Scott LaPierre Ministries

The proof of the resurrection in Luke 24:37–43 is not vague, symbolic, or merely emotional. Jesus did not ask His disciples to believe in a resurrection without evidence. He stood before them, showed them His hands and feet, invited them to touch Him, and even ate in front of them. The risen Christ graciously helped troubled, doubting disciples believe what was gloriously true. For the last few weeks, we have been walking through Luke 24. We followed the two disciples on the road to Emmaus as their eyes were opened in the breaking of the bread. Then they got up that same hour and walked seven miles back to Jerusalem in the dark, where the other disciples were gathered. Now we join them in that room. It is late. The doors are shut. Many voices are speaking at once. The women have testified about the empty tomb. Peter has testified that the Lord appeared to him. The two from Emmaus are sharing how Jesus walked with them and made Himself known. Then, while they were all talking, Jesus Himself stood among them and said, “Peace to you!” But instead of immediately rejoicing, they were startled and frightened. Luke tells us they thought they saw a spirit. https://youtu.be/VR6MJ_F-mLM Table of contentsThe Disciples Knew the Truth but Struggled to Trust ItJesus Is Gracious with Our DoubtsThe Resurrection Is Physical, Verifiable, and PermanentJesus’ Scars Identify HimThe Resurrection Should Seem Too Good to Be TrueJesus Ate to Prove He Was Truly RaisedJesus Still Gives Peace to Troubled HeartsConclusion The Disciples Knew the Truth but Struggled to Trust It Luke 24:36–37 says: “Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, ‘Peace to you!’ But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit.” Think about how surprising this is. These were the same people who had spent three years with Jesus. They had heard Him say more than once that He would rise on the third day. They had heard the women’s testimony. They had heard Peter’s testimony. They had heard the testimony of the two disciples from Emmaus. But when Jesus stood right in front of them, their minds reached for the wrong conclusion: “This must be a spirit.” John’s Gospel adds that the doors were locked because the disciples were afraid of the Jews. Jesus came and stood among them anyway. Yet even then, they did not immediately think, “He is risen!” They thought, “We are seeing a ghost.” This teaches us something important: we can know the truth but still struggle to trust it when it matters. That is not only true of the disciples in Luke 24. We see something similar in Acts 12. Peter had been arrested by Herod, and the church was earnestly praying for him. God answered their prayer by sending an angel to release Peter from prison. Peter went to the very house where the believers were praying and knocked at the door. Rhoda heard his voice, recognized him, and ran to tell everyone. But instead of rejoicing that God had answered their prayers, they said, “You are out of your mind.” Then

There are moments in life when the next few words out of someone’s mouth mean everything. Jesus’ first words after the resurrection were one of those moments. After His disciples had abandoned Him, denied Him, doubted Him, and failed Him, the risen Christ stood among them and said, “Peace to you” (Luke 24:36). https://youtu.be/4qKxuCTXvRA Table of contentsWhen First Words MatterJesus Began His Ministry Preaching RepentanceJesus Concluded His Ministry Preaching PeaceThe Resurrection Announces Peace with GodPeace Follows RepentanceWhy the Disciples Needed to Hear “Peace”The Risen Christ Is Not Keeping a ListFrom Repentance to Peace When First Words Matter Over ten years ago, a large group of us gathered at the hospital while someone from our church family was in a touch-and-go surgery. We were waiting in a big room, broken up into little groups, talking quietly to pass the time. Then the doctor walked in, and the room went silent instantly. Every conversation stopped. You could hear a pin drop. Everyone turned toward him because the next words out of his mouth mattered deeply. Life has moments like that. A man who has been out of work for months waits for a phone call after a job interview. His savings are almost gone, the mortgage is due, and he has been praying for work that will allow him to provide for his family. When the phone rings and the company’s name lights up the screen, the whole family gathers around to hear whether the next words will be, “Congratulations, you got the job,” or, “Unfortunately, we went with someone else.” Or picture a courtroom. The jury has been deliberating for hours. The defendant sits at the table, unsure whether he will walk out free or be taken away in handcuffs. His family waits anxiously. The victim’s family waits too. The jury returns, the judge asks whether they have reached a verdict, and the whole room holds its breath to hear the words guilty or not guilty. There are moments when first words matter. That is true when Jesus began His earthly ministry, and it is also true when He appeared to His disciples after His resurrection. Jesus Began His Ministry Preaching Repentance Matthew tells us that after Jesus was baptized, tempted in the wilderness, and began His public ministry, His first recorded preaching was this: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). Jesus began His ministry with repentance. That is significant. His first ministry words confronted sin and announced the arrival of God’s kingdom. Matthew says, “From that time Jesus began to preach,” which means this was the launching point of His public ministry. Repentance is not simply feeling bad. Many people in Scripture said, “I have sinned,” but did not truly repent. Pharaoh, Balaam, Achan, Saul, Shimei, and Judas all expressed sorrow or guilt, but their lives did not show true turning to God. Repentance means a change of mind that produces a change of direction. It is turning from sin to the Lord. The prodigal son is a beaut

Have you ever read the Bible, heard the truth, and still felt like you could not see Christ as clearly as you should? Luke 24:28–35 reminds us that Jesus opens our eyes in His timing, warms our hearts through His Word, and gives us urgency to tell others that He is risen. For the last two weeks, we have been walking with two disciples along the road to Emmaus. Jesus drew near to them as a stranger, listened to their grief, gently rebuked their unbelief, and patiently opened the Old Testament Scriptures to show them how Moses, the Psalms, and all the Prophets pointed to Him. Their hearts were being warmed, but their eyes were still closed. Now everything changes. https://youtu.be/1rvTlE2QRqY Table of contentsJesus Waits to Be WelcomedGod Opens Our Eyes in His Own TimingJesus’ Physical Absence Does Not Mean His Spiritual AbsenceOur Hearts Should Burn When Christ Opens the ScripturesBeware of Knowing the Word Without Loving ChristEncountering Christ Produces UrgencyThe Risen Christ Still Opens Eyes Jesus Waits to Be Welcomed Luke 24:28 says: So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther. That phrase can sound strange: “He acted as if he were going farther.” This was not deception. Jesus was not pretending in some dishonest way. He was giving them the opportunity to invite Him in. We see something similar in Mark 6:48, when Jesus came to the disciples, who were walking on the water, and “meant to pass by them.” He was not abandoning them. He was drawing near in a way that allowed them to respond. Revelation 3:20 gives us the same picture: Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. Christ comes near, but He waits to be welcomed. The two disciples respond beautifully: “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them (Luke 24:29). They had spent the afternoon listening to Jesus open the Scriptures, and they did not want the conversation to end. So they urged Him strongly. They constrained Him. They invited Him to stay. And He did. God Opens Our Eyes in His Own Timing Luke 24:30–31 says: When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. This is a striking scene. Jesus was the guest, but He became the host. It was their house, their table, and their bread. But Jesus takes the bread, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it to them. Why did they recognize Him then? Maybe they recognized the action. Jesus had taken, blessed, broken, and given bread before, such as in the feeding of the five thousand in Luke 9:16. He had also done this at the Last Supper in Luke 22:19. Maybe when He stretched out His hands to break the bread, they saw the wounds. The nail prints were fresh. He had been crucified only three days earlier. But the simplest answer is this: God chose that m

Jesus is our Sabbath rest, which means Christians no longer look to one day, one land, or one law for the rest God provides. The Sabbath was good, but it pointed beyond itself to something greater. Under the New Covenant, believers find true rest in Christ—rest from striving to earn salvation, rest from the crushing burden of law-keeping, and rest in the finished work of our Savior. That does not mean Christians become lazy, careless, or indifferent to worship. Far from it. The grace of God trains us “to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions” and to live “self-controlled, upright, and godly lives” (Titus 2:11–12). The rest Christ gives is not a license to sin; it is grace that frees us from the burden of trying to be saved by our works so that we can joyfully labor for Him. Table of contentsThe Sabbath Was the Seventh DayThe Old Covenant and the New Covenant Are DistinctJesus Raised the StandardA Change in Priesthood Means a Change in LawMelchizedek Points to a Better PriesthoodThe Sabbath Was a Shadow Fulfilled in ChristHebrews 4 Teaches the True Sabbath RestWe Enter Rest Under Joshua, Not MosesJesus Gives Better Rest Than the Old Covenant SabbathResting in Christ Does Not Mean We Stop WorkingChristians Worship on the Lord’s DayMen Should Lead Their Homes to Prioritize WorshipConclusion The Sabbath Was the Seventh Day When we think about the Sabbath, we should first associate it with the seventh day. The Sabbath has never been the first day of the week. This distinction matters because Christians sometimes speak as though Sunday became the Sabbath. But biblically, the Sabbath was the seventh day. The Sabbath was also connected to the Mosaic Covenant. It belonged to the Old Covenant given to Israel through Moses. That covenant had its own mediator, its own priesthood, and its own law. Moses was the mediator of the Mosaic Covenant. The law associated with that covenant is often called the Mosaic Law. Jesus, however, is the mediator of the New Covenant, and the law associated with Him is the Law of Christ. The Old Covenant and the New Covenant Are Distinct The Old Covenant was instituted through blood sacrifices. Those sacrifices pointed forward to the blood of Christ. At the Last Supper, Jesus instituted the New Covenant in His blood, showing Himself to be the true and greater Passover Lamb. This means we should not treat the New Covenant as merely the Old Covenant slightly improved. The New Covenant is not the Old Covenant maturing into something better. It is a new covenant, instituted by a better Mediator, founded on better promises, and connected to a better priesthood. Jesus Himself showed the distinction when He spoke of new wine and old wineskins. The point is not that the old and the new should be mixed, but that they do not belong together. Law and grace cannot be blended as though sinners are justified partly by Moses and partly by Christ. Jesus Raised the Standard Some people wrongly think grace lowers the standard. But Jesus did no

One of the most important lessons in Luke 24:22–27 is how the Old Testament points to Jesus. On the road to Emmaus, two discouraged disciples had the evidence of the resurrection, but they still lacked understanding. They knew the tomb was empty. They knew the women had reported that angels said Jesus was alive. They knew others had gone to the tomb and confirmed the women’s report. Yet they still did not believe. https://youtu.be/h47NFMhmSbU Table of contentsThe Disciples Had Evidence but Still Did Not BelieveBelief Is Not Primarily About EvidenceJesus Rebuked Them for Being Slow of HeartTrue Faith Believes All That God Has SpokenBelief Is Primarily a Heart IssueThe Christ Had to Suffer Before Entering GloryThe Old Testament Is About JesusJesus Reveals Himself Through ScriptureJesus Wants Us to Find Him in ScriptureRead the Bible Looking for Christ The Disciples Had Evidence but Still Did Not Believe Luke 24:22–24 says: “Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” This is a stunning admission. Up to this point, we might assume the two disciples were discouraged simply because all they knew was that Jesus had been crucified. But now we learn they knew much more than that. They knew the tomb was empty. They knew the women’s testimony. They knew angels had declared Jesus to be alive. They knew others had gone to the tomb and confirmed the women’s report. That is a remarkable amount of evidence. Yet still, they did not believe. This raises an important question: why didn’t they believe after all that evidence? The answer is one of the most important truths we can learn about faith and unbelief. Belief Is Not Primarily About Evidence Belief is not primarily about evidence. Evidence matters. God has given us reasonable grounds for our faith. The Christian faith is not irrational or blind. The resurrection occurred in history, and Luke presents eyewitness testimony to show that it truly happened. But if belief were strictly a matter of evidence, then everyone who heard the gospel would be saved, and everyone exposed to Jesus’s death, burial, and resurrection would believe. Yet that is not what we see in Scripture or in our own experience. Two people can hear the same sermon, read the same passage, listen to the same testimony, and be presented with the same evidence, yet walk away with very different responses. Why? Because people have different hearts. This is one of the main points of the parable of the sower. The same seed is scattered, but it falls on different soils. The seed is the same, but the responses differ because the hearts differ. Sometimes we think, “If only I had one more sign,” or “If only God made things clearer,” or “If only I saw one more confi

The road to Emmaus account in Luke 24 shows us two disciples who saw the physical facts clearly but missed the spiritual reality entirely. They knew Jesus had been crucified. They had heard reports about the empty tomb. They even knew it was the third day. But despite having the facts, they did not understand what God was doing through Christ's death and resurrection. These two disciples were not enemies of Jesus. They were not Pharisees mocking Him. They were not Roman soldiers who had crucified Him. They were followers of Jesus who had loved Him, listened to Him, and hoped in Him. Yet they were discouraged because they interpreted their circumstances physically instead of spiritually. That makes this passage deeply pastoral. Every Christian knows what it is like to look at difficult circumstances and struggle to understand what God is doing. We expected one thing, but God ordained another. We expected relief, but the burden became heavier. We expected clarity, but everything seemed more confusing. We expected joy, but sorrow remained. Luke 24 reminds us that discouraged believers do not merely need better circumstances. They need Christ to open the Scriptures. https://youtu.be/s6F0mJI_WmY Table of contentsWe Can See the Physical Clearly While Missing the Spiritual RealityEven Great Men Can Struggle to See SpirituallyJesus Was Nearer Than They RealizedWe Know Christ Through Scripture, Not SightJesus Draws Out Their DiscouragementThey Understood Some Truth About Jesus, But Not EnoughWe Must Not Misunderstand the Redemption Jesus Came to ProvideLooking at Life Physically Instead of Spiritually Leads to DiscouragementConclusion: Christ Opens Our Eyes Through His Word We Can See the Physical Clearly While Missing the Spiritual Reality In the previous sermon, we considered spiritual blindness, and that lays the foundation for this passage. The two disciples on the road to Emmaus were spiritually blind in a very real sense. They were not blind to the facts. They knew Jesus had been crucified. They knew reports had come about the empty tomb. They knew extraordinary things had happened. But even with all of that, they still did not understand what God was doing. This is one of the great lessons of Scripture: we can see the physical clearly while completely missing the spiritual reality. This problem appears throughout the Bible. People hear spiritual truth, but they interpret it physically. People see God’s work, but they interpret it outwardly. People expect visible, earthly, temporal fulfillment, while God is accomplishing something deeper, greater, and spiritual. We see this even in the ministry of John the Baptist. Luke 3 says John came to prepare the way for the Messiah. The valleys would be lifted up, the mountains and hills brought low, and the crooked places made straight. That sounds physical, but John was not moving dirt or changing the landscape of Judea. He was preparing hearts through repentance. John was not doing anything physical, but he

