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…
Introduction to Titus (Titus 1:1-4)
Introduction There are a thousand different strategies from a thousand different denominations all advocating some unique selling proposition that the church MUST consider TODAY! It’s not only confusing, but it’s often at odds with the simple instruction provided in the Word of God. The great Easter Egg drop of 2014. 7,000 candy-filled plastic eggs were dropped from a helicopter. “You may ask, well, what does dropping an egg from a helicopter have to do with the resurrection? Uh, Absolutely nothing.…
The Rejection of Jesus (Luke 4:14-30)
Introduction Jesus begins his public ministry with great reception, then faces intense challenge upon returning to the place of his upbringing, Nazareth. Read Luke 4:14-30 Previously, Jesus went from affirmation > temptation, now he experiences acclamation > Persecution. This is the second time Jesus found himself staring down from a dizzying height. He escaped 1x through overcoming the devil’s temptation. The 2x he was indeed protected from harm. It seems like an overreaction from the crowd doesn’t it? What did…
Vanity of Vanities (Ecclesiastes 12:8-14)
Introduction We have spent the past six months looking at a book that contains many things that are difficult to understand. It’s a book you should continue to read and meditate upon. It’s truths are appropriate for all ages, but especially postmodern Westerners. 12:8 summarizes the Preacher’s thoughts. If Ecclesiastes ended at 12:8, our interpretation would have been different. Read Ecclesiastes 12:9-14 Ryken If there is no God, then there is no Judge. If there is no Judge, then there…
The Temptation of Jesus (Luke 4:1-13)
e filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. Introduction Jesus has been empowered by the Holy Spirit for the ministry he is about to begin. The baptism was followed by a genealogy that concludes significantly (3:38). He wasn’t an alien (part God, part man). His temptation confirms his humanity. Great Privilege > Great Trial. Read Luke 4:1-13 Docestism = Jesus merely seemed human. If Jesus was going to suffer and obey in our place, his temptation…
A Word to the Young (Ecclesiastes 11:7 – 12:8)
Introduction As the Preacher draws towards his closing, he turns his attention to his young listeners. Maybe much of what he has said has gone over their heads or was difficult for them to see its application. But, he wants to ensure they hear him at this point. Children, do I have your attention? Read Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:8 Here’s another call to enjoy life, but it’s couched in the reality of aging and death. How do we deal with growing old?…
The Genealogy of Jesus Christ (Luke 3:23-38)
Introduction Luke slowly, but steadily building toward the ministry of Jesus. His desire to provide an orderly account has led him to emphasize the empowering of the Holy Spirit at the start of his ministry. Now Luke wants to ensure his readers realize the origin and purpose of his ministry. Read Luke 3:23-38 The age of 30 is significant: It is when priests were allowed to work in the tabernacle (Num. 4:3, 47). Joseph became second in Egypt (Gen. 41:46).…
Calculated Risk (Ecclesiastes 11:1-6)
Introduction The Preacher continues his study of wisdom, specifically economic wisdom, which will be followed by another commendation of joy next week. Read Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 In the past 20 years we’ve witnessed to of the biggest financial disasters in our nation’s history. We saw the dotcom crash of 2000 and the housing market collapse of 2008. In both cases, the market was saturated with inflated prices creating a bubble of instability. If we were anything like the generation that survived…