Radical Commands for Christ's Unworthy Slaves - Nathan Rages

In Luke 17:1-10, Jesus gives strongly-worded directions to His followers on four topics:

1. Be careful how you influence others (v1-2).

2. Always forgive repentant brethren (v3-4).

3. Increase your faith by exercising it (v5-6).

4. Humbly remember your unworthiness (v7-10).

The Thankful Samaritan - Nathan Rages

In Luke 17:11-19 describes Jesus healing ten lepers, with only one of them (a Samaritan, no less!) returning to thank Him.  We break down the story this way:

1. The Disease (v11-12).

2. The Prayer (v13).

3. The Healing (v14).

4. The Gratitude (v15-16).

5. The Ingratitude (v17-18).

6. The Salvation (v19).

A Glimpse Into Hell - Nathan Rages

In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus tells the story of the rich man and Lazarus.  This is some of His most sobering teaching because He reveals the words, thoughts, and feelings of a man in Hell.  

We first break down the story into three parts and then go over the main lessons:

1. Their contrasting positions in this life (v19-21).

2. Their contrasting destinies after death (v22-23).

3. The rich man’s requests:

     For a small relief from his suffering (v24-26).

     For a warning to his family (v27-29).

     For a supernatural sign for his family (v30-31).

The big lessons:

1. Our situation in life may be completely reversed after we die. 

2. Unless we repent in time, we will go to a real Hell of endless extreme suffering.

3. Scripture alone, without other supernatural evidence, is sufficient for our salvation.

To Live is Christ - Mack Tomlinson

Philippians 1:21 "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."

Working Faith in a Weary World - Robert Hamilton

1. Springboard Passage: 1 Kings 19-1-18 a. Context surrounding Elijah narrative b. Temptation to get disheartened and cynical 2. We live in Dark Days a. Matthew 24:12-13 b. II Timothy 3:1-7 3. True Faith is a Faith that Shines (Is Lived Out) a. God still has a work for His church b. Talk about rich heritage in the faith we have been given. c. Have the opportunity to shine the light of Christ into the darkness d. Show where in scripture the idea of the practicality of the Gospel comes from. 4. How are we to live out our faith? a. Watch your mouth Listen more than you talk -James 1:19 Control your mouth -James 1:26 Talk about Good Things -Ephesians 4:29 b. Help those in Need Take care of those in need -James 1:27 What we do needs to back up what comes out of our mouth -James 2:14-17 Bonus verses: Galatians 6:10; James 2:18 5. Invitation

Answering Scoffers - Nathan Rages

In Luke 16:14-18, Jesus responds to the Pharisees who were scoffing at His teaching.  His wide-ranging answer covers seven areas:

1. The evil of loving money (v14-15).

2. The differing values of God and the world (v15).

3. The transition between Old and New Covenants (v16).

4. The urgency of getting into the Kingdom (v16).  

5. The truthfulness of every detail in God’s word (v17).

6. The continuing importance of God’s Law (v17). 

7. The evil of divorce (v18).