Category Archives: Worship

Click here for Luke 16 audio:

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Luke 16 contains two striking parables that call us to examine how we handle money and eternity. In the parable of the dishonest manager, Jesus points out that even though the man acted unrighteously, he was commended for his shrewdness. Believers should learn from this—using worldly wealth to invest in eternal purposes, helping others, and advancing God’s kingdom (vv. 1–9). Jesus then warns that we cannot serve both God and money, for devotion to one will come at the expense of the other (vv. 10–13).

The Pharisees, who loved money, scoffed at Jesus, but He exposed their self-righteousness and reminded them that God sees the heart (vv. 14–18). Jesus then told the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man lived in luxury while Lazarus, a poor beggar, suffered outside his gate. After death, Lazarus was carried to Abraham’s side, while the rich man faced torment in Hades. The rich man begged for relief and a warning for his family, but Abraham explained that those who ignore God’s Word will not be convinced, even by someone rising from the dead (vv. 19–31).

🌀 Reflection:
Luke 16 reminds us that everything we have is entrusted to us by God and will one day be gone. Wealth cannot secure eternal life, but faithful stewardship can reflect where our hearts truly are. How are you using your time, possessions, and influence to honor God and point others to Him?

💬 Mission Challenge:
This week, intentionally bless someone in need—whether by providing a meal, giving generously, or offering your time. Use what God has entrusted to you as an opportunity to show His love and invite someone to consider eternal treasures in Christ.

Click here for Luke 15 audio:

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Luke 15 contains three parables that reveal God’s heart for the lost. In the first, a shepherd leaves ninety-nine sheep to search for one that is missing. When he finds it, he rejoices, and Jesus explains that heaven celebrates more over one sinner who repents than over many who think they need no repentance (vv. 1–7).

Next, a woman loses a silver coin and searches her house diligently until she finds it. When she does, she calls her friends and neighbors to rejoice with her. Jesus teaches that the angels of God rejoice in the same way whenever one sinner repents (vv. 8–10).

Finally, Jesus tells the parable of the prodigal son. The younger son demands his inheritance, wastes it on reckless living, and is reduced to misery. When he returns in repentance, the father runs to embrace him and celebrates with a feast. Yet the older son resents this grace, forgetting that he has always had the father’s presence and inheritance. The father gently reminds him that it is right to rejoice, for “this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found” (vv. 11–32).

🌀 Reflection:
Luke 15 invites us to see ourselves in these parables—whether as the lost who need to return, or as those who must rejoice when others do. God’s mercy is lavish and His pursuit relentless, and He delights in forgiving and restoring. Where do you need to experience His grace today, and where do you need to reflect His joy over another’s repentance?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Reach out this week to someone who may feel far from God—whether a friend, family member, or neighbor. Share the hope of Christ with them or simply extend a word of grace and welcome, showing the same joy God has over the lost being found.

Click here for Luke 14 audio:

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Luke 14 begins with Jesus healing a man on the Sabbath at the home of a Pharisee, exposing the hypocrisy of those who prized rules over mercy (vv. 1–6). He then teaches about humility through the parable of a wedding feast, warning that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, but those who humble themselves will be exalted (vv. 7–11). In the parable of the great banquet, Jesus reveals God’s generous invitation to all—especially the poor, broken, and outcast—while warning that those who make excuses will miss His Kingdom (vv. 12–24).

Jesus also teaches about the cost of discipleship, calling His followers to love Him above all else, take up their cross, and count the cost of commitment (vv. 25–33). He ends with the image of salt that has lost its taste, stressing that disciples must live faithfully or risk becoming useless (vv. 34–35).

🌀 Reflection:
Am I walking in humility and counting the cost of following Jesus, or am I tempted to make excuses that keep me from wholehearted devotion?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Invite someone who might feel overlooked or left out—whether a neighbor, coworker, or classmate—to share a meal or attend church with you this week, reflecting the open invitation of God’s Kingdom.

Click here for Luke 13 audio:

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Luke 13 begins with Jesus’ urgent call to repentance, reminding His hearers that all people must turn from sin or face judgment. Through the parable of the barren fig tree, He shows God’s patience but also warns that unfruitfulness cannot continue forever (vv. 1–9). Jesus then heals a crippled woman on the Sabbath, exposing the hypocrisy of the religious leaders and revealing His heart for mercy and freedom (vv. 10–17). He compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed and leaven—both small in appearance but mighty in impact—showing how His reign will spread and transform the world (vv. 18–21).

