The Rich Man & Lazarus

Doxa Church - WA

The Rich Man & Lazarus

March 10, 2024 • Eddie Williams • Luke 16:19–31

Have you ever considered the true cost of your worldly pursuits, or what it means to live a life rich in spiritual wealth? This weeks sermon is a deep-dive on heaven and hell as we navigate Jesus's parable of the rich man and Lazarus, highlighting the stark contrasts between temporary riches and the treasures of God's Kingdom. As Easter approaches, let this be your guide to reevaluating where your heart truly lies, and whether your lifestyle choices reflect the eternal values that matter most.

Confronted with Jesus's sobering warnings in Luke 13, we're urged to reflect on the dire consequences of neglecting God's path. We tackle the difficult truths about the reality of hell and the urgency for repentance while embracing the lifesaving grace offered through Jesus's mission. This isn't just theological musing; it's a clarion call for genuine discipleship. Step into a life of authenticity, shedding the trappings of religious identity, and embark on a transformative journey of faith that promises hope beyond our earthly existence.

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Parables, Jesus, Rich Man, Lazarus, Wealth, Afterlife, Kingdom of God, Discipleship, Hell, Repentance, Grace, Scripture, Belief, Salvation, Faith, Forgiveness, Doxa, Church, Eastside, Seattle, Redmond

The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

March 24, 2024 • Eddie Williams • Luke 18:9–14

Have you ever found yourself judging someone only to realize that you're standing in a hall of mirrors, reflecting your own flaws? That moment of self-revelation is at the heart of this, the final sermon in this series where we've journeyed through the parables of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke, this time with a compelling narrative of the Pharisee and the tax collector. Through the lens of Luke 18, we discover that the Kingdom of God isn't just about righteous acts but a radical change of heart. The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector is a profound lesson in humility and a mirror to our own potential for self-righteousness. As we reflect on Jesus' path to the crucifixion, we're reminded of the pressing need for internal transformation, challenging us to look beyond our deeds and into the core of our being. This sermon serves as a poignant reminder that entrance into God's Kingdom necessitates a new heart posture—one of contrition and openness to God's grace. ---------- Parables, Jesus, Gospel of Luke, Human Heart, Kingdom of God, Reflections, Humility, Righteousness, Pharisee, Tax Collector, Palm Sunday, Easter, Crucifixion, Resurrection, Internal Transformation, Heart Attitudes, Sin, Debt, Mercy, Confidence, Renewal, Self-Righteousness, Contempt, Works, Righteousness, Pride, Comparison, Judgement, Admitting Wrongdoings, Responsibility, Gaslighting, Accountability, Justification, Humility, Mercy, Sacrifice, Ego, Faithfulness, Insecurity, Boasts, Redemption, Suffering, Human Condition, Confidence, Strength, Faithfulness, Trial, Joy, Conviction

The Persistent Widow

March 17, 2024 • Eddie Williams • Luke 18:1–8

Have you ever felt like your prayers are just echoes in a vast void? You're not alone. In this latest sermon, we grapple with the power of persistent prayer, as demonstrated by the Parable of the Persistent Widow. Pastor Eddie peels back the layers of Jesus' parable, revealing the profound truth about our communication with the Father. It's a discussion that challenges the heart of our faith--especially when faced with society's comfortable complacency. Can expressing doubt, confusion, and suffering actually deepen our connection with the Almighty? We engage in this dialogue, emphasizing the transformative effect that comes from aligning our desires with God's plan through prayer—whether it's our pain, joy, or the uncertain spaces in between. Prayer is more than just a wish list—it's a conduit for spiritual awakening and engagement with God's presence. We would invite you to come boldly to the Father who loves you deeply and wants the best for you--so ask Him! --------- Parables, Prayer, Gospel of Luke, Persistent Prayer, Losing Heart, Despair, Deconstruction, God's Kingdom, Comfortable Society, Urgency, Trust, Spiritual Growth, Unanswered Prayers, Divine Realities, Spiritual Awakening, Engagement, God's Presence, God's Power, Jesus, Gospel, Gospel-Centered, Doxa, Church, Eastside, Redmond, Seattle

The Prodigal Son

March 3, 2024 • Donald Zimmerman • Luke 15

Have you ever found yourself lost, only to discover that the path back home was lined with grace you never knew existed? This sermon peels back the layers of the Parable of the Prodigal Son, revealing a tale not just of a wayward child but a radical illustration of the Kingdom of God. We explore the nuances of Jesus's parable, contrasting the joyous celebration of God's love with the scorn of the Pharisees, and in doing so, we challenge the very structures they—and perhaps we—uphold. The story of the father's unconditional embrace and the ensuing feast for his returned son becomes a powerful metaphor for our relationship with the Father. It's a call to introspection about our own reception of grace and how it shapes our understanding of our place at God's table--it's a heartfelt invitation to see beyond the cultural norms and to celebrate the transformative power of being known and loved. We dissect the misconceptions held by both the younger and the older brother in the parable, and we dive into the perils that self-righteousness holds and the barriers it creates--keeping us from experiencing God's grace fully. The conversation prompts us to abandon the futile attempt to earn God's favor--reminding us of our inherent value is as children in the family of God. Join us as we reflect on humility, grace, and the jubilation that accompanies the realization of our true identity and worth. ---------- Parable, Prodigal Son, Grace, Redemption, Kingdom of God, Luke, Gospel, Pharisees, Reflection, Self-Examination, Divine Love, Self-Righteousness, Pride, Despair, Humility, Cynicism, Scorekeeping, Spiritual Journey, Relationships, Resources, Performance, Sacrifice, Need, God's Voice, Clarity, Humility, Doxa, Church, Eastside, Seattle, Redmond