“Love Your Enemies” (Luke 6:32-36)
Introduction The Golden Rule is almost universally praised, yet scarcely followed. Last week we began our look at the Golden Rule (Commandments > Examples > Rule). Now Jesus provides further illustrations of the Golden Rule in practice (29-30, 32-34) before closing with the standard stated from a divine perspective (31, 35). The Golden Rule is a standard many see as good, but it is the Christian alone who has the proper enabling and motivation to live accordingly (2 Pet. 1:4).…
“The Golden Rule” (Luke 6:27-31)
Introduction What is your response to the Lord’s warnings? We feel convicted by our tendency to seek comfort in this life rather than God’s promises. We may even question our salvation. Is the Lord’s goal to fill you with fear and doubt? No. Warnings of judgment should drive us to repentance. When Jesus declares “woe is you” we ought to respond like Jeremiah (Isa. 6:5). That is the response of someone who has been called by a Holy God. The…
“The Call of Gideon” (Judges 6:1-24)
Introduction What is the posture of your heart when you prepare to come into the Lord’s presence for worship? Would you confess a reluctant spirit? Is your mind so divided that you fail to grasp what’s being read? Maybe we’re distracted by other people or other concerns. We’re filled with disinterest instead of reverence, complacency instead of anticipation. In this opening section of Gideon’s narrative, which focuses upon his calling, we get an illustration of the proper posture of our…
“Woe To You” (Luke 6:24-26)
Introduction The world says, “Who are you to judge?” Christians need to take Jesus’ advice to “judge not…” and stay out of everyone’s personal business. They obviously haven’t read tonight’s passage. These woes stand in direct contrast to the Beatitudes in order to wake us up! Pastors need to preach both the beatitudes and the woes. Remember, this sermon was especially for Jesus’ disciples (20). These warnings apply to believers. Jesus seeks to redirect our hearts to what is eternal…
“Victory Song” (Judges 5:1-31)
Introduction Martin Luther once said that he did not care so much who wrote the theologies, as long as he could write the hymns. Music has a powerful effect and can do more to change the culture than mere logic. Songs have a way of bringing head knowledge to the heart. Israel’s downward spiral entered it’s third cycle in ch.4. Deborah’s leadership role, Barak’s faith, Jael’s assassination of Sisera. How do we know Deborah wrote it? Not a duet wearing…
“It’s Hammer Time” (Judges 4:1-24)
Introduction The 49ers had a motto they pumped themselves up with before and after each game in 2011-2012. Jim Harbaugh shouted: “Who’s got it better than us?” Team responded: “Nobody!” Our next section of Judges, begins with the repeated refrain (1). Why did they do it? Psalm 73:1-10. However, notice where Asaph ends in vv.23-26. There’s the key difference between the Israelites in Judges and Asaph! Ch.1 – Political failure. Ch.2 – Spiritual failure. Ch.3 – Deliverance! Yet, take away…
“The Beatitudes” (Luke 6:20-23)
Introduction Andy Stanley Here’s what the Jerusalem Council was saying to the Gentiles: “You’re not accountable to the 10 Commandments. You’re not accountable to the Jewish Law. We’re done with that. God has done something new…Thou shalt not obey the 10 Commandments because those aren’t your commandments.” Likewise, many have questioned the relevance of the Sermon on the Mount. Does Jesus reenforce Old Testament law, or does he “unhitch” it from his teaching? After selecting apostles > teaching and healing.…
“The Left-Handed Assassin” (Judges 3:12-31)
Introduction If you’re new here, you should be aware that we have no shortage of boys running around with various toy weapons after every service. We try to contain them somewhat, but we also want them to know they can remain boys at Church. Boys, if you aren’t running around with daggers strapped to your right thigh or held in your left hand, calling yourselves Ehud this morning – I will have failed. This is an exciting account. It certainly…
The Healing Power of Jesus (Luke 6:17-19)
Introduction Now that Jesus has called his apostles he returns to his teaching and healing ministry. There was never a lack of ministry opportunities. Everywhere Jesus went, within a short amount of time, crowds gathered around him. Why did crowds gather around Jesus? It wasn’t because he made an announcement that he was coming. Those who had heard him, or been healed by him, brought others. There are plenty of people in your own life who need to experience the…