As He journeys toward Jerusalem, Jesus teaches that entering His Kingdom is like passing through a narrow door—not everyone will enter, and many who assumed they belonged will find themselves outside (vv. 22–30). His lament over Jerusalem captures His compassion for God’s people who have repeatedly rejected His messengers, yet He continues to extend mercy and longs for them to turn to Him (vv. 31–35).

🌀 Reflection:
Am I living with urgency, bearing fruit in keeping with repentance, or am I presuming upon God’s patience?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Share Jesus’ call to repentance and hope with someone in your life who may be delaying faith in Him. Encourage them with the good news that today is still the day of salvation.

Click here for Luke 12 audio:

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Jesus warned His disciples against the danger of hypocrisy, reminding them that all things hidden will be revealed. Instead of fearing people, He called them to fear God, who has authority over eternal judgment, while also reassuring them of the Father’s intimate care for His children (vv. 1–12). He then told the parable of the rich fool, showing the folly of hoarding earthly treasures instead of being “rich toward God” (vv. 13–21). Turning to His disciples, Jesus urged them not to worry about daily needs, for God provides for birds and flowers and will all the more care for His people. Instead, they are to seek His Kingdom and store up eternal treasures (vv. 22–34).

He also called His followers to live in readiness for His return, likening it to servants awaiting their master. Faithful servants will be rewarded, while those who abuse their trust will face judgment, for “everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required” (v. 48). Jesus declared that His coming would bring fire and division, forcing people to choose whether to follow Him—even when that choice brings conflict within families. He finished by rebuking the crowds for failing to recognize the significance of His ministry, urging them to be reconciled before it is too late (vv. 35–59).

🌀 Reflection:
Luke 12 presses us to ask: What do we treasure most, earthly security or eternal life in Christ? True disciples live in faith, not fear, trusting God’s care, rejecting hypocrisy, and remaining watchful for Jesus’s return.

💬 Mission Challenge:
Take time today to evaluate your priorities. Write down one way you can loosen your grip on earthly possessions and invest more intentionally in God’s Kingdom this week.

Click here for Luke 11 audio:

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Jesus taught His disciples to pray, giving them a model that honors God’s name, seeks His Kingdom, and depends on Him for daily needs, forgiveness, and deliverance (vv. 1–4). Through the parable of the persistent neighbor, He emphasized bold and expectant prayer, assuring that God, as a loving Father, gives good gifts—above all the Holy Spirit—to those who ask (vv. 5–13). Later, when accused of working by Beelzebul, Jesus showed that His authority over demons proves the arrival of God’s Kingdom. He warned that neutrality is impossible—whoever is not with Him is against Him—and called for vigilance, as a cleansed but empty heart is vulnerable to evil (vv. 14–26).

He pointed to the sign of Jonah as the ultimate sign of His resurrection and explained that spiritual sight determines whether we are filled with light or darkness (vv. 27–36). At a Pharisee’s home, He exposed the hypocrisy of focusing on outward appearance while neglecting the heart. He denounced their legalism and warned the lawyers for burdening others and hindering access to God’s truth, which only deepened their hostility (vv. 37–54).

🌀 Reflection:
Luke 11 challenges us to examine whether our lives are filled with God’s light or clouded by empty religion. Do we seek God’s presence in prayer with persistence and trust? Or do we, like the Pharisees, focus on outward appearances while neglecting inward transformation?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Commit to a week of persistent prayer for one person who does not know Christ. Ask boldly, trust God’s timing, and look for opportunities to reflect His light to them.

Click here for Luke 10 audio:

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Jesus appointed seventy disciples and sent them out in pairs to proclaim the Kingdom, urging them to depend on God’s provision and announcing peace to receptive households (vv. 1–12). When they returned rejoicing in their authority over demons, Jesus reminded them that their greater joy should be found in salvation—that their names are written in heaven (vv. 17–20). He praised the Father for revealing truth to the humble and declared the blessedness of those who see and hear the good news (vv. 21–24).

Jesus then answered a lawyer’s question about eternal life with the parable of the Good Samaritan. Unlike the priest and Levite who ignored a wounded man, the Samaritan showed mercy, teaching that love for one’s neighbor crosses all barriers of race, status, or prejudice (vv. 25–37). Later, in the home of Mary and Martha, Jesus affirmed that Mary had chosen the “better portion” by sitting at His feet, showing that worship and devotion must take priority over busyness (vv. 38–42).

