Podcasts about Zacchaeus

In this episode, I'm diving into the power of serving the person right in front of you. As someone who's run businesses with thousands of clients and students, I've learned it's not about the big numbers—it's about the one. Today, I'm sharing biblical examples, from Zacchaeus to the bleeding woman, that show what it looks like to stop for the one, and I'm giving practical ways you can do this in your business and personal life.  You'll leave this episode inspired to be present, intentional, and faithful with the people God has placed right in front of you. __________________________________________________________ Ready for more? Here are 3 ways we can help you: 1)

Today we’re wrapping up our One Word 2026 series with the final two invitations: enthusiastic and trusting. I wanted this whole month to feel unhurried—like space to look back on 2025 with gratitude, and then ask God, “How do You want to grow me in 2026?” And here’s what I’ve realized: enthusiasm isn’t something we manufacture by willpower. Real, lasting enthusiasm comes from being filled with God—and I love that the word itself traces back to that idea. If you’ve felt tired, distracted, discouraged, or even a little apathetic, I’m inviting you to consider what it would look like to be ardently alive, fueled by the Spirit. Then we talk about trust—because so many of us are carrying unknowns, losses, or things we can’t control. Trust is choosing to rely on God’s character when the outcome isn’t clear. We’ll look at Zacchaeus (Luke 19), the centurion (Matthew 8), and we’ll end with a reminder that God’s holiness means He is truly worthy of our trust. What We Cover: Discover what “enthusiastic” originally meant—not just high energy, but being “in God” and Spirit-filled. Identify the real enemy of enthusiasm: indifference and apathy that grows when we’re overwhelmed and disconnected from God’s strength. Learn how spiritual enthusiasm shows up in real life through Zacchaeus: curiosity, bold response, generosity, and immediate heart-change in Jesus’ presence. Understand trust as steady reliance on God’s character, not on what you can control, predict, or prove. Be invited to name your modern “chariots and horses”—the things you’re tempted to rely on for security (money, approval, control, success, relationships, etc.). See what extraordinary faith looks like in the centurion: trusting Jesus’ authority without needing visible proof. Walk away with two simple affirmations to practice daily if either word becomes your focus for 2026. Bible Verses Mentioned: Romans 12:11 Luke 19 Psalm 20:7 Matthew 8:5–13 Resources Mentioned: Free One Word 2026 companion/reflection guide: Nicoleunice.com/newyear Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In “Who's Your One? – Part 2,” Eric shows how God is already at work in hearts long before we ever start a conversation. Through the story of Zacchaeus and the powerful testimony of Ryan and Trey, we're reminded that many people are quietly searching for Jesus and are far more open than we think. This message calls us to align our hearts with what Jesus is about—seeking and saving the lost—and to experience the joy that comes from joining Him in that mission. You'll be challenged to pray with burden, awareness of opportunity, and boldness for your one. Listen or watch and discover how prayer and simple faith can lead to eternal change.

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!

Message from Tim Booth on January 18, 2026

Ever felt the slow drain of hidden guilt, like summer heat drying your strength to dust? Psalm 32 points to a different way of living—blessed, light, and unburdened—through the freedom of forgiveness. We walk through David's language with care, unpacking transgression as rebellion, sin as missing the mark, and iniquity as moral distortion. Then we hold up the heart of the psalm: the blessed life belongs to the person who knows the debt is truly paid, not ignored or minimized, but covered by God's mercy.We talk candidly about the “mercy of misery,” those seasons when God's hand feels heavy and our bones ache under the weight of secrecy. That conviction isn't punishment for punishment's sake; it's the rescue alarm that pulls us out of denial and into honesty. Confession isn't performance or self-defense—it's agreeing with God about reality. And when we do, Scripture is clear: forgiveness is immediate, cleansing is certain, and we move from hiding our sin from God to hiding ourselves in God, our true refuge.Along the way, we root this hope in Jesus' own priorities—like telling a paralyzed man, “Your sins are forgiven,” before healing his legs—and we share stories of transformed lives that testify to grace's power: from Peter to Paul, from Zacchaeus to John Newton. If you've carried unconfessed sin or still wear shame over sins Christ has already covered, this conversation is for you. Come lay down the weight, embrace the finished work, and reenter community with shouts of deliverance. If this message lifts your heart, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review to help others find their way to freedom.

Mollie and Tique continue the Conversation over Zacchaeus as we move from week 1 to week 2 of our Conversation Series: Invisible.

Tique kicks off our 2026 Conversation Series called Invisible by looking at the story of Zacchaeus.

In this Find Your One message, we study the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1–10) and see how grace changes what the law never could. Zacchaeus knew he was wrong, but only when Jesus pursued him did his heart truly change. This sermon reminds us that transformation flows from grace, not pressure, and challenges us to extend that same grace as we pray for and invest in our one. 

In this message Pastor Jeff used Zacchaeus as told in the story in Luke 19. What obstacles did he face to see Jesus? How did he overcome those? Jeff challenged us to look at the obstacles in our lives that keep us from seeing Jesus and reminded us that Jesus has no obstruction when looking at us.

