DON'T LET THE LORD GOD HAVE TO KNOCK YOU DOWN TO GET YOUR ATTENTION

Proclamation:

“As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.  He fell to the ground and he heard a voice say to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?’  ‘Who are you, Lord?’ Saul asked.  ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ He replied.”  Acts 9:3-5 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Luke records that Saul was present when they stoned Stephen. (Acts 7:57-58)  After that Saul went from house to house hauling believing men and women to prison. (Acts 8:3)  Then Saul went to the high priest and requested letters authorizing him to arrest any believers he found in Damascus and take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. (Acts 9:1-2)  He was on his way to Damascus when The Lord God knocked him to the ground, spoke to him, and blinded him. (Acts 9:3-9)  After three days, The Lord God told Ananias to lay his hands on Saul to restore his sight.  Ananias was reluctant because of Saul’s reputation but did as The Lord God told him and Saul regained his sight. (Acts 9:9-18)

Application:

Saul was a zealous persecutor of believers until he had an encounter with The Lord God on the road to Damascus.  The Lord had to knock him down and blind him in order to get his attention.  He became a believer after that encounter with The Lord.  Like the Apostle Thomas who would not believe that Christ rose from the dead until he saw proof for himself, (John 20:25-29) Saul did not believe until he had a personal experience with The Lord.  Jesus said, “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)  Don’t let The Lord God have to knock you down in order to get your attention.  If we hear His voice, we ought to invite Him into our lives and obey Him. (Revelation 3:20)  Many of us need to turn our lives around and follow Christ.  Believers still sin, but sometimes we get caught up in our sinful ways.  The Lord God has called us to repent, and to follow Him.  He said that if we humble ourselves, and pray, and turn from our wicked ways, He will heal our situation. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

MONEY CANNOT BUY THE GIFTS OF GOD

Proclamation:

“When Simon saw that The Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, ‘Give me also this ability to that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive The Holy Spirit.’  Peter answered: ‘May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!’”  Acts 8:18-20 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Luke records that on the day that Stephen was stoned to death, a great persecution of believers began in Jerusalem.  Saul began to destroy the church putting believers in prison. (Acts 8:1-3)  The disciples, except for the twelve apostles, scattered throughout Judea and Samaria but they preached the gospel wherever they went. (Acts 8:4-7)  In Samaria a man named Simon, who practiced sorcery, heard the gospel, believed, was baptized, and began to follow Philip wherever he went. (Acts 8:9-13)  When Simon saw that the apostles could lay their hands on people and give them The Holy Spirit, he offered them money to give him that ability.  Peter told him that he had no part in their ministry because his heart was not right. (Acts 8:18-23)

Application:

Simon did not want the ability to heal others, he wanted the power to give others the ability to heal.  This causes his motives to be questioned.  The gifts of God cannot be bought nor earned.  The Lord God gives them to us, or to whomever He chooses, based upon our ability to handle them. (Matthew 25:15)  Unfortunately there are people in the church today who are like Simon, they claim to believe and have been baptized but their heart is not right.  Some people think that they can get whatever they want with money.  These kind of people hurt the church from the inside.  The love of money can control and ruin a person. (1 Timothy 6:10)  Remember, Judas was an insider when he betrayed Jesus, The Christ, for money. (Matthew 27:3)  We need to make sure that our service for The Lord God is not for personal or financial gain, but is for the love of God and for His glory.

PRAY FOR THOSE WHO DESPITEFULLY USE YOU AND PERSECUTE YOU

Proclamation:

“While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’  Then he fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’  When he said this, he fell asleep.”  Acts 7:59-60 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  After being arrested for teaching and speaking about Jesus, The Christ, (Acts 6:12) Stephen spoke before the Sanhedrin council.  He recounted for them the life of Abraham, the father of the faithful, from the time when God appeared to Him and told him to leave his home country and go to the land that He would show him. (Acts 7:1-7)  He continued on with the lives of Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. (Acts 7:8-19)  He told them about the birth and life of Moses, (Acts 7:20-44) and then he told them about Joshua, David, and Solomon. (Acts 7:45-47)  He ended by calling them “stiff-necked people” just like their ancestors and then said that they murdered Christ. (Acts 7:51-53)  The members of the Sanhedrin were furious with him.  They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. (Acts 7:54-58)  That was when he prayed the above prayer.