Young men overcome the evil one not by willpower alone, but by spiritual strength, self-control, and the Word of God abiding in them. That is exactly what John teaches in 1 John 2:13–14, and it is a message young men desperately need in a culture that seems designed to weaken, distract, and tempt them. There is only audio for this message, so you can listen to the teaching below through the podcast player. Table of contentsSpiritual maturity has stages1. Young men overcome the evil one by being spiritually strong2. Young men overcome the evil one by being in God’s Word3. Young men overcome the evil one by being self-controlled4. Young men overcome the evil one by not taking the first stepThe answer is not mere effort, but ChristA word to fathers and older menFinal encouragement Let me begin with an illustration from the Army. At the brigade level, there are thousands of soldiers. Brigades are made up of battalions, battalions are made up of companies, companies are made up of platoons, and platoons are made up of squads. A squad may have only around 10 soldiers, but those squads are the building blocks of the Army. And who fills those squads? Young men. When a beach must be stormed, a hill taken, or the enemy confronted at the front line, young men are sent. They exert the greatest effort, endure the greatest hardship, and often make the greatest sacrifices. They are expected to be strong. John says something similar spiritually: “I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one... I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one” (1 John 2:13–14). Twice, John says that young men “have overcome the evil one.” That repetition matters. It shows that young men are in a serious spiritual battle. They are on the front lines. They face real temptations, real opposition, and real danger. But Scripture does not speak to them as victims. It speaks to them as warriors who, by God’s grace, can overcome. Spiritual maturity has stages In 1 John 2:12–14, John addresses three groups: children, fathers, and young men. Children are told that their sins are forgiven and that they know the Father. These are precious truths, but they are also the basics of the Christian life. Children in the faith know the gospel’s foundational realities. Fathers are told twice that they “know him who is from the beginning.” This points to spiritual depth and maturity. The most mature believers are not defined by flashy experiences or dramatic gifts, but by a deep, seasoned knowledge of God. Young men stand between those two stages. They know more than children, but they have not yet reached the maturity of fathers. What especially marks them is this: they are overcoming the evil one. This suggests that one of the clearest signs of growth from spiritual childhood into spiritual manhood is victory over sin. Not sinless perfection, because no believer achieves that in this life, but real prog

Spiritual blindness and spiritual sight are at the heart of Mark 8 and John 9. In these passages, Jesus shows that people can have functioning physical eyes yet remain blind to spiritual truth. One blind man sees dimly before seeing clearly, while another grows step by step in his understanding of Christ until he finally worships Him. At the same time, the Pharisees reveal the danger of self-righteousness, because though they claim to see, they remain blind to the truth standing right in front of them. https://youtu.be/qw532eOfigA Table of contentsBlindness Often Pictures Spiritual IgnoranceSpiritual Sight Grows Clearer Over TimeJohn 9 Shows a Man Growing in Spiritual SightSome People Choose to Remain Spiritually BlindSpiritually Blind People Are Blind to Their Own BlindnessThese Passages Give Both Encouragement and WarningHow This Prepares Us for Luke 24Conclusion When I was in high school, Magic Eye pictures became very popular. Maybe you remember them. At first, they looked like meaningless patterns, but if you stared at them long enough, a hidden three-dimensional image would suddenly appear. And once you saw it, you could not unsee it. You even wondered why you could not see it earlier. That provides a helpful picture of what we are considering in this sermon. Spiritually, people can look at something and not really see it at first. They can hear the truth and not really understand it at first. That is what we see in two passages. In Mark 8, a blind man sees dimly and then clearly. In John 9, a blind man’s spiritual understanding of Jesus progressively improves until he finally worships Him as Lord. These passages also prepare us for Luke 24, where two disciples on the road to Emmaus will walk with the risen Christ without recognizing Him until their eyes are opened. One of the Lord’s recurring works is to move people from partial sight to fuller sight. He brings us from seeing dimly to seeing clearly. Blindness Often Pictures Spiritual Ignorance Throughout Scripture, blindness is not only a physical problem but also a fitting metaphor for spiritual ignorance. A person can have healthy eyes and still be blind to what matters most. He can see the world around him, yet fails to see the truth about God, himself, and Christ. The Old Testament makes this point repeatedly. Isaiah 44:18 says, “They do not know nor understand; for he has shut their eyes, so that they cannot see.” Jeremiah 5:21 says, “Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes, but see not.” Ezekiel 12:2 says the people had eyes to see physically, but could not see spiritually. Isaiah 6:9 says, “Keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive.” That final verse sets up the passages we are considering. Jesus quoted Isaiah 6 when He was asked why He spoke in parables. Parables were physical stories that illustrated spiritual truths. In that sense, they acted like tests of spiritual sight. People’s inability to understand parables revealed their

Why do Christians worship on Sunday instead of Saturday? In Part 1, we saw that the seventh-day Sabbath belonged to the Old Covenant mediated by Moses and given to Israel. In Part 2, we move from the covenantal foundation to the New Testament evidence. The resurrection of Jesus on the first day of the week, the worship pattern of the early church, and the fulfillment of the Sabbath in Christ all help explain why Christians gather on Sunday rather than Saturday. Table of contentsThe resurrection made the first day central for the New Covenant people of GodThe early church gathered on the first day of the week1 Corinthians 16:2 confirms the first-day patternThe Sabbath is de-emphasized in the New Testament after the GospelsColossians 2:16–17 says Sabbaths were shadows fulfilled in ChristRomans 14:5–6 shows that observance of days is not a binding church commandSunday is rightly called the Lord’s DayThe true and greater Sabbath is found in ChristConclusion The resurrection made the first day central for the New Covenant people of God Why did the first day become so important? Because that is the day Jesus rose from the dead. The phrase “first day of the week” occurs eight times in the New Testament, and six of those occurrences refer directly to Christ’s resurrection. Matthew 28:1, Mark 16:2, Mark 16:9, Luke 24:1, John 20:1, and John 20:19 all draw attention to the first day in connection with the risen Christ. That is not accidental. The New Testament repeatedly highlights the first day as the day of resurrection. This is important because the resurrection is not a minor event added onto the Christian faith. It is the triumph of Christ over sin, death, and the grave. If the Old Covenant was associated with the seventh day, it should not surprise us that the New Covenant would be marked by the day on which Christ rose and inaugurated the new creation reality His people now live in. Sunday became the fitting day for New Covenant worship because it is the day of the resurrection. The early church gathered on the first day of the week The importance of the first day extends beyond the resurrection accounts. The book of Acts shows the early church gathering on that day. Acts 20:7 says, “On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them.” This gives us a clear picture of the gathered church meeting on Sunday. The reference to breaking bread is most naturally understood as a reference to communion in the context of corporate worship. Acts 2:42 supports this understanding by distinguishing fellowship from “the breaking of bread,” suggesting that it is more than an ordinary meal. This makes excellent theological sense. Communion looks back to Christ’s death and forward to His return, as 1 Corinthians 11:26 teaches. Since Christ rose on the first day of the week, it is fitting that the church gathered on that day to worship and remember Him. 1 Corinthians 16:2 confirms the first-day pattern Paul also wrote in

This post is Part 1 of a two-part Sunday school series on why Christians worship on Sunday instead of Saturday. In this first article, we will lay the covenantal foundation by looking at the Old Covenant, the New Covenant, and the Sabbath. Table of contentsThe Sabbath belonged to the Old Covenant given to Israel through MosesJesus instituted the New Covenant in His bloodEach covenant had its own lawGalatians teaches freedom from the Mosaic Law, not freedom from obedienceHebrews 7:12 explains why covenantal change affects the lawWhy this prepares us for Sunday worshipConclusion The Sabbath belonged to the Old Covenant given to Israel through Moses The first thing to establish is that the Sabbath was a sign of the Mosaic Covenant given specifically to Israel. Exodus 31:13 says, “You shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations.” Then Exodus 31:17 says, “It is a sign forever between me and the people of Israel.” That is very important. The Sabbath was not presented as a covenant sign between God and the church. It was a sign between God and Israel under the Old Covenant, which was mediated by Moses. So if someone asks, “What covenant is the seventh-day Sabbath associated with?” the answer is clear: the Old Covenant, mediated by Moses, given to Israel. That point matters because it keeps us from treating the Sabbath as though it were detached from the covenantal framework in which God gave it. The Sabbath was not a free-floating universal covenant sign for all peoples in all covenant administrations. It belonged to a specific covenant God made with Israel through Moses. Jesus instituted the New Covenant in His blood Exodus 24 contains the institution of the Old Covenant. The people agreed to the covenant’s terms, promising to obey all that the Lord had spoken. But the covenant was not formally inaugurated until blood was shed. Exodus 24:6-8 repeatedly emphasizes blood, culminating in Moses saying, “Behold the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words.” As your notes rightly emphasize, there is no instituting a covenant without blood. Hebrews 9:18 confirms this: “Not even the first covenant was inaugurated without blood.” That Old Testament scene prepares us to understand Luke 22. At the Last Supper, Jesus took the cup and said, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” The parallel is striking. Moses instituted the Old Covenant with blood. Jesus instituted the New Covenant with blood. But the New Covenant is greater because it was not inaugurated with the blood of animals. It was inaugurated with the blood of Christ Himself. This means there is a real covenantal transition: Moses mediated the Old Covenant. Jesus mediates the New Covenant. And this is foundational for understanding why Christian worship is centered on Sunday rather than Saturday. We are not dealing with a minor adjustment in religious custom. We are dealing with the

Responding to the resurrection is not merely about celebrating Easter once a year. It is about how we interpret the empty tomb, how we respond to Christ’s promises, and how we live in light of Jesus' resurrection. In Luke 24:7–12, we see that the resurrection calls for more than admiration. It calls for remembrance, faith, witness, and wonder. One of the great comforts in the Christian life is knowing that our faith does not rest on vague feelings, religious sentiment, or wishful thinking. It rests on what God has said and done in history. That is especially important when we come to the resurrection. Jesus did not merely rise unexpectedly after a tragic death. He rose exactly as He said He would. https://youtu.be/BLwpyG_dTlg Table of contentsJesus followed the Father’s divine planGod is directing our steps, tooRemembering the Lord’s words strengthens faithThose who believe the good news should share the good newsThe resurrection account bears the marks of truthMarvel at the risen ChristConclusion Jesus followed the Father’s divine plan Before the women remembered Christ’s words, the angels reminded them of something crucial: The Son of Man must be delivered. He must be crucified. He must rise on the third day. That word must matters. Throughout Luke’s Gospel, Jesus repeatedly described His life and ministry in terms of divine necessity. He was not being swept along by events outside His control. He was carrying out the Father’s sovereign plan. From His youth, Jesus said He must be in His Father’s house. In His ministry, He said He must preach the kingdom to other towns. As He looked ahead to the cross, He said the Son of Man must suffer, be rejected, be killed, and be raised. Even His meeting with Zacchaeus was described as something He must do. When we come to Luke 24, that same pattern continues. The crucifixion was not a derailment. The resurrection was not a recovery. Everything took place according to God’s perfect will. This should encourage us deeply. Christ’s death was not a defeat. It was the accomplishment of redemption. And Christ’s resurrection was not an emergency reversal. It was the triumphant fulfillment of God’s saving purpose. God is directing our steps, too Of course, Jesus is unique. He is the eternal Son of God in the flesh. His life, death, and resurrection stand alone in redemptive history. None of us can compare ourselves to Him in that sense. But there is still tremendous comfort here for believers. The same sovereign God who directed every step of Christ’s earthly ministry is also directing our lives. Scripture teaches this repeatedly. Proverbs says that a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Jeremiah confesses that it is not in man to direct his own steps. Ephesians says that believers are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand. That does not excuse sin or rebellion. God’s sovereignty never authorizes disobedience. But it does mean that the Christian c

The empty tomb and the resurrection of Jesus stand at the center of the Christian faith. Luke 24:1-6 brings us to the greatest event in human history: Jesus Christ, who was crucified for sinners, did not remain in the grave. He rose again. After all the teaching, miracles, compassion, confrontations, betrayal, suffering, and burial, Luke’s Gospel reaches its glorious climax here. Jesus was not merely born to be an example, perform miracles, or teach moral truths. He came to die for sinners and rise again so that all who repent and believe might have eternal life. https://youtu.be/NYWLSN52JfU Table of contentsThe darkness of Christ’s death gives way to the light of the resurrectionAfter the resurrection, Jesus is revealed as the LordDo not seek life among the deadHe is not here, but has risenConclusion If Christ had remained in the tomb, Christianity would be empty. Paul says, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile, and you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17). But because Jesus rose, everything changes. Sin has been paid for. Death has been conquered. Salvation has been accomplished. Eternal life is offered to all who trust in Him. Luke’s careful account shows us not only that the tomb was empty, but what that empty tomb means. The darkness of Christ’s death gives way to the light of the resurrection Before Luke tells us about the resurrection morning, he wants us to remember what took place at the crucifixion. In Luke 23:44-45, darkness covered the land from the sixth hour until the ninth hour. This was no ordinary event. It was a supernatural sign accompanying Christ's death. Luke says, “the sun’s light failed,” language that seems meant to draw attention not only to physical darkness but also to spiritual symbolism. Jesus had said, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:5). As He gave His life, the light failed. The Light of the World was being extinguished in death. That makes the opening of Luke 24 all the more powerful. The women come to the tomb “on the first day of the week, at early dawn” (Luke 24:1). The timing is deeply significant. The resurrection is announced at daybreak. The darkness of Good Friday gives way to the light of Sunday morning. When Christ died, darkness covered the land. When Christ rose, a new day began. These women came with spices they had prepared before the Sabbath. Their actions reveal love, devotion, and faithfulness. They had followed Jesus from Galilee. They had remained near Him at the crucifixion. They had seen where His body was laid. While many others scattered, they stayed. Now they return at the earliest possible moment after the Sabbath, not expecting resurrection, but expecting to honor a dead body. That detail matters. They did not come anticipating a celebration. They came anticipating sorrow. They did not expect life. They expected death. Yet when they arrived, the stone had already been rolled away. This did not mean Jesus needed help getting out.

We live in a world overflowing with information but lacking wisdom, which is why we desperately need God’s wisdom. People have endless access to opinions, advice, and content, yet lives are still marked by confusion, bad decisions, and foolishness. The problem is not that we need more knowledge. The problem is that we need the wisdom that comes from the Lord. Job asked this same question when he grew weary of his friends’ clichés and empty platitudes. He wanted real wisdom, so he asked where wisdom could be found. That is still the right question for us today. And the good news is that Scripture does not leave us guessing. James 1:5 gives tremendous hope: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” God is not stingy with wisdom. He does not give it begrudgingly. He gives it generously to those who ask. https://youtu.be/LgA58i5HxQQ Table of contentsLesson One: God Wants to Give Us WisdomLesson Two: Fools Don’t Apply KnowledgeLesson Three: Wisdom Calls for RepentanceLesson Four: Rejecting Wisdom Brings Severe ConsequencesLesson Five: Acquiring Wisdom Requires EffortLesson Six: Wisdom Must Be Our Daily PursuitConclusion Lesson One: God Wants to Give Us Wisdom James 1:5 is one of the clearest New Testament verses on this subject, but Proverbs makes the same truth abundantly clear: God wants to give us wisdom. Wisdom is not hidden from those who seek the Lord. It is not reserved for spiritual elites. It is available. Proverbs 1 presents wisdom as a woman crying aloud in the street, raising her voice in the markets, and speaking at the city gates. That imagery is meant to show how near wisdom is to us. Wisdom is not whispering from some remote location. She is calling out in the busiest places of life, making herself known right where people live, work, and make decisions. This is encouraging. If you want wisdom, God is not playing hide-and-seek with you. He is not reluctant to guide you. He wants you to hear His voice through His Word. But there is also a warning here. Proverbs says wisdom cries out in the “noisy streets.” That reminds us that many competing voices are trying to drown out wisdom. Social media, entertainment, news, shallow conversations, and foolish influences can all make it harder to hear what God is saying. This means we should each ask ourselves: What is drowning out wisdom in my life? What distractions are keeping me from hearing God’s voice clearly? Lesson Two: Fools Don’t Apply Knowledge Proverbs 1:22 identifies three groups: the simple, the scoffers, and the fools. Each one reveals something about the human heart apart from wisdom. The simple are gullible. They do not know what to believe. Proverbs contrasts them with the prudent, who think carefully and consider their steps. The simple are easily led astray because they lack discernment. The scoffers are different. They are not merely uninformed; they are arrogant. They smirk at the correction. They moc

