November 10, 2024 • Bruce Stabbert • Luke 13:22–35, Philippians
In this section of Luke's gospel, we hear a classic question and a cryptic answer: why is one person saved and another not? To those of us who live in an age of unlimited choices, Jesus's response may sound surprising and unsettling. After all, is it all up to God to determine who gets rescued and who doesn't? Or is human choice the primary factor? Bruce walks us through the tension in this passage and points us to the path of salvation found only in Jesus.
According to Luke 14:7-24
November 24, 2024 • Luke 14:7–24
Kingdom Hope
November 3, 2024 • Nate Corley • Luke 13:10–21
It's election week in the United States. There's an ambient sense of dread in our communities. So what topic does the text draw us to consider today? The kingdom of God. In this text, we see the heart of God regarding people with disabilities. We also hear teaching from Jesus that should lead us to recognize two realities: 1. The kingdom of God is big. 2. The kingdom of God is certain. When these truths are pressed into our hearts, we can enter election week (and any week!) with peace, security, hope, and joy.
Are You Ready?
October 27, 2024 • Westin Lennox • Luke 13:1–9
There is a clear call to repentance running through Luke's gospel. But what is repentance? And is repentance just for unbelievers - or people who are already following Jesus, too? Westin answers these questions and more as he walks us through the words of Jesus in Luke 13:1-10, helping us see that on the other side of repentance is rich, transforming grace.
A Man With Dropsy
November 17, 2024 • Nate Corley • Luke 14:1–6
Why did Jesus die? This is one of the driving questions throughout Luke's gospel, and quite possibly the most significant question in all of scripture. In our little passage today, we see the outlines of several answers to this question - leading us to understand not just why Jesus died, but believe that he died for YOU. And therein find freedom and rest for our souls. BONUS: a brief sidebar on whether Christians are required to keep the Sabbath today.
Bad News For Smart People
October 20, 2024 • Bruce Stabbert • Luke 12:54–59
It's possible to be both very smart and very wrong when it comes to the question of Jesus. Why? How do we explain why the most obviously compelling and beautiful person that has ever been laid before the eyes of men can be rejected by a majority of logical, even brilliant, minds? The words of Jesus in Luke 12:54-59 provide some insight on this question and point us toward some compelling indicators that should prompt every person who hears about Jesus want to follow Him, worship Him, and give up everything for Him.
September 22, 2024 • Bruce Stabbert • Luke 12:13–21
The Bible has a lot to say about about money, greed, and covetousness. So how come so few of us confess the sin of greed? Or see greed as a major spiritual threat? In Luke 12:13-21, Jesus tells the parable of the rich man and his bigger barns to expose the foolishness of our perspective on money - and point us to something of eternal value.
True Blessedness; Tragic Blindness
September 1, 2024 • Bruce Stabbert • Luke 11:27–36
In this oft-neglected section of Luke's gospel, we see how Jesus is both greater than Solomon, greater than Jonah - and worthy of our full and attentive listening. Bruce ends with telling us why he wants, more than anything, to see Jesus personally someday.
How To Cure A Pharisee
September 8, 2024 • Nate Corley • Luke 11:37–54, 1 Timothy 1:14–15, Philippians 3
"Pharasaism" is one of the most deadly sins because it's so hard to see in yourself. It's like carbon monoxide: deadly, but invisible. So what's the solution? In Luke 11:37-54, we hear some of the strongest words from Jesus in all of scripture as he rebukes the Pharisees for their pride and hypocrisy. We'll consider ourselves in light of these words ("am I a Pharisee?"), and then consider how the path to "curing" a hard-hearted Pharisee is not guilt or hard work - but grace. And grace is exactly what Jesus is happy to supply in abundance, even to Pharisees.
Help In Hostility
September 15, 2024 • Nate Corley • Luke 12:1–12
How can we live as faithful followers of Jesus in a culture that might view Christians with suspicion? Or mockery? Or outright hostility? In Luke 12:1-12, Jesus warns his followers of the dangers they will face, but also equips us to faith in these challenges courageously, faithfully, and joyfully - because the Triune God is with us.
The Battle Belongs To The Lord
August 25, 2024 • Michael Stufflebeam • Luke 11:14–26
We are in a battle between good and evil. In this section of Luke's gospel, Jesus confronts this evil head on, and - in a preview of what's to come - wins. In doing so, he offers each of us a choice: are we with Jesus or not?
