In this passage from the Book of Luke, the Sadducees themselves try to trap Jesus in his words. And once again he silences those testing him. From the Sadducees we learn that our theology affects how we live our life and our presuppositions can distort our theology. We need to be aware of our biases or it will distort our understanding of God's Word. We must also allow God's Word to speak for itself, letting Scripture interpret Scripture; and even when we don’t understand it, we should believe and trust God’s Word. Questions to ask ourselves: how does theology affect the way we live? Are we growing in correct theology? We also find clarity about resurrection in this passage, that only those who are considered worthy (have faith and repentance in Jesus Christ) will be resurrected and have a glorified life with perfect relationship with all saints, a glorified body with no more death, and a glorified identity with immortal life as sons of God.
Confusion Concerning the Resurrection Cleared Up
Luke 20:27-44
November 8, 2015 • 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.