The Parable of the Soils
The ministry of Jesus is at a turning point: Opposition to Him as King has reached a point of no ret...
Time for a Tune-up, with Clarke Englund
The world system and sin fight against us in our desire to obey God. (Romans 7:14-25 2:1-3)
Tune-up: An adjustment made to improve working order or efficiency.
Quiz: Do we need a tune-up of our spiritual health and walk?
(Luke 2:52; Proverbs 3:7-8; Proverbs 4:20-22; 1 Tim 4:8)
Prepare to Face Persecution and Do Good
When evil takes root in society, Christians face persecution. To avoid this, some will conform. Jesus warns against this: We must be willing to be persecuted for doing what is right. At the same time, we must not return evil for evil, but rather do good and show mercy.
A Decision to Give
It may seem crazy, but the best investment a Christian can make by far is to give of time, talent, and treasure to the Lord. To be a giver reflects the heart of Christ. Where your treasure is, there your heart is. Have you made a conscious decision to give to the Lord?
A Decision to Follow Christ
Last week we focused on the most fundamental spiritual decision a person can make, a decision for Christ, to believe in Him and trust Him every day. But the next step is one Jesus Himself calls each of us to make - to be a follower or disciple. This decision has a price.
Resurrection Day: God Gives Us the Victory
If Friday was God's 'D-Day' in the war against sin, Sunday was His 'V-Day' - victory over sin and death. 'Resurrection Day' was a day like no other before or since, and no one who knows the joy of what it achieved ever tires of hearing about it. Let's revisit it today.
Friday: Why Do We Call This Day "Good"?
Darkness falls, beginning a very dark day. Passover points back to a historic event in Israel's history, but tonight it will become a symbol of deliverance for all mankind. Israel's Messiah is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! His words on the cross show it.
Tuesday-Thursday: Prophecy and Preparation
With His death approaching, Jesus condemned the Jews, prophesied coming tribulation, and His triumphant return to earth. He foretold His crucifixion, and Judas secretly arranged with Jewish leaders to betray Him. Jesus sent His disciples to prepare for the Passover...
Monday-Tuesday: Cursing and Cleansing
After spending the night in Bethany, Jesus and his disciples walked to Jerusalem each morning. Monday, Jesus cursed a fig tree without fruit, Tuesday, it was dead. In between, He chased business people out of the temple. What do these two episodes teach?
Sunday: Day of Acclaim and Tears
It's Sunday, first day of the week - but not just any week: the week Jesus was crucified. More has been written about this week than any other in history. A third of the Gospels focuses on this week! This is the day of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem...and a day of tears.