Redeemer West Side

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | Matthew 18:21-35 One YouTube comment said, “Unforgiveness is definitely the flavor of the day.” We live in a time and age where giving and receiving forgiveness is an uncommon experience, and yet we all desire it. The parable of the unforgiving servant by Jesus gives us a picture of why Christians are called to forgive and how we can experience it.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | Luke 18:1-8Does God hear our prayer? Jesus shows us that even an unjust judge will respond to persistent requests. If this is true for flawed human beings, how much more will our perfectly loving and just God answer the prayers of those who persistently seek Him? Christians can keep praying, keep seeking, keep knocking—and never lose heart even in the midst of our deepest troubles.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | Luke 15:1-10Have you ever felt truly, frighteningly lost? In these two parables, Jesus invites us to experience something counterintuitive: that admitting our lostness is the first step to finding a stable, meaningful foundation for living.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | James 5:19-20Is restoration possible? James describes the gospel's missional compassion. For those who have strayed from the truth or fallen into destructive patterns, hope remains for them to be restored to a relationship with God. James inspires Christians to engage in compassionate outreach to bring others back to a vibrant and rooted faith. Love drives a Christian’s mission.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | James 5:13-18Where do we turn for help in our greatest needs? This passage explores the transformative power of prayer. James describes the importance of fervent, faith-filled prayer for both personal and communal healing. As a community, we bear one another’s burdens.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | James 5:7-12 What do we do when we have no control? James describes patience in the face of waiting for the Lord to return. This passage tells Christians to trust in God's timing and purpose during challenging seasons, finding strength in enduring faith. Our moment of history is merely the beginning of the full restoration of all things, leading followers of Jesus to be ready for a speedy or lengthy wait.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | James 4:11-5:6What are the dangers of power and wealth for those who follow Jesus? The world’s values and God’s kingdom values are reversed. He challenges us to prioritize God's kingdom over worldly possessions and consider the ethical use of our wealth. This is more than wise stewardship, but using wealth as a power for the sake of goodness toward others. This passage informs our society’s questions about wealth and prestige, which applies to our city which is based on th...

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | James 4:4-10How does God relate to us, and how do we relate to him? James describes the relational aspect of submission to God, emphasizing the need to resist worldly desires and draw near to God. Following Jesus is not abstractly knowing him but putting one's life under his leadership with humility and repentance. God sees, loves, and lifts us as we draw closer to him.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | James 3:13-4:3What does a mature follower of Jesus look like? This section shows a picture of someone whose beauty and goodness are genuine. In a city of manufactured self-image, James gives us an alternative personhood based on the gospel. The result is someone who can make peace and avoid conflict because they have everything they need.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | James 3:1-18 How much do my words matter? Our culture examines every tweet, every statement, and even silence. Examining the power of our words according to this passage, we see how James emphasizes the responsibility that comes with our speech. Our communication flows out of our heart orientation and so we are to use our words to build up, encourage, and reflect the grace of God. This passage is practical for today’s intense and angry public culture.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | James 2:14-26 What is the connection between what we believe and what we do? This passages dives into the complex but inseparable link between faith and works. James challenges Christians to manifest their faith through active engagement, illustrating how genuine faith transforms our lives and impacts the world. A faith without impact is not genuine.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | James 1:27-2:13If everyone is shown mercy by God, then how can we withhold mercy? This passage confronts the church for showing favoritism within their community. James challenges us to confront and overcome biases, superiority, judgment, and pride, reflecting God's impartial love for all. Living this way is not merely morally right, but strikes at the heart of the gospel.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | James 1:19-26How does a person learn from and live like Jesus? James explores the concept of heavenly wisdom versus earthly wisdom. This passage emphasizes the importance of seeking and applying God's wisdom in decision-making, relationships, and daily life.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | James 1:2-4,9-18 How does trouble help us? Delving into the paradox of finding joy in the midst of trials, this passage encourages Christians to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. James recognizes how time, grace, and endurance refines and strengthens our faith. Testing and trials come from within and without our soul.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | James 1:1-8How does a Christian experience life under a new faith? Examining James' foundational message and his background, this passage challenges Christians to follow Jesus through tangible deeds, illustrating the transformative power of authentic faith. That faith depends on an external wisdom and strength.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | Isaiah 53:4-6, 25:6-9All of the forgiveness and mercy we need and long to share come from one source. The death and resurrection of Jesus provide the healing that the world needs. His wounds are his people’s life. His suffering is their salvation. The true story of the resurrection is the downpayment on the promises of everlasting joy.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | John 12:12-19 John witnessed the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, fulfilling the prophecy of the Messiah riding in humility on a donkey. The crowd welcomes Him with shouts of "Hosanna," recognizing Him as the long-awaited King. The significance of Jesus' entry, not as a conquering earthly king but as the Prince of Peace, brings salvation and inaugurates a kingdom of grace and redemption.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | Matthew 5:2-11In the Beatitudes, Jesus delivers a profound teaching on the characteristics of those blessed by God. He pronounces blessings upon the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those persecuted for righteousness' sake. These verses redefine blessedness, highlighting Jesus’ humility, compassion, righteousness, and perseverance in the Kingdom of God.

The gospel of Jesus creates a restorative community. The Apostle Paul instructs the Galatian church to restore and support one another with a spirit of gentleness when facing moral failures. He emphasizes the principle of sowing and reaping, encouraging them to invest in the Spirit by persistently engaging in acts of kindness and righteousness. The passage underscores the importance of perseverance in doing what is right and extending grace to all, especially within the church community.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | Matthew 18:15-17,21-22; 7:3-5, 5:23-24 Jesus instructs his followers to forgive not just seven times, but seventy-seven times, emphasizing the limitless and boundless nature of forgiveness within the Christian community. Jesus' teaching underscores the transformative power of forgiveness, encouraging his disciples to extend grace generously and continually, mirroring the unending forgiveness they have received from God.