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Summary: In the ancient world, hospitality was a mutual exchange of favors. But in the teachings of Jesus, the practice became non-reciprocal. He challenges us to care specifically for those who cannot repay us: the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind.
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Summary: A man in New York City invited five homeless men to a Super Bowl party in 2017, and it changed their lives. Can this and a parable from Jesus inspire us to reach into our communities to those on the margins? |
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Summary: Whom we don’t invite can be just as telling as whom we do invite to our homes, our church and ultimately to the wedding feast of the Lamb. The thing is, this is not our banquet. It’s the Lamb’s, who bears the marks of slaughter. Jesus died for everyone, not just us. We are not gatekeepers, but servants of the Most High God. |
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Summary: We cannot confer honor upon ourselves; all we can do is accept the honor that God has already given us. |
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Summary: Jesus’ advice about where to sit at a banquet and who to invite to your parties teaches us about true humility that shows up in the frequent and familiar things of life. It also leads to generous actions for which we expect nothing in return. |
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Summary: Jesus turns the world upside down. He says that those who exalt themselves will not end up that way. They, in one way or another, will be humbled.
On the other hand, Jesus said that the person who humbles himself will be exalted. One thinks of St. Francis of Assisi, of Mother Teresa, of the Netherlands' saint, Corrie Ten Boom. We hail them for their loving contributions to the world and especially the church. Their pattern for living should also be ours as well.
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Summary: Jesus challenges us to reach beyond our comfort zones, beyond our naturally forming groups, and honor those in our midst who are needy and poor. |
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Summary: Jesus uses a meal to teach about humility and service. We find our true value and validation in the resurrection, not the ways we seek prestige now. The joy and healing of the resurrection free us to serve and love others, especially those who need it most. |
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Summary: Although Jesus’ call to sacrifice sounds too extreme, following Jesus enables us to grow a strong faith and engage in spiritual warfare. What Jesus does within us and the battles he enables us to fight bring the gratification of true discipleship. |
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Summary: We have a natural tendency to change our minds and rethink our decisions. We want to retain every possibility and travel every path. But this characteristic seems at odds with Jesus’ call to count the cost before following him.
But we can learn that such looking back, while disconcerting, can be an opportunity to recommit to our commitments. Most of the time, especially in our commitments to God and to other people, we’re better off to leave the bridges burned and stay on the side of the river we’ve chosen.
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Summary: Jesus challenges our postmodern world with an honest offer. |
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Summary: Shortly before Jesus headed to Jerusalem, he had large crowds following him. But there would be trouble ahead. That is when he said, “Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” He wanted serious followers. We cannot take lightly Christ and his Gospel. |
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Summary: Jesus calls us to assess carefully the cost of living as a disciple, for it is a life where self isn’t the highest priority, where traditional bonds of allegiance are subservient to the Gospel and where possessions are not the defining feature of our existence. |
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There are 13 sermons in your results. |
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