ALWAYS PRAY AND DO 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 who neither feared God nor cared what people thought.  And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with a plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’  For some time he refused.  But finally he said ‘… 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?’ …”  Luke 18:1-8 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to Luke, the physician.  Again Jesus continued to teach His disciples.  He told them The Parable of The Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8), The Parable of The Pharisee and The Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14), and The Parable of The Rich and The Kingdom of God. (Luke 18:18-30)  Afterwards, Jesus spoke to His disciples and He predicted His death for a third time. (Luke 18:31-34)  The eighteenth chapter ends with an account of Jesus giving a blind beggar his sight. (Luke 18:35-43) 

 

APPLICATION

Prayer is the means by which we communicate with The Lord God.  The Bible teaches us that we ought to always pray. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)  Before all things that we do and say, and for all that we want, we should pray. (Matthew 21:22)  We should pray over and over again until God answers our prayer.  The old saying is: “PUSH,” which means “pray until something happens.”  The Bible says: “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16)  Christ tells us that persistent prayer pays off. (Luke 18:7-8)  God’s people are to be a praying people.  However, when we pray, we are not to use vain repetitions. (Matthew 6:7)  We may be asking for the same things, but we should be sincere and use different words.

DO NOT BE THE REASON THAT SOMEONE STUMBLES

PROCLAMATION

“Jesus said to His disciples: ‘Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come.  It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.’ ” Luke 17:1-2 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to Luke, the physician.  Jesus acknowledges that people, even believers, are going to sin.  Things and situations and temptations are going to come and present themselves to people, including believers, and they will stumble and fall into sin.  Then Jesus said, but woe be unto the person through which the temptation comes.  They would be better off being thrown into the ocean with a large stone tied around their neck.  Serious punishment is coming to anyone who causes a believer to stumble and sin.

 

APPLICATION

We all know that it is wrong for us to sin.  It is worse for us to cause someone else to sin or to engage in sinning with us.  However, it is even much worse for us if we cause a believer to stumble and fall into sin.  Christ clearly does not like those who lead believers into sin and His punishment for them will be severe.  “Woe unto the world because of the offences … but woe to the man by whom the offence cometh.” (Matthew 18:7)  He said, “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come.” (Luke 17:1)  It is important for us not to be a stumbling block or be the cause or reason that a believer stumbles into sin.  We should do our best to avoid sin.  However, when we sin, we should avoid taking another person down with us, especially another believer.  Because believers and others see our behavior, we should also abstain from even the appearance of sin. (1 Thessalonians 5:22)  Let us not be the reason that someone stumbles and falls into sin.

BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS

PROCLAMATION

“There was a rich man … At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus … longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table.  …  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, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’  But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony…’ ”  Luke 16:19-31 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to Luke, the physician.  Here Jesus continued to teach His disciples.  He told them The Parable of The Shrewd Manager. (Luke 16:1-13)  His point was that no one can serve two masters, we cannot serve both God and money.  He also told them The Parable of The Rich Man and Lazarus. (Luke 16:19-31)

 

APPLICATION

There are those who have been blessed to receive more than sufficient finances, some with great wealth.  There are also those who were not blessed with very much in terms of financial means.  While we may not consider ourselves to be “rich”, those of us who have should share with those who have not and are in need.  We were not blessed in order to hoard our blessings and keep them for ourselves.  Remember the parable which Jesus taught about the rich man who built bigger barns to store his excess goods.  He would not share his excess with others, feeling that he had enough to last for years, and he died before he could enjoy his excess. (Luke 12:16-20)  We are blessed in order to be a blessing to others who are less fortunate than we are.  He that blesses others, will himself also be blessed. (Proverbs 11:25)  Our final destination after death will depend upon the belief in our heart.  Those of us who are believers will be absent from the body, and present with The Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8)

THE PRODIGAL SON

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.  After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. … When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare.  I will set out and go back to my father’ … But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him … ‘But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ ”  Luke 15:11-32 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION
These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to Luke, the physician.  Jesus continued to teach His disciples and the crowd.  He told them The Parable of The Lost Sheep (Luke 15:1-7), The parable of The Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10), and The Parable of The Lost Son. (Luke 15:11-32)  All three parables reveal the joy that is felt when that which was lost is found.   The lost son, who left home and squandered all of his money, “came to himself” and returned home.  His father received him joyfully and celebrated with a feast.  The brother who stayed with the father was angry and jealous.  The father had to go to him and tell him that all he had was his.  The celebration was because his long lost brother was found. 

