Three men have a tremendous impact on my life; my financial advisors. They watch over my accounts to make sure I have the best outcome possible. Interestingly, I only really know one of them. To say I trust them is an understatement. Not only do they help me today, they are looking ahead to help […]

Thrifting is a stylish practice depending on a region’s economy. You can always find treasures in others’ castoffs. According to Jesus, sinners and strangers have seats in His kingdom, but the religious leaders disagreed. Why would Jesus do something they found so offensive? Jesus loves those who need help. When it comes to lost and […]

Jesus accepted an invitation to dinner. Last week we saw the conversation at the table. Now, the conversation continues outside the house. Jesus speaks about the response His invitation requires. In addition, He adds to a larger discussion about following Him. Following Jesus requires commitment. Jesus makes three demands for commitment in this passage.

Today you will learn a secret church code phrase. That phrase will form the basis for the main points of the sermon. Jesus engages in a dinner conversation in the home of a religious leader. Notice how followers of Jesus put others first.

Students, by nature, ask questions about the world around them and the subject under consideration. However, they always seem to ask: “When am I ever going to use this?” Why should I know the capital of ancient Mesopotamia, when Charlemagne ruled the Holy Roman Empire, or how to measure the cosine of a right triangle? […]

Is the glass half-empty or half-full? Of course, an optimist says “half-full” and a pessimist “half-empty.” Others have different opinions. While a realist says “it’s a glass of water,” a scientist says “It is completely full: half with water and half with air.” Steve says “it’s the weakest coffee I’ve seen.” Finally, an engineer notes […]

Imagine yourself in an awkward social situation. Can you name the source of your anxiety? The cause is usually something unknown. A misunderstood word, an unfamiliar social context, or a missed conversational cue led to your discomfort. You could not make sense of the world around you at that moment. Jesus makes sense of the […]

Some sensible phrases are practically impossible. The phrase “watch your head” is a perfect example. I cannot observe my head without a mirror; and looking at the reflection ignores the impending danger. Yet we say it, anyway. Consider the phrase “watch out.” There is no other direction one can watch. Since eyes are always pointed […]

Tales of treasure and those who hunt for it are almost as old as history itself. Treasure is found in crypts, pyramids, buried chests, and vaults. Once you decipher the key used to hide it, you can find any treasure. Although some use maps and coordinates or cryptic clues, others hide their secrets openly. Today, […]

Living in a chaotic world presents opportunity. First, we must demonstrate this world is not our home. Second, we prove our hope is not dependent on treaties, accords, or international agreements. We are, after all, strangers and pilgrims heading home. ‌ Jesus also lived in a chaotic world. The Roman Empire brought peace at the […]