Family Bible Church weekly message

* Jesus had sent out His twelve Apostles to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God and had equipped them with power and authority over all demons and with the ability to cure diseases. He then took them aside to talk about their experiences, but they had been interrupted by the 5,000+ crowd. Jesus used the moment to teach the people, but also to teach His disciples regarding the necessity of faith by having the disciples feed the crowd with just five small loaves of bread and two small fish! * Today, we begin to see the conversation of Jesus and His disciples when He finally gets them away. * As a segue, at Family Camp we discussed - from the Shema - the connection between your faith and your actions. If you have a genuine faith in God, you will naturally have a genuine love for God. This genuine love for God will then lead to a genuine interaction with His Word. Jesus uses this same logical connection between what you believe and how you will act in His discussion with His disciples.

* Two weeks ago, we considered when Jesus sent His twelve apostles out to herald the good news of the Kingdom of God. Jesus had given them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases. He had also instructed them to take nothing for the journey (to trust in God), to remain in whatever house they first entered, and to shake off the dust of their feet as a testimony against city that rejected them. * Today, we will examine another miracle which provides further attestation to Jesus' Messianic claim. However, it is two of the sub-themes which we will really focus upon today.

* Luke is writing in order that those who would read his account of the life and ministry of Christ would be assured of the truthfulness of the message. * What message did the people hear? Where did that message originate? From whom did they hear the message? * In Romans 10, we read: "For 'Whoever calls on the name of YHWH shall be saved." (cf. Joel 2:32) How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!" (cf. Isaiah 52:7) ... So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." * As we will be reminded today - God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound those that seem mighty - through the proclamation of the Good News of the Kingdom of God: that Christ died for our sins, was resurrected

* In the beginning of our study of Luke's account of the life and ministry of Jesus, we saw that he was a "Physician." In different passages, we have found that Luke gives details that other writers did not give. * Last week, as we considered the deliverance of the man who had a legion of demons dwelling in him, Luke revealed many details of this man's situation before Jesus, and how he was healed and in his right mind when the townspeople came out to tell Jesus to leave. * Today, we will be considering two more events of Jesus' powerful deliverance of individuals. Again, Dr. Luke gives us specific details to help us understand the veracity of the events. * Though we will consider two deliverances, one is presented as an interruption along the path of the primary object. An important detail to remember in life is that God has many appointments that seem to be only "interruptions" along what we consider to be the primary path!

* In our study of Luke, we have seen that Luke has declared from the beginning that his purpose in writing this account of the life and ministry of Christ was that believers "Would know assuredly" the things with which they were instructed. Luke recorded immediately how Gabriel was sent to Mary to inform her that she would be overshadowed by the power of God and give birth to a son who "will be called the Son of the Highest," who "will reign over the house of Jacob forever," and who "will be called the Son of God." * As we have recently considered the beginning of Jesus' ministry and His proclamation of the coming of the Kingdom of God, we have seen that He began to certify His ministry through healings and casting out evil spirits. * Over the next two weeks, we will consider a portion of Jesus' ministry where His disciples, and those around Him, begin to realize that Jesus isn't just a "human" prophet; but rather, that Messiah was truly YHWH incarnate. * Today, we consider the display of Jesus' Authority ov

* Last week, we considered Scriptures regarding "The Kingdom of God." Jesus declared that His purpose was to share the good news of the Kingdom and then called upon His disciples to share that message as well. He also declared that this Kingdom was not just one that was, or would be, physical. Rather, the ultimate Kingdom of God is spiritual, and begins in the heart. Allegiance to God begins in the heart by expressing childlike faith and trust in the testimony which God has declared in His Word. Being part of God's Kingdom therefore means that an individual is declaring - by faith - fidelity, allegiance and obedience to YHWH as the One True King of the Universe. * When one chooses to believe - by faith - in YHWH and His redemptive plan they become citizens of His Kingdom and are "born-again." Just as they were born physically, they are now born spiritually. * Today, Jesus will share an important detail of those who are truly part of the Kingdom of God ... having ears they will hear the message of God

* As we have begun to study the ministry portion of Jesus' life recorded in Luke's account, we have seen a couple of times that Jesus has declared that His purpose is to declare the good news of "the Kingdom." * Today, we are going to take a one-week detour from our verse-by-verse exposition of the Book to consider the topic of "The Kingdom of God." This term is used 69 times in the Bible; 32 of those occurrences are in the book of Luke! Hence, as we begin to see it's usage and references to it, it would behoove us to understand exactly to what Jesus was referring, and how it specifically applies to our lives as believers. * In fact, as we move forward into chapter 8, Jesus declares to His disciples: "To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God ..." So, let's consider some of the facts that we see regarding the Kingdom of God in the Scriptures - and the impact this should make in our lives.

