bpchurch Sermons

Jesus' question to his followers, "Who do you say that I am?" is a pivotal question for Peter. But it's a question for everyone to answer, because just before it Jesus asked, "Who do men (people) say that I am?" In Luke 23, who is Jesus and what will we do with him becomes the central issue. It's a chapter that speaks about power and politics, courage and cowards, and that helps us make sense of events around us today. The trials of Jesus will help us face the trials of life. Let's talk about it on Sunday.

In the second half of Luke 22 we get caught up with Jesus's arrest, and never get our questions about the swords answered. Jesus tells his disciples that they never needed extra provisions or swords be-fore, but now they better get some. They find two swords and that's apparently enough. But then, when trouble comes and they try to use the swords, Jesus is like, "What are you guys thinking; what's with the swords?!" Exactly, what is all of this about swords and what does it have to do with us today? Let's talk about it Sunday.

Luke 22:1-34 frames the Passover, which Jesus earnestly desires to share with his disciples, with events which show the need of it, and our need for him. The opening and closing stories are of Judas' betrayal and Peter's denial. How do I know, in my failure, if I am like Judas or Peter? Next, Jesus is seen to be in charge of what is about to happen, 22:7-13, while the disciples argue about which of them should be in charge! All of this pushes us toward the center of the story, Jesus at the table, re-membering God's redemption and pointing to God's restoration. That's what we'll focus on, God's re-demption and restoration, as we also come to the Lord's Table this Sunday.

I have become convinced that one of the major burdens on pastors today is to prepare believers to fol-low Jesus faithfully, when doing so will become increasingly difficult. We spent some time on that last week in Luke 21. But this is so critical, so important in this moment. We need to dig a little deep-er into how we can specifically guard our hearts and be spiritually strong. So, while some of our la-dies are away their retreat this weekend, let's consider how to "be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong" 1Cor 16:13.

Luke chapter 21 begins with a compelling story of the widow who gives her last two little coins to the Temple offering. This story sets up the difficult times which Jesus warns will come upon his follow-ers through the centuries until the end. Her example of faith in God's promise and God's character gives us a pattern to follow in the difficult times that will come upon us. While the big, the bold, the beautiful and shiny things easily grab our attention, this widow's example shows us what we need to hold on to and what we need to be willing to let go.

This Sunday we'll talk a little about end times and signs from Luke 21, but more importantly we'll talk about how to stay awake and stay strong in the midst of these troubles.

Dear friends,

Julie and I have had a blessed time in Zimbabwe, and we look forward to being back with you. In the parable of the vineyard in Luke 20, Jesus shows us the long-enduring mercy of God and the surpris-ingly callous ambition among his supposed people. Jesus' point shocks the people he speaks to and confronts the leaders he speaks about. It is clear that they each get his point - but what will they do with it? What will we do with it? Can we fathom such mercy? Could we be capable of similar selfishness?

Would you consider yourself a servant? In our world today, most of us would probably not consider ourselves a servant and would feel offended if someone called us one. Even though we might work for an employer and have a boss, we are answerable only to ourselves. We like the idea of working for ourselves and having the authority to spend our money and time as we see fit. But what if I told you that we are servants and should live for someone else and not ourselves? Join us on Sunday as we dig into Luke 19 and discover who our Master is.

"Your mission, should you choose to accept it..." Have you ever accepted an impossible mission? If so, I bet when you signed up for that mission you were placing ALL your chips on Luke 18:27 which reads "...what is impossible with man is possible with God." This Sunday we will be learning about a rich young ruler that thought he was ready to take on just such a mission. The mission was impossi-ble, and ultimately he chose not to accept it. What happened? Tune in on Sunday morning to find out!

Just believe in yourself. That is a common phrase you might hear in the world today. And it might even sound inspiring to you. If I just believe in myself, I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. The problem is that it's not true. Faith in myself gives me permission to live for myself and only do what I think is best for me. But God has called us to live differently. And because of who God is, what God has done, and what God will do, my faith and belief are in something other than myself. Join us this Sunday as we see what Jesus has to tell us about genuine faith in Luke 17.

Sunday is Easter! From Luke 16 and 24, we will consider the question, "What would it take for you to believe?" As we tell the story from one Lazarus to another Lazarus, to the fearful disciples and the road to Emmaus, we'll see what God has done for us, and what we need to believe.