bpchurch Sermons

It is said that "familiarity breeds contempt." Perhaps it should also be noted that familiarity can lead to carelessness. This is true in many things, but it also can be true in following Jesus. We know what we know and no more. We follow as far as we go, but not further. We can be comfortable where we are, even when the where that we are isn't nearly as far as we think we are.

Luke chapter 11 seems like a somewhat random collection of teachings about various issues. But the unifying theme among them is that in each case, who God is and what God is doing is more than they realize. God intends to do more than they expect, ask, or imagine. I hope this chapter uncovers one or more areas in which you can Follow Further.

Several years ago we learned a new style of political strategy, "leading from behind." It seemed counterintuitive, how does one really lead from behind?! Perhaps just as counterintuitive is the idea of following from the front. In Luke 10, Jesus' followers are to follow him by going ahead to where he will be coming. Following Jesus from the front must be a little unsettling. You can't just plod along behind, putting your feet in the same places he has just put his. Following Jesus from the front means taking what you know about Jesus and doing it and telling it to others. Then, after you've done so, when Jesus comes it will be evident to all how well you've been following him in what you've been doing. Well, when I put it that way, following from the front is how we follow Jesus today. This Sunday let's talk about some of the principles Jesus gives us to serve him until he comes.

In Luke chapter 9 we get to the heart of following Jesus. The disciples are beginning to know Jesus and to follow him, but he is not leading them in the direction they expect. How can Peter be so wonderfully right and then so gloriously wrong within just a few days?

Do you sometimes wonder if the ways you are following Jesus are really following in the direction in which Jesus is leading? This Sunday we'll talk about one crucial way to know whether you're following in the right direction.

Have you ever planted anything? Maybe flowers or vegetables in a garden? How did it grow? There are many different factors that can help plants grow or prevent them from growing. I've tried to plant some different things over the years and some were successful and others weren't. This Sunday in Luke 8 we will see the word of God compared to a seed that is planted in the soil of our hearts and yet not every seed yields the same results. It's not hard to understand this parable, but what does it really mean for us? Join us this Sunday and find out!