In Luke 16:1–13, Jesus uses a parable to teach us how to serve the proper master and be a faithful steward of earthly wealth. I.​ Jesus teaches his disciples a parable about an unrighteous steward. A.​ An unrighteous steward squanders his stewardship by squandering his rich master's possessions (vs. 1–2). B.​ The unrighteous steward ponders the problem of his present situation (v. 3). C.​ The unrighteous steward plots a plan for his future situation (vs. 4–7). D.​ The unrighteous steward's master praises his shrewdness (v. 8a). II.​ Jesus applies the parable to His disciples. A.​ Problem: Lack of shrewdness in pondering your present situation (v. 8b). B.​ Solution: Use worldly wealth shrewdly to prepare for your future situation (v. 9). C.​ Warning: Your character matters, so you must be faithful! (vs. 10–12). D.​ Summary: Serve God, not wealth, to ensure your eternal dwelling (v. 13).

In Luke 15:11-32, Jesus teaches that God seeks the lost in both their rebellion and their self-righteousness, joyfully restores all who repent, and graciously invites sinners to share in His joy. I. The younger son reveals that a person can be deeply lost through self-indulgent rebellion. (vv. 11–19) II. The father reveals that God joyfully restores any sinner who turns to Him in repentance. (vv. 20–24) III. The older son reveals that a person can be just as lost through pride and self-righteousness as through open rebellion. (vv. 25–30) IV. The father reveals that God is exceedingly patient with the self-righteous and invites them to share in His joy. (vv. 31–32)

In Luke 15:1–10, Jesus responds to the Pharisees' grumbling by telling two parables that reveal God's joy in saving the lost and His call to share in that joy. I. Jesus welcomes listening sinners as Pharisees grumble in offense. (vv. 1–2) II. Jesus reveals God's relentless pursuit of His lost ones. (vv. 3–4, 8) III. Jesus reveals God's joyful celebration in saving repentant sinners. (vv. 5–7, 9–10)

Jesus warns us to consider the cost of true and useful discipleship with a call to give our full allegiance to Him. I. Christ's disciples must give Him their allegiance. A. Regarding family (vv. 25-26a) B. Regarding self (vv. 26b-27) II. Christ's disciples must calculate the cost. A Parable of the tower builder (vv. 28-30) B. Parable of the warring king (vv. 31-32) C. Readiness to abandon all possessions (v. 33) III. Christ's disciples are distinct. A. Useful (vv. 34-35a) B. Have ears to hear (v. 35b)

This morning, Reformation Sunday, 508 years after Luther's 95 Theses and 236 years after the 1689 was published, in an effort to advance church's move toward being confessional, we will define confession, creed, and catechism, examine the Scriptural basis for adopting and using creeds, confessions, and catechisms, then answer the questions: "Why should we adopt the 1689?" and "How will we utilize the 1689 in everyday church life?" I.​ Definitions: A.​ Creed B.​ Confession II.​ Is there a biblical basis for writing & adopting creeds, catechisms, and confessions for the local church? A.​ We have examples of creeds in the bible. B.​ We have commands in the Bible that necessitate confessions and creeds. C.​ We must know what to accept and what to reject as sound doctrine. III.​ Why should Bible Church of Cabot adopt the 1689? A.​ The Bible supports it. B.​ Our goal is to have an in-depth, usable, practical confession of faith to guide our faith and practice as a church. C.​ What does it mean for BCC to be a "confessional" church? ​D. ​Objections? 1.​ "No creed but the bible" or "no creed but Jesus." 2.​ Why do we need a confession of faith when we already have the Bible, the inspired word of God? Are we saying the confession is now our bible? IV.​ How will BCC utilize the 1689? A. ​In our worship ​B.​ Identifying, vetting, and training leaders ​C.​ Guiding Elders D.​​ Teaching new Covenant Member candidates E.​ In our families V.​ How and when will we make this transition? VI.​ Application

In Luke 14:7-24, Jesus tells 3 parables that challenge us to live the earthly life of a true disciple that will lead to eternal life in his heavenly kingdom. I. The Parable of the Guests at a Wedding Feast: Humility marks the life of one who follows Jesus (vs. 7–10). Interlude: Explanation of Divine Reversal (v. 11). II. The Parable of the Host and His Luncheon: Generosity marks the life of one who follows Jesus (vs. 12–14). Interlude: A Misunderstood Truth (v. 15). III. The Parable of the Great Dinner Pictures the Marriage Supper of the Lamb: Those who humbly receive the generous invitation of the Host will enter eternal life (vs. 16–23). Warning: Do Not Decline His Invitation (v. 24)!

In Luke 14:1-6, Jesus exposes the hypocrisy of self-righteous religion and reveals that true obedience to God flows from merciful compassion, not lifeless legalism. I. The Pharisees are suspicious of Jesus at a Sabbath meal, revealing the hardheartedness of those who value rules over God's mercy. (vv. 1-2) II. Jesus is compassionate toward a man who is suffering from dropsy, revealing mercy that honors the true purpose of the Sabbath. (vv. 4-6)

In Luke 13:31–35, Jesus declares both His steadfast determination to fulfill the Father's redemptive plan and His deep lament over those who reject Him. I. Jesus responds to the Pharisees' warning with determination, demonstrating the steadfast obedience that believers are called to imitate while trusting God. (vv. 31–33) II. Jesus responds to Israel's rejection with lamentation, demonstrating the compassionate boldness that believers must have in the face of rejection. (vv. 34–35)

In Luke 13:22-30, Jesus teaches that all who enter God's kingdom must pursue Him with genuine faith while there is time, but those with only a superficial relationship will be cast out. I. Someone raises a question about those who will be saved. (vv. 22–23) II. Jesus gives a surprising answer about those who will be saved. (vv. 24–30) A. The Narrow Door (v. 24) B. The Closed Door (v. 25) C. The Presumptuous Outsiders (vv. 26–28) D. The Surprising Guests (vv. 29–30)

In Luke 13:10-21, Christ shows that the power of God's kingdom liberates those in bondage and transforms the world. I. Christ displays the power of God's kingdom A. Jesus frees a woman on the Sabbath (v. 10-13) B. The synagogue official rebukes the woman (v. 14) C. Jesus rebukes the synagogue official (v. 15-16) D. The crowd reacts (v. 17) II. Christ explains the power of God's kingdom A. The kingdom of God grows from small beginnings (v. 18-19) B. The kingdom of God transforms all it touches (v. 20-21)