In Luke 23:50-56, Joseph of Arimathea and the women who faithfully honored Jesus show us what true discipleship looks like when following Christ is costly, quiet, and seemingly unrewarded. Jesus had been abandoned by His closest followers, condemned by the religious leaders, and executed by Rome. But in that dark moment, God still preserved faithful disciples who stayed near Christ and honored Him. https://youtu.be/PlAKLqOodfw Table of contentsThe Shepherd Was Struck and the Sheep ScatteredGod Preserves Faithful Disciples Even in the Darkest TimesJoseph Shows True Disciples Remain Faithful When There Is No Personal AdvantageJesus’ Burial Fulfilled ProphecyThe Women Show That True Disciples Honor Christ With Persevering DevotionWhat This Passage Teaches Us About FaithfulnessFinal Thoughts The Shepherd Was Struck and the Sheep Scattered This passage becomes even more powerful when we read it in light of Old Testament prophecy. Zechariah 13:7 says, “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.” Jesus applied this verse directly to His disciples on the night of His arrest in Matthew 26:31 and Mark 14:27. When Jesus was taken, the disciples fled. When He was condemned and crucified, they were nowhere to be found. Even Peter, who had confidently declared he would die with Christ, denied three times that he even knew Him. That is one of the painful realities surrounding the crucifixion. Jesus was not only rejected by the world but also abandoned by His own followers. Yet Luke 23 does not leave us with only that sorrowful picture. After the sheep are scattered, God shows that He still has faithful people. Joseph of Arimathea and the women from Galilee do what the disciples should have done. They step forward when others step back. They identify with Christ when others distance themselves from Him. God Preserves Faithful Disciples Even in the Darkest Times Luke introduces Joseph in a striking way: “Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God” (Luke 23:50-51). Joseph was from Arimathea and, more surprisingly, a member of the council. He belonged to the Sanhedrin, the very body responsible for condemning Jesus. Yet Luke distinguishes him from the rest. He was “a good and righteous man,” not because he was sinless, but because he feared God and lived with integrity. Most importantly, he was “looking for the kingdom of God.” That final description explains everything. Joseph acted differently because his heart was set on the Lord. This is deeply encouraging. Even in corrupt and hostile places, God preserves His people. Among the religious leaders who wanted Jesus dead, there was one man who had not consented. God had not lost all witnesses, and He never does. This theme runs throughout Scripture. Elijah once believed he was alone, telling the Lord in 1 Kings 19:10 and 14, “I,

Why Jesus’ body is called the veil is one of the most beautiful truths in Hebrews 10:19–20, because it explains how sinners like us can enter God’s presence with confidence through the torn flesh and shed blood of Christ. For centuries, the Old Testament taught distance, separation, and holy fear. But in Jesus, the barrier has been removed, and the way to the Father has been opened. If you read the Old Testament carefully, you see a repeated message: sinful people cannot approach a holy God casually. Nadab and Abihu died when they offered unauthorized fire. The men of Beth Shemesh were judged for treating the ark irreverently. Uzzah died when he touched the ark. At Mount Sinai, the people were warned not to come near lest they perish. Then, in the tabernacle and temple, room after room and curtain after curtain reinforced the same lesson: stay back. But Hebrews 10 announces something shocking. Instead of staying back, believers are told to draw near. Instead of trembling outside, we are invited to enter with confidence. That dramatic change is possible because Jesus Christ has done what the old sacrifices, priests, and covenant could never accomplish. https://youtu.be/WgfVQlm-15k Table of contentsJesus Is Better Than the Old Testament SacrificesThe Holy Place and the Most Holy PlaceWhy This Truth Is Easy to Take for GrantedEsther Helps Us Feel the Weight of This PrivilegeWhy Jesus’ Body Is Called the Veil1. Jesus’ Body and the Veil Provide the Way to God’s Presence2. Jesus’ Body and the Veil Hide and Reveal the Father3. Jesus’ Body and the Veil Join Deity and Humanity4. Jesus’ Body and the Veil Were Obstacles While Whole5. Jesus’ Body and the Veil Were Torn Once6. Jesus’ Body and the Veil Were Torn by God the FatherThe Barrier Has Been RemovedTwo Responses to This Truth Jesus Is Better Than the Old Testament Sacrifices To understand Hebrews 10:19–20, we need the surrounding context. Hebrews 10:4 says it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. The old sacrifices were never meant to remove sin permanently. They covered sin temporarily until Christ came. That is why John the Baptist declared, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” The old sacrifices were good in their appointed place, but Jesus is better. They covered sin. He takes sin away. Hebrews 10:11 also says that the priests stood daily, offering the same sacrifices repeatedly. Their work was never finished. The repetition proved the system's insufficiency. But Hebrews 10:12 says that when Christ had offered a single sacrifice for sins for all time, He sat down at the right hand of God. Unlike the old priests, Jesus sat down because His work was complete. Then Hebrews 10:18 adds, “Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.” Once sin has truly been forgiven, no further sacrifice is needed. Christ accomplished fully and forever what the old covenant only pictured. The Holy Place and the Most Holy Place The tem

Why was the temple veil torn in Matthew 27:51 and Luke 23:45? It is one of the clearest pictures in Scripture of what Jesus accomplished on the cross. When the curtain in the temple was torn in two, God was showing that Christ’s sacrifice opened access to Him for sinners who could never come near on their own. https://youtu.be/EhfEFVtAZqY Table of contentsAccess to God was limited under the Old CovenantGod created boundaries between Himself and His peopleThe veil represented the barrier between God and manJesus’ sacrifice tore down the barrierFrom separation to reconciliationWhat the torn veil means for believersConclusion When I was a kid, Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark was one of those movies I watched more times than I can count. At the end of the film, Indiana Jones and Marion are captured and forced to watch as the Nazis open the Ark of the Covenant. At first, it seems harmless. Then everything changes. Supernatural power breaks out, and the people who look upon the ark are destroyed. Indiana tells Marion to keep her eyes shut, and that warning saves them. Even as a non-Christian kid, I remember understanding something important from that scene: approaching God is dangerous. That is not merely a movie idea. That is the Old Testament reality. God is holy, and sinful people cannot enter His presence casually. The tearing of the temple veil in Luke 23:45 shows that something monumental changed through Jesus’ death. Access to God was limited under the Old Covenant Under the Old Covenant, access to God was restricted. People could not approach Him whenever and however they wanted. God established boundaries, warnings, and consequences for anyone who treated holy things lightly. Scripture gives repeated examples of this reality. Uzzah touched the ark and was struck dead. Nadab and Abihu offered unauthorized fire and were consumed. King Uzziah entered the temple presumptuously and was judged with leprosy. Even the men of Beth-shemesh were struck when they looked into the ark. These accounts all communicate the same truth: sinful people could not come near a holy God on their own terms. This reality is especially clear at Mount Sinai. After God delivered Israel from Egypt through the plagues, the Passover, and the parting of the Red Sea, we might expect a warm, inviting meeting between God and His people. Instead, Sinai was marked by blazing fire, darkness, gloom, tempest, trumpet blasts, and a voice so terrifying that the people begged not to hear it any longer. Hebrews 12 describes the scene in unforgettable terms. The people were warned that even an animal touching the mountain must be stoned. Even Moses trembled with fear. God was not being unloving. He was displaying His holiness before sinful people who could not survive unrestricted access to His presence. If I had to summarize the Old Testament in one word, it would be separation. That theme runs throughout the entire Old Covenant system. God created boundaries between Himself and Hi

If people claim to be sent by God, how would you know whether they really were? Scripture teaches that miracles function as God’s public endorsement—His witness that a messenger truly is from Him. And nowhere is that clearer than in the miracles at Jesus’ death, when the Father surrounded the crucifixion with signs that testified that Christ is the One He sent. https://youtu.be/OmsxbrahPI0 Table of contentsMiracles authenticate those truly sent by GodThe Father surrounded the cross with supernatural testimonyLesson 1: The darkness reveals the evil of Jesus’ deathLesson 2: The darkness also reveals God’s judgmentLesson 3: The failing light points to the Light of the World being extinguishedJesus died in controlThe Father pressed Jesus’ innocence on everyone watchingLesson 4: The cross should produce repentance Miracles authenticate those truly sent by God The Greek word apostle means “one who is sent.” The apostles claimed to be sent by God—and the Lord confirmed that claim with signs. Scripture is explicit: 2 Corinthians 12:12 — “The signs of a true apostle were performed among you…with signs and wonders and mighty works.” Hebrews 2:4 — “God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit…” Miracles are not religious entertainment. They are God’s testimony. Now consider this: Hebrews 3:1 calls Jesus “the apostle.” Jesus is the ultimate One sent from the Father. And if God authenticated the lesser apostles with signs, how much more would He testify to the true and greater Apostle—His own Son? As we come to Luke 23 and stand at the foot of the cross, we see the Father doing exactly that. The Father surrounded the cross with supernatural testimony Luke records miracles at the crucifixion that were impossible to miss: Darkness over the land The sun’s light failing The temple curtain tearing The earthquake Tombs opening and saints raising from the dead God the Father did not leave the world to wonder whether this was just another execution. He surrounded the death of His Son with signs that revealed the identity of the One being crucified. Luke begins with the first miracle: “It was now about the sixth hour… and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour…” (Luke 23:44) From noon until three in the afternoon—the brightest part of the day—darkness covered the land. This was not weather. It was a sign. Lesson 1: The darkness reveals the evil of Jesus’ death Scripture repeatedly uses light and darkness as moral and spiritual metaphors—good and evil, righteousness and wickedness. Even earlier in Luke, Jesus rebuked the leaders who came to arrest Him at night: “This is your hour, and the power of darkness.” (Luke 22:53) Their actions were physically done at night, but Jesus exposed the spiritual reality behind them: darkness—evil—was at work. Now at the crucifixion, what had been spiritual becomes physical. Literal darkness covers the land to display the evil of what is happening: the sinless Son

“Paradise” is one of those Bible words that feels instantly comforting—until you slow down and ask, What exactly does it mean? Paradise in the New Testament appears only three times, and when you line those passages up, they raise a question many believers have wondered about: Where was Jesus between His death and resurrection? Table of contentsWhere “paradise” appears in the New TestamentParadise in 2 Corinthians 12:3 and the three heavens Paul describesParadise in Revelation 2:7 and the tree of lifeParadise in Luke 23:43 and the thief on the crossWhy this gets complicatedSheol and HadesTwo possibilities for Luke 23:43Possibility 1: Paradise refers to heaven (Jesus went spiritually, later bodily)Possibility 2: Paradise refers to the place of comfort within HadesBelievers were removed from Hades at Jesus’ ascensionWhen unbelievers leave HadesClosing encouragement Where “paradise” appears in the New Testament The word paradise occurs only three times in the New Testament: Luke 23:43 “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” 2 Corinthians 12:3 And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows Revelation 2:7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’ If those were the only details we had, we might assume “paradise” always means “heaven.” In fact, that’s exactly what the first two passages strongly suggest. Paradise in 2 Corinthians 12:3 and the three heavens Paul describes In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul describes a man (very likely speaking of himself) who was “caught up to the third heaven,” and then immediately says he was “caught up into paradise,” connecting the third heaven and paradise. In Scripture, “heaven” can be described in different ways: The first heaven: the atmosphere/sky (where clouds and rain are) The second heaven: outer space (sun, moon, stars) The third heaven: the place where God dwells So in 2 Corinthians 12, paradise is presented as up, above—where God dwells. Paradise in Revelation 2:7 and the tree of life The second occurrence is in Revelation 2:7, where Jesus promises the overcomer will eat from “the tree of life…in the paradise of God.” That matters because Revelation later places the tree of life in the eternal state—the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 22:1–2). So again, paradise is tied to God’s presence and eternal life. Paradise in Luke 23:43 and the thief on the cross The third occurrence is Luke 23:43 when Jesus addresses the repentant criminal. Based on 2 Corinthians and Revelation, it sounds like Jesus is saying, “Today you’ll be with Me in heaven.” But Jesus did not ascend to heaven until His ascension. Why this gets complicated After the resurrection, Mary Magdalene recognizes Jesus and reaches toward Him. Jesus says: John 20:17 — “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father…” In other

The account of the two thieves on the cross is one of the clearest pictures in Scripture of how identical circumstances can produce opposite responses to Jesus. Side-by-side, they saw the same Savior, heard the same words, endured the same suffering, and faced the same urgency—yet one hardened his heart while the other repented and believed. Their final moments preach a timeless message: what ultimately separates people is not their situation, but their response to Christ. https://youtu.be/6MqIINxLMqA Table of contentsLesson 1: Jesus’ parables teach that identical circumstances can produce opposite responsesThe parable of the two buildersThe parable of the sowerThe parable of the two sonsThe parable of the ten virginsThe parable of the talents (and minas)The wedding feast, the two debtors, and moreLesson 2: The two criminals are a living illustration of Jesus’ parablesLesson 3: Each person is responsible for their response to ChristHe believes in life after deathHe believes Jesus has a kingdom beyond deathHe believes salvation is mercy, not meritHe believes Jesus will receive himJesus’ response: assurance, immediacy, and fellowshipCertaintyImmediacyPersonal fellowshipThe gospel in living colorThe “deathbed conversion” question—and Matthew 20Lesson 4: God’s grace to others can expose envy in our heartsDon’t presume on tomorrowConclusion Lesson 1: Jesus’ parables teach that identical circumstances can produce opposite responses Jesus regularly taught in a way that removes that excuse. He often described people who shared identical circumstances—and yet experienced opposite outcomes. Once you notice this pattern, you start seeing it everywhere in Jesus’ teaching. The parable of the two builders Both men heard the same teaching: “Everyone who hears these words of mine…” (Matthew 7:24) “Everyone who hears these words of mine…” (Matthew 7:26) Both men built a house. Both faced the same storm: “The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house…” (Matthew 7:25) “The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house…” (Matthew 7:27) Same teaching. Same project. Same storm. Completely different results. The parable of the sower There is one Sower. The seed is good. The seed is distributed broadly. Same Sower. Same seed. Same method. Yet radically different responses. The parable of the two sons Same father. Same command: “Son, go and work in the vineyard today.” (Matthew 21:28) Completely different responses. The parable of the ten virgins Same wedding. Same role. Same expectation: wait for the bridegroom. But two very different endings. The parable of the talents (and minas) Same master. Same stewardship principle. Same assignment: be faithful with what you’ve been entrusted. But again: different responses—and different outcomes. The wedding feast, the two debtors, and more Same King. Same invitation. Same mercy. Same opportunity. Yet not everyone responds the same. And if we’ll allow Jesus’ parable

