KNEO Podcast

Today, Pastor Jack teaches us that we need to examine our own motives for growth. Is it to impress, or is it to serve, build, and glorify the Lord, Jesus Christ? Church growth begins from within. Before there is outward expansion, inward development is essential. 

We live in a world where “truth” has become whatever people decide it is. Dr. Tony Evans explains how that same mindset once led Israel into spiritual compromise and cultural collapse—and why returning to God’s truth is still the only way to reverse the consequences.

Sermon Overview

Scripture Passage: Titus 2:14-15

Every Christian is in need of a passionate love for the Lord Jesus Christ that overflows into service and worship. However, the cause of Christ has been deeply hurt by extremists and their misguided zeal. We must understand the dangers of extremism and the beauty of God’s grace.

Titus 2:14 speaks of Jesus: “...who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.”

First, zeal can affirm the grace of God.

When we truly love the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we will become zealous about truth and excited to do good works for the kingdom of God. This is a good and godly thing because we are called to go “all in” with our love for Jesus; however, when taken to the extreme, good things can become bad things.

While affirming zeal, grace avoids extremism.

Adrian Rogers says, “Zeal and moderation go together, properly understood; they are not enemies, they’re friends. But extremism is the enemy of both zeal and moderation.”

Zeal that is divisive and destructive can be deadly to our churches, homes, and communities. Principles are great when used as tools to live by, rather than as weapons to hurt others.

We do not need to compromise on holy living, but we need to learn to live by grace.

When we obsess and debate over incidental things, we lose sight of what is fundamental. This kind of zeal is foolish, profitless, fruitless, and divisive. When we have zeal for the wrong things, we’ll often fight the wrong enemy with the wrong weapons and wrong energy.

Compromise is not the answer to extremism: grace is.

Titus 2:15 says, “Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.”

Grace is not an excuse to sin or an encouragement to laziness, it is an invitation to give everything we are to the cause of Christ.

We must be zealous of good works, with an attitude of sweet reasonableness. We may not always agree with everyone on everything, but we must prioritize what is important.

Apply it to your life

Each and every one of us must be filled with a passionate love for Jesus Christ, but what we do with that love is crucial. Affirm zeal, avoid extremism, and remember that we will achieve more together than divided.

Humorist Ken Davis will encourage you to find joy by embracing a lighthearted attitude, even when your life isn’t perfect. He explains how God helped him overcome his own physical disabilities and find self-acceptance by understanding that he only had to be the best version of himself – just the way God made him to be.

Get free access to almost four hours of family-friendly comedy from Ken Davis, Ted Cunningham, Kenn Kington, Jeremy Nunes, John Branyan, and Chonda Pierce.

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Adopted kids often enter adolescence with deep questions about identity, belonging and why they were given up — even if they cannot consciously remember the trauma. As they shift from concrete to abstract thinking in their teen years, feelings of loss, abandonment and being “different” can surface more strongly. Parents can help by listening without judgment, talking openly about feelings, staying connected and offering long-term patience — knowing these issues often take years to resolve. Adoption is a beautiful gift, but parents must understand that their child sees the world through a unique lens, and that compassion and presence are critical.

If you’re walking through a hard season with your teen, you don’t have to face it alone. Join Mark for a Families in Crisis Conference in Texas. Learn more and register at familycrisisretreat.com 

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit parentingtodayteens.org.

Throughout the history of the church, Christians have had some wildly differing views about the mother of Jesus. So what’s the proper way to regard this remarkable young woman named Mary? Dr. Robert Jeffress turns to the defining passage on the mother of Jesus and her prominent role in the Christmas story.

To support Pathway to Victory, go to ptv.org/donate.

In the stillness of the night, we hear things . . . the faucet dripping, a dog barking in the distance, a car going down the road. We also think about things. It’s often when worry moves into our minds and sets up shop for the night. What if . . . how come . . . if only . . . why didn’t I...? How can we get worry to pack it up and be on its way? Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us put our worries to bed, so we can get back to sleep.

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Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.

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