🌀 Reflection:
Luke 10 calls us to balance active obedience with quiet devotion. Do you tend to be more like Martha—distracted by service—or Mary—focused on Jesus’ presence? What would it look like for you to love both God and neighbor this week with your whole self?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Look for someone in your community who is overlooked or in need, and show them Christlike mercy in action. Be intentional in loving your “neighbor” as the Good Samaritan did.

Click here for Luke 9 audio:

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Luke 9 highlights both the power and the cost of following Jesus. He sent out the Twelve with authority over demons and diseases, instructing them to rely on God’s provision as they preached the good news (vv. 1–6). Soon after, He miraculously fed a crowd of five thousand with only five loaves and two fish, showing that He alone is sufficient to meet every need (vv. 10–17). When Jesus asked who the disciples believed Him to be, Peter confessed, “The Christ of God” (v. 20). Jesus then taught that following Him means taking up one’s cross daily, pointing to the cost of true discipleship. On the mountain of transfiguration, God’s voice declared, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” (v. 35), confirming Jesus’s identity and mission.

Afterward, Jesus healed a boy tormented by a demon that His disciples could not cast out, exposing their need for greater faith (vv. 37–45). He again foretold His death, but the disciples did not understand. Jesus then taught lessons on humility, mercy, and the radical demands of discipleship, calling His followers to put the Kingdom above all else (vv. 46–62). Most significantly, Luke records that Jesus “set his face to go to Jerusalem” (v. 51), showing His determined obedience to the Father’s plan and His unwavering journey to the cross.

🌀 Reflection:
Following Jesus means embracing humility, dependence, and sacrifice. Are you willing to set your face toward Him and His purposes, even when it means surrendering comfort or control?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Share with someone this week why you have chosen to follow Jesus, not just when it’s easy but also when it’s costly. Let them see your confidence in His sufficiency.

Click here for Luke 8 audio:

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Luke 8 highlights Jesus’ authority over every realm of life and the necessity of genuine faith. Jesus taught the parable of the sower to show that God’s Word produces fruit only in those who hear it, hold it fast, and obey (v. 15). He also explained that His Word is like a lamp, meant to shine and transform lives, and declared that His true family is made up of those who hear and obey (vv. 16–21). On the Sea of Galilee, Jesus calmed a raging storm with a command, leaving His disciples marveling, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?” (v. 25).

Jesus then showed His authority over the spiritual realm by casting out a legion of demons from a man in the region of the Gerasenes. The man, once tormented, became a living witness of Christ’s mercy, even as the fearful townspeople asked Jesus to leave (vv. 26–39). Finally, He demonstrated His power over sickness and death by healing a woman who touched His garment in faith and by raising Jairus’s daughter, reassuring her father, “Do not fear; only believe” (v. 50). Together, these accounts point us to the Savior who rules over creation, demons, disease, and death—and who calls us to trust Him completely.

🌀 Reflection:
True discipleship means receiving God’s Word with a ready heart and persevering in faith through trials. Where do you need to let the Word take deeper root in your life, producing fruit that shows you belong to Christ?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Share one way Jesus has calmed your fears or brought you peace with a friend this week. Point them to the hope that comes from trusting Him.

Click here for Luke 7 audio:

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Luke 7 displays Jesus’ authority, compassion, and power to forgive sins. A Roman centurion demonstrated remarkable faith, believing that Jesus could heal his servant with just a word, and Jesus praised his faith as greater than any He had found in Israel (vv. 1–10). Soon after, Jesus showed His compassion for a grieving widow by raising her only son from the dead, and the people glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” (vv. 11–17). Even John the Baptist, struggling with doubt from prison, sent messengers to ask if Jesus was truly the Messiah. Jesus answered by pointing to His works of healing and raising the dead as evidence that He was fulfilling the promises of Isaiah (vv. 18–35).

Later, in the home of a Pharisee, Jesus was approached by a sinful woman who washed His feet with her tears and anointed them with costly ointment. While the Pharisee judged both her and Jesus, Jesus told a parable about two debtors, teaching that those who are forgiven much love much (vv. 36–50). He then declared the woman’s sins forgiven, making it clear that salvation comes not by social standing or outward religion but through faith in Him. Together, these stories remind us that Jesus’ kingdom is marked by faith, mercy, and forgiveness for all who come to Him in humility.

🌀 Reflection:
Jesus is not impressed with pride or empty religion; He delights in faith that trusts Him and love that flows from a forgiven heart. How might your own love for Jesus grow deeper as you reflect on how much He has forgiven you?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Share your testimony of Jesus’ forgiveness with one person this week. Point them to the same Savior who said, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”