The Moody Church Sunday Morning Podcast

We often hesitate to approach God with our needs because we've learned not to bother important people. But that's a mistake! Jesus assures us that we are never a nuisance to God. He longs to hear our prayers and bless us. In Luke 18, Jesus teaches us that pining for justice, pleading for mercy, and pestering for attention never bother God. He tells the parable of a persistent widow who finally receives justice from an unjust judge, highlighting God's willingness to answer our cries for justice. He then contrasts a self-righteous Pharisee with a humble tax collector, emphasizing that God delights in our pleas for mercy, not our boasts of righteousness. Finally, Jesus welcomes little children, who naturally pester and interrupt, showing us that God cherishes our childlike faith and desire to spend time with Him. Just like the widow who wouldn't give up, we should persistently bring our requests to God, trusting in His goodness and justice. Like the tax collector, we should approach God with humility, acknowledging our need for His mercy. And like little children, we should come to God with open hearts, eager to share our lives and receive His love. God is not bothered by our needs, but rather, He is honored when we entrust them to Him. He delights in our vulnerability and welcomes our persistent prayers. Let us, therefore, approach His throne of grace with confidence, knowing that we are always welcome in His presence. Remember, God wants to waste time with you! He desires your presence and delights in your company. Don't let the busyness of life or the fear of being a nuisance keep you from experiencing the joy of His presence.

Let's talk about the word "faith." It's one of those words that has evolved over time. Today, we often use "faith" interchangeably with "belief," but the Bible paints a much richer picture. The book of Hebrews, particularly chapter 11, gives us a powerful glimpse into what real, Biblical faith looks like. We see it in Abel, who offered a sincere sacrifice to God, even though it cost him his life. Enoch walked with God for 365 years – talk about an unremarkable life of faithfulness! And Noah? He built that ark for a hundred years, enduring scorn and mockery because he feared God more than men. Then there's Abraham, who left everything he knew, risking it all to follow God's call, even though he had no idea where he was going. These examples highlight some core truths about saving faith. It's not about blind belief or hoping for the best. It's about a deep trust in God's character and promises, a trust that compels us to act, even when it's hard, even when it doesn't make sense. It's about seeking God's pleasure above all else, living as strangers and exiles in this world, our eyes fixed on the eternal city He is preparing for us. Remember, friends, true faith isn't passive. It's not just a head thing; it's a life thing. It's belief made visible. It's about taking God at His Word and allowing that Word to shape our thoughts, our actions, and ultimately, our very lives. So, as we embark on this new year, let's ask ourselves: What does it look like for us to live as people of faith in our homes, our workplaces, our communities? How can we demonstrate that our faith is more than just a word we use on Sundays? Let's be like those heroes of faith in Hebrews 11, living lives that boldly proclaim, "My God is worthy of it all!"

In our study of the threefold office of Christ this Advent season, we've been exploring how Jesus ministers to us as Prophet, Priest, and King. These three distinct roles, often held by separate individuals in the Old Testament, are beautifully united and fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Today, we're focusing on Jesus as King. The Old Testament's history with kings is intriguing. There was a time when Israel had no king at all. From the days of Abraham, through Moses and Joshua, and into the period of the Judges, God's people lived without a human monarch. They had God's law to guide them, priests as mediators, and warrior-leaders called Judges. God Himself was their King, providing for them and guiding them. However, in the 11th century BC, the elders of Israel approached the aging priest Samuel with a request: "Give us a king like all the other nations." They desired a visible, human ruler, even though God had always been their true King. This request deeply saddened Samuel, and God revealed to him that the people were rejecting Him as their King. They wanted to be like everyone else, forsaking their unique identity as God's chosen people. God instructed Samuel to grant their request but not before warning them about the potential burdens of having a human king. Samuel cautioned that a king would demand their sons for his chariots and armies, their daughters to serve in his palace, and the best of their fields, vineyards, and olive orchards. He warned that a king would take a tenth of their grain and flocks, and even their servants would be subject to his command. Samuel declared, "He will take, take, take…and you shall be his slaves." He cautioned that in their desire to be like other nations, they were turning away from their unique identity as God's chosen people, and ultimately, they would cry out because of the king they had chosen. This portion of scripture reminds us that our desire for earthly things can often lead us away from God's best. When we chase after what the world values, we risk rejecting God's rightful place in our lives. Just as Israel yearned for a king, we too can be tempted to seek fulfillment and security in things that ultimately cannot satisfy. Let us remember that Jesus is our true and eternal King, the one who laid down His life for us and offers us true freedom and purpose. He is the King who serves, who loves without condition, and who offers us a kingdom that cannot be shaken.

