Ascend: No Exaltation Without Humiliation

Life is full of ups and downs, peaks and valleys. Just like a delicious dinner requires cleaning a messy kitchen, or the joy of a family photo shoot is often preceded by sleepless nights and dirty diapers, spiritual growth requires descent before ascent.

In this episode of the Amen Podcast, Alex and Luke delve into Matthew 20:17-19, where Jesus predicts his journey to Jerusalem – a city always spoken of as a place of ascent. They explore the concept of spiritual ascension, emphasizing that true growth in faith often requires humility, service, and even humiliation before reaching a place of exaltation.

Join us as we discuss:

• The necessity of "going down" to "go up" in our spiritual journeys.
• The dangers of seeking honor and praise without service.
• How Jesus's life exemplifies the ultimate example of humility and exaltation.
• The role of suffering and hardship in our spiritual growth.
• Finding hope and purpose in the midst of trials.

Tune in and discover how embracing the "descension" can lead to true spiritual ascension and a deeper connection with God. Don't forget to share your own experiences of descent and ascent in the comments!

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In this video, we explore the theme of God's boundless generosity and how it should motivate our service to Him. We delve into the parable of the laborers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16) to understand the importance of serving out of love and gratitude, not out of a desire for reward.

We discuss the contrast between serving for God's sake and serving for our own benefit, highlighting the importance of recognizing our worth as servants of God. We also emphasize the grace of God, which allows us to be accepted and loved regardless of our past or present shortcomings.

Finally, we encourage viewers to shift their perspective from one of pride to one of gratitude, acknowledging that God is the ultimate source of blessings and that He freely bestows them upon us. We invite viewers to work with God, knowing that He is a just and loving employer who rewards faithfulness and trust.

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In this episode, we dive deep into Matthew 19, a chapter that tackles some of the most challenging aspects of Christian discipleship. We explore Jesus's teachings on divorce, singleness, and the cost of following Him.

Join us as we unpack these profound truths and discuss:

• ​The sanctity of marriage and the devastating impact of divorce.
• ​The unique gift of singleness and its potential for serving God wholeheartedly.
• ​The radical call to surrender everything and follow Jesus, no matter the cost.
• ​How to cultivate a heart of full commitment to God in the midst of a world that constantly pulls us in different directions.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the true meaning of discipleship and live a life fully devoted to Christ.

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