It seemed that some Jews had a belief about bad events were a form of punishment for bad deeds. In this passage, Jesus is firmly debunking that kind of negative thinking about God. Real repentance prepares for entrance into God’s kingdom and into new life which starts now but reaches fulfillment in the next life.

The second parable underlines God’s patience in waiting for us to repent and to grow. The gardener puts manure around the tree. This manure smells bad but it promotes growth. It takes time, courage and effort to repent and to right our own wrongs, say that we are sorry and make amends. Humiliations are good for us if they increase our humility.

Series: The Acts of Christ And The Apostles

Speaker: George Mattackal

Scripture: Luke 13:1-9

Notes: https://1drv.ms/b/s!AtZn-btopJYtokR60FPs6K8iXO0C?e=ffUhKy

Jesus’ ministry on the earth was not without opposition. Though He preached the Word, healed the sick, cast out demons and did many other miraculous signs, there were still some who could not believe in Him, acknowledge Him or submit to His authority.

Here we have a demon possessed, mute man healed and delivered- while many marveled, others said he cast out the demon by the ruler of demons!! Jesus knew the thoughts and intents of their hearts and came hard on them with an answer- “And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges.” (Luke 11:19). 

Today’s reading draws our attention to the power and authority the Lord Jesus has over the powers of darkness, the finger of God working through Him to establish His Kingdom (vs.20).  In making the bold declaration that “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters” (Luke 11:23), Jesus was making a clear demarcation between those who believed in Him and those who didn’t. 

Series: The Acts of Christ And The Apostles

Speaker: Jean Thomas

Scripture: Luke 11:14-32

Notes: https://1drv.ms/b/s!AtZn-btopJYtogWGiFSP8euH3PTN?e=Wntwgf

Part of what it meant for Jesus to "determine to go to Jerusalem" was the growing presence of legal experts and Pharisees testing him with questions that sought to trap him. In this section, Jesus responded to three of those questions:

To the question on how one could inherit eternal life, He answers  with a story showing in vivid human terms what it means to love your neighbor as yourself. 

He told his friend Martha it was vital to make him her first priority.

And finally, he taught his disciples how to pray—and why.

Although the needs differ widely, they all center on our relationship with God.

Series: The Acts of Christ And The Apostles

Speaker: Ben Kurien

Scripture: LUKE 10:25 – 11:13

Notes: https://1drv.ms/b/s!AtZn-btopJYtoX7-zLYnukYqx3wi?e=ONyckc

This passage contains some very harsh statements. Jesus’ response to the first would-be follower is that – before deciding to follow Jesus – he should first count the cost. The closing sentence is even harder, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’ This is a Jesus who leaves no room for compromise. Not only must we follow Jesus, whatever the cost, but we must do it immediately and wholeheartedly.

Series: The Acts of Christ And The Apostles

Speaker: Pradeep Daniel

Scripture: LUKE 9:51-62

Notes: https://1drv.ms/b/s!AtZn-btopJYtoQYRA8ZpwMwejT-b?e=v2EcYs

In this portion, Luke now brings together four short incidents in which he shows the disciples’ lack of faith, their slowness to learn, their pride and their intolerance. It is an impressive sequence and makes a sad conclusion to his Galilean section. The disciples have much to learn.

Series: The Acts of Christ And The Apostles

Speaker: George Mattackal

Scripture: LUKE 9:37-50

Notes: https://1drv.ms/b/s!AtZn-btopJYtoGuj-pPdcWawA1_A?e=dAskh0

Our gospel for today is from Luke 9:28-36. Today marks the transfiguration of Jesus. Jesus is the Son of God, the Chosen One, His identity is not hidden from His people. His mission is clearer than the water in the rivers.

The gospel in Luke 9:28-36 is a reminder that Jesus in His divinity still goes through a lot of trials to save us. He is a royalty but He suffered a lot for our sins.

The prophecy of the Old Testament is realized in the presence of Moses and Elijah. Let us proclaim our faith in Jesus. The transfiguration of Jesus is a manifestation of His radiance and glory forever.

Series: The Acts of Christ And The Apostles

Speaker: Kishor Hegde

Scripture: LUKE 9:28-36

Notes: https://1drv.ms/b/s!AtZn-btopJYtoFm9l4dh01UAz9Hy?e=bhuh8a

Many people today understand the church as a building. This is not a biblical understanding of the church. The word “church” is a translation of the Greek word ekklesia, which is defined as “an assembly” or “called-out ones.” The root meaning of church is not that of a building, but of people. It is ironic that when you ask people what church they attend, they usually identify a building. Romans 16:5 says, “Greet the church that is in their house.” Paul refers to the church in their house—not a church building, but a body of believers.

The church is the body of Christ, of which He is the head. Ephesians 1:22–23 says, “And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” The body of Christ is made up of all believers in Jesus Christ from the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) until Christ’s return. Biblically, we may regard the church in two ways, as the universal church or as the local church.

Speaker: Dave Sangiah

Scripture: Ephesians 3:1-3

This is first time in Luke, where he records for us that Jesus predicted His death on the cross. We might have heard it said before, that Jesus' words were shocking for his disciples and those that followed Him. In our day and age, the cross is closely associated with Christianity, and often made into associated jewelry or even accessories. But in Jesus' time, the ancient world saw it as a symbol of great shame and death by the cross was reviled and reserved for terrible criminals. It is this death that Jesus predicts for Himself, and what He calls His followers to. The Lord Jesus Christ calls on us to follow him.  To get right behind him and follow in his footsteps, doing his will, imitating him, and obeying him.

Series: The Acts of Christ And The Apostles

Speaker: George Thomas

Scripture: Luke 9:18-27

Notes:https://1drv.ms/b/s!AtZn-btopJYtn0QHjpvp9vgkAcJf?e=ot9UaI

Maybe you are facing some crisis in life today. Maybe you know someone who is under intense pressure. These 4 quick stories presented in a row by Luke are intended to cover all of life’s possible dangers and threats. No matter what we might face, we need to be confident in the Power and Authority of Jesus to deliver and protect us according to His good purposes.

Series: The Acts of Christ And The Apostles

Speaker: Dr. Alias K. Eldhose

Scripture: Luke 8:22-56

Notes: https://1drv.ms/b/s!AtZn-btopJYtnw9DOKvzCWM7K4eJ?e=rlLCEa

Luke 8:4-21 has four distinct paragraphs. First, Jesus tells the parable of the four soils to a large crowd. Second, he explains the parable of the four soils to his disciples privately. Third, he tells a parable about putting a lamp on a stand (not under a jar or under the bed). Fourth, Jesus talks about who comprises his true family. What is common to all four paragraphs is the issue, “Are you careful or careless when you hear the word of God.” and "How do you respond to a call of faith?"   

Series: The Acts of Christ And The Apostles

Speaker: Prithvi G

Scripture: Luke 8:4-21

Notes:https://1drv.ms/b/s!AtZn-btopJYtnnXR9fgeyJlrFyBQ?e=hdc15I