APPLICATION

The sinners that we are, we were lost.  After we “came to ourselves” and accepted Christ as our Savior, there was joy and celebration in heaven.  Our heavenly Father will always welcome us when we come to Him.  He will clean us up, wash away our sins, and see us through the eyes of Christ who died for us.  However, we have to want to come to Him and we must do so of our own free will.  Repent, the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matthew 4:17)

BETTER TO BE INVITED UP THAN TO BE ASKED DOWN

PROCLAMATION

“But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’  Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests.  For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”  Luke 14:10-11 (NIV)

EXPLANATION
These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to Luke, the physician.  On one Sabbath day, Jesus was invited to eat at the home of a prominent Pharisee.  While He was there, He saw a man who was suffering, and He asked the Pharisees, “Is it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath day?”  They did not respond to Him, and so He healed the man. (Luke 14:1-4)  Then He asked them, “If one of you has a child or an ox that fell into a well on the Sabbath day, will you not immediately pull it out?”  Again they were silent. (Luke 14:5-6)  When He noticed how the guests picked their seats at the places of honor at the table, He told them the following parable.  “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 to you and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’  Then humiliated, you will have to take the least important place.  But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’  Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests.  For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”  (Luke 14:7-11)

APPLICATION
Our pride can cause us to needlessly suffer.  One whose pride causes him to exalt himself will be humiliated and embarrassed.  One who truly humbles himself will be exalted.  The proud in heart are an abomination to The Lord. (Proverbs 16:5)  Everyone who is proud and lofty, who lifts himself up, shall be brought low. (Isaiah 2:12)  The Lord God resisted the proud, but He gives grace to the humble. (James 4:6)  It is better for us to be invited up to a place of honor than it is to be asked to move down to a lesser place.  “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11)

 

REPENT OR PERISH

PROCLAMATION

“I tell you, no!  But unless you repent, you too will all perish.  Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them; do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem?  I tell you, no!  But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”  Luke 13:3-5 (NIV)

EXPLANATION
These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to Luke, the physician.  As He continued to teach the crowd, a person in the crowd told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.  Jesus responded to him, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way?  I tell you, no!  But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” (Luke 13:1-3)  He said the same regarding the eighteen who died in Siloam. (Luke 13:4-5)  Then He told them The Parable of the Fig Tree. (Luke 13:6-9)  The fig tree was not producing any fruit, so the man who owned the vineyard was going to cut it down.  However, the caretaker of the vineyard interceded to give the fig tree one more year, one more chance before cutting it down.

APPLICATION

Jesus, The Christ, made it clear to the crowd that followed Him, if they did not repent then they would also perish. (Luke 13:3 and 13:5)  The same is true for us today.  Those of us who repent and confess will have our names written in The Lamb’s book of life.  Those who do not repent will perish because their names are not in the book of life. (Revelation 20:15)  So, repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matthew 4:17)  Only those who confess and believe will be saved. (Romans 10:9)  We have been given one more chance to repent before we perish.

TO WHOM MUCH IS GIVEN WILL MUCH BE REQUIRED

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 of 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 words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to Luke, the physician.  As Jesus continued to teach, the size of the crowd increased.  They asked Him to give them a sign from heaven and He said that no sign would be given. (Luke 11:29)  He told them about the lamp of the body and letting that light shine. (Luke 11:33-36)  When He finished speaking, a Pharisee invited Him to dine with him and He accepted the invitation.  The Pharisee noticed that Jesus did not wash His hands before the meal.  Jesus responded to him and spoke a series of “Woes” unto the Pharisees and the experts in the law. (Luke 11:37-52)  Then Jesus left the house and went outside, and a large crowd gathered around Him.  He spoke to the crowd giving them both warnings and encouragements. (Luke 12:1-12)  He told them The Parable of The Rich Fool. (Luke 12:13-21)  Afterwards, He spoke to His disciples and told them not to worry (Luke 12:22-34), but to be watchful and “be ready, because The Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.” (Luke 12:35-40)  Then He told them the parable of The Faithful and Wise Steward. (Luke 12:41-48)  Finally He said that He did not come to earth to bring peace, but to bring division. (Luke 12:49-53)

APPLICATION

In this chapter Jesus, The Christ, made several points which provide important “take home” lessons for us today.  One, whoever denies Him before men will be denied before the angels of God. (Luke 12:8-9)  Two, store up for yourself treasures in heaven not on earth. (Luke 12:21)  Three, first seek the kingdom of God; and all the things that you need will be added unto you. (Luke 12:31)  Four, where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Luke 12:34)  Five, be ready, because The Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him. (Luke 12:35-40)  Six, to whom much is given, of him will much be required. (Luke 12:48)  With great influence, position and power comes great responsibility, and also great punishment for misuse of them.  Be very careful about what you ask God for.  When we know better, we should do better.  Those of us who do wrong knowingly will be punished more severely than those who do wrong out of ignorance.

