Giving from our abundance? (Luke 20:45-21:4)
In a very brief but familiar story we discover one person who in humility, gave what she had to God. Others gave as well but made sure to keep plenty for themselves. A question for each of us is, do I give from my abundance, or from my heart? Do I know the difference?WatchNotesDownloadDateTitle
- Jul 11, 2021Giving from our abundance? (Luke 20:45-21:4)
Giving from our abundance? (Luke 20:45-21:4)In a very brief but familiar story we discover one person who in humility, gave what she had to God. Others gave as well but made sure to keep plenty for themselves. A question for each of us is, do I give from my abundance, or from my heart? Do I know the difference?
- Jul 4, 2021Freedom and Responsibility (Luke 19:1-27)
Freedom and Responsibility (Luke 19:1-27)
If we have learned anything from the history of our nation it is that freedom is best exercised within clear boundaries and it comes at a great cost. In our spiritual lives we also discover that the freedom we have in Jesus Christ, came at a great cost to him and is best exercised in the boundaries God sets. In a familiar story and a familiarly themed parable, we discover anew the goal of Jesus to seek the lost. We also discover that those who claim to follow Jesus are given a freedom within boundaries to serve him to the best of their abilities. We will finally learn that God does not play games or put up with spiritual facades. - Jun 27, 2021Humility and Dependence
Humility and Dependence
In three uniquely connected instances we learn something very valuable from Jesus. When we approach God in true childlike humility and faith we find that he is there. When we are willing to realize that nothing we have in this life is a substitute for depending on God we find he is enough. It is then we discover soul satisfaction. - Jun 20, 2021“Already…Not Yet” (Luke 17:20-8:18)
“Already…Not Yet” (Luke 17:20-8:18)
We are met with the concept of “already...not yet” in many situations in life. We just completed the graduation season. A student already has their degree but their full potential has not yet been realized. The same is true in Scripture. When we put our faith in Christ we are already acceptable in God’s eyes, and yet we are not yet all that we can be. We learn in this passage the balance of the already and not yet reality of the return of Jesus. - Jun 13, 2021A Tale of Two Men (Luke 16:19-31)
A Tale of Two Men (Luke 16:19-31)
Choices we make in life matter. Consequences are real. How we live our lives day in and day out reflect what we really believe about God and His Word. We will all one day give an account. Our passage today is more about attitudes and priorities than it is about rich v. poor. God is not against wealth. He is however, not a fan at all of hoarding wealth for one’s own pleasure at the neglect of those in need. We each need to consider how we practically live out the truth we say we believe. - Jun 6, 2021Lost and Found (Luke 15)
Lost and Found (Luke 15)
We have all had that sinking feeling when we have lost something. We look everywhere. The intensity of the search is related to the value of what was lost. In three familiar parables we find Jesus showing his hearers how valuable they are to the Father. And we learn that no matter how good we think we are, we are never good enough to earn a place in God’s eternal home. We still need God’s grace to open the door. - May 31, 2021Growing in times of peace and persecution
- May 30, 2021Growth in Times of Peace and Persecution
- May 23, 2021Lessons at Lunch (Luke 14:1-35)
Lessons at Lunch (Luke 14:1-35)
After another Sabbath healing Jesus uses the opportunity to teach through two parables. The first will focus on the value of humility and serving to serve not to be repaid. The second will point to a God who accepts no excuses. This chapter ends with a reminder that true followers of Jesus are willing to give up even the closest of relationships to follow Him. It is a true step of faith. - May 16, 2021Compassion v. Tradition (Luke 13:10-17)
Compassion v. Tradition (Luke 13:10-17)
Have you ever determined what you think about another person strictly by the way they looked? If you then got to know that person, what changed in your judgement? In a very striking passage we discover Jesus seeing the person and the need that moves him to act compassionately. However, his actions violate tradition. We are each challenged to let our compassion override our tradition. But that is easier said than done. - May 9, 2021God’s Investment Strategy (Luke 12:22-34)
God’s Investment Strategy (Luke 12:22-34)
What if there were an investment strategy that not only promised, but also delivered a 100% return that would never run out? Everyone would be clamoring to get in. But what if the buy in were to first liquidate everything you currently had? Then there would be fewer, if any, who would want to take the risk. There is a real sense in which that is God’s investment strategy. Give all you have to Him; relinquish total ownership and he promises you will have all your needs met. Are you ready to invest? - May 2, 2021The Shallowness of Image Based Religion
The Shallowness of Image Based Religion
In many walks of life we hear the term “optics” being used. It refers to how something will look or be perceived by the public. Optics may work as a principle in business and politics, but an expression of faith that is optics or image based is shallow. Jesus reserved his harshest rebukes for religious leaders who focused more on their optics and their self-imposed standards than the condition of their hearts. We each need to guard against developing an image based religion. - Apr 25, 2021“Teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1-13)
“Teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1-13)
Today we will examine Luke’s account of what is often called the Lord's Prayer. However, these words are not what Jesus actually prayed, but provide a model for prayer. As we consider prayer we need to think about the one we are addressing. We need to think about what we are saying and we need to give careful thought that our God is a good God, who knows what we need, and will never violate his own character. - Apr 18, 2021Who is My Neighbor (Luke 10:25-37)
Who is My Neighbor (Luke 10:25-37)
The parable of the Good Samaritan is one of the most familiar stories in all the Bible. The concept of a Good Samaritan has endured throughout the years and has even been in current Chicagoland headlines. The story is a response to the question: Who is my neighbor? It is a question we need to consider carefully in a time of political, racial, and social upheaval. The principles in this parable are as applicable today as they were when Jesus first told the story. Howington. Released: 2021. - Apr 11, 2021The Core of Consistent Faith (Luke 9:21-43)
The Core of Consistent Faith (Luke 9:21-43)
What does it mean to follow Jesus? What does it take? What is the true
essence of faith? In a stunning statement and an awesome event some of Jesus closest disciples will learn the core of consistent faith. It is far more than we can imagine. It is a greater challenge than we can envision. And yet we have a clear word of guidance that we simply need to follow.