Lost and Found (Luke 15)
We have all had that sinking feeling when we have lost something. We look everywhere. The intensity of the search is related to the value of what was lost. In three familiar parables we find Jesus showing his hearers how valuable they are to the Father. And we learn that no matter how good we think we are, we are never good enough to earn a place in God’s eternal home. We still need God’s grace to open the door.WatchNotesDownloadDateTitle
- Jun 6, 2021Lost and Found (Luke 15)
Lost and Found (Luke 15)We have all had that sinking feeling when we have lost something. We look everywhere. The intensity of the search is related to the value of what was lost. In three familiar parables we find Jesus showing his hearers how valuable they are to the Father. And we learn that no matter how good we think we are, we are never good enough to earn a place in God’s eternal home. We still need God’s grace to open the door.
- May 31, 2021Growing in times of peace and persecution
- May 30, 2021Growth in Times of Peace and Persecution
- May 23, 2021Lessons at Lunch (Luke 14:1-35)
Lessons at Lunch (Luke 14:1-35)
After another Sabbath healing Jesus uses the opportunity to teach through two parables. The first will focus on the value of humility and serving to serve not to be repaid. The second will point to a God who accepts no excuses. This chapter ends with a reminder that true followers of Jesus are willing to give up even the closest of relationships to follow Him. It is a true step of faith. - May 16, 2021Compassion v. Tradition (Luke 13:10-17)
Compassion v. Tradition (Luke 13:10-17)
Have you ever determined what you think about another person strictly by the way they looked? If you then got to know that person, what changed in your judgement? In a very striking passage we discover Jesus seeing the person and the need that moves him to act compassionately. However, his actions violate tradition. We are each challenged to let our compassion override our tradition. But that is easier said than done. - May 9, 2021God’s Investment Strategy (Luke 12:22-34)
God’s Investment Strategy (Luke 12:22-34)
What if there were an investment strategy that not only promised, but also delivered a 100% return that would never run out? Everyone would be clamoring to get in. But what if the buy in were to first liquidate everything you currently had? Then there would be fewer, if any, who would want to take the risk. There is a real sense in which that is God’s investment strategy. Give all you have to Him; relinquish total ownership and he promises you will have all your needs met. Are you ready to invest? - May 2, 2021The Shallowness of Image Based Religion
The Shallowness of Image Based Religion
In many walks of life we hear the term “optics” being used. It refers to how something will look or be perceived by the public. Optics may work as a principle in business and politics, but an expression of faith that is optics or image based is shallow. Jesus reserved his harshest rebukes for religious leaders who focused more on their optics and their self-imposed standards than the condition of their hearts. We each need to guard against developing an image based religion. - Apr 25, 2021“Teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1-13)
“Teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1-13)
Today we will examine Luke’s account of what is often called the Lord's Prayer. However, these words are not what Jesus actually prayed, but provide a model for prayer. As we consider prayer we need to think about the one we are addressing. We need to think about what we are saying and we need to give careful thought that our God is a good God, who knows what we need, and will never violate his own character. - 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. - Apr 4, 2021Why I Need Resurrection (1 Cor. 15:1-34)
Why I Need Resurrection (1 Cor. 15:1-34)
Sometimes we find that we need the reality of resurrection more than others. This past year with so much uncertainty, so much death, so much unrest, it seems that we all need something that gives us hope for the future. As we will see in our passage today the resurrection of Jesus Christ is that which validates our faith. It is this one fact that reminds us that we truly do have hope. We will see in 1 Corinthians 15 that we each need resurrection, and more than just on Easter Sunday. - 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.