BLESSED FOR OBEYING THE WORD OF GOD

PROCLAMATION

“Jesus replied, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.’ ”  Luke 11:28 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to Luke, the physician.  One day, after He finished praying, one of His disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, and He taught them the model prayer. (Luke 11:1-4)  Then He told them some examples of giving and then He said to them “Ask and it shall be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Luke 11:5-10)  He also told them that if an evil earthly father will give good gifts to his children, how much more will their heavenly Father give to His children. (Luke 11:11-13)  Later, after Jesus drove the demon spirit out of a mute man, some of the people in the crowd said that it was by the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that Jesus could do this.  Jesus responded to them and said that a house or a kingdom which is divided against itself cannot stand. (Luke 11:14-26)  As He was saying these things, a woman in the crowd yelled out, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.”  Jesus replied to her, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (Luke 11:27-28)

 

APPLICATION

The Bible does say that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was blessed and highly favored. (Luke 1:28)  She is special, however, the phrase “blessed art thou among women” does not confer upon her a status which is worthy of being worshiped or prayed to.  The same was said of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite. (Judges 5:24)  Jesus gently reproved the woman in the crowd who called out a blessing to His mother.  He made it very clear that it was more important to hear and obey The Word of God.  Nothing should be more important to us today than believing and obeying God’s Holy Word.  If hearing The Word of God does not change us, change our beliefs and our behavior, then we are not afforded salvation.  This blessing is one of the many conditional blessings which are presented in the Bible.  We are blessed if we are both hearers and doers of God’s Word. (James 1:22)  Jesus, The Christ, said, “If ye love me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15 and 14:21)  Obey The Word of God and be blessed.

THE PARABLE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN

PROCLAMATION

“… ‘And who is my neighbor?’  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.  …  Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?’  The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’  Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.’ ”  Luke 10:25-37 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to Luke, the physician.  After feeding the five thousand men plus their wives and children, Jesus went off privately with His disciples. (Luke 9:18)  He told them of His upcoming death. (Luke 9:21-22)  Eight days later, Peter, James, and John witnessed His transfiguration and saw the appearance of Moses and Elijah. (Luke 9:28-36)  The next day, in front of a large crowd, Jesus healed a demon-possessed boy. (Luke 9:37-43)  Then for the second time, He predicted His own death. (Luke 9:43-45)  As He was heading for Jerusalem, He told them that there was a price to pay for following Him. (Luke 9:57-62)  Later Jesus appointed seventy-two men, gave them the power to heal the sick and to cast out demons, and sent them out to the surrounding villages, two by two, as He had done earlier with His disciples. (Luke 10:1-17)  On one occasion, as He was teaching, an expert in the law asked Him, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”  Jesus replied to him, “What is written in the law?”  The man answered, “Love The Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and Love your neighbor as yourself.”  Jesus replied that he had answered correctly and said, “Do this and you will live.” (Luke 10:25-28)  However, the man wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”  In reply, Jesus told him The Parable of The Good Samaritan. (Luke 10:29-37)

 

APPLICATION

In this parable, three people came upon the man in need, a priest, a Levite (a man of the church) and a Samaritan.  The priest and the Levite passed by the man without stopping to offer any assistance.  Only the Samaritan stopped and helped the man.  He even took the man to a place where he could receive more care afterwards.  The Samaritan showed mercy to the man in need, and he went above and beyond in offering assistance to him.  The point here is for us today to “Go and do likewise.”  Today, there are many people in need of assistance and there are many ways that we can help them.  It is not always about giving someone money, although that would be helpful.  We are blessed in order to share and to be a blessing to others.  Many of us have clothes which we don’t wear that someone could use.  Most of us can afford to buy a meal for a needy person.  The Bible says, “… As you give so shall it be given unto you…” (Luke 6:38)  However, if you are going to give money to an organization, please check it out and make sure that the money is going to the purpose for which it was intended.

