“Misplaced Joy” (Luke 10:17-20)
Misplaced Joy (Luke 10:17-20) Luke has been providing an orderly account of the life and ministry of Jesus to provide assurance to believers that what they had heard about Jesus was indeed true. Jesus had wrapped up an extended season of ministry in Galilee. Now he is beginning his journey toward Jerusalem knowing that his own death is fast approaching. This chapter began with Jesus appointing seventy-two disciples to go out into the cities in the surrounding region and deliver…
“Behold Our God” (Revelation 4:1-6a)
Behold Our God (Rev. 4:1-6a) Apocalyptic literature is oftentimes used like a kind of treasure map. If we can unlock the mysterious riddles we will discover when and how the world will end. That approach can certainly make for an exciting reading of the text, but it rarely finds the author’s central meaning. Revelation was not written to satisfy our curiosity about the future. Revelation is about God! It describes the glory of God, the power of God, and the…
“Woe to the Unrepentant” (Luke 10:13-16)
Woe to the Unrepentant (Luke 10:13-16) Jesus has transitioned from his Galilean ministry to begin his journey toward Jerusalem (9:51). He has sent out seventy-two “others” to enter into the surrounding towns before he gets there and offer them a message of peace (10:5). However, he warned them that some will reject their offer (10:10-12). Our text this afternoon could have easily been added on to the end of last week’s sermon. Its primary purpose is to illustrate the warning…
“Dear Lukewarm Church” (Revelation 3:14-22)
Dear Lukewarm Church (Rev. 3:14-22) Introduction We have arrived at the final letter to the seven first-century churches located in Asia Minor. Although the situations in each of these churches was in many ways unique to their time and location, the contents of each letter have proved to be relevant to every church in every age. Last week we considered a church that received no condemnation from Christ. This week we consider a church that received no commendation from him.…
“Evangelism Explosion” (Luke 10:1-12)
Evangelism Explosion (Luke 10:1-12) Introduction We have just finished the story of three individuals who were reluctant to follow Jesus. Each of them offered their best excuse for not being available at that time. Here, we see a group of 72 disciples who immediately respond in obedience. Luke is the only gospel witness to record this episode. It seems perfectly suited to balance the previous section. Evangelism exists because worship does not. Evangelism is needed because unbelief is rampant. Jesus…
“Dear Faithful Church” (Revelation 3:7-13)
Dear Faithful Church (Rev. 3:7-13) Introduction In his novel The Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck provides a harrowing illustration of the pressure families faced during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. Due to poor farming techniques and severe drought, tens of thousands of families were forced to migrate to California. But the recession had such a widespread impact that few people were better off. In their weakness, families had to rely upon the kindness of strangers, which oftentimes resulted in…
“The Return of the King” (Luke 24:1-35)
The Return of the King (Luke 24:13-35) Last week we considered the triumphal entry of Jesus as he rode upon a donkey into Jerusalem with a large crowd shouting “Hosanna in the highest!” They were ready to crown him as their king. They viewed him as the Messiah, the promised Savior. But they limited his reign to a physical throne, and his salvation to political freedom. Jesus came to accomplish so much more. The entrance of the King was merely…
“The Departure of the King” (Matthew 27:26-61)
The Departure of the King (Mt. 27:26-61) This morning we considered Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Although he was praised and honored, it was merely the beginning of the end of his earthly ministry. As we come to a passage that is so familiar to us, we really want to engage our minds and hearts. Let us rely upon the Holy Spirit to move us with a fresh understanding of Christ’s death. We want to understand the event itself so…