Brooklyn Tabernacle - Audio Sermons Feed

When Jesus called the twelve disciples, He didn’t choose anyone wealthy. No one trained religiously. No one strong or educated. He chose people with no aptitude—except an aptitude to make mistakes at first. Doesn’t that encourage us? God is not looking for ability. He is looking for availability. Let’s follow Jesus today.

A lot of us are so full of anxiety that we can’t sleep at night. But God doesn’t want His children to worry. “Humble yourself,” He says, “and give that burden to Me. I will handle it!” Our Father loves us so much. Let’s make up our minds today, by the grace of God, “I will cast my cares on God! He will handle these cares and pressures.”

Jesus never promoted Himself. But large crowds followed Him anyway. They heard by word of mouth how He was doing good and healing those oppressed by the devil. We do one thing for God, and we want everyone to know about it. Why don’t we just do good and help people and then seek obscurity? The more we give Jesus all the glory, the more the Holy Spirit will strengthen, bless, and help us.

Jesus told the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He was asking him to do what he couldn’t do. As the man stretched out the thing that was a limitation in him, he was healed. What’s holding you back today? Laziness, materialism, unforgiveness, a secret sin? Stretch it out in the name of Jesus today. He will set you free.

Some Christians are more interested in rules than in people getting saved. “Do you keep the Sabbath?” “You can’t wear makeup.” “How often do you take communion?” But Jesus got upset with people who were stuck on the letter of the law but had no compassion in their hearts. Let’s not glorify the law. Instead, let’s give glory to Jesus and tell others of His love.

Jesus was constantly butting up against certain Old Testament teachings. “No, it doesn’t matter what you eat,” He told people. Instead, He taught, “I’m going to give you a new heart and mind.” That’s why He said new wine needs new wineskins. We don’t live by the old letter of the law. No. In Jesus Christ, we have new life.

Have you ever fasted? When we need more prayer, more Bible study, more waiting on God, more faith for victory over big mountains, fasting is appropriate as the Lord leads. How often? How regularly? Jesus didn’t say. But when we spend time with God and deny the physical world, the things of eternity will come closer to us.

God made laws for the universe, like gravity. They’re unchanging. But the apostle Paul wrote about a spiritual law that God created: “A man reaps what he sows.” Every day we are sowing seeds, either for good or for bad, and we will reap their fruit. By God’s grace, let’s sow for good. Then we will reap a reward, both in this world and for eternity.

When Jesus called a hated tax collector to follow Him, it caused a problem. “Why is He with riffraff?” the religious leaders said. But Jesus didn’t come for people who have it all together. He came for people who are messed up. If we have good doctrine in our churches but don’t love people, we’re missing the heart of God. Let’s be like Jesus.

Jesus had just healed a paralyzed man, and the people were giving God glory. But not the religious leaders. They had seen the miracles of Jesus. But they refused to believe in Him. That’s a word of caution for us. We can listen to daily devotions, go to church, read God’s Word, but it can become mechanical. Let’s be intimate with the Lord today. Let’s be open to His working and give Him glory.

Does our friend have a need? Let’s get him or her to Jesus. That’s what intercessory prayer is all about. Four men in the Bible were so intent on getting their paralyzed friend to Jesus that they tore up a roof and lowered him down in front of the Lord. Let’s be like those men and drop someone, in faith and prayer, right in front of Jesus today for salvation, deliverance, healing.

When our hearts are breaking, our worlds are in pieces, we can’t fix the messes we’ve made, does Jesus care? Yes. Even when we’ve ignored His plans for us and gone our own way, He is saying, “Come to me, all of you are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Jesus cares. His heart is touched with our griefs. Let's be comforted by His help today.

Some of us are lonely. We feel like no one cares. But Jesus has compassion on us. When a leper found the faith to ask Him for healing, Jesus didn’t just speak to the man’s disease. He touched him—an untouchable. Aren’t you happy that God in the flesh didn’t say, “Uh, step back a little bit.” Jesus wants to touch you and me today and fill us with His joy, peace, and healing.

What are you going through today? Do what the leper did: bring it to Jesus. Your marital problem, aching heart, financial pressure, assault from the enemy, out-of-control habit, secret that’s eating you up—Jesus has authority over it. And He’s willing to heal it. Stir up fresh faith, and bring your need to Jesus today.

Paul wrote, “Do everything without arguing.” Yet in our pride and anger, we argue with our families, in the church, over politics. “You’re not allowed another opinion," we say. "You’re a devil if you don’t think like me.” Instead, let’s be like Jesus, who never argued. By God’s grace, let’s overlook quarrels and live in the sweetness of unity and peace with other believers.

How do we know what God wants us to do each day? The same way Jesus knew God’s will: from spending time with the Father. Just as the Father sent Jesus, so Jesus has sent us into the world. To do what? Whatever He tells us. May the Lord give us today our daily marching orders for Him.

Jesus ministered nonstop, healing sick people, driving out demons. But notice, “Early in the morning, while it was still dark,” He found a deserted place to pray. Jesus needed balance. So do we. As Christians, we should work, volunteer, serve. But we also need time alone with God. Work and devotion. Service and prayer. May God give us balance today.

