Northwest Gospel Church - Camas/Washougal

Ben Potloff · As we begin our Church Matters series, we examine Matthew 28:18-20, also known as the Great Commission. Following his resurrection from the dead, Jesus gives his disciples some final instructions for their ministry on earth. Jesus calls his followers to take the gospel into the world and to make disciples. This passage reveals to us the mission of the church and our calling as followers of Jesus.

Dave Bertolini • This week we come to Luke 19:11-28, the Parable of the Ten Minas. In this scene, Jesus once again pauses his journey toward Jerusalem to instruct his followers on discipleship and the kingdom of God. Through this parable, Jesus is urging his followers to live faithfully, work diligently, and patiently wait for the Master to return.

Ben Potloff • This week, we come to the story of Jesus and Zacchaeus the chief tax collector. With this short story, Luke gives his readers a clear image of Jesus' mission on earth. Here, we see that Jesus is the one who saves and following him requires repentance.

Nathan Noorlun • "Son of David, have mercy on me!" This week, we read of a plea for mercy from a blind and broken man. As Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem, he passes by the city of Jericho where he encounters this man and heals him. This miraculous scene reveals to us the heart of our savior, the faith that we all must have in him, and the healing that Jesus brings to those who would put their faith in him.

Ben Potloff • This week, we come to Luke 18:15-34. While a number of these verses are often quoted and referenced, there is an underlying theme that must not be missed: the kingdom of God. Here, Jesus instructs his disciples on the posture of one who wishes to be a part of that kingdom, the things of this world that blind us to the reality of that kingdom, and what it will cost for that kingdom to be established on earth.

Ben Potloff · Jesus Christ is risen! This Easter, we continue in The Gospel According to Luke: Kingdom Stories. Luke 18:9-14 contains the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. Through this interesting scene, Jesus instructs his followers on the necessity of humility and the danger of self-righteousness.

This Good Friday, we remember the suffering of Jesus and how it informs our lives as his followers. Christ's suffering leads to our redemption and our suffering is redeemed.

Ben Potloff · At first glance, this text appears to be about prayer. While there are principles about prayer that can be gathered from this parable, the primary point is the vindication of God’s suffering people. The point here is that “God patiently listens to his elect as they pray in their continuing distress, waiting for the proper time to act on their behalf” (The Expositor’s Bible Commentary). But the question Jesus asks remains. “Will he find faith on earth?”

Ben Potloff · In our passage this week the Pharisees finally ask the question that has been a long time coming. When will this kingdom come? Again wanting to test Jesus, these religious leaders ask this question then wait to catch Jesus as they have so many times before. But Jesus doesn’t respond to their question in the heretical way they were hoping. Instead, Jesus describes to them the true reality of God’s kingdom. This kingdom cannot be located because it is already in their midst.

Nathan Noorlun · This week, Luke is tying together temptation, confession to one another, faith, and being faithful servants of God. As Jesus makes his way to Jerusalem, and ultimately his death, he is teaching his disciples how they live out the Kingdom Ethic when he is gone. He provides no room for loner Christianity, but he also doesn’t forget personal accountability. We are responsible for how we live out our faith with and among one another, and yet we will also all stand before the master to give an account of how we served him in our life.