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How do we overcome the fear of judgment from others? How about from God? Because of Jesus, we joyfully anticipate the day of judgment.

Generosity with our blessings doesn’t come easily. When we remember the riches we have in Jesus, we realize we can be rich toward God.

An interview with Steve Ludwig

Will life ever get better? So many things in this life can cause us sorrow or pain. In heaven, life will be perfect.

“Money is the root of all evil.” Money is neither bad nor good. How we view it makes all the difference. Not money, but the love of money is the root of evil. Our riches our found in Jesus.

It is never easy to stand up for what is right when there is pressure to do what is wrong. We live without fear because we know who protects us and is leading us to our eternal home.

The pursuit of better earthly circumstances will never be fulfilled. We find riches and peace in Jesus.

“God helps those who help themselves.” This common idea has a hidden danger—it makes us a part of the good things that happen to us. This truth is appealing to our sinful nature, but we have no power to help ourselves.

Paul knew times of plenty and times of need. He was content in either situation. We have contentment through Jesus.

“This too shall pass” is an expression very similar to “time heals all wounds.” This phrase is not found in the Bible. The Bible does remind us that God gives us blessings even through our difficulties.

James and John angled for positions of honor in God’s kingdom. The pursuit of glory and fame is an empty exercise. We find fulfillment in Christ.

“God won’t give me more than I can handle.” Sounds good, doesn’t it? God does protect us and watch over us but notice how this phrase subtly suggests that we can handle things. God provides our way out.

We are often tempted to think we can be good enough to earn our salvation. God took all the pressure off us by sending Jesus to save us.

The humility of the tax collectors’ prayer for mercy provides an example for us. We humbly pray for God’s blessings.

Jesus’ death and resurrection have prepared for us a life that will last forever. We look ahead to our forever home in heaven.

Hezekiah poured out his heart to God in his prayer for God to spare his life. We pray to our Lord, who holds our lives in his hands.

Jesus’ parable of the lost son is a beautiful reminder of how deeply we are loved and how serious God is about saving us.

Abraham’s boldness is a great example for us. Even though God didn’t spare the cities, he “read between the lines” of Abraham’s prayer.

God calls us his dearly loved people. His love clothes us with a spirit of compassion, kindness, patience and love for each other.

Prayers are powerful and effective. God invites us to pray. The Bible provides numerous examples of powerful prayers. We will look at a few.

Jonah thought some were not worthy of God’s grace. How thankful we are that God’s love is for all people, including us!

God does his work in ways we might not expect. His message, foolishness to some, has brought us wisdom for salvation.

The power of God’s word is on display when Jonah preaches in Nineveh. God’s Word works powerfully today.

Jonah had time to think and to pray inside the big fish. His prayer reminds us that salvation comes from our Lord.

When God called him to preach in Nineveh, Jonah fled. God used a miracle to call Jonah back to him because he has concern for all people.

After Jacob’s death, the brothers still worried. Joseph assures them that God intended everything that happened to work for good. God does the same in our lives.

Joseph displays love and forgiveness to his shocked brothers. God offers us his love through Jesus our Savior.

When Benjamin found the silver cup in with his grain, the brothers thought they were doomed. Joseph had a surprise waiting for them. We fall short of God’s glory, yet God surprises us with his grace.

When his brothers returned, Joseph set them up to see if they had changed. God had changed their hearts–-just as he has changed our hearts.

The famine brings the brothers to Egypt and Joseph’s treatment exposes their guilt. God’s grace removes not only sin, but also guilt and shame.

When the time was right, God brought Joseph to Pharaoh’s palace so that he could preserve God’s promises. God lifts us up when we are in need.

Joseph longed for his freedom from prison, and God gave him ability to interpret dreams to give him hope. God sets us free from sin through Jesus.

Joseph’s roller coaster life takes another turn for the worse as he serves Potiphar and is accused of a crime. Jesus, too, was falsely accused, yet he willingly suffered for us.

Jacob caused trouble in his family by playing favorites. How thankful we are that God shows no favoritism but loves all people!

The Triune God watches over us, works in us, and gives us peace both now and forever.

On Pentecost, Jesus poured out the Holy Spirit on his disciples, just as he promised. The Holy Spirit continues to pour blessings into our lives.

Jesus ascended into heaven but he continues to bless us as we wait for his triumphal return and final victory over evil.

Jesus' story of the rich man and Lazarus reminds us that something incredible is waiting for us in heaven, and his word gives us the faith needed to be there forever.

Just as a branch can do nothing when separated from the vine, so we stay connected to Jesus to receive his blessings.

Question and answer night

Jesus declares himself to be the only path to eternal life. Through him we are saved.

Sheep need a shepherd. We need our Savior. Jesus laid down his life for us so that we will live.

How serious is Jesus about saving each one of us? How important are we to him? Jesus' parable of the lost sheep reminds us that he came to seek and to save the lost.

Our Savior is the light that illuminates the darkness of sin so that we are drawn to him. He gives us the light of life.

We face the temptation to focus on our life in this world, sometimes at the expense of remembering his gospel invitation. Jesus reminds us to be ready to attend his heavenly banquet.

Jesus offers himself as food that will always satisfy. He is the bread from heaven that leads us to heaven.

We live in a world in which we are told to promote ourselves, to get everything we think we deserve. Jesus reminds us that humility is God’s way to exalt us, just as Jesus humbled himself for us.

He is risen! Jesus' resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith and the sure hope that we, too, will live forever.

Cross Peace: The Royal Treatment