The Caldwell Commentaries Podcast

Luke 16:19-31

Continuing with His teaching on the responsibility of Christians to be good stewards of that which is entrusted to them by God, the Lord Jesus gave the very famous, "Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus" (likely NOT really a parable - we explain why).

In this study, we get into a discussion about Hades (and the two sections).  We talk about the false teaching of "soul sleep," and how the Old Testament (Moses and the prophets) revealed to sinners how to repent and be saved.

Luke 16, 17:-10

This is the first of a three-part study on the Lord's instruction regarding wise Christian stewardship.  Stewardship is defined as the management or administration of another person's property, finances, and/or other affairs.  Christians are to function as administrators of God's wealth on earth.  We are to realize we don't really own anything, but that everything we are privileged to enjoy in this life belongs to the Lord and we are to use it profitably for the furtherance of His Kingdom.

In this lesson and the next two, the Lord - through three parables - presented His listeners with illustrations to present the rights, the wrongs, and the responsibilities of stewardship (that is our 3-point outline for this study).  He began by teaching about RIGHT stewardship, using "The Parable of the Shrewd Steward" (16:1-13).

Luke 15:1-32

Luke chapter 15 opens with Jesus affecting two groups of people in two different ways - He attracted sinners, but repelled the religious rulers (who were also, of course, sinners).  The rulers "murmured" about Him because He received sinners and did not even object to eating with them.  Their accusation of Him only revealed their own attitude toward "sinners," not the Lord's attitude.  They revealed their hearts of pride and self-righteousness, which caused them to have very little concern or compassion for others. 

In response to the murmuring Pharisees, the Lord masterfully spoke three parables so as to reveal "God's Attitude Toward Sinners" - which was in direct contrast to the Jews' attitude.  The parables discussed in this lesson are: "The Parable of the Wanted Lost Sheep," "The Parable of the Woman's Lost Silver," and "The Parable of the Wasteful Last Son" (aka "The Prodigal Son").

Luke 14:25-35

There are only 11 verses in this lesson, but they are critical for those who take the Christian life seriously.  The "cost" to be considered ("counted") is the cost of discipleship.  The Lord made a distinct difference between salvation and discipleship.  Salvation is open and free to all who accept His invitation by faith.  Discipleship, on the other hand, is not free.  It is only for those believers who are willing to "pay a price" as they follow, learn from, and serve the Saviour.  This is the primary point of Christ's "mini-sermon" of Luke 14:25-35.  His desire is for all Christians to be His disciples, but He knows not all His sheep are willing to sacrifice and suffer for His sake.  

In this lesson, we look at "The Call to Discipleship," "The Cross of Discipleship," "the Cost of Discipleship," and "The Characteristics of Discipleship".  Two parables were also given by the Lord in this sermon: "The Parable of the Tower Builder" (14:28-30) and "The Parable of the King Going to War" (14:31-33).

Luke 14:1-24

This is the last recorded Sabbath in the earthly ministry of Christ prior to His final arrival in Jerusalem (for the Passover).  Included in this lesson, "Instruction at a Pharisee's Table" are the Lord's healing of a man who had dropsy, "The Parable of the Seats at a Wedding Feast," and "The Parable of the Great Banquet".

The Lord's instructions were given to four people or groups of people.  With each person or group, He address a different subject matter.  Thus, our four-point outline looks like this:

1. Jesus Instructs the Religious Leaders about Sabbath Hypocrisy

John 10:22-42

In this lesson, we give a great background, history lesson about "The Feast of Dedication," more commonly known as Hanukkah!   It is a miraculous true story about the rededication of the Temple to God after it had been horribly desecrated by the Syrians under the wicked leadership of Antiochus Epiphanes, who served very definitely as a prophetic type of the coming Antichrist.

Learn about Jewish history during the inter-Testimental period between Malachi and Matthew.  Learn about the Maccabees and their great heroism!  Most excitingly, learn about the MIRACLE of the cruz of oil that lasted 8 days, when it was only enough for one day!  Also learn about the Lord's answer to the direct question, "If Thou be the Christ, tell us plainly" (10:24) and His crystal clear answer, which caused them to pick up stones to kill Him.  That answer was, "I and My Father are ONE" (10:30)!  Wow.  It couldn't be any clearer than that!

Luke 13:1-21

The Lord again used a parable ("The Barren Fig Tree") and a miracle (healing a woman bent over for 18 years) to symbolically illustrate the spiritual condition of the nation of Israel.

The two main outline divisions for this lesson are: I. The Need to Repent of Fruitlessness (13:1-9) and 2. The Need to Repent of Faithlessness (13:10-21).

We get into a very important discussion of the Lord's words, "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish," which is much needed in our day when repentance of sin is not always included when witnessing to people about salvation.  TWO things are absolutely necessary for salvation: repentance and faith in Christ.  Without repentance toward God of our sin and faith in His Son, no one can be saved.

It is also important to understand the significance regarding Israel revealed in the Lord's "Parable of the Barren Fig Tree" by cutting it down, but leaving the roots.  There will again, you see, be a budding fig tree, as Christ spoke about in His "Olivet Discourse" (Matthew 24:31)!  The fig tree pictures Israel.  Yes, she was cut down because of her fruitlessness and faithlessness, but she will spring forth life again, from her roots, in the latter days prior to Christ's Return!

This is the third part of the Lord's "Five Warnings' Sermon" in which He warned against hypocrisy, covetousness, worry, and exhorted believers TO BE watchful and discerning.  Also, included is another one of Christ's predictions of His upcoming crucifixion and death (Luke 12:50).

Luke 12:1-59

This is the continuation of Part I of this three-part study entitled, "Five Warnings".  The warnings came from the Lord Jesus Christ and are to be taken by His followers, then and today, very seriously.  What are they?  (1) Beware of Hypocrisy, (2) Beware of Covetousness, (3) Beware of Worry, (4) Be Watchful, and (5) Be Discerning.  In this lesson, "The Parable of the Rich Fool" is discussed - a very convicting, powerful parable.   Make sure that, unlike the rich fool of the parable, you are NOT a "fool" in the eyes of God, for it is the worst possible place you want to be when it is your appointed time to die!

Luke 12:1-59

This is the first of a three-part study on Christ's five basic and very serious warnings!  They are:

1.  Beware of Hypocrisy

Included in this study on Luke chapter 12 are "The Parable of the Rich Fool" and "The Parable of the Faithful Servants".  There is also another occasion of Christ predicting His upcoming crucifixion and death (12:50).