Because of our Lord Jesus Christ, there are now only two kinds of people in this world. There are the saved and the lost, those who have had their sins forgiven and are on their way to an eternity with God in heaven, and those who know not forgiveness and are headed for eternal judgment. There are those who are Christ’s and have had their nature gloriously changed from unregenerate to born again. And there are those who are dead in their sins without hope in this world. It is a difference between light and darkness. This difference has nothing to do with religion, as we often see the most religious people at odds with Jesus Christ. (As we see in today’s text Luke 16:14-17) It has everything to do with having a real relationship with God through the forgiveness and grace Jesus Christ alone offers.

Those who hold to this world’s values and priorities reveal that they are at odds with God’s values and priorities (1John 1:15-17). Those who live according to God’s Holy Spirit reveal that they are in step with God’s values and priorities (Gal 5:16-25).

Excerpt from today’s text…

And He (Jesus) said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.” (Luke 16:15, NKJV)

Verses that bring light on today’s text…

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2:15–17, NKJV)

That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:9–13, NKJV)

And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.”” (John 3:19–21, NLT)

Jesus – “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:28–30 NLT)

Remember, “It’s all about Jesus”!

Pastor Mike