Good News From Dr. Luke
January-April 2022
Fears, Doubts, and Broiled Fish (11AM)
April 24, 2022 • Curt McFarland • Luke 24:36–53
Easter Sunday began with an empty tomb and a question from Mary, “Where have you taken His body?” And then everything changed. Mary came face to face with Jesus, alive again (John 20:11-16). The women who were the first to visit the empty tomb saw angels who told them that Jesus was not dead but alive (Luke 24:1-9). Two traveling on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus walked with the risen Jesus, talked with Him, listened to Him, ate with Him, (only at the very end, as Jesus blessed and broke bread for them, did they recognize Him) and then Jesus vanished (Luke 24:13-35). Luke tells us that Jesus appeared to Peter (Luke 24:34), we don’t have the details of that anywhere else. And now it is evening that first Easter. What happened next confirmed everything about Jesus’ resurrection. As the eleven closest to Jesus, His disciples, gathered that night, others were with them too, Jesus suddenly appeared. No gentle knock at the door, a dramatic appearance. Those there were terrified. Jesus spoke words of peace and then offered proof, “touch me and see.” He showed them His hands and feet as evidence that He was not a disembodied spirit but real flesh and bones, a physical body risen from the dead. As added proof He ate a piece of broiled fish in front of them. He lives eternally in the flesh … and so shall we. Eternity will be glorious, light, love, filled with adventure, flesh and bones, new and renewed relationships, and the presence of One who loves us, One who died for us and rose again, One we will be able to touch and see.
Fears, Doubts, and Broiled Fish (9AM)
April 24, 2022 • Curt McFarland • Luke 24:36–53
Easter Sunday began with an empty tomb and a question from Mary, “Where have you taken His body?” And then everything changed. Mary came face to face with Jesus, alive again (John 20:11-16). The women who were the first to visit the empty tomb saw angels who told them that Jesus was not dead but alive (Luke 24:1-9). Two traveling on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus walked with the risen Jesus, talked with Him, listened to Him, ate with Him, (only at the very end, as Jesus blessed and broke bread for them, did they recognize Him) and then Jesus vanished (Luke 24:13-35). Luke tells us that Jesus appeared to Peter (Luke 24:34), we don’t have the details of that anywhere else. And now it is evening that first Easter. What happened next confirmed everything about Jesus’ resurrection. As the eleven closest to Jesus, His disciples, gathered that night, others were with them too, Jesus suddenly appeared. No gentle knock at the door, a dramatic appearance. Those there were terrified. Jesus spoke words of peace and then offered proof, “touch me and see.” He showed them His hands and feet as evidence that He was not a disembodied spirit but real flesh and bones, a physical body risen from the dead. As added proof He ate a piece of broiled fish in front of them. He lives eternally in the flesh … and so shall we. Eternity will be glorious, light, love, filled with adventure, flesh and bones, new and renewed relationships, and the presence of One who loves us, One who died for us and rose again, One we will be able to touch and see.
Meeting The Risen Jesus On The Road (11AM) Easter
April 17, 2022 • Curt McFarland • Luke 24:1–35
It’s Easter morning! This day celebrates the high point of our life and faith. Because of what took place that first Easter we live with a new confidence, a new and certain hope, a new and present power. All of the claims of Christian faith depend on the miraculous, supernatural reality of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Thursday’s betrayal, and Thursday’s garden prayer play an important part. His sham of a trial Thursday night, continuing into Friday morning, plays an important part. His brutal torture, His unjust condemnation, His journey to the place of His execution, all tell important parts of the story. His death and final cry “It is finished,” reveal the lengths God was willing to go to find us and save us. But it is Easter morning, the empty tomb, Jesus alive, that provides the substance for all we believe. The resurrection of Jesus changes how we view Him, how we understand God, how we make sense of our life and death and eternity, and how we love others as we follow our risen Savior. He is so much more than a moral teacher, a prophet, a Holy one … He is our promised Redeemer, He is Emmanuel, God with us!
Meeting The Risen Jesus On The Road (9AM) Easter
April 17, 2022 • Curt McFarland • Luke 24:1–35
It’s Easter morning! This day celebrates the high point of our life and faith. Because of what took place that first Easter we live with a new confidence, a new and certain hope, a new and present power. All of the claims of Christian faith depend on the miraculous, supernatural reality of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Thursday’s betrayal, and Thursday’s garden prayer play an important part. His sham of a trial Thursday night, continuing into Friday morning, plays an important part. His brutal torture, His unjust condemnation, His journey to the place of His execution, all tell important parts of the story. His death and final cry “It is finished,” reveal the lengths God was willing to go to find us and save us. But it is Easter morning, the empty tomb, Jesus alive, that provides the substance for all we believe. The resurrection of Jesus changes how we view Him, how we understand God, how we make sense of our life and death and eternity, and how we love others as we follow our risen Savior. He is so much more than a moral teacher, a prophet, a Holy one … He is our promised Redeemer, He is Emmanuel, God with us!
