Summary: A message during this Advent season on the source of our Hope, which is Christ Jesus.
Scripture: Isaiah 9:1-7
Truths about God's Hope:
1.) Hope is available even in times of darkness
2.) Hope has a name
3.) Hope is anchored in God's character and faithfulness to His promises
4.) Hope has perfect timing
Summary: The forty-third message from the Book of Luke which highlights our response to Jesus’ Gospel. Following Christ and and sharing it everywhere.
Scripture: Luke 9:57-62
Three Hindrances to Following Christ:
1.) Earthly Comfort (v57-58)
2.) Earthly Responsibilities (v59-60)
3.) Earthly Relationships (v61-62)
Joel Greene Quote:
“Luke asserts the level of commitment required to follow Jesus. They must match the depth of His resolution to serve the purpose of God, even when it leads to rejection and execution. Apart from conviction measured in these terms, the lessons of discipleship cannot be fully absorbed.”
Summary: The forty-second message from the Book of Luke which highlights our response to Jesus’ Gospel. The test of greatness.
Scripture: Luke 9:46-56
Response in Prayer and Life:
1.) In what area of your life do you often see yourself as being superior to others, even to the point of exclusion?
2.) Why do you think that is? (past hurts, cultural or family conditioning, etc.)
3.) What step is the Holy Spirit encouraging you to take, so that your heart aligns with Jesus’ heart, rather than the disciples?
Summary: The forty-first message from the Book of Luke which highlights our response to Jesus’ Gospel. The Jesus heals a demon-possessed boy.
Scripture: Luke 9:37-43
Why Here and Why Now?
The healing of the demoniac boy was a further picture of Jesus’ purpose in coming - a foreshadowing of His own death and resurrection:
His descent from the mountain into brokenness (v.37)
Jesus’ authority over Satan and his demonic forces (v.42)
Jesus’ rebuke of the faithless generation and their unbelief (v.41)
The boy’s violent experience (v.39, 42)
Restoration of the boy and the '“giving back to his father (v.42)
Amazed at God’s greatness (v.43)
Summary: The fortieth message from the Book of Luke which highlights our response to Jesus’ Gospel. The Transfiguration of Jesus.
Scripture: Luke 9:27-36
Our Response:
1.) When you think about Jesus, do you tend to see Him more as a friend, good teacher, or prophet - or as the ONE worthy of all your worship? (Philippians 2:10)
2.) Whose voice shapes your life the most? Who is that you listen to?
3.) How does knowing that Jesus chose the cross change the way you view His love for you and your willingness to trust Him?
Summary: On a weekend highlighting the persecution of Christian Church, the sermon aligns with others speaking on the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. https://idop.ca/about/
Scripture: Hebrews 10:32-39
Response in Prayer:
1.) As persecution increases pray that God would fill the hearts of believers with His perfect peace, as well as the boldness to continue sharing the Good News of the Gospel with love and courage.
2.) Pray that those who recently come to faith in Christ will be deeply rooted in solid Biblical teaching, and that the Lord would raise up Godly mentors to disciple them.
3.) Pray for those who are responsible for the ongoing opposition against the country's Christians, asking the Lord to reveal Himself to them.
Summary: The thirty-ninth message from the Book of Luke which highlights our response to Jesus’ Gospel. Peter identifies who Jesus is to him.
Scripture: Luke 9:18-26
What Does Jesus Ask of Me?
1.) Deny self
Reject self-centred living
2 Corinthians 5:15 "Jesus died for all, so that those who live no longer live for themselves but Him who died for them and was raised again
2.) Take up cross .
Identify with Christ's suffering
1 Peter 4:13-14 "But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
3.) Follow me
Walk faithfully in Jesus' footsteps
1 John 2:6 "Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did."
Summary: The thirty-eighth message from the Book of Luke which highlights our response to Jesus’ Gospel. Feeding of the five thousand.
Scripture: Luke 9:10-17
Becoming a Discple on Mission (D.O.M.):
The heart of ministry begins with a concern for people.
Jesus wants to partner with us in fulfilling His mission.
We are going to have to learn to be fully dependent on Jesus in the midst of our limitations and inadequacies.
Summary: Reasons for praising God and giving thanks are highlighted.
Scripture: Various
Lessons: 3 Reasons we praise and give God thanksgiving:
Because He is worthy
Because it’s a sacrifice offering that pleases God
Because it changes our perspective
Summary: Part 3 of 3 in the series on Women in Leadership within the church. Discussion includes topics related to Spiritual Gifts and Eldership.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 16
Statement by Andrew as his current understanding:
Paul was addressing a particular problem specific to the church at Ephesus in which false teaching was resulting in inappropriate behaviour. Paul was not necessarily giving a universal order to all women for all time not to teach or have authority over a man within the church context, but he was speaking against a domineering type of authority going on in Ephesus.
