Heritage Bible Church: Recent Episodes
Jim Harris
In the Old Covenant, priests had highly symbolic clothing. Among it was a breastplate, which contained four rows of precious stones, each inscribed with the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. As the high priest went about his work, he did so with the names of the people on his heart. Jesus, our great high priest, is hours from the cross, and we are on his heart. So he prays. He prayed for his glory. He prayed that we would be kept. And now, he prays for our unity in John 17:20-26. But unity isn't an end in itself, it's unity that points us toward the Son's desire, what he ultimately wants for his beloved people.
That the hour has come for Jesus means more than the cross; it means he'll soon be leaving the disciples. He is returning to the Father, but the disciples won't be joining him. Yet. The disciples will remain in the world, a dangerous place for a follower of Jesus to be. The world hates us and the evil one is against us. So Jesus prays for us. With danger on the horizon, Jesus prays for your joy. It's not the help you might have asked of him, but he knows it's the very thing you need.
Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. And the same is true for our prayers. The words you speak to God reveal something about your heart. In John 17, on the night of his arrest, just hours before the cross, Jesus prayed. What do his words reveal about his heart? Astonishingly, we find ourselves there. Soon to be lifted up in shame, Jesus first lifted you up in prayer. It's a prayer for your protection from the spiritual dangers of a world set against the Lord and his own. And he begins by asking for his own glory. What does his glory have to do with your endurance? Everything. Look at John 17:1-5 to hear Jesus begin his prayer for you and pray, "glorify your Son."
Two disciples talk on their way from Jerusalem to Emmaus. It's the morning Jesus rose from the dead. News of an empty tomb is getting around, but it's no consolation. Jesus was not there. Little did they know, he would join them on the road—their closest companion presenting as a stranger. What would Jesus say to these beleaguered disciples? What would they say to this "stranger" about him? And what is the Holy Spirit saying to us through this touching account of disciples transformed—not by an encounter with Jesus in person, but in the Scriptures? It is there in the Word of God rightly interpreted in light of Christ that sad hearts turn sunny, that broken hearts burn with love for him.
In Luke 23:50–24:12 we come to Luke's account of the resurrection of Christ. We read this account as those who believe in the risen Lord Jesus, as did Luke's readers. The resurrection is in our confession of faith, after all. Luke is not evangelizing us. He is, rather, assuring us of the certainty of the things we have heard (Luke 1:4). But even more, he is assuring us of the certainty of Jesus' reliable word. In this account we meet the disciples in their grief and confusion. And Jesus meets them—as he meets us—with an announcement of great hope: life from the dead.
Jesus came to earth with a burst of light in the dead of night; he died under the cover of darkness at high noon. The only thing more impossible to ignore than Jesus' life was his death—accompanied by signs in the heavens, a loud cry from the cross, and the response of eye witnesses of every kind. Luke 23:44–49 recounts the story of the death of Christ, the hours before and its aftermath. Don't miss what Christ did on the cross.
Everyone at some point in their life cries; some more than others. We may generally attribute crying as something only children do, but the truth is we all do it. But what are we to make of a king crying? In Psalm 17 we consider the king who cries, why he cries, and to whom he cries. Most importantly, let us look to his hope amidst his cry.
God is the inheritance of his people if they take refuge in him. Psalm 16 reassures the saints that they can dwell securely through the hardships and dangers of life because God is always near. God is faithful to preserve his people in every present trouble and lead us to pleasures forevermore. Through this Psalm we rejoice together that God is our portion and we belong in his presence.
What was on Jesus' mind as he was led to the cross? When he was crucified? Or, rather, who was on Jesus' mind? Surely, he thought of his own sufferings. He experienced his sufferings in his full humanity. But going by what Luke records Jesus actually saying, we can only conclude that it is we who were on Jesus' mind. In Luke 23:26–43, we not only follow Jesus from his trial to his crucifixion, but hear his heart for us. Even as he was crucified, he cared.
How does a man proven innocent end up on death row? This is the stuff of political dramas and viral podcast true crime series. In Luke 23:1–25 we get the inside story on how one innocent man was handed over to death. The motivations are varied but the outcome comes down to one man's decision. Pilate caved under pressure. The voices got to him. Today he's famous for making the wrong decision. Let us learn from this failure of nerve and remember our place in this story of innocence and injustice, friendship in Jesus, and a prisoner exchange no one saw coming.
There is one thing that both Jesus and his accusers could agree on: it matters who he is. We live in a day when believing in Jesus is fine as long as it's a matter of personal faith. Universal claims remain a problem. But Jesus' claims were total, personal, and absolute. They were not a matter of opinion or preference. In Luke 22:66–71, Jesus is on trial in Jewish court. They seem to think the question of Jesus' identity is an open-and-shut case. So it is, but not as they suppose. How sure are you of Jesus' identity? What would you say in the witness stand?
Where did Peter get his boldness as a Christian? Peter has his own unique personality profile: brash, confident, impulsive, and quick to speak. But this is not Christian boldness. Which is one reason Luke records the famous and painful story of Peter's three denials of his Lord. Luke 22:54–65 retells this occasion of Peter's darkest hour, a night in which this man—the rock—crumbled under the pressure and power of darkness. But our Lord was not done with him. Peter remembered Jesus' words, he repented, and went on to a life of great boldness and usefulness to our Lord. That can be our story, too.
Final exams. The day of the big race. The job interview. These moments of great pressure won't break us if we've invested in the right kind of preparation—preparation that fits the pressure. In Luke 22:39–53, we come to what Jesus calls, "the hour and power of darkness." The arrival of his arresting party begins his passion. What kind of preparation could possibly ready Jesus for this moment? Simply, the preparation of prayer—regular, honest, and submissive conversation with the Father. What's good for Jesus is surely good for us.
The church faces great challenges in our day. What are the greatest among them? The last supper included serious disagreements around the table and Luke 22:24–38 records them for us. These disagreements—one between Jesus' disciples and one with Jesus himself—give us an answer to our question. Our challenges today aren't so different from those faced by Jesus' disciples around that first communion table. But our Lord is patient. He works with us and works on us through Luke's pen as we approach the end of the path.
In Luke 22:7–23, we arrive for supper. Not the Lord's Table to share in the sign, but to the text that describes Jesus' final meal, a pattern he established for the church to repeat. Why a meal? Why a meal at that time? Why a meal with those people, his disciples? And why a meal with bread and a cup? While his opponents lay plans for his killing, Jesus takes control of events to see that his death is remembered for all that it is: a substitutionary atonement for sin.
