Who is My Neighbor (Luke 10:25-37)
The parable of the Good Samaritan is one of the most familiar stories in all the Bible. The concept of a Good Samaritan has endured throughout the years and has even been in current Chicagoland headlines. The story is a response to the question: Who is my neighbor? It is a question we need to consider carefully in a time of political, racial, and social upheaval. The principles in this parable are as applicable today as they were when Jesus first told the story. Howington. Released: 2021.WatchNotesDownloadDateTitle
- Apr 18, 2021Who is My Neighbor (Luke 10:25-37)
Who is My Neighbor (Luke 10:25-37)The parable of the Good Samaritan is one of the most familiar stories in all the Bible. The concept of a Good Samaritan has endured throughout the years and has even been in current Chicagoland headlines. The story is a response to the question: Who is my neighbor? It is a question we need to consider carefully in a time of political, racial, and social upheaval. The principles in this parable are as applicable today as they were when Jesus first told the story. Howington. Released: 2021.
- Apr 11, 2021The Core of Consistent Faith (Luke 9:21-43)
The Core of Consistent Faith (Luke 9:21-43)
What does it mean to follow Jesus? What does it take? What is the true
essence of faith? In a stunning statement and an awesome event some of Jesus closest disciples will learn the core of consistent faith. It is far more than we can imagine. It is a greater challenge than we can envision. And yet we have a clear word of guidance that we simply need to follow. - Mar 28, 2021Why are you crying, Jesus? Luke 19:41-44
Why are you crying, Jesus? Luke 19:41-44
Jesus allowed one true public celebration of who he was on that first day of the week before his crucifixion. In a moment in which many were celebrating, Jesus weeps. These were not tears of joy. They were not tears of fear. They were tears of sadness because he knew this city that God had chosen did not even recognize God the Son as he came to them. We each need to make sure we do not miss God because of our own preconceived notions of who we think he should be. - Mar 21, 2021Time for Everyone (Luke 8:26-56)
Time for Everyone (Luke 8:26-56)
One thing we discover repeatedly about Jesus is that while on God’s timetable, he was not in a hurry. He made time for each person. In our passage we find him in the presence of a very important man who needs help. Yet along the way, Jesus stops to pay special attention to an unnamed, poverty stricken, woman who is desperately ill with no answers. Not only do we learn that Jesus has time for everyone, we also learn the power of faith over fear. - Mar 14, 2021Check the Condition of Your Heart (Luke 8:1-15)
Check the Condition of Your Heart (Luke 8:1-15)
Each person is responsible before God as to how they respond to the truth of His Word. How one responds is directly related to the “soil condition” of his or her heart. The reality is that we can do the work to prepare our hearts to be receptive to God’s truth. What is the condition of your heart today? What needs to be done to make it even more receptive? - Mar 7, 2021The Depth of Forgiveness (Luke 7:26-50)
The Depth of Forgiveness (Luke 7:26-50)
If you have ever wondered if Jesus truly accepts outcasts, this sermon is for you. If you have pondered the depth of God’s love that could lead him to forgive you, despite anything you may have done this sermon is for you. We see Jesus forgiving one who had the reputation as a sinner, when everyone else wanted to judge her. God’s initiating love of sending Jesus to atone for our sins is the beginning point of our forgiveness. - Feb 28, 2021Discipleship Standards (Luke 6:27-49)
Discipleship Standards (Luke 6:27-49)
In Luke's account of the “Sermon on the level place,” we find four key themes that should be standards for following Jesus. Choose to love our enemies. Look at our own faults before pointing out the faults of others. Let the our words and our works reflect the presence of Jesus in our lives. Live a life of obedience to the clear teaching of Jesus. These standards for living that Jesus presented nearly 2000 years ago still give us a template for living in the 21st Century. - Feb 21, 2021Readjusting our Values (Luke 6:12-26)
Readjusting our Values (Luke 6:12-26)
The methods of Jesus, the teaching of Jesus and the call to commitment from Jesus are all different from what was conventional. In Luke’s sermon on the plain that we have here, we find a familiar ring to Matthew’s sermon on the mount and yet also some unique challenges. The bottom line is that the call of Jesus is inclusive in its scope and exclusive in its commitment - Feb 14, 2021A New Way (Luke 5:17-38)
A New Way (Luke 5:17-38)
The methods of Jesus, the teaching of Jesus and the call to commitment from Jesus are all different from what was conventional. In these three familiar stories we discover that Jesus calls us to a new way of thinking. His teaching will not fit conventional ways of thinking. Listen to Pastor Scott's sermon, "A New Way" from Luke 5:17-38 by clicking on the link below. - Feb 7, 2021A Composite Sketch Luke 4:31-5:10
A Composite Sketch Luke 4:31-5:10
A composite sketch is the result of several eye witnesses describing features of a person. Luke’s description of the early ministry of Jesus comes from a variety of sources and ultimately guided by the Holy Spirit. The result is somewhat of a composite sketch. But it is more than a portrait. In seeing how Jesus taught and ministered to people, we are left with a very important challenge that should be at the heart of our relationship with the Son of God. - Jan 31, 2021Sometimes You Can’t Go Home (Luke 4:14-30)
Sometimes You Can’t Go Home (Luke 4:14-30)
Jesus went “home” to Nazareth. He was initially accepted as a leader and teacher. But his message did not fit the narrative that they had all believed. They did not want a Messiah for all, just for them and when all was said and done, they ran him out of town. We have no indication that he ever returned. How do we respond when the message of Jesus is a bit different than what we have imagined? - Jan 24, 2021Jesus Understands (Luke 3:21-23; 4:1-13)
Jesus Understands (Luke 3:21-23; 4:1-13)
Jesus begins his public ministry at the age of 30. He is baptized not because of his sins, but in a step of showing that he is orienting his life in obedience to the Father. Luke shows how Jesus is truly the son of God in his lineage. Following this is the temptation in which we see Jesus using the Scriptures to fight off the misuse of the Scriptures by the Devil. We will discover in this passage the importance of making sure we follow God and not the tempting shortcuts of the enemy. - Jan 17, 2021Preparing the Way Luke 3:1-20
Preparing the Way Luke 3:1-20
What does it look like to live a godly life? What are practical ways to show people that I have reoriented my life and my thinking to put God first. One of the most enigmatic characters in the Bible is John the Baptist. There was something about him that drew people to him. His message was clear and simple. His advice practical. His awareness of the scope and focus of his mission undeniable. We can learn much from this unique servant of God. - Jan 10, 2021Like Us…But Different (Luke 2:39-52)
Like Us…But Different (Luke 2:39-52)
We have very little knowledge of what Jesus was like as a child. Some have tried to come up with descriptions, but they are speculative at best. Luke gives us one story and several descriptions of the young Jesus. We also discover that in many ways he was just like us in his growth and development; all the way to being obedient to his parents. Yet he was different in that he understood there was a higher call on his life.
- Jan 3, 2021God’s Faithful Plan (Luke 1:57-80)
God’s Faithful Plan (Luke 1:57-80)
What would be the first words out of your mouth if you had been rendered speechless for almost a year? We encounter just such a person in Luke 1. Zechariah the priest was rendered speechless until his son John would be born. When his ability to speak returned it was a shock to everyone. But what he said was truly inspired and gave all a glimpse of the plan of God that had been unfolding for centuries.