- Luke 16:1-13
Be Good Managers of What God Has Entrusted to You
- Luke 16:1-13
Jesus uses the parable of a dishonest but shrewd manager to teach about faithful stewardship of what God has entrusted to believers. God has given believers worldly resources, natural and spiritual gifts, and most importantly, the keys to His kingdom to manage wisely. Faithful management in small matters prepares believers for greater responsibilities, but no one can serve both God and money as competing masters.
- Luke 15:1-10
The Good Shepherd Seeks the Utterly Lost
- Luke 15:1-10
Through parables of a lost sheep and a lost coin, Jesus defends His ministry to tax collectors and sinners against the Pharisees' complaints. Like a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to find one lost sheep, or a woman who searches diligently for one lost coin, God actively seeks those who are utterly lost. Heaven rejoices more over one repentant sinner than over ninety-nine who think they need no repentance.
- Luke 14:25-33
Did Jesus Really Say 'Hate'?
- Luke 14:25-33
Jesus uses the strong word "hate" to emphasize that following Him requires loving Christ, His Word, and His kingdom above all earthly relationships and possessions. This radical discipleship means willingly bearing crosses, making real sacrifices, and being prepared to suffer for Christ's sake. The cost of discipleship is so high that followers must be ready to say "take the world, but give me Jesus" when earthly loyalties conflict with heavenly ones.
- James 2:1-13
How You Value a Soul Reveals How You Value God's Mercy
- James 2:1-13
James confronts the sin of showing favoritism by demonstrating how judging others based on worldly status reveals a failure to understand God's mercy. Such sinful judgment overlooks that those in hardship are often more receptive to grace, while the wealthy frequently oppress believers. Showing partiality violates God's law and demonstrates a lack of mercy, but believers are freed by the gospel to extend God's grace equally to all people regardless of their social standing.
- Luke 13:22-30
Are You Among Those Being Saved?
- Luke 13:22-30
Jesus responds to a question about how many will be saved by emphasizing the urgency of entering through the narrow door while it remains open. True salvation requires knowing Christ as the door, staying prepared because the timing of the door's closing is unknown, and striving with every effort to overcome the sinful nature. Many who assume they know Jesus based on casual acquaintance will be turned away, while others from unexpected places will enter God's kingdom.
- Luke 12:49-53
If Jesus Is the Prince of Peace, Why Does He Bring Division?
- Luke 12:49-53
Jesus brings division because His coming inevitably creates a cleansing fire that separates those who accept God's grace from those who reject it. The sinful nature naturally despises both God's unmerited favor and His Word, causing conflict even within families when some embrace Christ while others resist Him. This division is not Jesus' ultimate purpose but the unavoidable result of His gospel confronting human sin and unbelief.
- Luke 12:22-40
Stop Fearing, Little Flock! Because it Pleased Your Heavenly Father to Give You the Kingdom
- Luke 12:22-40
Jesus calls His disciples to stop worrying about earthly needs because their heavenly Father, who cares for ravens and flowers, will certainly provide for His children who are far more valuable. Since God has already provided for their greatest need by giving them the kingdom, believers can trust Him to handle all lesser concerns. God serves as their greatest treasure and keeps them prepared for Christ's return, enabling them to live without fear.
- Luke 12:13-21
What Abundance Do We Need?
- Luke 12:13-21
Through the parable of the rich fool, Jesus warns against making possessions and wealth the god of our hearts, as true life is not measured by material abundance. Money should be viewed as a tool rather than a solution to life's problems or source of security. The abundance we truly need is God Himself, who provides an abundance of grace, love, forgiveness, peace, and eternal salvation.
- Genesis 18:1-14
The Lord Knows Just What to Say and Do to Comfort Abraham, Sarah, and You
- Genesis 18:1-14
When the Lord visits Abraham and Sarah, He demonstrates His perfect knowledge of what each person needs to hear for comfort and encouragement. Despite Sarah's doubt and laughter at the promise of a child in her old age, God gently addresses her unbelief with the reminder that nothing is impossible for Him. The Lord continues to provide exactly the right words and actions to comfort His people in every situation.
- Deuteronomy 30:9-14
See the Blessings of Being in God's Word
- Deuteronomy 30:9-14
God's Word is not distant or difficult to access but is near to believers, working in their hearts and mouths to create faith and obedience. When believers hear both God's law and gospel, the Lord works listening hearts within them and enables them to confess and believe. As a result, God prospers their work in ways that are truly beneficial, bringing abundant blessings through His Word.