October 30, 2025
Lesson for the Holidays
In the exuberance of merriment that characterizes the holiday season, there is always danger, more or less, of being swept into excesses.
Articles for tag: Luke 11
June 24, 2024
June 30 Application | ‘As Soon as You Began to Pray’
First Thessalonians 5:17 says, "Pray continually." David Faust writes: "What do you do 'continually' in a typical day? Check your e-mail? Look at your cell phone? Grab another cup of coffee? Do you worry continually? If a Fitbit could track your walk with God, what would it record?" . . .
June 5, 2023
June 11 | Discovery
Questions for group discussion for use with this week’s lesson titled “Warning for Idol Worshippers” (Jeremiah 2:1-13, 26-28; 4:1-2).
March 6, 2023
Jesus’ Bucket List
Jesus had one main item on his "bucket list."
July 1, 2022
The World Is Sick and Jesus Is the Cure
By Jerry Harris We’ve been ready for COVID-19 to end for two-plus years, but throughout this season I have seen the faithfulness of God in many ways. I’m reminded of Jesus’ words: Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. . . . For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well (Luke 12:22-23, 30-31).
May 23, 2022
May 29 | Two Stories about Prayer
The subject matter of the parables was prayer, but the context concerned the faith and humility necessary for always being ready for the return of the king.
May 23, 2022
May 29 | Application
I can’t comprehend the brilliant mind of God, fathom the depth of his love, or explain exactly how prayer works. But I know God treasures our communication with him . . .
May 16, 2022
May 22 | The Story of the Running Father
The parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin clearly set up the parable of the lost son(s). And all three parables connect back to the criticism of the religious elite in Luke 15:1-2.
May 9, 2022
May 15 | Discovery
From this parable, what do you learn about how we should effectively and productively wait for Jesus’ return?
May 2, 2022
May 8 | The Story of the Poor Rich Man
This is one of the few parables where Jesus inserts “God” into a secular story. God called the man a fool (not an atheist but someone who has no moral compass). Death is a great wake-up call. . . .
May 2, 2022
May 8 | Application
I’m a sports fan, but I’m alarmed by the swift expansion of sports betting. Gambling is addictive and it threatens the integrity of athletic competition. . . .
April 25, 2022
May 1 | Discovery
The expert in the law tried to justify himself before Jesus. Why is that a bad idea?
April 18, 2022
April 24 | Perfect Action
Many of the religious leaders of Jesus’ day failed to rejoice when the hurting were helped. The religion police were more interested in procedures than people.
April 18, 2022
April 24 | Discovery
In Luke 13:10-17; 14:1-6, what do Jesus’ heart and actions teach you about God?
March 1, 2022
Authentic Disciple-Making: 5 Essentials
By Bobby Harrington Fifteen years ago, I started waking up every day focused on disciple-making. In my roles as a pastor, trainer of church planters, network leader, and coach, it became my obsession. I did this because I came to believe disciple-making is the core mission of the church. Just as importantly: I came to believe disciple-making is the key to Christian faithfulness in this cultural moment. Disciple-making has become such a passion that I have now published over 10 books on the topic, initiated and led multiple national conferences on the topic, and cofounded three national networks for church
May 1, 2021
The ABCs of Chasing Strays
Like it or not, many seats remain empty on Sunday morning, and rather than stew about it, we should do something about it. Now is the time to chase strays.
April 1, 2021
Pilate’s Guide on How to Miss the Truth
Most of us think we are unbiased in our quest for truth. We like to think of ourselves as impartial evaluators of data who seek to arrive at the best decision. But the truth is, most of the time, we desire a specific conclusion, and we search the data in such a way that helps us end up there. We overlook red flags and yellow lights. We come up with excuses and unreasonable explanations. And we usually don’t even realize we are doing it. We think we are looking for the best answer, when in reality we are looking for
October 5, 2020
Two Important Questions
By Randy Ballinger Everyone needs to answer two important questions: “What am I living for?” and “For what am I willing to die?” We may forget to answer these two fundamental questions as we go about our fast-paced lives. So, how do you answer them? This table points us to the One who clearly and resolutely answered those questions. What was Jesus living for? His purpose was “to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). For what was Jesus willing to die? “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). For Jesus, though, death was not
June 14, 2020
Unity Despite Politics
By Megan Rawlings We’re entering that time of year. We are inundated with campaign signs, slogans, brochures, and TV ads. Candidates are making promises, doing their best to make their competitors look bad, and trying to convince the public that they are the right person for the job. Unfortunately, it doesn’t stop there. Serious disagreements erupt in the public arena, and even believers get caught up in the drama. But how are we, as Christians, supposed to politely express our political opinions without offending others? Good Manners Had Bad Results Etiquette books fascinate me. I read them and study how
January 8, 2020
WHAT MATTERS MOST: Getting Better at the Two Things Jesus Said Are Most Important
By Rick Rusaw I have lived in Boulder County, Colorado, for nearly 29 years and currently work from an office on Pearl Street in the city of Boulder. Some describe Boulder as 20 square miles surrounded by reality. At times, I would agree. I don’t know of any better location for ministry than a place that embraces spirituality but rejects Christianity. Boulder often is listed as the least religious place in America. That would be true, unless you consider naval gazing, pot smoking, hiking, biking, and running to be nonreligious activities. Boulder is also ranked as one of the healthiest
