First a leper, then a paralytic, and now a tax collector! Jesus calls Levi to be a disciple and Levi responds by throwing a party. For him everything has changed, and he wants everyone to know; he wants everyone to meet Jesus. But the Pharisees get a little upset with Jesus for spending time with tax collectors and sinners. He was going to parties and taking his disciples with him. Worst of all he was calling it ministry and the Pharisees didn’t like it. This was not the way a godly man should act. Jesus responds with a couple of parables to explain to them that with Jesus around everything has and will change. The same truth of change is ours today too.

Last week we saw that after 400 years of silence God spoke again to announce the birth of John. But he was only coming to prepare for one who was greater, Jesus. Today we see the

announcement of his birth. For Mary this must have been a moment of great joy, she was to give birth to the long awaited Messiah. However this was not without cost for Mary. Nevertheless Mary accepts her role as she declares, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said." As she does she sets us a great example of being willing to pay the cost that often accompanies serving Jesus.

Bible Text: Luke 1: 26-38

Jesus changes lives, and we see two examples in this passage. Here, Jesus heals a man full of leprosy; not only that, but he reaches out and touches him, like he touches all who are unclean. Jesus also heals a paralytic and forgives him of his sin. The religious people question Jesus and accuse him of blasphemy. They just don’t get it: Jesus is claiming and proving himself to be the forgiver of sins. Jesus is the one who cleanses us from our filth; Jesus is the one who forgives our sin, and Jesus is the one who saves us from our religion. The whole account is a beautiful illustration of God’s grace in, not only healing, but dealing with our greatest need, the forgiveness of our sins found in Jesus, our Lord and Saviour.

Bible Passage: Luke 5:12-26

Pastor: Jim De Witte

This week we begin our series leading up to Christmas. Luke write to help us be certain of the events of Jesus life. He begins by telling us about the events that led to John the Baptist's birth. This marks the beginning of God acting decisively in history after 400 years of silence. The last time He spoke was through the prophet Malachi. Now God raises up a new prophet to prepare the way for God's Son. But this is not just a story of God's momentous actions in history. We also see Him caring for two very specific people, Zechariah and Elizabeth. As we do we see what it meant to live by faith, trusting that God will fulfil His promises.

Luke 1:5-25

Luke 5: 1-11

Jono Deenick

Tonight as Jesus continues his ministry drawing large crowds to hear the word of God He begins a new stage. For the first time we see Him calling particular followers. Men who will be trained by Jesus to walk in His footsteps - disciples. He calls them to 'fishing for people', but as He does that, He reveals what it will look like to carry out that fishing work, a work we continue to this day.

2 Peter 3:1-13; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Bill Berends

What is our hope for the future? What can we expect at our Lord's return?

In the verses of today’s passage, Luke gives us a picture of a typical day in the life of Jesus. As Jesus again teaches in a synagogue, this time in Capernaum, we get an enthusiastic and amazed response from the people which stands in stark contrast to his being kicked out of Nazareth. In this typical day we see a balance of three parts that reveals Jesus’ authority with the word, authority over demons and authority over disease. This range of power and authority embodies all that he read to the people from the scroll of Isaiah. What we need to see is that while Jesus demonstrates his authority in different ways, what takes precedence for him is the proclamation of the good news. News that is still good for us.

The message seeks to show the importance of maintaining, teaching and defending sound doctrine for the health of the church.

Bible Passage: 2 Timothy 1:13-14

As Jesus begins his ministry people are astounded by the message he brings. He declares that all the promises of God, spoken by the prophets, are being fulfilled in his ministry. This is great news, and yet it is not accepted by all. Some who knew Jesus growing up find it hard to hear his message. Why is that? And how can it help us as we live as his disciples in this world?

Luke 4: 14-30

Pastor: Jono Deenick

The message will look at why our churches were named "Reformed" at the time of the Reformation, and encourage us to worship God as he desires.

Bible Passage: Exodus 32:1-8; John 4:19-24