When we think of the crucifixion, we usually picture the physical suffering—nails, blood, scourging, and agony. But the Gospels repeatedly draw our attention to something else, too: the cruelty of words. Jesus didn’t only endure pain in His body; He endured humiliation, rejection, and hatred poured out through mockery. Even the old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” collapses under the weight of Scripture. The Bible says words can cut like blades and burn like fire: Proverbs 12:18 says, “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts…” Psalm 57:4 describes enemies whose “tongues [are] sharp swords.” Psalm 64:3 says they “aim bitter words like arrows.” James 3:5–6 warns that the tongue can be like a fire that sets an entire forest ablaze. That’s why the insults hurled at Christ on the cross matter so much. They reveal what people wanted from Jesus—and what Jesus refused to do in order to save us. https://youtu.be/IMc48egK2pk Table of contentsJesus Mocked: “Save Yourself”Lesson One: Jesus Didn’t Save Himself So He Could Save UsLesson Two: Jesus Is God’s King, Not Man’sTwo Criminals, Two ResponsesLesson Three: Saving Faith Shows ItselfDid both thieves mock Jesus—or did one believe?Lesson Four: God’s Kindness Leads Us to RepentanceWhy God’s Kindness Produces RepentanceConclusion: Don’t Only Focus on Your Sin—Focus on Christ Jesus Mocked: “Save Yourself” Luke records a chilling scene: people watching, leaders scoffing, soldiers ridiculing, and one criminal joining the chorus. In verse 35, the rulers said, “He saved others; let him save himself.” In verse 37, the soldiers said, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” And in verse 39, one of the criminals even said: “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” The rulers said, “He saved others,” which is an unintended admission: they could not deny His miracles—healings, deliverance, even raising the dead. So they twisted the truth into a challenge: “If He has saving power, let Him use it on Himself.” The soldiers added their own mockery, offering sour wine not as mercy but as humiliation—dangling relief in front of a suffering Man they despised. And beneath all of it is a familiar temptation Jesus faced repeatedly: “Prove Yourself.” Matthew 12:38 — “Some of the scribes and Pharisees” (“Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.”) Matthew 16:1 — “The Pharisees and Sadducees” (asked Him “to show them a sign from heaven.”) John 2:18 — “The Jews” (after the temple cleansing: “What sign do you show us…?”) John 6:30 — The crowd (after the feeding of the 5,000: “What sign do you do, that we may see and believe you?”) From the wilderness to His public ministry to the cross, the demand remained: “Show us. Prove it. Save Yourself.” Lesson One: Jesus Didn’t Save Himself So He Could Save Us Here is the heart of the passage: Jesus refused to save Himself because He came to save sinners. If Christ had stepped down from the cross, our debt would remain unpai

Jesus’ compassion is never more stunning than when He is suffering. In Luke 23:27–34, on the way to the cross, Jesus speaks words we could never manufacture in our flesh: “Father, forgive them.” While the crowd mocked, while soldiers carried out their cruelty, while His strength was failing, our Savior’s heart was still turned outward—toward sinners. This passage shows us not only what Jesus endured, but what He desired: mercy for the very people who were putting Him to death. https://youtu.be/eTfFgscNmNY Table of contentsSuffering and self-focusLesson one: Even at the end of Jesus’ life, He remained compassionateLesson two: Suffering can reverse blessingsReversal #1: “Blessed are the barren…”Reversal #2: “Fall on us… cover us…”The proverb: Green wood and dry woodLesson three: Isaiah 53:12 fulfilled in Jesus’ crucifixionPart one: Jesus poured out His life for usPart two: Jesus was numbered with transgressorsPart three: Jesus interceded for transgressorsPart four: Jesus was our High Priest and sacrificeLesson four: Ignorance minimizes accountabilityWe are not ignorant, so we are accountable Suffering and self-focus I think suffering and concern for others are often inversely related: The less we suffer, the less we focus on ourselves, and the more we can focus on others. The more we suffer, the more we focus on ourselves, and the less we can focus on others. When pain is intense enough, it’s hard to speak graciously, hard to think straight, and hard to care about anyone else. We understand that. And because we understand it, we often make allowances for people who are suffering. That is what makes Jesus’ journey to the cross so surprising. If anyone ever had the “right” to be focused on Himself, it was Jesus. He had been falsely accused, beaten, and scourged. He was so exhausted and near death that the Romans compelled Simon of Cyrene to carry His cross. Yet even at the end of His life, Jesus was still concerned about others. Lesson one: Even at the end of Jesus’ life, He remained compassionate Luke writes: Luke 23:27 — A great multitude followed Him, including women mourning and lamenting. We don’t have to pin down exactly who these women were—faithful followers, outraged observers, or emotionally overwhelmed witnesses—because Luke emphasizes something more important: what Jesus said to them. Luke 23:28 — “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.” The verse begins with a contrast (“but”). Jesus does not respond the way we would expect. We would expect Him to affirm their grief—after all, His suffering is undeserved. Instead, He redirects their weeping from Himself to the suffering that would come upon them and their children. Even in His lowest moment, Jesus is not self-absorbed. He is still compassionate. And Jesus' compassion includes a warning: He is referring to the coming destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70—something He had already foretold earlier in Luke: Luke 19:41–44 — Jesus weeps over Je

When most people think about the crucifixion, they think about Jesus carrying His cross to Calvary. But in Luke 23:26, another man steps into the story—Simon of Cyrene. He didn’t volunteer. He wasn’t looking for attention. He was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time… or more accurately, the right place at the right time under God’s perfect providence. Simon was forced to carry the cross behind Jesus, and in doing so he became a powerful picture of discipleship. Jesus had already told His followers, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). Simon didn’t just hear those words—he lived them. His moment of suffering, inconvenience, and humiliation teaches us what it really means to follow Christ when obedience is costly. In this message, we’ll look at why Simon was chosen, what his cross-bearing reveals about Jesus, and how this brief encounter challenges every believer to embrace the path of self-denial, surrender, and faithful discipleship. https://youtu.be/u1sd0r_TnF0 Table of contentsWhy Following Jesus Is DifferentJesus’ Call: Deny Yourself and Carry the CrossLesson 1: We Choose to Follow ChristLesson 2: Christ Also Chooses UsSimon of Cyrene Carries the Cross Behind JesusWe Don’t Always Choose the Cross We CarryLesson 2: How We Carry Our Cross MattersFive Ways People Carry the Cross Well (or Poorly)1) Submission vs. Resistance2) Faith vs. Unbelief3) Humility vs. Pride4) Drawing Near vs. Pulling Away5) Obedience vs. ExcusesLesson 3: Carrying the Cross Is a PrivilegeConclusion: Look to Jesus Why Following Jesus Is Different Most people want the blessings of Christianity: Forgiveness of sins Eternal life Heaven Glorified bodies But when people learn that following Christ also involves self-denial and suffering, many decide they don’t want the cost. They want the crown—without the cross. And that’s why Jesus repeatedly gave strong, sobering words about discipleship. Jesus’ Call: Deny Yourself and Carry the Cross Jesus didn’t hide what it meant to follow Him: Luke 9:23 — “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 14:27 — “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” When crowds followed Him, Jesus didn’t try to entertain them. He challenged them—because He wanted true disciples, not casual spectators. Lesson 1: We Choose to Follow Christ In one sense, discipleship is a choice. Jesus says, “If anyone would come after Me…” That means we must respond. Following Christ means this: There is a cross for Jesus And there is a cross for every disciple If He suffered, we must be willing to suffer too A student is not above his teacher Jesus doesn’t promise comfort. He promises Himself—and He calls us to follow Him wherever that leads. Lesson 2: Christ Also Chooses Us Here’s what’s fascinating: while we must choose to follow Christ, Scripture also shows that Christ chooses His disciples. Think abou

Crowds vs disciples is one of the most important contrasts in the Gospels. Jesus drew people everywhere He went, and you can hardly read a chapter without seeing a “great crowd” or a “multitude” gathering around Him. Crowds look impressive. They can feel like spiritual momentum. But Scripture repeatedly shows something sobering: people can be close to Jesus physically while remaining far from Him spiritually. That’s why this sermon begins with two questions we need to keep in front of us: What’s the difference between being part of the crowd and being a disciple? What’s the difference between being near Jesus and belonging to Jesus? Jesus didn’t leave these questions up to our imagination. He defined discipleship clearly—and His definition is simple, shocking, and demanding. https://youtu.be/8Fc3Byw3WbA Table of contentsCrowds Are Common, Disciples Are RareJesus’ Shocking Definition of DiscipleshipWhy Jesus Thinned the CrowdsWhat the Cross Meant Then and What It Means NowCrucifixion Was About SubmissionScripture Gives Living Illustrations of God’s CommandsSimon of Cyrene: A Living Illustration of DiscipleshipDiscipleship Is Not a Spectator SportFinal Call: From the Crowd to Following Christ Crowds Are Common, Disciples Are Rare The Gospels contain a constant stream of crowds. That should not surprise us: Jesus healed the sick, cast out demons, taught with authority, confronted hypocrisy, and displayed power no one had ever seen. Wherever He went, people came. But the sobering reality is that crowds are not the same as disciples. Crowds can be curious without being committed. Crowds can be moved without being transformed. Crowds can be excited about what Jesus gives while resisting what Jesus demands. Crowds can be near Jesus and yet remain unchanged by Jesus. So the question in the Gospels is not whether Jesus can attract crowds—He can, and He did. The question is whether anyone in those crowds will become His disciple. Jesus’ Shocking Definition of Discipleship Jesus defined discipleship in a way that immediately separates spectators from followers. In Luke 9:23 Jesus said: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” He spoke those words to His disciples so they would understand what it meant to truly follow Him. And the disciples’ own story proves how serious this is. Judas betrayed Jesus, and the other disciples abandoned Him in His darkest hour. Only John stayed near the cross. But after Pentecost, the Holy Spirit empowered them to do what they could not do in their own strength: follow Christ faithfully, even when it cost them. Discipleship is not merely believing facts about Jesus. It is following Jesus as Lord. Why Jesus Thinned the Crowds Luke 14:25 begins like this: “Now great crowds accompanied him…” If Jesus could miraculously feed massive crowds (and He did), then “great crowds” likely means thousands. Imagine what many popular religious leaders would do at that moment: “This is ama

Have you ever wished you could rewind the final hours of Jesus’ life and watch them unfold from a different angle—almost like “behind-the-scenes” before the Gospels record it? Choosing Barabbas over Jesus is one of the most shocking moments in Scripture, and because we’ve heard it so many times, it can start to feel familiar. Most of us know the storyline. Judas betrays Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. The money ends up connected to a potter. Pilate tries to release Jesus. And the crowd stuns everyone by demanding Barabbas instead. But what if God had already given His people a prophetic preview of those very moments—not merely with a few scattered predictions, but through a living drama acted out in history? That’s what we find in Zechariah 11. Zechariah doesn’t only speak prophecy—he performs it. He steps into one role, then shifts and plays another. And in doing so, he portrays two shepherds: a true shepherd who is rejected, and a foolish shepherd who is embraced. In other words, Zechariah gives us the meaning beneath the event—while Luke shows us the event itself. Together, they expose the tragedy of choosing the wrong shepherd… and they also magnify the grace of the gospel. https://youtu.be/jv38x2g2lOU Table of contentsKey ScripturesZechariah 11 and the True Shepherd RejectedThirty pieces of silver: what God’s people thought their Shepherd was worthThrown into the temple: blood money returnedThe potter and the field: where rejected vessels end upJudas and the field: a horrifying picture of judgmentAn encouraging truth: the Potter remakes broken vesselsThe staff is broken: rejection brings judgmentThe foolish shepherd: the one the people wantLuke 23: Choosing the wrong shepherd in real timeBarabbas: the kind of man you don’t set freeThe shocking cry: “Release to us Barabbas!”The hypocrisy: accuse Jesus of rebellion, then choose a rebel“We have no king but Caesar”Why crucifixion?The gospel in one scene: we are BarabbasA warning: don’t enjoy the benefits while rejecting the SaviorWhat will you do with Jesus?Application questions (personal or group use) Key Scriptures Zechariah 11:12–17 Matthew 27:3–10 Acts 1:18–19 Luke 23:18–25 Jeremiah 18:1–6 Romans 9:20–21 Deuteronomy 21:23 Galatians 3:13 Zechariah 11 and the True Shepherd Rejected Zechariah 11 is startling because it reads like a summary of the final hours of Jesus’ life—centuries before they occurred. Thirty pieces of silver: what God’s people thought their Shepherd was worth In the acted drama, Zechariah plays the part of the shepherd and asks for wages, because shepherds deserve to be paid: Zechariah records, “Give me my wages… So they weighed out for my wages thirty pieces of silver.” That amount matters. Exodus tells us that thirty pieces of silver were the price paid for a slave killed by an ox—hardly a “generous” amount. In the drama, the payment is not a reward; it’s an insult. It’s the people’s way of saying, “This is what you’re worth to us.” And that is exactly what Judas’ betra

Jesus the Passover Lamb stands at the center of Holy Week. Imagine Jerusalem 2,000 years ago during Passover—the city packed with pilgrims, families rehearsing the Exodus story, and lambs being selected and examined for sacrifice. Into that deliverance-soaked week, Jesus arrives, and everything the first Passover foreshadowed begins to find its fulfillment in Him. And then—into that Passover-soaked city—Jesus arrives. To understand Luke’s account of Jesus standing before Pilate, we have to begin where the Bible begins: Jesus the Passover Lamb. Once we see Him that way, everything else becomes clearer and heavier with meaning. https://youtu.be/vdg-G3GEejo Table of contentsJesus Is the True and Greater Passover LambExodus 12 Preaches Christ Before Luke Ever DoesThe Lamb Had to Be Without BlemishNisan 10–14 Prefigures Holy WeekThe Blood Had to Be Applied PersonallyThe Lamb Was ConsumedPassover Was Deliverance—and Communion Is Our MemorialThe Passover Lamb’s Examination Prefigures Christ’s ExaminationThe Examination Intensifies in Luke 20Pilate Unknowingly Inspected the Lamb and Declared Him Innocent“I Will Therefore Punish and Release Him”: The Gospel in One Unjust SentenceConclusion: Are You Under the Blood? Jesus Is the True and Greater Passover Lamb When John the Baptist first identified Jesus publicly, he didn’t begin with titles like “King of Kings” or “Son of God.” He began with the sacrifice: John 1:29 — “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” 1 Corinthians 5:7 — “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” Revelation 5:6, 8, 12–13 — In the throne room of heaven, Jesus is repeatedly called the Lamb, and worship rises to Him because He was slain. Every Passover lamb that was ever sacrificed—millions across the centuries—was a shadow and type pointing forward to Christ. Exodus 12 Preaches Christ Before Luke Ever Does Before we return to Luke, Exodus 12 gives us the categories that make Holy Week and the cross come alive. The Lamb Had to Be Without Blemish Exodus 12:5 — “Your lamb shall be without blemish…” God required a spotless sacrifice. And although this reminds us God deserves our best, it more importantly reveals what God was willing to do for us: He gave His best—His Firstborn Son. Nisan 10–14 Prefigures Holy Week Exodus 12:3 — The lamb is selected on the 10th day. Exodus 12:6 — The lamb is killed on the 14th day. Those five days (Nisan 10–14) correspond to the final week of Jesus’ earthly life: Nisan 10 foreshadows Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem (the Triumphal Entry). Nisan 14 foreshadows the crucifixion. Just as the lamb lived with the family, Jesus lived in Jerusalem during those final days—present, seen, and examined. The Blood Had to Be Applied Personally Exodus 12:7 — Blood placed on the doorposts and lintel. It wasn’t enough for a lamb to die somewhere in Egypt. The lamb's blood had to be applied to that house. In the same way, it isn’t enough to know Jesus died on a cross. His blood must be personally ap

