Happy Birthday to US! We are incredibly proud and thankful to be citizens of this great country. But as we have learned from our study of Luke, we are also citizens of the kingdom of heaven. How do these two relate to one another? Let’s find out....

In recent weeks we’ve heard Jesus tell stories affirming the value of oppressed widows and sinful tax collectors. Today we encounter the third in this series of events, where Jesus affirms the importance of children in the kingdom of God. What does this teach us about kids and the kingdom? Let’s find out....

In this section of Luke, we encounter four surprising stories which demonstrate the upside-down nature of Jesus’ kingdom. We looked at the first last week: A persistent widow and an unjust judge. Today we consider the second of these stories: a parable about Pharisees, publicans, prayer and pride.

Having just taught his disciples about the present and future coming of the kingdom of God, Jesus tells them a rather strange parable to encourage them to “pray and not lose heart.” What is the meaning of this parable, why did Jesus tell it at that time, and what does it mean for us today? Let’s find out....

“When will the kingdom of God come?” asked the Pharisees. It’s a question people still ask today. Let’s take a look at what Jesus had to say to the Pharisees, and to his disciples, and how this might apply to our own questions about Jesus’ kingdom.

As Jesus enters a village, ten lepers cry out, “Master, have mercy on us!” Jesus sends them to the priest, and as they went they were cleansed. All ten were cleansed, but only one returned to thank Jesus -- “and he was a Samaritan.” What is the point of this story, and how does it apply to us? Let’s find out....

It was the Jewish holiday of Pentecost (Shavu’ot), when Jesus poured out his Spirit upon his followers. On that day, the worldwide ministry of Jesus through his church (ecclesia) began. Why was the church born on Pentecost, and what significance does this have for us today? Let’s find out…..

Can you imagine winter without Christmas, or spring without Easter? Of course not. And yet many churches and Christians slide right into summer without observing the final phase of Jesus’ ministry: his Ascension to the right hand of the Father. What is the Ascension all about, and why should we care about it today? We’ll talk about that this morning.

As we continue our trek through Luke on this Mother’s Day, we encounter a text which speaks both to the nuclear family and the wider family of faith. What does Jesus teach us about how families (both personal and corporate) should relate to one another? Let’s find out….

Jesus loves us deeply. It breaks his heart when we live in ways which dehumanize ourselves or others. That is why he is willing to tell us the truth about such things as money and marriage, faithfulness and eternity. Yes, the truth sometimes hurts; but it also heals.