Sermons

When is it a good thing to be a robber? When you’re robbing the original robber, of course! And that is the way Jesus describes Himself when it comes to the devil and his power.

The lawyer summed up the Law in a few pithy words—”Love God, and love your neighbor.” Jesus agreed: “Do this, and you shall live.” But who can actually do this?

But Jesus looked at that village and saw, not enemies, but people—people to be loved, saved and forgiven and cared for. Jesus rebuked His disciples, and they went somewhere else to sleep.

Jesus told His disciples to deny themselves. He told them to “follow Me.”
The whole point was the following—the trusting—the obedient, loving life of a disciple who was glad to let God use him to bring others to faith in Jesus.

Jesus’ first sermon to the hometown folks in Nazareth. “What gracious words! What a wonderful preacher!” Not a bad reception… then Jesus ruined everything.

We too can “bring Jesus home” to our own lives—be it broken, messy, wicked—so much the better! Jesus will get right to work cleaning, renewing, loving, saving. Never be afraid to bring Jesus home!

He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

O Lord, You saw our suffering, and came to us. You set us free at the price of Your own life, and You brought us safely into Your kingdom. I come to give You thanks with my whole heart. I am Yours forevermore.”

Angels are “ministering spirits” which guard believers. Although we may be fascinated by these mighty beings, we must never worship them. (see Revelation 19:10)