Luke 21:37-22:6 | JD Summers

It is often uncomfortable to consider the betrayal of Jesus, especially thinking about the role of Judas, one of the 12 disciples. Judas spent 3 years side by side with Jesus, but he wasn’t a real follower. He was an unclean hypocrite who loved money above all else, and he was primed for Satan’s demonic influence in his life. We must beware lest our own hearts latch onto similar hypocrisy, idolatry, and greed. But we must not grow discouraged, for we know that God is sovereign - over Satan and Judas in their betrayal of Jesus, and over every aspect of our lives today. Our sovereign God is worth trusting!

Romans 8:18-30 | JD Summers

Jesus is risen! The resurrection of Jesus Christ marks a new age of redemption, but we still feel the marks of a fallen world. Creation also groans with us as we await the fullness of Christ’s restoring work. Until then, we must hope. We must long for Christ to return, waiting patiently and expectantly. Our strength would fail us, but the Holy Spirit bears us up and maintains us by his power. Our hope is grounded in God’s redemptive purpose - he has called us to salvation, and his power is more than sufficient to bring it about. Let us hope in Christ today!

Luke 21:29-38 | JD Summers

Why do we as a society have such an interest in the end of the world? In large part because we have a deep-seated sense that we need to be prepared for it. As Christians, how should we live to be ready for Christ's return? We should rest in assurance of Christ's work and strive for holiness in all we do. We must also place our entire hope in Christ, relying on him with our entire being. Are you prepared? By faith in Christ, you can be!

Luke 21:20-28 | JD Summers

God’s glory is displayed in the climax of his plan to bring judgment and salvation through his son. What a glorious thought that God will one day demonstrate his righteousness by giving justice to the wronged and giving judgment to the wicked. Yet how saddening it is to consider the extent of this judgment upon the world. As we consider God’s plan to redeem the entire world through his final judgment and restoration, let us share the good news of our hope in Christ with those around us.

Luke 21:10-19 | JD Summers

What comes to your mind when you consider persecution? Jesus tells us to expect persecution to come; it is a normal part of following Christ. He also encourages us not to waste our persecution, but rather to use it as an opportunity to proclaim the gospel and glorify God in the midst of suffering. The way to do this is by entrusting our souls to the one with power over death, Jesus Christ, who not only provides for us in the midst of persecution but also promises eternal life to all who trust in him.

Luke 21:5-9 | JD Summers

We do not know when God’s final judgment will come upon the world, but we do know for certain that it is coming. Many seek to deceive God’s people about the future, and we must be on guard against falsehoods. As we reject lies about the future, we must also reject fear about the future. Yes, God will judge the world, but he will not pour out his wrath on believers. Earthquakes, famines, and wars rage around us, but they need not shake our faith in Jesus. Let us place our hope in nothing else than the Rock of Ages.

Luke 20:45-21:4 | JD Summers

Man looks on the outside, but God sees the heart. Some portray a guise of strength, generosity, or importance. Image is everything, and they are skilled at looking right in the eyes of others. But God is not concerned with how someone looks on the outside. He knows our intentions, he sees our thoughts, and he peers through our deceptions. Instead, God loves the one who lives genuinely, no matter the level of means or station. Do you live to put on a show? Or do you go through life with a genuine heart?

Galatians 5:16-26 | Steven Parkin

The Holy Spirit is foundational to the Christian life. He indwells our hearts when we believe and he sustains us and empowers our sanctification. As we pursue holiness, we must reject the temptation to rely wholly on ourselves, forgetting that God produces holiness in us. We must also reject the temptation to put no effort in, assuming that nothing is required of us. Instead, let us walk by the Spirit, actively depending on the Spirit to sanctify us as we obey him.

Luke 20:27-47 | JD Summers

God’s Word bears the authority of God himself. In Scripture we see ultimate truth that contains the good news of the gospel, but this good news challenges our own assumptions. Without Christ, our own understanding of ourselves, of the world, and of God are faulty, and we must forego our own misconceptions and instead align ourselves with the truth of Scripture. What will you do when Scripture challenges you? Will you harden your heart and reject it, or humbly embrace the living Word which is able to lead you to salvation?

Luke 20:19-26 | JD Summers

What authority does human government have in the life of a believer? This question was on the minds of contemporaries of Jesus even as it is on our minds today. Thankfully, the answer Jesus’ provided during his time on earth still bears true as well. God has ordained that human government has legitimate, though limited, authority. But even as we submit to human government, we should turn our attention more preeminently to our submission in all things to God. The Lord has ultimate and limitless authority, and our duty to worship him trumps any other responsibility. Are you rendering to him what he rightly deserves?