9 Lessons from Jesus' Temptations - Nathan Rages

Luke 4:1-13 describes Jesus' wilderness temptation.  This message first describes the events and then makes a series of practical applications, following this outline:

1. The setting (v1-2).

2. The temptations

    Turning stone into bread (v3-4).

    Gaining worldly power via false worship (v5-8).

    Leaping off the Temple (v9-12).

3. The outcome (v13).

Applications:

1. The same Devil also tempts us to destroy us.   

2. The Devil takes advantage of our difficult circumstances.

3. Jesus understands our temptations by personal experience.

4. We must have absolute confidence in Scripture’s authority.

5. We need to know the Bible well in order to use it effectively.

6. Beware of escaping from trials in an unrighteous way.

7. Beware of pragmatic compromises to gain worldly influence.

8. Beware of presumptuously testing God.

9. Relief from temptations comes from steadfastly resisting them.

Confidence in the Christian Life - Jon Beary

Lessons are drawn from a crisis in the life of King Hezekiah and connected with Isaiah 40:9-11.  This reveals four things about God's character:

1. God is near.

2. God is able.

3. God is just.

4. God is caring.

Daniel, How Should I Pray? - James Voon

This message analyzes Daniel's famous prayer in Daniel 9:1-19 to obtain these principles to apply to our own prayer life:

1. Pray in response to the Word (v.2).

2. Pray with a confessing heart (vv. 3-9).

3. Pray depending on God's character (vv. 4,7,9)

4. Pray with God's glory as the goal (vv. 16-19).

From the First Adam to the Last Adam - Nathan Rages

We draw valuable lessons from our Lord's genealogy as recorded in Luke 3:23-38, following this outline:

General observations:

1. It differs from the one in Matthew’s Gospel. 

2. Many of these people are unknown to us. 

Notable ancestors:

1. David

2. Judah

3. Abraham

4. Adam

5 Things that Happened at Our Lord's Baptism - Nathan Rages

This message examines five major things that happened when Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist (based on Luke 3:21-22, John 1:32-34, and Matt. 3:13-17):

1. Jesus honored the rite of water baptism.

2. Jesus identified Himself with sinful people.

3. The Spirit anointed Jesus for future ministry.

4. The Father lovingly commended Jesus.

5. The Holy Trinity was uniquely revealed.

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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.

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. 

Appreciating Joseph - Nathan Rages

Matt. 1:18-25 describes the announcement of Jesus' conception from the perspective of Joseph, Mary's underappreciated fiance:

1. His difficult dilemma (v18-19).

2. His angelic visitor (v20).

3. His royal heritage (v20).

4. His shocking revelation (v20-23).

5. His risky obedience (v20,24).

6. His unusual marriage (v24-25).

7. His valuable fatherhood (v25).

Zechariah's Song - James Voon

[NOTE: We apologize for the imperfect audio quality, but we think the excellent content is still worth posting.]

Luke 1:57-80 describes the birth of John the Baptist and the song of his father Zechariah:

1. The birth (v57-66),

2. The three covenants: Davidic, Abrahamic, and New Covenant (v67-75).

3. John as forerunner and Jesus the Sun of Righteousness (v76-80). 

The Magnificent Magnificat - Nathan Rages

Luke 1:46-56 contains Mary's famous song, traditionally called the Magnificat.  It's a hymn of praise that reveals two things about Mary and six things about Mary's glorious God.  

About Mary:

1. Her knowledge of Scripture.

2. Her worshipful heart.

About God:

1. His salvation (v47).

2. His power (v49,51).

3. His holiness (v49).

4. His mercy (v50,54).

5. His judgment (v51,52,53).

6. His faithfulness (v50,54,55).