The Humility of Christ is one of the most profound and misunderstood truths in all of Scripture. Few illustrations help us grasp it better than the contrast we see in Undercover Boss—a television show where a CEO disguises himself, puts on the clothes of an ordinary worker, and enters the world of his employees unnoticed. He changes his appearance, puts on the clothes of a worker, and enters their world unnoticed. The people around him don’t realize that the one serving them—cleaning floors or stocking shelves—is actually the person with all the authority. What makes the show compelling is the contrast. The boss hasn’t lost his power or position—he has simply laid aside the visible symbols of it for a time so he can identify with his employees and understand their lives. Your mind might already be going to the Incarnation, but as helpful as this illustration is, it barely scratches the surface of what Scripture describes. No CEO stops being rich or powerful when he goes undercover. But when Jesus Christ came into the world, the eternal Son of God did something infinitely greater. The One worshiped by angels was born as a baby, laid in a manger, and raised in obscurity. That is what we celebrate at Christmas—not merely a birth, but the humility of Christ. Jesus did not cling to the visible display of His glory. He willingly laid it aside to live among us and serve us. Before we can appreciate Christ’s humility, we need to understand what humility actually is, because it is one of the most misunderstood virtues in the Christian life. https://youtu.be/mjYWTBON2xQ Table of contentsLesson One: Humility Isn’t Thinking Less of Ourselves—It’s Thinking of Ourselves LessLesson Two: Everything About Jesus’ Birth Revealed His HumilityLesson Three: Jesus Remained King Even When His Glory Was Laid AsideLesson Four: The King Who Humbled Himself Is Worthy of Our Worship Lesson One: Humility Isn’t Thinking Less of Ourselves—It’s Thinking of Ourselves Less Many people assume humility means thinking poorly of yourself—viewing yourself as insignificant or worthless. But that isn’t humility, because even self-loathing is still self-focused. The person who constantly thinks about how bad they are is still thinking about themselves. True humility is better described as self-forgetfulness. Instead of thinking less of ourselves, it is thinking of ourselves less—and thinking of others more. Scripture defines humility this way. It’s helpful to associate chapters of the Bible with themes: 1 Corinthians 13 is the love chapter Isaiah 53 is the chapter on substitutionary atonement Romans 4 is the chapter on justification by faith Philippians 2 is the humility chapter Paul writes: Philippians 2:3 — “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Humility is defined both negatively and positively: Negatively: stop acting from selfish ambition and conceit. Positively: intentionally elevate others in your thinking and p

I can’t remember exactly when it was—probably in my late teens or early college years—that I watched The Last Temptation of Christ by Martin Scorsese. I don’t recall a single scene from it, which tells you how little lasting value it had. The movie opens with a disclaimer: “This film is not based on the Gospels, but upon a fictional exploration of the eternal spiritual conflict.” In other words, it is openly blasphemous. When Herod met Jesus, he displayed the same kind of shallow fascination—interest without repentance, curiosity without commitment. I mention this because it illustrates something that has been happening for 2,000 years: people are fascinated with Jesus. • Martin Scorsese made the movie because he was fascinated with Jesus• The novel it’s based on—even more fictional—was written by Nikos Kazantzakis, who was fascinated with Jesus• The film succeeded at the box office because the public is fascinated with Jesus But this fascination is superficial. These individuals have one thing in common: they want Jesus only for curiosity, amusement, or entertainment—not to bow before Him as Lord. If they did, they wouldn’t create or consume something that blasphemes Him. This shallow fascination is nothing new. Table of contentsThe Biblical Context of Luke 23:6–12Herod’s Long-Standing Curiosity About JesusLesson One: Curiosity Is Not CommitmentLesson Two: The Silence of Christ Is JudgmentMockery, Contempt, and Tragic IronyLesson Three: Our Expectations Shape Our ExperienceLesson Four: Jesus Is Missed by Those Looking for the Wrong ThingsConclusion: What Will We Do With Jesus? Watch or listen to the full sermon below. https://youtu.be/Gg9b016x9J8 The Biblical Context of Luke 23:6–12 As we work through Luke’s Gospel verse by verse, we encounter another example of fascination without faith: Herod Antipas. Herod had:• Heard the reports about Jesus• Seen how people flocked to Him• Known that the name “Jesus of Nazareth” stirred excitement, interest, and even fear Luke tells us that Herod had wanted to see Jesus for a long time—but not to repent, believe, or obey. He wanted to see a miracle and be entertained. Before Jesus’s crucifixion, He endured six trials—three Jewish and three Roman. After being examined by Annas, Caiaphas, and the Sanhedrin, Jesus was brought before Pontius Pilate. Although Pilate repeatedly declared Jesus innocent (Luke 23:4, 14–15, 22), he lacked the courage to release Him. Looking for a way out, Pilate discovered Jesus was from Galilee and sent Him to Herod Antipas, who had jurisdiction there and happened to be in Jerusalem for Passover. Herod’s Long-Standing Curiosity About Jesus This wasn’t a sudden interest. Luke 9:9 tells us: “John I beheaded, but who is this about whom I hear such things?” And he sought to see Him. That statement occurred two to three years earlier. Herod had been waiting a long time for this moment. When Jesus finally stood before him, Luke writes: “When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had lo

In 1996, during the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, security guard Richard Jewell spotted a suspicious backpack beneath a stadium bench. He immediately began evacuating the area, rightly suspecting it was a bomb, and because of his quick actions, lives were saved when the device exploded. For a brief window of time, he was hailed a hero. But almost overnight, everything changed. The media needed a villain, the FBI needed a suspect, and despite a lack of evidence, Richard Jewell became the target. His name was slandered, his life scrutinized, and though eventually proven innocent, the damage could never be undone. Why begin here? Because Jewell’s story exposes something unsettling about the human heart: When sin dominates, truth becomes expendable — and the innocent can be condemned if it suits someone’s agenda. If this can happen in modern America—with due process, lawyers, cameras, and judges—how much more easily could it happen in ancient Israel? And that is exactly what unfolds in Luke 23:1–5, where Jesus Christ endures the greatest miscarriage of justice in history. Table of contentsThe Road to Pilate: A Chain of Unjust TrialsThe Leaders Change Their Accusations (Luke 23:2)Lesson One: Trust in God Produces Composure in TrialsApplicationLesson Two: The Innocent One Suffered for the GuiltyLesson Three: Jesus Isn’t on Trial — We AreConclusion https://youtu.be/8Q4gF_iWcX4 The Road to Pilate: A Chain of Unjust Trials Jesus had already endured three Jewish trials—illegal, contradictory, and fueled by hatred rather than truth. The Sanhedrin wanted to condemn Him for blasphemy, but they lacked the authority to execute Him. Rome alone could issue a death sentence. So the religious leaders marched Jesus to Pilate (Luke 23:1), shifting Him from a religious courtroom to a political one. Luke emphasizes that “the whole company of them” went together — Pharisees, Sadducees, elders, scribes — groups who could agree on almost nothing except this: They wanted Jesus dead. Hatred unites people who otherwise disagree. Even today, individuals who cannot get along suddenly find common ground when they share a common enemy. The Leaders Change Their Accusations (Luke 23:2) Instead of accusing Jesus of blasphemy — the charge they used in His Jewish trials — they bring three political accusations to Pilate: “He misleads our nation.” “He forbids us to pay taxes to Caesar.” “He claims to be Christ, a king.” Why this shift? Because Pilate doesn’t care about Jewish theology. He does care about threats to Caesar. They mix a little truth (Jesus is the Christ) with lies (that He opposed taxes or stirred rebellion). This is how deception works most effectively — truth twisted into a weapon. Pilate ignores the first two accusations and asks the only political question that matters: “Are You the King of the Jews?” (Luke 23:3) Jesus answers with sovereign calm: “You have said so.” Lesson One: Trust in God Produces Composure in Trials During gas chamber training in the military, you’

When Jesus was on trial before the religious leaders as the innocent Son of God, they rejected, abused, and condemned Him. Luke highlights both the depth of human depravity and the innocence of Christ, the One who endured injustice to bring sinners to God. https://youtu.be/pNbDTkUHUSA Table of contentsJesus on Trial: The Larger Context of His Six TrialsThe First Jewish Trial — Before Annas (John 18:12–24)The Second Jewish Trial — Before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin (Matthew 26:57–68; Mark 14:53–65)Jesus on Trial Before the Temple Guards (Luke 22:63–65)Continuous and Increasing AbuseBlindfolded and TauntedAccusing God of BlasphemyJesus on Trial Before the Sanhedrin (Luke 22:66–71)A Verdict Already DecidedJesus Declares His Heavenly AuthorityLesson One: Human Depravity Revealed When Jesus Is on Trial1. Depravity in Their Violence2. Depravity in Their Willful Unbelief3. Depravity in Their Rejection of Jesus’s Authority4. Depravity in Their Eagerness to CondemnLesson Two: Jesus Submitted to Abuse to Save UsLesson Three: Jesus on Trial and the Logic of the TrilemmaUnderstanding LogicC.S. Lewis and the “Liar, Lunatic, or Lord” ArgumentNo Neutrality When Jesus Is on TrialConclusion: Responding to Jesus on Trial1. The Depravity of the Religious Leaders2. The Submission of Christ When people hear the phrase “Jesus on Trial,” they often think of the Roman governor Pilate. But before Jesus ever stood before Pilate, He endured a series of corrupt Jewish trials that revealed both the depths of human depravity and the beauty of the gospel. In Luke 22:63-71, we see the sinless Son of God—who fulfilled every prophecy, healed the sick, opened blind eyes, raised the dead, cast out demons, fed multitudes, and brought the kingdom of God near—mocked, blindfolded, beaten, and condemned by the very religious leaders who claimed to long for the Messiah. These verses expose the frightening callousness of the human heart when it resists the truth. But even more, they reveal the heart of the gospel: Christ willingly enduring abuse so that guilty sinners can receive mercy. My prayer is that as we study Jesus on trial before the Jewish leaders, we won’t just understand what happened—we’ll deepen our love for the Innocent Son of God who suffered silently in our place. Jesus on Trial: The Larger Context of His Six Trials To appreciate what’s happening in Luke 22, it helps to see the full picture. Think of Jesus’s arrest in Gethsemane and His crucifixion as bookends. Between them, Jesus endured six trials: Three Jewish trials before Annas, Caiaphas, and the Sanhedrin Three Roman trials before Pilate, Herod, then Pilate again These proceedings were filled with illegal procedures, false witnesses, political pressure, and profound injustice. The First Jewish Trial — Before Annas (John 18:12–24) Jesus was first taken to Annas, the former high priest who still held significant influence. There were no formal charges. Annas interrogated Jesus, hoping to trap Him. Jesus called out the i

Shimei is one of the most overlooked—but most instructive—figures in the Old Testament. His story appears briefly in 2 Samuel 16–19, and Shime's false repentance reveals one of Scripture’s most sobering truths: confession is not the same as repentance. When King David fled Jerusalem during Absalom’s rebellion, Shimei came out cursing, throwing stones, kicking up dust, and accusing David of every evil under the sun. He called David a “man of blood” and a “worthless man.” His words were harsh, hateful, and rooted in decades of bitterness toward the house of David. But after Absalom died and David returned to the throne, everything changed. Suddenly, Shimei fell on his face, declared “I have sinned,” and begged for mercy. He said all the right words—but for all the wrong reasons. In 2 Samuel 16–19, we see: why Shimei misjudged David how bitterness grows like a root and destroys the heart the danger of making accusations without hearing the whole truth the difference between confession and true repentance why God calls us to sincere, wholehearted repentance Shimei’s life is a warning many believers need today. His story teaches us that hurt people hurt people, that bitterness blinds us to the truth, and that confession without repentance leaves the heart unchanged. Most importantly, it points us toward the hope found in Jesus Christ, who offers forgiveness and transformation to all who truly repent. https://youtu.be/Ug8KYnqMGnA Table of contentsThe Context For Shime’s False RepentanceSuffering Tempts Us To Mistreat OthersBitterness Can Cause Us to Misjudge PeopleShimei’s False AccusationsFollow Scripture When Forming ConclusionsBitterness Can Grow for DecadesFear Can Produce Confessions That Lack True RepentanceShimei’s False Repentance Is a Sobering Warning When I taught elementary school, I would receive my class roster a few weeks before the new school year. I always asked the teachers from the grade below for insights into the students and to learn about them. Only once do I remember feeling anxious about a particular student being on my list—and it happened during my very first year of teaching. A fourth-grade teacher looked over my roster and said, “Uh oh. You have Victoria.” He didn’t mean she was a troublemaker. He meant she was the kind of girl who posed a threat to male teachers. I was in my early twenties, single, and determined to keep her as far away from me as possible. I always assigned seats—separating talkative students and placing those who struggled near the front. I put Victoria in the back corner of the room by herself, not even in a row with other students. At the end of each day, I offered my students one of the “three H’s”: a handshake, a high-five, or a hug. Most students who start the year choosing handshakes and high-fives end up wanting hugs by the end of the year. But I doubt I ever even let Victoria touch my hand. I told my friends how concerned I was about having her in my class. One of them visited my classroom and nat

King Saul’s life in 1 Samuel 22–26 reveals how unrepentant sin can destroy the mind and heart. Saul’s jealousy of David grew into paranoia, self-pity, and ultimately madness. Yet David, who walked closely with God, displayed peace and wisdom. Learn that true wisdom—and true mental and spiritual stability—come only from walking with God. https://youtu.be/lWwGBiHE5nA Table of contentsSin Can Cause Mental IllnessSaul's Violent OutburstsSaul’s ParanoiaSaul’s First Mental BreakdownMy Friend’s Bipolar DisorderSaul’s Bipolar Disorder or Unrepentance?The Wisdom From Walking with GodSaul’s Change of Heart?Saul’s Second Mental BreakdownOutward Sorrow Is not Evidence of RepentanceJimmy Swaggart’s Outward SorrowNoah’s And David’s RepentanceGain Wisdom from walking with God The first mission trip I went on was with my previous church, Grace Baptist. We traveled with World Impact to Los Angeles, primarily for a work trip to assist them with repairs to one of their buildings. However, we also conducted some evangelism in Central City East, which is more commonly referred to as Skid Row. It contains one of the largest populations of homeless people in the United States. You can see that many of the homeless people are mentally ill. Now, let me be clear: I believe some of these individuals are mentally ill through no fault of their own. Their mental illness is no more their fault than other illnesses or diseases are anyone's fault. However, just as some illnesses and diseases are caused by sin, mental illness can also result from sin. Sin Can Cause Mental Illness Saul is one of the most vivid portrayals of mental illness in Scripture. We can watch his mental decline throughout 1 Samuel. Saul's Violent Outbursts I believe his sickness began with his insane jealousy of David: 1 Samuel 18:7 The women sang…“Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” 8 Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?” 9 And Saul eyed David from that day on. Soon after this, there are three recorded instances of Saul trying to pin David to the wall with his spear. When Saul started to believe his son, Jonathan, was with David, he also began trying to kill him. These violent outbursts show him unraveling mentally. Saul’s Paranoia David knew he was no longer safe in Jerusalem, so he fled and began hiding in the Judean wilderness. Saul went after him: 1 Samuel 22:6 Now Saul heard that David was discovered, and the men who were with him. Saul was sitting at Gibeah under the tamarisk tree on the height with his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing about him. Saul is sitting under a tree in the shade while all his servants are standing around him. When Saul has his spear in his hand, you try to fade into the background and hope he doesn’t notice you. Now Saul begins scolding his men: 1 Samuel 22:7 And Saul said to

