Luke 19:41-42, 44 (MSG) When the city came into view, He wept over it.  “If you had only recognized this day, and everything that was good for you!  But now it’s too late…. because you didn’t recognize and welcome God’s personal visit.”   Matthew recounts another parable Jesus told in His final days – another…

Matthew 21:43 (MSG) Jesus said, “Right – and you can read it for yourselves in your Bibles: The stone the masons threw out is now the cornerstone.  This is God’s work; we rub our eyes, we can hardly believe it!  This is the way it is with you.  God’s kingdom will be taken back from…

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (NLT) Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?  God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple.  For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.   We have celebrated Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.  We know,…

Revelation 3:20 (NLT) “Look!  I stand at the door and knock.  If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”   Jesus is more than a set of rules or a moral code of conduct.  He is calling you into a relationship! …

John 21:16 (NLT) Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”   What does Jesus mean to you?  Is He a moral code of conduct?  The path to heaven?  A model of goodness?  A passion in your life? Were your answers yes, yes, yes, and kinda?  If so, Jesus might be…

Romans 5:6-8 (NLT) When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.  Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good.  But God showed his great love for…

Romans 5:15, 18, 20 (NLT) For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many.  But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ.  Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship…

Philippians 1:28-30 (NLT) Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies.  For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for Him.  We are in this struggle together.   It is absolutely a privilege to be called a child of God.  I am so…

Hebrews 12:2 (NLT) We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.  Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame.  Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.   We move toward whatever we focus on.  If you…

Ephesians 1:7-8 (NLT) He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.  He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.   It’s one thing to be pleasant in the checkout lane and another to sacrifice your…