A Firm Grip on the Gospel
Luke 2-6
Building a Life on Jesus
February 9, 2024 • Dr. John Neufeld • Luke 6:43–49
Every life is built. The entrepreneur with all their ambition is building their life. So too the lazy individual who lets the days slip by, is building with their indecision. Today Dr. John speaks of the fruit, treasure and foundation for living. Only in Jesus will our lives blossom, contain lasting treasure and withstand the coming flood. Lives built for eternity. Anyone who has read the four Gospels is struck by how different they are. These accounts focus on the life and death of Jesus, yet they each have a particular theme and emphasis. In this four-week series, Dr. John Neufeld points us to the Gospel of Luke and traces the intent of the only Gentile writer of a New Testament book.
Showing Mercy
February 8, 2024 • Dr. John Neufeld • Luke 6:37–42
Our society is quick to judge. We immediately label someone or some situation with a tag that sticks. Jesus commands us not to judge. We can't see people's motives nor the whole story. Dr. John reminds us of Jesus' words that it is hard to see with a log in our eye! Most of all, in place of judgement, we are to extend mercy. Just like God does with us.
Loving Your Enemies
February 7, 2024 • Dr. John Neufeld • Luke 6:27–36
It is evident that loving our enemies is not the way of this world, nor the immediate default of those who follow Jesus. Still, that is what Jesus commands. Today in Dr. John's message, he teaches that this love can't be good intentions nor sentimental feelings. We love our enemies by doing good for them, blessing them, and praying for them. That's more than a Hallmark card.
The Blessings and the Woes
February 6, 2024 • Dr. John Neufeld • Luke 6:20–26
Jesus begins this sermon with pronouncements of blessings and their corresponding woes. He offers these not as commands, but observations. Listen as Dr. John speak to the blessing upon those who live for God's Kingdom and the woes upon those who live for this world.
The Sermon on the Plain
February 5, 2024 • Dr. John Neufeld • Luke 6:17–19
Good things are worth repeating - a good joke, a family tradition, or a favourite movie. There is something to gain in the repetition, even though it is familiar. Dr. John introduces us to the Sermon of the Plain, very likely a re-telling of the Sermon on the Mount by Jesus. A different setting and different crowd, but the same truth and power which flowed from Jesus, who was happy to repeat grace upon grace. Anyone who has read the four Gospels is struck by how different they are. These accounts focus on the life and death of Jesus, yet they each have a particular theme and emphasis. In this four-week series, Dr. John Neufeld points us to the Gospel of Luke and traces the intent of the only Gentile writer of a New Testament book.
12 Ordinary Men
February 2, 2024 • Dr. John Neufeld
Without looking, how many of the twelve disciples can you name? We may quickly answer with 4 or 5, but struggle as we get further down the list. Dr. John speaks today of Jesus selecting these twelve men to be His apostles. There was nothing outstanding about them, and the potential for internal conflict was great. But when Jesus called, they said, "Yes." Just like you. Anyone who has read the four Gospels is struck by how different they are. These accounts focus on the life and death of Jesus, yet they each have a particular theme and emphasis. In this four-week series, Dr. John Neufeld points us to the Gospel of Luke and traces the intent of the only Gentile writer of a New Testament book.
Lord of the Sabbath
February 1, 2024 • Dr. John Neufeld • Luke 6:1–11
Jesus was repeatedly accused of breaking the Sabbath. As One who came to fulfill the Law, how could He push against the Sabbath restrictions? Listen as Dr. John explains the laws of the Sabbath and what Jesus meant when He said that He is "Lord of the Sabbath."
Celebrating Repentance and Mercy
January 31, 2024 • Dr. John Neufeld • Luke 5:27–39
If it is true that we can be known by our friendships, Jesus was accused of hanging out with the wrong people. Tax collectors and those with immoral reputations felt comfortable with Jesus. Dr. John reminds us today that Jesus came for sinners, who by faith become friends with God.