You know the name: Judas. He's the one who betrayed our Lord. His story recorded for us in Luke 22:1–6 seems inevitable, yet there was a time when Judas thought his life would unfold in very different terms. He took a little from the treasury and then a little more. There was likely more to his motives than the bottom line on his personal ledger and more than Satan's designs for him. Whatever the mix that moved this one from Jesus' inner circle, Judas eventually sold Jesus out to those who would crucify him. He regretted it in the end, a bitter end indeed. Are you Judas? Jesus and Luke are fine with us asking that question. In fact, each of us should.
The temple sure was beautiful. Nothing inspires hope for the future like the majesty of a 40-acre complex built with stones each weighing hundreds of tons. Their white marble and gold adornments shone in the sun, high on the hill, visible for miles and miles. But Jesus said it was all coming down. As you look to the future, what gives you hope? Is your heart weighed down with the anxieties of life? In the final days before the cross, Jesus knows what's coming for his disciples. There will be trouble ahead, but there is a present reality that can make even the most fearful of disciples stand tall and endure.
So much of life comes down to seating. First, it's sitting at the big kids table at Thanksgiving. Later it's the cool kids table at school. Then the driver's seat. Flying first class is nice. Some of this is natural. But mingled with our love of seating is a lust for status. This is a perennial problem for the human race and a real threat for those on the path of discipleship with Jesus. In Luke 20:41–21:4, Jesus warns us with his disciples and draws our attention to the very best seat. That one seat answers our need for status by putting us in our proper place.
If you don't have questions about life after death, then you're not thinking enough about it. Even if we know and trust the Scriptures, we don't know everything we might want to know. We certainly don't know everything we will one day come to know. But we can know something of what is to come in the resurrection by listening in on a conversation between Jesus and the Sadducees in Luke 20:27–40. They denied the resurrection and attempted to trick Jesus with an absurd question. In this text we learn the lesson they learned that day: Jesus has answers to all of our questions about death. Let's listen and make ourselves all the more ready for that day.
As Christians we will never cease to marvel at all that Christ accomplished through his death upon cross. While the soldiers and bystanders looked upon him as he hung there beaten, bruised, and dying, they saw a Messiah who was weak, helpless, and defeated. But in his wisdom, God used the death of his Son to reveal his power over death––so that in him we may have life. From 1 Corinthians 1:17-21 we see that the weakness of the cross, which is folly to the world, is truly the power of God.
With this sermon from Acts 28:30–31, we come to the end of our series with a text that marks the end of the book of Acts. This is the verse from which we get our series title, God's Unhindered Word. The last word is, more precisely though awkwardly translated, unhinderedly. What is that word doing there at the end of Luke's second volume? Luke's abrupt ending is no ending. This last word moves us to boldly proclaim God's word in our times, a fitting conclusion to this series marking our fiftieth anniversary as a church. Here's an abrupt ending to convince us that God's Word will not.
The last book of the Bible opens with a vision. It's not a vision of judgment meant for explaining at a prophecy conference. It's a vision of the Sovereign Savior meant for sustaining churches, ordinary local churches like Ephesus, Thyatira, Pergamum, Laodicea, and even Heritage Bible Church. After an opening greeting of grace, a colossal vision of a cosmic Christ comes at us in Revelation 1. And that is no accident. More than anything else, we must see Jesus. In Revelation 1:8–20, God provides a surprising vision to sustain us in our work and witness. Here is a vision of Christ to sustain the work for Christ. Listen to this sermon by Brad Baugham, lead pastor at Emmanuel Bible Church in Mauldin.
Choices. They're a significant part of life. Some are small—what we'll eat for lunch. Some are big—where we live. We face choices every day. But there are also moments when we face life-altering decisions. These pivotal moments impact the rest of our lives. In Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Moses offers a pivotal choice to the people of Israel. Listen as Abe Stratton, HBC pastoral staff member from 2008-2023, leads us to gaze upon the One who calls us to a major decision. Abe is the Senior Pastor at Bethany Baptist Church in Brevard, NC.
Ephesians 1:3-14 is a powerful song of praise and adoration to the Triune God. Paul's single paragraph of praise to the Father for the blessings so richly lavished on us in the Son and through the Spirit gives us every reason to sing, to praise, to worship, and to live for our God. Purposed before time by the Father, secured in real time by the Son, and sealed for all time by the Spirit, the saving purpose of the Triune God cannot and will not be hindered. This gospel of God is unstoppable. Listen to this second Sunday in our five part series, God's Unhindered Word: Fifty Years and Counting. Danny Brooks was Heritage's preaching pastor from 1998–2016 and is now the pastor for preaching at Gospel Hope Church in Riverton, Utah.
On the 50th anniversary of a church's beginning we find ourselves both grateful and sobered. We too shall pass on, and what of our labors, small or large, will still matter to coming generations or more importantly, to God? And with that future in mind, how should we order our lives? Psalm 90 helps us answer these questions. Possibly the oldest Psalm in our Biblical collection, it unveils the reality of our passing days on earth and directs us where to fix our hope and prayers. Listen in on this first Sunday in a five part series, God's Unhindered Word: Fifty Years and Counting. Drew Conley is the son of our first preaching pastor, Jim Conley and the pastor for preaching at Hampton Park Baptist Church.
Spies, flattery, politics, a snare, money, revolutionary visions, silence, and the fall of ancient Rome. In the middle of all of this is Jesus and his answer to a question about something everyone seems to hate except those who collect it: taxes. Luke 20:19–26 is a short passage packed with no shortage of drama with lessons for how Christian's relate—and don't relate—to human governing authorities in every age. As important, how human governing authorities relate to Christ. Caesar as it turns out is not a problem for Jesus, but Jesus is a problem for Caesar.
Here's a legitimate question: who has legitimate authority? For example, who can access your medical records? Who gets to make the laws we're required to follow? Who has authority to issue orders on the field of battle? Luke 20:1–18 concerns authority of the most important kind: the authority to bring about God's redemptive purposes, to save, to forgive, to set prisoners free, to rule as king over God's kingdom. When Jesus showed up to the temple in Jerusalem he began to preach the good news on the basis of his authority as God's king. That's when he was interrupted by a question, "by what authority. . .?"
This week we will hear the comforting and mobilizing message of Revelation through the seven promises of blessing in the book (1:3, 14:12–13, 16:13–15, 19:7–9, 20:6, 22:7, and 22:14). These seven "Blessed" promises are meant to give churches like ours encouragement to hear God's Word, courage to persevere, and hope of seeing Christ. May the message of this book give us "strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow."
When a king is coronated, the people hang on every word and every move. These highly symbolic events are planned and carried out with meticulous care. No small part of a king's coronation is the processional. In Luke 19:28–48 we witness the arrival of heaven's king to earth, David's greater Son, and the one to bring true peace.