This Advent season, we're exploring the threefold office of Christ: Prophet, Priest, and King. Last time, we saw Jesus as the ultimate Prophet, God's final Word. Now, we turn our attention to Jesus, our High Priest. The priesthood isn't merely an Old Testament concept. It's rooted in Eden, where Adam was entrusted with priestly duties, mediating between God and creation. Tragically, he failed, leading to humanity's expulsion from God's presence. The tabernacle and later the temple, with their intricate rituals and sacrifices, were God's way of restoring a taste of Eden, allowing for His presence to dwell among His people. However, the Old Testament priesthood faced inherent limitations. The priests themselves were sinful, requiring atonement. Animal sacrifices, while symbolic, couldn't truly atone for the cosmic treason of sin. Access to God's presence was restricted to once a year, and the priests' finite lives limited their intercession for the people. Enter Jesus, our Great High Priest. Prophesied in Zechariah and Psalm 110, He unites the offices of Priest and King. Chosen by God, He offered the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice – His own life – tearing the curtain separating us from God's presence. He is a priest forever, not in the order of Aaron, bound by lineage and earthly limitations, but in the order of Melchizedek, a mysterious figure who foreshadowed Christ's eternal priesthood. What does this mean for us? Through Jesus, we have constant access to God's grace. His sacrifice has cleansed us, enabling us to approach God with confidence and boldness. No longer bound by fear or limited access, we can draw near to the throne of grace, receiving mercy and finding grace in our time of need. And because Jesus ever lives, His intercession for us is eternal, securing our salvation and ensuring that we are never separated from the Father's love. This is the hope we cling to, the hope that transforms our lives and compels us to worship the One who has made us new.

This Advent season, we're diving deep into the threefold office of Christ: Prophet, Priest, and King. These roles, distinct in the Old Testament, find their ultimate unity in Jesus, our Savior. We began today by exploring Jesus as Prophet. Why did we need a prophet? Because God's Word is life itself! It's the source of creation, the sustenance of our souls, and the light that guides our path. However, humanity found itself trapped in an echo chamber of its own making, desperately needing an intervention. Enter the prophets of old, like Moses and Isaiah, who spoke God's truth into the darkness, revealing His wonders, will, and wisdom. Yet, Jesus stands apart. He doesn't merely deliver God's Word; He is the Word made flesh. John the Baptist, that pivotal prophet, prepared the way for the Messiah, who would usher in the fullness of God's revelation. Jesus speaks with an authority unlike any other, not as a mere messenger, but as the very source of truth. But don't mistake this for a departure from the Old Testament. Jesus fulfills it! He is the culmination of God's progressive revelation, the living embodiment of the law and the prophets. Just as the Father commanded, "Listen to him," we too must open our hearts to the life-giving words of Jesus, our Prophet. In a world saturated with fleeting opinions and deceptive narratives, we find ourselves yearning for a truth that anchors the soul. Jesus, the Word made flesh, is that unwavering truth. He is not merely a prophet who speaks God's Word; He *is* the Word of God, alive and eternal. His words are spirit and life, offering us wisdom that guides, promises that sustain, and a hope that doesn't disappoint. Let us, therefore, cling to Jesus, the Prophet, for in Him we discover the very Word of Life.

In this passage, we're diving deep into the heart of God's grand story, a drama unfolding across history with us right in the middle of it. Just like an actor needs to know their place in a movie's plot, we need to understand where we fit in God's timeline. The Pharisees were obsessed with when the kingdom of God was coming, but Jesus, in his typical way, flipped the script. He told them the Kingdom wasn't coming in a way they expected – it was already here, present but not yet fully realized. This is the "already not yet" kingdom. We see glimpses of it now, but the fullness awaits us. Think of all of history like a play in six acts: Creation, the Fall, Israel, Jesus' redemption, the Church Age (that's us!), and finally, the grand finale – renewal when God makes all things new. We're living between the advents – the first coming of Jesus and the second. This time, this "age between," is crucial. So, how should we act, knowing all this? We need to live with an awareness of the "already" – the Kingdom present in our midst – and the "not yet" – the future glory that awaits. We must be like those who are ready, not caught off guard like the people in Noah's day or Lot's. Let's ask God to give us wisdom, to help us understand our place in His grand narrative. Let's live each day with purpose, knowing our role in this incredible story He's writing.

