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1
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Feasting Because of Jesus
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The Calling Of Matthew - Hendrick Terbrugghen, 1621
One of the great challenges that God sets before us is the call to be joyful. Expressions of joy can easily elude the Christian, especially when we try to hold on to the darkness of our sin or when we trust in our own exrta-biblical rules and regulations. In such times, we may trust in our self-righteousness, but this will never give us fullness of joy. Such joy is only found in Jesus, and in His work.
In Luke 5:27-39, we learn of the call of Levi, the tax collector. One who did not deserve the blessing of God is called by the Lord and empowered to serve Him. In contrast to the sinfulness of Levi, we see the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. And we are challenged to see that joy, true joy, comes when we wee ourselves as Levi, one who knew he was far from the Lord. Unlike the doubtful and dour Pharisees, Levi throws a party for Jesus, and Jesus is introduced to many who needed Him. And, in like manner, when we walk with Jesus and experience His joy, we are used of the Lord to share His mercy with others. This is a powerful text of Christian hospitality and love.
Are you joyful? If not, find that joy today through this powerful account of the work of Jesus. When you embrace Him, you find a reason for joy, a reason for celebration, a reason for feasting.
Feasting Because of Jesus
Luke 5:27-39
Series: Luke – A Prescription for Doubtful Souls
Pastor James McDonald
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2/5/12
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Free
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2
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Compassion and Confrontation
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As we come to the middle of Luke chapter 5, we find a story of great compassion, and of troubling confrontation. Jesus expresses incredible power as He cleanses a leper and heals a paralytic. We see faith expressed by a group of friends who bring one beleaguered to Jesus, and are challenged to consider how often we invite friends to Jesus. And we see the first appearance of the scribes and Pharisees, men who thought they were serving God, but who tried to stand in the way of Jesus. While Jesus fulfills the Law of Moses, He continues to confront the Pharisees, first in touching the leper, then in forgiving an invalid. As we consider this account, we may be tempted to see ourselves in the lives of the leper and the paralytic, but do we see our propensity to be modern-day Pharisees?
So, consider the love and mercy of Jesus in this story, and be confronted yet again with our need for Him.
Compassion and Confrontation
Luke 5:12-26
Series: Luke – A Prescription for Doubtful Souls
Pastor James McDonald
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1/29/12
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Free
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3
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Christianity: Believe It, Live It
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As we come into chapter 5 of the Gospel of Luke, we come to meet a man named Simon Peter. Headstrong, confident, capable – and also impetuous. He is a man who knows Jesus, who has seen Jesus help others. But he doesn’t see his need for the Savior, that is, until Jesus shows him the incredible power of God. When that happens, everything changes for Peter. He sees Jesus, he sees himself, and he experiences the mercy of the Lord, and he is empowered to fulfill his mission!
This account challenges us to remember that each of us have a mission for the Kingdom. Every action we take has eternal consequence. And, we see the pattern of true discipleship, which starts with hearing the Word, repenting of our sin, and investing ourselves in the mission that Jesus has given us. Christianity is to be believed, and to be lived.
Christianity: Believe and Be Lived
Luke 5:1-11
Series: Luke – A Prescription for Doubtful Souls
Pastor James McDonald
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1/22/12
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Free
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4
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Power and Authority
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What a contrast a week makes! Last week, we noted the reaction of the Nazarenes to the preaching of Jesus. Theirs was hostility and anger. This week, we see how Jesus goes to Capernaum and preaches. The response of the citizens on this seaside town is completely different. They are amazed! They are astounded! And they are excited about the ministry of Jesus! And what we learn is that the ministry of Jesus is still amazing, still astounding, still exciting. As He exercised power and authority in His preaching, in His victory over the enemy, and even His sovereignty over even the created world, He still does today. Are we ready for the exciting and amazing power and authority of Jesus? Consider what we learn from Luke 4:31-44.
Power and Authority
Luke 4:31-44
Series: Luke – A Prescription for Doubtful Souls
Pastor James McDonald
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1/15/12
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Free
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5
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The Confrontational Gospel
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Jesus Preaching in Nazareth - from a 14th Century fresco
This week, Jesus comes home. After successfully defeating Satan in the wilderness temptation, Jesus entered into his Galilean ministry, going from town to town, teaching, preaching, healing the sick, and bringing deliverance to the oppressed. And news of what God was doing through Him had come back to the small village of Nazareth. It is likely they were proud of their civic son, the one from the troubled background who suddenly was putting Nazareth on the map!
And then, word came that He was coming home! And that He would be preaching! What would He say? Certainly, it would be an uplifint message, it would be one thanking the citizens of Nazareth for making Him who He was. Right? Wrong. Jesus came home, and preached the Gospel! He came home sharing that they needed the grace of God! Them! The citizens of Nazareth. How would they respond?