What kind of king is Jesus? World events in recent days remind us that kings of this world have their ways: force, coercion, killing. There are better and worse kings. But the pattern is remarkably consistent. Jesus' last parable before entering Jerusalem makes a statement about the kind of king he is for us. He is the kind of king who brings his kingdom through crucifixion—not of others but of himself. He suffers for his people and we love him for it.
Among the most central questions in the Christian life is this: What exactly do you believe about the Bible? Whether you've been reading the Bible regularly for decades, or have just begun to develop the spiritual habit, what you believe about the Scriptures will determine what you profit from reading them. In Psalm 119:105-112 we will see the example of the Psalmist, who shows us that the Bible is more than words on a page. It's light shining on our path, life in the face of death, and the joy of our hearts, forever.
Our children often ask us "why". In fact, at this time of year as we're interacting with children of a certain age, we've probably had many of these conversations in the last few days! As we arrive at this last week together through the Christmas season, we'll look to Paul's letter once again as he tells the Galatians "why". Why did the eternal Son leave heaven? Why did he take on a human nature? Why did he go to the cross and to what end was the redemption he accomplished? Paul seems intent on telling God's children the "why" behind it all. In Galatians 4:1-7 we will look at the purpose underlying the incarnation and the joy that propels us to praise and glorify God!
Baby Jesus can't help us. He was, humanly speaking, quite helpless at that time himself, helped in life by the very ones he made. And, yes, by the very people he came to save. For, God did not send his Son into the world to become a baby. According to Galatians 4:4–5, he sent his Son, "born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law." He obeyed where we did not and he suffered the law's curse that we rightly deserve.
What's so special about being born of a woman? Aren't we all? Yes, and that's Paul's point when he wrote in Galatians 4:4, "God sent forth his Son, born of woman." But what about Mary? Does this passage teach the virgin birth? And why does the incarnation of the eternal Son set Christianity apart from every other system of thought and religion?
We're used to hearing, "Jesus is the reason for the season." True enough. But what is the reason for Jesus? Galatians 4:4–5 is a pregnant verse that addresses this question: "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons." In this first sermon in a four-part series we explore the phrase, "God sent forth his Son." What does it mean that God has a son, and that he sent his Son? Why do we need this kind of savior in the first place?
Do spiritual people give thanks differently than natural, God-fearing humans? How might we end Thanksgiving weekend not simply as thankful Americans but as Christ-grateful Christians? Psalm 30 gives us a remarkable glimpse into how one deeply religious man became arrogant in his prosperity, was humbled in great losses, cried out to God for help, and learned afresh to thank his Lord as a spiritual, rescued man.
The story of Jesus and Zacchaeus is a children's Sunday School favorite and for good reason. Zacchaeus is little and so are kids. Zacchaeus wanted a look at Jesus and wouldn't we all? Maybe. This story in Luke 19:1-10 comes at a crossroads in Luke's gospel account and in our lives as hearers.
It seems inevitable that our eyesight goes bad. Usually around age forty. These days there are a few solutions to ensure good eyesight until old age. But our spiritual seeing problems are a different matter. We are born blind, unable to see ourselves rightly, God for who he is, or Christ for all he has done for sinners. Blindness is a deliberately chosen metaphor for our spiritual condition since the blind cannot heal themselves. In Luke 18:31–43 we come to the last stop before Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. There he makes a final prediction concerning his death and resurrection and shows his powers of spiritual healing for one last miracle before the cross.
Jesus just commended infants as a model for how we enter the kingdom of heaven—wholly dependent upon God and not ourselves. To make his point clear, in Luke 18:18–30, we meet a man in quite the opposite position. He is rich and he is a ruler, powerful and a man of many possessions. He comes to Jesus with a question, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" That's a good question. Jesus' answer points a clear way if we have ears to hear what he has to say.
Jesus taught us to pray as a means of not losing heart (Luke 18:1–8). Our prayers shape our inner life and relationship with God. They also reveal. In Luke 18:9–17, Jesus teaches us a simple and counterintuitive truth: being worthy to enter the kingdom of God requires knowing you're not. Self-righteousness is a problem made plain in our prayers to God—how we see ourselves in relation to God and others. So, it turns out, prayer is not the answer. The way into the kingdom is nothing nothing less—and nothing more!—than the mercy of God for sinners in Christ.
Waiting is hard when you know how long you'll wait. Waiting is near impossible when you don't. Jesus promised his disciples that one day the Son of Man will return and God's justice will reign. But first they must wait. And they don't know how long. Which might lead to great discouragement and doubt. Jesus prepares his disciples for those days with a parable of a persistent widow and an unjust judge. As we await the kingdom, Jesus means to strengthen our hearts from Luke 18:1-8, that upon his return he might find faith on earth.
Luke presents us with another conversation between Jesus and the Pharisees on a familiar topic. Jesus is asked "when" the kingdom of God will show up, and he begins a conversation across multiple audiences spanning multiple topics like lightning, marriage, sulfur, and even vultures. In this passage we receive a description of God's kingdom for the ages and pictures that will leave no doubt. "The days are coming", Jesus says, and we better not turn back from his words. In Luke 17:20-37 our Lord will instruct us on the aspects of God's kingdom in a way that we cannot miss.
This two-part series establishes a simple claim: the church is the beginning and end of missions. It is through the local church that the Holy Spirit sends out his workers. When God works through them the result is local churches that bear his name. Acts 14:19–28 sets our attention on that lofty goal of starting, strengthening, and ultimately leaving behind local churches that carry the work forward. Listen as we consider how the goal of global church planting shapes our missions aims and plans.
Luke's first work for Theophilus gave us all that Jesus began to do and teach, and his second work, Acts, gives us all he continues to do. Our risen Lord ascended to the Father and now continues his mission to spread his glory to the ends of the earth. That mission launches from his Spirit-empowered body, the church. In Acts 13:1-12, we meet the church at Antioch, a church formed by persecution and eager to get about that mission. How did they go about that work? What did they actually do? Listen as we learn from this sister church the work to commit ourselves to for the sake of this unstoppable mission.
Have you ever been so overjoyed that you shouted out loud? Have you ever been so overwhelmed with someone that you fell down in front of them? We see both of these responses in the life of one leper healed by Jesus. But what happened to the other nine? As we see in Luke 17:11–19, it is possible to be glad for Jesus' gifts without being grateful to Jesus and for Jesus himself. Thanksgiving sounds easy enough. We're taught to write thank you notes as children. But true thanksgiving in the heart is a miracle God works in those who are his children by faith.
