Sermons and Biblical Studies

LUKE 8:16–18 “For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open” (Luke 8:17). After discussing the fruit that must be produced by righteous soil, Jesus provides another comparison. He says, “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a … Continue reading “LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE”

LUKE 8:1–3 And also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means (Luke 8:2–3). Sometimes Luke’s … Continue reading “WOMEN WHO SERVED JESUS”

LUKE 7:36–50 Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace” (Luke 7:50). As we saw yesterday, a woman of ill repute entered the house of Simon the Pharisee and washed Jesus’ feet with her tears and anointed them with expensive perfume. When Simon condemned Jesus in his heart for allowing … Continue reading “KNOWING PEACE WITH GOD”

LUKE 7:36–50 And as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them (Luke 7:38). Jesus was invited by a Pharisee to dine with him. During the dinner, a “woman of the streets” … Continue reading “LOVE AND FORGIVENESS”

LUKE 7:27–35 “To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like?” (Luke 7:31). After Jesus’ speech about John the Baptist, some of the people praised God, but others were angry at Jesus (Luke 7:29–30). This provoked Jesus to condemn the people of that generation. He states that they are … Continue reading “TIMES AND OCCASIONS”

LUKE 7:18–28 “I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he” (Luke 7:28). While in prison, John the Baptist experienced doubts about Jesus. Remember, this happened before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and … Continue reading “THE LEAST IN THE KINGDOM”

LUKE 7:11–17 They were all filled with awe and praised God. “A great prophet has appeared among us,” they said. “God has visited his people” (Luke 7:16). Jesus had just raised a widow’s son to life. The crowd responded by praising God and saying “God has visited His people.” The idea of God’s visiting His … Continue reading “GOD VISITS HIS PEOPLE”

MICAH 6:6–8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8). I am often asked by people to help them discern God’s will for their lives. I have to answer, “If … Continue reading “FAITHFUL TO GOD’S WILL”

HEBREWS 11:1–19 By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son (Hebrew 11:17). Hebrews 11 is a chronicle of people who lived by faith. In each case, we find that faith was not a mere intellectual exercise … Continue reading “ABRAHAM’S PROVEN FAITH”

1 CORINTHIANS 15 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised (1 Corinthians 15:13). Death is the last enemy (v. 26). It is not our friend. It is hard, frightening, and absurd. Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus and shrank from death on the Mount of Olives. … Continue reading “FAITH IN THE FACE OF DEATH”