Holly Springs Bible Fellowship Podcasts

Luke 14:25-35 - In the parable of the Tower and the King, Jesus lays out the terms for discipleship.  Jesus is not interested in followers who will not follow through.  He has to be the essential thing in your life, and all your life must revolve around Him.  Discipleship requires an all-or-nothing commitment.  As a true disciple, you are a steward of everything God has given you and an owner of nothing.  

Luke 19:11- 27 - The parable of the pounds reminds us that Jesus will come again.  He came the first time as a servant, and He comes again as a King to claim His Kingdom.  Everyone will give an account to Him.  He will reject those who rejected Him and reward those who faithfully served and glorified Him.  Do everything this week for His glory, and do not be like the unprofitable servant who made life about himself and not the King's business.  

Luke 17:7-10 - The parable of the unprofitable Servant reminds us that we should possess a Servant Mentality.  An attitude of entitlement has no place for a disciple of Jesus.  A servant mentality that focuses on sacrifice, duty, and responsibility will honor our Lord.  Jesus does not want volunteers. He seeks servants who will serve Him out of love, joy, and gratitude.  Serve Him with your body, soul, and mind in all you do this week. 

Luke 16:1-13 - The unjust steward is praised for his ability to plan for his future but condemned for his job performance.  Jesus uses this parable to remind us that people of this world focus on their future here.  As God's children, our focus must be on the world to come.  True wealth comes from investing in things that matter for eternity in the world to come.  

Matthew 21:28-31 - The parable with the father and two sons reminds us that God offers salvation to all.  God desires children who live in obedience to His will and plans.  God wants a faith that is evident in our actions as well as our words.  Salvation is by faith in Christ, not works.  But salvation without works is not the faith that Jesus offers to everyone. Authentic Christianity is a lifetime of changing things in your life to live more like Christ every day.  It is a faith that is continually active. 

Luke 18:9-14 Pharisee & the Publican - Jesus teaches that good people do not go to heaven; justified people do.  The only way to forgiveness of sins is through Christ, not your good works.  In humility, you come to God asking for grace, mercy, and forgiveness.  God will make you His child forever change your relationship with Him.  Two men went to worship God that day, only one walked away as justified.  Which will you be?

Luke 18:1-8 - The parable of the widow and the judge reminds us that we serve a just God.  God will keep His promises, but we cannot equate God's delay or patience as inactivity.  Everything happens on God's timetable, not ours.  The ultimate goal for our lives is that God accomplishes His will through our lives as we serve Him.  

Luke 11: 5-8 - Jesus uses the parable of the friends request at midnight to remind us of some important principles regarding prayer.  Our Heavenly Father loves to hear and grant the requests of His children.  He is always listening and never sees his Children as a bother.  He does want them to be focused and sincere in their requests.  God actually encourages bold prayers and He His answer will always be what is best for us and His kingdom and plans for the world here and the world to come.  Pray this week. 

Luke 13:6-9 - Unmerciful Servant - The parable of the unmerciful servant has some serious implications regarding an unforgiving spirit.  At the very least, this attitude will lead to a life of torment and imprisonment.  God has forgiven you a debt you could never repay.  Allow God to work in your heart to create a forgiving, generous, and merciful spirit in all you do this week.  

Luke 13:6-9 - The parable of the Fig Tree teaches us that God is a God of second chances.  However, this parable also reminds us that God never obligates Himself to give us a second chance.  God's patience and opportunities will one day cease and everyone will face a day of accountability. 

Luke 10:29-37 - Jesus uses the parable of the Good Samaritan to remind us that loving God is about actions, not just words.  Sowing love and mercy is a way we demonstrate our love for God and others.  Getting involved in the life of others is messy and will come at a cost to us.  We are to use the resources God gives us to bring glory to God and serve those God puts in our path.  

Luke 7 - Jesus introduces the need for awareness of our sin.  He introduces us to a woman who is sacrificial, practical and focuses on her love for Jesus.  Jesus uses a parable to demonstrate that when we have been forgiven much, we love accordingly.  Love and worship God this week because He has paid a debt you could never repay.  Love Him with your heart, mind, and soul this week.  

When Sorrows Come - God reminds us that our faith will be tested.  During the times of testing, we have to be honest about our struggles and help one another.  We have to continually make the decision to turn our focus and attention to God.  It is only then that we will experience the peace of God that surpasses anything we know.  

Matthew 5:13-16 - Salt & Light - Jesus reminds His children that they must be salt and light in the world.  It is our responsibility to be in contact with a world that does not understand or know Christ.  We are called to be a light and a witness in that world.  We have to reflect the teachings of Jesus in all we do.  We have to allow Christ to be revealed by the way we speak and live our lives.  That is what we are called to do.  We must influence this world for Christ.  

Matthew 7:24-27 - Wise Builder - In the parable of the builder Jesus focuses on the foundation.  While both people built houses, only the one built on a solid foundation stood the storms.  One day the storms of life will come and on that day, the foundation of your life will be revealed.  Make sure that the foundation is Christ and that you are not just hearing God's Word.  Even Satan hears God's Word, but he refuses to obey God.  Don't make the same mistake. 

Matthew 20:1-16 -Vineyard workers - Jesus uses this parable to demonstrate the principles of God's grace. His grace is offered to everyone regardless of their standing.  It is offered equally and generously to anyone who will say yes.  None of us wants God to be just, we all want to be shown His grace and mercy.  Don't be envious of what God does in the life of others.  Rejoice in the grace and goodness He has shown to you.  

Easter Sunday - Matthew 21:42-46 - 2000 years ago, Jesus presented Himself to the world as a willing sacrifice to pay for their sin.  He offered the world a new foundation for life.  He showed people a new way to live life and a solid foundation for the storms of life.  Jesus makes the same offer to everyone today.  Some will accept Him, and others will reject Him.  Please consider the foundation of your life.   Your choice in this matter will determine your life's direction and will decide your eternal destination.  Make sure you have chosen Jesus.

Palm Sunday - Matthew 21:1-11 - Whether you realize it or not, God is at work in your life.  He is not going to do things the way that you think He should do something.  He gives everyone an opportunity to accept or reject Him as Savior and King.  You will either accept or reject Him, but He leaves the choice with you.  The people who praised him on Sunday rejected Him later in the week.  Don't make the same mistake.  

Luke 15:11-32 - Lost Son - Jesus concludes the stories of lost things by talking about a Father's love for his children.  In this story, we are challenged to think about the things that anger us.  Jesus reminds us that the Father welcomes everyone who comes to Him in repentance and without demands.  May each of us reflect God's love, grace, and kindness in all we do.  May we all rid ourselves of any self-righteousness that allows us to think we are better than anyone else and that everyone is deserving of God's love.