This multi-part expository study of the gospel of Luke was preached at Bethany Community Church beginning in 2009. Audio and abstracts are available for each lesson.
There have been, throughout the course of history, competing arguments about the true nature of Jesus. Are portions of his life and character hidden away in other religions or “forgotten” gospel accounts that don’t get a voice in the Bibles we now carry? The reality is, regardless of whether or not we hold to ancient texts or belief systems that present a different Jesus than the one we see in the Scriptures, we are tempted continually to make Him into someone who suits us in our day rather than accept who He has revealed Himself to be. This message, and really this series covering the gospel of Luke, is meant to force you to decide whether you will follow your idea of Jesus or accept the Jesus of the Scriptures. We see in the first verses of the account a number of truths that help us begin this process of discovery. 1.) Luke’s gospel reveals the importance of Jesus’ life. 2.) Luke’s gospel is passionate about the real Jesus. 3.) Luke’s gospel offers a unique portrait of the Savior. 4.) Luke’s gospel strengthens our relationship with Jesus. It is in this account that we hear specifically about the One who has come to seek and save the lost, with special attention given to those not part of the insider club. This is about a Jesus all are invited to put their hope in, but specifically about the Savior of the outcast.
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
The reporters in the world are continually evaluating what is most important or at least most newsworthy. However, in all likelihood the top stories that would, in any given period, make their way to the most-searched topics on the internet or end up highlighted on the evening news are not the things that are most significant in the life of the individual. The question then becomes, “What things are important to God, and do the quiet happenings in my life register on His radar screen?” We see in this message the teaching of Scripture that every detail of our lives has significance and all is working out, under His sovereign direction, to bring glory to His name and blessing to each of His people. This is what we take away in looking at a married couple in Luke 1, a couple who would have been as easily forgotten in the history of the world as any other. Observing Zechariah and Elizabeth’s account, we draw several principles and their according applications. 1.) Personal righteousness does not mean prominence or ease of life. Be righteous. 2.) The God who directs the affairs of the universe cares about small problems. Live like it. 3.) Even godly people sometimes allow their individual experiences to overwhelm God’s revelation. Don’t. 4.) God looks upon the lowly and cares for them. Have faith in Him.
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Introducing Mary. She was an unlikely girl from an unlikely town who was in the same measure extraordinary in her Godward focus and acceptance of God’s plan for her life. The angel, Gabriel, God’s messenger first to Elizabeth and now to Mary is observed bringing an announcement of another baby to be born, one who would not merely be a very great child (as John was prophesied to be) but one who would come as “Son of the Most High” who would “reign over the house of Jacob forever.” Having received such a message, Mary showed herself to be one who thought through such startling news in both a theological and humble manner. She would, like us, be challenged to experience in a deeper way the reality that nothing is impossible with God. In discovering this God of the impossible, we find the following applications from this text: First, this is not a story about Mary. Next, this story is not about the arrival of a precious baby but the arrival of its king. Finally, we see that our response should not be, “oh, so cute,” but, “I want to be a part of this kingdom!”
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
A focus like that of the virgin Mary makes for a merry Christmas. The song she sung as she visited her cousin, Elizabeth, reveals the heart that we should aim for as we would consider what makes for true happiness during the holiday season, or any season for that matter. Times of great celebration can, when we have an idea in our heads about how everything should go to make for that perfect day, also be a time where we set ourselves up for disappointment—that is what happens to the one who’s happiness is rooted ultimately in self-worship instead of the glory of God. From the song of Mary, we are challenged to learn several lessons that help us put our longings and celebrations in right perspective. We are called, as humble people, to believe God’s message. Additionally, we should recognize God’s might in comparison to our smallness. We ought furthermore to understand God’s mercy, recognizing that the prideful set themselves on a collision course with the Almighty. Lastly, we would do well to trust God’s memory—He will recall the promises He has made in past generations.
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Questions of what it looks like to be “in the will” of God abound for the believer. If we have sinned in a way that has significantly altered the direction of our lives, are we forever second-class Christians? Or we may sometimes wonder whether or not we have missed out on what our lives could have been if we had only taken the route of obedience at that fork in the road a few miles back. The good news, the news that we get in looking at the text at hand, is that God uses repentant sinners to establish His kingdom. Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, provides a picture of what a humbled sinner renewed for Gods’ purposes looks like. Having faced a moment where he questioned the promise of the Lord with a disbelieving spirit, he would come to praise Him all the more following a season of discipline. In observing this period of Zechariah’s life, we learn that: 1.) Gods’ kingdom plans for us are preserved by His mercy. 2.) Our repentance is demonstrated by our actions. 3.) Our repentance results in God’s glory.
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Editor's Note: Lesson 39 (Part 3 in this mini-series) on the parable of the soils is unavailable. The audio file is no longer extant.
(Part IV) The final type of soil in Jesus’s parable, and the one that He finishes with in explaining the meaning to the disciples, is the good, fruitful soil producing an abundant crop. There are some distinguishing marks of this soil that set it apart from the others. It is the only seed that falls into the ground instead of simply on or among. It furthermore is the case that, not only does this soil produce something, the actual crop yielded is an exceptional one. Having looked at the first three soils and their ultimate rejection of the seed of the gospel, we are once again brought to the point of testing our own hearts in order that we might have assurance that we truly know the Lord. A couple of questions once again help us in this testing. 1) Am I holding fast to the gospel? 2) Am I persevering in producing spiritual fruit? Helpful to remember at this point is that such growth is never put forward in the Scriptures as that which flows out of a type of man-centered power or legalism but instead comes about through the work of God in the true believer. It ultimately all comes down to a life centered on Christ that yields joyful obedience.Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
(Part V) Having been presented with the soils and their various “reactions” to the seed (the gospel), there then comes the question of what the one who has received the Word is to do with it. Pastor Daniel gives an answer through his assertion of the main point of this message, “We should respond to the Word of God by knowing it, living it, and pursuing God through it.” In other words, we need to live it out! What does this look like over a lifetime, however, as we would seek to grow in our knowledge of the Word in order that we might walk in faithful obedience? We are given some instruction how to handle biblical doctrine, instruction that helps us step through life in focused faithfulness. 1) Know and be convinced of the truth. 2) Live out the truth. 3) Take care with the truth. 4) Pursue the author of the truth. Ultimately, all of this comes down to a simple admonition: Hear what Jesus says and do it!
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Of all the astounding signs and miracles Jesus performed that remind us of how amazing He was, there are those instances which also strike us as categorically falling into a league of their own. Pigs becoming demon possessed and rushing to their deaths over a cliff is one of those, but there is obviously more to this account than odd swine occurrences. Pastor Daniel makes the case that “we must acknowledge that we face a terrible and evil power when we face the demonic realm. But [it’s] a power that must completely subject itself to our triumphant Christ.” In this message, the reality and power of the demonic realm is highlighted, but our need to cling to our Lord in heart and practice is emphasized in a way that reminds us of how great a Hope we have. Jesus revealed His power over the legion of demons in the demoniac, a power than none other had been able to exhibit. And so, though this world be fraught with dangers, we are reminded of how our God is greater and how we need not live in fear.
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff
Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff