Everyday Truth with Kurt Skelly

When serving God becomes the problem!

Luke 10:38-42

The Christian life is full of distractions! It seems that Christians are distracted from the Lord by any number of temptations, trials, pleasures, misplaced priorities, etc. But would it surprise you if I said that *serving God* can actually be the problem itself? Yup. It's true. Find out how in today's episode.

Right answer--but wrong understanding

Luke 10:25-37

Religion often seems to give the right answer. You'll hear a lot about God and even Jesus from religious people. Sometimes the doctrine sounds perfect and the liturgy rings true; but the *real* apprehension always shows up in the application. Jesus taught this simple principle to a smart guy who couldn't seem to understand who a neighbor was.

Be careful what you rejoice about.

Luke 10:17-24

The disciples of Jesus were astounded that they had wielded such miraculous power in their missionary endeavors! But Jesus was careful to show them an even greater reason to rejoice. They were glad for dynamic temporary blessings; Jesus taught them to rejoice in more permanent eternal ones!

Opportunity means Accountability

Luke 10:10-16

Those who have been given great opportunity bear greater accountability than those who have not. Jesus specifically rebuked the cities where he had spent most of his time and had performed most of his miracles. He even said that they would be held more accountable than the notorious cities like Sodom! Modern Christians should pay particularly close attention to teaching like these...

Urgency demands efficiency.

Luke 10:1-8

The Gospel message demands urgency on the part of its proclaimers. Far too easy it is for us to become distracted by this or that. Jesus sent out 70 gospel witnesses toward the end of his public ministry; these witnesses and a mission to compete and specific marching orders to follow. We can learn a lot about how they went, what they did, and the responses they received.

Jesus is not impressed with your decision card. (Luke 9:57-62)

Luke 9:57-62

Three would-be followers of the Lord appeared to be excellent candidates for discipleship. But when pressed further on the matter, each of them offered his one reason why he couldn't actually follow the Lord now. Be careful listening to this episode: it's a convicting truth, and it applies to a whole lot of people!

Fighting fire with fire!

Luke 9:51-56

Not everyone will understand our commitment to the Gospel. In fact, some will be downright obstinate toward and attempt to move it forward. What should be our reaction? It seems that some of the disciples wanted to fight fire with fire. Literally!

Let it sink in!

Luke 9:43-50

So many of the common things that we say find their origin in the bible... and the title today's podcast is one of them. Jesus told his disciples to let his saying "sink down" into their ears. Sometimes truth is not immediately comprehended. It needs the fertilizing influence of meditation and consideration. Such was the case in Jesus' teaching. It was so radically different from the "truths" they had accepted, that is took time and thoughtful consideration to reconsider the very nature of truth itself.

 

Why do we struggle helping people?

Luke 9:37-42

This was basically the question the disciples asked the Lord after he healed a young man who had been tormented for years. "Why couldn't we help him?" Without faith--true and dynamic faith in a powerful God--the modern church is powerless to help people. Today's little vignette reminds us that we need Jesus desperately if we are to serve him effectively.

Hear him!

Luke 9:27-36

If you want some direct advice from God the Father about how you should relate to Jesus, then read the title of this podcast again! Although it sounded radical, Jesus' message was completely consistent with the entirety of the Old Testament law and prophets. In fact, he is the very subject of the bible--Old Testament, New Testament, and every book in both!