We again come to a very interesting section of Scripture, one that again involves conflict, but one that reveals great joy. We find we have reason to be joyful, we have a reason for feasting, we have a reason to be excited – and it is all in the work of Jesus. Our text is Luke 5:27-39. Try to read it through a few times, seeking God’s guidance as you prepare your hearts to worship Him!

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See you Sunday!

As we come into chapter 5 of the Gospel of Luke, we come to meet a man named Simon Peter. Headstrong, confident, capable – and also impetuous. He is a man who knows Jesus, who has seen Jesus help others. But he doesn’t see his need for the Savior, that is, until Jesus shows him the incredible power of God. When that happens, everything changes for Peter. He sees Jesus, he sees himself, and he experiences the mercy of the Lord, and he is empowered to fulfill his mission!

This account challenges us to remember that each of us have a mission for the Kingdom. Every action we take has eternal consequence. And, we see the pattern of true discipleship, which starts with hearing the Word, repenting of our sin, and investing ourselves in the mission that Jesus has given us. Christianity is to be believed, and to be lived.

Christianity: Believe and Be Lived
Luke 5:1-11
Series: Luke – A Prescription for Doubtful Souls
Pastor James McDonald

What a contrast a week makes! Last week, we noted the reaction of the Nazarenes to the preaching of Jesus. Theirs was hostility and anger. This week, we see how Jesus goes to Capernaum and preaches. The response of the citizens on this seaside town is completely different. They are amazed! They are astounded! And they are excited about the ministry of Jesus! And what we learn is that the ministry of Jesus is still amazing, still astounding, still exciting. As He exercised power and authority in His preaching, in His victory over the enemy, and even His sovereignty over even the created world, He still does today. Are we ready for the exciting and amazing power and authority of Jesus? Consider what we learn from Luke 4:31-44.

Power and Authority
Luke 4:31-44
Series: Luke – A Prescription for Doubtful Souls
Pastor James McDonald

Jesus Preaching in Nazareth - from a 14th Century fresco

This week, Jesus comes home. After successfully defeating Satan in the wilderness temptation, Jesus entered into his Galilean ministry, going from town to town, teaching, preaching, healing the sick, and bringing deliverance to the oppressed. And news of what God was doing through Him had come back to the small village of Nazareth. It is likely they were proud of their civic son, the one from the troubled background who suddenly was putting Nazareth on the map!

And then, word came that He was coming home! And that He would be preaching! What would He say? Certainly, it would be an uplifint message, it would be one thanking the citizens of Nazareth for making Him who He was. Right? Wrong. Jesus came home, and preached the Gospel! He came home sharing that they needed the grace of God! Them! The citizens of Nazareth. How would they respond?

As you consider that, think about how you respond when someone confronts you, challenges your presuppositions, calls you to remember that you need God. The Gospel challenges, the Gospel confronts, the Gospel saves – and the Gospel calls for a response!

The Confrontational Gospel
Luke 4:14-30
Series: Luke – A Prescription for Doubtful Souls
Pastor James McDonald

In what may seem an amazing turn of events, Jesus goes from the waters of baptism directly into mortal combat with Satan himself and is tempted for 40 long days. Satan’s goal is to get Jesus to fall. If he could do this, the whole mission of redemption would be foiled. But Jesus defeats the enemy of our souls, not based on being God, but rather He defeats Satan as a man. In doing so, we are reminded who Satan is, what his motives are, what his limits are. We come to see his designs, and we learn from Jesus how we can defeat his attempts to lure us away from the Lord.

Come to understand your propensity to sin, Satan’s desire to exploit your lust, and yet, Jesus’ example of victory. What a joy it is that we do have victory in Jesus!

Defeating the Deceiver
Luke 4:1-13
Series: Luke – A Prescription for Doubtful Souls
Pastor James McDonald

In Luke 3:15-22, we come to the end of the ministry of John the Baptizer, and the beginning of the ministry of Jesus. In this account, we learn of the greatness of John, and yet the humility of John. Likewise, we see the Jesus greatness of Jesus! And Jesus was greater than John in every way! He ministered a greater baptism, He had a greater position, and He superintends a greater judgment. But, we also see the great humility of Jesus, who humbled Himself to be a man. He submitted to John’s baptism. And He suffered to the point of death – for us! And, as His baptism God the Father proclaimed His love and acceptance for His Son, in Jesus we likewise stand beloved and approved.