Application:

Jesus, The Christ, taught us that we should love our enemies. (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27 and Luke 6:35)  Some of us are not there yet and we are still working on this.  Stephen was a man full of God’s grace. (Acts 6:8)  He followed the teachings of Christ, even to the point of praying for them while they were stoning him to death. (Matthew 5:44)  We need to understand that if we choose to follow and speak up for Christ, the people of the world are not going to like us and may even hate us.  However, He said, “Blessed are you when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake.  Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven…” (Matthew 5:11-12)  

REGULAR BELIEVERS CAN BE FULL OF GOD'S GRACE AND POWER

Proclamation:

“Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.”  Acts 6:8 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Because the complaining and murmuring of the people that some of the widows were not being served food, the twelve apostles gathered all of the disciples together.  They asked them to select from among themselves seven men, who were full of The Holy Spirit and wisdom, to whom they could delegate this responsibility. (Acts 6:1-4)  Stephen was one of the seven men selected. (Acts 6:5)  These laymen are considered to be the first deacons.  They were well versed in The Word of God and spoke well. (Acts 6:10)  Stephen was full of God’s grace and power, and was able to perform signs and great wonders.  It is possible that all seven of these men were blessed with the ability to do this.  However, Stephen was such a powerful witness of the gospel that he incurred the hatred of the Sadducees and they plotted against him. (Acts 6:11-15)

Application:

It is important to note that Stephen and the other six men were selected out of the group of disciples, the students of God’s Word.  They were not priests or apostles, but they were full of wisdom and The Holy Spirit, (Acts 6:3) and full of God’s grace and power. (Acts 6:8)  If we truly believe and are committed to The Word of God, each of us can be used by The Lord God to be a powerful witness.  It is not just the preachers that God can use to do His work.  We all can do great things for Him, if we are willing to be used by Him.

IT IS NOT GOOD TO LIE TO GOD

Proclamation:

“Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property.  With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. … Then Peter said, ‘Ananias … You have not lied just to human beings but to God.’  When Ananias heard this, he feel down and died. … About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.  Peter asked her, ‘Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?’ ‘Yes,’ she said, ‘that is the price.’  Peter said to her, ‘How could you … Listen!  The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.’  At that moment she fell down at his feet and died.  Then the young men … buried her beside her husband.  Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.”  Acts 5:1-11 (NIV)

Explanation:

All of the believers at that time were on one accord. (Acts 4:32)  So that there would be no needy among them, from time to time those who owned property would sell some of their property and bring the full price that they had received and place it at the feet of the apostles. (Acts 4:34-37)  When Ananias and Sapphira sold their property, they kept part of the profits for themselves and brought the rest to the church and lied claiming that they had brought the church the full price.  They came to the church separately but they both lied and were struck down where they stood.

Application:

There is nothing in The Bible which says that we have to sell all that we have and give it to the church.  In fact, there are those Bible scholars, like J. Vernon McGee, who believe that the giving of tithes and sacrificial offerings were required under the Mosaic Law which does not apply to us today.  We are to give to The Lord God as He has prospered us (1 Corinthians 16:2) and as we determine in our hearts the amount which we can give cheerfully, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)  The problem here is that Ananias and Sapphira lied about their giving.  The sin is in lying about the amount that we give, or claiming that we are giving a tithe, one tenth of our gross earnings or income, and not really doing so.  God cannot be mocked, we will pay for our sins (Galatians 6:7) even though the sins will not affect our salvation thanks to Christ.

THERE IS NO OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN WHEREBY WE MUST BE SAVED

Proclamation:

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”  Acts 4:12 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God. 

While they were still in the temple, after having healed the forty year old man who was lame from birth, the priests, the captain of the temple guard, the Sadducees, the rulers, and the teachers of the law, came upon Peter and John and had them arrested for preaching and teaching proclaiming Jesus, The Christ, and the resurrection of the dead. (Acts 4:1-3)  When they were brought before the Sanhedrin council, they were questioned and asked, “By what power or what name did you do this?”  Peter answered them saying, “… It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.” (Acts 4:7-10)  He then quotes the scriptures to them saying that Jesus is “the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.” (Psalm 118:22 which is repeated in Matthew 21:42, Mark 12:10, and Luke 20:17)  Then he boldly told them, “Salvation is found in no one else …”  After conferring among themselves, the Sanhedrin council “commanded” them not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. (Acts 4:13-22)

Application:

