The Moody Church Sunday Morning Podcast

The path of discipleship is not for the faint of heart. It demands everything, a complete surrender to Jesus. It's like a king going to war, he's got to count the cost, assess his strength, before engaging a more powerful enemy. Are you willing to lay down your all, to make peace with the King of Kings? The truth is, many are invited to the feast of God's kingdom, but they find themselves preoccupied with the things of this world. They'd rather chase after fields and oxen than partake in the banquet of God's grace. But let me assure you, true blessing lies in answering the call of discipleship, no matter the cost. Now, some might balk at this, thinking it all sounds too difficult. But remember, we're not saved by our own efforts, by our ability to perfectly renounce everything. Salvation is a gift, received by grace, through faith in Jesus. It's in our surrender, in acknowledging our weakness, that we find true strength in Him. This radical surrender, this "dying to self," is at the heart of the Christian life. We die to sin, to control, to comfort, and in that death, we find new life in Christ. It's a paradox, but it's the truth. We lay down our lives, and in that surrender, we discover the abundant life Jesus promised. So, my friends, I urge you, don't be like the lukewarm salt, good for nothing. Stand out, be different, embrace the cost of discipleship. Let the world see the transforming power of Christ in you. This is a call to action, a call to full surrender, a call to truly live as followers of Jesus. Let's choose this day whom we will serve. Let's choose Jesus, no turning back.

The Protestant Reformation of the 1500s is particularly fascinating. It's surprising how some historians miss the theological depth of the Reformation, seeing it merely as a political struggle. But the reformers stood on two theological pillars: the Bible as the supreme authority and justification by faith alone. In Romans, Paul addresses our universal problem: we are all sinners, standing before God in filthy clothes, much like Joshua in Zechariah's vision. Satan accuses us, but Jesus commands, "Take off the dirty clothes," symbolizing the forgiveness of sins. We are then clothed in a spotless robe, representing the righteousness credited to us through justification. This is God's work, a gift of grace, not something we earn. Justification by faith alone means that through faith in Jesus, God declares us righteous. This doctrine was pivotal for Martin Luther, leading to his spiritual rebirth and the Protestant Reformation. Luther realized that righteousness before God was not his own but credited to him by God's grace. This brought him peace and assurance of salvation, as Romans 8:1 assures us there is no condemnation for those in Christ. The applications of this doctrine are profound. We have peace with God and assurance of salvation, knowing we stand before Him as beloved children. This is the essence of the gospel: God is the end of our soul's quest, the one who satisfies us completely. As we sing of Jesus' all-sufficient merit, may we rejoice in the grace given to us through faith in Him alone, to the glory of God alone.

In 1972, Francis Schaeffer, a renowned Christian philosopher, wrote He is There and He is Not Silent, arguing that God is actively revealing Himself in countless ways. His presence is evident in the cosmos, from the starry night sky to the laughter of a child. As Psalm 19:1-2 declares, the heavens are proclaiming God's glory. Schaeffer and the Bible remind us that the universe echoes with God's voice, speaking through creation, scripture, and most profoundly, through Jesus Christ. The question is, are we listening? In Luke 13, Jesus addresses the tragedies of His time, like the Galileans killed by Pilate and the collapse of the tower in Siloam. These events serve as a reminder that God is speaking through history. Jesus teaches that these tragedies are not necessarily due to the victims' sins but are part of the world's brokenness since the fall of Adam and Eve. He emphasizes the need for repentance, warning that unless we repent, we too will perish. Understanding and interpreting the signs of the times involves recognizing our need for God's mercy and grace. This recognition leads to repentance, a step towards justification by faith, as we acknowledge our dependence on God's grace for salvation. Jesus calls us to live in light of what God is doing in history, urging us to pay attention to His voice. The challenge is to interpret the events around you as opportunities to draw closer to God and live in light of His ongoing work. Listen actively to God's revelations and respond with faith and repentance, aligning your life with His purposes.

Pop quizzes in school are dreaded because they reveal whether you're prepared. Similarly, the Bible tells us an ultimate "pop quiz" is coming: the return of Jesus, the King of kings. We can't afford to be unprepared. Luke 12:35-59 outlines how to be ready for His return:Be Alert: Like servants waiting for their master, we must stay vigilant because Jesus will return when we least expect it.

Be Faithful: Jesus challenges us to be faithful stewards, ready for His return, and to avoid neglecting or abusing our responsibilities.

Be Loyal: Our loyalty to Jesus must surpass even family ties. His message will divide, but we must choose Him.

Be Prepared: Just as we anticipate weather changes, we must live in light of Jesus' return. It's essential to settle accounts with Him before it’s too late.Takeaway: Live in Light of the Return of the King If you don’t know Jesus, now is the time to embrace Him as Savior. If you do, it’s time to take discipleship seriously—be alert, faithful, loyal, and prepared. Jesus is coming back, and the ultimate "pop quiz" could happen at any time.

What exactly is the promise of Romans 8:28 (the translation question)?Romans 8:28 promises that God works all things together for the good of His people. Different translations emphasize either "all things work together for good" or "God causes all things to work together for good," but both affirm that God is actively involved. He is the one orchestrating all events for the good of His people. To whom does God make the stunning promise of Romans 8:28?To “those who love God” - These are believers whose love for God is a result of His prior love for them, expressed in saving faith. To “those who are called according to his purpose” - This refers to those whom God has called to salvation. Their calling is rooted in God’s eternal plan, ensuring that their salvation depends on His purpose, not their effort. What has to be true of God for Romans 8:28 to be a gloriously true promise?God must be wisely omniscient.He knows all things and directs them with perfect wisdom.God must be omnipotently sovereign.He has the power to control all things and work them for good.God must be lovingly good.His goodness ensures that even suffering and pain are used for His people's ultimate good. What is the “good” God works for his people through “all things”?The "good" in Romans 8:28 refers to being conformed to the image of Christ. This is God’s ultimate goal for believers: to shape us into the likeness of His Son, using everything in our lives, even hardships. What are just two of the “all things” God works together for the good of his people?Daily difficulties and lifetime calamitiesGod uses trials, like sickness or loss, to refine our character and make us more like Christ. The sin of other people against us

Like Joseph’s story in Genesis 50:20, God can take even the wrongs done to us and use them for good, just as He did through the cross.

