Calvary Chapel Sydney

While teaching concerning the kingdom of God, Jesus revealed His inevitable, unexpected return will result in the judgment of unbelievers. For people who would suffer for following Jesus the Parable of the Unjust Judge was an awesome reminder of God's love, care, and salvation of those who trust Him.

Jesus taught His disciples they had a duty to forgive others as God had forgiven them. Even when they had done all He commanded they remained unprofitable servants who benefited greatly by their loving and lasting relationship with Him. It is our duty to take heed to ourselves we are like the cleansed leper who returned with praise and thanksgiving to God.

After identifying His listeners as those who tried in vain to justify themselves, Jesus shared the story of the rich man and Lazarus. It is a cautionary revelation of the everlasting result of a life lived for self, and a comforting promise for those who repent and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ because those God will vindicate.

No one wants to waste what they value. Through the Parable of the Unjust Steward Jesus taught the practical importance of making the most of our opportunities in this life with eyes on eternity. The ones who are faithful to give themselves to God He will commit the true, enduring riches of the kingdom of God.

Through three parables Jesus taught His hearers how God seeks and rejoices over all those who repent. How gracious is the almighty God who is love, extends grace, and is compassionate to all. Whether we align more with the older or younger brother at the moment, we always ought to rejoice in our great God who loves and receives those who repent (with rejoicing!).

God has given people the freedom to choose to follow Him or make excuses. As flavourful salt and a lit lamp serve purposes, the disciples of Jesus are evidenced through love of God, making disciples, taking up our cross, and following Him. After counting the cost and making peace with God, may our good works be seen by all so God will receive glory.

After Jesus responded to the invitation of a Pharisee to dine, He miraculously healed a man and showed compassion all His followers are to emulate. More than preaching good manners Jesus was an example of humility, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Jesus used parables to teach people about the kingdom of God, and he promised what was hidden would be revealed. People who assumed they would be included in the kingdom of God would be shut out, but all who believe in Jesus and His Gospel will be born again. Through His death and resurrection Jesus would bring the once hidden power of the Gospel to light. Praise the LORD!

Supposing leads to error, but knowing Jesus and responding to Him in faith is the way of uprightness. Through a miracle Jesus did in a synagogue by loosing a woman from bondage, Jesus demonstrated His power to deliver and save all who come to Him by grace through faith. Today Jesus seeks from all the fruit of repentance to restore us to Himself.

Preparation is a practical part of all our lives inherent to success, and many do not realise the importance of spiritual preparation for a glorious eternal future. Jesus urged all people to prepare themselves to receive Him by faith because a day is coming when all will stand before God and give account for our stewardship. Those who watch and are prepared for Him will be most blessed by Him.

Jesus warned His followers of hypocritically trusting God for eternal life but not seeking Him to meet daily needs. Worry and greed will rob us blind of the abundant life God has already given us. Instead of vainly focusing on earthly security, we find rest for our souls in seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Jesus accepted the invitation of a Pharisee to dine together. During the meal Jesus pronounced many woes upon the self-righteous Pharisees, scribes, and lawyers which have relevance for all people. How gracious is our Saviour who desires mercy over sacrifice.

Jesus did miraculous signs to show He was the Messiah, but it was not enough for some people who were blinded by unbelief. The timeless teaching and exhortation the light of the world Jesus gave to His doubters and disciples is relevant for all today.

The disciples of Jesus asked Him to teach them to pray. In His lesson Jesus also taught them of the nature of God who delights in the persistent asking, seeking, and knocking of His beloved children aided by the Holy Spirit.

In the days of Jeremiah, the people of Judah turned away from the Lord. God sent His prophets to turn them back to Him but unfortunately false prophets captured people's attention. How could this happen then? How can this happen today?

Through the parable of the Good Samaritan and the interaction of Jesus with Martha and Mary we are provided wisdom for living today and eternity. Man's attempts to justify himself will fail, but the ones Jesus justifies by grace through faith in Him have assurance of eternal life and usefulness in His service now.

Jesus sent 70 disciples as lambs among wolves to proclaim the kingdom of God and prepare the way for Jesus. After their return Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit with thanksgiving at the fulfilment of God's awesome plans, and it is fitting we rejoice in Jesus as He works in and through us.

Jesus set His face to go to Jerusalem and called disciples to follow Him. Their interactions provide practical insight of the pitfalls believers face in excusing ourselves from the work He desires to do in and through us by His grace. If we know who Jesus is and the Spirit we are of, we are greatly aided to follow Jesus at any cost.

Jesus Christ is the Son of God who humbled Himself to be a man, and His disciples were eyewitnesses of His glory. The measure of greatness in the kingdom of God is not in calling, gifting, or accomplishments but those who follow His example of faith, obedience, and humility. The least among us will be great, and the greatest is Jesus Christ without rival.

Jesus gave power and authority to His disciples to preach the kingdom of God and over demons and diseases. Surrendering our lives to Jesus in faith and obedience is the only way we can live life to the full. Denying ourselves and taking up our cross daily is (ironically!) the joyous path to a glorious future with Jesus forever.