* In 1 Timothy 2:3-4 we read that God has a desire for "all men (people) to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." In 1 John 2:2 we read that Jesus died to be the propitiation for the sins of the whole world. The question is: Do we really believe that? If so, how do we exemplify it in our lives? How do we treat others? * After we have received the free gift of salvation through Christ and have had His righteousness applied to our "account," do we become judgmental of others who have not yet received that gift? Do we forget the wonder and awe of our redemption? Were we ever truly overwhelmed with the forgiveness that God extended us - freely? * In today's passage, we see Jesus' interactions with Simon the Pharisee and a Sinful woman - a man who was self-righteous and a woman who was publicly despised. There is much for us to learn and to be challenged by in this account which is only recorded by Luke.

* The earthly ministry of Jesus was marked by many miraculous events. We have already seen Jesus cast out demons, heal general sicknesses and specific diseases including leprosy, healing a paralytic, and healing a man with withered hand. Last week, we saw Jesus heal the Centurion's servant from a distance and raise the widow of Nain's son from the dead! * One would think that this would be enough proof to validate His claim as Messiah. However, we know that from the response of many today, that is sadly not the case. * However, there are times when even we who believe can be confused and have shades of doubt regarding what we have read in God's Word. Today, we will see how Jesus addressed doubt in those who were around Him.

* Over the past three messages we have considered the instruction of Jesus to those who were following Him. Jesus challenged those following Him to change the way they thought - from being worldly-focused to kingdom-focused; and from being self-focused to being other-focused. * In today's passage, we see Jesus illustrate this mindset in His interaction with Roman Centurion of Capernaum and the Widow of Nain.

* Except for last week, when visiting missionary Bob Schneider delivered the teaching, we've spent the majority of June considering Luke's perspective regarding Jesus's call of His primary messengers and the communication of His primary message. A primary message that was designed to help people to change the way they approached life, by teaching them what having a Messianic mindset was all about. For to be a true follower of Jesus requires us to increasingly adjust and adapt our thinking to match His, so that we can more effectively serve as His ambassadors in this world. * Pastor Bob summarized this Messianic mindset as one that is kingdom-focused and others-focused, rather than worldly-focused and self-focused. * So, 2 weeks ago, in verses 21-35, Jesus gave four contrasts in the form of blessings and woes to illustrate the outcomes of those two mindsets, and then seven commands that challenge us to respond to those that mistreat us in ways that cannot help but get their attention. * And my personal key t

* If you would die today do know where you are going? * If God would ask you, "Why should I let you into My heaven?" What would you answer? * Are you trusting in your good deeds? Do you believe that you will get into heaven because you attend church? * What about a robber, or a thief? Are they excluded based upon their badness? * Jesus had an interesting and eternal encounter with the thief hanging on the cross next to Him. This encounter has great relevance for us today.

* Last week, we considered Jesus' call of His Primary Messengers and began to consider the communication of His Primary Message. We considered that the overall theme of Jesus' teaching was for people to change the way they thought - from being worldly-focused to kingdom-focused; and from being self-focused to being other-focused. As we will see, the Kingdom mindset is unlike the mindset of the world * Lord willing, the message today and then two weeks from now will cover some of the exhortations, applications and implications of this primary message. * Today, we will be considering Contrasts, Commands, and Conclusions that Jesus presents based upon the Theme of this Primary Message. That theme is revealed throughout these verses. - THE THEME OF JESUS' MESSAGE ... If you do to others just as you would have them do to you, then your reward will be great and you will be sons of the Most High. For with the same measure you use, it will be measured back to you!