 

JESUS FEEDS FIVE THOUSAND MEN

PROCLAMATION

“Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He gave thanks and broke them.  He gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people.  They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve baskets full of broken pieces that were left over.”  Luke 9:16-17 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to Luke, the physician.   After Jesus calmed the storm, they continued across the lake to the region of Gerasenes.  There He healed the demon possessed man who lived in the tombs. (Luke 8:26-39)  The people there asked Him to leave so the returned back across the lake. (Luke 8:37)  There was a crowd waiting for Him when He returned.  Jairus, a synagogue leader, was in the crowd and asked Jesus to heal his twelve year old daughter who was dying. (Luke 8:40-42)  Before He could get to the home of Jairus, He was touched by a woman who had an issue of blood for twelve years.  When she touched the edge of His garment she was immediately healed. (Luke 8:43-48)  While He was speaking to the woman, someone from the house of Jairus came and told them that the daughter had died.  Jesus told Jairus not to be afraid, just believe, and she will be healed.  When they arrived at the house, the mourners laughed at Jesus when He said that the girl was not dead, but she was sleeping.  Jesus took the dead girl by the hand and said “Maid, arise.”  Her spirit returned to her and she stood up at once.  Then He told them to feed her. (Luke 8:49-56)  Then Jesus called His disciples together, gave them the power to cure diseases and to drive out demons, and sent them to the surrounding villages to heal the sick and to proclaim the kingdom of God. (Luke 9:1-6)  After the disciples returned, He took them with Him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida, but the crowd followed them.  Jesus spoke to the crowd about the kingdom of God then He told His disciples to feed them.  Jesus took a poor boy’s lunch, blessed it, and fed five thousand men, plus their wives and children, two small fish and five barley loaves of bread and had plenty of food leftover. (Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:32-42; Luke 9:10-17; and John 6:5-13)  He multiplied it and increased it, and He made a lot out of a little.

 

APPLICATION

Jesus, The Christ, performed a number of miracles.  The miracles were not done to impress the people.  They were always done to help the people, and to prove that He was The Son of God as He had said.  Christ is still performing miracles today.  However, people do not give Him the credit for them because He cannot be seen.  As we look back over our lives, we can see the hand of God performing miracles, beginning with the fact that we were wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:13-15)  He has protected us from dangers seen and unseen.  He has made a way for us in situations when there seemed to be no way out.  The fact that we are alive today is a miracle, given all that is going on around us in the world today.  Christ may not have fed us today, but He has performed many miracles for each of us.  He gave us the increase.

JESUS CALMS THE STORM

PROCLAMATION

“One day Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Let us go over to the other side of the lake.’  So they got into a boat and set out.  As they sailed, He fell asleep.  A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped and they were in great danger.  The disciples went and woke Him, saying, ‘Master, Master, we’re going to drown!’  He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.  ‘Where is your faith?’ He asked His disciples.  In fear and amazement they asked one another, ‘Who is this?  He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.’ ”  Luke 8:22-25 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to Luke, the physician.   After He left the home of the Pharisee, Jesus traveled from one town and village to another, preaching and teaching.  His disciples and some of the women were with Him. (Luke 8:1-3)  There was also a large crowd following Him and He told them The Parable of The Sower, (Luke 8:4-15) and He told them about A Lamp on A Stand. (Luke 8:16-18)  Then Jesus and His disciples went over to the other side of the lake.  As they were sailing on the lake, a severe storm arose which frightened His disciples.  Jesus was asleep on the boat and they woke Him.  He got up and rebuked the storm saying, “Peace, be still.”  Immediately the winds and the waters were calm. (Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:36-41; Luke 8:22-25; and John 6:16-21)  

 

APPLICATION

The rebuking of the wind and the waters by Jesus when He calmed the storm is recorded in all four gospels.  Jesus, The Christ, is able to control all of the elements and the weather.  He controls the storms in our lives, both physical and situational.  He may choose not to calm every storm, even though He can because He is omnipotent.  However, He will be with us as we go through our storms.  He said that He would never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)  We are protected in His hands and nothing can ever take us out of His hands. (John 10:28-29)  Through His permissive will, He may allow us to be punished, but we will never be utterly and completely destroyed.  As believers, we have been promised the victory through our Lord Jesus, The Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57)  So, we have no need to fear the storms of life.