As you consider that, think about how you respond when someone confronts you, challenges your presuppositions, calls you to remember that you need God. The Gospel challenges, the Gospel confronts, the Gospel saves – and the Gospel calls for a response!
The Confrontational Gospel
Luke 4:14-30
Series: Luke – A Prescription for Doubtful Souls
Pastor James McDonald
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1/8/12
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Free
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6
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Defeating the Deceiver
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In what may seem an amazing turn of events, Jesus goes from the waters of baptism directly into mortal combat with Satan himself and is tempted for 40 long days. Satan’s goal is to get Jesus to fall. If he could do this, the whole mission of redemption would be foiled. But Jesus defeats the enemy of our souls, not based on being God, but rather He defeats Satan as a man. In doing so, we are reminded who Satan is, what his motives are, what his limits are. We come to see his designs, and we learn from Jesus how we can defeat his attempts to lure us away from the Lord.
Come to understand your propensity to sin, Satan’s desire to exploit your lust, and yet, Jesus’ example of victory. What a joy it is that we do have victory in Jesus!
Defeating the Deceiver
Luke 4:1-13
Series: Luke – A Prescription for Doubtful Souls
Pastor James McDonald
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1/1/12
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Free
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7
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Son of Adam, Son of God
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Jesus' Genealogy from Luke as listed in the historic Book of Kells
This week, we consider a very unusual text for Christmas Day, the text which chronicles Jesus’ genealogy from Luke 3:23-38. Some may wonder what this text has to do with Christmas. But, it actually has everything to do with Christmas. It helps us to understand the goodness of God in giving us family, in giving us a reason for living, and for understanding that even through our days here on this planet are short, they can be filled with purpose! And that is because, in this genealogy, we see the wonder of the promises of God fulfilled in the coming of Jesus! We come to remember the sinfulness fo man, and yet, generation upon generation, God was setting the stage for the one who would set all things right, that one called Jesus.
Son of Adam, Son of God
Luke 3:23-38
Series: Luke – A Prescription for Doubtful Souls
Pastor James McDonald
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12/25/11
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Free
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8
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Beloved and Approved
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In Luke 3:15-22, we come to the end of the ministry of John the Baptizer, and the beginning of the ministry of Jesus. In this account, we learn of the greatness of John, and yet the humility of John. Likewise, we see the Jesus greatness of Jesus! And Jesus was greater than John in every way! He ministered a greater baptism, He had a greater position, and He superintends a greater judgment. But, we also see the great humility of Jesus, who humbled Himself to be a man. He submitted to John’s baptism. And He suffered to the point of death – for us! And, as His baptism God the Father proclaimed His love and acceptance for His Son, in Jesus we likewise stand beloved and approved.
Beloved and Approved
Luke 3:15-22
Series: Luke – A Prescription for Doubtful Souls
Pastor James McDonald
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12/18/11
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Free
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9
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Preparing the Way for the Lord
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In Luke 3:1-14, we enter the next major section of this Gospel, which is the ministry of Jesus. However, Luke first introduces the forerunner of the Lord, John the Baptizer. He comes upon the word’s scene, in a time of great political and societal intrigue, with a very simple message – repent! And, his message is one we need to understand and to promote as well. Like the days of ancient Israel, our days are full of challenge, days of concern, days when the foundations of society seem to be teetering on the edge of destruction. But the Word of God calls us to not cower in fear in these days, nor to be consumed with thoughts of conspiracy, the Bile calls us to stand for truth and be about the work of the Kingdom. We are called to encourage men and women to see their sin, and then to see how Jesus can set them free of the true bondage, the bondage of the enemy of our souls.
Preparing the Way for the Lord
Luke 3:1-14
Series: Luke – A Prescription for Doubtful Souls
Pastor James McDonald
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12/11/11
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Free
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10
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Jesus: More than a Role Model
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In the Gospel of Luke, we find the only reliable account of Jesus as a boy. You can find that in Luke 2:40-52. We see that Jesus is indeed a great role model for young and old, growing in stature, wisdom and favor with God and man. Jesus was an amazing young man, from whom we can learn much. We are to live balanced lives,
But in addition to that, we find that Jesus announces something that is amazing; He is the Son of God. And as the Son of God, Jesus was to be about the Father’s business. This was an earth shaking statement, one that shakes the world even to this day.
What does the example of Jesus mean for you? And what difference can His Sonship make in your life? Consider this Jesus, who is more than a role model.
Jesus: More than a Role Model
Luke 2:40-52
Series: Luke – A Prescription for Doubtful Souls
Pastor James McDonald
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12/4/11
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Free
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