Sunday, March 17, 2024

What is True Repentance? - Nathan Rages


The central theme of John the Baptist's message in Luke 3:1-20 is repentance, revealing these five important aspects of genuine repentance: 
1. It is necessary for salvation (v3,18).
2. It is motivated by God’s judgment (v7,9,17).
3. It is needed regardless of spiritual heritage (v8).
4. It produces a changed life (v8,10-14).
5. It looks quickly to Christ (v15-16).

Sunday, March 10, 2024

The Voice Crying in the Wilderness - Nathan Rages


Luke 3:1-20 describes the ministry of John the Baptist, one of the most fascinating and underappreciated people in the Bible.  We discuss these seven aspects of the man and his ministry:
1. His calling (v2).
2. His fulfillment of prophecy (v4-6).
3. His popularity (v7).
4. His boldness (v7,19-20).
5. His baptism (v3,7,12,16).
6. His humility (v4,15-16).
7. His suffering (v19-20).

Sunday, March 3, 2024

The Boy Among the Teachers - Nathan Rages


Luke 2:39-52 describes Jesus at age twelve conversing with the teachers in the Temple.  The passage reveals five important things about our Lord:
1. Jesus’ devout family (v39,41,43,51).
2. Jesus' desire to learn God’s truth (v46-47).
3. Jesus’ unique relationship with the Father (v48-49).
4. Jesus’ submission to His parents (v51).
5. Jesus’ natural human growth (v40,52).

Monday, February 26, 2024

Out of Egypt I Have Called My Son - Nathan Rages


[We apologize for the echo-y audio in this recording, but we believe the content is still worth posting.]

Matthew 2:13-23 contains the dramatic account of infant Jesus' escape to Egypt and safe return to Nazareth.  This message focuses on these four characters in the story: 
1. King Herod: his cruelty (v13,16) and his death (v19-20).
2. The baby boys: their murder (v16-18) and God’s sovereignty (v17).
3. Joseph: his leadership (v13,20,22) and obedience (v14,21,22-23).
4. Jesus: His protection (v15) and His humiliation (v22-23).

Sunday, February 11, 2024

Simeon and Anna Meet Their Savior - Nathan Rages


Luke 2:21-38 records an impromptu encounter between Joseph, Mary, Jesus, Simeon and Anna in the Temple.  Our teaching focuses on these five key elements in the story: 

1. God’s faithful remnant (v25,36-37).
2. Jesus’ relationship to the Law (v21-27).
3. Jesus dividing and exposing people (v34-35).
4. Two suffering women (v35,36).
5. A man ready to die (v26,29).

Sunday, February 4, 2024

Angels and Shepherds: The First Gospel Message - Richard Hamilton


Luke 2:8-20 records the angelic announcement of Jesus' birth to some shepherds outside Bethlehem.    
1. The angel's announcement (v8-12).
2. The angels' praise (v13-14).
3. The shepherds' response (v15-20).

Applications:
1. For unbelievers.
2. For Christians.

Sunday, January 28, 2024

The King's Birthday - Nathan Rages


Luke 2:1-7 records the familiar account of Jesus' birth.  This message focuses on these six details:  
1. The historicity of the Gospel (v1-2).
2. The significance of Bethlehem (v3-4).
3. The sovereign providence of God (v1,6).
4. The obedience to civil government (v3-5).
5. The strangeness of the manger scene (v7).
6. The instructive symbolism.