Sunday Morning Podcast | The Moody Church

Friends, this passage about the rich young ruler is brilliant! Jesus masterfully draws out the depths of this man's heart with three deft moves: deconstructing religion, diagnosing disease, and detailing hope. This rich young ruler, seemingly the perfect disciple candidate, approaches Jesus with a question: "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" But Jesus immediately challenges his assumptions about "goodness" and earning salvation through works. He exposes the ruler's belief that eternal life can be inherited by doing, that doing is within his power, and that God's standard is within reach. This is the problem with religion – it can never bridge the gap between our efforts and God's holy standard.   Jesus then diagnoses the rich young ruler's disease: idolatry. He commands him to sell all his possessions and follow Him, a personalized prescription targeting the ruler's love of wealth above God. This command wasn't a blanket requirement for discipleship, but a specific remedy for this man's

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, ac

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

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 t

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. Prophes

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 th

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 Kingd

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, h

Alright 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, hel

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 Eternity Life 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 seeki

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 ni

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 C

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

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 tim

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.

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 omnipotent

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-Grubbers There’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-Warts There’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 pr

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 Hypocrisy God 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 Elitism God desires earnest pu

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 Discernment Jesus desires, deserves, and demands our attention. Liberation without Lordship Jesus desires, deserves, and demands our surrender. Fandom without Following Jesus desires, deserves, and demands our obedience. Signs without Seeking Jesus desires, deserves, and demands our trust. Revelation without Receiving Jesus desires, deserves, and demands our welcome. Takeaway: What will you do with Jesus? C. S. Lewis in Mere

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