Luke 9:1

“Then He called His twelve disciples. . . “

When the Lord calls us to serve Him, there seems to be a universal response. Our hearts cry out, “I can’t.” This was the same response of Moses, Saul and Gideon. We feel this way because the Lord always seems to call us to do what is beyond our capacities. A young woman with small children senses a call to teach in children’s church, or a retired couple hears the call to the mission field, or a young man has a burning in his heart to become a pastor, and the voice in our head cries out “I can’t.” I think there is something encouraging here as Jesus calls the twelve. He is sending them out to serve Him. They will encounter many with needs beyond their capabilities to handle. They will cross paths with the sick, who will look to them for the answer, the demoniacs, who are held under by the powers of the devil, and some will will oppose the work of God. For their journey they are told to take nothing; no money, no provisions, no extra stuff.  These things will not equip them for the ministry. Jesus wants them to understand that those are not the things that enable them, nor will a lack of those things restrict them. Instead, Jesus provides everything that is necessary. We read, “He gave them power and authority” All of their objections, and ours, should be silenced by these six words. Whatever reasons they had for objecting to the call, whatever lack they may have felt, must be silenced when Jesus declares, “I have given you power and authority.” Just as their objections are silenced by His promise, so must ours be silenced. Whatever objections you have to the call of God on your life, understand what He calls us to, He equips us for. As He said to Gideon, He says to you “Mighty man of valor… Go in this might of yours”(Judges 6:14). Will you go?

Pastor Jim

Questions for Luke 9

1. What did Jesus send the disciples to do?
2. Why do you think Jesus sent the disciples out with nothing on their journey?
3. Why do you think Herod wanted to see Jesus?
4. How many men followed Jesus to the deserted place?
5. How many baskets were left over after all the people were fed?
6. What example does Jesus set for us in verse 18?
7. Who do you say Jesus is?
8. Verse 23 says that in order to be a follower of Jesus (a disciple) you must deny yourself. List some things in your life that may be hindering your walk with the Lord. Are you willing to give those things up for Jesus?
9. What happened to Jesus face as He was praying on the mountain?
10. Who were the five people present with Jesus on the mountain?
11. Read verse 35. Are you taking time to listen for the voice of Jesus?
12. Take a moment and think about the contrast of verses 43 and 44.
13. What subject does Jesus come back to in verses 57 – 62?

Old Testament
Leviticus 15- New Nature

Luke 8:10
“ To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God…”

I love a good mystery; as a child I had a book titled “2 Minute Mysteries.” It was a book of short stories, in which a crime would be described and the reader was left to guess who the guilty party was. The trick was, the answer was hidden. There was always something tucked away that was hard to find, almost like a secret, that revealed the answer. I would try so hard to guess correctly, but most often, when I flipped to the back of the book for the answer I found my guess was wrong. When Jesus speaks of the “Mysteries of the Kingdom,” He is not speaking of a secret truth that only a few can understand by reading their Bibles with a special code. Jesus is telling His disciples that everything we need to know about the Kingdom of God can be found by those who are part of it.

Paul tells us, the truths of God cannot be understood until we are converted (1 Corinthians 1:18). To the unbelieving mind, the things of God rarely make sense, but upon receiving Christ, His words come to life. We find them to be our daily manna, and our source of strength and encouragement. Jesus promised, when the Holy Spirit came, He would guide us in the truth. We are given an example of this at Jesus’ baptism. After the Holy Spirit descended upon Him, He heard the Father speak. One of the benefits of the Spirit coming upon us is, the Word of God comes to life. We begin to hear God speak to our lives as we read His Word. John tells us, because of the work of the Spirit, we have an anointing from the Father and do not need anyone to teach us. Now John is not undermining the need for pastors who teach the Bible, but is declaring, the same God who speaks to Him, will speak to you. We do not need great intellect in order to hear from God, but simply time with Him in the pages of His Word.

The privilege of knowing God has been given to each of us. We can hear Him speak, daily, in the pages of His Word. I wonder, are you taking advantage of that? If you have received Christ, and been filled with the Spirit, allow me to encourage you to go into the Word expecting God to speak to you. He promises to reveal to you the mysteries of His Kingdom.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Luke 8

1. What kind of tidings did Jesus bring concerning the kingdom of God?
2. How many different types of ground are described in the parable of the sower?
3. What does the seed represent?
4. Which description of soil best describes you in vs 12-15?
5. Where did the demon possessed man live?
6. Who did the demon possessed man recognize Jesus as?
7. When the people of the city came to see Jesus how did they find the demon possessed man?
8. Read vs 39. In what ways can you better put into practice this verse in your life?
9. Jairus was a ruler of what?
10. Why did he want Jesus to come to his house?
11. What miracle took place on the way to Jairus’s house?
12. What happened to Jairus daughter?

Old Testament
Leviticus 14- Mission
Leviticus 15- New Nature

Luke 7:40
“Simon, I have something to say to you.”

The event which occurs in the house of Simon the Pharisee stands out to me as one of the most fascinating in the New Testament. No miraculous healing takes place: the deaf do not hear, the blind do not see, nor are the dead raised. Yet this story is both priceless and timeless in the truth it reveals. It is the story of two people and their view of Jesus. Simon was a religious man that showed interest in Jesus. He valued Jesus more than many of his contemporaries.

While other religious leaders were plotting the death of Jesus, Simon was opening his home to Him. He was willing to invite Jesus in, dine with Him, and listen to what He had to say. Then there is the woman. She is quite different from Simon. She is described simply as a sinner. In all probability, she was a prostitute. When she entered the house she did what was customary for the host to do, she washed the feet of Jesus, but  in a very unorthodox way. Instead of a bucket of water and a towel, she used her tears and her hair. It seems she came to Jesus with the purpose of anointing Him with perfume. As she approached Him, she became overwhelmed with emotion, and began to express worship with reckless abandonment. Those who looked on were shocked, both by the behavior of this woman, and by the reaction of Jesus. In response to this Jesus said,

“Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.”

This woman’s unrestrained worship flowed out because she knew what Christ had done for her. She knew she was a sinner and desperately in need of the Savior. She placed the highest value upon Jesus, and gave all that she had. Simon was no less in need of Christ than this young woman. His sins, though different, were no less. He was as desperately in need of a Savior as she, but his religious activities blinded him of his need.

How about you? Have you seen your need for the Savior? Do you understand that He has forgiven you of a debt greater than you could ever pay? How do you respond to this? Do you come to Him prepared to worship? Are you willing to give all you have and all you are, to show your love to Him, for all He has done for you? After all, Jesus said the greatest of all commandments was to love Him.

To understand His love for us, we do not need to sin more, we simply need to understand that we are sinners. Take time right now to worship Him, and when you gather for public worship, come prepared to give of all that you are.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Luke 7

1. Who was sick and ready to die?
2. What was the attitude of the centurion in vs 6-7?
3. What word describes the heart of Jesus towards the widow?
4. What was the response of the people when Jesus raised the widow’s son from the dead?
5. What is Jesus description of John the Baptist?
6. Who interrupted the meal that Jesus was having with a Pharisee?
7. What did she do to Jesus?
8. What did Jesus do for her?

Old Testament:
Leviticus 12- Bad Connection
Leviticus 13- Unclean

Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

Giving is an important part of being a Christian. Our checkbook often reflects our heart. The things that matter most to us are the things on which we spend our hard earned money. When we are struggling about whether we can trust God with our finances, we are sometimes reminded of this verse. While it is true God is trustworthy and we will never be able to out give Him, I think we have missed a key message from this verse. Note with me the context; Jesus has been speaking of the Father’s mercy. He tells us God is kind to the unthankful and the evil, and we should be like our heavenly Father. Rather than being critical of every action, we should forgive one another.

Forgiveness is a simple concept: it means to treat someone as though they had never wronged you. In the U.S., once a person has been acquitted of a crime, they can never be charged for that crime again. It has been forgiven. In the same way, when someone wrongs us, we must forgive them; we must acquit them of all charges, and treat them as if it never happened. A common phrase today is “forgive and forget”, but the reality is, the things that are hardest to forgive, are the things we cannot forget. Forgiveness is a choice. I must determine not to let the wrongs done to me stand in the way of behaving like my Heavenly Father and being merciful and kind to the unthankful. When we choose to forgive, Jesus promises that within us we will experience an overflow.

Perhaps what you need is a release from some past hurt that is holding you back. This morning, will you choose to forgive? Then you will see Him fulfill all He has promised.

“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

Pastor Jim

Questions for Luke 6

1. Who questioned Jesus about the disciples plucking the grain on the Sabbath?
2. Were the Pharisees happy with Jesus healing the man with the withered hand? Why?
3. How long did Jesus pray on the mountain?
4. How many disciples did Jesus call?
5. What is the repeated word in vs 20-22?
6. What is the repeated word in vs 25-26?
7. What is the key word in vs 27-36?
8. Jesus illustrates the good treasure of the heart with what illustration?
9. What is required of a person to have a life built on a solid foundation of Jesus?

Old Testament:
Leviticus 10- Holy Life
Leviticus 11- Forbidden Food

Luke 5:30
“Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”

The scribes and Pharisees are complaining about Jesus’ actions. They do not think He should meet with sinners. I hear this complaint every time we gather as a church for corporate worship. It is not the voice of the Pharisees that I hear, but my own voice. I begin to think of all the reasons why I cannot enter into the presence of God, enjoy access to the throne of Grace or experience His work in my life. I am reminded of my sins, both the things that I have done and what I have failed to do. Along with those thoughts, comes an overwhelming sense of not being worthy to enter His presence. It is at that moment when this great truth rings out from His Word:

“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” Luke 5:31-32

Although hidden and unconfessed sin will hinder your relationship with, and experience of, God, Jesus came for sinners. When He entered the synagogue in Capernaum He was drawn to the man with the withered hand. In a room filled with people, He did not avoid the one who needed Him most, but was drawn to Him. He does the same thing today. The very things that we think keep us from being able to meet with Him and experience His grace, are the very things He wants to address in our lives.

If you have sin you have yet to deal with, that you are holding onto, confess it, lay it at His feet, and let Him wash you and empower you for victory. Don’t let your failures keep you from coming to Him, worshipping Him, and experiencing His marvelous grace and power in your life. After all, it was not the voice of Jesus that was keeping the sinners away, He is calling for you.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Luke 5

1. How did Jesus teach the multitudes?
2. Jesus gave Simon Peter a command. Did Peter yield to Jesus right away?
3. What happened to the boats as they brought in the nets filled with fish?
4. What was Peter’s humbling response to the fishing miracle?
5. Who were Peter’s partners in the fishing industry?
6. Peter, James, and John set a good example for us to follow. Are you willing to forsake all and follow Jesus?
7. What example does Jesus set for us in vs 16?
8. What are the repeated word and the main topic of vs 20-24?
9. What was the occupation of Levi (Matthew)?

Old Testament:
Leviticus 8- By The Blood
Leviticus 9- Let’s Worship

Luke 4:18
“He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, . . .”

Since man’s greatest problem is sin, man’s greatest need is for a savior. We don’t have to look too far to see that we are a fallen race. War, prejudice, and crime are all around us. Even within our own homes we have anger, lust, fear and unforgiveness. We are a people desperately in need of God. The great news of the Bible is that God came to save. The Bible speaks of the all-sufficient work of Christ upon the cross. So effective was His sacrifice, that any and all who believe on Him will be saved from the penalty of sin. That my friends is the good news of the Gospel.

But the good news does not stop there. When Jesus entered the synagogue in Nazareth, He declared to His friends, neighbor, and relative that He had come not only to save us from our sins, but also to repair the damage sin had done to us.

“He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, . . .”

Living in this fallen world, none of us are immune to heartbreak. We have experienced the pain of loss, departure and even abandonment. For some, the pain has been with you for years; you wake up with it. For others, it is seasonal. We function normally until something in our lives stirs up the feelings again and we are transported back in time to the moment of our pain. These times can be difficult, even crippling. Isn’t it encouraging to know that Jesus came to heal your broken heart? Sometimes, the best way to experience His comfort is to lay your burden down at His feet, and pick up His promises. We must make a conscious decision to leave the memories behind and to walk out the door with His promises.

Today, instead of focusing on the cause of your broken heart, focus upon the heart-healer, the one who can restore to you the joy of salvation.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Luke 4

1. Where was Jesus led after He was filled with the Spirit?
2. How many days was Jesus tempted by Satan?
3. How did Jesus respond to the temptation of Satan?
4. How did Jesus return to Galilee after He was tempted by Satan?
5. What book did Jesus read from in the synagogue?
6. In a phrase sum up the message of vs 18 and 19.
7. How did Jesus exit the city of Nazareth after He shared in the synagogue?
8. What was the response of the people after Jesus cast out the unclean demon?
9. Whose mother-in-law was healed by Jesus?
10. Who do the demons say Jesus is?

Old Testament:
Leviticus 6- Always Burning
Leviticus 7- Giving Your Best

Luke 3:8
“We have Abraham as our father.’”

John the Baptist had a thriving ministry. We read that multitudes, or large gatherings of people, came out to hear him preach. We read that this crowd was made up of a cross section of society. There were religious people, tax collectors, and soldiers, as well as what we might call the everyday man; all of whom had come out to hear John speak.

Crowds formed the same way then as they do today. One man tells another, who tells another, and pretty soon a multitude forms. We are not told who the first people were to hear John speak, but we can imagine the message they declared to their friends, “You gotta come hear this guy speak. I listened to him, was baptized and my life has was changed.” One after another, they gathered to hear John. His message was very simple; Jesus is coming and we need to be ready. To get ready required a public declaration that they were sinners in need of a savior. Many responded by walking into the water with John to be baptized.

Not everyone who heard was jumping at the chance to respond. Some said, “I have Abraham as my father.” This essentially meant that they thought they did not need a savior. The same is true today. When a person truly meets the Lord he has a message that he cannot contain. He finds himself telling everyone he knows and inviting them to come hear the message for themselves. The problem is, although we are all equally in need of a savior, some attempt to satisfy that need with religion.

They might say “I don’t need Christ because I…”

* go to church

* was born in America

* was baptized as a baby

* am a good person

* give to charity

The list goes on and on; to which John says, ” do not even begin to say…” Those things will not save you from the righteous judgment of God. Ask yourself, do you trust in Christ for salvation? Have you made a public decision for Christ, declaring your need for Him? Or are you trusting in something else that is keeping you from full surrender to Christ?

Pastor Jim

Questions for Luke 3

1. When the word of the Lord came to John, what did he do?
2. What is required for the remission of sin?
3. Take some time now and pray, repent of your sins, and then read 1John1:9.
4. Isaiah prophesied that all flesh shall see the salvation of God. In what ways have you seen the salvation of God?
5. Verse 16 we read another reference to the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Ask the Spirit to fill you right now.
6. Jesus will gather the wheat into His barn. What happens to the chaff?
7. Who did John rebuke?
8. What happened to John because of this rebuke?
9. Verses 23-38 records a genealogy of Jesus. Do you recognize any names in this genealogy?

Old Testament:
Leviticus 4- Oops
Leviticus 5- Restitution

Luke 2:37
“This woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.”

Sometimes, we wonder if our lives could ever really make a difference. We see others who are being used by God, and we think, “of course God uses them, they are so…” But when it comes to us, we think, “God can’t use me because…”

I think Anna is a great example, as well as a source of encouragement. We all know, as we age, the body breaks down. We are not able to do some of the things we did when we were younger. That is true of us and it was true of Anna. I love, that instead of regretting what she could not do, Anna found a way to effectively serve the Lord. She fasted, prayed and hung out around the temple. What a source of encouragement it would be for those coming to the temple, to always see this woman. She was a landmark. Just being there would afford her great opportunities to serve the Lord, and be a blessing to others. We read,

“She spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption. . .” Luke 2:38

I think of Jesus’ words to the church of Philadelphia,

“See I have set before you an open door, . . .” Revelation 3:8

I believe that is true for each of us. What door is open right in front of you? Instead of looking at all the ways we cannot serve the Lord, let’s determine we will look for the ways we can serve. Let’s keep our eyes open for any door that cracks open, and push through it to speak of Him to those who are searching for redemption.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Luke 2

1. Bethlehem is also known in the Bible as the city of_____________?
2. The shepherds set for us a good example when they made widely known the message of Jesus coming.   In what ways could you make the message of Jesus known to those around you?
3. Simeon’s response to seeing Jesus was the response that we should have. It was a response of praise and worship.   In his personal worship he declares that salvation through Jesus was prepared for ______________?
4. What is the key word in that answer?
5. Now turn to John 3:16.   We see who the gospel is for, but what is the key for one to have everlasting life?
6. What was Anna known as?
7. What was Anna’s response to seeing Jesus?
8. Every year Joseph and Mary went where?
9. How long was Jesus separated from his parents when He was in Jerusalem?

Old Testament:
Leviticus 1-Sweet Aroma
Leviticus 2- Leaven
Leviticus 3- Confession

Luke 1:80
“So the child grew and became strong in spirit, . . .”

Every parent has the same goal. We desire the best for our children. We want to see them achieve more than we have. We want them to make it through childhood not having been distracted or derailed by vices, but to be prepared to live godly lives and make good life choices. What a blessing for Zacharias and Elizabeth to read that their son, “grew and became strong in spirit”.

This statement reveals the grace of God, but it is also the byproduct of the way they lived their lives. We read in Scripture, and see in life, there are godly children produced in ungodly homes, however it is much more common for godliness in parents to be transferred to their kids. Notice for a moment the way Zach and Liz lived, we read,

“They were both righteous. . .”

Zach chose a godly wife, she a godly husband.
Zach served the Lord.
Together they were committed to the Word of God.
Even before John was born, they were praying for him.
They were real people with real struggles. Not having children and being older, caused Zach to question the promises of God; yet they continued to faithfully follow and serve the Lord.
They stood up to the culture – because Zach was mute, Liz named their son John. The people opposed her, yet she stood on the Word of God.
They worshipped the Lord. The moment his tongue was loosed, instead of blaming God for the difficulties of the last 9 months, Zach worshipped God.
They were filled with the Holy Spirit. Parenting is perhaps life’s greatest challenge, we cannot face it alone, we need a daily outpouring of the Spirit to succeed.

Perhaps the key to it all, they parented with a purpose. In Verse 76, we read they taught John the Word and ways of God. They taught Him God had a plan for his life, and taught him to live up to that plan.
We all want to see our kids and grandkids walking with the Lord. While we trust them to the grace of God, we also must set an example of walking with the Lord. Let’s commit today to put the things of the Lord first in our lives

Pastor Jim

Questions for Luke 1

1. Who was Zacharias’s wife?
2. What happened to Zacharias after the angel of the lord told him about his wife having a child?
3. When did the angel Gabriel appear to Mary?
4. The angel Gabriel told Mary that Jesus would reign over the house of Jacob and that kingdom would have what?
5. Will you be a part of that kingdom?
6. How did Mary respond to Elizabeth’s affirmation in vs 45?
7. How did Zachariah respond after his tongue was loosed? Is there a similarity to Mary’s response to God’s moving and Zacharias’s response to God’s moving?
8. What can we learn from their responses?
9. Verse 67 says that Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit. When you accepted Jesus the bible says that the Holy Spirit came in you. Read Acts chapter 1:8.   Notice that this passage in Acts speaks of another work of the Spirit. This is called the baptism of the Spirit.   The purpose of this work of the Spirit is so you can be effective in your witness for Jesus.   Make it a habit to wake up in the morning and ask God to baptize you with His Spirit. Pray right now, watch and see how the Lord uses you as you are filled with the Spirit today.

Old Testament:
Exodus 39- Dress For Success
Exodus 40- Glory Of The Lord

Mark 16:15
“Go into all the world and preach the Gospel . . .”

Paul explained to the Corinthian church the simplicity of the Gospel message. He stated that Jesus died for our sins, was buried and rose again on the third day; all according to the Scriptures. That was the message the first believers declared to their world. They went into their homes, streets, marketplaces, schools and places of business, declaring the Son of God died for our sins and rose from the dead.

Mary carries the honor of being the first to declare this wonderful news. Upon arriving at the empty tomb she was told,

“You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. HE IS RISEN!”

She responded by running to tell the other disciples. Since Jesus had declared He would rise again, it seems they would hear this wonderful news and rejoice together. Jesus is alive! Instead, we read, they did not believe her. What would cause these men to doubt the Word of God, and the testimony of Mary? I think perhaps, it was the difficulty of their circumstances. They were allowing their difficulty to cloud their view of God, instead of allowing the Word of God to shed light on their situation. This is a common occurrence. We have all been guilty of the same struggle. We look to our hardship, and it casts a shadow of doubt upon the promises of God.

Later that night, the church gathered together. There has been, and always will be, comfort in meeting together with friends in times of hardship. It is worth noting what happens when Jesus shows up. He does two remarkable things. First, He rebukes them for their unbelief. While He is our compassionate High Priest who understands our weakness, He also expects us to lay hold of the promises of God, and live by them. Second, He commands them to go tell the world. I am convinced there is a connection here. When we let our circumstances cloud the promises of God, we fail to share those promises. Also, when we share those promises, it shows we truly believe.

These guys heard from Mary that Jesus was alive. They found this to be true, as they went out into the world and declared the Gospel. When filled with fear, they stood before a crowd and shared Christ, He showed up and people were saved. When they met the needy, the blind, lame, and sick, they prayed for them; He showed up, and they were healed. Often we question whether Jesus really is alive from the dead. I think we will find our answer as we go into the entire world and preach the gospel.

Pastor Jim

05

1. Describe the events of that first Easter morning.
2. Who did Jesus choose to be the first messengers of the resurrection?
3. How does that encourage you to be used by the Lord to share the message of salvation?
4. What is the command given in verse 15?
5. How are you involved in fulfilling that command?
6. How are you encouraged to tell others about Jesus by what is recorded in verse 20?

Old Testament:
Exodus 37- Utensils
Exodus 38- Got Talent