Crossroads Church

We all know someone who is preparing for the end of the world by stockpiling food, supplies, and building a shelter. In this passage Jesus tells us what we should be prepping for when He comes. This is just for future reference but it should shape how we live today.

Stories abound of obnoxious customers, demanding people, and an overall attitude of entitlement. When we recognize what a gift life truly is, it allows us to shift our attitude to one of gratitude.

Jesus continues his story telling with a stark tale that points to our ability to be unaware not only to the needs around us, but to that which matters most in our lives.

Laws impact our lives everyday. Some we see as suggestions, others we see as a little more rigid. Jesus reminds the Pharisees that the law was meant for life, and the implications of following the ways of God are many. Using marriage as a example, Jesus strikes to the heart of the matter.

Jesus calls us into a life of faith. But what does that mean? We can often believe God conceptually but live practically as though we don’t believe. Drawing from recent lessons in Luke’s gospel, we will explore what it might look like if someone truly believes what they hear from the commands and claims of Jesus.

We are often consumed with the thoughts and emotions of the day, or the month or even the year, but God thinks in terms of generations. The lives we lead will have an impact on multiple generations, for better or worse, so it's wise to keep the long view as we journey through the years.

Money matters. Jesus has a lot to say about money, and in this parable He reminds us that how we steward money matters. Drawing from previous themes we see that what we treasure reveals what we worship.

So many run from God not realizing He is watching the horizon for their return. In one of Jesus most famous stories, He shows us the heart of the Father.

Jesus is always questioned about the company He kept. It was always a collection of people at the fringe, people who others sought to avoid. But Jesus reminds us that He is the good shepherd who has come to seek the lost, He has come to save sinners like you and me, and He rejoices over the rescue of everyone one.

Every HGTV show that remodels homes always hits a snag. Before you begin a project it is always important to count the cost. Jesus makes it clear to those who would follow Him that it would cost them all they have, but following Jesus is worth everything.

When we have the chance to bring life, why would we stand by and do nothing? In this miraculous moment, Jesus reminds those listening and us that the Kingdom of God is a Kingdom of life.

Jesus makes His way to Jerusalem, knowing what awaits Him there. As He is warned that His life is in danger, Jesus laments for those who are lost. As we listen in, what can we learn from Jesus and His lament for the lost?

What is the good way? Jesus makes it clear that many will seek it, but not all will find it. So how do walk the good way, how do walk in the way of Jesus?

Many dream of making a big impact on the world around them, but we often overlook the small actions that sow big seeds. Jesus, in talking about the Kingdom of God, reminds us that it is ever-growing and signs of the Kingdom are everywhere.

Jesus heals a woman who was afflicted by pain and suffering for 18 years. Jesus enables the woman to straighten herself, and in the process, the Pharisees seek to straighten Jesus out for healing on the Sabbath. Missing the moment, their rigidity causes them to miss the reason to rejoice in front of them.

Many recognize the need for change in our lives, but we rarely have an urgency. Jesus speaks of the brevity of life while also reminding us that true change is possible in Him.

One does not have to look far to find division all around us. So why would Jesus highlight that following Him will bring division? Why does He encourage us to pay attention to the times? And why is he giving legal advice to settle up with an accuser before going before the judge? As always Jesus is looking beyond the surface symptom, to the root and what is shaping our hearts.

How we live when no one is looking matters. It reveals who we really are and what we really believe. Jesus reminds his disciples to be ready for the return of the Lord at any moment. To live each day as though the Lord may return. To live each day with our eyes fixed on Him.

Jesus is not afraid to talk about anything, including money. How we steward our resources is a good barometer of who we are. The Kingdom of God is generous, and following Jesus should shape the way we spend, give, and share our resources. What we have, we have been given, so how do we live a life that is rich toward God?

So often we live for the applause, approval, or affirmation of others. This can limit our willingness to follow Jesus with all of who we are because we are afraid of how people will respond when we do. Jesus reminds us that we live for an audience of one. When we acknowledge Him, He sees us, cares for us, and is with us.

Warning signs are made for a reason. They are meant to catch your attention from dangerous conditions that affect us all. As Jesus speaks with the Pharisees, He reminds them and us of the dangers of doing good works just to be seen as good, of pointing out the flaws of others to make ourselves feel better, and saying one thing while living another.

The longer you stay in the dark, the more your eyes adjust to the shadows. Jesus reminds us that what our eyes take in matters. Are we focusing on things of the dark or on the light? What we consume consumes us to be lights for His good, we must fix our eyes on the true light of the world.

It is not uncommon to break a habit by running to another habit. Jesus reminds us that when He comes into our lives and breaks the power of the enemy, that will not stop the enemy from coming back stronger against us. We must pay attention to what we are paying attention to and allow the Spirit of God to fill us.