Keeping Up Appearances

Grace Bible Church of Bend

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Keeping Up Appearances

Luke 20:45-21:4

November 15, 2015 • Pastor Neal Hackbarth • Luke 20:45—21:4

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In this passage from the book of Luke, Jesus tells his disciples of the danger of hypocrisy and the wonder of true sacrifice. The scribes were using the pretense of religion to abuse those God had placed in their care. They sought recognition, honor and respect; their self-idolatrous attitudes brought forth ugly displays of abuse of power and position. Jesus shows us that hypocrisy keeps us from seeing who we are, seeing our need and receiving the help we need (the message of redemption from the cross). In stark contrast, Jesus marvels at the widow who offered everything she had. This passage shows us that our heart and worship are the greatest gift of all. God sees behind every gift given and values it based on the heart; He treasures us not for what we have but for who we are. So some questions to ask ourselves: Are we more interested in keeping up on appearances than we are in a heart relationship with God? Are we living for God from the inside out?

The Calling to a Life of Mission

May 15, 2016 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • Luke 24:36–53

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 • Luke 24:13–35

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 • Luke 23:50—24:12

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.