Introduction: John 4:23–24 - But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. Why Should I Sing on Sundays? (Colossians 3:16) Because singing works the WORD INTO MY HEART. (Col 3:16a) Because singing encourages the HEARTS OF EVERYONE WHO HEARS ME. (Col 3:16b) Ephesians 5:19 - ...addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart... Psalm 34:3 - Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together! Psalm 107:32 - Let them extol him in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders. Psalm 100:1 - Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Because singing voices my HEARTFELT THANKFULNESS TO GOD. (Col 3:16c) Ephesians 5:19 - ...addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart... Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Small Group DiscussionRead Colossians 3:16What was your big take-away from this passage / message and the entire series?What are your biggest barriers to passionately singing on Sunday mornings? How can you begin to overcome these barriers and be a more faithful worshiper?How does singing help the Word dwell in you richly?How does singing on Sundays encourage others around you? What does their singing teach you?What did Taylor mean that your greatest instrument is your heart? How is your mouth like an amplifier?BreakoutPray for one another. AUDIO TRANSCRIPT Open your Bibles to Colossians chapter 3 verse 16.Colossians chapter 3 verse 16.Have you ever gone to someone else's houseand witnessed family traditions that didn't make sense to you?You had a friend in college, I went to visit his family onceand he's a part of a family that kisses each other on the lipswhenever they say hello or goodbye.And that's not my experience at all in my family.And to be clear, I'm not judging you,that's how your family does greeting time.You are loved and we're moving on from that, okay?I also had another friend I grew up with,his family drank milk with every single meal they ate.Three meals a day, three glasses of milk a day.And they thought it was really weirdthat I didn't want to drink milk with my pizza.And I thought it was really weird that they wanted meto drink milk with my pizza.Have you ever visited a different countryand been surprised and thrown off by the customs they have?In Netherlands, the person who's throwing a birthday partycongratulates every single person in the room,not just the person having the birthday.In Japan, it is not customary to tip.If you try to leave a tip,the server will probably be very offended by that.I've talked to a lot of people who've visitedor immigrated to America,who are really thrown off that we use,how are you, not as a genuine question,but as a throwaway hello.I've been to Kenya twice,and the first time I was there, I was surprisedthat as I walked from village to village,talking to a certain man,he would hold my hand as we walked.Now guys, will we do that in America?That's never happened to me, stateside.But in Kenya, it's a sign of friendship.It's a sign that person is really listeningto what you have to say.Many traditions and customs seem to be a bit randomand mysterious.When you press people on why they carry out these traditions,they usually don't know why.They don't know the origin or rationale.I don't know, it's what we've always done.We've always had milk with our pizza.We've always eaten funyons at Thanksgiving.One tradition that doesn't really make that much sense,but I'm glad you enjoy it, Pastor Jeff.Traditions and customs can become mechanical,can become rote.If you don't know why you're doing them,it can become a mechanical processof going through the motions.And the saying can be said for Christians in the church.If you pull many professing believersas they exit a Sunday morning serviceand ask them to provide the biblical rationalefor why they did what they just did,I think you'd receive a lot of blank stares.You'd hear a lot of us and ums.You'd hear a lot of hemming and hawing.Why is that?Because they are engaging in worshipwithout thought or intention.They are going through the motions.The traditions and customs that God has laid downin His word for the family gatherings of His peoplemay seem strange.Hard to explain and a bit random.I mean, think about it.Why do we gather once a week to listen to a guy like metalk about the Bible for 30 to 45 minutes?Every few months, why do we watch people get dunked in water?At the end of this service,why will we eat a cup of bread and a thimble full of juice?Why do we do that?Why do we spend almost half of the service singing together?And that final question is particularly hardfor some Christians to answerbecause they don't like to sing on Sundays.They don't want to sing on Sundaysand they don't even know why we sing on Sundays.They don't always see the point.And maybe you were a part of the demographicthat isn't really down with singing.Maybe this biblical tradition seems odd to you.It seems mysterious.You don't know why you have to do it.So what do you do?As Pastor Jeff and Pastor Rich have said in previous sermons,you barely sing above a whisper.You tune out.You mouth the words until you're told to sit down.Or maybe you arrive intentionally lateto skip the singing portions of the service.So you slip out early to skip the final song.You just don't get singing, so you just don't sing.This is the final sermon in a series calledGod is Seeking Worshipers.In John chapter four verses 23 through 24,Jesus makes it clear what kind of worshipis God's on the lookout for.Let's listen to what Jesus has to say.He says, "But the hour is coming and is now here"when the true worshipers will worship the Father"in spirit and truth,"for the Father is seeking such people to worship Him."God is spirit and those who worship Him must worship"in spirit and truth."God is seeking those who will worship Him"in spirit and in truth."Two weeks ago, Pastor Rich dug into what it looks liketo worship God according to the truth of His word.And last week, Pastor Jeff focused on worshiping Godin spirit, you were to have passionand not cold detachment.And this morning, we're gonna focus in particularon the importance of congregational singing.Whether you can't wait to sing or you can't stand to sing,I wanna help you answer one question this morning,just one question.Why should I sing on Sundays?Why should I sing on Sundays?There are a lot of places to turn to answer this question,but there is no place that is clearer and more concisethan Colossians 3/16, just one verse.Before we continue any further,let's go to Lord and ask for His help.Please pray for me, that I'll faithfully proclaim God's wordand I will pray for you, that you will faithfully receive it.Father, we come to you and we thank youfor this most important appointment of the week.This isn't the throwaway time that we can take or leave,Lord, it is the time we come togetherto worship your holy name.Come around your word to be challenged, to be convicted,to be encouraged, to be lifted up,to be pointed to your Son, Jesus Christ.We thank you in advance for what you will doand we pray more than anythingthat you would be pleased with what we do today,that you would be worshiped in spirit and in truth.And we ask all this in Jesus' name, amen.So Colossians is a New Testament letterwritten by the Apostle Pauland it is focused on the supremacy of Christ in all things.Christ is better than anything or anyone.Life is from Him, life is through Him, and life is for Him.In chapter three of Colossians,Paul calls the Colossians to live in light of who Christ isand where He is seated.Christ is Lord and He is seated in heaven,so we are called to submit to His heavenly standards.To be able to put on new clothes,you have to take off your old clothes.Or to put on the new self, you are to put off the old self.You are to put off old, ungodly attitudes and behaviorsso you can put on new and godly behaviors.In verse 12, Paul says the Colossiansare to put on compassionate hearts.And in verse 15, he says, "Let the peace of Christrule in your hearts."Then in verse 16, our passage for today,Paul says there to have worshipful and thankful hearts.And you and I are called to have these worshipful hearts as well.Why is that?What's the result?Well, worshipful and thankful hearts bless God.It blesses others, and it will bless you as well.Now that we have that background in mind,let's answer our main question.Why should I sing on Sundays?Why should I sing on Sundays?Number one, because singing works the word into my heart.Because singing works the word into my heart.Let's read Colossians chapter 3 verse 16."Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom,singing psalms and hymns and spiritual psalmswith thankfulness in your hearts to God."Let's focus on that beginning chunk."Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly."What does that mean?It means that your copy of God's word doesn't gather duston your bedside table.The words on these pages, don't just stay on these pages.The word of God finds a place in your heart.It lives within you.Scripture digs down deep into the very core of your beingto change how you think, how you feel, how you love,how you act, and how you react.How does this happen?It happens by reading the word.It happens by studying the word, meditating upon the word.I'm packing what it means and how it applies to your life.It involves writing notes in the margins,jotting down questions, highlighting verses,becoming a student of God's word.But according to Paul, this also happens through singing.And that may surprise you because you don't see the connection just yet.How does singing work the word into your heart?How does singing cause the word of Christ to dwell in you richly?Because lyrics set to music is the most effective methodof memorization and internalization.We all know this to be the case, right?In other areas of life.How did you learn the ABCs?Through your song, right?Prove it to me.ABCD.Very good. Very good.Wow. As a kid, how did you learn the basics of anatomy?Head, shoulders, knees, and toes, knees, and toes.Head, shoulders, knees, and toes, knees, and toes.Eyes and ears and mouth and nose.Head, shoulders, knees, and toes, knees, and toes.We're all cleaning up.Clean up, clean up.Everybody everywhere.Look at you guys.Those lessons are dwelling in you richly to this day.Do you see the point?Growing up in the church, I learned a lot of important biblical factsthrough songs.If you know the song I'm going to sing, please sing it with me.Zacchaeus was a wee little man, and a wee little man was he.He climbed up the ladder in the country,the Lord he called to see, and the Savior asked him to pray.He looked up in the street, and the Lord said,"Zacchaeus, you come down, for I'm going to your house today,for I'm going to your house today."The B-I-B-L-E. Yes, that's the book for me.I stand alone on the word of God, the B-I-B-L-E.Isn't it astounding how much biblical truth can be containedin such simple and childlike songs?I sang these songs 30 years ago, and they still dwell in my heart richly.They worked the word into my heart.How arrogant we can be as adults by believing that we maturepast the need to learn and love the word of God through song.Do you feel that way right now?Do you think that the sermon is the only aspect of the Sunday servicethat teaches you something?That's just not true.Every single aspect of the service teaches you God's word.At harvest, we read the word, we preach the word, we pray the word,we see the word in baptism in the Lord's Supper, and we sing the word.All of these elements cause the word of Christ to dwell in you richly.All of these elements work the word into your heart.This is why it's important that we only sing what God's word says.And thankfully, Paul tells us what to sing in this verse.He gives us three types of songs, Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.Psalms are self-explanatory, right?He's talking about the 150 songs and prayers in the Old Testament book of Psalms.When you sing the Psalms, you're singing God's own word back to him.It's like you're speaking God's language.You're using his own divine vocabulary.And when Paul references hymns in this verse, he's not talking about the hymnsas we understand them in 2026.Remember Paul's writing about 2,000 years ago.He's not commanding us to buy old dusty hymns off eBaythat have this singing sheet and all the parts for men and women.But what is he saying?Well, back in his day, hymns were a pagan practice.Hymns were sung to a false God, a famous hero, or a military leader.These hymns were focused on a particular person.Paul is Christianizing and retrofitting this pagan practice for the church.He's saying instead of singing to that lame guy who's not as cool as you think he is,instead of singing to that bloodthirsty general,instead of singing to that false God, praise the Lord God Almighty.Praise him for who he is.Praise him for his sovereignty.Praise him for his glory.Praise him for his majesty.Praise him for his majesty.Praise God for who he is.And most likely spiritual songs were songs of personal testimony.If hymns mainly emphasize who God is,spiritual songs focus on what God has done for you,what he is doing for you, and what he will do for you in the future.Praise God that he gave you another day to worship him and to serve him.How many of us woke up today going, "Ugh, today's going to be terrible.I don't want to do this."Instead of doing that, praise him that he gave you breath in your lungs.Praise him that he has forgiven all of your sin past, present, and future.Praise him that he delivered you from the domain of darknessand has transferred you to the kingdom of his beloved Son.Praise him that he will never, ever let go of you, no matter what you do.Praise God for all the good gifts he has given to you.That is Psalms and hymns in spiritual songs.Why does Paul give us this breakdown of songs?In the past, did you ever make someone a mixtape?Did you ever burn someone a CD?Or for you teenagers who have no idea what I'm talking about?Have you ever made a playlist and shared it with someone else?Why did you do that?Because you wanted that person to experience the songs that you love.You wanted that person to get out of the rut of listening to that same kind of songover and over and over again.That's what Paul is doing here.He's giving the Colossians a godly mixtape, a CD.He's sharing a heavenly playlist with them.He wants to keep them from singing the same type of song over and over and over again.It's often said that variety is a spice of life.Variety is also the spice of worship.God wants to be worshiped by the inspired classics of the Psalms.He also wants to be worshiped as Pastor Jeff just read to us from Psalm 96 with a new song.He wants to be worshiped for who he is.But he also wants to be worshiped for what he does, what he has done, and what he will do.Singing these types of songs will keep us from only emphasizing the truth and missing spiritor only emphasizing spirit and missing the truth.Sticking to this list of songs will cause you to worship in spirit and in truthbecause both are needed to truly worship God.So much damage can be done.If the sermons we hear on Sundays get an A+ in theology,but the songs we sing receive a failing grade.Well, why is that?Because you'll remember the words you sing on Sundayfar longer than the words you hear from the pastor's mouth.If you don't believe me, have you ever been with a Christian on their deathbed?I gotta tell you, they don't invite their pastors then to repreach their favorite sermons.What do they do instead?They sing worship songs that are lodged in their brains and stuck in their hearts.As tired and as feeble as these saints feel, they belt out amazing grace in Christ alone.Crown Him with many crowns.It is well, blessed assurance.Biblically rich songs have the power to instruct your intellect.Spark your passions, engage your emotions, and involve your body.When the Word of Christ dwells in you richly, it will flow out of your mouth freely.Do you begrudgingly sing?Do you barely sing?Do you refuse to sing?If you've answered any of those questions with a yes,I want you to come to grips with what you're truly sacrificing.You are laying aside the blessing of knowing and loving the Word of Godon every single level of who you are as a person, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.You are cutting your spiritual growth off at the knees.You're saying, "I'm going to mature this far and no farther."You are cutting yourself off from a major source of the Word of Christ dwelling in you richly.Of the Word being worked into your heart.You are hurting yourself.But the damage doesn't just end with you.If you have a negative view of singing, you will negatively affect others around you.But in Colossians 3, 16, Paul shows us the opposite as well.If you have a positive view of singing, you will positively affect others around you.Let's read verse 16 for a second time."Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom,singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God."Why should I sing on Sundays?Second reason, because singing encourages the hearts of everyone who hears me.Because singing encourages the hearts of everyone who hears me.Paul says that we as a church should be teaching and admonishing who?One another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.He shares an almost identical truth in Ephesians 519.He says the believer should be addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.Pastor Rich and Pastor Jeff have made it clear over the past few weeks that the primary audienceof our worship is who?God, first and foremost, our worship is for and before the Lord.Again, He is the primary audience.But according to Paul, there is a secondary audience of our singing.And who is that secondary audience?One another.Every single person in this room, that person in front of you, those people behind you,those people next to you.To be clear, you're not worshiping other people as you sing.You are only worshiping God, but you are instructing and teaching others as you sing.The goal isn't to impress, the goal is to instruct.By singing, you are reinforcing the glorious truths of God's Word.By singing, you are warning, admonishing others to avoid the consequences of disobeying God's Word.You are playing an important role of the working of the Word into their hearts.You are playing an important role of the Word of Christ dwelling in their hearts, richly.Do you understand that Sunday morning is not your private worship time with God?Yes, it is personal, but it's by no means private.You are commanded to have your private worship time with God throughout the week.As you read the Bible, as you pray, as you fast,Sunday morning is the corporate worship time of God's people.It's not just about you and Jesus, it's about us and Jesus.Why is it so important that we gather together and we sing together?Why do we do that?Well, one pastor puts it this way.The people of God sing together because they have been saved together.And we see this truth in the book of Exodus.In Exodus 12 and 13, the Israelites are let go from slavery in Egypt.They're guided by the very presence of God.But then what happens?Pharaoh changed his mind to the armies of Egypt.Go after the Israelites.But God rescues them.He makes the Red Sea's part.He takes them through the water.Then those waters drown the Egyptian army.The Israelites are saved together by God.How do they respond to being saved together?According to Exodus 15, they sing together.Their voices become one communal voice to their God and their Savior.And we see this in the Psalms.There is a ton of "I," "me," "my," and "my" language in the Psalms.But there are 346 appearances of "we," "our," "us," as well.Again, it's not just private.It's corporate.In Psalm 343, David gives this command,"O magnify the Lord with me.Let us exalt his name together."Psalm 107.32."Let them extol him in the congregation of the people,and praise him in the assembly of the elders."Paul commands the Colossians and the Ephesiansto sing to the Lord together because they have been savedby the blood of Jesus Christ together.You and I are commanded to sing together because we have been savedby the blood of Jesus Christ together.You were not rescued and redeemed from your sinto be your own spiritual island by yourself.You were rescued and redeemed to be a part of the holy people of God,to be adopted into the family of God.You are not an only child.You have a countless number of brothers and sisters across this globeand throughout human history.But let's focus on our church for a minute.If you are a member at harvest,you have committed yourself to the holiness and maturityof the brothers and sisters you have in this roomand in the other service.By becoming a member,you have acknowledged that your faithful attendance,your active participation contributes to the unity and purity of this church.You have chosen to link arms with these peopleand marched through this evil world towards heaven together.You have agreed that I'm going to build up and encourage these peoplebecause they are my family.Do you realize that this service isn't just something you can slip in and slip out of?This is your family.This is a family gathering and you are here to encourage others,not just to be encouraged yourself.So how do you encourage others around you?You sing with passionate enthusiasm.You cannot teach and admonish other people around you with their singingif other people around you cannot hear your singing.You know what this means?This means that you do not have the biblical right to opt out of singing.You do not have God's permission to mumble or mouth the words you see on the screens.You are not given a hall pass from God to come late or to leave early.You are not allowed to be a conscientious objector during the worship set.I know exactly what some of you are thinking right now.I know you are internally sweating and thinking,"Pastor Taylor, you just don't get it.I have a horrible singing voice and I don't want anybody to hear me."Does God expect you to be a trained musician or a world-class vocalist to sing?I sure hope not because you all just heard my voice a few minutes agoand I fall way short of that standard.Does God command you to sing well in Scripture?He calls you to sing, period.Psalm 100 verse 1, "Make a joyful noise to the Lord all the earth."Can your mouth make noise?Make noise to your mouth by saying yes.Can your mouth make noise?Can you make that noise sound joyful?Even better than you are the perfect person to sing to the Lordto encourage other people in this room with your singing.All of you are not expected to stand on stage and lead the worship time,but you are expected to instruct others during the worship timeas you sing from where you stand.How many of you watched Elf last month before Christmas?Very few of you.Wow, okay, this may be harder for you than I thought.What is Buddy the Elf's singing advice for Christmas?The best way to spread Christmas cheer is..."Lose your mouth for all of the years."I'm going to steal that quote and use it for corporate worship.The best way to spread Christian cheer is..."Lose your mouth for all of the years."I read a study recently that laid out two markers of a healthy church.They're obviously way more than just two,but these two were the focus of the study.The first one was children.Children are being born.Children are being discipled.That discipleship is being reinforced in the life of the church,as Pastor Jeff often says, "Children are a sign of life."How are we doing with that first marker here at Harvest?If you're wondering, just count how many kids almost knock you over after the service is over.Here's the second mark.The second mark is "Men who sing."How are we doing with that one?I got to tell you, not as well as the first.I know what some of you might be thinking."Taylor, singing on Sundays just seems a little feminine.It doesn't seem very masculine to me."That's interesting.You didn't seem to have that same objectionwhen you were singing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game"at the pirate game this past summer.So let me understand this.It's masculine to sing about going to a baseball game,but it's feminine to sing to the Lord God Almighty.You didn't seem to have that same objectionwhen you were singing in the shower this morning,or singing in the car the way to work last week.You didn't seem to have this objectionwhen you were singing at the top of your lungswhen you saw your favorite band in concert.So let me get it straight.All those things are masculine,but singing to Jesus Christ,who laid down his own life to save yours, that's feminine.Do you see how ridiculous that objection iswhen you really think about it?Moses sang, "Are you more masculine than Moses?When was the last time you were used by Godto defeat the mightiest army on the planetand to lead a bunch of complaining people to the wilderness?"David sang to the Lord and even danced to himas we saw last week."Are you more masculine than David?You were killed a giantor ruled over God's chosen nation?Jesus sang in the Gospels.Are you more masculine than Jesus?Your entire life cannot compare to one secondof the masculinity Jesus displayedduring his time on this earth."Men, please stop making excuses for why you can't sing.Sing for the sake of your wife.Sing for the sake of your kids.Sing for the sake of the church.Your silence is deafening and destructive.Harvest, we should be teaching and admonishing one anotherand all wisdom by singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.We should be instructing and encouraging one anotherby how we sing.This starts at an individual leveland it has corporate ramifications.You have no idea how big of an impactyour singing has on the people around you.And you have no idea how much their singinghas an impact on you.Imagine that there is a woman in the seat in front of youwho is fighting a losing battle with a serious illness.Yet every single Sunday she is worshiping the Lordwith hands lifted high.Does that teach you something?That teaches you that God is worthy of your praiseeven when your physical strength is being sapped from your body.Imagine that there is a dad down the aisle from youwho just lost his son.Yet he is still worshiping the Lord with tears in his eyesand sorrow in his heart.Doesn't that teach you something?That teaches you that the Lord gives and the Lord takes away.Blessed be the name of the Lord.That group of teenagers in the intersectionis rejecting the worldly desire to look coolby worshiping God with reckless abandon.Doesn't that teach you something?That teaches you that age doesn't always equal maturityand they can set you an example to follow.Please sing.Sing to encourage your own heartbut also sing to encourage the hearts of other people around you.Why should I sing on Sundays?Final reason.Because singing voices my heart felt thankfulness to God.Because singing voices my heart felt thankfulness to God.Singing blesses you.Singing blesses others.But most importantly, singing blesses God.Let's read verse 16 and a third and final time.Let the word of Christ dwell in you richlyteaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom.Singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songswith thankfulness in your hearts to God.Once again, Paul shares a very similar truth in Ephesians 519.He says that you should sing and address other Christians in songwhile making melody to the Lord with your heart.You realize that your mouth isn't your primary instrument of praise.It's your heart.Your heart is where everything starts.Your heart is where your passions live.Your heart is where your emotions reside.What is in your heart will come out of your mouth.Your heart is like a guitar or a keyboard.While your mouth is a speaker.Your mouth amplifies what is inside.Your mouth amplifies what is in your heart.If your heart is full of negativity and complaining,what will come out of your mouth?Negativity and complaining.If your heart is full of love and praise to the Lord,what will be amplified by your mouth?Love and praise to the Lord.You were made to worship God.And God has revealed that he loves to be sung to.And if you refuse to sing to him,you were refusing to give him the love and thanks that he deserves.At this point, you may be waving the white flag.Okay, Taylor, I get it.I get it.You and other pastors can stop selling me.These sermons have convinced me.I just sing a little bit louder.Fine, I guess I'll sing.Is that honoring to the Lord?You know, my wife has revealed to me that she loves flowers.And she feels loved by me whenever I give her flowers.But imagine that she loves flowers.But imagine I come home after service with a frown on my faceand shove some flowers in her arms and say, "There you go.Will you stop bugging me about the stupid flowers?I did what you wanted.You're not getting more until your birthday.Hope you enjoy it."Would my wife feel very loved by that?I shouldn't buy my wife flowers because I have to.I should buy my wife flowers because I love her and I want to.And the same way, singing to the Lord shouldn't be viewed as something you have to do.It should be viewed as something you want to do.It should be your greatest joy to verbally and physically express the love you feel for him on the inside.And if that's not how you feel, there's a problem going on that you should address.The worship team can make their way forward.God is seeking worshipers.God is seeking those who will worship him in truth.God is seeking those who will worship him in spirit.God is seeking those who will worship him in song.How do you feel about this job description?How do you feel about being a full-time worshiper of God?Some of you in this room are not a worshiper of God.You have not yet trusted in Christ.You are worshiping yourself.You are living for yourself.Let me ask you something.How is that working out for you?I'm guessing not very well.You may think you're happy.You may act happy, but you know something is missing.You know something is wrong.You know there is someone far greater than you who deserves the glory and honor that you're hogging for yourself.This person is God who reveals himself most clearly to the person and work of his Son.Jesus came to this earth to serve sinners.Choose to serve him for all of eternity.Jesus humbled himself by dying on the cross to pay the penalty for sin,even though he was and still is fully perfect and sinless.Choose to exalt him forever and ever.Jesus will not turn you away if you come to him with genuine faith and repentance.Choose to believe in him.Stop believing in yourself.Choose to worship him.Stop worshiping yourself.The role of a full-time worshiper is being offered to you.Accept that job offer.Others of you have accepted that job offer in the past,but you haven't been carrying out your responsibilities lately.Maybe you've been making excuses for why you can't sing.Maybe you've been distracted by a million other things you sit in this service and you're not focusing on Jesus Christ.Maybe you're not truly singing with passionate enthusiasm.If you're honest, you would say, "I've been lazy in my worship."If that's true, let me give you one final exhortation.If Jesus Christ rose from the dead on a Sunday morning, 2000 years ago,you can get up bright and early every Sunday to worship his holy namewith every ounce of energy and passion that you have.It's not too late.You can do it right now.You can do it today.Others of you have been faithful and you've been consistent in your worship.Obviously, it's not perfect, but you have been consistent.If that's you, keep it up.Keep up the good work.Do not waver in the job that God has saved you to carry out.We spend a lot of time talking about singing.Let's actually stand.Let's actually sing.Stand and do what you are made to do.Do what you are saved to do.Do what you should want to do.Let's sing to the Lord.

Join host Jami for a powerful conversation with experienced foster parent and trauma-informed care expert, Tera Melber. Tera, the founder of Resound Trauma Education, brings her extensive background—including a master's degree in human services counseling and a commitment to integrating faith with the latest interpersonal neurobiology research—to the discussion. She shares her 20-year journey into foster care and adoption, highlighting the realization that parenting a child from early adversity requires a special set of skills and a Christian framework for care that wasn't always readily available.   Tera delves into the critical need for a trauma-informed approach to parenting and ministry, illustrating how Jesus himself modeled this connection-based care by avoiding shame and fostering safety, as seen in biblical accounts like the woman at the well and Zacchaeus. She also shifts the focus to the pivotal role of the church, encouraging congregations to move beyond rigid expectations. Instead, she advocates for trauma-aware environments—equipping volunteers with co-regulation tools, like "backpack teams"—to ensure foster and kinship families feel safety, connection, and belonging.   Ultimately, Tera's mission is to combine the research of trauma-informed care with the biblical teachings of Jesus, viewing this work not as a buzzword, but as essential "gospel work." She looks forward to witnessing the church step up to be a unique place of safety, connection, and hope to bring healing and generational change to families navigating the foster care journey.   Links: Learn more at theforgotteninitiative.org More about guest Tera Melber https://www.facebook.com/p/Resound-Trauma-Education-LLC-61560422615470/

January 4th, 2026 Pastor Chad McDonald Within discipleship settings, I have found that Christians are willing to talk about a wide variety of subjects. What is seldom discussed, however, is the blessing that is promised to those who have a gospel view of the use of their money. On that subject, there is normally silence. They say that it is the sign that a person has truly been converted when they begin to give away their money. It was certainly the sign that Christ gave for the changed heart of Zacchaeus. I believe it is no less true today. What lies behind such a change in our heart? What is it about the gospel that releases us from a bondage to money and to find contentment in Him? And more than this, what are the principles for viewing our money in a gospel way? Are there any laws or specific commands? We will dive into this incredibly significant area of life this weekend in our worship services. I pray you will make plans to join us. I promise that there will be no high-pressure tactics or manipulative efforts to coerce you into giving. My prayer is simply that God would work in all our hearts as we seek to view the resources that God has given us through the lens of His truth and the gospel. Let’s start the year off with a fresh commitment to attending church. As a fellow pastor, Dean Inserra, is well-known for saying, “The local church is the best thing going today!” I’ll see you this weekend. In Christ, Pastor Chad

This episode is part 42 in a study of the gospel of Luke. Jesus predicts his own death, heals a blindman, and comes upon a tax collector who is a little short, Zacchaeus, whose life changes. https://thebiblestudypodcast.com/luke-18-19-zacchaeus/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The religious people of Jesus' day didn't like that he hung out with all the “wrong” people. Join Pastor Rick as he looks at the dinners Jesus had with sinners and what they show us about the way he views each of us.Listen as Pastor Rick concludes this message on how Jesus values you based on his encounter with Zacchaeus. Learn that no matter what you've done and what others say about you, Jesus still wants to have a relationship with you. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1103/29?v=20251111

The religious people of Jesus' day didn't like that he hung out with all the “wrong” people. Join Pastor Rick as he looks at the dinners Jesus had with sinners and what they show us about the way he views each of us.When Jesus encountered a tax collector and invited him to dinner, the people were outraged. Join Pastor Rick in this message as he explores the value Jesus places on you through the story of Zacchaeus—reminding you that no matter how small or overlooked you feel, Jesus sees and knows you. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1103/29?v=20251111

In this powerful message, “The New Man in Christ Jesus,” Pastor Sean Pinder and Pastor Jeffrey Zimmerman explore the life-changing encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus. Through this compelling account, we see how a genuine meeting with Christ produces real repentance, inner renewal, and visible transformation. Jesus did not merely visit Zacchaeus' house—He transformed his heart, proving that salvation brings a brand-new identity and direction.This teaching challenges believers to examine what it truly means to be made new in Christ. As the old life falls away, a new man emerges—marked by obedience, restored relationships, and a passion to live righteously. Be encouraged as you discover how salvation is not just about forgiveness, but about a complete transformation that impacts every area of life when Jesus takes His rightful place.

In this message from the When God Moves In series, Will Warren explores what happens when God shows up in unexpected ways. Looking at Jesus' invitation throughout Scripture—from Revelation's open door to encounters with Matthew and Zacchaeus—this sermon reminds us that God doesn't force His way into our lives. He knocks. He invites. And He waits for a response.

Many of us long to be seen, known, and restored, yet feel trapped by our past. In Luke 19:1–10, Jesus seeks out Zacchaeus, offering grace that leads to repentance and transformation. In this message, Pastoral Resident Brad Robertson highlights the hope of the gospel, showing that Jesus came to seek and save the lost and to bring new life to those who receive Him.

Luke Chapter 19 - The story of Zacchaeus emphasizes that Jesus seeks out the lost, encouraging individuals to reflect on their lives and their relationship with Him.

Discover the greatest love story of all time in this powerful Christmas sermon from our “Arrival” Advent series. More than a seasonal tradition, Christmas is the story of God's unconditional love—a love greater than Romeo and Juliet, The Notebook, or any romance ever told. This message explores how Christmas reveals a divine love story between the Father and the Son, the mother Mary and her Son Jesus, and ultimately Jesus and us.Through biblical passages like John 3:16, Galatians 4:4, Matthew 1:21, and Luke 2:34–35, you'll discover how God's love was foretold long before Christ was born—and how Jesus came not to condemn the world, but to save it. You'll hear the story of Mary's courage, the Father's sacrifice, and the Savior who stepped into our brokenness to bring hope, peace, joy, and everlasting life.This sermon also highlights real biblical examples of people transformed by Jesus' love—John the “Son of Thunder,” the woman at the well, Peter after his denial, the woman caught in adultery, and Zacchaeus the tax collector. Their stories remind us that no matter how far we've fallen, we are the ones Jesus loves.Whether you feel unworthy, distant from God, or hungry for meaning, this message will show you the truth: You are the reason for the season. Jesus came for you. His love conquered death, continues today, and He is coming again as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.If you're searching for a Christmas sermon about God's love, the birth of Jesus, Advent themes, and the true meaning of Christmas, this message will speak directly to your heart. Experience the hope of the gospel, the joy of salvation, and the life-changing truth that Jesus loves you—personally, deeply, eternally.

Jesus said, "Don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing."   But does that really mean Christians should never talk about giving?   In this episode, Bob and Linda tackle one of the most misunderstood passages in the Bible—and why misreading it has quietly hurt generosity, discipleship, and spiritual growth in the church.   Sparked by a viral clip referencing Matthew 6, they walk through what Jesus was actually addressing (motive, not visibility), why public generosity shows up all over Scripture, and how sharing testimonies—when done with the right heart—can inspire radical obedience in others. This isn't about bragging.   It's about obedience, clarity, and letting God get the glory.       What You'll Learn in This Episode Why Matthew 6 is about motive, not secrecy How applying "give in secret" consistently would silence prayer and testimony too The difference between generosity that inspires vs generosity that performs Why public generosity is everywhere in Scripture (Barnabas, the Macedonian church, Zacchaeus, the widow's mite, Mary anointing Jesus) How generosity becomes contagious when stories are shared Practical ways to check your heart before sharing a testimony When God says "share it" — and when He says "keep it quiet"   Key Scriptures Mentioned (NLT) Matthew 6:1–4 — Giving with the right motive Acts 4–5 — Barnabas vs. Ananias & Sapphira Luke 19:8–9 — Zacchaeus' public repentance and generosity 2 Corinthians 8–9 — The Macedonian church & contagious generosity   A Key Takeaway God isn't after secrecy for secrecy's sake. He's after hearts that give for His glory, not human applause. Some generosity should be quiet. Some testimonies are meant to be shared. The wisdom is knowing the difference—and having the courage to obey either way.     Action Item for This Week Ask God one simple question in prayer: "Is there a generosity story You want me to share—or one You want me to keep private?" Then obey, even if it feels uncomfortable.     Generosity isn't about being seen—it's about letting God be seen.

Christmas is good news for anyone who's ever felt lost. In Luke 19, we meet Zacchaeus, a man pushed to the margins, and we see Jesus do something unexpected: He notices him, calls him by name, and moves toward him with mercy. This week, we listen to Jesus' own words about His mission: “The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.” Whether your lostness feels emotional, relational, or spiritual, Jesus doesn't wait for you to find your way back... He comes for you.⚫CONNECT WITH US:

What if the story of a despised tax collector climbing a tree could reveal the entire mission of Christmas? The account of Zacchaeus in Luke 19 presents us with a stunning portrait of redemption that mirrors our own desperate need for Jesus. Here was a man who had everything by worldly standards—wealth, power, position—yet something was profoundly missing. His willingness to run through the streets and climb a tree, actions that would have brought public shame to a man of his status, speaks to a desperation we all share, whether we acknowledge it or not. The beauty of this encounter lies not in Zacchaeus seeking Jesus, but in Jesus seeking him. When Jesus stopped beneath that sycamore tree and looked up, he saw past the betrayal, the greed, and the sin to the heart of a man who needed saving. This is the Christmas message in its purest form: God didn't send his Son to condemn us, but to save us. The immediate transformation in Zacchaeus—his radical generosity and excuse-free repentance—shows us what genuine encounter with Jesus produces. We're challenged to examine our own hearts: Are we desperate for Jesus, or have we become comfortable spectators? Are we willing to respond with the same radical generosity and honest repentance? The story reminds us that we are all Zacchaeus, and the good news is that Jesus came precisely for people like us.

This powerful exploration of Luke 19:1-10 invites us into one of Scripture's most compelling redemption stories—the encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus. We're transported to ancient Jericho, a perfumed city of palm trees and prosperity, where a wealthy chief tax collector climbed a tree not just to see Jesus, but hoping desperately to be seen by Him. What unfolds is a beautiful reversal: Zacchaeus thought he was the seeker, but Jesus was seeking him all along. The scandal of grace erupts when Jesus invites Himself to the home of the town's most hated man, speaking dignity where the crowd shouts judgment, calling him by name rather than by his sins. The transformation that follows isn't demanded before Jesus enters—it flows naturally from spending time in His presence. Money loses its grip, restitution becomes joy, and salvation comes to dwell. As we approach Christmas, we're challenged to consider: Are we like Zacchaeus, wondering if we're too far gone? Or are we like the crowd, excluding those grace insists on including? The guest room once denied to Jesus at His birth finds welcome in a sinner's home, reminding us that Jesus doesn't just want to be observed from a distance—He wants to lodge with us, transforming us from the inside out.

Pastor Richard delivers a message during our annual Christmas presentation, "Worship JESUS." He shows us from the story of Zacchaeus how Jesus sees him and knows his name, one of the worst of the worst, to show that God loves you and KNOWS you by name too no matter who you are.

Exploring Jesus' mission to seek the lost through Zacchaeus, emphasizing transformation by embracing Jesus' vision and welcoming him joyfully, despite imperfections.

I. Introduction: Setting the Theme Review of November's theme: Share the Harvest. Introduction of December's theme: Share the Hope. Reflection: the church focuses on spreading hope to the community—but hope must also be shared within the church. Observation: the world around us is filled with discouragement; people crave hope, especially during December. II. The Need for Hope Many are discouraged by finances, the future, broken dreams, and depression. Even during the holidays, sadness often deepens for people without Christ. Key idea: We must understand the hope of Jesus ourselves before we can share it. III. What Hope Means for Believers Hope satisfies human longing for something better. Jesus Christ is the only one who can fill the inner void. Scriptural foundation: Proverbs 13:12 — “Hope deferred makes the heart sick.” Proverbs 23:18 — “There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” IV. Three Aspects of Hope in God 1. The Hope of His Arms Deuteronomy 33:27 — God's “everlasting arms” are our refuge. Illustration: a child running into his father's arms—mirrors how believers should run to God. God's arms are extended in comfort, guidance, and embrace. Isaiah and Deuteronomy emphasize God's outstretched arm leading His people. Applications: Run into God's arms for help. Don't fold your arms at others returning to faith—welcome them with love and compassion. 2. The Hope of His Eyes Story of the Prodigal Son: The father (representing God) sees his son coming from afar. Psalm 34:15 — “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous.” Examples of Jesus' watchful eyes: The woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:32). Zacchaeus in the sycamore tree (Luke 19:5). The widow's offering (Luke 21:1–4). Message: God sees, notices, and acknowledges even unseen acts of faithfulness. 3. The Hope of His Heart Matthew 11:29 — Jesus is “gentle and humble in heart.” The heart of God is full of compassion. Scripture examples: Matthew 9:36, 14:14, 15:32 — Christ's compassion for the crowds. Ministry analogy: working with people requires “shifting gears” like a manual car; compassion guides those shifts. Having the heart of God helps believers love and relate well to others. V. Living Out Hope Run into the arms of God. See people through God's eyes. Reflect His compassionate heart in word and deed. Encourage one another within the church as well as outside it. VI. Communion and the Source of Hope The foundation of hope is Christ's death and resurrection. Romans 8:31–39 — Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Communion as an act of remembrance for Jesus' sacrifice and love. Gratitude expressed to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. VII. Closing Exhortation Illustration: A woman (“Janet”) changed her environment with joyful faith—“Jesus brings joy.” Believers are called to represent Jesus well in their words, behavior, and daily interactions. Christmas focus: keep Jesus—the greatest gift—at the center. Invitation to prayer and dedication at the altar.

“That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified.” (Luke 2:8–9 NLT) One way to prepare for Christmas is to reflect on the news of Jesus’ coming. What did it mean to the people who first received it? What does it mean to us? We can start by considering the first people to receive the Good News—and why God chose them to be the first recipients. If it had been up to me, I would have dispatched an angel to the court of Caesar Augustus with a carefully worded message. “You call yourself the savior of the world, Caesar? Well, now you’ve been exposed as a fraud. The real Savior of the world has just been born! And His kingdom will make your empire pale in comparison!” Another option would have been to send an angel to the Jewish high priest, scribes, and scholars to announce the news that their long-awaited Messiah had come—and that He was nothing like they thought He would be. Instead, God chose to deliver His message to shepherds who were “staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep” (Luke 2:8 nlt). To be a shepherd in that culture was to be at the bottom of the social ladder. Shepherds were despised—so much so that the testimony of a shepherd wasn’t allowed in a court of law. Shepherds basically did the work that no one else wanted to do. They had dirt under their fingernails. They were hardworking. And they probably felt right at home when they learned that this baby was born in lowly circumstances. They would have related to this. God was speaking their language. This became the modus operandi of Christ throughout His ministry. He went to the outcasts, to the hurting, to the ordinary people. He went to people like the woman at the well who had been ostracized because of her multiple marriages and divorces. He went to people like the tax collector Zacchaeus who was perceived by his fellow Jews as a traitor. Our Lord always had time for people like that. Jesus was well aware of His reputation for siding with people whom others rejected. He said, “The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’ But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it” (Luke 7:34–35 NLT). The Lord’s compassion for outcasts began with the shepherds and extended to the criminal who was crucified next to Him. But it didn’t stop there. It continues through us. Proverbs 19:17 says, “If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord—and he will repay you!” (NLT). We can prepare for Christmas by reaching out to people in need, by noticing those who slip through the cracks, and by loving those who are hard to love. In other words, by doing what Jesus would do. Reflection question: What would welcoming outcasts and people in need look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke 19:1-10 NIVJesus' actions reveal his authority- He does what He wants to, where He wants to, how He wants to, for whomever He wants to do it.Jesus' actions reveal his kindness- why he does it, when he does it, even though he doesn't have to do it. Jesus personally invites the most unlikely and undeserving people into His presence and He uses the church to extend that same life-changing invitation today. Invitations tell us we are specialNotice that Jesus adds Zacchaeus to his agenda by naturally seeing him along his way. Yes he supernaturally may have known his name but it was a natural sight of a man in an odd position-that grabbed our Lord's attention. Who might possibly be in the odd positions in our spaces?  Zacchaeus did not deserve Jesus but Jesus responded not to what Zacchaeus deserved but what he desired. What are some signs people display that show curiosity or openness? Jesus' ability to make this man feel special is the power of an invitation and invitations have weight depending on who is giving it and to where they are inviting you. (If Shawn invites me a charger game—hard pass)Your invitation matters because you have the impact power to make people feel special, you are the salt and light of the earth. You have the flavor, you got that juice, you carry the Spirit of God!This is why we do invites to an event, to a bible study, to a growth group or to a Sunday Service. We know in these spaces God moves and on Sundays we know the powerful life changing message of Jesus Christ will be preached!Remember your transformation, how did God transform your life and how does he continue to transform your life, is it not through invitations where divine opportunity awaits. Let's Go!Invitations lead to knowing God's truthWe invite others to hear and know the truth of God and the truth about themselves. Colossians 4:2-6 NIVWe pray for others, we are watchful for an open door, and we say the truth with grace and flavor. 1.  God's Design
: “God created us to know Him, to love Him, and to rule over creation under His authority. We were supposed to be under God but over everything else. We were supposed to rule over creation under the guidance and authority of God's Word. And God gave Adam a command and promised him life if he kept it and death if he didn't.2.  Our Rebellion
: But Adam rebelled, and every one of us has followed for everyone born from that man inherited that man's sin nature. This is why our world is broken for we all have sin in our genes, we all fall short of God's holy standard. We're guilty, spiritually dead, separated from God, and under His just judgment. No amount of good works can fix it—the penalty is death, and we owe it.3.  God's Rescue: 
Here's the good news: God loved us so much that He sent His perfect Son, Jesus—fully God, fully man, born of a virgin, so he's sinless not connected to sin like the rest of us. He lived the life we should have lived-righteously fulfilling God's commands and died the death we deserved. On the cross, He took God's wrath and paid for our sins with His blood. Then He rose from the dead, proving everything He said is true and that the debt is fully paid.4.  The Only Way
: Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.' There is no other Savior, no other path. It's Jesus or nothing. More than a belief that he existed it is a firm conviction to trust and follow him. 5.  Your Response: So what must you do? Repent and believe. Repent means to turn away from ruling your own life.  Believe meaning put your full trust in Jesus alone as your Savior (who died for you) and your King (who deserves to lead you).
When you do that, God forgives every sin, makes you His child, and gives you eternal life—starting right now.”As John 1:12 states to all who received him and believed in his name he gave the right to become children of God. 

This Sunday, Pastor Curtis continues in the series with Part 3 of 'Creating a Culture of Honor', reminding us that heaven's culture begins with exchanging our opinions for God's truth about who we are. Through the story of Zacchaeus and the call to honor upward, outward, and downward, Pastor Curtis challenges us to receive the honor God has already placed on us and live as sons and daughters who reflect His heart.

What is a diatribe? Why are family services so important to Orchard's Community Church? Why did Wesley and Brenton have to 'redo' the story of Zacchaeus? How can we change the culture of a church? What is the challenge of having kids in service? What can we do to help raise the next generation of Christ followers? All this and more on this week's episode. Enjoy!

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach responds to the news about Larry Summers to explore the difference between shame and true repentance. He explains that while Summers expresses remorse, biblical repentance requires action and making things right, as seen in the story of Zacchaeus. Pastor Zach challenges listeners to pursue real change and transparency rather than settling for surface-level sorrow.Have an article you'd like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

When forgiveness finds us, it frees us from greed and fear, making generosity our joy. Luke 19:1–10 (ESV): 19 He entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. 3 And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. 4 So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. 7 And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” 8 And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

We should not focus on the 'tiny' details about who Zacchaeus was and what he looked like. We should instead focus on the redemptive and restorative power of Christ.

The story of Jesus and Zacchaeus is a children's Sunday School favorite and for good reason. Zacchaeus is little and so are kids. Zacchaeus wanted a look at Jesus and wouldn't we all? Maybe. This story in Luke 19:1-10 comes at a crossroads in Luke's gospel account and in our lives as hearers.

Zacchaeus risks his ego and climbs a tree to see Jesus, revealing his change of heart and desire for God.  (Lectionary #498) November 18, 2025 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

Today’s Topics: 1, 2, 3, 4) Gospel – Luke 19:1-10 – At that time Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town. Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man,  was seeking to see Who Jesus was; but he could not see Him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature.  So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, Who was about to pass that way. When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said,  “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.”  And he came down quickly and received Him with joy.  When they saw this, they began to grumble, saying,  “He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner.”  But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham.  For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.” Memorial of the Dedication of the Basilicas of Saints Peter and Paul Memorial of Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne, Virgin Saints Peter, Paul, and Rose, pray for us! Bishop Sheen quote of the day Terry addresses the discussions going on about the possibility of women as Deacons in the Church, and if anybody in the Church can change Divine Law

Gospel  Luke 19:1-10 At that time Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town. Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man,  was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature.  So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way. When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said,  “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.”  And he came down quickly and received him with joy.  When they saw this, they began to grumble, saying,  “He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner.”  But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham.  For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.” Reflection The beautiful thing in this passage to me is the work of Jesus. He's not come into the world to somehow judge us, or show us our weaknesses, but just somehow by his very presence awaken in people a desire for the Kingdom of God. And that kingdom is caring for the poor. It is making up for the things that you've done that have harmed people. Zacchaeus is a beautiful image of the gifts that Jesus had brought to the world. Closing Prayer Father, help us to see you. Help us to understand you. Help us to know your gifts that are there for us. It's our trust in you that is so important. Increase our trust. And we ask this in Jesus;' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At that time Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town.Now a man there named Zacchaeus,who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, was seeking to see who Jesus was;but he could not see him because of the crowd,for he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus,who was about to pass that way.When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly,for today I must stay at your house.” And he came down quickly and received him with joy. When they saw this, they began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner.” But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord,“Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor,and if I have extorted anything from anyoneI shall repay it four times over.”And Jesus said to him,“Today salvation has come to this housebecause this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seekand to save what was lost.”

