SCRIPTURE: Luke 12:49-53 Jesus came to turn the world right-side up. He does this by living (and dying) for God, for good, for love, for the kingdom. And after His victory over sin, death and hell, He kindles Holy Spirit fire to restore the world. But not everyone who is upside down wants to be right-side…
Ready to report to the Master?
SCRIPTURE: Luke 12:41-48 In response to Peter’s question, Jesus points to His disciples. The disciples are the ‘managers’ He has entrusted His kingdom business to. The ones that He called to ‘follow’, He also told them to ‘go’. Their task was to ‘feed them’ the good news in word and deed. But since His ascension, His…
Faithful servants?
SCRIPTURE: Luke 12:35-41 There is a connection between the previous verses on handling material wealth. Jesus has restored our place in creation as God’s image-bearing rulers. He has recommissioned us to live and love and lead for the well-being of all. He has departed, and entrusted us with the task – and the resources necessary –…
What is God saying to you?
This Sunday (June 1) I am speaking on Luke 12:41-48. Please write a sentence or two of what You hear God saying in this passage?
To treasure what matters
SCRIPTURE: Luke 12:32-34 “Sell your possessions and give to the poor.” (Luke 12:33) Too often people stumble over this line and then dismiss the whole teaching. The main point is that God has given us a treasure that exceeds all other treasure. The kingdom of God (God’s better world) is an experience of deep joy, blessing, pleasure….
God loves His temples!
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 87 “The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the other dwellings of Jacob.” (Psalm 87:2) Of all the cities in Israel – and the world – God had a special place in His heart for Jerusalem (Zion). This was where the temple, symbolizing His presence, was built. It was not the temple…
How about talking to God about it?
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 7-12 When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? Consult God’s instruction and the testimony of warning. If anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn….
To be really, fully alive!
SCRIPTURE: Luke 12:22-31 “For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.” (Luke 12:23) Jesus means more than being physically alive, He is talking about the meaning of life. Apparently we get worked up (worried) about things that don’t matter as much. The wisdom of Jesus is to focus on what matters, and to…
Being rich towards God
SCRIPTURE: Luke 12:13-21 God created us to share His blessings. He richly blesses us, and wants us to richly bless others, even as they richly bless us. This is the circle of life according to God – each one giving life and love to the other. In this paradise, no one has to look out for…
Rejecting the Spirit within
SCRIPTURE: Luke 12:8-12 What does it mean to speak against (blaspheme) the Holy Spirit? God is speaking AROUND US all the time, through creation (Romans 1:18-20). God speaks TO US in the clearest way through Jesus, God’s Word made flesh (John 1:1, Hebrews 1:1-3). God graciously continues to speak AROUND and TO us all the time, even though we…