There’s something uniquely difficult about physical suffering. Pain, weakness, and aging can leave us discouraged. Satan understood this well. After taking everything from Job—his possessions and children—he still believed he hadn’t touched the area that mattered most. “Stretch out your hand and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse you to your face” (Job 2:4-5). And yet, Job didn’t curse God. The apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 that while “our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” This is behind an eternal perspective on suffering: even as our bodies grow weaker, our faith grows stronger. https://youtu.be/YSep0tx71cc Table of contentsWe Don’t Lose Heart Because Our Spirit Is StrengthenedThe Two Ways We Grow SpirituallyTake Advantage of Meetings with Senior Saints Finishing WellWe Don’t Lose Heart Because Every Trial Is Only A “Light Momentary Affliction” In Light Of EternityWe Don’t Lose Heart Because Of Our Heavenly BlessingsWe Don’t Lose Heart If We Look Forward To Our Heavenly HomeLot and Abraham: Two Men Looking for CitiesWe Don’t Lose Heart Because We’ll Be Raised With ChristLosses Throughout Our Lives, but Always Having Our Bodies, Right?We Don’t Lose Heart If We Praise God During TrialsThe Eternal Perspective on Suffering Suffering takes many forms: mental, emotional, spiritual, but few trials compare to the slow decline of our bodies. Think about everything Satan did to Job. First, he took all his possessions—the oxen, donkeys, sheep, camels, and servants. In the second attack, Satan took Job's sons and daughters. If you weren’t familiar with Job, what would you expect to be the most likely reason for Job to curse God? I would guess it would be the loss of his children. But after Job lost all his children and still hadn’t cursed God, Satan turned to Job’s health. Consider what he said to God: Job 2:4 Satan [said to] the Lord, “Skin for skin! All that a man has he will give for his life. 5 But stretch out your hand and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse you to your face.” Satan believed that if he could afflict Job’s body, he would curse God. Satan knows how difficult it is when we suffer physically. I think that’s why Paul says what he says: 2 Corinthians 4:16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. The ESV refers to the "outer self," but other translations use terms such as "outward man" or "outer person." It’s referring to our physical bodies, which are “wasting away.” The NKJV says they are "perishing," and the NASB describes them as "decaying." All of these capture how we feel as we age and our bodies break down. When we endure physical suffering, or when our bodies begin to waste away, it is tempting, as the verse states, to lose heart. There are many kinds of suffering, but there is something unique about physical suffering and watching our bodies decline. We realize that each day, we worsen

Saul’s confession in 1 Samuel 15 sounded spiritual—but it wasn’t repentance. Learn how fearing people replaces fearing God, why obedience is better than sacrifice, and how true confession brings mercy. https://youtu.be/wCw0Fmarhk0 Table of contentsThe Background to Saul’s Hollow ConfessionA Confession With An Excuse Is An ExcuseWe Obey What We FearReject God and Be Rejected By GodWe Should Submit To God’s DisciplineSaul’s Ongoing RebellionSaul’s Second Hollow ConfessionSaul’s Concern with AppearancesWe Shouldn’t Confess To Get SomethingWhy David Was Not “Better” Than SaulDavid Was Better Than Saul Because He RepentedDavid Was Better Than Saul Because He Knew God Maybe you’ve noticed that when public figures or large corporations apologize, their apologies sound, let’s say, strange. They say things like, “Mistakes were made,” or “If anyone was offended, we’re sorry.” It’s the kind of apology that sounds good at first, until you realize nobody’s actually taking responsibility for anything. It’s carefully worded to protect image and reputation. The goal isn’t ownership of fault; instead, it’s damage control. There’s an appearance of humility without actually being humble. They want forgiveness without admitting guilt. We might roll our eyes at these kinds of hollow apologies, but, if we’re honest, we can do the same thing spiritually. We say, “I’m sorry, Lord,” but what we really mean is, “I don’t like the consequences.” This is precisely what happened with Saul. When he said, “I have sinned,” he didn’t mean, “I am broken over my sin.” He meant, “I’ve been caught, and I want to look good in front of the people.” His confession wasn’t repentance; it was reputation management. The Background to Saul’s Hollow Confession God commanded Saul to destroy the Amalekites and everything that belonged to them. He defeated the Amalekites, but allowed some to live and kept some of their valuable stuff. One of Saul’s most significant problems is that he didn’t understand that partial obedience is disobedience, and if I had more room in the sermon, I would have made that a lesson. God sent the prophet Samuel to confront Saul: 1 Samuel 15:12 And Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning. And it was told Samuel, “Saul came to Carmel, and behold, he set up a monument for himself and turned and passed on and went down to Gilgal.” This is unbelievable: Saul was in the midst of disobeying God, yet he set up a monument for himself. Hopefully, I don’t have to tell you that even when we obey God, it is a bad idea to set up a monument for ourselves. Clearly, Saul is feeling pretty good about himself: 1 Samuel 15:13 And Samuel came to Saul, and Saul said to him, “Blessed be you to the Lord. I have performed the commandment of the Lord.” I don’t know whether Saul thought he obeyed the Lord or if he was just trying to convince Samuel that he obeyed. He seems to me like the kid who’s sent to clean his room, and when his parents walk in, he exclaims, “Look, I cleaned my room!

Have you ever thought you could keep a sin hidden—something no one would ever find out about? That’s exactly what Achan believed in Joshua 7. He took what God had forbidden, buried it beneath his tent, and assumed it would remain secret. But what Achan tried to hide ended up destroying his family, weakening his nation, and separating him from God. The story of Achan’s hidden sin reveals a sobering truth: there is no such thing as private disobedience. Every hidden sin eventually comes to light, and the cost is always greater than we expect. Yet, this passage also reminds us of God’s mercy for those who confess and forsake their sin before it’s too late. https://youtu.be/GhLgEMyzmLo Table of contentsThe Background: Israel’s Victory and WarningHidden Sin and Defeat at AiUnrepentant Sin Prevents ProsperityAchan’s Opportunity to RepentThe Pattern of Sin: Seeing, Coveting, TakingSin Often Begins with the EyesConfess Sin Before It’s ExposedDon’t Test God to Expose Your SinSin Always Affects More Than Just the SinnerThe Tragedy and the WarningConclusion: Confess Early, Repent Fully, Walk Freely🔑 Key Takeaway Have you ever thought you could do something in private that wouldn’t affect anyone else? Maybe you told yourself, “Nobody will know, and nobody will get hurt.” That’s what Achan thought. His story in Joshua 7 is one of the most sobering in the Bible—a reminder that sin is never private, and that confession is always better than concealment. Achan’s hidden sin didn’t just destroy him; it brought defeat to his nation and death to his family. The Background: Israel’s Victory and Warning After Israel conquered Jericho—the most fortified city in Canaan—Joshua gave a clear command: Joshua 6:18“But you, keep yourselves from the things devoted to destruction, lest when you have devoted them you take any of the devoted things and make the camp of Israel a thing for destruction and bring trouble upon it.” The wealth of Jericho was to be dedicated to God. But Achan disobeyed. Joshua 7:1“But the people of Israel broke faith in regard to the devoted things, for Achan… took some of the devoted things. And the anger of the Lord burned against the people of Israel.” Achan took what belonged to God and hid it under his tent. He thought no one would know—but his private rebellion brought public disaster. Hidden Sin and Defeat at Ai After their victory at Jericho, Israel attacked the small city of Ai, confident of another easy win. But instead, they were defeated—36 men died, and Israel’s courage melted away. Joshua cried out to God, asking why. The Lord answered: Joshua 7:11“Israel has sinned… They have stolen and lied and put [the devoted things] among their own belongings.” Notice: God didn’t say Achan sinned—He said Israel sinned.This shows that the sin of one person can bring suffering to many. Unrepentant Sin Prevents Prosperity God told Joshua that Israel would continue to lose until the sin was removed. This truth still applies today: unrepentant sin hinders

In Numbers 22, Balaam said, “I have sinned,” but he never truly repented. His story is one of the clearest examples in Scripture of a person who sounded spiritual while living in disobedience. Discover how Balaam’s words expose the danger of empty confession and reveal God’s call to genuine repentance and obedience through Christ. 🎥 Watch the Sermon: https://youtu.be/9uql1s1Se-o Table of contentsBalak’s Fear and Balaam’s TemptationAsking God to Approve SinRationalizing DisobedienceLeaving the Door Open to TemptationWhen Temptation Appeals to PrideWhen Words Sound Spiritual but Hearts Are DisobedientActions Must Match WordsWhen God Allows What We DemandGod’s Perfect vs. Permissive WillA Prophet Rebuked by His DonkeyWhen Balaam Said, “I Have Sinned”The Hebrew Meaning of “Turn Back” (šûḇ)True Repentance Means Real ChangeBalaam’s False Confession vs. Jesus’ True CompassionMean It When You Say “I Have Sinned” Have you ever heard someone say, “I’m sorry,” but you knew they didn’t mean it? Maybe they were only sorry they got caught, not truly sorry for what they did. Sadly, the same thing happens spiritually. Many people say to God, “I have sinned,” but their hearts never change. Their words sound right, but their repentance isn’t real. That’s what we’ve been studying—people in Scripture who said, “I have sinned,” but never repented. We’ve already looked at Judas and Pharaoh. Today we’ll look at Balaam, a man who shows us how easy it is to sound spiritual while walking in disobedience. His story reminds us that repentance is not just what we say to God—it’s what we do in response to Him. Balak’s Fear and Balaam’s Temptation Numbers 22 introduces two main figures: Balak, king of Moab, who feared Israel after seeing their victories. Balaam, a prophet believed to have power to bless or curse. Since Balak couldn’t defeat Israel militarily, he turned to spiritual warfare—hoping Balaam could curse them. Balak represents Satan’s strategy: when he can’t destroy God’s people through force, he tempts them through compromise. Asking God to Approve Sin When Balak’s messengers offered Balaam money to curse Israel, Balaam should have refused immediately. Instead, he entertained the offer: “Lodge here tonight, and I will bring back word to you, as the Lord speaks to me.” – Numbers 22:8 He asked God a question he already knew the answer to. “I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse.” – Genesis 12:3 Rationalizing Disobedience Balaam’s mistake is one we often repeat—asking God to bless what He’s already forbidden.We might rationalize our disobedience with questions like: “I wonder if God wants me to marry this unbeliever.” “Maybe it’s fine if I live with this person before marriage.” “Perhaps I can repay this person for what they did to me.” When we ask for permission instead of obedience, we’re not seeking God’s will—we’re resisting it. Leaving the Door Open to Temptation After God clearly said no, Balaam told the messengers: “The Lord ha

When Pharaoh’s false repentance is compared with Abraham’s obedience, the midwives’ courage, and Moses’ intercession, we learn what genuine fear of God looks like—and why it produces obedience. We should examine ourselves because repeated unrepentance can lead to a hardened heart, just as it did with Pharaoh. https://youtu.be/a-ue7H8kTz8 Table of Contents Introduction: History and Pharaoh Judas, Pharaoh, and the Pattern of False Repentance Abraham and the Fear of God The Hebrew Midwives: Fear That Produces Obedience Pharaoh’s False Repentance: Exodus 9–10 Lessons from Pharaoh’s Repentance Fear of God Produces Obedience Practical Takeaways Introduction: History and Pharaoh In 1938, Europe stood on the brink of war. Hitler demanded the Sudetenland, a German-speaking region of Czechoslovakia. Britain had promised to defend its ally, but Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain changed his mind. Instead of supporting Czechoslovakia, Chamberlain appeased Hitler, hoping to avoid war. The Munich Agreement allowed Hitler to take the Sudetenland. Chamberlain returned to Britain declaring “peace for our time,” but the victory was hollow. Within months, Germany occupied the rest of Czechoslovakia, and a year later, Germany invaded Poland, beginning World War II. Pharaoh in Exodus provides a striking biblical example of changing one’s mind wrongly. Pharaoh changed his mind 11 times—10 during the plagues and once afterward—and it ended tragically when he and his army were swallowed in the Red Sea. Judas, Pharaoh, and the Pattern of False Repentance Last week, we studied Judas’ betrayal, who said: “I have sinned,” —Matthew 27:3-5 without truly repenting. Pharaoh’s account illustrates false repentance, where words are spoken but the heart does not turn. Abraham and the Fear of God Consider Abraham in Genesis 22. God commanded him to sacrifice Isaac, yet an angel stopped him at the last moment: “Do not lay your hand on the boy…for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” —Genesis 22:12 Abraham’s obedience was rooted in his fear of God, which outweighed even his love for Isaac. James 2:23 calls Abraham a friend of God. The Hebrew Midwives: Fear That Produces Obedience In Exodus 1, Pharaoh commanded the Hebrew midwives to kill newborn boys: “When you serve as midwife…if it is a son, you shall kill him…But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them.” —Exodus 1:16-17 The midwives demonstrate that fear of God can outweigh fear of man, producing obedience even under life-threatening circumstances. Application Today Share the gospel despite fear of rejection. Stand against gossip or immorality even when peers oppose us. Make decisions based on God’s will, not societal pressure. Pharaoh’s False Repentance: Exodus 9–10 After seven plagues, Pharaoh finally said: “This time I have sinned; the LORD is in the right, and I and my people are in the wrong.” —Exodus 9:27 Pharaoh’s repentance was shall

Peter wept, Judas died—but what made the difference between repentance and regret? Explore the powerful contrast between Peter and Judas, understanding how godly grief leads to repentance and salvation, while worldly grief leads to death. When Peter wept bitterly, his sorrow led him back to Christ, but when Judas experienced regret, his grief without repentance ultimately led him to destruction. Understanding the difference between repentance and regret is essential for every believer. https://youtu.be/GhpkEye1qS0 Table of contentsAn X-Ray Machine for the Heart Would Be Needed for Peter and JudasTwo Kinds of Faith and GriefPeter’s Godly Grief Produced RepentanceWorldly Grief (Unrepentance) Can Produce Multiple DeathsJudas’s Worldly Grief Produced His DeathWe Underestimate the Consequences of SinWhen Peter Pleased the LordExperiencing Regret Isn’t RepentanceWhat Made Peter Repentant But Judas Unrepentant? Earlier this year, Charis was playing in her very first and last softball game. She was running around the bases, and when she slid into home, the catcher fell on the lower half of her leg. She screamed, “I broke my leg.” Turns out she was right. One of the most common conflicts in our marriage concerns how hurt our children truly are. Katie says I always say two words: “They’re fine.” I feel like she always thinks they’re about to die. Maybe other marriages experience the same. The X-ray machine was invented on November 8, 1895. Thank God Katie and I were not married before that, because I can only imagine the arguments we would have about whether our children’s bones were broken or not. Before the advent of the X-ray machine, doctors had to rely on observation, palpation, and patient symptoms to diagnose broken bones. Can you imagine having a broken bone and the doctor wants to diagnose it by pushing on the area to see if he can find the break? An X-Ray Machine for the Heart Would Be Needed for Peter and Judas Imagine there was an X-ray machine that allowed us to look into people, not to see their bones, but to see their hearts, and in particular, whether they are repentant: Psalm 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. If I can push this analogy a little further, imagine that instead of seeing whether people had broken bones, we could see whether they had broken hearts. Without this, we are like doctors before the X-ray machine: we are forced to guess. The difficulty is that people may appear outwardly repentant without being truly repentant inwardly. Let me illustrate this by asking who I’m describing below: A well-known man received one of the most unique opportunities in all of history when Jesus asked him to become one of the twelve disciples. In accepting the invitation, he was able to be with the Son of God day and night. He became a student of the world’s greatest Teacher. When Jesus’ enemies tried to trap Him with penetrating questions, he heard Jesus’ profound theologi