A DISPLAY OF GREAT FAITH

PROCLAMATION

“When Jesus had finished … He entered Capernaum.  There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die.  The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to Him, asking Him to come and heal his servant. … The centurion sent friends to say to Him: ‘Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have You come under my roof. … But say the word, and my servant will be healed. … When Jesus heard this, He was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following Him, He said, ‘I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.’  Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.”  Luke 7:1-10 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to Luke, the physician.   After Jesus went down from the mountainside, (Luke 6:12-17) He spoke to His disciples and to those who followed Him. (Luke 6:20-49)  When He had finished speaking, He left there and entered Capernaum.  This is where He healed the servant of the centurion who had displayed such great faith in Him.  Afterwards He went to the town of Nain and raised the widow’s son from the dead. (Luke 7:11-17)  Then He told the disciples of John The Baptist to go and tell him what they had seen and heard. (Luke 7:18-35)  Later on, Jesus accepted an invitation to dinner in the home of one of the Pharisees.  While He was there a woman anointed His feet with perfume.  When the Pharisee, who had invited Him to dinner, saw this, he commented to Jesus that the woman was a sinner.  Jesus replied to him with The Parable of The Two Debtors. (Luke 7:36-50)

 

APPLICATION

On more than one occasion Jesus responded to His disciples, ‘O ye of little faith.’  The same can be said of believers today.  Without faith it is impossible to please Him. (Hebrews 11:16)  He said, if we had the faith which was the size of a mustard seed, we could speak and move mountains. (Matthew 17:20)  This centurion displayed such great faith in Jesus that it impressed Him. (Luke 7:9)  As believers, we are to walk by faith and not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)  We need to exercise our faith in order for it to grow.  The testing and trying of our faith produces perseverance. (James 1:3)  The Bible says, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trials…” (James 1:12)  So, let us keep the faith, and exercise our faith, and pray for an increase in our faith which will allow us to please The Lord God even more.

BUILD YOUR HOUSE ON A SOLID FOUNDATION

PROCLAMATION

“As for everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like.  They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock.  When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.  But the one who hears My words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation.  The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”  Luke 6:47-49 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to Luke, the physician.   On the Sabbath while in the synagogue, Jesus healed a man with a shriveled right hand.  He asked if it was lawful to do good on the Sabbath.  The scribes and the Pharisees who saw Him do it were furious with Him and began to discuss among themselves what they might do to Jesus. (Luke 6:5-11)  There was a large crowd which followed Him, some of them wanted to hear Him, while others wanted to be healed.  He taught them to love their enemies, (Luke 6:27-29) to give to anyone who asks, (Luke 6:30) to do unto others as they would have them to do unto themselves, (Luke 6:31 – The Golden Rule) to lend money without expecting repayment, (Luke 6:34-36) not to judge others, (Luke 6:37) and to give and it will be given to them. (Luke 6:38)  He also told them that good trees produce good fruit and bad trees produce bad fruit. (Luke 6:43-45)  Then He said that people who hear Him and put His words into practice are like a man who builds his house on a solid foundation. (Luke 6:46-49)

 

APPLICATION

It is not enough to hear The Word of God, we must also internalize it and put it into practice. (James 1:22)  Our beliefs and our behavior, our spiritual house so to speak, should be built on a solid foundation. (Matthew 7:24-27 and Luke 6:47-49)  The only truly solid foundation is Jesus, The Christ.  He is The Rock of our salvation and our foundation.  Our life, our thoughts, our words, and our actions must be built upon The Rock. (1 Corinthians 10:4)  It is our foundation in Christ that keeps us standing when the storms and the temptations of life come up against us.  As the words of the Christian hymn state: “On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.” (“My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less” by Edward Mote)

THE HEALTHY DO NOT NEED A DOCTOR

PROCLAMATION

“Jesus answered them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’”  Luke 5:31-32 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to Luke, the physician.   Jesus left his hometown and began preaching and teaching in the synagogues throughout Judea.  He healed all of the sick people who were brought to Him. (Luke 4:40-44)  One day as He was eating in the home of Levi, the tax collector, with tax collectors, some of the scribes and Pharisees saw Him.  They complained to His disciples asking, “Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?”  Jesus heard them and answered them saying, “They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.” (Luke 5:27-32)  This occasion was also recounted in the gospel according the Matthew (Matthew 9:9-13) and in the gospel according to Mark. (Mark 2:14-17)

 

APPLICATION

Jesus, The Christ, left the splendor of heaven, came to earth, and put on human flesh to pay the price for our salvation because we were all lost sinners. (Romans 6:23, John 1:29, 1 John 2:2)  Unfortunately, some people do not know that they are sick.  They think that they are healthy and righteous, and do not need to be saved.  The Bible says that we all have sinned (Romans 3:23) and that none of us are righteous. (Romans 3:10)  We all need Christ, “The Great Physician”, to heal our sin-sick souls.  This “Doctor” is making individual house-calls, He is knocking on our door, but we must open the door and let Him come in if we want Him to help us. (Revelation 3:20)  Only He can cleanse us from our sins. (Psalm 51:2, 51:7, and 51:10)  He came to earth so that none would be lost, however, only those of us who believe will be saved. (John 3:16)  All non-believers, those whose name is not written in the book of life, will be lost for eternity. (Revelation 20:15)  Those who do not recognize that they need help will be lost.

