Growing and Witnessing

The last parable in Luke 15 is a story about two sons. One leaves home and returns after a loose life, and the other stays home. Neither of them loves their father; they just want his stuff. But the father's love for both never wavers. He remains committed to providing all they need or want. 

There are lessons in the small things. Do not despise them. Rather, trust the Lord in them. Walk in faith and repentance. Treat people as Jesus treats them, and see them as he does.

How do we relate to our government? We do it properly by taking responsibility for ourselves, living virtuous lives, and participating in our republic. It's that simple.

All of human history is moving toward the establishment of Christ's kingdom on earth. He is already on the throne and reigning, even though the nations conspire and rage against Him. We are to find comfort and confidence in His reign over all creation.

Is seeing really believing, or is there more to belief than sight? John walks us up a staircase of evidence to show us that our faith is rooted in the historical reality of Jesus's resurrection. We do not have blind faith; rather, our faith understands and seeks deeper understanding.

True worship is the only proper response to the glory of Jesus in our lives. His early disciples worshipped him submissively, sacrificially, publicly, missionally, and actively. They were unified in their praise of HIm.

We are the light of the world and a reflection of Jesus for the world to see. We season and preserve the world by shining brightly for Christ. It's our calling.

The Church is the holy people of God, a royal priesthood. We have the wonderful privilege of testifying to His glory and living as His people.

We rest in the Lord while He does the work of restoration. He is the One on whom all things depend.

We studied Exodus 7 and learned that God has an eternal decree and executes it through the acts of creation and providence.

Buddhism is a practice that leads to nirvana instead of a belief system that leads to eternal salvation.

Christians do everything that they do for the glory and purpose of the Lord Jesus Christ. We do everything in His name and in His service.

God sends Moses and Aaron to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go to the wilderness so they could worship their Creator. Pharaoh refused.

Our ultimate goal is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. How do we do that? Great question. We do it by devoting our lives to God as living sacrifices for His glory.

John leaves us with a decision at the conclusion of His gospel. Believe in Jesus, follow Him, and live eternally, or don't. The choice is yours.

Jesus's resurrection brings life to those who follow Him. There is blessing for those who believe without seeing.

At the conclusion of his life, Jesus uttered, "It is finished." His work on earth was done. The moment had come to offer His life for His people.

The irony of John 18:25-19:16 is that the King of Glory is judged by the world He came to save based upon the world's definition of truth.

The unity among God's people testifies to the unity of the godhead. We are to witness to God's glory by the way we love and support one another.

What makes Christianity so unique on the world's stage? Grace. What makes society's built upon Christianity different from others? Freedom. Why is this the case? Because God loves his people and lifts them out of their sin and darkness. He ensures we flourish.

Jesus's glory is revealed in the prayer he prayed for his disciples at the end of his life. Eternal life is in knowing Him as Lord.

God fixed the sin problem we created by reconciling us to Himself in Christ Jesus. He is the God-man who offered Himself in our place.

Christ is the center all things because He is God and the redeemer of His people. He's the Head of His Church both now and forevermore. 

Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead in chapter 11 to prepare His disciples for His own coming resurrection. The irony of this story is found in the fact that as one man is raised to life, another is marked for death.