Encouragements for Evangelism - Nathan Rages

 

Evangelism, the communication of the Gospel to unsaved people, is an important activity that's commanded by Jesus.  Christians, however, can become discouraged about their efforts, so this sermon provides seven Biblical encouragements:
1. We have the authority and presence of God Himself (Matt. 28:18-20, Acts 1:8, 1Thess. 1:5).
2. The Gospel message is inherently powerful (Rom. 1:16, Mark 4:26-28, 1Cor 3:5-7). 
3. The Gospel message is truly good news (Isa. 52:7, Phil. 2:15).
4. You already know enough to do it (John 9:25, Heb. 4:12, 2Cor 5:20).
5. You have more opportunities than you realize (Luke 10:2).
6. Love can overcome many obstacles (1John 4:18, Rom. 9:1-3).
7. Christ is honored regardless of anyone’s responses (Ps. 96:3, Ezek 2:5, 2Cor. 2:15-16).

Why Jesus' Burial Matters So Much - Nathan Rages

 

Luke 23:50-56 describes the burial of the Lord Jesus which was overseen by a mysterious man named Joseph.  This sermon discusses this man, his actions, and the observers who witnessed the process.  Then we consider six reasons why Jesus' burial was so important. 
1. The man (v50-51):
     From Arimathea.
     A Council member who had “not consented to their plan and action”.
     A “good and righteous man” who was “waiting for the kingdom of  God”. 
     A “rich man” (Matt. 27:57).
2. The actions (v52-54):
     Requesting Jesus’ body from Pilate.
     Taking it down from the cross.
     Preparing it for burial.
     Laying it in his own new tomb.
3. The observers (v55-56). 

Why was the burial of Jesus so important?
1. It proved Jesus was truly dead.
2. It demonstrated God’s providential provision.
3. It showed honor to Jesus’ body.
4. It obeyed God’s ancient command.
5. It fulfilled Bible prophecies.
6. It safeguarded the resurrection miracle.

A Tale of Two Thieves - Nathan Rages

 

NOTE: We apologize for audio glitches in the early minutes of this video.  

Luke 23:39-43 tells one of the most sudden and unexpected salvation stories in the whole Bible.  The story involves the two criminals who were crucified along with Jesus and can broken down into three parts:  
1. Their great wickedness (v32,39).  
2. The great change in one of them (v39-42).  
3. The great promise Jesus gave (v43). 

Lessons about salvation:
1. It is possible for really bad people.
2. It is possible at the very end of life.
3. It can be extremely simple.
4. It requires a miracle. 
5. It often feels unfair.

Jesus' Death - James Voon

 

This message covers the four Gospels' description of Jesus dying: the crucifixion itself, the darkness, the temple veil torn, the earthquake, the centurion's faith, the mourners, and the faithful women.  What a profound event at the heart of our salvation! 

Applying the Final Steps of Church Discipline - Nathan Rages

 

This difficult and unusual teaching was given in connection with our church applying New Testament church discipline instructions to the case of an individual church member. This covers both removing the person from the church fellowship and also the person's hopeful future restoration to fellowship.

Seeing the Suffering Savior - Nathan Rages

 

Luke 23:26-38 describes Jesus' crucifixion.  It was a very public event with many spectators:

1. The Spectators 
     Cross-carrying man (v26).
     Mourning women (v27-28).
     Lot-casting soldiers (v34).
     Mocking crowd (35-37).

2. The Savior 
     Prophet (v28-31).  
     Priest (v34). 
     King (v37-38).

Give Us Barabbas! - Nathan Rages

 

Luke 23:13-25 describes how Jesus was condemned for crucifixion while Barabbas was released.   The three characters in Jesus' condemnation were:
1. Pontius Pilate
     Fearing man. 
     Compromising with known sin.
2. Jewish Crowd 

     Hating the light.
     Rejecting their king.
     Calling for their own judgment.
3. Barabbas 

     Going free at Jesus’ expense.