REJECTED BY HIS OWN PEOPLE

PROCLAMATION

“ ‘Truly I tell you,’ He continued, ‘no prophet is accepted in his own hometown.’ ”  Luke 4:24 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to Luke, the physician, and a travelling companion of the Apostle Paul.  After He was baptized by John the baptizer, Jesus was led into the wilderness where He was tempted by the devil for forty days. (Luke 4:1-2)  Afterwards, He returned to Galilee and began teaching in the synagogues. (Luke 4:14-15)  When He left Galilee He went to Nazareth.  On the Sabbath He went into the synagogue as was His custom.  On that day He stood up and read from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. (Isaiah 61:1-2 and Luke 4:16-20)  Then He rolled up the scroll and sat down and said, “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.” (Luke 4:20-21)  He taught them, and they were amazed for they knew Him as Joseph’s son.  Then He said, “No prophet is accepted in his own country.” (Luke 4:24)  When He finished speaking, the people in the synagogue were furious and they ran Him out of town.  They were going to throw Him off of a cliff, but He walked through the crowd unharmed. (Luke 4:28-30)

 

APPLICATION

It is a sad reflection of reality that we are often more likely to be respected by outsiders than we are by members of our own family.  Our family and friends may love us, but because they know us, they frequently have difficulty accepting us as a wise and knowledgeable person (expert) on any subject.  Even when they know that we have been educated and trained, our wisdom is frequently questioned.  They will ask us for our opinion and then they will argue with us about it.  Do not let this bother you, the family of Jesus, The Christ, did not respect His wisdom or abilities.  He said, “A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and in his own house.” (Matthew 13:57, Mark 6:4, and Luke 4:24)  Don’t be discouraged, continue to study and gain wisdom and knowledge, and continue to share it with others, especially regarding The Word of God, because our goal is to be approved by God, not by man. (2 Timothy 2:15)

 

THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS

PROCLAMATION

“… The Word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.  He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.”  Luke 3:2-3 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to Luke, who was a physician (Colossians 4:14) and a travelling companion of the Apostle Paul. (Philemon 1:24)  After the birth of Christ, the child grew and became strong in the spirit.  He was wise and the grace of God was upon Him. (Luke 2:40)  At the age of twelve He was able to converse with the temple elders and teachers, and He impressed all who heard Him with His level of understanding. (Luke 2:42-47)  As Jesus, The Christ,  grew in age and wisdom and favor with The Lord God, so did John, the baptizer.  At age thirty, The Word of God came to John (Luke 3:2) and he began to preach in the wilderness of Judea saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:1-2, Mark 1:4-5, and Luke 3:2-3)  This was foretold by the prophet Isaiah. (Isaiah 40:3, Matthew 3:3, Mark 1:3, Luke 3:4, and John 1:23)

 

APPLICATION

John, the baptizer, went about in the wilderness of Judea telling the people to repent because the kingdom of God is at hand.  Believers today need to do likewise in this sin-sick world because the people need to repent and prepare for the coming of The Lord.  The end of days is closer than we think.  Spread the word in your circle of friends and in your spheres of influence.  Be like that voice crying in the wilderness.  Tell the people, “Repent, the kingdom of God is near.”

NO ROOM FOR JESUS THE CHRIST

PROCLAMATION

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.  She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”  Luke 2:6-7 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to Luke, who was a physician (Colossians 4:14) and a travelling companion of the Apostle Paul. (Philemon 1:24)  After the angel of The Lord appeared to Joseph, Mary’s husband, and told him that what was conceived in her was from The Holy Spirit, Joseph decided to keep Mary as his wife and not put her away as he had planned. (Matthew 1:18-25)  In response to a decree from Caesar Augustus, Joseph took Mary with him from Nazareth to Bethlehem to be counted in the nation-wide census. (Luke 2:1-5)  While they were there the baby was born.  Joseph and Mary stayed in the stable “because there was no room for them in the inn.”  After the baby was born, she wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in an animal feeding trough. (Luke 2:7)  