Peter wept bitterly because God turned his failure into repentance. Explore why Peter wept bitterly (Luke 22:61–62). A single, providential look from Jesus pierced his heart, and brokenness became the path to restoration (Psalm 51:17; John 21). If you’ve failed publicly or privately, there is hope: the same Savior who saw Peter sees you. Peter wept bitterly—and grace met him there. https://youtu.be/RgcgFxbg4AM Table of contentsWe're All Unrecognizable At TimesWhen Peter Was UnrecognizableGod Works Providentially in Our Lives to Produce RepentanceTwo Examples of God’s Providence in ScripturePeter Wept Bitterly Because of God’s ProvidenceWhen Peter Wept Bitterly, God Was Pleased With His Broken and Contrite HeartOur Greatest Ministry Might Be After Our Greatest FailureTwo Encouragements from When Peter Bitterly I know some people can’t watch scary movies. Whenever there’s a scary part, they look away or put their hands over their eyes. My father-in-law, Rick, has a similar problem, but with movies with awkward scenes. When people are embarrassing themselves really badly, he can’t watch. I learned this years ago when we were watching Mrs. Doubtfire at his house in Northern California, where Katie and I grew up. In the movie, Robin Williams loses custody of his children. Desperate to spend more time with them, he disguises himself as an elderly British nanny named Mrs. Doubtfire so he can be hired to care for them. At one moment in the movie, his prosthetic mask slips off, revealing his identity to his ex-wife and children. It’s humiliating, and when I looked over at my father-in-law on the couch, he had his hands over his face and said he couldn’t watch. There’s a moment from David’s life that my father-in-law wouldn’t be able to watch because it’s so embarrassing. David was fleeing from Saul. No place in Israel felt safe, so he chose to hide in enemy territory with the Philistines, where he knew Saul wouldn’t chase after him: 1 Samuel 21:10 David rose and fled that day from Saul and went to Achish the king of Gath. 11 And the servants of Achish said to him, “Is not this David the king of the land? Did they not sing to one another of him in dances, ‘Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands’?” Gath is one of the Philistines’ principal cities, where Goliath was from. This was the song they sang about David, and the ten thousands he defeated were Philistines. So it didn’t take long for them to recognize him. 1 Samuel 21:12 And David took these words to heart and was much afraid of Achish the king of Gath. 13 So he changed his behavior before them and pretended to be insane in their hands and made marks on the doors of the gate and let his spittle run down his beard. David is understandably afraid they’re going to kill him. This is the moment my father-in-law has to look away. He started clawing at the doors of the gates, acting like a madman, letting drool run down his beard. In Scripture, there are examples of people suffering o

When Peter denies Christ, Scripture exposes a sober path from pride to prayerlessness, to rash self-confidence, and finally to denial. Learn how Peter's three denials of Christ become a gracious warning for every disciple—so we “watch and pray” instead of falling. Drawing from the text and historical context, we can trace sin's downward spiral. https://youtu.be/cerQpiF4JGI Table of contentsThe Groundwork Is Laid Before The Sin Is Committed.Four Ways the Groundwork for Peter’s Denials Was LaidFirst, Peter Denies Christ Because He Ignored Jesus’s Warning.Second, Peter Denies Christ Because He Was ProudThird, Peter Denies Christ Because He Failed To Pray.Fourth, Peter Denies Christ Because He Acted RecklesslyThe Context for Peter’s DenialsSin Often Begets Worse SinPeter’s Example Should Make Us Sober, Not ProudFour Ways to Learn from PeterFirst, Peter didn’t listen to Jesus.Second, Peter was proud.Third, Peter was self-deceived.Fourth, Peter was unprepared. Soon after I became a Christian, I started reading the Bible regularly. The approach I took was to read a book in the Old Testament and then a book in the New Testament: Genesis, Matthew, Exodus, Mark, Leviticus, Luke. But then something happened: my friend Elwyn said, “Have you read about David?” I didn’t even know where to look for information about David. He told me I had to read 1 and 2 Samuel. I trusted Elwyn, so I interrupted my Bible reading plan and began these two books. I reached 2 Samuel 11 when David committed adultery and murder, and I didn’t think I was reading about David anymore. I wondered who the imposter was. David hadn’t been perfect up to that point, but I sure didn’t think he was capable of these horrible sins. As I reread accounts of David over the years, I saw the groundwork for his adultery. By the time David saw Bathsheba, he already had about twenty wives and concubines. There was no way this sort of compromise wouldn’t catch up to him. He was so used to taking women that didn’t belong to him that by the time he saw Bathsheba, she was just one more woman in that long list. David's practice of taking multiple wives demonstrated a lack of restraint and an indulgence of his passions. Staying home from the battle just provided the opportunity for David’s indulgence to reveal itself. The Groundwork Is Laid Before The Sin Is Committed. Was there any groundwork for David’s sin of murder? No. I would say it was the opposite. David repeatedly resisted the urge to murder Saul, even when it seemed he should. When Saul was in the cave: 1 Samuel 24:4 [David’s men] said to him, “Here is the day of which the Lord said to you, ‘Behold, I will give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to you.’” And it did seem that God had delivered Saul into David’s hands. But David restrained himself. When David snuck into Saul’s camp: 1 Samuel 26:8 Abishai said to David, “God has given your enemy into your hand this day. Now please let me pin him to the earth with

Jesus faced the power of darkness at Gethsemane—Judas’s betrayal, the arrest, and the cosmic clash of light vs. darkness—while showing that the power of darkness is limited to an “hour” under God’s sovereign plan. https://youtu.be/6cCpZlgUQIg Table of contentsLight and Darkness Are Metaphors for Good and EvilJudas Went Out When “It Was Night”Jesus Knew the Hour of Darkness Was ComingA High Priest Who Sympathizes with BetrayalJesus’s Kindness to His BetrayerChoosing the Physical Over the SpiritualActing Hastily Often Causes ProblemsMisdirected Zeal with Peter, Josiah, and Maybe UsJesus’s ComposureJesus’s Rebuke to the Religious LeadersThe Power of Darkness Is When Satan “Bruises Jesus’s Heel”The Power of Darkness Is Limited to One Hour Growing up, I read The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia. If you asked most people about popular fiction books with Christian themes, they would likely point to these stories. They are classic tales of good versus evil. One thing I appreciate about them is that good always looks good, and evil always looks evil. You never have to guess who the good guys and bad guys are. Even when a good character like Boromir, in a moment of weakness, tries to take the ring from Frodo, or when Edmund denies Narnia’s existence to Peter and Susan to hide his relationship with the White Witch, their actions seem wrong. But I don’t think most media portrays this well, with sins like fornication and violence often being celebrated. When Judas betrayed Jesus, there was no mistaking the distinction between good and evil. Ultimately, Jesus describes the people’s actions as "the power of darkness.” Light and Darkness Are Metaphors for Good and Evil Many verses in the Bible teach that light and darkness are metaphors for good and evil. Here are a few examples: Isaiah 5:20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness! Darkness is associated with evil, while light is associated with good. John 3:19 The light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. People don’t reject Jesus because they don’t believe in Him. They reject Him, the light of the world, because they love darkness, referring to their sins, more than Him. Acts 26:18 Open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God.’ Paul associated salvation with turning from darkness to light. Romans 13:12 Let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Again, darkness is used as a metaphor for evil, and light is employed as a metaphor for righteousness.1 I could provide more examples, but you get the picture. Judas Went Out When “It Was Night” This is the Last Supper, just hours before Jesus' arrest. There’s a detail that’s only found in John’s Gospel: John 13:27 Then after he (referring to Judas) had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.”.

Jesus as the Last Adam is one of the most powerful truths in Scripture, as Christ came to save us from the consequences of Adam's sin in the Garden of Eden. Unpack Jesus as the Last Adam from 1 Corinthians 15:45, Romans 5:12-20, and Luke 22:42–43, learning how the obedience of Christ brought redemption where the first Adam brought sin and death. https://youtu.be/Tyi-1PlNKgE Table of contentsJesus Is the Last AdamThe Last Adam Had to Resist the DevilGod’s Wrath Builds Up Against UsThe Last Adam’s Agony in the Garden of GethsemaneThe Last Adam Had to Consume God’s WrathThe Last Adam Wanted Us to Know There’s No Other Way for Man to Be SavedJesus Drinks the Cup of God's Wrath for Us or We Drink It We forget things, so it’s good to be reminded. That’s why, throughout the New Testament, we are reminded of spiritual truths. Here are two examples of many I could give you: 1 Corinthians 15:1 I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand. Paul wanted to remind us of the gospel, which I don’t think we could be reminded of too many times. 2 Peter 1:12 I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. Peter’s referring to the qualities he mentioned earlier: virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. Then he says: 2 Peter 1:13 I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder. As long as Peter’s alive, he’s going to keep reminding believers. So, when I preach, I like reminding people of truths that they’ve heard many times before. It is a joy for me to be reminded of truths in my studying, and then to remind people of them when I preach. But I also hope to help people see new things they haven’t seen before. This is one of my other joys when studying. Helping people see new things in the Gospels can be difficult because they are the most familiar area of Scripture. And beyond that, Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane is one of the most familiar accounts in the Gospels. But there is something deep and powerful in this account that I hope prevents people from reading this account the same way. It requires looking past Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane to the first Adam in the garden of Eden. That’s where this account truly begins. Jesus Is the Last Adam Jesus has over 200 names in Scripture. We know Him as the Son of God, Son of Man, Lamb of God, and Prince of Peace. But a lesser-known title is the Last Adam: 1 Corinthians 15:45 Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam (referring to Jesus) became a life-giving spirit…47 The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man (referring to Jesus) is from heaven. The clearest passage contrasting Jesus and Adam is in Romans 5: Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all s

Spiritual warfare is not just a concept—it’s a daily reality for every believer. Unpack why Jesus instructed His disciples to carry swords, revealing deep biblical truths about preparing for spiritual warfare in a hostile world. Through Luke 22:37-38, we learn that spiritual warfare requires discernment, courage, and readiness—not physical weapons, but the armor of God. Spiritual warfare is not about attacking people but standing firm against the enemy’s schemes with the right weapons, such as prayer, God’s Word, and fellowship. https://youtu.be/DBkrSarLOck Table of contentsThe Context for Jesus’s Words about Spiritual WarfareNew Testament Authors Don’t Ignore Old Testament ContextJesus’s Followers Must Expect To Be Treated Like HimJesus’s Listeners Often Mistook The Spiritual For The PhysicalThe Disciples Mistook Spiritual Preparation for Physical PreparationThe Disciples' Problems Caused by Misunderstanding Jesus’s Words about Spiritual WarfareThe Irony with Peter and UsJesus Wants His Disciples To Prepare For Spiritual Warfare.Two Questions We Should Ask Ourselves The saying, “Don’t bring a knife to a gunfight,” originated in the American West during the late 19th century, when people carried guns for protection, and disputes were often settled with duels. Today, the phrase has become a figure of speech to describe someone being ill-equipped or unprepared to handle a difficult challenge or task. We could adapt the saying for the disciples: “Don’t bring a physical sword to a spiritual fight.” They misunderstood Jesus’s words. He wanted them to prepare for spiritual warfare, but they thought He wanted them to prepare for physical combat. The Context for Jesus’s Words about Spiritual Warfare Jesus just celebrated the Last Supper with the disciples. He’s about to leave the upper room and head to the Garden of Gethsemane, where He will pray and be arrested, and He wants them to know that after that happens, things will change for them dramatically: Luke 22:35 And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” This refers to when Jesus earlier sent out the disciples to preach the kingdom of God when Jesus was at the height of His popularity. The disciples were His royal ambassadors preaching the kingdom for the King of Kings. Everyone loved them because everyone loved Jesus. Things were going to go so well for the disciples that they didn’t need to bring a moneybag, knapsack, or sandals. They could rely on people’s generosity and hospitality. But after the cross, things were going to be very different: Luke 22:36 He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. This is a radical shift. The kindness and generosity the disciples knew would be replaced with cold looks, opposition, and persecution. They were previously welcomed into people’s homes, but now they would be pilgr

Unpack some of Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples to live as pilgrims in hostile environments. As the world grows increasingly resistant to the Gospel, Christians today must understand their true citizenship and mission. From being royal ambassadors during Christ’s ministry to becoming pilgrims in hostile environments after His crucifixion, the disciples’ journey mirrors our own. https://youtu.be/WDss9AeVwik Table of contentsFrom Genesis to Malachi, the Gospel was, “The Messiah is coming!”From Matthew to John, the Gospel was, “The Kingdom has come!”From Matthew to John, Jesus’ Disciples Were Royal Ambassadors In Welcoming EnvironmentsFrom Acts on the Gospel is Christ CrucifiedFrom Acts On Jesus’ Disciples Are Pilgrims In Hostile EnvironmentsOur Heavenly CitizenshipWhat Is Commendable About the Faith of Those in Hebrews 11?We Must Be Born Again When I was growing up, my parents made me feel thankful to be an American. It usually took place at the dinner table when they wanted me to finish my food. They would encourage me to eat by telling me how children in other countries didn’t have the same blessings, and I guess at that moment, the blessings I was supposed to be thankful for were peas, broccoli, cauliflower, and asparagus. There are few people who, if asked where they would want to live, would say a country other than the United States. But no matter how good American citizenship is, we will see in some of Jesus’s last words to His disciples that He didn’t want any of His followers to see themselves as citizens of any earthly country. Instead, we’re to see ourselves as pilgrims. To fully understand some of Jesus’s final words to the disciples, we must understand the mission of God’s people throughout human history. From Genesis to Malachi, the Gospel was, “The Messiah is coming!” Sometimes people mistakenly believe the Gospel is a New Testament invention; something Paul invented during the Church Age. The even worse situation is when people think man was saved differently in the Old Testament than in the New Testament. But man has always been saved the same: by grace through faith. In the Old Testament, people were saved by believing God would send a Messiah. People looked forward in faith to the Messiah coming, like we look backward in faith, believing the Messiah has come: Galatians 3:8 God…preached the gospel…to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” This shows that the gospel was preached in the Old Testament, as it was preached to Abraham. But it begs the question: How could the words “in you shall all the nations be blessed” be a gospel presentation? This is a prophecy that the Messiah will come as a descendant of Abraham. That’s how all the nations would be blessed in or through Abraham. As people believed this prophecy that the Messiah would come, they would be saved. That’s what happened with Abraham, the father of faith: Genesis 15:6 [Abraham] believed the Lord, and [the Lord] counted it to [Abraham] as r

Naaman’s pride nearly cost him everything – don’t let it happen to you! In 2 Kings 5:1–14, we witness a powerful story of how Naaman’s pride nearly prevented him from receiving God’s healing and salvation. We, too, can be blinded by our own expectations. The story of Naaman’s pride is a warning for all of us: don’t let ego or expectations block the work God wants to do in your life. Recognize the signs of pride and discover how obedience and humility lead to transformation. https://youtu.be/sIs9T1l8crA Table of contentsNaaman Almost Missed Out On Salvation Because It Seemed Foolish to HimNaaman Almost Missed Out on Salvation Because It’s Not How He Wanted to Be SavedNaaman Almost Missed Out On Salvation Because It Wasn’t Glamorous Enough for HimNaaman Almost Missed Out On Salvation Because He Wasn’t Required to Do EnoughNaaman Almost Missed Out On Salvation Because of His PrideNew Humility ShownWhat the People of Nazareth Could Learn from a Gentile Consider this familiar story: A storm descends on a small town, and the downpour soon turns into a flood. As the waters rise, the local preacher kneels in prayer on the church porch, surrounded by water. One of the townsfolk comes up the street in a canoe.“Better get in, Preacher. The waters are rising fast.""No," says the preacher. "I have faith the Lord will save me."Still, the waters rise. Now the preacher is up on the balcony, when another guy arrives in a motorboat."Come on, Preacher. We need to get you out of here."Once again, the preacher is unmoved. "I shall remain. The Lord will see me through."After a while the flood rushes over the church until only the steeple remains above water. The preacher is clinging to the cross when a helicopter descends out of the clouds, and a state trooper calls down to him through a megaphone."Grab the ladder, Preacher. This is your last chance."Once again, the preacher insists the Lord will save him.Predictably, he drowns, but goes to heaven. He asks God, "Why didn't you save me?"God says, “ I sent you two boats and a helicopter." The story is about a man who misses out on the ways God provided for him to be saved. I want to replace it with the better one found in God’s Word. God provided a way for Naaman to be saved, but he almost missed out on it, like the fictional preacher who drowned. The reasons Naaman almost missed out on being cleansed of physical leprosy are the same reasons we miss out on being cleansed of spiritual leprosy, or sin. 2 Kings 5:1 Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master and in high favor, because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. He was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. He probably wore an impressive, well-decorated uniform, but beneath that uniform was a body being consumed by leprosy. This is one of the most impressive descriptions of an individual in Scripture. He’s the commander of the Syrian army. He’s called a mighty man of valor, a title given to only four other people

