Jesus' parable of the Pharisee and the tax collectors gives us a couple of do's and don'ts when it comes to prayer. The ultimate lesson is that prayer leads to repentance and changes us for the better. It's best use is when it leads us to not only repent to God but to our neighbor as well as we see in the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19.

In our sermon this week, we look at the story of Jacob wrestling with God and are encouraged to keep holding on in the face of great uncertainty.

This week in 2 Timothy 2:8-13 we are reminded of the surety of Christ and how he never fails, even when we do.

Sometimes we don't understand what God is up to but he is always working.

In another parable about wealth and possessions, we see a story of two very different lives that further exemplify the upside-down kingdom of God. What we do with all of our resources matters. Not that we can earn our salvation through wealth management but we show our salvation through how we use what we have to care for others.

Luke 16:1-13 contains a parable that may kind of sound like Jesus is telling us to be dishonest to get rich...is he?

In Luke 15:1-10 Jesus tells two parables about people who have lost items, one a sheep, the other a coin. The stories remind us that God gives everything to find those who are lost. We are called to help in the search and join in the celebration.

Jesus says to follow him we must hate our family and friends in Luke 14. That seems at odds with his command to love God and love our neighbor. What does he mean and what do we do with it? How does it change our lives?

Jesus gives some social and spiritual advise in Luke 14 to the Pharisees. Seek the betterment of others, not your own status, and invite everyone to the table because it's big enough for every image bearer of God.

Sermon recording from August 24, 2025 on Hebrews 12:18-24.