Conflict is unavoidable. The sooner one accepts that fact the better. Everyone, at some time or another, will be embroiled in conflict and hostility. Conflict may mean anything from harsh words to loss of property or life. Jesus was no stranger to conflict. He experienced conflict and spoke on the subject on many occasions. In our sermon today, we shall study Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” and pay special attention to the difference between peace-taking, peace-faking, and peacemaking. http://firstbaptistscottcity.org/2015/05/03/matthew-59-blessed-are-the-peacemakers/

Last week’s sermon focused on the parable of the “Prodigal Son” from Luke 15:11-24. It was entitled “The Lost Son” because it dealt with the younger son who went to a far away country and “squandered his property in reckless living” (13). It was easy to identify this son as lost because his outward actions revealed a selfish heart and a lack of relationship with his father. This morning, we are going to discuss “The Other Lost Son”. The parable of the prodigal son is actually a parable about two sons. Last week we discussed the younger and this week we shall discuss the older. What I pray we all discover is that outward actions are not always a reliable indicator of one’s heart. Too often, we can conform to a public standard of respectability while harboring a private life that is far less respectable. http://firstbaptistscottcity.org/2014/02/25/sermon-luke-1525-32-the-other-lost-son/

Last week’s sermon focused on the parable of the “Prodigal Son” from Luke 15:11-24. It was entitled “The Lost Son” because it dealt with the younger son who went to a far away country and “squandered his property in reckless living” (13). It was easy to identify this son as lost because his outward actions revealed a selfish heart and a lack of relationship with his father. This morning, we are going to discuss “The Other Lost Son”. The parable of the prodigal son is actually a parable about two sons. Last week we discussed the younger and this week we shall discuss the older. What I pray we all discover is that outward actions are not always a reliable indicator of one’s heart. Too often, we can conform to a public standard of respectability while harboring a private life that is far less respectable. http://firstbaptistscottcity.org/2014/02/25/sermon-luke-1525-32-the-other-lost-son/

In our passage this morning we are told that Jesus is going “on His way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem” (22). Jerusalem is significant because that is where He will “suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised” (Luke 9:22). Jerusalem is His destination because that is where His cross is to be found. As He is journeying towards the cross, He is asked a question: “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” (23). http://firstbaptistscottcity.org/2013/09/30/sermon-luke-1322-30-a-question-a-door-and-a-table/

In our passage this morning we are told that Jesus is going “on His way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem” (22). Jerusalem is significant because that is where He will “suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised” (Luke 9:22). Jerusalem is His destination because that is where His cross is to be found. As He is journeying towards the cross, He is asked a question: “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” (23). http://firstbaptistscottcity.org/2013/09/30/sermon-luke-1322-30-a-question-a-door-and-a-table/

The subject matter of today’s sermon is difficult because most (if not all) of us have either experienced tragedy or know someone who has. For those in the midst of tragedy, you know that there are no easy answers. As a pastor, my prayer is that you will find comfort in the midst of life’s storms in the pages of Holy Scripture. We shall study Luke 13:1-9 and discuss that while tragedies are the result of evil “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom 8:28 NASB). http://firstbaptistscottcity.org/2013/09/09/sermon-luke-131-9-thinking-biblically-about-tragedy/

The subject matter of today’s sermon is difficult because most (if not all) of us have either experienced tragedy or know someone who has. For those in the midst of tragedy, you know that there are no easy answers. As a pastor, my prayer is that you will find comfort in the midst of life’s storms in the pages of Holy Scripture. We shall study Luke 13:1-9 and discuss that while tragedies are the result of evil “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom 8:28 NASB). http://firstbaptistscottcity.org/2013/09/09/sermon-luke-131-9-thinking-biblically-about-tragedy/

Who said the following?

I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled! I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.

Who said the following?

I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled! I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.

In our text today, it is either Tuesday or Wednesday of the last week of Jesus’ earthly ministry. In a few days Jesus will be arrested, beaten, crucified, buried, and will be resurrected from the dead. Knowing this, Jesus has been preparing His disciples for what is to come. In verses 29-38, Jesus strongly challenged His disciples to not get distracted by the things of this world. Instead remain alert at all times so that the His return will not come unexpectedly like a trap.