What truly led to the fall of Gehazi? Dive into 2 Kings 5:15-27, unveiling the deeper spiritual truths behind Gehazi’s fall and how his actions became a tragic example of hypocrisy, greed, and divine judgment. Just like leprosy spreads through the body, Gehazi’s sin spread from the heart, leading to devastating consequences. Discover how Gehazi’s fall also serves as a poignant illustration of the dangers of spiritual compromise and the urgent need for repentance. Read this material from Being Content God’s Way or watch the accompanying sermon to learn from Gehazi's tragic example. https://youtu.be/zbC01GX3EUc Table of contentsGehazi Was a Religious HypocriteGod Faithfully WarnsWhen God Warned DavidGod Faithfully Warns UsWe Escape and EndureGehazi’s DeceptionsSin Often Leads to More SinElisha Saw What Gehazi Did as God Sees What We DoElisha Had a Heart for Elisha as God Has a Heart for UsGehazi Already Had Spiritual LeprosyWe Must Be Cleansed of Our Spiritual LeprosyGehazi Ruined a Picture of the GospelLeprosy Must Be Cleansed On the fifteenth anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death, the record industry honored him as the best-selling singer of all time. He seemed to have many of the most common things people seek: wealth, fame, and success. But on August 16, 1977, at only forty-two years old, his fiancée, Ginger Alden, found him unresponsive on the bathroom floor of his Graceland mansion. Attempts to revive him failed, and he was pronounced dead. Photos and videos of him at the end of his life show a bloated man with distorted features. Most people will say the years of drug use and careless living took their toll. But I would say the biggest cause of his death was covetousness.  Here’s what I mean: even as his health deteriorated, he continued to tour intensively because he desired even more fame and success. In 1973, only a few years before his death, he had his busiest schedule with 168 concerts.1 The day he died, he was scheduled to fly out of Memphis to Portland, Maine, to begin another tour. No matter how successful and famous he became, he always wanted more. We would be hard-pressed to find someone whose health was damaged by covetousness more than Elvis's. But we do with Elisha’s servant, Gehazi. His covetousness caused him to get leprosy! Here’s the background to the account. The prophet Elisha told the Syrian general, Naaman, how to be cleansed of leprosy. After Naaman was cleansed: 2 Kings 5:15 Then [Naaman] returned to the man of God (Elisha), he and all his company, and he came and stood before him. And he said, “Behold, I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel; so accept now a present from your servant.” Naaman was incredibly grateful and tried to repay Elisha: 2 Kings 5:16 But [Elisha]  said, “As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none.” And he urged him to take it, but he refused.  Naaman attributed his cleansing to God, and Elisha wanted to keep it that way, so he refused the gift.  2 Kings 5:19 [

Perseverance of the saints is not just a theological idea—it’s a powerful reminder that true saving faith always endures. Learn what it means to persevere as a believer, even in the face of trials and failures. The perseverance of the saints is a work of Christ in us. Though we may stumble, true believers rise again and walk in repentance, proving the genuineness of their faith. https://youtu.be/6iMawZ59C7o Table of contentsJesus Is the Founder and Perfecter of Our FaithJesus Already Prayed for Our PerseveranceEncouraged When We DoubtJesus Doesn’t Pray Exactly Like UsA Saint’s Faith PerseveresEternal Security and Once Saved Always SavedTrials Reveal the Genuineness of Our FaithJob Is the Premier Example of a Persevering SaintPeter and Job Demonstrate That Perseverance Does Not Require PerfectionPeter and Job Demonstrate That Perseverance Does Involve Repentance A long-time friend of mine shared a testimony with me. He was one of my closest friends when we were in California, and I knew him to be a committed Christian. Around 2015, he relocated to Los Angeles and began working for a large, well-known company. He didn’t want me to mention the company’s name. I knew this friend as a responsible and hard worker, so I wasn’t surprised when he told me that he had advanced to upper management in the company. He said he regularly worked 12 to 20-hour days. When I asked how you work 20-hour days consistently, he said, and I quote, “That’s what I want to talk to you about. A select group of senior-level management chose to use cocaine, and I started using it too, and became addicted. I would use it throughout the day to keep going, and when I returned home, I would drink half a gallon of whiskey and take sleeping pills to come off the cocaine so I could fall asleep. Then I would wake up four or five hours later and use more cocaine to have the energy to make it through the day. This went on for years. I knew I was going to kill myself and leave my wife and children without a husband and father, so one night, God heavily convicted me, and I called a Christian rehab facility and said they had to come pick me up. My wife knew something was wrong with me, but she didn’t know what it was. She never gave up praying for me or loving me, and before I left the house, I confessed to her what was happening and informed her that she wouldn’t be able to communicate with me while I was in the facility. I also told her where she could find the stashes of cocaine around the house, because I didn’t want to stumble upon them when I returned home. When I left the facility, I went to work one more time, and that was to quit. I didn’t give them two weeks' notice because I didn’t want to create further temptation. I have been sober since then. I moved my family to Wyoming, where we found healing, and the Lord redeemed our family. We experienced this victory because of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The cross can help us defeat anything.” End quote. It blessed me to hear this becau

Work itself is not sinful—our relationship to work can become sinful when we make it an idol. Like other addictions, workaholism is characterized by an unhealthy obsession that crowds out relationships, rest, and spiritual life. Read or listen to this material from Work and Rest God’s Way to learn the best Bible verses for workaholics. Table of contentsThe Workaholic's Relationship to Work Becomes Sinful“Physician, Heal Thyself!”The Consequences for WorkaholicsPhysical ConsequencesEmotional ConsequencesRelationship ConsequencesPerformance ConsequencesSpiritual ConsequencesThe Danger of Burnout for WorkaholicsA Great Leader Who Was Also a WorkaholicWorkaholics Should Expect Negative ResponsesWorkaholics Should Repent The Workaholic's Relationship to Work Becomes Sinful Their land is also full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made (Isaiah 2:8). The people in Isaiah’s day worshiped their work, and we can worship our work too. Just as we can rest too much (laziness), we can work too much (workaholism). Work is moral. When we commit the sin of workaholism, work didn’t suddenly become immoral and sinful. Instead, our relationship to work became sinful. Workaholics have the same relationship to their work that addicts have to alcohol, drugs, or pornography. Everything else in their lives—family, friends, church, health, and rest—takes a backseat to their jobs. Time and energy committed to anyone and anything else are always rushed or neglected. In the past, people couldn’t begin working before the sun came up, and they stopped working when the sun went down. Now, electricity allows us to have our lights, computers, and cell phones on at any time. Our twenty-four-hour days seem restrictive because it’s harder to fit in everything we think we need to do. Since society promotes “bigger and better,” we feel the pressure to keep up, and we find ourselves busier than ever. Covetousness has never been a stronger temptation. The only solution seems to be more work. We can become like machines, moving from one task to the next. We end up overworked, under-rested, and spiritually undernourished. It’s not wise, kind, humble, or impressive when we take on more than we can handle. It demonstrates a lack of wisdom due to the problems it causes. We recognize that our relationship with work has become sinful when it overshadows the areas of our lives that the Lord wants us to prioritize, such as our spouse, parents, children, friends, and church. Answer these questions honestly to help determine whether you struggle with workaholism: When you’re supposed to be resting, does your mind return to work? Can you detach from your job, or do you bring your work home with you? Do you obsess about your job when you’re not working, thereby removing the distinction between work and rest? If you’re home, can you focus on your loved ones, or are you still preoccupied with your job? Can you name any of your hobbies, or are you una

Have you ever felt spiritually confident, only to be blindsided by weakness? Pastor Scott LaPierre unpacks the biblical warning in 1 Corinthians 10:12: “Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” This is a wake-up call for every believer, illustrating how spiritual pride and overconfidence can render us vulnerable to temptation, as seen in Peter's case in Luke 22:31-34, who denied Jesus despite his bold declarations. https://youtu.be/A9BnHpeBV2I Table of contentsSpiritual Injuries Occur Like Weightlifting InjuriesTake Heed Lest You Fall, Peter!We Can’t Trust OurselvesWe Need New HeartsThe Way Godly Men Describe Disqualified LeadersTake Heed Lest You Fall, Because We Fail Regarding Our StrengthsWe Must Be Warned About Our StrengthsMany Men Failed Regarding Their StrengthsNoah Was UnrighteousAbraham Lacked FaithMoses Was ProudSolomon Was FoolishRepent and Then Help OthersTake Heed Lest You Fall I want to discuss weightlifting injuries. First, I will tell you how I wish they occurred. And then I will tell you how they occur. I wish they occurred very slowly, so you knew they were coming. I wish you were bench pressing and your rotator cuff said, “This is too heavy. I’m about to tear.” Or you’re squatting in your 20s and your lower back says, “You better not do this. You’re going to have lots of problems in your 40s.” Instead, weightlifting injuries take place in one of two ways: first, and most obviously, when you’re working out. If you’re interested, you can go to YouTube and search for videos of people tearing their biceps and chest muscles. I decided against showing you any videos because they are gruesome to watch. But here’s what you’ll see: a man bench pressing and he lowers the weight, probably a weight he’s lifted many times before. Suddenly, a large gap develops around his armpit where his chest muscle detached from his shoulder. Or someone is bent over a preacher bench curling, they lower the weight, and suddenly their biceps tears and rolls up their arm. The second way weightlifting injuries occur is when people are not working out. You shut the car door or drop something and quickly reach for it, and your shoulder tears. There’s only one time my lower back went out at the gym. Every other time I was at home, feeling fine, and I bent over or threw a kid in the air, and then suddenly felt the shoting pain. What you notice with these injuries is that there’s no warning sign. Instead, we feel strong. We are confident nothing bad will happen. We are doing something that we have done many times before. Next thing you know, we are severely injured. Spiritual Injuries Occur Like Weightlifting Injuries I think sin often occurs in this manner, too. There’s no warning sign that we are going to have trouble. We feel strong. We are confident about this particular area of our Christian lives. But then we fail. We are, spiritually speaking, severely injured. That’s what happened with Peter. He felt confident. He thought he was strong. So str

Are you working too much and still feeling spiritually empty? Discover what the Bible says about working too much and why God calls us to rest. Pastor Scott LaPierre explores how overworking can lead to spiritual burnout, strained relationships, and a failure to honor God’s rhythms of grace and Sabbath. The Bible doesn’t just warn against laziness—it also warns against working too much. God designed a balance, and this message dives deep into how you can realign your life with His perfect plan for work and rest. https://youtu.be/IVGmu3TEt_M Table of contentsWhen We Turn Blessings Into IdolsDo You Work Too Much?The Twelve Apostles Knew the Solution Isn’t Always Working HarderThree Lessons to Learn from the ApostlesGod Modeled Rest for UsShould We Rest on Saturday or Sunday?Our Need to Rest Should Remind Us to Depend on the LordPhysically Resting Is Often a Spiritual MatterWe Are Often Kept Awake for Spiritual ReasonsRepent of Working Too Much By Finding BalanceRepenting of Working Too Much Is Repenting Of Idolatry Imagine a young father named Mike, whose parents made him work hard during his upbringing. Although he didn’t like it at the time, now that he has a family of his own, he appreciates the way his parents raised him. To provide for his family, he’s been putting in more hours than ever before. Over time, he begins to prioritize his job over his family. What his boss thinks is more important than what his wife, children, or God think. He regularly feels exhausted, and his health is suffering. But he doesn’t slow down. He pursues every work message, project, deal, sale, and offer so he can continue to advance in the company. Church attendance has become infrequent because he’s convinced his paycheck can care for him better than God can. He invests the same passion in his job that he once invested in his relationship with Christ. He turned a good thing into a god thing. Work is a blessing, but, like Mike, we have the potential to ruin even the blessings God gives us because of our flesh. When We Turn Blessings Into Idols Consider this account from Israel’s history to illustrate what can happen. When Israel was in the wilderness, they complained, and as a judgment, God sent poisonous serpents into the camp that started biting the people: Numbers 21:7 The people [said] to Moses, “We have sinned…Pray to the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. 8 And the Lord said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.” 9 So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live. When people looked at this bronze serpent, they were spared from the snakebites. But, tragically, over time, people began to worship the bronze serpent. When Hezekiah reformed the nation and destroyed the idolatry, he had to include the bronze serpent, which by then had developed its own name: 2 Kings 18:4 [H

Are you struggling with procrastination, lack of motivation, or a sluggish spiritual walk? Discover what the Bible really says about laziness and how to overcome it biblically. Proverbs 6:6-11 and other scriptures provide a biblical warning against laziness, and how it impacts our work, witness, and walk with Christ. Whether you’re looking for bible verses about laziness, searching for answers on how to stop being lazy as a Christian, or seeking a solid Bible study on laziness in Proverbs, this sermon delivers the truth with love, clarity, and conviction. https://youtu.be/NCsbmBNQycw Table of contentsGod’s Work Brings Him GloryOur Work Should Bring God GloryFour Important Points About Serving Christ In Our JobsLaziness Is a Bad TestimonyAvoid laziness By Learning from the AntAvoid Laziness by Avoiding Oversleeping.Avoid Laziness By Avoiding ExcusesAvoid Laziness by Avoiding Lazy PeopleGiving to the Lazy Does More Harm than GoodLaziness Leads to Other SinsLaziness and BusybodiesThe Solution to Laziness In April 2025, approximately 7.2 million people in the United States were unemployed, representing a 4.2% unemployment rate. Additionally, nearly 20% of prime-age adults (25-54) were not working, with the vast majority (around 21 million) not seeking work. What could help these people? I think the Bible’s teaching on laziness, because it is incredibly convicting. God’s Work Brings Him Glory Let’s begin by understanding a little more about God’s work: Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows the work of His hands. God created the heavens and the earth, and they bring Him glory. Isaiah 6 contains the incredible vision of God sitting on His throne, high and lifted up, with the train of His robe filling the temple. Angels fly around Him giving Him praise: Isaiah 6:3 One cried to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!” Of all the things the angels could say to praise God, they mention His holiness and the earth, His workmanship, giving Him glory. Think of it like this: We see a beautiful painting and praise the painter. We see an impressive building and praise the architect. Similarly, when we see creation, we should praise the Creator. The greatness of creation reveals the greatness of the Creator. The greatness of creation reveals the greatness of the Creator so well that people are condemned when they refuse to worship the Creator: Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse. God reveals Himself to the world through His creation because work says something about the worker. Work reveals character, motivation, and skills. God’s work is of the highest quality because it expresses His character and majesty. Our Work Should Bring God Glory Genesis 1:27 God created man in His own image; in the image of God He c