Jesus frequently communicated what he had to do. Despite the many times, he told his disciples that he must be handed over to die and rise again on the third day, his followers still managed to misunderstand. Following his brutal death, it seems no one expected him to return. They thought it was over. But it wasn’t. A group of women, arriving at the tomb to prepare Jesus’ body, make a discovery that would change the world. He is risen! Just as he said!
Correct but Incomplete
April 2, 2023 • Pastor Matt Smith
Who Is He?
March 26, 2023 • Pastor Matt Smith
When Luke opens his gospel, he makes his intentions very clear. His desire is to solidify the faith of a dear friend. Every story Luke shares points to the reality of who Jesus is, and what he has to offer. As you read about the miracles of Jesus you get a vision of him as teacher, protector, healer, and deliverer. But for him to be any and all of this, you must first accept him as savior.
Challenged. Confused. Convinced.
March 19, 2023 • Pastor Matt Smith
We continue to look at the life of Jesus through the lens of Luke’s gospel. As we lean into the greatest story ever told we see Jesus say things that challenge and do things that confuse. The responses he got in real-time are not unlike the responses he gets today. We must decide for ourselves what we will do with what Jesus says and does. How we respond will always be shaped by who we believe he is. Our hope is that you become convinced he is the Messiah and respond with authentic worship. We see one woman do just that in Part 3 of “Out of Nazareth”.
Push or Plead
March 12, 2023 • Pastor Matt Smith
As Luke tells the story of Jesus, he records very different reactions to his ministry. There are some who are constantly offended by what Jesus says and does. So much so that they seek to push him away and eventually plot to end his life. However, there are others that know they are in need of something different. They see Jesus for who he is and all he has to offer. They plead with him to stay.
Out of Nazareth
March 5, 2023 • Pastor Matt Smith
As we move toward Easter, we open up Luke’s account of the life of Jesus. It is apparent in the first few pages of his narrative that he desires to make one thing very clear. Jesus came to rescue anyone and everyone would see him for who he is! Luke records a pivotal event in Jesus’ story. He writes of a crucial moment when Jesus sits in the synagogue of his hometown, opens the scroll of Isaiah, and declares his intentions.
