Jewel Lake Parish Sermon Podcast

Why are Christians involved in works of charity, if it is God who provides the resources? Why would God complicate that simple idea of divine assistance by involving people — especially people who sometimes don't feel like being generous? What is God trying to accomplish? Pastor Luke teaches from 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 in "High Yield - Profit Participation, Part 5," the concluding message in his series, "Profit Participation."

Beside the desire, one thing is required for us to be generous. And it's not money. Pastor Luke teaches from 2 Corinthians 9:1-5 in ""Show Me the Money" - Profit Participation, Part 4," part 4 of his 5-part series, "Profit Participation."

The Apostle Paul wrote that churches must not only handle donations honorably, but be seen by others as doing so. It's true that how we treat money is part of our witness. But behind this point lies a larger one: being a Christian doesn't mean you'll never make a mistake again, or do something you'll regret later. What does Paul teach about that? Pastor Luke preaches from 2 Corinthians 8:16-24 in "Web of Trust - Profit Participation, Part 3," part 3 of his 5-part series, "Profit Participation."

Under the First Covenant, Israelites were obligated to support the religious system. Is that still in effect? Are Christians obligated to give money to the church? And if so, how much? (Technical note: The original audio recording of this message could not be used, so another recording of the message was substituted.) Pastor Luke teaches from 2 Corinthians 8:8-15 in "Earnest Money - Profit Participation, Part 2," part 2 of his 5-part series, "Profit Participation."

Most people today probably enjoy being generous -- except when they can't, due to the circumstances of their lives. That was probably true in the first century, too. What should we do if our circumstances don't permit it, but we still want to be generous? Pastor Luke looks at 2 Corinthians 8:1-7 in "Profit Participation (Part 1)," the first message in a new series, "Profit Participation."

Ash Wednesday begins the liturgical season of Lent, a time of fasting and self-discipline. What's the point about these practices? What's special about these disciplines is how they convincing people about the authenticity of our faith. Especially when we're the one who needs the most convincing. Pastor Luke preaches from 2 Corinthians 5:16-6:10 in "Ambassadors."

Three of his four biographies describe when Jesus was transfigured, but none of them explain its significance. What was revealed in his transfiguration? What does it matter to us now? Pastor Luke looks at 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 in "Unveiled."

Which do you need more: new things, or new places to store them? We conclude our "Uncluttered" series with a lesson from Jesus about what to do when we start thinking we might need bigger barns. Pastor Luke looks at Luke 12:13-21 in "Bigger Barns," part 6 of his 7-part series, "Uncluttered."

Do you have enough time to do everything you'd like to? Would you like to make better use of the time you have? Jesus taught how we can unclutter our time by focusing on the present. Pastor Luke looks at Exodus 8:1-15 in "Right Now," part 5 of his 7-part series, "Uncluttered."

We've been discovering some spiritual disciplines that make our lives less cluttered. This week, we'll look at prayer. What does prayer have to do with clutter? Pastor Luke teaches from Luke 18:1-8 in "The Lord Will Fight For You," part 4 of his 7-part series, "Uncluttered."

This week, we'll talk about something that's never been easy, but it is increasingly rare in our society: forgiveness. Why is it a discipline, and how can we practice it? Pastor Luke looks at Ephesians 4:30-5:2 in "Relinquish," part 3 of his 7-part series, "Uncluttered."

This week we’ll study one of the most difficult spiritual disciplines. But it doesn't need to be. People rarely struggled to practice it in Bible times, or even 200 years ago. Pastor Luke looks at Genesis 28:10-19 in "Stairway to Heaven," part 2 of his 7-part series, "Uncluttered."

Being a disciple means trusting Jesus enough to put his teaching into practice. But when you’re stressed out and have too much going on, taking on a new project doesn’t seem wise—even if Jesus recommends it. But what if Jesus already knows that? Pastor Luke looks at Mark 2:23-28 in "Uncluttered," the first message in a new series, "Uncluttered."

People often begin a new year by making resolutions. We might finally kick a bad habit, say, or to tackle some project or take on a responsibility. How can people of faith make that kind of change in their lives? What guidance does our faith give us? What help is it? Pastor Luke teaches from Exodus 3:7-12 in "Now Go."

In the most recent "EXTREME Preaching" occasion, we covered two subjects\: (1) The connection in the Gospel between repentance and faith. (2) The story of Naaman the Syrian. Pastor Luke teaches from Acts 20:21 in "EXTREME Preaching."

Peace on Earth is what the angels sang to the shepherds. But people sometimes find it difficult to experience that peace, especially in December. Maybe we aren't thinking about peace the right way. What else might the angels have been trying to communicated? Pastor Luke looks at Luke 2:1-20 NLT in "Peace on Earth."

In the Magnificat, Mary sees her unborn child as inaugurating a revolution. When will it happen? Who carries out the revolution? What kind of revolution is it? And what is our role? Pastor Luke teaches from Luke 1:39-56 NLT in "Exalting the Humble – The Coming Light, Part 5," the concluding message in his series, "The Coming Light."

The Day of the Lord means salvation is available to everyone. But do our actions matter? John the Baptist seemed to think so. Why? And if so, is salvation really for everyone? Pastor Luke teaches from Luke 3:7-18 NLT in "Fruit of Repentance – The Coming Light, Part 4," part 4 of his 5-part series, "The Coming Light."

Jesus said the Day of the Lord isn't something to fear, but rather, it means our salvation is coming. But whose salvation did he mean? Does the Day of the Lord mean that salvation for everyone? Pastor Luke teaches from Luke 3:1-6 NLT in "Leveling Up – The Coming Light, Part 3," part 3 of his 5-part series, "The Coming Light."

"Can things get any worse?" is a dangerous question, because sometimes we find out exactly how they can. But Jesus invites his disciples to consider this question, so he can teach them what happens when things are as bad as they can possibly be. Pastor Luke teaches from Luke 21:25-36 NLT in "The Coming Light – The Coming Light, Part 2," part 2 of his 5-part series, "The Coming Light."