In the beginning God gave Adam and Eve dominion over all the creatures on earth. Yet when a serpent came into their garden, they gave their dominion away. This same story plays out again and again throughout the Bible, and it's still playing out in our lives. Will we allow the enemy into our lives or will we take our dominion and drive him out?

Jesus is surrounded by a crowd, and yet his eyes are fixed on one sinner who is looking to see him. The story of Zacchaeus displays the heart of Christ who comes to seek and save the lost.

The news of God's kingdom is like a seed. Not all of it bears fruit. But God can get a full harvest from a fraction of the seed. He has a super abundant remnant that will produce 30, 60, and 100-fold of what was sown.

Yokes are symbols of heavy weight and hard work. In life we often find ourselves weighed down by many things. But Jesus offers us his yoke. And his yoke leads to rest for our souls.

The idea of serving Jesus apart from a church is becoming increasingly common. But the church is Jesus' plan for the world. Community can wound, but it also heals. Every part of the body of Christ is necessary. We need the church and the church needs us.

We are engaged in a conflict with an enemy who wants to steal, and kill, and destroy. But in our spiritual battle, God has given us spiritual armor and weapons. The enemy wants us to think we are ill-equipped, but we have everything we need for a victorious life in Christ.

Psalm One offers a profound vision of two ways of being. One way is a picture of lifeless chaff, that doesn't produce anything, and is tossed around by the wind. In contrast, the way God wants for us is like a flourishing tree, rooted by streams of water.

Part of Jesus' task as the Messiah is judge the nations at his return. One day each of us will stand before the judgment seat of Christ and give an account for our lives. Although the idea of judgment makes many people nervous, Jesus returning as Judge is actually good news.

The Holy Spirit is the very breath and wind of God, bringing life to the world in general and to the church in particular. He is the Master Witness for Jesus and gives the church power to testify to the gospel. Jesus is the Spirit baptizer who immerses us in the fire of God.

Forty days after rising again, Jesus ascended into heaven to receive dominion, glory, and a kingdom. The ascended Christ reigns over the nations as High King. And he calls us near to the throne of grace as our High Priest.