In Luke 17:1-19, Jesus calls his disciples–and us–to have hearts that are growing in four things: vigilance, sincerity, humility, and gratitude. These traits represent a roadmap for cultivating a heart that is truly free. First, we are called to vigilance, recognizing that temptations to sin are sure to come. We must be alert, stopping sin in its tracks through confession, repentance, and forgiveness. Secondly, Jesus calls us to sincerity, living with a deep dependence on Him and extending forgiveness to others, just as God, through Christ, has forgiven us. Thirdly, we are called to humility, serving one another with the understanding that we are all servants of God. Finally, we are called to gratitude, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God. None of this comes naturally. It requires a discipleship of the heart, a conscious choice to follow the way of Jesus and cultivate these traits in our lives. As we follow the way of Jesus and learn this heart of vigilance, sincerity, humility, and gratitude, we experience the freedom and transformation that He longs to work in us.

All right friends, we're diving into a tough but important passage today. It's a story about the twists of fate and the crux of our choices. We're going to see how God, in His love and justice, sets things right in the end. So, open your minds and hearts, and let's learn from the wisdom of Jesus. 

The Twist

The story of the rich man and Lazarus isn't just about wealth and poverty; it's about a radical reversal, a twist of fate. The rich man, living in luxury, ignored the suffering Lazarus. But in the afterlife, their positions are reversed. This speaks to God's justice, His promise to make things right. It's a powerful reminder: Don't waste your life chasing fleeting pleasures while neglecting your soul. True wealth lies in eternity.Takeaway: Don't waste your life! 

The Name

Now, notice how the rich man remains nameless, while Lazarus is given an identity. This is significant. The rich man lived for his wealth, making it his identity. But when his wealth vanished in death, so did he. Lazarus, however, held onto something more. This teaches us that our choices shape who we become. In the end, becoming will turn to being. So, don't waste your trust on things that fade; invest in what lasts.Takeaway: Don't waste your trust! 

The Crux

Finally, we come to the crux of the matter. The rich man, even in torment, clings to his old ways, asking for favors instead of forgiveness. He had a lifetime to choose differently but clung to his self-centered desires. This is a sobering reminder that we get what we ask for. If we spend our lives chasing comfort and ignoring God, we shouldn't be surprised by the outcome. Don't waste your chance. Choose wisely, choose love, choose God.Takeaway: Don't waste your chance!

Today, we're diving deep into the heart of what it means to truly live, and it all boils down to one powerful principle: Living in Light of Eternity. You see, it's easy to get caught up in the here and now, but Jesus calls us to a higher perspective, one that recognizes that our choices today have implications that stretch far beyond our earthly existence. Principle: Living in Light of EternityLife is a Stewardship that Echoes into Eternity. Everything we have—our time, talents, possessions—they're all gifts from God, entrusted to us for a season. The question is, how will we manage them? Will we hoard them for ourselves, or will we use them to build up treasures in heaven? Jesus, in Luke 16, gives us four powerful case studies to illustrate this principle:Wealth: It's not about how much we have, but how we use it. Are we faithful with what God has given us, using it to bless others and advance His kingdom?

Status: The world chases after titles and accolades, but true significance comes from seeking God's approval, not man's.

Freedom: We have the freedom to choose our own path, but true freedom is found in surrendering to God's will, even when it's difficult.

Marriage: In a culture that treats marriage as disposable, we're called to reflect God's covenant love, a love that is lasting, sacrificial, and a beautiful picture of Christ and the Church.Every decision we make, big or small, should be filtered through this lens of eternity. That's why the question we must constantly ask ourselves is this: "In ten thousand years, how will I view this choice?" This question has the power to shift our perspective, realign our priorities, and lead us to a life of true significance.

Friends, we've all felt lost at some point, haven't we? Like that feeling in Disney World when you think you've lost your parents. It's a terrifying feeling. But what if I told you that feeling of being lost is something we all experience spiritually? You see, we were created for a relationship with God, our Father. But sin, like a powerful current, can pull us away, leaving us feeling lost and afraid. In Luke chapter 15, Jesus, through three powerful parables, reassures us of God's relentless love. He tells us about a shepherd who leaves his ninety-nine sheep to find the one lost sheep, a woman who diligently searches for her lost coin, and a father who welcomes home his lost son with open arms. Each story highlights the immense joy experienced when something lost is found. Notice how Jesus intentionally narrows the focus in these parables. We go from a ratio of 99 to 1, then 9 to 1, and finally 1 to 1. He wants us to understand that each one of us is precious to God, so much so that He leaves the ninety-nine to find the one. He rejoices over each lost soul that returns to Him. These parables aren't just stories; they are a glimpse into the heart of God. They remind us that no matter how far we stray, no matter how lost we may feel, our Father is always searching for us, ready to welcome us home with a love that knows no bounds. He yearns for us to turn back to Him, to experience the joy of being found. So, let us run to Him, knowing that His arms are always open wide.