Jesus gave the keys of the kingdom of heaven to the church. This means local congregations bear responsibility for the gospel they proclaim and the people they identify with that gospel. Or, put simply and practically, the congregation is responsible for her confession of faith and membership rolls—the what and who of the gospel. Where do leaders fit? Leaders lead the church in her responsibilities. That's what we see in Paul's instruction to two New Testament churches: in Galatians 1:6–9, 1 Corinthians 5:1–13, and 2 Corinthians 2:5–11.
Who has the final authority to receive and release members in the local church? Who is ultimately responsible for Jesus' name in his heavenly embassies here on earth? Jesus concerned himself with this question when he gave Peter "the keys of the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 16:19). But Peter is dead. So, who holds the keys? And how should they be exercised? Read Matthew 18:15–20 and listen in as we explore these important questions.
Scripture gives us many metaphors for the church: a flock, a building, a bride, a body. Each metaphor teaches us about who we are, who Christ is for us, and how we're to go about our life together in his name. Here's another metaphor we need: a kingdom. In Matthew 16:19, Jesus said to Peter, "I give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven." What are these keys? Who holds them? What do they do? These are the questions that we'll address in this series, Who Holds the Keys?, beginning with Matthew 16:13-18.
Whack-A-Mole was a popular arcade game back when arcades were a thing. But the metaphor persists. We all have the experience of dealing with problems that just seem to keep coming back. Pride is that way. In Luke 17:1–10 Jesus addresses his disciples with a warning concerning the Pharisees' great problem of pride. Striving to enter the narrow gate requires humility. So does living together in the kingdom under Jesus' rule.
In only one parable does Jesus name his characters. Luke 16:19–31 introduces us to Abraham and Lazarus. Lazarus means "one whom God helps." We meet this poor man outside a rich man's gate, helpless in this life and neglected by the well-clothed and well-fed rich man. But differences in this life don't carry through to the next. In fact, the afterlife brings a great reversal for both men. We learn that heaven or hell awaits every person. For Lazarus, his story lives up to his name. What are these places like? Crucially, what makes the difference for what side of the great chasm we end up on in eternity? In this passage we move from a gate to a great chasm to an ancient book.
Your money is more valuable than you think. This is clear from how often Jesus spoke about our money and our wealth. Luke 16:1–18 is one such stretch of teaching. Here Jesus tells one of his most perplexing parables. Yet, read properly, this story in which Jesus commends a dishonest manager teaches us something about eternity, evangelism, and everything else.
Sons can be expensive. Some of what it costs to raise a son is reasonable and expected. There's the expense of food and clothing and an education. But some sons surprise their fathers, as did the youngest of two sons in Jesus' famous parable in Luke 15:11–32. This son requested his inheritance, then squandered it all. How would the father receive him back after such insult and abuse? More to the point, how would we respond to the father if he spent part of our inheritance to celebrate our younger brother's return?
The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. That's not just the message of a single memorable verse, Luke 19:10. It's the movement of Luke's book and the imagery that dominates the longest story and parable Jesus tells. In Luke 15:1–10, Jesus tells the story of the lost sheep and the lost coin as a setup for a longer story of two lost sons, more famously known as the Parable of the Prodigal Son. But there's a reason we're not going to call it that—a reason that will become clear as we listen to this famous passage in the context of Luke's gospel.
"But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry." The people of Nineveh turned from their evil ways, and God relented from sending disaster upon them. And now Jonah is angry. Angry enough to die. God dealt with the evil in Nineveh, and in this final chapter of Jonah's story, it's time for God to deal with the evil in Jonah. Through yet another miraculous object lesson, God teaches us a lesson about our hearts and his own. And in doing so, we learn this whole story isn't really about Jonah, it's about God.
"Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time." God rescued the rebellious, unrepentant prophet in dramatic fashion. And though the story continues, it also returns to where it first began. God, again, sends Jonah with a message for the people of Nineveh. This time he obeys. The people of Nineveh respond with repentance, and God relents of his judgment. But neither Jonah nor Nineveh deserve praise; no, the glory for this great act of mercy belongs to God alone. In Jonah 3, the mercy of God comes to Nineveh. Listen to see God's word in action as mercy comes to repentant sinners.
"And the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah." The rebellious prophet chose death over life. He was done with God, but God was not done with him. So God sent a fish. As strange as this rescue plan is, surely it will change this man's heart. As Jonah sinks beneath the waves, nearing his final breath, and then as he lays inside the belly of the fish, he prays. But is this prayer as good as it sounds? Or is the darkness not just around Jonah, but in him too? Listen to hear and discover the truth that salvation belongs to the Lord.
We strive to grow our knowledge through most of our life. Whether through direct training in school or through practical experience in life, we are all trying to grow in what we know. Knowledge is necessary for our wellbeing in this life. But what does it mean that God gives us spiritual knowledge? And if it is a gift, then what's expected of us as Christians? This Sunday we will spend time in 2 Peter 1 grappling with Peter's instruction to the church to take joy in God's gift of knowledge and his following instruction to make every effort to grow spiritually. Listen as we take great encouragement in our spiritual walk as we settle our hearts on what God has given to us through Christ.
"Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah." This wasn't the first time God spoke to a man, with a plan to speak through that man. Something unique happened with this prophet though—he rebelled. And he rebelled hard. But God wasn't ready to give up on him. With all creation at his disposal, God pursued him. And that's good news for us. God pursues rebels. He loves us too much to let us succeed in our sin, so he pursued us all the way to the cross. In Jonah 1, we find the start of an unbelievable story: God pursues undeserving sinners.
From billboards to web banners, most of the "calls to action" we receive are enticements with fine print. All we have to do is swipe the card or sign on the dotted line. Jesus was not coy about the conditions for discipleship. There are no hidden costs in Jesus' call to renounce all that we have. This is quite different from many approaches to evangelism that sound so much like the next sales pitch. In Luke 14:25–35 Jesus makes his way to Jerusalem with a message about what it takes to follow him there.
"May I please be excused?" This is what parents teach their children to say when they'd like to leave the dinner table. It's a polite expression. In Luke 14:1–24 we find a similar expression but the motive is more sinister. Some who are invited to a great banquet will at first accept the initiation but then at the last moment offer some reason they need to decline after all. But the host of this feast is determined to fill his house with eating and fellowship and laughter. Which is why Christ invites us to the table. How have you responded? Who will you bring?
We pick up right where we left off last week with a warning to Jesus that there are those out there seeking to kill him. Jesus in response appears unfazed as he has been given a task and he will not be deterred. He finishes his discourse with a song of grief over a city that marks the end of his course. But is there more behind Jesus' words than just a mere response to a petty king accompanied by words of sadness? What is Jesus' purpose behind the words he gives to the political powers of the day and the city associated with the people covenanted with God? Is there hope behind such language?
