In this passage from the book of Luke, we encounter three areas in which we see a glimpse of freedom from our sins. First, God’s plan for freedom: Jesus was proclaimed innocent – even by Pilate himself - but that Jesus was silent and didn’t defend Himself during the trails is no tragic injustice or an accident, rather it is the plan for justice from God to free us. Second, the rejection of Pilate’s plan: Pilate tried to use a murderer as a bargaining chip to have Jesus released, but the Nation of Israel would have none of it. They wanted Jesus crucified as God’s plan for freedom was not what they wanted; they wanted a Savior who would free them from Rome. Finally, there’s the true cost of freedom: The murderer, Barabbas, is the picture of all of us on death row - without hope and without God. And like the Barabbas’ release from prison and death, the cost for our freedom was paid by another - Jesus. Questions to ask ourselves: Are we still astonished beyond measure that Jesus does all things well in our lives? Or have we walked away from the closeness we once had with Jesus because things seemed to go wrong and we hold God accountable for not stepping in and doing something and stopping the way things have turned out? Are we thinking Jesus should act more like our Genie? Are we off following our own plans now? What allegiance do our lives show?
Cost of Freedom
Luke 23:13-25
April 3, 2016 • Pastor Neal Hackbarth
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.