heaven to raise their hand. Most of the room responded, and they were immediately assured that they were saved.Experiences like this demonstrate why we should be careful. The gospel often takes time for people to understand. Rather than giving quick assurance based on an outward response, we should patiently teach the gospel and encourage people to place their faith in Christ alone.Is the Sinner's Prayer Wrong?None of this means the sinner's prayer itself is wrong. A prayer that includes confession, repentance, and faith can be a perfectly appropriate response to the gospel. The problem is not the prayer itself, but believing that the prayer is what saves.Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ—not through repeating certain words.When someone demonstrates genuine faith and a clear understanding of the gospel, praying together can be a wonderful way for that person to confess their faith to God. But the prayer should express the faith that already exists; it should never become a substitute for it.As we share the gospel, may our focus remain where Scripture places it: calling people to genuine repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, while carefully avoiding anything that could lead them to trust in a ritual rather than in the Savior.

When Jesus comes to town, revival often follows. Zacchaeus' life was changed, showing Jesus' redeeming power. In this message, Pastor Lutzer discusses the realities of conversion and commission. When people are convicted of sin and restitution is made, there is true freedom and joy from being right with God.  To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/172/29?v=20251111

When Jesus comes to town, revival often follows. Zacchaeus' life was changed, showing Jesus' redeeming power. In this message, Pastor Lutzer discusses the realities of conversion and commission. When people are convicted of sin and restitution is made, there is true freedom and joy from being right with God.  This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337. Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Running To Win," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives. Erwin W. Lutzer is Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church in Chicago, where he served as Senior Pastor for 36 years. He is a prolific author of over seventy books. A clear expositor of the Bible, he is the featured speaker on "Running To Win" and "Songs In The Night," with programs broadcasting on over a thousand outlets in the U.S. and across more than fifty countries in seven languages. He and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.   SUPPORT: Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/ Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/   SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoodyChurchMedia Daily Devotional and Weekly Digest: https://www.moodymedia.org/newsletters/subscription/

Encountering Jesus revolutionizes our hearts and even our cities. In Jericho, Jesus met the chief tax collector, Zacchaeus. In this message, Pastor Lutzer shows how curiosity about Christ leads to a moment of confrontation and confession. When Jesus comes to town, we will never be the same. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/172/29?v=20251111

Encountering Jesus revolutionizes our hearts and even our cities. In Jericho, Jesus met the chief tax collector, Zacchaeus. In this message, Pastor Lutzer shows how curiosity about Christ leads to a moment of confrontation and confession. When Jesus comes to town, we will never be the same. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337. Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Running To Win," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives. Erwin W. Lutzer is Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church in Chicago, where he served as Senior Pastor for 36 years. He is a prolific author of over seventy books. A clear expositor of the Bible, he is the featured speaker on "Running To Win" and "Songs In The Night," with programs broadcasting on over a thousand outlets in the U.S. and across more than fifty countries in seven languages. He and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.   SUPPORT: Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/ Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/   SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoodyChurchMedia Daily Devotional and Weekly Digest: https://www.moodymedia.org/newsletters/subscription/

Why is salvation impossible for us? And what has Jesus done to make it possible?"Jesus Replied, 'What is impossible with man is possible with God.'” — Luke 18:27Today's Episode: Natalie Abbott takes a deep dive into Luke 18 and helps us understand one of Jesus's most hope-filled—and often misunderstood—statements.We often use this verse when life feels difficult or overwhelming. But in its original context, Jesus is talking about something even bigger: salvation. We cannot make ourselves right with God. We cannot earn his favor or fix our own souls.Natalie walks us through the stories surrounding Luke 18:27, including the Pharisee and the tax collector, the rich ruler, and Zacchaeus. You'll be reminded that salvation is not something we achieve through good behavior, hard work, or religious effort. It is the impossible gift God has made possible through Jesus.This Month's Memory Verse:"Jesus replied, 'What is impossible with man is possible with God.''

kids will learn that lament is a type of prayer where we honestly talk to God about things that feel hard, hurtful, sad, or wrong. ⭐ What Kids Will Learn: