It seems to me when God blesses something for His use, the first thing He always does is break it. When you take your plans to Him and ask Him to bless them—get ready. The first thing He’s going to do is break them. And that will be a good thing. Sometimes the truth will thin the herd. Don’t ever water down God’s Word to make it easy to swallow. Don’t beat them over the head with it either. They’ll come back when they get hungry again. Trust that God knows what He’s doing.
Read MoreThe disciples had a front-row seat, they must have felt pretty special—probably having the time of their life following Jesus around. “This is fun!” As if it was all for them. Then we come to chapter nine and Jesus changes the game.
Read MoreWe’re all going to have problems we won’t be able to fix. Death and sickness and pain are coming for us all. It won’t happen at a convenient time. It’s going to shake us up.
Read MoreIf you believe your sins are forgiven because of Jesus, then they are, it’s that simple. Your sins are forgiven and they’re not going to drag you to hell. But when you keep doing them—you invite hell into your life NOW.
Read MoreIf your faith isn't to help you get through the storms of life—if it's not to keep you safe—what's it for? This week Jesus freaks everyone out by turning off the raging wind and waves. They were safer in the storm.
Read MoreTo further explain the Gospel seed that has been planted in you, Jesus tells a couple of ridiculous stories about what not to do with a burning lamp. He also says if we don't listen carefully and do what He says, He'll take back all that good stuff He gave us.
Read MoreWhat's the difference between good dirt and bad dirt? More dirt. Row and rows of it.
Read MoreLots of assumptions are made about this woman and her vial of perfume. Some people think it's Mary Magdalene, some think it was a prostitute—maybe it was a real sinner, like you or me.
Read MoreJesus said it would be good for you if you didn't get tripped up on the way He does things. Don't lose faith because God doesn't do things the way you expect Him to (or want Him to). It doesn't change the fact that He's God.
Read MoreChildren might be the worst but mothers are called to treat them better than they deserve. Kind of like how Jesus treats us. Kind of like how we're supposed to treat everyone else. We also unpack the stories of the Centurion and the Widow of Nain.
Read MorePicking up on Luke's version of the Sermon on the Mount. Talking about the most quoted verse in the entire Bible—the verse that only Christians seem to misunderstand. You have heard it said to "Love the sinner, hate the sin" but I say unto you...
Read MoreLuke's version of the Beatitudes is a punch in the gut. These are the basic instructions Jesus gives His people (Christians) for what they are supposed to do with their "Blessed" lives. Forget everything you think you know.
Read MoreDo you find the resurrection hard to believe? Give me 30 minutes and let's see if I can help.
Read MoreCould you name The Twelve without looking them up? With their alternate names? Do you know what the Bible tells us about them? What about what they did after the resurrection? This is a fun message about following Jesus.
Read MoreWant to know how to love God and love people? What it looks like to actually follow Jesus? The law was made for man, not man for the law.
Read MoreJesus tells a little weasel of a man to follow Him. Then drags His disciples to a nasty party they didn't want to go to. You're never going to be able to guess what Jesus will do next.
We meet the main villains in the Gospel of Luke. Jesus is teaching, a man is lowered from the ceiling—obviously, they want Jesus to heal this guy—and what does Jesus say? It’s not what anyone was expecting Him to say, that’s for sure. It's like something terrible happens in every chapter!
Read MoreThis is a perfect story to teach the difference between the Old Testament and the New Testament. If you don't understand that we all come to Jesus like this man with leprosy, you don't really understand anything about the Gospel.
Read MoreFrom now on you will catch people alive. You will be fishers of men. This is about speaking Jesus' word of grace—the Gospel—and rescuing people from mindlessly swimming in the darkness of their life. This is what people who follow Jesus are supposed to be doing. Fishing for more followers of Jesus. 1. You have to go to where the fish are. 2. You have to use the right bait or hook or net. 3. You have to be willing to fish the same spot again and again. Don't be afraid.
A typical day in the life of Jesus the Messiah. Heal a few, cast out a few, teach the Scriptures, make some friends, make some enemies. What if I told you that we were supposed to keep it going—do the same things He did. He gave us His authority. He promised to be with us. What are you doing with it?
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