Summary: Part 2 of 3 in the series on Women in Leadership within the church.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:11-15
Statement by Andrew as his current understanding:
Paul was addressing a particular problem specific to the church at Ephesus in which false teaching was resulting in inappropriate behaviour. Paul was not necessarily giving a universal order to all women for all time not to teach or have authority over a man within the church context, but he was speaking against a domineering type of authority going on in Ephesus.
Summary: Part 1 of 3 in the series on Women in Leadership within the church.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, 1 Timothy 2:11-15
The Challenges:
The prohibition on teaching and exercising authority
Who are the women that Paul is addressing?
Why the appeal to the origin story? (Creation & Fall)
Salvation through childbearing?
The difference in biblical translation in regards to v.15?
A universal principal for all time, or a correction for a specific situation?
Summary: The thirty-seventh message from the Book of Luke which highlights our response to Jesus’ Gospel. Ministry of the twelve.
Scripture: Luke 9:1-11
Questions to Ponder:
What is one thing that stood out to you in the message that perhaps you did not know or haven’t seen before?
What did the Holy Spirit specifically say, challenge, or encourage you with this morning?
What steps is He asking you to take in response?
Can we help or pray for you in any way that will further you in taking the necessary steps of faith?
Summary: The thirty-sixth message from the Book of Luke which highlights our response to Jesus’ Gospel. Miracles of healing.
Scripture: Luke 8:40-56
Questions to Ponder:
The woman risked social shame to approach Jesus. Are there fears our societal pressures that keep you from seeking Jesus fully?
Both Jairus and the woman came to Jesus in desperate need. What is your greatest need and will you step out in faith and bring it to Him this morning?
Summary: The thirty-fifth message from the Book of Luke which highlights our response to Jesus’ Gospel. The demon possessed man.
Scripture: Luke 8:26-39
Questions to Ponder:
The man's condition was extreme. How does this story give you hope for those who you know that are struggling with sin and spiritual bondage?
How does this story give you hope for areas that may be presently affecting your own life? Will you bring these issues to Him this morning in prayer?
In what areas of your life are you thankful for in which you have seen Jesus already bring healing and freedom?
After the man's healing, he wanted to follow Jesus but was told to go back and share his story with others. How can your own personal story of what Jesus has done for you become a powerful tool for sharing your faith within your community?
Summary: The thirty-fourth message from the Book of Luke which highlights our response to Jesus’ Gospel. Jesus calms the storm.
Scripture: Luke 8:22-25
Questions to Ponder:
In what way(s) this morning are you being called by the Holy Spirit to trust Jesus more fully?
Will you exercise your faith and take the necessary steps to trust Him?
Can we pray for you this morning and help you take a stand against (1) a faint heart, (2) mistrust, and (3) guilt that may be tempting you not to do so?
Summary: The thirty-third message from the Book of Luke which highlights our response to Jesus’ Gospel. The parable of the lamp.
Scripture: Luke 8:16-21
Summary: The thirty-second message from the Book of Luke which highlights our response to Jesus’ Gospel. Jesus’ parable of the sower.
Scripture: Luke 8:1-15
Lessons:
As followers of Christ, we are expected to live fruitful and productive lives.
Making a decision to follow Christ is to hear, obey, and share.
There are many competing forces that will threaten to make one non-receptive to the Word of God, and as a result, “unfruitful”.
The key to living a fruitful life for Christ lies in the condition of one’s heart.
Germination of the seed = Profession of Faith, is not eternal salvation.
Not enough to start, you have got to finish. Revelation 21:7, “Whoever overcomes I will give the crown of life”.
It is important to hear this message, lest we live our lives absent of bearing fruit, and end up being far from the Kingdom of God.
Summary: The thirty-first message from the Book of Luke which highlights our response to Jesus’ Gospel. Simon and the woman.
Scripture: Luke 7:36-50
Lessons / Questions:
It’s not “unfair”, it’s not a disadvantage to grow up in a Christian home.
How can we apply what Jesus is saying to us today?
Who do you see yourself as today? Simon or the woman?
What is the evidence that others can see of your love for Jesus?
What is something in your life right now that the Holy Spirit is convincing you of, that you are hesitating to surrender?
Jesus is graciously wanting to take away your un-payable debt, are you willing to let him?
Summary: The thirtieth message from the Book of Luke which highlights our response to Jesus’ Gospel. John the Baptist.
Scripture: Luke 7:18-35