THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 16:19-31 “They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.” (Luke 19:29) This parable is a reminder that we need to read the bible with care. I have heard people refer to this parable as proof of how the afterlife works. The wicked will experience the agony of fire, and…
A cross, not a sword!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 16:16-18 “Kingdom of God is preached and everyone is forcing their way into it.” (Luke 16:16) Who is forcing (the word means ‘violence’) their way into the kingdom? Similarly in Matthew 11:12 Jesus refers to people violently opposing His message. Ironically, it was the religious people who attacked Him to defend the Law….
Its good to laugh at ourselves!
Ruined by what we love!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 16:10-15 “What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.” (Luke 16:15) Once again Jesus uses hyperbole (extreme statement) to make a point. We humans value many things, including good things. But for some reason we tend to highly value not-so-good things. Our sinful, selfish hearts value what makes us feel good….
Always time to praise the Lord!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 92 “It is good to praise the Lord…” (Psalm 92:12) This psalm says it is good for us to us to praise the Lord. Why would it be healthy, and helpful, to praise the Lord. If we dwell on what is good, hopeful, positive, inspiring, we will benefit. But negative, discouraging, dark…
If we are gods, the world is in trouble!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Isaiah 44-47 “Your wisdom misleads you when you say, ‘I am, there is none besides me.’ (Isaiah 47:10) Babylon, under king Cyrus, had conquered many nations, including Israel. Isaiah credits God for Cyrus’ success (Isaiah 45:1-7). But Cyrus and his people let success go to their heads; they become boastful. This same arrogance is…
The pursuit of justice!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Isaiah 40-43 “He will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth.” (Isaiah 42:4) God’s passion and purpose is to restore justice in the world. Justice is not not legal fairness, it means ‘everything right in the world.’ The word for ‘justice’ is the same word for ‘righteousness’. Everything right…
To be shrewd for God!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 16:1-9 “Use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves.” (Luke 16:9) God created us to be very smart, creative and industrious. It has often struck me how skilled sinners can be for nefarious reasons. Why don’t we put those skills to use for eternal purposes? Jesus ackowledges of ‘people of this world’…
The other prodigal son!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 15:25-32 “I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders.” (Luke 15:29) This chapter begins with the muttering of the religious leaders. Jesus is intentionally speaking to them through this older son. The older son represents the ‘already saved’ who’ve forgotten God’s grace. How many christians feel that following Jesus is…
Coming to my senses!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 15:11-24 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘I will go back to my father…’” (Luke 15:17-18) Jesus often used the word ‘repent’ when He spoke to people. The original word ‘repent’ means to reconsider and change your direction. Like someone in a destructive relationship finally deciding to leave. In this…