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Over the course of His ministry, there were thousands and thousands of people who were quick to follow Jesus when He was doing miracles. But those same crowds turned back once they learned how much it would cost them to truly follow Jesus. He said a person must be willing to give up everything he has in order to be His disciple. Even today we see people who used to follow Christ, who have now turned back because the price was too high. Will you still be following Christ a year from now?
The parable of the Prodigal Son is not really about the son at all. Jesus told this parable for one reason… to show us His Father’s amazing love for the lost. The prodigal son never expected to be welcomed home again, and he was surprised when he saw his father running to kiss him and receive him with open arms. Above all, this is a story of God’s amazing love for “lost causes.” For anyone who has strayed away from their heavenly Father, know that He longs for you to come home!
Farmers know that if they don’t prepare the soil to receive the seed, no crops will grow, because unprepared soil always yields undesirable results. Jesus said the same is true with our hearts. It is easy to allow the soil of our heart to become hard or filled with other things that will keep the seed of God’s Word from taking root in us. As you go about your life each day, what are you doing to intentionally prepare your heart to hear from God? He longs to speak to you… are you listening?
No greater sermons have ever been preached in all of human history than those preached by our Lord Jesus. No words have ever brought more comfort and hope, or given more clear directions for life than His. Those who heard His words so long ago said, “No one ever spoke the way this man does!” Join us for the next nine exciting weeks as we explore nothing but the words of Jesus, unpacking some of the greatest lessons He ever taught!
As Americans, we observe Memorial Day to honor and remember those who have given their lives for our freedom. But may we never forget that the greatest sacrifice ever made was when Jesus willingly bore our sin and died on the cross to purchase our freedom. For us, every day should be a “Memorial Day” as we honor and remember our Savior for shedding His innocent blood to save us!
The power that parents have to shape and influence their children for a lifetime is astounding. While our parents pass down many good things to us, they also pass down a certain amount of baggage, which, if not dealt with, will be carried through our entire life and passed on to our children. Are there any hurts or destructive patterns you are still carrying through life? Jesus invites you to lay that baggage down at the cross and find the strength to be the agent of change for your family.
We all come to crossroads in life — moments of important decisions that will shape our family and our future for years to come. But the most important crossroads we will ever face is when we choose whether to accept Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world or reject Him forever. Choose wisely! This decision not only affects your life today, but all of eternity. What decision will you make at life’s most important crossroads?
The Bible commands followers of Christ to be filled with the Spirit, but what does that really mean, and how do you know if you are filled with the Spirit? Today we look at four important proofs that our lives are filled with the Spirit’s power and that we are living under His control. Is your life showing evidence of the Holy Spirit’s presence?
Jesus did not leave us here to live the Christian life in our own strength. He sent the same Holy Spirit who raised Him from the dead to live inside of us and empower us! But the Bible warns us not to be filled with other things that will take control of our lives. We must be filled with the Spirit in order for our thoughts and actions to be controlled by the Spirit. We are controlled by whatever we are filled with.
Where would your life be right now without Jesus? The fact is, you would be wallowing in sin, and you would be faced with a debt you could never pay. When Jesus died on the cross, he paid the debt for our sin and saved us from the wrath of God that was coming upon us. We did absolutely nothing to deserve this… that’s why it’s called Grace! Do we really understand all that God’s grace has brought to us? It truly is amazing grace!
Many people have tried to define the word Grace, but the greatest definition of grace is when Jesus took our sins upon himself and died on the cross in our place. He became sin for us, so that we might receive His righteousness. He willingly took our punishment and suffered God’s wrath for us. There is no greater picture of grace. When is the last time you remembered and gave thanks for all that Jesus endured and accomplished on the cross for you?
The Bible says that our lives must bear fruit that gives evidence of our repentance, but in order for fruit to grow, God must prune away any areas that are not of Him. This process is often painful, but in the end, it is the only thing that brings true life and true joy! What areas of your life are you holding back and not allowing God to trim away? Surrender yourself to His skillful hands and allow Him to shape you into the image of His Son.