* Up to this point in our study of Luke's Gospel, we have seen the proclamation of the coming of the Messiah and His forerunner. We have then seen the birth and ministry of the Messiah's forerunner - John the Immerser (the Baptist), the proclamation of Jesus inaugurating His Messianic ministry, the authority and power of Jesus displayed through a variety of healings and of demons being cast out. Last week, we saw Jesus begin to ramp up His Messianic ministry by providing corrective instruction regarding the observance of the Sabbath. During this time, Jesus began to call individuals to follow Him. Some did and some did not. We read of some of those who did. * Today, we see Jesus take the next step in His Messianic ministry - choosing His primary Ambassadors and giving them their primary Message. * If you were to choose twelve men to represent you, or your business, or your ministry ... how would you go about choosing them? Would they send in resumés? Would you have multiple interviews? What criteria

* As Chuck reminded us last week, Luke wrote this gospel account that we are studying in order "that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed." * We have seen, that it was Jesus' custom to go to the Synagogue on the Sabbath. It was on the Sabbath that Jesus gave His Messianic proclamation in the Synagogue in Nazareth. It was also on the Sabbath that we saw His ministry begin in the town of Capernaum. There, in the Synagogue, the people were amazed at His teaching and He cast the unclean Spirit out of a man. Afterwards, Jesus went to Simon's house and healed Simon's mother-in-law. * Today, we are going to see Jesus - the Lord of the Sabbath - begin to deal with the misunderstandings that the people have regarding the Law of the Sabbath. These interactions are going to bring Him into direct confrontation with the Pharisees and teachers of the Law. * Similarly, this topic can be quite controversial amongst believers, and theologians, in the church today. Is the discussion of

Though we have taken a few detours along the way, we have spent the bulk of the past 5 months examining Luke's gospel account, with our plan this morning being to finish up chapter 5. This means that at our current pace, we will be in Luke, not only for the remainder of 2024, but most likely a good portion of 2025 as well. * And while for some, this might be considered a "slow" pace, for me it is a reminder of the depth and beauty of God's Word, and also the fact that the Bible is so full of truth that it merits and deserves our careful attention to its every detail. But then, as many of you have no doubt experienced over the years, we will have but "scratched the surface" even after we eventually come to the end of Luke 24. * Now, as Pastor Bob has reminded us frequently over the past 5 months, Luke's desire was to present an orderly account of the ministry of Jesus the Christ, so that those that heard about it could be assured of its veracity, in order that they could have confidence to share its testimon

Last week, we saw Jesus' interaction with, and call of, Simon Peter. Even though Simon had seen Jesus perform many healings, it was the manifestation of a major catch of fish to get his attention. As a result, Simon confessed his sinfulness, willingly left his business, and followed Jesus. * From this point, Jesus begins to travel throughout the regions of Galilee and Judea, and uses Simon's house as his "house of operations" while back in Capernaum - His adopted city. * Today, we begin to follow Jesus on these journeys. Immediately, we are introduced to one of Luke's favorite words when it comes to describing Jesus' travels: egeneto - translated in the NKJV as "Now it happened ... " or "Now it came to pass ..." Egeneto is used 208 times in the New Testament; 129 of those times are by Luke! (Luke - 75; Acts - 54) The next closest of usages is Mark, John and Revelation with 18 each! Egeneto is the aorist indicative of ginomai, which means "cause to be" or "to become." When Jesus came to the earth,

* Jesus had just announced in Nazareth, his hometown, that He was the Messiah. But, the people there rejected Him. * Hence, Jesus transitions His base of operations to another location - Capernaum. * As we saw in His time in Nazareth, it was His custom to go to the Synagogue on Sabbath, and to teach. That is where we find Him, as we consider the beginning of His ministry in Capernaum. * In Luke's presentation of Jesus' Messianic ministry, he is going to reveal one of it's most important aspects immediately ... His authority. In this short passage that we are going to consider today, we see the reaction of those in Capernaum as they witness the authority of Jesus in a variety of manners.

* Jesus had just announced in Nazareth, his hometown, that He was the Messiah. But, the people there rejected Him. * Hence, Jesus transitions His base of operations to another location - Capernaum. * As we saw in His time in Nazareth, it was His custom to go to the Synagogue on Sabbath, and to teach. That is where we find Him, as we consider the beginning of His ministry in Capernaum. * In Luke's presentation of Jesus' Messianic ministry, he is going to reveal one of it's most important aspects immediately ... His authority. In this short passage that we are going to consider today, we see the reaction of those in Capernaum as they witness the authority of Jesus in a variety of manners.

* Our teaching time this morning was split into two parts, with our foundation being the symbolism behind one aspect of the Passover Seder meal that Jesus celebrated with His disciples on the eve of His crucifixion, namely the 3rd and 4th cups of wine. Jesus drank that 3rd cup with His disciples then, but refrained from drinking the 4th cup, promising to do it in the future with all who have followed Him through the ages as Savior and Redeemer. The drinking of that 4th cup to also be done during a very special meal, namely the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. * So, two cups and two suppers, both hosted by King Jesus, the lamb of God that has taken away the sins of the world.