Authority in Christ's Church - Nathan Rages

This topical sermon describes the Biblical foundations for understanding authority in the Christ's church: 

1. Defining the church.

     a. Universal (Matt. 16:18, Eph 5:25-27).

     b. Local (Acts 14:21-23, 1Cor. 16:19).

2. Authority in the church.

     a. Christ’s Kingdom (Eph. 5:23, Col. 1:18, Matt. 16:19,28:18).

     b. Elders (Matt. 16:19, 1Tim. 3:5,5:17, 1Thess. 5:12, 1Pet. 5:2, Heb. 13:17). 

     c. Congregation (Acts 6:2-3, 1Cor. 5:4-5). 

3. Discipline in the church (Matt. 18:15-18). 

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Registration for the Fall Fellowship Camp, October 9-12, 2025 is now OPEN.  See this page for all the details and registration form. 

Christ Casting Fire on Earth - Nathan Rages

In Luke 12:49-59, the Lord Jesus finishes His sermon by addressing some unexpected and interrelated issues:

1. Jesus’ longing to accomplish His mission (v49-50).

2. The Gospel’s divisive effect (v51-53).

3. Folks’ failure to discern the times (v54-56).

4. Your urgent need to make peace with God (v57-59).

Being Ready for the Lord's Return - Nathan Rages

In Luke 12:35-48, the Lord Jesus addresses His future return to earth and how we should be living in the meantime.  His teaching can be summarized in these five simple statements about His Second Coming:

1. It will certainly happen (v36-40,43,45-46).

2. Its timing is unknown to us (v38-40,45-46).

3. We should live in obedient readiness (v35-38,42-43).

4. Christ will lavishly reward His faithful ones (v37,43-44).

5. Christ will justly punish the unfaithful ones (v45-48).

Don't Worry Because... - Nathan Rages

In Luke 12:22-34 Jesus addresses the problem of anxious worry among His followers, providing eight reasons why we need not succumb to worry:  

1. Christ commands us not to (v22,29,32).

2. Our life is much more than physical needs (v22-23).

3. We’re more valuable than birds and flowers (v24,27-28).

4. It is powerless to change anything (v25-26).

5. It reveals our lack of faith (v28).

6. It means we’re acting like unsaved people (v29-31).

7. Our Father is understanding and generous (v30-32).

8. Our true treasure is in heaven (v33-34).

Are You Rich Toward God? - Nathan Rages

In Luke 12:13-21 Jesus gives a solemn warning about materialism by telling  the parable of the Foolish Farmer.  This sermon analyzes this fascinating man, making application to ourselves in prosperous America:

1. Things that were not necessarily sinful about him:

   a. Being rich.

   b. Having business success.

   c. Making plans regarding future needs.

2. His actual sin problems: 

   a. Greed (v15).

   b. Selfishness (v17-19,21).

   c. Hedonism (v19).

   d. Presumption (v19-20).

   e. Ungodliness (v21).

 

The Unforgiven Sin - Nathan Rages

In Luke 12:10-12, Jesus gives instruction about two things involving the Holy Spirit:

1. Blaspheming the Holy Spirit (v10).

   Q1: What is the unforgiven sin?

   Q2: Why is this particular sin not ever forgiven?

   Q3: Can we know whether someone has committed this sin? 

   Q4: Can a genuine Christian commit this sin and thereby lose his salvation?

   Q5: How should we counsel people who worry that they have committed this sin?

2. Testifying with the Holy Spirit’s help (v11-12).