Awake Us Now

The story of Joseph, with its dysfunctional family and broken dreams, is a story that we can all relate to.

Luke 18:9-14, Romans 3:23, Isaiah 57:15, Psalm 51:15, 1 Corinthians 1:31, Micah 6:8. There is incredible danger in pride. God requires humility. Jesus told this story of two prayers - and the two pray-ers. One prayed about his own righteousness, the other prayed in humility and repentance. Which man went home forgiven? “To those who were confident of their own righteousness and look down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable.” (Luke 18:9). This is a targeted story. It is a targeted parable as Jesus speaks to people who are spiritually proud and tend to look at everyone else with disdain. What was true in Jesus day remains true today. Many times we judge others by our own standards rather than God’s and very often we are quick to see the failings of others, but ignore our own weaknesses. People can outwardly put on a form of religion but inwardly deny its real power. The parable tells of two people who went to the temple to pray. The pharisee stood by himself to pray - he was perceived as religious, dedica

Jesus warns that no one can serve two masters. Will you be devoted to God, or to "stuff?"

Scripture - Luke 16:19-31, Luke 16:14. “The Rich Man and Lazarus” is a parable in which Jesus portrays two ways of living — and two destinies after death. What will your destiny be? This is many times a misunderstood parable. Jesus told this parable in response to the laughter and scorn of the pharisees. Pastor sets the stage for this parable sharing that no one is saved by: 1. Right Doctrines - We are not saved by knowing the doctrines of the faith because it is not what you know, it’s WHO you know. You can have the right doctrine, but be absolutely messed up in your relationship with the Lord. 2. Right Actions - We are not saved by how good we are. All have sinned and none of us can stand before a holy God. We are saved only be the grace of God through faith in Christ Jesus. In this parable, Jesus paints the picture of a very wealthy man living with his focus on possessions. Outside the gates lived a man with nothing, a poor man longing for scraps from the Rich Man’s table. Both men die. Lazarus, the beggar

Jesus told this story of two prayers, and the two pray-ers. One prayed about his own righteousness; the other prayed in humility and repentance. Which man went home forgiven?

Jesus often answered a question with a question of His own. But when asked, "Who is my neighbor?", He answered by telling a story -- a story that asks the same question of us today.

In the parable of the sower, Jesus compares the Word of God to seed falling on four different kinds of soil: hardened, shallow, thorny, and productive. Which soil does God's Word find in you?

Is your life built on a solid foundation, or on an unstable one? What did Jesus say was a solid foundation?

Luke 15:11-32; Exodus 34:6; Numbers 14:18; Psalm 86:5, 15; Psalm 103:8; Psalm 145:8; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2; Luke 15:10. This parable is called The Prodigal Son, but perhaps a better name for it is: “Prodigal Son - Prodigal Father.” Why? The dictionary has 2 definitions for prodigal: 1. Wasteful - One who recklessly squanders what he has been given (This is the youngest son in this story) 2. Extravagant - One who abundantly gives and lavishly blesses (This is The Father) The parable is the story of a son who asks for his inheritance early, leaves with it, squanders his newly given wealth in wild living and ends up spending it all and having nothing left. The only job he’s able to get is taking care of a farmer’s pigs. That’s when the regret settles in. As Pastor progresses through the story he uses these words to describe the steps the prodigal son went through: 1. Rebellion - against God’s plan for his life 2. Recklessness - in our choices and behavior 3. Ruin - experienced as a result of rebellion and choices

Luke 12:13-21, Psalm 19:7ff. It’s not what you posses that matters, but what possesses you. Our treasures are destined for a garage sale or a dumpster. What has enduring value? It’s not what you possess that matters, it’s rather Who possesses you. That is at the heart of what Jesus is talking about today in the story we are going to examine together. It is recorded in the gospel of Luke chapter 12 verse 13. “Someone in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.’” Apparently the issue here is that this is a younger brother. The tradition in Jesus day is the oldest brother got a double inheritance. The younger brother here apparently wants more. Jesus sees into the man’s soul. He understands that this is a question not about fairness, this is a question of greed. And so Jesus replies, verse 14, “‘who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?’ Then he said, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.

On the day Jesus returns, we want to be among those who hear Him say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." Those who know the Lord Jesus will want to live out His love, mercy, and forgiveness in their daily lives; they will celebrate, not fear, His return!

"Follow the leader..." Who is the leader? Human leadership is always flawed and always disappoints. But there is a leader who is flawless, always in control, and upon whose Word and leadership we can rely - the Living God!

We may think, "I'll start obeying God when my faith is strong enough," but God says: "Follow me TODAY, and watch what I will do tomorrow." Obedience flows from faith, and then faith grows from obedience.

The word "peace" means far more than "no war or conflict." It means everything being right and in harmony with God. It is a word God desires to make real in each one of our lives today!

Despite the most rigorous physical exercise and training regimen, our bodies will age and, eventually, die. But there is a training - training in godliness - that lasts into eternity. The spiritual diet we eat, the spiritual exercise we do and the spiritual training we choose affects our ability to grow graceful as Jesus’ disciples. Training ourselves for godliness has benefits for today, tomorrow and for eternity. Spiritual training is timeless. Train to be godly - Christianity is not a spectator sport. We can’t be a couch potato. We must be in training to be godly. This is training with eternal rewards - a crown of life. Train yourself to be godly - What does godly training look like and how do we accomplish it? 1. DIET - We are what we eat - this truth is both physical and spiritual. Concentrate on what is true, good, honorable and noble and be in God’s word. Fill up on the food that truly nourishes, the food of His Word. We are to seek Him with our whole heart and that begins with our diet, as we take in

By "hope," people often mean "something that might happen but probably won't." But God promises us a hope that is absolutely certain, a hope secured for us by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, a hope that nothing and no one can take away!

Luke 11:5-13, John 7:38. When asked about prayer, Jesus told his listeners to ask God boldly - even "audaciously" - for the fulfillment of His promises. In this parable, The Friend at Midnight," Jesus takes a humorous story and converts it into a dramatic promise and powerful pledge. Because the friend at midnight, knocking on a neighbor’s door asking for food, would not relent until the friend finally got up and gave him all that he had need of. This parable is not just a funny story.... It’s a promise and pledge from God to give the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “If anyone believes in me, out of his innermost being will flow streams of living water.” We are told in the gospel of John chapter 7 that when Jesus said that he was talking about the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit comes like streams of living water flow out of every believer. It is a promise and a pledge not just to a select few, but to all, because Jesus is the one who brings abundant blessings into the lives of all those who know Him, trust Him, and fo

Every human being, before coming to know Jesus Christ, was/is spiritually dead. Even today, in much of the world that calls itself Christian, we have not come to grips with that profound Biblical teaching.

God doesn’t only give joy. He is our joy! "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Our mission is to call people to the knowledge of the Living God. The only way we can accomplish that mission is by the power of the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus gives.