Sunday, August 23, 2026

Putting Jesus on Trial - Nathan Rages

 


Luke 22:63-23:12 describes the convoluted legal trial process that Jesus was subjected to.  The trial included six phases: 
1. Annas (former high priest)
2. Caiaphas (current high priest)
3. Sanhedrin (Jewish ruling council)
4. Pontius Pilate (Roman governor of Judea)
5. Herod Antipas (tetrarch over Galilee)
6. Pontius Pilate (Roman governor of Judea)

Things we observe in these sinful people:
1. Their irrational hatred of Christ (22:63-65,23:11).
2. Their unconcern for truth or justice (22:67,68,71,23:2).
3. Their bad reasons for being interested in Jesus (23:8).
4. Their unity in opposing Christ (23:12).

Things we observe in the Lord Jesus:
1. His silence before His accusers (22:67-68,23:9).
2. His repeatedly acknowledged innocence (23:4,14-15).
3. His title as “King of the Jews” (23:3). 
4. His glorious reign as the Son of God (22:69-70).

Sunday, August 16, 2026

The Trust of Lament Following a Son's Death - Jess Schmid

 


Psalm 9 is King David's impassioned expression of lament, imprecation, and trust in God following the betrayal and death of his son Absalom. 

Monday, August 10, 2026

Understanding a Good Man's Fall - Nathan Rages

 


Luke 22:31-34,54-64 tells Simon Peter's denial of the Lord Jesus.  The story can be broken down into five parts: 
1. Satan’s demand (v31).
2. Jesus’ intercession (v32).
3. Peter’s overconfidence (v33-34).
4. Peter’s failure (v54-60).
5. Peter’s recovery (v32,34,61-62).

Thursday, August 6, 2026

No Greater Prayer Has Ever Been Prayed - Nathan Rages

 


This message examines Jesus' great prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane as recorded in Luke 22:39-46, examining these nine characteristics:
1. Its customary location (v39).
2. Its power over temptation (v40,46).
3. Its humble posture (v41).
4. Its bold honesty (v42).
5. Its intense fervor (v44). 
6. Its complete submission (v42).
7. Its repeated petitions (Matthew 26, Mark 14).
8. Its sleepy companions (v40,45,46).
9. Its strengthening effect (v43).

Sunday, July 19, 2026

Jesus' Final Table Talk - Nathan Rages

 

In Luke 22:24-38 as Jesus and His apostles shared their Last Supper, our Lord discussed several topics of practical importance for His apostles and for us:  
1. Attaining true greatness
     Reject shameful rivalries (v24).
     Pursue Christ-like service (v25-27).
2. Anticipating future rewards
     Christ’s commendation (v28).
     Heavenly benefits (v29-30).
3. Arming for battle
     Use available means (v35-36).
     Look to Christ’s prophecy-fulfilling death (v37).

Sunday, July 12, 2026

The First Lord's Supper - Nathan Rages

 


As a follow-up to last week's sermon on the "Last Supper" from Luke 22, we focus on Jesus initiating a new symbolic meal, usually called the Lord's Supper, the Lord's Table, the Breaking of Bread or Communion. We discuss five aspects of it:
1. It began with a thankful prayer (v19).
2. It included two symbols (v19-20).
3. It was to remember Jesus’ substitutionary death (v19-20).
4. It should be repeated perpetually (v19).
5. It points to the New Covenant (v20).


Saturday, July 11, 2026

Fall Fellowship Camp 2026 Registration is OPEN NOW

Registration for the Fall Fellowship Camp, October 8-11, 2026 is now OPEN. See this page for all the details and registration form.