Episodes

12 hours ago

Sunday Apr 27, 2025

Sunday Apr 20, 2025

Sunday Apr 13, 2025

Sunday Apr 06, 2025
Luke 15 — A Father Looking for Two Sons
Sunday Apr 06, 2025
Sunday Apr 06, 2025
The Prodigal Son filtered through the eyes of ancient Middle Eastern culture; informed by the teachings of Dr. Kenneth Bailey https://www.kennethbailey.net/articles

Sunday Mar 30, 2025
Luke15: 1-10. Rejoicing at the Lost and Found
Sunday Mar 30, 2025
Sunday Mar 30, 2025
The episode dives into the parables of joy found in Luke 15, focusing on the themes of being lost and found, and the contrasting attitudes of Jesus and the Pharisees towards sinners.
Joy in Recovery: The parables highlight the happiness of finding what was lost, showing God's love and care for sinners1.
Pharisees' Attitude: The Pharisees are portrayed as critical of Jesus for hanging out with sinners, reflecting a separatist mentality that clashes with Jesus’ inclusive approach
Lost Sheep: This parable emphasizes the shepherd's persistent search for the lost sheep, symbolizing God's relentless pursuit of the lost
Lost Coin: A woman's search for a lost coin mirrors the shepherd's story, stressing the value of each lost individual and the joy when they are found
Heavenly Joy: Both parables end with the idea that there's joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, reinforcing the theme of divine grace
Different Receptions: Jesus attracted sinners through compassion, while the Pharisees repelled them through legalism, highlighting the different approaches to evangelism

Sunday Mar 23, 2025

Sunday Mar 16, 2025

Sunday Mar 09, 2025

Sunday Mar 02, 2025

Sunday Mar 02, 2025

Sunday Mar 02, 2025

Sunday Feb 09, 2025

Sunday Feb 02, 2025

Sunday Feb 02, 2025

Sunday Feb 02, 2025

Sunday Jan 12, 2025
Luke 9:21-27 -- The Self, The Cross and Following Jesus
Sunday Jan 12, 2025
Sunday Jan 12, 2025
If the first half of Luke is leading to the question, "who is Jesus?", then the second half pivots on this passage discussing "what are you going to do with Jesus?"
Resources:
Tim Keller sermon on this passage in Luke (audio only)
Tim Keller sermon on the parallel passage in Mark (audio only)
Ray Steadman sermon (audio and transcript) on the parallel passage in Mark

Sunday Jan 05, 2025

Sunday Dec 29, 2024

Sunday Dec 22, 2024

Sunday Dec 15, 2024

Sunday Dec 08, 2024
Luke 7:18-35 Great Expectations?
Sunday Dec 08, 2024
Sunday Dec 08, 2024
Lesson Synopsis (Google Gemini)
Introduction
Today, we'll delve into Luke chapter 7, starting from verse 18. Earlier in this chapter, Jesus was in Capernaum, His hometown. He paid the temple tax there. Later, He went to the village of Nain, where a young man was raised.
The Question of Expectation
As we explore this passage, let's consider the concept of expectation. What do we expect? Holiday Inn once had a slogan: "The best surprise is no surprise." This implies that we have certain expectations, whether it's cleanliness in a hotel room or a particular outcome in a situation.
Luke, in his narrative, seems to be playing with this idea of expectation, particularly regarding Jesus. We've seen the announcement of Jesus' birth, John the Baptist's preaching, and Jesus' early ministry. John's preaching of repentance suggests that the people's current practices were insufficient.
John the Baptist's Doubt
John the Baptist, despite prophesying about Jesus, seems to be experiencing doubt. He sends two disciples to ask Jesus if He is the one who is to come. This raises questions about John's expectations and the reality of Jesus' ministry.
Jesus' Response
Jesus responds to John's disciples by performing miraculous healings. He then sends them back to John with a message: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news preached to them.
Jesus' Critique of the Crowd
Jesus then addresses the crowd, comparing them to children who are never satisfied. They criticize John for his austere lifestyle and Jesus for His more social approach.
The Wisdom of God
Jesus concludes by highlighting the wisdom of God's plan. The true followers of God are those who recognize His wisdom and trust in His ways.
Aligning Our Expectations with God's
As we reflect on this passage, we should consider our own expectations of Jesus and His kingdom. Are we aligning our expectations with God's plan, or are we clinging to our own preconceived notions?
The Christmas season is a time to remember the true meaning of Christ's birth and to align our hearts with His purpose. Let's strive to be people who are not easily offended by God's ways and who trust in His perfect plan.

Sunday Dec 01, 2024

Sunday Nov 24, 2024
Luke 6:37-45
Sunday Nov 24, 2024
Sunday Nov 24, 2024
a YouTube excerpt from Gary Hamrick was used from Minutes 12:30 - 26:40

Sunday Nov 17, 2024

Sunday Nov 10, 2024

Sunday Oct 27, 2024

Sunday Oct 20, 2024

Sunday Oct 13, 2024

Sunday Sep 29, 2024

Sunday Sep 29, 2024

Sunday Sep 29, 2024

Monday Sep 09, 2024

Sunday Sep 01, 2024

Sunday Aug 25, 2024

Sunday Aug 18, 2024

Sunday Aug 11, 2024

Sunday Aug 11, 2024

Sunday Jul 28, 2024
Luke 1:5-25
Sunday Jul 28, 2024
Sunday Jul 28, 2024
Here are some of the notes and references for this episode:

Sunday Jul 21, 2024

Sunday Jul 14, 2024

Sunday Jul 07, 2024

Sunday Jun 30, 2024

Sunday Jun 23, 2024

Sunday Jun 16, 2024

Sunday Jun 09, 2024

Sunday Jun 09, 2024

Sunday May 26, 2024

Sunday May 19, 2024

Sunday May 05, 2024