Your Sins Are Forgiven
January 30, 2024 • Dr. John Neufeld • Luke 5:17–26
It's easy to say that your sins are forgiven. When said, there is no external sign; no voice from heaven, angelic song or flashes of glory. Today, Dr. John teaches on the healing of the paralytic. Jesus healed him as demonstration that He has power over body and soul. By the grace of God, this lame man could now walk in forgiveness and was assured of both. You can be assured too.
Jesus and a Leper
January 29, 2024 • Dr. John Neufeld • Luke 5:12–16
There is conversation and debate about the role of faith and healing. Some suggest that if a miracle doesn't occur, the fault lies with the one who needs to be healed. If that's the case, they are doubly wounded. Not only are they sick, but they are to blame for missing out on their cure. Listen as Dr. John talks of a leper who came to Jesus for healing. It is the intersection of faith and compassion. Anyone who has read the four Gospels is struck by how different they are. These accounts focus on the life and death of Jesus, yet they each have a particular theme and emphasis. In this four-week series, Dr. John Neufeld points us to the Gospel of Luke and traces the intent of the only Gentile writer of a New Testament book.
The Marvellous Fisherman
January 26, 2024 • Dr. John Neufeld • Luke 5:1–11
What right does a carpenter have to tell a fisherman what to do? But that is exactly what Jesus did to Simon Peter. After a long night of catching nothing, Jesus told Peter to go and throw the nets on the other side of the boat. Peter could have told Jesus to "stay in His lane." He probably thought it, because when he hauled up bulging nets of wiggling fish, he fell at Jesus’ feet and confessed he was a sinner. He thought Jesus should leave him, but Jesus invited this sinner to be His follower. Just like you and me. Anyone who has read the four Gospels is struck by how different they are. These accounts focus on the life and death of Jesus, yet they each have a particular theme and emphasis. In this four-week series, Dr. John Neufeld points us to the Gospel of Luke and traces the intent of the only Gentile writer of a New Testament book.
About His Father's Business
January 25, 2024 • Dr. John Neufeld • Luke 4:38–44
In Capernaum, Jesus found a broad reception. People came to hear His words. Many came to be healed, and Jesus tended to them all night long. Capernaum could have become a major center for Jesus' ministry, except for one thing. Jesus said He had to leave the town. Listen as Dr. John explains the motivation of Jesus' heart. In all things, Jesus fulfilled the wishes of His Father.
Authority!
January 24, 2024 • Dr. John Neufeld • Luke 4:31–37
A policeman wears a badge and that gives him authority. A scholar is an expert in a certain field and that grants her authority. Parents have authority over their young children. Dr. John teaches from Luke on the authority of Jesus Christ proved by His words and works. Jesus has the authority of the Law, Wisdom, and Love. He has the authority of God Himself.
Rejected by His Own
January 23, 2024 • Dr. John Neufeld • Luke 4:14–30
A war hero would like to think that his hometown would welcome him with open arms. Someone who has reached a level of celebrity hopes that those who know him or her would be glad for their notoriety. What if it doesn't happen? Today Dr. John points to the reception Jesus had in the town of Nazareth, His hometown. Listen to Jesus' response and the lesson for us all.
The Temptation of Jesus
January 22, 2024 • Dr. John Neufeld • Luke 4:1–15
Every one of us knows the lure of temptation. It may be pride, greed, lust or self-centeredness that whispers to us; we all have heard it. Jesus was not immune to temptation, but faced this battle even as we do. Today Dr. John teaches on the three named temptations of Christ. Listen, not simply for a pattern for our own resistance to temptation, but to marvel and glory in our deliverance through the righteous life of our Saviour. Anyone who has read the four Gospels is struck by how different they are. These accounts focus on the life and death of Jesus, yet they each have a particular theme and emphasis. In this four-week series, Dr. John Neufeld points us to the Gospel of Luke and traces the intent of the only Gentile writer of a New Testament book.