Read OnlineAt that time Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town. Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way. Luke 19:1–3Once again, our Lord reaches out to someone who comes to Him in humility and need. Zaccheaus was a wealthy man, materially speaking. But interiorly he was poor and in need. And it was this spiritual poverty he was experiencing that led him to seek out Jesus with much determination.Zacchaeus probably never imagined that day that Jesus would offer to come to his home. Clearly, he climbed the tree to get a glimpse of Jesus because he felt a strong desire to know our Lord. Since he was physically wealthy, it seems clear that he no longer was satisfied in life simply because of a comfortable lifestyle. Something was missing, and he couldn't help but know that Jesus held the answer. So Zacchaeus did what some may have thought unusual. He climbed a tree to be able to see Jesus.Why did Jesus stop, look up at Zacchaeus, and call him down, stating that He was going to stay at Zacchaeus' home? It's because Jesus was able to sense the need within the heart of Zacchaeus. Hearts that are poor, in need, and open are very attractive to Jesus. He never misses the opportunity to come to humble souls like this.Zacchaeus responds to our Lord immediately by promising to right the wrongs he has done in the past. He promises to give away half of his possessions and to repay anyone he has extorted fourfold. This reveals the authenticity of Zacchaeus' heart. As Jesus passes by you, what does He sense? Is He drawn to your heart? Is He drawn to you because of your interior disposition of humility and need? It is easy for us to go through life acting as if we have it all together. We can put on a facade that portrays an attitude of strength and success. But Jesus rarely comes to the soul who expresses little need. If we want to draw Jesus to ourselves, then we must acknowledge the poverty within ourselves, even if we are materially wealthy and successful in a worldly way. Every one of us must humble ourselves like Zacchaeus by knowing that Jesus is the only answer in life.Reflect, today, upon the fact that you and you alone have the ability to draw Jesus to yourself. You can do this by looking at your need for Him. Do not hide it. Climb the figurative tree by which you will be able to look for Jesus and, more importantly, by which Jesus can see your manifest desire for Him. As you express your need for Him, know that He will be compelled, by His unshakable love and mercy, to come to you and to stay with you in the house of your soul. And when He does, be ready and willing to abandon all that has been a hindrance to your meeting with Christ in the past.My attentive Lord, You are always aware of every heart that longs for You. You never ignore those who desire You in their life. Please help me to see my own interior needs and struggles and to see You as the only source of fulfillment in life. I commit myself to seeking You out, dear Lord. And as You come to me, I commit to abandon all that has kept me from You in the past. Jesus, I trust in You.Randers Museum of Art, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Most of us do not feel rich. We just feel like we never have enough. We live in a culture of Amazon boxes, comparison, and quiet anxiety about money, and it is easy to believe that life really does consist in the abundance of our possessions.In this teaching, Pastor Darren Rouanzoin walks through Acts 4, Luke 12, John the Baptist's call to repentance, and the story of Zacchaeus to show that Jesus cares deeply about how we relate to our stuff. Not because he wants something from us, but because he wants freedom for us.You will hear real stories from our church family of canceled debts, unexpected cars given away, rent covered, and spontaneous offerings that could only be explained by grace. Then Pastor Darren presses into the deeper question behind all of it: what would Jesus see if he looked at your bank statement, and what would change if he was truly in charge of your finances?This message is for anyone who feels the pull of consumerism, who feels suspicious of the church and money, or who longs to live with open hands but does not know how to start.

Fr, Mike compares the story of the rich young man to the story of Zacchaeus, highlighting the difference in their willingness to follow Christ with their whole hearts. Looking at the stories of these young men, Fr. Mike invites us to reflect on our willingness to follow Christ with all that we are and all that we have. Today we read Luke 17-19 and Proverbs 26:13-16. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Zacchaeus was not a popular guy...

The story of Zacchaeus is an acted out parable, speaking to the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican told one chapter before. Paul White looks at how this parable traps us into "principles" instead of seeing it for what it is. From The Garden Church of the Midlands in Irmo, SC.

Sometimes people get so excited about a new release that they wait in line for hours just to make sure they don't miss out. Hear the story of Zacchaeus, a man who was similarly desperate to see Jesus. That's our focus on Truth For Life with Alistair Begg. ----------------------------------------- • Click here and look for "FROM THE SERMON" to stream or read the full message. • This program is part of the series ‘A Study in Luke, Volume 10' • Learn more about our current resource, request your copy with a donation of any amount. •If you or someone you know is in a season of suffering, be encouraged! Download My Times Are in Your Hands—12 FREE messages on enduring affliction with hope. Comes with a study guide. Helpful Resources - Learn about God's salvation plan - Read our most recent articles - Subscribe to our daily devotional Follow Us YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter This listener-funded program features the clear, relevant Bible teaching of Alistair Begg. Today's program and nearly 3,000 messages can be streamed and shared for free at tfl.org thanks to the generous giving from monthly donors called Truthpartners. Learn more about this Gospel-sharing team or become one today. Thanks for listening to Truth For Life!

Willie and Jase lean hard into brotherly rivalry as Willie reveals his slow-drip strategy for getting under Jase's skin, then they turn their sights on Zach for some good-natured teasing. Al notes that both brothers are channeling their inner Phil, and Willie credits Phil for inspiring his latest book, “Courage: 40 Days to Sharing Your Faith.” The guys contrast Zacchaeus's willing heart with the rich young ruler's unwilling spirit and deliver a legacy gut-check: when it's all over, what will people say your life was really about? In this episode: Romans 10, verse 17; Luke 19, verses 1–10; Luke 18, verses 18–30; Galatians 5, verses 19–26; Galatians 2, verses 11–14; John 17, verses 18–23; 1 Peter 3, verse 15; Colossians 4, verse 6. “Unashamed” Episode 1177 is sponsored by: https://chministries.org/unashamed — See why Christians are ditching health insurance for good. Get a simpler alternative at half the cost! https://ruffgreens.com — Get a FREE Jumpstart Trial Bag for your dog today when you use promo code Unashamed! Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @‌trueclassic at https://trueclassic.com/ROBERTSON! #trueclassicpod https://andrewandtodd.com or call 888-888-1172 — These guys are the real deal. Get trusted mortgage guidance and expertise from someone who shares your values! http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ — Sign up now for free, and join the Unashamed hosts every Friday for Unashamed Academy Powered by Hillsdale College Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://open.spotify.com/show/3LY8eJ4ZBZHmsImGoDNK2l Chapters: 00:00–9:23 Willie & Jase Gang Up on Zach 09:24–24:14 What's Up in the World of Willie 24:15–36:01 Phil's Choice Changed the Robertson Legacy 36:02–47:13 Preaching the Barroom Gospel 47:14–56:51 What'll They Say About You When You're Gone? — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices