Why Jesus Rejoiced - Nathan Rages

Luke 10:21-24 is the only place in the Gospels where Jesus is described as rejoicing, so this message includes some discussion of Jesus' joy and then explores the reasons why He was rejoicing:

1. Reasons Jesus rejoiced:

     Because God is sovereign over who gets saved (v21-22).

     Because salvation is for unintelligent people (v21).

2. Reasons we should rejoice:

     Because Christ has all the resources we need (v22).

     Because truth is now much clearer (v23-24).   

The Seventy Evangelists - Nathan Rages

Luke chapter 10 begins with the account of Jesus sending out the Seventy Evangelists.  Because His instructions to them are so similar to those given to the 12 Apostles in chapter 9, this sermon focuses on the four items that are *different* in Luke 10:

1. The solution for an evangelist shortage (v2).  

2. The judgment upon Gospel rejecters (v12-16).

3. The authority we have over demons (v17-19).

4. The reason for our rejoicing (v20).

Are You a True Disciple of Jesus? - Nathan Rages

In Luke 9:57-62, Jesus has brief conversations with three men desiring to become His followers.  In each case, Jesus' pointed words test the man's commitment to Him.  The sermon discusses six lessons that we can learn from the passage:

1. The Christian life has real difficulties.

2. Christ must be our supreme priority.  

3. Our commitment must continue to the end.

4. We dare not make uninformed “converts”.

5. The number of true disciples is small.

6. Whatever the cost, Christ still deserves our all.

Learning from the Apostles' Failings - Nathan Rages

Luke 9:46-56 has three brief stories describing the sinful failures of the apostles and Jesus' words of correction.  Sadly, all three of these problems have continued among Christians to the present day and are likely to be an issue at times for each believer.  Here's the outline:

1. Problem:    Competitive Pride (v46).

    Correction:  Imitate the example of children (v47-48).

2. Problem:   Narrow Exclusivity (v49).

   Correction:  Appreciate our true allies (v50).

3. Problem:   Harsh Vengeance (v51-54).

   Correction: Mercifully desire others’ salvation (v55-56).