Living in a Grace-Centered Economy - Nathan Rages

In Matthew 20:1-16, Jesus tells the parable of the workers in the vineyard who are hired at different times, work different amounts of time, and yet are all paid the same wage.  The parable teaches these four spiritual principles:

1. Believers do different amounts of Kingdom work but receive the same salvation (v1-10).

2. Our motivation for Kingdom service is not earning wages (v10).  

3. God chooses to give greater grace to some folks than others (v14-15).

4. We dare not grumble or envy when others receive more blessings than we do (v11,15).

A Camel, a Needle, and God Who Saves Impossible Cases - Nathan Rages

Luke 18:18-30 records Jesus' interaction with a man known as the Rich Young Ruler.  This passage reveals five major lessons: 

1. Lost people misunderstand true goodness (v18-21).

2. Jesus makes radical demands on prospective disciples (v22).

3. Materialism can prevent our salvation (v23-25).

4. God’s mighty grace saves “impossible” people (v26-27).

5. All our sacrifices for Christ will be abundantly rewarded (v28-30).

Let the Children Come to Me - Nathan Rages

Luke 18:15-17 describes the children being brought to Jesus for His blessing.  The account points to several truths about Christ's concern for children:  

1. Jesus welcomes children to Himself (v15-16).

2. Adults should make it easy for children to come to Jesus (v15-16):  

     In the family.  

     In the church. 

     In our evangelism. 

3. Only child-like people can become Christians (v16-17).

What Two Prayers Can Tell You - Nathan Rages

In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus tells a parable about two men praying in the Temple: a Pharisee and a tax collector:

1. The audience (v9).

2. The parable:

     Very different men (v10).

     Very different postures (v11,13).

     Very different prayers (v11-13).

     Very different results (v14).

3. The lesson (v14).

Applications:

1. The evil of religious pride.

2. The blessing of feeling conviction about your sin.

3. The way to be justified before God.  

Keys to a Successful Life - Nathan

As Joshua was taking over leadership of God's people after Moses' death, God gave him a lengthy exhortation in Joshua 1:1-9 promising him success and prosperity if he only would do four things:

Key 1: Act with courage because of God’s promises (v6,7,9).

Key 2: Speak often about Scripture (v8).

Key 3: Meditate constantly upon Scripture (v8).

Key 4: Obey everything God has commanded (v7,8,9). 

The Forgotten One in the Christmas Story - Nathan Rages

Out of all the characters in the story of Jesus' birth, the role of God the Father is often overlooked.  This message is based on John 6:38 “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.”   This verse teaches three great truths:

1. Christ existed before His conception and birth. John 1:1-2,14, 8:58, 13:3, 16:28.

2. Christ was sent into the world by God the Father.  Mark 12:6-7; Luke 10:16; John 3:16-17,34, 5:23-24,37-38, 6:29,44,57, 7:16,28-29,33, 8:16,18,26,42, 9:4, 10:36, 11:42, 12:44-45, 13:20, 14:24, 15:21, 16:5, 17:3,8,18,21,23,25; Rom. 8:32; 1John 4:9-10. 

3. Christ came to do the Father’s will rather than His own.  Matt. 26:39; John 4:34, 5:30,36,8:29, 12:49, 17:8; Phil. 2:6-8; Heb. 10:7.

Applications:

1. The Father and the Son are equally involved in our salvation.

2. We should follow Jesus’ example in submitting to our Sender.  

The Widow Who Wouldn't Quit - Nathan Rages

In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge, using the story to teach about several topics:

1. The power of persistent prayer (v1-7).

2. The certainty of God vindicating His chosen people (v7-8).

3. The scarcity of true faith when Christ returns (v8).