Most people like the idea that their lives have purpose. We want to believe that our abilities, experiences, opportunities, and relationships can contribute to something larger than ourselves. Scripture affirms that desire, but it also redirects it. Our gifts weren’t given primarily so we could build our own reputation. They were given so we could serve others and bring glory to God.

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One of the clearest signs that we understand the heart of God is the way we treat people. It’s possible to know a great deal about theology, attend church faithfully, memorize Scripture, and still struggle to love others well. We can become skilled at discussing truth while remaining impatient, harsh, unforgiving, or self-centered.

I recently read an account of a man who was telling an employee at a Christian Bookstore all about his thesis. He had just finished earning a Master's in Divinity degree and was planning to serve in some form of vocational ministry. During the conversation, his son asked him a simple question, and the man responded so harshly and hurtfully to being interrupted by his child that it made those around him question whether he really had the temperament to serve in church leadership.

Jesus never separated devotion to God from love for people. In Matthew 22, He brings those two responsibilities together and shows us that they stand at the center of a life that honors God. We were created to glorify God, and we glorify Him by loving Him with our whole being and by loving the people He has placed around us.

Matthew 22 takes place during the final week before the crucifixion. Religious leaders repeatedly approached Jesus with questions designed to trap Him. The Pharisees, Sadducees, and other leaders were trying to expose some weakness in His teaching.

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Many people think of obedience as the opposite of joy. Obedience can sound restrictive, demanding, or burdensome. Joy, by contrast, sounds freeing and satisfying. Our culture often teaches us that happiness comes from following our desires, resisting limitations, and choosing our own path. Jesus presents a different vision.

In John 15, He teaches that obedience doesn’t rob us of joy. Obedience leads us into joy because it keeps us close to Him. God’s commands aren’t designed to keep us from flourishing. They guide us toward the life for which we were created.

We were created to glorify God, and one of the primary ways we glorify Him is by obeying His Word. But Christian obedience isn’t cold rule-following. It grows from union with Christ, rests on His grace, expresses our love, and produces lasting fruit.

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Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith. You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The "Desire Jesus One Year Devotional" can be found here: https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith. You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The "Desire Jesus One Year Devotional" can be found here: https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Most people are attempting to find joy, but I don’t think they really understand what they’re looking for. Real joy is a sincere contentment in Christ regardless of our circumstances. Happiness isn’t the same as joy. Happiness is dependent on what’s going on around us. I’m not opposed to being happy, but if I had to pick between happiness and joy, I’d select joy every time.

Earthly happiness is real, but it’s limited. It changes and fades. Earthly happiness can be lost. Even the best experiences eventually come to an end.

Psalm 16 points us toward a joy that isn’t dependent on perfect circumstances. It’s a psalm that was written by King David, and it shows us that true and lasting joy is found in the presence of God.

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Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith. You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The "Desire Jesus One Year Devotional" can be found here: https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com.

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One of the greatest misconceptions about Christianity is that it's primarily about learning a set of beliefs or following a list of rules. Biblical truth and obedience to God’s Word absolutely matter, but there’s more to the Christian life than some people realize. The Christian life isn't just about acquiring information and doing the right things. At its core, it’s about entering into a relationship with the living God.

That's what makes the words of Jesus in John 17 so fascinating.

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Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith. You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The "Desire Jesus One Year Devotional" can be found here: https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com.

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There are few questions more important than this: Why am I here? Every generation wrestles with that question. Some spend their lives pursuing success, believing they'll find purpose through achievement. Others chase wealth, relationships, influence, or experiences, hoping one more accomplishment will finally satisfy the longing inside their hearts. Yet even after reaching their goals, many discover that something still feels incomplete.

The Bible gives us a remarkably clear answer to the question of our purpose. We weren't created merely to exist, survive, or accumulate things. We weren't designed to make ourselves the center of the story. We were created by God, for God, and ultimately to display His glory.

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Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith. You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The "Desire Jesus One Year Devotional" can be found here: https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com.

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The book of Revelation is the grand finale of Scripture. It makes known to us God's sovereign plan for history and assures believers that Jesus Christ is and will be victorious.

The book was written by the apostle John while he was exiled on the island of Patmos. It’s a book that was given to help strengthen persecuted believers while at the same time remind every generation that no matter how dark the world becomes, God's purposes will not fail.

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Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith. You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The "Desire Jesus One Year Devotional" can be found here: https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.