 

APPLICATION
The King of Kings and Lord of Lords had a very humble earthly beginning.  He was born in a stable, wrapped in cloth, and placed in a manger “because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)  Today, He stands outside of the door to our heart and knocks, waiting for us to open the door and invite Him in. (Revelation 3:20)  I wonder how many of us have room for Him in our hearts, in our homes, and in our lives.  Unfortunately, too many people today have no room for Jesus, The Christ, in their lives.  This is a very personal decision that each of us must make, to accept or reject Christ.  Those who reject Him now, will be rejected by Him on judgment day. (Matthew 10:33)  It will be better for us if we respond as Joshua did, “… Choose you this day whom you will serve, … as for me and my house, we will serve The Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)  Don’t be one of those people who have no room for Jesus.

THE PREDICTION OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS THE CHRIST

PROCLAMATION

“… God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David.  The virgin’s name was Mary. … The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.  You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call Him Jesus.  He will be great and will be called The Son of The Most High …’ ”  Luke 1:26-32 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to Luke, who was not one of the twelve apostles.  He was a physician (Colossians 4:14) and a frequent travelling companion of the Apostle Paul. (Philemon 1:24)  The gospel according to Luke is presented differently than the gospels according to Matthew and Mark.  The gospel according to Matthew was addressed primarily to the Jews and presented Jesus as The Messiah, The King of the Jews.  The gospel according to Mark was addressed primarily to the Romans and presented Jesus as a good humble worker and The Servant of God.  The gospel according to Luke was addressed primarily to the Greeks and presented Jesus as The Son of Man, the ideal human being, and the perfect man.  After an introduction which explained why he was writing this account of the life of Jesus, (Luke 1:1-4) Luke begins chapter one with a description of the elderly parents of John the baptizer.   Then he describes the events surrounding the prediction of John’s birth, (Luke 1:5-25) the prediction of the birth of Jesus, The Christ (Luke 1:26-45) and the birth of John. (Luke 1:57-66)

 

APPLICATION
The birth of Jesus, The Christ, was predicted more than four hundred years beforehand by the Prophet Isaiah. (Isaiah 9:6-7 and 11:1-2)  Here Luke reveals that the angel Gabriel foretold the birth of Jesus, the Christ, (Luke 1:31) and the birth of John, the baptizer. (Luke 1:11-13)  When Mary questioned the angel, regarding how this could happen since she was a virgin, she was told that The Holy Spirit of God would cause her to conceive. (Luke 1:34-35)  Today, being a Christians means believing in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, The Christ.   It also means believing in His pre-existence, (John 1:1) conception, and virgin birth. (John 1:14)  The virgin conception and birth of Jesus, The Christ, is presented twice in The Holy Word of God. (Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 1:26 to 2:7)  The Bible says it, and that settles it.

HE IS RISEN

PROCLAMATION

“As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.  ‘Don’t be alarmed,’ he said.  ‘You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified.  He is risen!  He is not here.  See the place where they laid Him.’”  Mark 16:5-6 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to Mark, a companion Simon Peter.  After Pilate ordered Jesus to be flogged and crucified, they scourged Him, and then the soldiers led Him away. (Matthew 27:26, Mark 15:15-16, and John 19:1-2)  The soldiers put a crown of thorns on His head, hit Him, spit on Him, and mocked Him. (Mark 16:17-19)   Afterwards they led Him to the place called Golgotha, and they forced Simon, from Cyrene, to carry the cross for Jesus. (Mark 15:21-22)  There they crucified Him.  Jesus hung on the cross from nine in the morning (Mark 15:25) until three in the afternoon when He gave up His spirit and died. (Mark 15:33-37)  Joseph of Arimathea took the body of Jesus, wrapped it in linen, placed it in his new unused tomb, and sealed the entrance with a large stone. (Mark 15:43-46)  After the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus.  When they got there, they found that the stone had been rolled away and there was an angel sitting in the tomb.  The angel told them that Jesus was not there, “He is risen!” (Mark 16:1-6)

 