This week we come to a passage that begins by Luke reminding us that Jesus is "journeying towards Jerusalem." His time is getting short. The cross is almost here and it's time to answer some important questions. Jesus is asked such a question, a question he chooses not to answer. Instead, he tells a parable of a master's house and the people wanting in that will not be allowed entry. This group is unknown to the master, and they are many. Jesus does not leave the audience without hope, providing a better answer to the question that was asked of him in how someone will be known to the master.
There's a window of opportunity and it is closing. Jesus spoke plainly: "unless you repent, you will all likewise perish." But in Luke 12:54–13:12 Jesus said more than this. He offers an outline of why some never respond to that call. It has to do with storms and fig trees, with healings and hypocrisy, with mustard seeds and with bread. Listen and ponder repentance and the time we have left.
It's hard to stay awake. We all know the feeling. Our bodies run out of energy and soon we're fast asleep. It's natural, even if we wish we could stay up. But we know how to stay awake when it counts. No one takes a nap when company is expected at the door. No one falls asleep to the sound of a stranger playing with the lock on your front door. We know how to stay awake when it counts. In Luke 12:35–53, Jesus calls us to wakefulness for his coming and makes the case that it counts. No one enters the kingdom of God asleep.
Covetousness is the subject of the tenth commandment, a command against an inner desire and a real problem for us all. In Luke 12:13–34, Jesus addresses this sin with the medicine of barns and birds, God's kingdom and God's pleasure. God's kingdom is better than ours. Which one are you seeking?
Jesus has been inviting two opposite responses. Some are enraged, plotting his destruction. Alternatively, crowds of raving fans are growing to the point that they are dangerous. This combination of polarization and popularity presents Jesus' disciples with a subtle temptation common to us all: to be less than candid about our identification with Jesus. What we do in response to this hesitation may well decide whether we deny Jesus before men. In Luke 12:1–12, Jesus breaks down the process of apostasy and points the way forward—literally: final judgment keeps us faithful to Jesus.
What gets you riled up? That will tell us something about you. What gets Jesus riled up? That will tell us something about him—what he cares about, what concerns him, and what it means to hear and keep his Word. In Luke 11:37–54 we find ourselves around the dinner table with Jesus. He rants and raves against his hosts and teaches us all a lesson about the danger and hypocrisy of legalism.
Jesus models perfect service, humility, sacrifice, and availability—and we are to follow His example. God graciously places faithful leaders within the local church for us to learn from and to follow, especially as we seek to grow in Christlikeness. In this Women's Retreat talk, Erin Wheeler teaches from Philippians 3:16–17 and 1 Thessalonians 1:2–10, showing us that imitation is a vital part of discipleship. As women, our primary places of investment are the home and the church. We must be intentional and consistent in this work, praying for willing hearts to seek out those we can disciple or be discipled by.
God is always glorifying Himself through a people, and we join in this work by making disciples. Colossians 1:28–29 shows us that the purpose of discipleship is maturity in Christ and the power behind it is Christ's strength, not our own. In this Women's Retreat talk, Erin Wheeler shares five practical ways we can engage in discipleship. We equip others with the Word and integrate with prayer. We are to cheer others on as we see the gospel at work in their lives, treating them as people to love, not projects to manage. This kind of investment often requires courage and emotional generosity—spending from our "emotional wallets" to faithfully steward what God has given us for His kingdom and His glory.
Women must be grounded in gospel truth. How we live and conduct ourselves reveals what we believe. Titus 2:3-5 commands older women to live in a way that honors God and to teach and encourage younger women in godly living. In this Women's Retreat talk, Erin Wheeler shows us that discipling is not optional; it is a command that calls for humility and availability. It means doing intentional, spiritual good in the life of another believer to encourage them in their walk with Christ.
Light attracts, it gives life, and it brightens. That's what the message of resurrected Jesus does for all who receive him. But not all will, for light also repels. Some in Jesus' own day were on an endless pursuit of signs to validate his claims. Even the resurrection would not do. He knew as much, which is why in Luke 11:29–36, Jesus responded to their demand tersely, "No sign will be given to [them] except the sign of Jonah," that is, the sign of life from the dead. What we do with the risen Christ decides what's inside us, whether darkness or light.
The details of death on a cross are deeply unsettling. The pain endured by Jesus is almost unfathomable. Yet, at this point in our journey through Luke's gospel, Jesus is willingly and knowingly headed straight there. As he works yet another miracle, healing a demon possessed man, he has deeply unsettling news for us: "Whoever is not with me is against me." There is no middle ground, no neutral or disinterested position. Which side are you on? And what gets us on his side? Listen as we look with confidence to Jesus, the stronger man, who came to rescue us into his kingdom and sends us out to gather more unto him.
Jesus could have sat his disciples down and said, "You need to pray. Here's how." That would have been true and useful enough. But he is wiser than that. Instead, Jesus prayed in view of his disciples over and again so that eventually they asked, "Lord, teach us to pray." Which Jesus simply, memorably, and gladly did as recorded for us in Luke 11:1–13. There we find not only a pattern for our own prayers but a way of approaching our Father in heaven that is as reassuring as it is counterintuitive. Listen as we sit at Jesus' feet and learn to pray.
Hospitality and service are of great importance. They are precious to Jesus. But our service is not more precious than Jesus himself. To sit at Jesus' feet and listen to Jesus' Word is always the priority on the road of discipleship. Or, as Jesus calls it, "the good portion." We learn this lesson in Luke 10:38–42 from a visit to the loving home of two sisters, Mary and Martha, on a difficult day.
What is the meaning of the parable of the Good Samaritan found in Luke 10:25–37? The answer to that question might seem obvious. The Good Samaritan is an example of love for neighbor. True enough. But why did Jesus tell this parable? To help us know what neighbor-love looks like? To answer the question, "who is my neighbor?" In a sense, yes and yes. And emphatically, no. Read and ponder why.
We know the end of the story: Jesus wins and he's not alone. He has with him a company of sinners made saints, a plentiful harvest for heaven. To labor in his fields and see sinners saved is a very great joy for those whom Jesus sends out. But Luke 10:1–24 points to a greater joy still, an unstoppable joy that powers our unstoppable mission.
Jesus appeared on the mountain, transfigured in glory. That's what the Lord Jesus looks forward to. It's what we look forward to as well. But that glory will not come without the grief of the cross. In 9:51, Luke marks a shift in his gospel and Jesus' mission. Now Jesus stares down the cross. There is no way up but through, no way to the crown but by the cross. There is no negotiating with this plan and no avoiding it—not for Jesus and not for us.