There is power in the name of Jesus, The Christ.  There is no other name, person, or thing which has that kind of power.  Whatever we ask in His name will be done, if it is for the glory of God.  All who call on His name, believing, will be saved.  Whoever is saved must be saved by Him for there is no other way to salvation. (Romans 1:16, 1 Thessalonians 5:9 and 2 Timothy 3:15)  Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto The Father, but by Me.” (John 14:6)  “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of The Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God, The Father, through Him.” (Colossians 3:17)  Believe and call upon His name, for it is through Him that we live, move, and have our very being. (Acts 17:28)  Only through Him are we saved from the penalty of our sins. (Romans 6:23)

BUT SUCH AS I HAVE I GIVE

Proclamation:

“Then Peter said, ‘Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you.  In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk’”  Acts 3:6 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  After the day of Pentecost, receiving The Holy Spirit, (Acts 2:1-4) and preaching to the crowd, (Acts 2:14-41) Peter and John went to the temple.  There was a man outside the gate, lame from birth, begging for money. (Acts 3:1-3)  Peter said to him, “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have I give thee …” (KJV)  The man jumped to his feet, began to walk, and went into the temple with them and praised God. (Acts 3:8)  The people in the temple recognized the man and came running to Peter and John.  Then Peter admonished them and told them that this was done by the power of Jesus, The Christ, whom they had handed over to Pilate to be crucified. (Acts 3:12-13)  Peter also said that they disowned Christ before Pilate and asked for the release of a murderer when Pilate wanted to let Him go. (Acts 3:14-23)

Application:

There are plenty of people today begging for money.  There are also plenty of them who would appreciate something to eat or some warm clothing.  We who have been blessed with a lot should share with those who are less fortunate.  We have clothes that just hang in our closets, which someone else could make good use of.  If you don’t want to give them money, you could pay for their meal.  Such as you have, you can give to the less fortunate.  We are blessed in order to be a blessing to others.  He that blesses others shall himself also be blessed. (Proverbs 11:25)

FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT AND SPEAKING IN TONGUES

Proclamation:

“All of them were filled with The Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as The Spirit enabled them … When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken.”  Acts 2:4-6 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  When the day of Pentecost came, they were all in one place and on one accord.  There was a sound like a blowing violent wind and they saw what appeared to be tongues of fire which came upon each one of them.  Each of the 120 men and women in the upper room (Acts 1:13-15) was filled with The Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues (Acts 2:4) and each person in the crowd that gathered heard them in their own language. (Acts 2:6)  The crowd included people from the surrounding areas who spoke different dialects and languages. (Acts 2:8-11)  Three thousand people joined the church that day (Acts 2:41) and The Lord God adds to the church daily as He sees fit. (Acts 2:47)

Application:

All believers are filled with The Holy Spirit of God. (Romans 8:9)  Today, however, there seems to have been a misunderstanding of “speaking in tongues.”  Speaking in tongues means speaking in a foreign language or dialect, usually an ancient one, without having learned or been taught the language.  It is done for the benefit of someone who speaks and understands that language or dialect to help the church grow.  When one is given the gift of speaking in tongues it is for the edification of the church and there should be someone else there who has been given the gift to interpret tongues so that the church is edified. (1 Corinthians 12:28-30 and 14:4-5)  If one is speaking in tongues in order to speak to God, that is not necessary for He speaks and understands all languages.  Prayer can be in any language or utterance.  If we are not speaking to God, then our spoken words should be helpful to someone (Colossians 4:6) or they should give God glory.

YOU WILL RECEIVE POWER AND YOU WILL BE WITNESSES

Proclamation:

“But you will receive power when The Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  Acts 1:8 (NIV)

Explanation:

These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, as recorded by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  After His resurrection, Jesus spoke these words to His disciples just before His ascension to heaven. (Acts 1:6-9)  Jesus told them not to leave Jerusalem until they had been baptized by The Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:4-5)  He said that they would receive power when The Holy Spirit came upon them and they would be witnesses for Him.

