In this passage from the book of Luke, we come across four truths. First, the reality of weeping for the lost: professional mourners wept over Jesus as he walked the road to the cross. But Jesus told them to not weep for him but for themselves and their children; he knew their condition was far worse that his own. Second, the reality of God’s judgment: Jesus gives a prophesy and parable, implying it would be better that children would not be alive to experience the severe judgment that is to come. Thirdly, the reality of our great substitution: Jesus died as a criminal, but not for his crimes, for ours. And lastly, the reality of forgiveness: Jesus forgave the Roman guards that executed him. And he offers us the free gift of forgiveness as well. Questions to ask ourselves: Do we weep for the lost in our city? Does it affect our lives? Have we received his forgiveness? Do we reflect this forgiveness to others?
The Road to the Cross
Luke 23:26-34
April 10, 2016 • Pastor Phil Kooistra
The Calling to a Life of Mission
May 15, 2016 • Pastor Phil Kooistra
In this final passage from the book of Luke, the resurrected Jesus appears to his disciples, assuring them that he is not a spirit but flesh and bone. He eats with them and teaches them from the Scriptures, opening their minds to understand what has taken place as well as the gospel message that they are to preach. They are called to a life of mission, proclaiming Christ and him crucified for the forgiveness of sins. As believers, we too are called to this mission. Are we faithfully sharing the gospel with our family, friends, and neighbors as we live as missionaries where God has planted us? From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Walking With Jesus
May 8, 2016 • Pastor Neal Hackbarth
In this passage from the book of Luke, the resurrected Jesus walks along the road to Emmaus with two disciples. They are discouraged, filled with disillusionment and doubt. They don't recognize the Lord for who He is, and don't yet fully understand the gospel or why he had to suffer and die. Jesus gently rebukes them, and then begins to teach them, beginning with Moses and the Prophets. He shows them that all of the Scriptures are about him and foretold that these things were to come. Do we see Christ in the Old Testament as well as the New? Do we have room for suffering in our theology? Are we regularly reading the Word and spending time in prayer so that we may abide with Him? From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Jesus’ Burial and Resurrection
May 1, 2016 • Pastor Phil Kooistra
In this passage, Luke tells us about a rich man, Joseph of Arimathea, who took Jesus' body and buried it in his tomb. The next day, as women went to honor the body of their Teacher, they found the tomb to be empty, and saw angels who told them that Jesus had risen, just as he had told them. When they told Jesus' followers what they had seen and heard, they were greeted with skepticism. What will our response be to the good news of Jesus' resurrection? Are we willing to be subject to skepticism and rejection in our relaying of the gospel to others? From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.