Jesus Weeps (11AM)
April 10, 2022 • Curt McFarland • Luke 19:28–44
The week ahead of us is filled with the unexpected. We would not expect Jesus to arrive, at the height of His popularity, on a donkey. We would not expect the crowd to turn from shouting Hosanna to shouting “crucify Him” in such a short time. We would not expect betrayal by a close friend. We would not expect fear to consume those who had seen Him calm storms, heal the sick, raise the dead. We would not expect hatred and jealousy to be so obvious in the lives of the pastors and Bible teachers. We would not expect the religious elite to be so good at playing political games. We would not expect Jesus to be vilified and crucified. We would not expect God to weep over the city. We would not expect evil and darkness to be defeated, and for God’s love to be revealed, in this coming week. It’s all coming together this week and in One person, Jesus. May we slow down enough over the next eight days to see Him, and see in Him God’s heart, God’s tears, and God’s promise to us.
Jesus Weeps (9AM)
April 10, 2022 • Curt McFarland • Luke 19:28–44
The week ahead of us is filled with the unexpected. We would not expect Jesus to arrive, at the height of His popularity, on a donkey. We would not expect the crowd to turn from shouting Hosanna to shouting “crucify Him” in such a short time. We would not expect betrayal by a close friend. We would not expect fear to consume those who had seen Him calm storms, heal the sick, raise the dead. We would not expect hatred and jealousy to be so obvious in the lives of the pastors and Bible teachers. We would not expect the religious elite to be so good at playing political games. We would not expect Jesus to be vilified and crucified. We would not expect God to weep over the city. We would not expect evil and darkness to be defeated, and for God’s love to be revealed, in this coming week. It’s all coming together this week and in One person, Jesus. May we slow down enough over the next eight days to see Him, and see in Him God’s heart, God’s tears, and God’s promise to us.
Proof In Trees & Houses (11AM)
April 3, 2022 • Curt McFarland • Luke 6:43–49
As we continue on our journey to Easter we encounter two teachings of Jesus that reinforce important truths about the interior life of a Christian. In both Jesus uses earthy, common, easy to understand language. In the first Jesus uses the illustration of a tree producing fruit. In the second He uses the image of a house being built. Someone unfamiliar with the structure of a tree, someone unschooled in the development of a house, might make the mistake of thinking that what can be seen on the outside is the measure of the health and soundness of both. If the fruit on the branch looks good … if the paint on the walls looks good … but to those who know something about trees and houses it is clear that appearances can be deceiving. The old joke, “What’s worse than finding a worm in your apple? Finding half a worm.” Good looking apples can be rotten on the inside. A beautiful looking house may have hidden fatal flaws. It’s difficult, possible but difficult, to miss Jesus’ point. The most significant aspect of a house is a good solid foundation. The critical aspect of a fruit tree is its roots and inner structure. In a human life too. The question is, as we build our lives what do we spend most of our time on? Do we focus painting around the windows or do we invest in a good foundation? Do we polish the exterior of the apple or do we make sure our roots are grounded in the right kind of soil? Great teachings from God Himself, with eternal consequences.
Proof In Trees & Houses (9AM)
April 3, 2022 • Curt McFarland • Luke 6:43–49
As we continue on our journey to Easter we encounter two teachings of Jesus that reinforce important truths about the interior life of a Christian. In both Jesus uses earthy, common, easy to understand language. In the first Jesus uses the illustration of a tree producing fruit. In the second He uses the image of a house being built. Someone unfamiliar with the structure of a tree, someone unschooled in the development of a house, might make the mistake of thinking that what can be seen on the outside is the measure of the health and soundness of both. If the fruit on the branch looks good … if the paint on the walls looks good … but to those who know something about trees and houses it is clear that appearances can be deceiving. The old joke, “What’s worse than finding a worm in your apple? Finding half a worm.” Good looking apples can be rotten on the inside. A beautiful looking house may have hidden fatal flaws. It’s difficult, possible but difficult, to miss Jesus’ point. The most significant aspect of a house is a good solid foundation. The critical aspect of a fruit tree is its roots and inner structure. In a human life too. The question is, as we build our lives what do we spend most of our time on? Do we focus painting around the windows or do we invest in a good foundation? Do we polish the exterior of the apple or do we make sure our roots are grounded in the right kind of soil? Great teachings from God Himself, with eternal consequences.
