The Will of Jesus (Luke 5:12-16)
Introduction “No shirt, no shoes, no service” signs came about in the 60s as a combination of southern Jim Crow laws (legal segregation) and an attempt to ban hippies. In order to receive service one had to clean up! Old Testament ritual laws worked in a similar fashion. In order to worship, one needed to be clean. Jesus experienced ups and downs, acceptance and rejection. Last week, his miraculous provision of fish > the calling of disciples. Here we see…
Sound Living (Titus 2:1-10)
Introduction About ten years ago the White Horse Inn interviewed pastors at a conference. The pastors were asked to explain a few basic Christian doctrines: What is the gospel? What is justification? What is sanctification? Their answers were consistently depressing. The typical rebuttal goes something like this: People are tired of hearing divisive doctrine. What they really need is something relevant and instructive about loving others. Rick Warren said it like this: The first Reformation was about doctrine; the second…
The Compassion of Jesus (Luke 4:38-44)
Introduction Jesus began his ministry being accepted and praised by many who heard him teach, but also rejected and run off by people in his hometown of Nazareth. Having returned to Capernaum, he has just finished casting out a demon from a man in the synagogue. Read Luke 4:38-44 Why did Jesus heal anyone? Why didn’t he heal everyone? His healing ministry supported his purpose, namely to proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God. We must keep this…
The Call of Jesus (Luke 5:1-11)
Introduction Previously, Jesus revealed his personal, physical, and verbal compassion for the people in Capernaum. He delighted to make them whole, not just healed. And that meant that he was committed to the proclamation of the good news of the kingdom of God (4:43-44). Read Luke 5:1-11 Jesus often utilized the scenery to illustrate his message. That doesn’t mean he always had a prop in his hand, or put on some distracting costume, but he valued relating truth to everyday…
Dealing with False Teachers (Titus 1:10-16)
Introduction Paul is writing to fledgling churches scattered across the island of Crete. He’s left Titus there to appoint elders. And this letter serves to assist him in accomplishing that task. He needs to help the church identify qualified men who will lead the church. But why is this so urgent? Read Titus 1:10-16 False teachers don’t destroy churches, they defile them with their influence until the whole place is rotten. Establishing elders was the most pressing need because there…
The Character of an Elder (Titus 1:7-9)
Introduction Skipping his typical thanksgiving, Paul’s urgent need is to instruct Titus to appoint elders. An elder’s ability to shepherd his home reveals his ability to shepherd the church. Similarly, his ability to manage himself reveals his ability to manage the church. As Paul delineates the qualifications for elder, he specifies several vices and virtues that apply to all of us to varying degrees. Read Titus 1:5-9 Early on, a church needs biblically qualified leaders. How will we choose? What…
The Compassion of Jesus (Luke 4:38-44)
Introduction Jesus began his ministry being accepted and praised by many who heard him teach, but also rejected and run off by people in his hometown of Nazareth. Having returned to Capernaum, he has just finished casting out a demon from a man in the synagogue. Read Luke 4:38-44 Why did Jesus heal anyone? Why didn’t he heal everyone? His healing ministry supported his purpose, namely to proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God. We must keep this…
The Elder in His Home (Titus 1:5-6)
Introduction Research continues to reveal that today’s children are less stable than previous generations. That is true physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. The primary reason children are unstable is because their parents are unstable. 46% of children live with mom and dad in first marriage. 96% of children live in a dysfunctional family (at least one member has addiction > neglect). What’s the solution? Godly men who lead their homes well, then equip other men to do the same. Paul’s…
The Authority of Jesus (Luke 4:31-37)
Introduction Jesus began his ministry with high praise, but his rejection in his hometown is where we left off last week. Here we see the recognition of his authority. Read Luke 4:31-37 This is the first of five accounts Luke provides of Christ healing on the Sabbath. It is significant that the day of rest and worship included great acts of mercy and compassion. This was radically different from the religious norm. When we picture authority today, it is often…