In one of the most startling interactions Jesus has with someone, a man comes to Jesus thinking he has everything only to discover he lacks the most important thing. This story challenges all of us to take an honest inventory of our affections, to determine if Jesus has the place in our hearts that only He deserves. Nothing matters more than that.

Speaker: Jared Cowgur

Most Christians would agree that prayer is important. But almost as many would say that they struggle to pray consistently. It's easy to get distracted from it or discouraged when it feels like it's not making a difference. In this teaching, Jesus inspires His disciples to prayer without giving up, a challenge all of us need for today.

Scripture: Luke 18:1-17

Being grateful is incredibly powerful. It changes one's perception of themselves, the world, and even God. But it's easy to hustle through life without taking time to be grateful. This story about Jesus shows the power of gratitude and this sermon will show us how to incorporate gratitude into our lives in a way that brings us closer to Jesus.

Scripture: Luke 17:11-19

Joy is the natural reaction when you find something valuable that was once lost. The more valuable it is, the more joy you experience. In the second story Jesus tells in Luke 15, we are told that heaven erupts with joy when someone who was lost comes back to the Lord. How much must God value you to rejoice like this because of you?

Scripture: Luke 15:1-2, 8-10

The religious leaders of Jesus' day categorized people as naughty or nice, bad or good. They were surprised when Jesus hung out with "the wrong kind of people." He told them a story to show how God loves those who have wandered away from Him and what He does to get them back. How much must God love you to come from heaven to get you back?

Scripture: Luke 15:1-7

Jesus had a lot to say about money. More than almost any other topic. He saw the way money affects people's hearts and directs their lives. Because He loves us and knows what's best, He gave people a perspective on possessions that protects against the worry, stress, and fear that money so often causes.

The unconditional love and grace of Jesus can cause us to believe that Jesus is not so concerned with who we are becoming. Nothing could be further from the truth. He loves us far too much for that. Instead, Jesus cares deeply about who we are, not only on the outside but even more on the inside. This is a work that only happens when we invite the Holy Spirit into our lives to make us new.

Do you find it surprising that Jesus prayed? As the Son of God, Jesus found comfort and strength in times of prayer with God the Father. His example of prayer eventually created a desire in His disciples to learn to pray like Him. Jesus' teaching on prayer is timeless and essential for anyone who wants to experience the closeness and power of talking with God.

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42; 11:1-13

The story of the Good Samaritan is one of the most well known and best loved stories Jesus told. But the people who first heard it were shocked by its implications. Through it, Jesus redefined what it means to love your neighbor and removed all limitations of who is deserving of that love. To be like Jesus requires us to love others like He loved us.

Disciples of Jesus eventually do what Jesus did. That's what Jesus intends for everyone who comes to Him. But what does that mean? How do we live like that in the midst of the demands of life? In this story, Jesus sends the disciples to carry out His work. We can learn a lot from this about how to do the same as we go about our everyday lives.