Mercy Commons Podcast

Luke 18:18-30 // The way into the kingdom is through the cross, and it will cost you everything. Jesus saw the rich young ruler’s heart and knew that what he really wanted was to keep his idols and bring them into the kingdom with him. “Turn from your sin and trust in Christ alone who can save. Even though this rich young ruler went away sorrowful and unsaved, Jesus knew what He was doing as an evangelist. I pray your response will not be like that of this young man.” - C.H. Spurgeon

Luke 18:15-17 // How does the example of children help us receive and enter the Kingdom? By embracing our powerlessness, growing in trust and forgiveness, & develop vulnerability and resistance. “Christ’s own joy, comfort, happiness and glory are increased and enlarged by His showing grace and mercy, in pardoning, relieving and comforting His members here on earth.” ~ Thomas Goodwin

Luke 17:20-37 // George Eldon Ladd said, “The Kingdom of God is His kingship, His rule, His authority.” We can add that the Kingdom of God is the Father's reign inaugurated by His Son's obedience, administrated through the power of the Spirit, and furthered by the church’s obedience. Our text has an encouragement, a warning, and an admonition. Jesus encourages His disciples to persevere in their faith, warns them of the possibility to be deceived, and admonishes them to be prepared.

Luke 17:7-10 // We are called to live a live of hidden holiness and faithfulness. Why is sacrificial faithfulness so important? Because it shapes our character, its provides a grid for decision making & relationships, and is the basis of our flourishing. Labor out of love, not obligation or for recognition.

Luke 17:1-6 // Jesus truly understands relationships. He understands that people hurt, offend, and misunderstand each other – often and with regularity. Jesus knows that a big part of the reason for that is that we face an enemy who lies to us, we face our frail human condition that has rebellious and undisciplined desires and we face the patterns and influences of the world, ideologies and values as well as relational norms and behaviors from our families of origin.

Luke 16:1-15 // Looking at the parable of the unjust steward. The world commended him for his shrewdness and cleverness, but God calls us to a higher standard. The Kingdom financial ethic is clear. Money is not evil, but it is uncertain. Being financial faithful is a strong indicator of spiritual faithfulness. Does the way I think about, handle, pursue, and plan financially reflect Kingdom values or worldly values?

Luke 15:1-32 // Looking at the parable of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son. Types of lostness: unintentional wandering off (the sheep), unconscious lostness (the coin), active rebellion (younger son), ignorant self-righteousness (the older son). Questions to ask in our lostness: where is the Shepherd, where is the flock, where is my home? Questions to ask about other who are lost: are they like the lost sheep, the lost coin, or the prodigal son?

John 11:12-44 // Reminders from this past season: God is present, loving, and powerful & we are both stronger and weaker than we think. Three invitations as we enter this next season: have deeper faith, enter into risky, costly obedience, and active participation in the church.

Ephesians 2 // Our personal sanctification and holiness, is connected to the beauty, power and attractiveness of the body of Christ. And the state of the world is connected to the health of the Church of Jesus Christ. The hostility in humanity will only find true peace through the cross. Remember that you were once without God and without hope in the world. Remember that you are now citizens of the Kingdom who has access to the Father. Be devoted to Him, His people, and His purposes.

Luke 2:3-20 // The shepherds inform our decision to fear. It speaks to our: Fear of the MUNDANE, Fear of REJECTION, Fear of the DARK/NESS. If Christ is in you, then every “mundane” action you perform as unto Him is an explosion of light, of the Good News, because the mundane and the impossibly glorious collide.