At first glance verses in Luke 9 and 11 seem to contradict one another. This can certainly be confusing. But if viewed in the right way, within context, our faith can be encouraged as we dig deeper to fully understand what God is teaching us in these sections of scripture.

Join Will Herron, Director of Discipleship, and Ridge Marketing and Communication Manager Dayne Logan as they discuss ways to approach challenging aspects of the Bible, as well as exploring what exactly Jesus was teaching us in these passages.

Resources mentioned in the podcast: The Thinking Believer, The Bible Project, NT Wright Bible Commentaries, John Stott Bible Commentaries, The New Bible Commentary.

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Two passages in Luke 9 and 11 seem to be contradictory. Confusing, yes. But if we take a closer look and examine these verses within the context they are written, confusion gives way to encouragement as we begin to fully understand what God is teaching.

Message by Dayne Logan

Scripture referenced: Luke 9 and 11

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In Luke 14:25-32 Jesus says that if anyone is to follow Him they must "hate" their family. What is Jesus trying to teach us here? Why does God ask for our all and not just a part of our life?

Join Will Herron, Director of Discipleship, and Director of Family Ministries Doug Applegate as they discuss reasons why full surrender to God's desires for our life is always better.

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In Luke 14, Jesus states that if anyone is to follow Him they must “hate” their family. In saying this, what is He really asking of us? What is He trying to teach us? Hint: It has something to do with full surrender.

Message by Doug Applegate

Scripture referenced: Luke 14:25–32

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In Luke 5:27-32 Jesus meets Levi, a tax collector. Levi puts together a gathering at his house for Jesus and invites all his tax collector friends. Jesus didn't approve of their immoral financial practices but their behavior wasn’t a reason for him to shun them like the Pharisees.

Join Will Herron, Director of Discipleship, and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they discuss ways in which we can follow Jesus' example of remaining in community with those whom we disagree with, sharing God's life and light in the process.

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Jesus could have had His choice of anyone. He could have picked a scholar, an influencer, someone living a moral life. But He didn’t. He chose Levi, the tax collector. Instead of shunning Levi for his corrupt behavior and immoral financial practices, Jesus said, “Come. Follow me.”

Message by Mike Van Rees

Scripture referenced: Luke 5:27–32

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In Luke chapter 5 we unpack the story of a paralytic man being healed and forgiven after his friends went through great lengths to ensure he was brought before Jesus. So how can we serve our friends and families in the same way? What are we willing to do to bring them to Jesus?

Join Will Herron, Director of Discipleship, and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees, as they discuss ways in which we can be stepping stones to faith for our friends and family members. 

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The friends of the paralytic man went to great lengths to bring him before Jesus. And through their efforts, he was more than healed, he was forgiven. What are we willing to do to bring others to Jesus? How can we serve our friends and families in a similar way?

Message by Mike Van Rees

Scripture referenced: Luke 5:17–26

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In Luke chapter 10, Jesus sends 72 of His followers to heal the sick and to tell others that the kingdom of God was near. As Jesus followers today, how do we go about spreading the gospel and integrating our faith into every sphere of our lives?

Join Will Herron, Director of Discipleship, and Ministry Director Julie Wiemann as they discuss ways on sharing our faith in today's culture.

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In Luke chapter 10, Jesus sends 72 of His followers out into the world. He instructs them to heal the sick and to declare that the kingdom of God was near. So, as followers of Jesus today, how are we using our influence? Are we spreading the gospel? Are we integrating faith into all aspects of our lives?

Message by Julie Wiemann

Scripture referenced: Luke 10

Video referenced: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eg3qN2s5fUQ

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