In the last episode of the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast, we focused on the father of the prodigal son. Today we’re looking at the older brother, the responsible one who stayed home and did what was expected, and honored his family. Jesus included the older brother character to remind us we don’t decide who’s in and who’s out. The father recognized his son, even when he stumbled toward him, dirty and broken. And the dutiful older brother? Well, he was still invited to the party.

286: The Case of the Older Brother

In these tough times, could you use a word of encouragement? From Max Lucado, a pastor for over 40 years and bestselling author whose books have sold more than 145 million copies in over 50 languages, The Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast is all about the greatest story ever told—the living Savior who brings you a lifetime of hope.&nbsp;

With rich biblical insight, heartwarming storytelling, and Max’s comforting tone, you’ll be empowered to place your faith in a loving God who is always near you, always for you, and always in you. For more encouragement from Max Lucado, visit www.maxlucado.com.

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This week on the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast, as we continue our study of Romans, we’re looking at God’s covenant with Abraham. A covenant made long before the life and ministry of Paul. Knowing this Old Testament promise helps us understand what makes grace so special: it’s available to everyone.

318: The Story We’ve Joined

“For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.” In Romans chapter 7, verses 18 and 19, Paul perfectly describes our inner struggle. We want to live in a way that honors God, yet find ourselves mired in old temptations. And we begin to question if we ever really understood salvation at all. If this sounds familiar, hear me, friend: the grace that saved you initially is enough to sustain you eternally.

317: The Battle We Fight

I’m so glad you’re joining me today on the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast because we’re talking about my favorite subject – grace. 
Maybe you’ve walked with God for a long time. Maybe you’re just beginning to ask questions about the Bible. No matter where you find yourself, Paul’s letter to the Romans is for you. And in the next few episodes, we’ll explore his writing about the great grace of God – what it is, why we need it, and how it changes our lives. Because it really does. It certainly changed mine.

316: The Problem We Face

Welcome to the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast. Maybe you’re having a busy day. Or a busy week. Or a busy decade. I can relate. There’s so much to do! We have work and kids and friends and church. If your to-do list is leaving you a bit depleted, Jesus has a word for you. “Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

315: Pausing on Purpose

The last few weeks on the Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast, we’ve been talking about the gifts and abilities God gives each of us. Identifying and using our gifts is important, but more important is remembering our gifts aren’t about us. As Paul writes in Ephesians chapter 4, “And Christ gave gifts to people—he made some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to go and tell the Good News, and some to have the work of caring for and teaching God’s people. Christ gave those gifts to prepare God’s holy people for the work of serving, to make the body of Christ stronger.”

286: The Case of the Older Brother

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