Everyone needs a "why"—a reason to get up, a purpose for life. It leads to big questions: What is life all about? Why are we here? How do we live meaningfully? For followers of Jesus, these questions are central to the journey of discipleship. In Luke 12, Jesus tackles these existential questions through parables and analogies, focusing on what truly matters in life. 1. Money-GrubbersThere’s no life in amassing stuff.In Luke 12:13-21, Jesus addresses a man's desire for wealth by warning against greed. Through the parable of the rich fool, He highlights the futility of storing up possessions for oneself, as life is not measured by abundance. The rich man’s wealth couldn’t secure his life, and he wasn’t "rich toward God." Jesus reminds us that true life isn't found in amassing material things.2. Worry-WartsThere’s no life in fretful survival.In Luke 12:22-28, Jesus tells His followers not to worry about their basic needs, like food or clothing. He uses ravens and lilies to show that God provides for His creation, and humans, being more valuable, can trust God for their needs. Worrying doesn’t add to life; instead, it reflects a lack of faith in God’s care.3. Treasure-SeekersThere’s abundant life in our Father’s kingdom.In Luke 12:29-34, Jesus urges His followers to seek God's kingdom first, promising that their needs will be met. Instead of chasing material things, they are to store up treasure in heaven by living generously. True abundance is found in seeking God, where life and security are eternal.Takeaway: Am I seeking first my Father’s kingdom?

Are you focused on accumulating wealth, worrying over survival, or seeking the eternal riches of God's kingdom? Jesus invites us to trust in God's provision and live for His kingdom, where true treasure lies.

A lot of us are disenchanted with religion. There’s so much hypocrisy and abuse and scandal. No wonder so many people are checking out of organized religion, even if they still find Jesus to be compelling. Here at the end of Luke 11 and into 12 Jesus himself railed against the dangers of religion. It turns out that God isn’t actually interested in religion after all. He’s always been after a relationship with his children. If you find yourself disenchanted with religion, I want to invite you to hear what Jesus has to say. I think you’ll find that Jesus is even more upset with the dangers of religion than you are, and that his call is far more compelling than you might imagine. 1. The Danger of HypocrisyGod desires integrated lives.The Pharisees focused on outward rituals while their hearts were far from God. God wants our inner devotion and outward actions to be in harmony, avoiding the pretense of righteousness without true transformation.2. The Danger of ElitismGod desires earnest pursuit.Elitism fosters spiritual superiority, but God desires that all people seek Him sincerely. The kingdom is open to anyone with a humble heart, not just the "spiritually elite."3. The Danger of CoercionGod desires faithful dependency.Coercion forces compliance, but God seeks willing trust. True faith grows from a place of dependence on God’s goodness, not human pressure.Takeaway: God desires a genuine relationship with us, not empty religious practices.

Who is Jesus? This is the most important question anyone can ask. Is He a deceiver, a lunatic, a prophet, a teacher, or the Son of God? These questions have been asked for centuries. In the Gospels, people wrestled with who Jesus was—healing the sick, calming storms, and teaching with authority. Yet, they reached different conclusions. In Luke 11, we see groups who Mistook Jesus, thinking they had Him figured out, but they were wrong. Their mistaken responses are still seen today. Let’s learn from their mistakes and avoid Mistaking Jesus. Dismissing without DiscernmentJesus desires, deserves, and demands our attention.Liberation without LordshipJesus desires, deserves, and demands our surrender.Fandom without FollowingJesus desires, deserves, and demands our obedience.Signs without SeekingJesus desires, deserves, and demands our trust.Revelation without ReceivingJesus desires, deserves, and demands our welcome.Takeaway: What will you do with Jesus?

C. S. Lewis in Mere Christianity:

“I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.”

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?” Luke 9:23–25 Know God through Worship• We find ourselves, not within, but in worship. Feed Your Soul through Community• We find fulfillment, not in autonomy, but in community. Grow in Love through Service• We find meaning, not in success, but in service. Change Your World through Mission• We find purpose, not in monuments, but in mission. Takeaway: Jesus is inviting you on The Journey of a Lifetime…How will you choose to respond?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Matthew 4:1–11 is a foundation to illustrate how Jesus prepared for his mission through fasting and resisting temptation. Context of Matthew 4:The passage follows Jesus' baptism, where He identifies with humanity despite having no need for repentance.

Jesus is led into the wilderness by the Spirit to be tempted, which demonstrates both His humanity and divine nature.4 Lessons we learn about fasting:Obedience: Jesus' immediate obedience to God's direction, despite the harsh conditions, underscores the importance of responding promptly to God’s commands.

Empty to Be Filled: Fasting, as demonstrated by Jesus, is not just abstaining from food but an intentional act to gain spiritual strength and perspective.

The Sufficiency of the Word: Jesus relies on Scripture to resist temptation, highlighting the importance of using God’s Word as a defense against sin.

Desperation vs. Preparation: Jesus’ example shows us not to fast out of desperation but to fast during preparation as well