Jesus sent his disciples out to minister in his name. When they return, the disciples quarrel for the top spot on Jesus' ministry team. Pride is an ancient problem and the church's mission requires that we win this internal battle. In Luke 9:46–50 we learn with the disciples as Jesus deals a blow to their pride and ours that we might put down this ancient sin for the sake of his name. As we learn, the success of our mission from Jesus requires solidarity with one another.
Before Jesus makes his turn toward the cross, he prepares his disciples for the road ahead. Up to this point, life with Jesus seemed to get better and more miraculous with each passing day. Now Jesus says there is trouble coming, for him and his disciples. Shouldn't life be easier for this conquering king? Does suffering mean he isn't the messiah, or is suffering at the very heart of his mission? Luke 9:18-45 shows us how the Lord prepares his disciples and us for a life of following him.
Paid or not, every church member is involved in ministry. We may start our Christian life mostly on the receiving end, but in due time we devote ourselves to one another's spiritual good. Discouragement and disillusionment can set in when we consider all the needs before us, even in one life or household. Who is sufficient for these things? In Luke 9:10–17 Jesus answers this question and teaches us the first lesson for our life in ministry: Jesus is enough for his people.
So far Luke has taken us on a journey with Jesus. We've been riding along with the disciples to witness Jesus preaching and healing, getting on his knees and getting in trouble. In Luke 9:1–9 Jesus gives his disciples something to do. He sends them out with his gospel to preach and his empowerment to preach it to great effect, with all of the risks and rewards that come with this labor. This is a remarkable truth, that God would get his Word out through us. There were some peculiarities to the specific way the first apostles conducted their ministry. But there are points of overlap with our role as Jesus' witnesses today.
2 Sides of God's Punishment that Explain His Plan1 - Judgment (1, 4, 6, 7, 10–12, 17–24)2 - Grace (1–3, 5, 7–9, 13–16, 17–18)
Think of watching out for your family, and making sure they remain unaffected by an outbreak of poison that has crept into the food supply. How do we keep people from spiritual poison, or administer the antidote? Live in a building that doesn't let the poison in.1 - From The Foundation (1)2 - To The Upper Floors (2)3 - Use Correct Materials (3)4 - Reject Cutting Corners (4)5 - Marvel At These Pieces
2 Directions that Mark Every Human LifeGenesis 6:9-221 - The Road to Righteousness (8–10, 14–16, 18–22)2 - The Path to Perversion (11–13, 17)
We begin our exploration into the next Bible book written by Paul after the time covered by the book of Acts. It's 1 Timothy. It's a personal letter, forever filed under the heading Pastoral Epistle because it is a personal letter from an apostle to a local church pastor. This will be a big change in style as we switch from on genre to the other.1 - Where Was Paul, After Acts?2 - Who Is Timothy?3 - Why Letters To Timothy?4 - Who Wrote 1 Timothy? (1-2)
2 Characteristics of Life that Demand a Proper Understanding of God Genesis 6:1-81 - Demonic Sin & Divine Sovereignty (1-4)2 - Human Sin & Divine Sovereignty (5-8)
The Apostle Paul arrived in Rome in the custody of a Roman soldier named Julius. 28:13 tells us the group arrived at the port city of Puteoli, about 30 miles from Rome. Then:Acts 28:14-15: There we found some brethren, and were invited to stay with them for seven days; and thus we came to Rome. And the brethren, when they heard about us, came from there as far as the Market of Appius and Three Inns to meet us; and when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.For two days, the Christians accompanied Paul to Rome. When they arrived, they parted ways because Paul had to be taken into custody. It seems likely that Julius must have interceded for Paul with the authorities when he delivered the prisoners.Here, then, is the end of the beginning of the history of the Church of Jesus Christ.1 - Favor From Romans (16)2 - Curiosity From Jews (17-22)3 - Responses From Jews (23-24)4 - Separation From Jews (25-29)5 - Ministry From Imprisonment (30-31)
2 Characteristics of Life that Demand a Proper Understanding of God1 - Demonic Sin & Divine Sovereignty (1-4)2 - Human Sin & Divine Sovereignty (5-8)
4 Facets of God's Unending Love for You1 - Ever Knowing of You (1-6)2 - Ever Being with You (7-12)3 - Ever Planning for You (13-18)4 - Ever Consoling to You (19-24)
2 Contrasting Aspects that Reveal God's Providential Plan for You1 - Cycles of Reprobation & Restoration (4) a - The Failed First-Generation (4:1-16) b - The Futile Following Generation (4:17-25)2 - Cycles of Creation & Cessation (5)
Our venue is the record of Paul's journey to Rome. We'll see three different ships involved, noting the stops along the way and the special acts of God to care for Paul and the rest of the passengers and crew.As with all we've seen in the book of Acts, the hand of God guided every step of the way. Paul received direct revelation from God, 276 lives were spared by God's provision, miracles were performed, the gospel was proclaimed, and Christians were strengthened.1 - Adramyttian Ship (27:1-6)2 - Alexandrian Ship 1 (27:7-28:10)3 - Alexandrian Ship 2 (28:11-15)
2 Contrasting Aspects that Reveal God's Providential Plan for You1 - Cycles of Reprobation & Restoration (4) 1 - The Failed First-Generation (1-16) 2 - The Futile Following Generations (17-25)2 - Cycles of Creation & Cessation (5)
Rather than an outline, we'll look at this section by section, and along the way, observe lessons we can apply. It covers the rest of Paul's time in Caesarea. Two years pass. Paul is still in minimum security prison at the palace in Caesarea and a new governor comes to power. We don't know much about Festus except that he was a member of the Roman nobility and that he died two years after he assumed his office. Josephus (Jewish historian) says that he was a better governor than his predecessor or his successor. Though his palace is in Caesarea, Festus rules over the Jews, so he immediately makes a visit to Jerusalem and steps into the hornets' nest of Jewish bitterness toward Paul.+ Meanwhile, Two Years Later (25:1-6)+ Managing The Mud Slinging (25:7-12)+ Help Me, Agrippa! (25:13-27)+ Listen To Me Patiently (26:1-3)+ I Was A Self-Righteous Prig (26:4-8)+ I Was A Vicious Persecutor (26:9-11)+ Jesus Saved Me (26:12-18)+ Now I Obey Christ (26:19-23)+ You Want Me To Become A Christian? (26:24-29)+ Not Guilty! (26:30-32)
