Jan 9, 2013

  This week, we will consider the first ten verses of Luke 17, considering the burden and blessing of Christian community. As we do, we will see how important it is to lean on the Lord as we learn to live with and love one another. To help you prepare your heart, consider downloading the order of worship below. You will be able to review the Psalms, Hymns,...

Jan 6, 2013

  Today’s text acts as an exclamation mark to the rest of Luke 16, calling us to consider the sobering end of a life apart from the Lord. Through the story of Lazarus and the rich man, Jesus paints a vivid and horrifying picture of the eternal destiny faced by those in hell. We find a depiction of their suffering, their desires, and their...

Dec 30, 2012

  As we continue in the Gospel of Luke, we come to yet another confrontation with the Pharisees. Earlier, Jesus had shared with His disciples how those who follow Him should recognize our position as stewards, and how we should use all He has given us to make eternal friends. This should be done remembering there is no distinction between the sacred and...

Dec 23, 2012

As we move into Luke 16. we find Jesus giving us a timely lesson on stewardship. Many people spend their resources, their time, talents, and treasure, without any forethought of tomorrow. Others selfishly hold onto the stuff of this world, seeking only earthly gain, and not considering the impact actions have on eternity. However, using the story of the...

Dec 16, 2012

  The third account in Jesus’ parable in Luke 15 presents the famous story we know as the Prodigal Son. This narrative is one of the best loved accounts in the Bible, indeed in all the world, because it presents for us emotions we all struggle with, such as selfishness, ambition, pride, arrogance, anger, lust, bitterness, passion. We also see loss,...

Dec 9, 2012

  Have you ever lost something that you loved? Do you remember the emotions you went through, considering your loss? Do you remember the zeal you had as you searched for it? How about the joy you experienced when you found that which was lost? In Luke 15:1-10, Jesus calls the Pharisees to remember those emotions, and to evaluate their hearts, as He covers...

Dec 2, 2012

  As we come to the end of Luke 14, Jesus turns to the multitudes that are following Him, and lays out for all to hear what it really means to be His disciple. Jesus clearly articulates that while salvation is free, discipleship will cost everything, our relationships, our reputations, our resources. This message confronts us today as well, because so...

Nov 25, 2012

  As we come into Luke 14, we see quite a bit of discussion on the topic of feasting. Jesus is invited to a Pharisee’s home for a Sabbath Day feast. And yet, this feast was actually a trap. Jesus evades the trap, and then proceeds to teach the gathered crowd how they can be sure to have a seat at His Table. Those who are pharisaical. holding on to...

Nov 11, 2012

  As we look forward to the days ahead, some may be tempted to despair. We live in a world that appears to be increasingly hostile to the message of the Cross. But, as we remember the history of the world, we see this is not the first time God’s people have been despised. Jesus, the very Son of God, experienced hostility and opposition from the prideful,...

Nov 4, 2012

  Dancing with Lenin Acts 17:1-9 Rev. Blake Purcell Slavic Reformation Society  Dancing with Lenin...