Enemies And Judgment (11AM)
March 27, 2022 • Curt McFarland • Luke 6:27–42
As we move farther into the teachings of Jesus, if we are truly listening to what He is saying, our level of discomfort grows. From blessings for the poor to blessings for those who are hated and reviled to an actual command to love those who want to harm and destroy us. There are several "woes" thrown in along the way too, like, "Woe to you, when people speak well of you..." I thought we wanted others to speak well of us. I thought the goal was to work hard so we weren't poor. I thought we could keep those who hated us at a safe distance, returning hate for hate. Apparently, that was not, and is not, Jesus' way. Jesus did not come to direct us to the comfortable path. The Christian way is not easy or trouble-free. What Jesus commands is not simple. Jesus took the challenges of everyday life seriously. He took us seriously too. Jesus came to bring us life, truth, Himself. As He teaches He patiently helps us understand God, understand life, understand ourselves and each and every one of our relationships. Jesus invites us to a life that is beautiful, truthful, and real. And now the easy stuff... "Love your enemies."
Enemies And Judgment (9AM)
March 27, 2022 • Curt McFarland • Luke 6:27–42
As we move farther into the teachings of Jesus, if we are truly listening to what He is saying, our level of discomfort grows. From blessings for the poor to blessings for those who are hated and reviled to an actual command to love those who want to harm and destroy us. There are several "woes" thrown in along the way too, like, "Woe to you, when people speak well of you..." I thought we wanted others to speak well of us. I thought the goal was to work hard so we weren't poor. I thought we could keep those who hated us at a safe distance, returning hate for hate. Apparently, that was not, and is not, Jesus' way. Jesus did not come to direct us to the comfortable path. The Christian way is not easy or trouble-free. What Jesus commands is not simple. Jesus took the challenges of everyday life seriously. He took us seriously too. Jesus came to bring us life, truth, Himself. As He teaches He patiently helps us understand God, understand life, understand ourselves and each and every one of our relationships. Jesus invites us to a life that is beautiful, truthful, and real. And now the easy stuff... "Love your enemies."
Sermon on the Plain (11AM)
March 20, 2022 • Alex Rule • Luke 6:12–26
In today's message, Luke tells us the moment when our Lord Jesus called and chose his 12 disciples; Jesus did not do it randomly, and He did not choose the first one who will pass by; No! Jesus had in mind those who would be His very close friends for the next three years and more. Jesus chose these men after much prayer, those who wanted to get to know him better and is willing to learn from his Master. Jesus would teach them WISDOM and everything a disciple needs to know and understand. Jesus plans for His disciples was that they continue to share the good news of the Gospel. They will have the responsibility to take the message of salvation to the world, and one of the best places to teach them was near the mountains, on the plain, where they would hear about the beatitudes, something they would remember and never forget for the rest of their lives. Please join us in remembering these wonderful moments that our Lord Jesus Christ gave us to keep in our hearts and to share with the world around us. God bless you Always!
Sermon on the Plain (9AM)
March 20, 2022 • Alex Rule • Luke 6:12–26
In today's message, Luke tells us the moment when our Lord Jesus called and chose his 12 disciples; Jesus did not do it randomly, and He did not choose the first one who will pass by; No! Jesus had in mind those who would be His very close friends for the next three years and more. Jesus chose these men after much prayer, those who wanted to get to know him better and is willing to learn from his Master. Jesus would teach them WISDOM and everything a disciple needs to know and understand. Jesus plans for His disciples was that they continue to share the good news of the Gospel. They will have the responsibility to take the message of salvation to the world, and one of the best places to teach them was near the mountains, on the plain, where they would hear about the beatitudes, something they would remember and never forget for the rest of their lives. Please join us in remembering these wonderful moments that our Lord Jesus Christ gave us to keep in our hearts and to share with the world around us. God bless you Always!
Opposition Grows (11AM)
March 13, 2022 • Curt McFarland • Luke 6:1–11
There is a familiar cycle when it comes to politicians, entertainers, sports heroes. When they first arrive on scene, and if they perform reasonably, admiration grows. With success, and the roar of the crowd, that admiration reaches a crescendo most of us never experience. Your hometown throws you a parade. It seems you can do no wrong. But the day comes, it always comes, when you hit a slump, you drop the ball, you vote your conscience, the box office dips, and the sharks begin to circle. It's usually a few at first. They craft careful questions with hidden agendas. You may be able to hold off the sharks with another great game, a clever political move, a once in a lifetime role, but you simply can't keep that up for ever. Sooner than you want the illusion is shattered, your limitations revealed. Eventually it's not just a few, but a herd of sharks converge (actually it's a "shiver" of sharks), and the biting begins. Wise is the performer or politician that knows this. Foolish is the one who dreams of endless adulation. Jesus knew, from the beginning, the fickleness of crowds, flattery, and applause. His miraculous encounters, His piercing teaching, brought early adoration but also growing opposition. Behind sweet sounding words a row or two of sharp teeth. The pastors and best church people were the most ravenous. Jesus knew that. He did not deviate from His divine path. He did not hold back even though He knew those who hated Him wore His jersey and sung His public praise. We would do well to trust the dependable and endless love of God rather than the momentary and conditional love of others.