Beloved and Approved
Luke 3:15-22
Series: Luke – A Prescription for Doubtful Souls
Pastor James McDonald

In the Gospel of Luke, we find the only reliable account of Jesus as a boy. You can find that in Luke 2:40-52. We see that Jesus is indeed a great role model for young and old, growing in stature, wisdom and favor with God and man. Jesus was an amazing young man, from whom we can learn much. We are to live balanced lives,

But in addition to that, we find that Jesus announces something that is amazing; He is the Son of God. And as the Son of God, Jesus was to be about the Father’s business. This was an earth shaking statement, one that shakes the world even to this day.

What does the example of Jesus mean for you? And what difference can His Sonship make in your life? Consider this Jesus, who is more than a role model.

Jesus: More than a Role Model
Luke 2:40-52
Series: Luke – A Prescription for Doubtful Souls
Pastor James McDonald

We continue our series in Luke, evaluating the truths from Luke 2:21-39. This will be Jesus’ first visit to the Temple. What we learn in this lesson is the way Jesus was obedient to the Law. This is seen in His circumcision, His presentation in the Temple, and in Mary’s purification. Starting from His earliest days, Jesus fulfilled the Law. And this is important, for we know that since the Law is vital to our God, He is just in His judgment of those who fail to keep His Law.

But we also see in this text how our God is merciful. Amazingly, this is again noted in Jesus’ circumcision, His presentation in the Temple, and in Mary’s purification. Jesus name proclaims His saving mission, and Simeon and Anna stood as two witnesses to confirm the truth that the Consolation of Israel, the Redeemer, the Deliverer, the Messiah, had come! Because of His grace, we do not need to fear His judgment. This is amazing grace!

God’s Law, and God’s grace – all bound up in the infant body of the King of kings.

Law, Grace, and the Infant King
Luke 2:21-39
Series: Luke – A Prescription for Doubtful Souls
Pastor James McDonald

This week, we reflect upon Luke 2:8-20, an incredible text that proclaims the joy of the Father in the birth of His son, a message delivered by the wondrous angels to a group of wandering shepherds. This text declares the wonder of our salvation—salvation that is for all, regardless of background, parentage, or social status. And we see that the Gospel is good news—news that we have been set free from sin and death.

As we consider this narrative, we are encouraged to consider the work of Jesus in us. The shepherds were given a sign of how to recognize Jesus, not in his glory, but in his humility.

Likewise, we consider how people see Jesus in us. He is not seen in our pride; He is seen in our service and love for others. And considering the work of Jesus should bring us to understand His peace—peace that is seen in our restored relationship with God, our renewed relationships with others, and our remarkable peace in ourselves as we see His sovereignty at work in all areas of life. This all brings great joy as we consider the work of Jesus in our salvation.

Remembering the Joy of Our Salvation
Luke 2:8-20
Series: Luke – A Prescription for Doubtful Souls
Pastor James McDonald

Luke 2:1-78 gives us the familiar story of the birth of Jesus. And what a story it is! The Lord of Glory, the eternal Son of God, the second person of the Trinity, condescends to be born a man for us. This story highlights the humanity of Jesus, the divinity of Jesus, and the purpose why Jesus came to tabernacle with us, which was to save us. He suffered in this life that we might live. Learn more about Him as we ponder this incredible story of birth, trauma, and triumph!

In this sermon, we consider the providence of God, the faith of Joseph, and the contrast between Augustus and Jesus. And we end up in praise, for we now serve a King whose Kingdom cannot be shaken. Jesus is the Lord. This truth rightly should impact every area of our lives.

Making Room for Jesus
Luke 2:1-7
Series: Luke – A Prescription for Doubtful Souls
Pastor James McDonald