APPLICATION

The crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, The Christ, is recorded in all four of the gospels. (Matthew 27:26 to 28:8; Mark 15:15 to 16:8; Luke 23:23 to 24:9 and John 19:16 to 20:10)  It was predicted more than four hundred years earlier by the prophet Isaiah. (Isaiah 53:5-6)  The resurrection of Jesus, The Christ, was not witnessed; it must be believed.  Thomas believed after he saw for himself and touched the wounds in His hands and side.  Blessed are those of us that have not seen and yet believe. (John 20:27-29)  However, after He rose from the grave, He appeared for man to see Him on more than forty different times before He ascended to heaven. (Matthew 28:9-10 and 28:11-20; Mark 16:9-20; Luke 24:13-50; and John 20:11-29 and 21:1-23)  For forty days after His resurrection (Acts 1:3) Jesus appeared to His disciples, spoke to them, touched Him, and at times He ate with them.  His ascension to heaven from a mountain in Galilee was witnessed by the disciples. (Acts 1:9)  The Word of God says it and that settles it.  He is risen.  Today, those of us who believe it will be blessed.

IT IS NOT GOOD TO GO ALONG WITH THE CROWD

PROCLAMATION

“Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them.  He had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified.”  Mark 15:15 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to Mark, a companion Simon Peter.  After He was seized and arrested, Jesus was taken before the chief priests and the Sanhedrin council. (Mark 14:53)  They condemned Him to death and had the guards take Him to Pilate. (Mark 14:64-65 and 15:1)  With all of the accusations against Him from the chief priests, Jesus did not defend Himself before Pilate. (Mark 15:2-5)  Finding no fault in Him, (Luke 23:4) Pilate was going to release Jesus, but the crowd said, “Crucify Him!” and release Barabbas. (Mark 15:6-14)  In order to please the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas and ordered that Jesus be flogged and crucified. (Mark 15:15)  Pilate tried to absolve himself of the blood of Jesus by washing his hands before the crowd, but he gave in to the crowd's request and ordered Him to be crucified. (Matthew 27:24)

 

APPLICATION

Doing things to please the crowd is rarely a good thing.  It is never good to go against your own principles in order to please the crowd.  Just because “everyone is doing it” does not mean that it is a good thing to do.  Going along with the crowd, especially for the sake of popularity, usually leads to bad outcomes. (Matthew 7:13)  It is not possible to please man and to please God at the same time, we must choose one or the other. (Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13)  It is better to stand alone on The Word of God and walk God’s way than it is to be accepted by a worldly crowd. (Matthew 7:14)

 

BETRAYED BY A KISS

PROCLAMATION

“Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them, ‘The one I kiss is the man; arrest Him and lead Him away under guard.’  Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, ‘Rabbi!’ and kissed Him.  The men seized Jesus and arrested Him.”  Mark 14:44-47 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to Mark, a companion Simon Peter.  After Jesus had eaten the Passover meal, He and His disciples went to a place called Gethsemane.  While He was there praying, Judas led a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs, who were sent by the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes, to arrest Jesus.  Judas greeted Jesus and kissed Him, then the men seized Jesus and arrested Him.  Judas Iscariot had previously arranged to deliver Jesus to the high priests for thirty pieces of silver. (Matthew 26:14-15)

 

APPLICATION

Judas was one of the twelve disciples who had been with Jesus for three years and yet he betrayed Him with a kiss for thirty pieces of silver.  This is proof of the fact that everyone who is with you, is not really with you.  Sometimes those who are close to you will sell you out for their personal gain.  Also, not every kiss is a genuine expression of love or affection.  Everyone who kisses you may not have good intentions.  Additionally, not every follower is a true friend.  Our circle of friends and followers may include some who do not have our best interest at heart.  When we pray, we should also ask The Lord God for discernment in order to determine who is sincere and who is deceitful.  “Smiling faces sometimes tell lies.” (Undisputed Truth)

THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

PROCLAMATION

“At that time people will see The Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.  And He will send His angels and gather His elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.”  Mark 13:26-27 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to Mark, a companion Simon Peter.  After teaching in the synagogue, Jesus left the temple and went up to the Mount of Olives and sat on the side of the mountain facing the temple. (Mark 13:1-3)  Peter, James, John, and Andrew were with Him and asked Him about the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the world.  Jesus answered them with a very lengthy discourse regarding signs of the end times. (Mark 13:5-37)  He included information on the second coming of Christ and the post tribulation gathering of the saints. (Mark 13:26-27)  He ended His talk by telling them that no one knows the day or the hour when this will happen, and He advised them to “Watch!” and be ready. (Mark 13:32-37)

 

APPLICATION

The first coming of Christ was to offer salvation to the lost souls.  The second coming of Christ will be to gather His saints and to offer judgement.  No one knows exactly when this will occur, so we are advised to be ready for it.  We need to get ready now so that we will be ready when the time comes.