Living Savior Podcast

It's one of the most common phrases said and heard. When we are overtired and overworked, it's either an explanation or an excuse. The phrase is, "I'm too busy." In many respects, it's okay to say. Maybe even, at times, we should. Other times. it's both unhelpful, or maybe even untrue. So, how are we supposed to view our life in between the mundanity of this world and the eternity that God has prepared? What if we stopped saying, "I'm too busy?" It would reshape our perspective, refocus our priorities, and reemphasize our eyes on the prize.

There is a real tension between what we see in our earthly experience and what is our eternal reality. The struggle is real. This life in between… in between this current life that is very rugged and rough around the edges and the eternal realization of God’s perfect and radiant glory. Yet, in order that we properly understand and work through this tension in between earthly appearances and eternal reality, the encouragement is simply to not look at the appearance. Instead, we need to focus on the faceless facts.

Can you think of a scenario where you give up absolutely everything that you have and you get more in return? That just doesn't happen in life. In order to become something and to get something you need to be something and take or get more. But what if I told you that this paradox was the premise for the Reformation that changed the world 500 years ago? What if I told you that it was the sum and substance of all Christianity?

When we let God be God, we see that having nothing in and of ourselves mans that we are totally reliant on up. And then, and only then, do we get more than we ever had before: eternal life, forgiveness, salvation. Everything. To God alone be the glory both now and forevermore.

So much of life can easily pass by without much pause for hugely serious. It can seem to be a bit easier to walk through life not talking about or finding answers to questions regarding God, death, and what comes next. Although that might seem to be simpler, the time comes when we must have some kind of hope that doesn't disappoint... some kind of peace lasts. What is that for you? It needs to be something to which you point and say, "This is it!" And both in what God says and how he says it shows God's solution to that eternal dilemma. And it's more than you might anticipate. See how in this sermon.

If God’s grace is for all, then it’s for you. It’s also for the person who has done incredible wrong by our own measures. How is this so? Is God really just over things that seem to be so wrong? Or is he merely gracious and loving with no regard for what is wrong? What’s the catch? Something’s got to give. See how in this sermon.

It's the big idea above and beyond all others: how do I stand right before God? Is there something, even in the slightest, that I must do or decide or prove? This big idea has done more than just impact those who are Christians. It is at the heart of the struggle of every single person, including you. How so? See how in this sermon.

In order for you to take something at face value, you view the source as the authority... or at least authoritative enough. What is the authority for all thing spiritual, eternal, and divine? There was a time 500 years ago when it was the church and only the church. Today it seems that anyone and everyone is their own authority. Which is more true? Which is better? Neither. See how the Scriptures really, truly are God's Word and why that makes everything better, even here and now.

To forgive means to let go. And that might be easy to understand. It's just very difficult to do, especially when the pain is severe and the memory of it is very vivid. So, what are you holding onto? What did they say or do that legitimizes your bitterness? But our shoulders were never intended to bear the weight of those who have wronged us. That is why God, who has forgiven the immeasurable weight of our sin, calls us to forgive. It's liberating. It's necessary. To forgive means to let go, even when we don't feel like it.

What do you do with conflict? It seems like everyone is somewhere on the spectrum between dealing with it and avoiding it. Whatever the natural tendency might be, we all have certain struggles with conflict, especially between Christians. We all have a lot to learn. That's why God's Word provides this great example and this wonderful focal point which helps guide our lives through conflict to the gospel of Jesus Christ. See what that means for you in this message.

There are some habits and perceptions that influence our worldview, even without our knowing it. We can think about things in a way that we otherwise wouldn't or shouldn't. Such influences can be so pervasive that they leave no part of our lives untouched or unaltered. Our view of Christianity is no exception. The question is, do we even recognize it? This week we see how dangerous and overlooked comfort and pleasure are. It's based on connectivity to a life that leads to momentary validation and temporary satisfaction. That is why the cross is so necessary: both Christ's and ours. See what that means for you.