We’re not saved to say “Whoa! God helped me! Now it’s back to the same old routine.” No. We can learn from Peter’s mother-in-law who, the minute she was healed by Jesus, began to serve Him and His disciples. If we’ve experienced the gracious touch of Jesus Christ in our lives, let’s reach out and touch others in the name of our Savior. We’ve been saved to serve.

Right now what the church needs is people who perceive the spiritual moment we’re in and know what to do. Like the men of Issachar, who gave themselves to help make David king, believers in America and around the world need to realize, “This is a critical moment. We need to make Jesus King over more people. We’re going to give ourselves to it.” Let’s do it today.

Jesus was so famous so that He barely had time to eat. Why? Not by promoting Himself. Rather, because God was doing something new and powerful through Him. Our churches should be like that—people coming not because of our fancy buildings or fog machines but because God is among us, souls are getting saved, miracles are happening. People will be pick up on it and be blessed.

Satan wants to make us slaves to demonic powers, selfish appetites, sinful habits, darkness, hate, prejudice, lust. But Jesus Christ can break the power of demons, just as he did for a man with an unclean spirit. Oh, thank God that Jesus came to set the captives free! Let’s let Him do that for us today.

Complaining is a big deal. We think it’s minor, but complaining is accusing God of being unkind to us. When Israel did it, God brought judgment on them. Yes, life can be tough. But God has put us where we are. He is working something out! Instead of complaining, let’s believe God, and let’s praise Him. We will see the answer in His perfect timing.

What was it about Jesus that first got people’s attention? It wasn’t a miracle. It was His teaching with authority. A sermon or conversation can be doctrinally correct but can put us to sleep. We need spiritual authority when we speak for the Lord—for witnessing to people, talking to our spouses, trying to turn a relative toward God. May God give us spiritual authority in the name of Jesus.

When we follow Jesus, He doesn’t give us an itinerary. It’s like when He called James and John from their father’s fishing boat: “Follow Me.” No explanation. But those two young men left their father, his boat, and the hired men, and they followed the Lord. When we yield ourselves to His will, even though we don’t know the path ahead, Jesus gives us joy unspeakable and full of glory.

What background in training did the disciples have? They were fishermen. Some Christians today say, “Before we hire this guy, he needs to take this personality test.” Not Jesus. He told Peter and Andrew, “I will make you fishers of men.” It’s not what we have. It’s what God can make of us. All we have to do is follow Jesus. He will use us in ways we can’t imagine.

What’s the number-one thing you need from God today? Jesus taught us to ask Him for it: “Give us today our daily bread.” God did not tell us to frustrate ourselves by asking for things and He wouldn’t listen. No, He said, “Ask, and you shall receive.” What do you want God to do for you? Let’s pray in faith today.

Some churches harp on people, “Repent! You’re a mess!” Other churches teach the opposite: “Just believe. God loves you! You’re going to fulfill your destiny.” But Jesus taught the gospel, which includes both: “Repent and believe the good news!” Let’s be honest and repent of our sin, and then let’s cling to Jesus and trust Him for the abundant life He offers us.

Barren wilderness. Satan attacking. Wild animals. That’s what surrounded Jesus when the Holy Spirit led Him into the desert. But angels ministered to Him. We can be under assault, in the worst circumstance, but if we’ll open our hearts, God will send angels to minister to us—a scripture, comfort from the Holy Spirit, an encouraging friend. The Lord is merciful and compassionate. Let’s look up.

Jesus told us, “Let your light shine before others.” People in our local grocery stores, doctor’s offices, and post offices are longing for answers to life’s problems—and hungry to receive God’s love reflected through our lives in ordinary ways. We don’t need a pulpit, an endorsement, or a degree to tell others about Jesus. We just need to obey.

When Jesus was baptized by John, the Holy Spirit descended on Him like a dove. Even Jesus needed the unction of the Holy Spirit to perform miracles and preach sermons. How much more, then, do we need the Spirit in order to obey God and love others and grow in Christ? Let’s be seeking the Holy Spirit more and more.

John baptized people with water. But Jesus came to baptize us with the Holy Spirit. This is where the power and change in Christianity are found. Water baptism is about repentance, but it doesn’t empower us to change. But when we’re baptized in the Spirit, Christ within us gives us the power to be steadfast and bold for Christ. What good news.

You know what the hardest thing is when sharing Jesus with others? It’s not figuring out how to dazzle people or be clever. It’s getting out of the way so that Jesus gets all the attention. John the Baptist said, “I’m not even worthy to untie Jesus’ sandals.” He was just an arrow pointing people to Jesus. That’s all any of us can be.

When life is tough, we want solutions. But the apostle Paul prayed that God would give us something else: the power to endure trials with patience. Jesus lived as a suffering servant—and this is the example we are to follow. We don’t have to react to suffering in our typical ways. Jesus within us will give us power to endure with patience.

