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…
Chosen to Serve (Acts 6:1-7)
Introduction The church rapidly grew from a group of 120 (1:15) > 10,000+ within Jerusalem. Before it spread beyond (8:1), leadership and structure were established. Read Acts 6:1-7 The growth of the church is a good thing, but it brings new challenges. Prior to this passage, the church had withstood persecution and moral corruption. Now, we see how they fight the threat of division. The selection of these seven men will prove to be instrumental in the spread of the…
Wisdom is Better (Ecclesiastes 9:13 – 10:20)
Introduction What’s the point of living? The Preacher has been breaking down the most common cultural strongholds: the pursuit of a comprehensive knowledge, the indulgence of worldly pleasures, and a general sense of self-sufficiency. In the Preacher’s study of wisdom he has come to the consistent conclusion that life is filled with frustration. It would be easy to see him as a hopeless fatalist, but he has challenged us to enjoy life despite the existence of injustice and unpredictability. Read…
The Baptism of Jesus (Luke 3:21-22)
The baptism of Jesus raises several questions such as: Why was Jesus baptized? Why does Jesus pray? What were the roles of the Spirit and Father? This is an excellent passage for teaching the doctrine of the Trinity since all three persons participated in the Son’s baptism. That fact that Jesus began his public ministry with his baptism also highlights the importance of this event. The Trinitarian work of redemption provides believers with their only comfort in life and death.…