Hebrews is an elegant and sophisticated theological gospel tract aimed at showing Jews that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, the Savior of the world, and that He is superior to everyone and everything. It shows that the New Covenant inaugurated by Jesus when He shed His blood to atone for all sin for all time, is superior in every way to the Old Covenant.In the first 10 chapters, you learn that Jesus is the Creator. He is superior to angels, to Moses, to Joshua, and to every priest and high priest who ever lived. His sacrifice is superior to every sacrifice ever offered, and His death renders all the Old Covenant sacrifices obsolete.Several times in Hebrews the author of this great book–whose name we don't know–paused his theological reasoning to call the spiritually undecided to come to Christ, and to call the spiritually uncommitted to come all the way to following Christ as Lord. One of those warnings ends chapter 10 with a quote and application of Habakkuk 2:4.Hebrews 10:38: BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH; AND IF HE SHRINKS BACK, MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM.If you were among the original readers of this book, your logical question at this point would be, What do you mean by faith? That sets the stage for Chapter 11. The word faith is a bit problematical for us, because it conjures up many ideas. It's clearly the key word in Hebrews 11.The only way to be saved is by faith (Ephesians 2:8-10). Therefore you need to know that faith is . . . 1 - The Assurance You Need (1a)2 - The Conviction You Live By (1b)3 - The Example Of Your Forefathers (2)4 - How We Understand (3)
This being my 49th year to preach just before Christmas, I've come to think that the most helpful thing we can do for one another as Christians in general, and what I can do as a shepherd to nurture your soul, is to help you think clearly about what you do in your life and your family this time of year.Whatever you choose to do with the holiday, make sure you meditate on what is most important and your interactions all include the message of God sending us a Savior. I'm pointing you to 12 announcements about the appearing of the Son of God, to help you with that. There are lessons for us from each of their examples.1 - Gabriel To Zacharias (1:11-20)2 - Gabriel To Mary (1:26-38)3 - Elizabeth To Mary (1:41-45)4 - Mary To The Universe (1:46-55)5 - Angel To Joseph (Matthew 1:18-23)6 - Angels To The Shepherds (2:8-14)7 - Simeon To Joseph And Mary (2:25-35)8 - Anna To All Believers (2:36-38)9 - Magi To Jesus, Joseph and Mary (Matthew 2:1-11)10 - Teachers To One Another (2:46-48)11 - Jesus To Joseph And Mary (2:49)12 - John To The Crowds (3:7-9)
Luke 2:1–7 (LSB): Now it happened that in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus for a census to be taken of all the inhabited earth. 2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And everyone was going to be registered for the census, each to his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5 in order to register along with Mary, who was betrothed to him, and was with child. 6 Now it happened that while they were there, the days were fulfilled for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the guest room.Today and next Lord's Day we will comb through the first three chapters of Luke (with a cross reference here and there) and see The Proclaimers Of The Appearing. Each one emphasizes an aspect of the birth of Christ that we need to know. From them we will learn better how to explain what we are celebrating.1 - Gabriel to Zacharias (1:11-20)2 - Gabriel to Mary (1:26-38)3 - Elizabeth to Mary (1:41-45)4 - Mary to the Universe (1:46-55)5 - Angel to Joseph (Matthew 1:18-23)6 - Angels to the Shepherds (2:8-14)7 - Simeon to Joseph and Mary (2:25-35)
2 Contrasting Aspects that Reveal God's Providential Plan for You1 - Cycles of Reprobation & Restoration (4) a - The Failed First-Generation (4:1-16) b - The Futile Following Generations (4:17-25)2 - Cycles of Creation & Cessation (5)
2 Aspects of Preparation to Motivate Your Heart1 - The Prophetic Foretelling (5-38)2 - The Prophetic Fulfilling (39-66)
2 Contrasting Aspects that Reveal God's Providential Plan for You1 - Cycles of Reprobation & Restoration (4) a - The Failed First-Generation (4:1-16) b - The Futile Following Generations (4:17-25)2 - Cycles of Creation & Cessation (5)
The Roman governor in Jerusalem, Claudius Lysias, whisked Paul away by night to the city of Caesarea, where he handed him off to the regional governor named Felix. Let's tune in as Felix Flounders.1 - The Flimsy Accusations (1-9)2 - The Firm Defense (10-21)3 - The Flaky Judge (22-27)
We already knew Paul intended to complete the third missionary journey, then go to Jerusalem, and then he planned to go to Rome. Back in Ephesus:Acts 19:21: Now after these things were finished, Paul purposed in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, saying, "After I have been there, I must also see Rome."While we survey the chapter, I want you to think like a X-ray machine. We're going to see what is here, but we are also going to look beneath the surface at what I'm calling Fingerprints Of The Invisible Hand a case study on the Providence of God.If the Providence of God can be described as His invisible hand at work in the world, in Acts 23 we can see Ten Fingerprints Of The Hand Of God. These are samples of the kinds of things that you do or you encounter all the time.1 - Your Life Circumstances (1)2 - Evil People Who Trouble You (2)3 - Working Despite Your Blunders (3-5)4 - The Foibles Of Sinners (6-9)5 - People Who Don't Know It (10-11)6 - Murderers And Liars (12-15)7 - Overhearing And Whistleblowing (16-22)8 - Clueless Unbelievers (23-24)9 - Self-Serving Pomposity (25-33)10 - Responsibility-Dodging Bureaucracy (34-35)
3 Movements of Cataclysmic Change that God Orchestrated to Reveal Man's Culpability1 - Deception & Defiance (1-8)2 - Discovery & Decision (9-19)3 - Destruction & Dejection (20-24)
We come to one of the distinctive marks of Jesus' disciples in Luke 6:27-36: we love our enemies. This is that famous passage where Jesus says, "turn the other cheek," and "from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either." Should Christians be easy targets for robbery? Must we really do this? What does Jesus' call to love our enemies really demand of us? And how does this relate to the way Jesus has responded to some of his enemies? How can we be faithful to be like Jesus in this way? So many questions.
3 Movements of Cataclysmic Change that God Orchestrated to Reveal Man's Culpability1 - Deception & Defiance (1-8)2 - Discovery & Decision (9-19)3 - Destruction & Dejection (20-24)
1 - Lacking / Asking (5)2 - Asking / Expecting (6)3 - Not Expecting / Not Receiving (7-8)
3 Features of God's Design that Reveal Your Greatest Need1 - Introduction (4-7)2 - A Prepared Place (8-14)3 - A Perspicuous Perspective (15-17)4 - A Perfect Pair (18-25)
As chapter 21 closed, Paul had just asked the Roman commander for permission to speak to the Jews who were still wanting to kill him. Paul surprised the commander by speaking to him in Greek.As I pointed out last week, the end of chapter 21 is an example of one of the silliest possible chapter divisions in the Bible. There is no change of location, no change of subject, it's not a new day, or a new audience. It's not even a new sentence.What happens next can be very helpful to us. In the midst of an explosive and very dangerous situation with a lot of bad things going on, Paul speaks powerful words of testimony. The value of this chapter to us is two-fold. The most obvious point is that this is a crucial series of events that continued the unfolding of God's plan for the early Church. God wants us to know about that, so He used Luke to record it in this book.Beyond that, I see a valuable application of this section to teach us how to give a good testimony, even in a bad situation. As you watch Paul turn the attention away from himself and toward the Lord Jesus Christ, you can learn how to formulate your own testimony of faith in Christ. Follow Paul's example.1 - Connect With People (1-2)2 - Tell What You Were Like (3-5)3 - Tell How You Heard About Christ (6-15)4 - Explain Repentance And Faith (16)
3 Features of God's Design that Reveal Your Greatest Need1 - Introduction (4-7)2 - A Prepared Place (8-14)3 - A Perspicuous Perspective (15-17)4 - A Perfect Pair (18-25)
Today brings us to the conclusion of the Apostle Paul's third missionary journey. We will survey the entire chapter, which sets the stage for a massive change in Paul's life.1 - Paul Was Privately Persistent (1-14)2 - Paul Was Properly Purified (15-26)3 - Paul Was Publicly Provocative (27-40)
3 Features of God's Design that Reveal Your Greatest Need1 - Introduction (4-7)2 - A Prepared Place (8-14)3 - A Perspicuous Perspective (15-17)4 - A Perfect Pair (18-25)
We are near the end of the third of Paul's three missionary journey, and he has stopped off at the port city of Miletus. From there he called his elder friends from Ephesus to make the 50-mile trip to meet him for this farewell address.1 - Introduction: Who Are Elders? (Review)2 - Elders Are Exemplary (26-27)3 - Elders Are On Guard (28-30)4 - Elders Are Alert (31)5 - Elders Are Biblicists (32)6 - Elders Are Givers (33-35)7 - Elders Are Dedicated (36-38)
5 Movements that Detail God's Glorious Act of Creation1 - The Blank Canvas (1:1-2)2 - The First Stroke (1:3-10)3 - The Glorious Background (1:11-25)4 - The Crowning Theme (1:26-31)5 - The Author's Reflection (2:1-3)
To the elders of the church at Ephesus, the Apostle Paul taught very important New Testament doctrine in the realm of ecclesiology, the "Doctrine of the Church."1 - Introduction: Who Are Elders? (Today)2 - Elders Are Exemplary (26-27)3 - Elders Are On Guard (28-30)4 - Elders Are Alert (31)5 - Elders Are Biblicists (32)6 - Elders Are Givers (33-35)7 - Elders Are Dedicated (36-38)
5 Movements that Detail God's Glorious Act of Creation1 - The Blank Canvas (1:1-2, last time)2 - The First Stroke (1:3-10)3 - The Glorious Background (1:11-25)4 - The Crowning Theme (1:26-31)5 - The Author's Reflection (2:1-3)
We're on the final legs of the third missionary journey of the Apostle Paul. He made a stop at the seaport of Miletus and asked the elders from the nearby Ephesus to meet him there. He had avoided stopping directly at Ephesus because he knew it would be impossible not to be delayed, both by the excess sailing time and the amount of time he would end up spending with the people there, after being with them earlier for three years.Before we get to what Paul said as a shepherd to the shepherds of the flock, on behalf of the Chief Shepherd, it will be helpful for all of us to pay attention to the things that Paul did. You don't need to be an apostle in order to live for Christ.1 - Be Seen With The Right People (17-18)2 - Be Serving The Lord (19)3 - Be Steadfast In The Word (20-21)4 - Be Spirit-led (22-23)5 - Be Strong To The End (24-25)
5 Movements that Detail God's Glorious Act of Creation--1 - The Blank Canvas -1-1-2--2 - The First Stroke -1-3-10--3 - The Glorious Background -1-11-25--4 - The Crowning Theme -1-26-31--5 - The Author's Reflection -2-1-3-
In this section, the bad guys are called mockers. The word for mocker is built on a root word which means to play as a child, to sport, or to jest. It connotes making fun of someone or something by diminishing its significance and not taking it or him seriously. Peter wants you to know how to deal with such people.--1 - Remember the words spoken beforehand -1-2--2 - Know this...Mockers will come -3-4--3 - Truth escapes their notice -5-7--4 - Do not let this escape your notice -8-9-
Our text for today is packed with information about the Apostle Paul's third missionary journey and includes a one-of-a-kind incident. We will see Paul's example of commitment to serving Jesus Christ in the building of His Church. There is plenty of travelogue and great opportunities to improved your knowledge of geography here. But above all I want you to see the depth of Paul's care for the Christians in all the places he ministered.--1 - Ephesus To Macedonia To Greece -1-3--2 - Greece To Macedonia To Troas -4-6--3 - The Fallout From Preaching -7-12--4 - Troas To Miletus -13-16-
3 Actions that Mark Your Commitment to Christ's Church--1 - Faith's Exaltation -8--2 - Faction's Eradication -9-11--3 - Friend's Excitation -12-15-
The crucial question to the people at the Areopagus and to you today is, Do you know God-- Paul's sermon here is 265 words in NASB, 194 words in Greek. It's obvious this is condensed, inspired, and potent.--1 - God Is Knowable -22-23, review--2 - God Is Creator -24, review--3 - God Is Lord Of All -24, review--4 - God Is Spirit -24, review--5 - God Is Complete -25a--6 - God Gives Life -25b--7 - God Is Sovereign -26--8 - God Is Near -27-29--9 - God Is Patient -30--10 - God Is Judge -31-32--11 - God Redeems -33-34-
In Athens, Paul was invited to the Areopagus, where the philosophers and spiritual eggheads loved to discuss ideas. Today we begin to sift through Dr. Luke's record of what Paul said there. There are no commands to you in this passage. It's up to us to allow the Holy Spirit to teach us the truth about God, so that we can make wise applications for how we should live. The crucial question to the people at the Areopagus and to you today is, Do you know God----1 - God Is Knowable -22-23--2 - God Is Creator -24a--3 - God Is Lord Of All -24b--4 - God Is Spirit -24c-
In the next three stops on the Second Missionary Journey, Paul was to encounter much opposition while seeing many converts. We can connect the travelogue with the ones who opposed Paul and his team.--1 - Thugs In Thessalonica -1-9--2 - Bullies In Berea -10-14--3 - Academics In Athens -15-21-
Three Factors that Direct Your Heart about the End-Times--1 - An Angelic Calming -15-18--2 - An End-Times Question -19-22--3 - An Annihilated Conclusion -23-28-
Three Factors that Direct Your Heart about the End-Times--1 - An Angelic Calming -15-18--2 - An End-Times Question -19-22--3 - An Annihilated Conclusion -23-28-