“Repent! Make things right!” That’s what John the Baptist preached to prepare the way for Jesus. Today the word “Repent” is unusual in the church. But we can’t experience the joy of Jesus until we’ve repented of sin. The good news begins with the bad news that we’re in trouble. But the good news is that Jesus came for people in trouble, like you and me.

You want bad news? Turn on the television. But aren’t you happy that the gospel of Jesus is Christ is good news? When the gospel begins to work in us, our lives are changed—past, present, and future. That’s triple good news! Let’s praise Jesus Christ today for what He came to do for you and me.

Are you weary? Burdened? Trudging along, worn out, carrying a load of misery, guilt, or fear? Jesus is inviting you, “Come to me.” The promise is for “all”—people of every gender, race, or status. Let’s leave our own opinions and goals and self-seeking, and let’s come to Jesus. He will give us rest.

Do you call other believers “brother” and “sister”? That pleases God. But we can’t just call each other “Brother This” and “Sister That.” We need to care about each other. When Jesus returns, we’ll be with our brothers and sisters in Christ forever. Let’s start having fellowship now, looking for ways to encourage each other, pray for each other, rejoice together. God put us in a family. Let’s enjoy it.

The writer of Hebrews prayed that God would equip us with everything good. Why? To do His will. “No, I want to be on The Voice,” we say. “I want to win the lottery.” But God doesn’t equip us to chase our dreams. He equips us to do His will. Let’s ask the Lord for both the desire and the ability to do what is pleasing to Him. Then we’ll have joy unspeakable

Do you need peace today? Maybe you’re agitated and worried. You’re operating with inner friction and turmoil because someone has let you down, you’re under pressure, your children are into bad things. But God is a God of peace. Let’s ask God to fill us with His Spirit and produce His fruit in us—the fruit of peace.

It’s miserable to have an unclear conscience. When that “umpire” inside us is nagging at us, calling out “Strike!” we can’t enjoy anything. But praise God, the blood of Jesus cleanses us! If we confess our sin, we can have clear consciences. Oh, thank God for His mercy.

The news today is filtered to fit various agendas. But God always tells things exactly like they are. In 1 Peter He gives us news that is cause for rejoicing—we are chosen, we have a living hope, we have an inheritance in heaven! But He tells us the honest truth: the joyous gifts are mixed with suffering. Why? God is strengthening our faith. That’s good news! Let’s keep believing God.

Everybody needs someone praying for them. That’s why the author of Hebrews wrote, “Pray for us.” God uses prayer as a channel to dispense grace, blessings, strength, love, encouragement, guidance, consolation. What would happen if we all started praying for each other? Let’s pray for someone we love today, and let’s ask others to pray for us.

Hebrews describes a healthy local church: the leadership is like Jesus, who washed the disciples’ feet, and the members submit to the leader because they know God put that person there. Is the leader perfect? No. But we respect the authority of a leader who is watching out for our souls, preaching the Word, and declaring Jesus. Let’s serve the Lord together in peace and harmony.

A lot of people don’t like to submit to leaders. Are there bad leaders? Absolutely. But a true shepherd is not after people’s money or bragging about their church. A true shepherd watches over people’s souls. Let’s make sure that we’re worshiping where we can cooperate biblically with those who are over us in the Lord, and then let’s honor our leaders.

Sometimes the secret to answered prayer is just praising God. At times God says, “Don’t ask me for anything. Just stand still and praise me. Watch what I will do.” Let’s not be discouraged or afraid. Let’s stand in faith, praising God like King Jehoshaphat and the army of Israel did. The battle is not ours but God’s! The Lord will give the victory.

Jesus didn’t die so we could have organized religion. He died so we could belong to Him. So let’s not just go to church on Sundays. Instead, let’s do what Hebrews tells us to: profess Jesus’ name openly, do good, and share with others. We can praise the Lord today, and we can do good to someone today, and we can share with someone today. As we do, our Father will look down on us and say, “Well done.”

Jesus has done so much for us! His blood has totally covered our sins. Now we don’t need incense. We don’t need rituals. Because of this, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise. Not just on Sundays but in the subway, on a bus, in a car, in the shower, in the morning, in the evening, on the street. Jesus deserves our praise.

Did your parents ever say to you, “Why don’t you listen?!” God says that to us too: “If my people would only listen to me!” (Psalm 81:13). Too often we’re distracted, and we miss God's voice. But if we will listen, the Lord will guide us, protect us, delight in us, and bless us abundantly. When the Lord whispers to our hearts, it changes everything. Let’s listen to Him today.

What makes God happy? According to Hebrews 13:16, God is pleased when we “do good” and “share with others.” We can do good, even to our enemies. And we can share with others, buying someone lunch or helping with a need. The more we do it, the more we’ll enjoy it, and God will be happy with our sacrifice to Him.

A lot of us praise God only in church. But Hebrews says that we should “continually” offer God a sacrifice of praise. Jesus gives us grace, blesses us, protects us 24/7, but we can praise Him only on Sunday for seventeen minutes? Let’s freely, openly, unashamedly praise Jesus today. He’s worthy of our praise.