Application:

These 120 men and women (Acts 1:14-15) in the upper room did not receive The Holy Spirit until the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:1-4)  Today, we do not have to wait.  We receive The Holy Spirit of God the very moment that we believe and accept Christ as our Lord and Savior.  We also receive spiritual power to be witnesses for Christ because The Holy Spirit dwells within each of us. (Ezekiel 36:26-27)  Although we did not physically walk with Christ, or directly witness His death, burial, and resurrection, we have heard the account of those who did and we have believed. (John 20:29)  Unfortunately, our old human nature is still within us and we must choose to do the right thing and obey The Lord God. (Romans 7:19-23)   We have the power but we must choose to walk the walk with Christ.  We need to pray for Him to help us to let our light so shine before men that they may see our good works and give God glory. (Matthew 5:16)

HE IS NOT HERE HE HAS RISEN

Proclamation:

“… Why do you look for the living among the dead?  He is not here; He has risen!  Remember how He told you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be risen again.’”  Luke 24:5-7 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Three days after His death on the cross, (Luke 23:42) and His burial in Joseph’s tomb, (Luke 23:50-53) Jesus, The Christ, rose from the dead.  Very early in the morning on the first day of the week, the women went to the tomb with spices to anoint His body but He had already risen. (Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-7, and John 20:1-10)  Two angels appeared in the form of men in shining garments and told the women that Jesus was not there.  He had risen. (Luke 24:6)

Application:

The basis for our Christian faith is the belief in the virgin birth, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, The Christ.  Our very salvation depends upon that belief. (John 3:16 and Romans 10:9)  The Bible documents that Jesus appeared to a number of individuals during the forty days after His resurrection before His ascension to heaven.  He appeared to Mary Magdalene, (Mark 16:9 and John 20:11-18) to the women as they left the tomb, (Matthew 28:8-10) to Cleopas one of the two men as they walked in the country, (Mark 16:12) to His disciples without Thomas, (John 20:19-23) to His disciples with Thomas present a week later, (Mark 16:14, Luke 24:36-49, and John 20:26-29) to His disciples by the Sea of Galilee, (John 21:1-25) and to His disciples on the mountain just before He ascended to heaven. (Matthew 28:16-17, Luke 24:50-51 and Acts 1:9)  

WHILE HE WAS ON THE CROSS JESUS PRAYED FOR US

Proclamation:

“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’”  Luke 23:34 (NIV)

Explanation:

These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, as recorded by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  After He was arrested, Jesus was taken to Pilate to be judged, then to Herod, and then back to Pilate. (Luke 23:1-12)  Finding no fault in Him, Pilate wanted to release Jesus but the crowd, which included the chief priests, the teachers of the law, the elders, the rulers, and the Jewish people, shouted “Release Barabbas … Crucify Him!” (Luke 23:13-25)  After He had been beaten (Matthew 27:26-31 and Mark 15:15-20) and made to carry His cross across town, they nailed Him to the cross and set Him between two criminals.  While He was on the cross He said, “Father, forgive them …”

Application:

These words were some of the last seven things which Jesus, The Christ, spoke while He was on the cross.  In the midst of His suffering from their mistreatment of Him, He still showed love and compassion for His enemies.  Most Bible scholars believe that when Jesus asked His Heavenly Father to “forgive them,” He was referring not only to the soldiers who crucified Him, but to the crowd and all those who “put Him on the cross with their sins.”  That includes all of us that are alive today, and all who lived and died in the past.  “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)  We had to be forgiven and the price for our sins had to be paid, “For the wages of sin is death ...” (Romans 6:23)  Because of this, we should all thank Him daily for what He went through to pay the price for our sins.

NOT MY WILL BUT YOUR WILL BE DONE

Proclamation:

“Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.”  Luke 22:42 (NIV)

Explanation:

These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, as recorded by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  After Jesus had His last Passover meal with His disciples in the upper room, He told Simon Peter that the devil wanted to use him but He had prayed for him. (Luke 22:31-32)  He also told Peter that he would deny knowing Him three times before the rooster crows. (Luke 22:34)  Then they left and went to the Mount of Olives to the garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed this prayer.  Jesus prayed that His Heavenly Father’s will would be done and not His will.  Soon afterwards, Judas Iscariot led a group of priests, elders, and solders to the place where Jesus was and betrayed Him with a kiss on the cheek, and He was arrested and taken before Pilate and Herod. (Luke 22:7-71)

Application:

All of us have faced some situations which we did not want to deal with, but none of them was as bad as the one which Jesus was facing.  The “cup” that He was facing and wanted removed was not the cross, but having all of our sins put upon Him.  Being free from sin, He probably found this repulsive.  However, He was willing to do it in order to save us.  Jesus made it clear that what was important was that His Heavenly Father’s will be done and not His will.  We need to be able to sincerely pray, “Thy will be done.”  This is what Jesus taught us in the model prayer. (Matthew 6:9-10 and Luke 11:2)  If what we want, with our selfish desires, conflicts with the will of God, we need to understand that whatever it is that we want is not important.  We are selfish.  We need to humble ourselves and recognize that The Lord God knows everything about everything (1 John 3:20) and He knows what is best for all of us.

SIGNS THAT THE END OF THIS WORLD IS NEAR

Proclamation:

“… But Jesus said, ‘As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another …’ They asked, ‘when will these things happen?  And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?’  He replied ‘… many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am he’ … When you hear of wars and uprisings … Nation will rise against nation … There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places … and great signs from heaven ... they will seize you and persecute you … all on account of My name …Everyone will hate you because of Me … the heavenly bodies will be shaken.  At that time they will see The Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and glory.  When these things begin to take place … your redemption is drawing near.’”  Luke 21:5-28 (NIV)

Explanation:

These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, as recorded by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  While Jesus was in the temple, He looked up and noted rich men putting their gifts into the temple treasury.  He also saw a poor widow give two small copper coins.  Jesus stated that the poor widow had put in more than all of the others because she had given all that she had. (Luke 21:1-4)  Then He told them about the coming destruction of the temple and the signs of the end times. (Luke 21:5-36)    

Application:

Many people believe that the end of this world is near.  They say that the signs which Jesus spoke about are already occurring.  There are false prophets and leaders of cults walking around claiming to be The Lord.  The news is full of wars and rumors of wars.  Nations are rising up against one another.  Earthquakes are occurring in strange places.  If the end of this world is near, that is all the more reason for people to repent and confess while there is still time.  The Son of Man will return (Luke 21:27) and woe be onto those who do not believe.

THE STONE THE BUILDERS REJECTED HAS BECOME THE CORNERSTONE

Proclamation:

“He went on to tell the people this parable: ‘A man planted a vineyard, rented it to some farmers and went away a long time.  At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants so they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard.  But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed.  He sent another servant … He sent still a third … I will send my son … they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.  What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them?’ … ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone … anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.’”  Luke 20:9-19 (NIV)

Explanation:

These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, as recorded by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  As He was teaching and preaching in the temple, the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders came to Him and questioned His authority to do the things which He did. (Luke 20:1-8)  He answered them then He returned to the people and told them this parable, the parable of the tenants. (Luke 20:9-19)  Afterwards, He answered their questions regarding the paying of taxes to Caesar (Luke 20:20-26) and regarding the resurrection and marriage. (Luke 20:27-40)  Then Jesus asked them a question, “Why is it said that The Messiah is the Son of David?” (Luke 20:41-44)  While they pondered that, He warned the people about the teachers of the law. (Luke 20:45-47)

Application

In this parable the owner of the vineyard represents God, the servants that He sent were the prophets, and the son represented Jesus, The Christ.  Jesus was telling them that He was going to die, and that although they rejected Him, He would be triumphant. (Psalm 118:22, Matthew 21:42, Mark 12:10, Luke 20:17-19, Acts 4:11, and 1 Peter 2:7)  We are indirectly responsible for the death of Christ.  However, if we believe, repent, and confess, we can throw ourselves upon The Rock of our salvation, the cornerstone which they rejected, and be saved.  Those upon whom The Stone comes down on will be crushed on judgment day as the great image was crushed in the dream that Daniel interpreted. (Daniel 2:34-35)  If The Rock is our foundation then we will be saved. (Luke 6:48)  

WE WANT TO HEAR WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT

Proclamation:

“‘Well done, my good servant’, his master replied.  ‘Because you have trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of …’”  Luke 19:17 (NIV)

Explanation:

These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, as recorded by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  As He was passing through Jericho on His way to Jerusalem, Jesus stopped and blessed the house of Zacchaeus, a wealthy chief tax collector. (Luke 19:1-10)  Then Jesus told a parable to those who had followed Him about a certain nobleman and his servants. (Luke 19:11-27)  After this He continued on to Jerusalem.  When He got there, He entered the city on the back of a colt as the crowd cheered. (Luke 19:28-38)

Application:

In this parable the nobleman represents The Lord Jesus, The Christ, and we are the servants.

Each of us has been blessed with various different abilities and we each have been given an assignment according to our ability to handle it. (Matthew 25:15)  Those of us who faithfully discharge our responsibilities as we work for The Lord will be rewarded.  He will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!  You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.  Come and share your Master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21 and 23)  

WE SHOULD ALWAYS PRAY AND NOT GIVE UP

Proclamation:

“Then Jesus told His disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.  He said: ‘In a certain town there was a judge … And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’  For some time he refused.  ‘… yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice …’ And The Lord said, ‘… will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night? ... I tell you, He will see that they get justice, and quickly. …’”  Luke 18:1-8 (NIV)

Explanation:

These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, as recorded by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter Luke records the words which Jesus spoke to His disciples.  He told them two parables regarding prayer, the parable of the persistent widow and the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector.  His first point was that they should always pray and not give up praying for what they want. (Luke 18:1-8)  His second point was that they should be humble even when they pray. (Luke 18:9-14)  A certain rich ruler interrupted Him and asked what he must do to inherit eternal life.  Jesus answered him and he went away sad. (Matthew 19:22 and Mark 10:22)  Then Jesus said to His disciples that it is hard for someone rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. (Luke 18:23-24)  After this Jesus predicts His death a third time (Luke 18:31-34) and then He gives sight to a blind beggar. (Luke 18:35-42)

Application:

The parable of the persistent widow reminds me of an old saying, “Pray until something happens.”  The point here is that we should pray for what we want and that we should pray often.  The Bible encourages us to pray continuously. (Luke 18:1 and 1 Thessalonians 5:17)  If we believe in Him and keep His word in our heart, we will get what we ask for. (John 15:7)  Whatever we ask for, in the name of Jesus, will be done if it glorifies God. (John 14:13)

WHEN THE RAPTURE OCCURS DON'T BE LEFT BEHIND

Proclamation:

“Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, ‘The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed … For The Son of Man in His day will be like the lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other.’ … ‘It will be like this on the day The Son of Man is revealed … I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left.  Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left.  Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left’”  Luke 17:20-36 (NIV)

Explanation:

These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, as recorded by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter Luke continues to record the words which Jesus spoke to the crowd which included His disciples and the Pharisees.  First, He said that things will come that will cause His people to stumble and sin, but woe be unto them through whom those things come to His people. (Luke 17:1-2)  Then, after telling about them forgiving those who sin against them (Luke 17:3-4) and having faith, (Luke 17:5-6) He told them how they treat the servant who does his duty. (Luke 17:7-10)  Leaving there, as He continued on His way to Jerusalem, Jesus healed the ten men who had leprosy and noted that only one of them returned to thank Him. (Luke 17:11-19)  Then, in response to a question from a Pharisee, Jesus gave them a lengthy description of what it will be like when The Son of Man returns. (Luke 17:20-35)

Application:

When The Son of Man returns He will be visible in the sky to everyone like lightning in the clouds. (Luke 17:24 and Revelation 1:7)  He will come in all His power and glory.  With a great sound of a trumpet, He will gather His elect from the four corners of the earth. (Matthew 24:30-31)  We refer to His gathering of “the church” as the rapture, when we will caught up and meet The Lord God in the air. (1 Thessalonians 4:17)  There are those who believe that when we are taken up, our clothes will be left behind.  People will be going about their normal daily activities when the believers will be instantly taken up while those that we were with at the time will be left behind. (Matthew 24:40-41 and Luke 17:34-36)  Don’t be like the people in the days of Noah who were left out of the ark, or the people in Sodom when Lot left the city. (Luke 17:26-29)  Confess, believe, and repent while there is still time.

THERE ARE CONSEQUENCES WITH THE CHOICES THAT WE MAKE

Proclamation:

“There was a rich man … At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus … The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side.  The rich man also died and was buried.  In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.  So he called to him … ‘send Lazarus … because I am in agony’ … ‘Then I beg you … send Lazarus to my family … let him warn them’ … He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”  Luke 16:19-31 (NIV)

Explanation:

These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, as recorded by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter Luke records the parable of the shrewd manager (Luke 16:1-13) which Jesus told His disciples, in addition to His words to the covetous Pharisees (Luke 16:14-17) and His words on divorce. (Luke 16:18)  Then Jesus presents the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. (Luke 16:19-31)  Both of the parables deal with the unwise choices that men make.  The shrewd manager was dishonest and then made “self-preservation” deals with his master’s debtors and proved that he was not trustworthy.  The rich man had plenty of everything, during his life, but did not share any with the poor man outside of his gate.  In death the rich man suffered and became a beggar, begging for water and then begging to help his five brothers.

Application:

There are two very important lessons here.  The first is that we cannot serve The Lord God and love Him, and also serve and love money at the same time. (Luke 16:13)  If we follow the first rule of the world, self-preservation, and let the love of money rule us, then we will find ourselves wrapped up in evil. (1 Timothy 6:10)  The second point is that if we are too hard-hearted to share with the less fortunate, The Lord God will not be pleased.   Christ said that as we did, or did not do, to the less fortunate people, we did it, or did not do it, to Him. (Matthew 25:35-45)  We are blessed in order to be a blessing to others, and we will be blessed for being a blessing to others. (Proverbs 11:25)  We are also to share The Word of God with others.  However, not all of the people will believe The Bible or that Jesus, The Christ, was raised from the dead; but some will believe and confess. (Romans 10:9)

HEAVEN REJOICES WHEN A LOST SOUL IS FOUND

Proclamation:

“Jesus continued: ‘There was a man who had two sons.  The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’  So he divided his property between them.  Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.  … he hired himself out … to feed pigs … When he came to his senses, he said … my father’s servants have food to spare … So he got up and went to his father … his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him … Let’s have a feast and celebrate.  For this son of mine … was lost and is found …”  Luke 15:11-32 (NIV)

Explanation:

These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, as recorded by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Here the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around Jesus but the Pharisees and the teachers of the law were still there.  This was probably outside of the home of the prominent Pharisee where He had been invited to dinner.  Jesus told them the parable of the lost sheep, and the parable of the lost coin, before He told them the parable of the lost son.  Each of these three parables focuses on the joy associated with finding the one that was lost.

Application:

The son in this parable is thought to represent those of us who are saved but left the sheepfold and slid back into the sinful pleasures of the world.  When we came to our senses and recognized what we had with our Heavenly Father, we repented, and admitted that we were wrong.  We were wrong for leaving in the first place and for what we did while we were gone.  However, we got up out of the mess that we were in and came back home.  Like the lost son, we were forgiven and welcomed back into the sheepfold. 

IT IS BETTER TO BE INVITED UP THAN TO BE ASKED TO STEP DOWN

Proclamation:

“When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited.  If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’… But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ … For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”  Luke 14:7-11 (NIV)

Explanation:

These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, as recorded by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Here again Jesus was invited to dinner at the home of a prominent Pharisee and Luke records the parables which He told them after He again healed a man on the Sabbath. (Luke 14:1-5)  Jesus told them the parable of the impolite guest, (Luke 14:7-11) the parable of the great supper, (Luke 14:12-24) the parable about building a great tower, (Luke 14:25-30) the parable of the king going to war, (Luke 14:31-33) and the parable about salt that loses its flavor. (Luke 14:34-35)

Application:

When you are invited out to dinner at an affair without assigned seating, do not sit in the best seat, the seat of honor, or at the head table.  That seat may reserved for someone else deemed by the host to be more important than you.  It is better to sit at a lower table and be invited up to the head table, than to sit at the head table and be asked to give up your seat and move to a lower table.  It is not good for us to think too highly of ourselves. (Romans 12:3)  He who thinks too highly of himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be lifted up. (Luke 14:11)  Too much pride brings embarrassment and dishonor, while true modesty will be rewarded.  

NARROW IS THE WAY THAT LEADS TO ETERNAL LIFE

Proclamation:

“Someone asked Him, ‘Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?’  He said to them, ‘Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and not be able to.  Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading,’ ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ But He will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’  Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with You, and You taught in our streets.’  But He will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.  Away from Me, all you evildoers!’  …”  Luke 13:23-30 (NIV)

Explanation:

These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, as recorded by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Luke began this chapter by quoting the warning which Jesus gave to the people to repent or parish. (Luke 13:1-5)  Then Jesus told them the parable of the fig tree. (Luke 13:6-9)  Afterwards, Jesus healed a crippled woman on the Sabbath in the synagogue and again angered the Pharisees and the teachers of the law. (Luke 13:10-17)  Later, in response to the question asked by someone in the crowd that was following Him as He headed towards Jerusalem, Jesus replied, make sure that you enter through the narrow door.  He said, wide is the gate and broad is the well-travelled road that leads to destruction.  But small is the gate and narrow is the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. (Matthew 7:13-14)  Everyone in the crowd following Jesus was not a believer.

Application:

Unfortunately, not everyone who attends church worship services are saved believers.  Some people are in the crowd for other reasons.  When the time comes, they will be told to depart from Him because He does not know them.  Actually, He knows their hearts and knows that they are evil doers and workers of iniquity. (Luke 13:27)  There will be some people in heaven who we will be surprised to see, and there will be others who we expected to see who will not be there. (Luke 13:28)  Let us repent, confess, and believe, (Romans 10:9) and make sure that our names are written in the book of life. (Revelation 20:15)

TO WHOM MUCH IS GIVEN MUCH WILL BE EXPECTED

Proclamation:

“The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows.  But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows.  From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”  Luke 12:47-48 (NIV)

Explanation:

These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, as recorded by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter Luke begins by repeating the warning which Jesus gave to His disciples regarding the Pharisees. (Luke 12:1-5)  Then Jesus tells them that whoever publicly acknowledges Him, He will acknowledge in heaven.  But whoever disowns Him before men, He will disown. (Luke 12:8)  He then tells them the parable of the rich fool who built new barns because he had so much. (Luke 12:12-21)  After telling them not to worry about worldly things (Luke 12:35-40) Jesus then tells them about the wise and faithful servant and compares him to the foolish one. (Luke 12:41-48) 

Application:

Those of us who know better should do better.  Ignorance is no excuse for doing wrong.  The uninformed wrongdoers will be punished.  However, the informed who still do the wrong thing will be punished much more severely than those who did not know that they were doing wrong.  Those of us who know that which is right will be held to a higher standard.  Additionally, much more will be expected from those who have been blessed with more than others have.  With great ability comes greater responsibility.  We have been blessed with more than others have in order to be a blessing to others.

ASK FOR IT BELIEVE IT AND RECEIVE IT IF

Proclamation:

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; and the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”  Luke 11:9-10 (NIV)

Explanation:

These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, as recorded by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Luke begins this chapter with the response of Jesus to a request by one of His disciples to teach them how to pray. (Luke 11:1)  After He taught them the words to the model prayer He began to teach them other things.  He told them that they would be given that which they ask for; they will find what they are looking for; and any door they knock on will be opened for them. Then Jesus responded to those in the crowd who thought that He was able to cast out demons by the power of Beelzebub, the prince of the demons.  He told them “Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall.” (Luke 11:17-20)  A woman in the crowd yelled out “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.”  But Jesus replied to her, “Blessed rather are those who hear The Word of God and obey it.” (Luke 27-28)  Jesus told the crowd that they were a wicked generation which always asked for a sign and He would not give them one. (Luke 11:29)  He then pronounced woes (great sorrows or distress) on the Pharisees and the experts of the law. (Luke 11:37-53)

Application:

Jesus was talking to His disciples, His students, when He said ask and you will receive.  The same applies to us today.  However, we need to be careful regarding what we pray for.  We will be given what we ask for if what we ask for is in keeping with His will and if it will give God glory.  We must have faith in God and believe that we will receive what we ask for, then we will receive it. (Mark 11:22-24)  The sincere prayers of the righteous are productive. (James 5:16)

THE PARABLE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN

Proclamation:

“In reply Jesus said: ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers.  They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.  A priest … a Levite … a Samaritan … Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man …’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.’”  Luke 10:25-37 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Luke begins this chapter by stating that Jesus appointed seventy-two additional men to go out two by two ahead of Him to every town and place where He was about to go. (Luke 10:1-24)  Then Luke presents the parable of the Good Samaritan which Jesus told them.  The parable was in response to a second question that an expert of the law had asked Jesus after his first question, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” He then asked, “And who is my neighbor?”  The parable states that three men came upon a man in need who had been robbed and beaten.  The priest and the Levite passed him by but the Samaritan stopped, offered him assistance, and took him to a place where he could be cared for and paid for the care. (Luke 10:33-35)  Luke ends the chapter by giving an example of how we can get so involved in the busy-work until we miss out on the most important part of why we are here. (Luke 10:38-42)

Application:

Sometimes, like this young man, we do and say things just to justify ourselves. (Luke 10:29)  We know what The Bible says about something and yet we still have questions as he did. (Luke 10:25-29)  Jesus, The Christ, makes it clear that we should do what The Bible says. (Luke 10:26)  He also tells us to help those who are in need. (Luke 10:37)  All too often we, the people of the church, see people who are in need of assistance and we just pass them by.  It is possible to help people in many ways including, but not limited to, giving them money.  We are blessed in order to be a blessing to others.  Jesus said that as we treat the least of the people, He takes it as if that is how we have treated Him. (Matthew 25:35-45)  Knowing what The Bible says does not do us any good if do not live by what it says.