August 4, 2013 | Luke 14:7-11 |
Justin continues our Parables sermon series with the Parable of the Wedding Feast and what Jesus says our identity is as children in his Kingdom.
April 28, 2013
The curtain that separated the holy of holies in the Jewish temple was torn when Jesus died. Only the high priest was allowed to go behind the curtain on the Day of Atonement. But now, Jesus has become our Great High Priest, opening up the way for all who are in Him to have access to the Father. And so, we can approach God with confidence, praying in the Name of Jesus, for the curtain that separated sinful man from a holy God has been removed.
April 27, 2013
This was what Jesus promised the thief on the cross next to Him. Much can be learned from this promise. The simplicity of the thief’s confession: “Jesus, remember me…” is startling. Can it really be so simple? And the immediacy of Christ’s response: “Today you will be with me…” is equally amazing. Jesus accepts the thief as one of His own without interview or resume. He tells him that from now on, starting today, you’ll be with Me.
April 25, 2013
Both the humanity and divinity of Jesus are seen in this prayer. His humanity in his desire to avoid suffering and death. His divinity in his obedience to the Father to lay down his life for our sin. That Jesus is both Son of God and Son of Man is seen, but also a new way of praying. Praying like Jesus, we not only express our desires to God, but we invite God to realign our will with His.
April 24, 2013
This is what Jesus told Peter the night before he denied him three times. He told Peter this so that he wouldn’t become so discouraged as to give up. And also so that Peter would recover and “strengthen” his brothers. What strikes me most is that the night before Jesus is crucified, he is thinking and praying for Peter’s faith. He prayed that Peter’s faith would survive the trial and crucifixion. People pray for that which they care most. Jesus prayed for Peter. I wonder for whom else Jesus prays?
April 19, 2013
Jesus knew the future of Jerusalem. He knew that the Romans would destroy it, not leaving one stone upon another. This destruction happened in 70 AD, within the lifetimes of many that heard His prediction. That Jesus knew the future with such certainty shows His divinity. That He wept over Jerusalem shows His humanity. Jesus is both God and man, full of truth and grace. Even His judgments are marked by tears.
April 17, 2013
A person rich in worldly things doesn’t easily recognize their own spiritual poverty. And if they do get an inkling, then they seek to add some Jesus stock to their already fat portfolio, hoping to diversify and cover all bases. But the kingdom of God cannot be earned, it can only be received. It only comes to those who declare spiritual bankruptcy. It requires surrender of ownership and control, confessing Jesus as both Savior and Lord. The kingdom demands not part, but all of us.
April 15, 2013
Jesus healed ten lepers, yet only one returned to thank and worship Him. Once we’ve received what we prayed for we often forget to return to God in praise. We might think that God doesn’t notice or that He is so big and important that such things are trivial to God. But Jesus reveals God’s heart. God notices. Are you most like the one or the nine?