Tag: Sermon

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2017-01-15: Luke-The Investigative Gospel – The Plot To Kill Jesus

Luke - The Investigative Gospel

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 20:38 — 1.0MB)

Sermon Audio: The Plot To Kill Jesus
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Luke 22:1-6
Duration: 20:38
Size: 9.45 MB

Luke-The Investigative Gospel
The Plot To Kill Jesus
Luke 22:1-6

In Luke 22 the focus shifts from Jesus’ interaction with the religious leaders and teaching of his disciples to the events that lead up to Jesus’ death on the cross (Luke 22-23), followed by the account of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead (Luke 24).

I. The Attempt to Kill Jesus (Luke 22:1-2)

Passover commemorated the deliverance of the people of Israel from their slavery in Egypt (see Exodus 12).

The religious leaders’ frustration with Jesus had been growing over the years.

Luke noted that the first ones to seek actively the death of Jesus were the religious leaders.

All teachers of God’s word must be examined in light of God’s word.

II. The Agreement to Kill Jesus (Luke 22:3-6)

Because the religious leaders feared the people, and they did not want to cause a riot, they were not able to find a way to kill Jesus.

A. A Diabolical Reason (Luke 22:3)

Luke did not elaborate on what is meant by Satan who entered into Judas.

Judas ought to cause every professing Christian to examine himself daily to see whether he is in fact a genuine Christian.

B. A Financial Reason (Luke 22:4-6)

There is nothing sinful about money in itself. It is the love of money that is the problem.

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2016-11-13: Luke-The Investigative Gospel – A Three Fold Warning

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 22:19 — 1.0MB)

Sermon Audio: A Three Fold Warning!
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Luke 21:5-38
Duration: 22:19
Size: 10.2 MB

Luke-The Investigative Gospel
A Three Fold Warning
Luke 21:5-38

They admired the temple for is architectural grandeur, and its expensive decorations.

In the midst of all these tumultuous end times events Jesus specifically warns the believer about three very real dangers.

First he warns, DON’T BE DECEIVED

Dispute: The first thing that Satan did in tempting Eve was to dispute the Word of God.

Deny: The next thing Satan does is contradict the word of God.

Displace: God’s Word. May I suggest to you that Satan telling Eve that because she will be as God is she can decide for herself what is good and what is evil.

Secondly he warns, DO NOT BE AFRAID.

It is a mistake to take these separate happenings as infallible indications that the end of the age is immediately in sight.

People need not be caught unprepared. God warns and provides an escape to those who will heed the rumblings.

Rather than being blown away by persecution (whether it is religious, secular or domestic) we are to persevere, to endure, to stand firm.

Third, He warns, DO NOT BE DISTRACTED

His message is that people across the world in that day were caught up in doing the ordinary things.

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2016-11-06: Luke-The Investigative Gospel – The End Of Times? Fear? Hopefulness!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 19:32 — 1.0MB)

Sermon Audio: The End Of Times? Fear? Hopefulness!
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Luke 21:5-19
Duration: 19:32
Size: 8.94 MB

Luke-The Investigative Gospel
The End Of Times? Fear? Hopefulness!
Luke 21:5-19

Listen, the world is falling apart, and the church can’t do a thing about it.

Fear about the end of time, or gladness that we who believe will be with Christ at the end of time.

The world may be falling apart around you, but having faith in Jesus will save you.

As we live out our days and await eternity – whenever It may come – why not spend every day trying to experience in some way the joy of living, no matter how many days we may have to live?

A pickle jar was and is a symbol of hope in their world.

Where is your pickle jar?

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2016-10-30: Luke-The Investigative Gospel – Beware Of The Scribes

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 18:44 — 1.0MB)

Sermon Audio: Beware Of The Scribes
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Luke 20:45-21:4
Duration: 18:44
Size: 8.58 MB

Luke-The Investigative Gospel
Beware Of The Scribes
Luke 20:45-21:4

Then Jesus contrasted the actions of the scribes with those of a poor widow.

Any sin separates us from God and so in that sense all sin is the same.

I. Avoid Condemnation from Jesus

A. Jesus’ Criticisms

Although Jesus’ warning was in relation to the scribes, it seems that it was directed to all in any position of religious leadership.

1. Pride

Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords, and yet he temporarily set aside the glory of heaven in order to come to earth to serve sinful persons like us.

2. Greed

Jesus literally owned only the clothes on his back and was teaching his disciples to be content with what they had.

3. Hypocrisy

However, praying so that others may see us or hear what we say is hypocrisy.

B. Jesus’ Judgment

The only way to escape condemnation is to repent of our sin and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, for there is “now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”.

II. Seek Commendation from Jesus

A. Jesus’ Observations

So, Jesus was near the Trumpets when he saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box.

B. Jesus’ Comments

First, when it comes to giving, the spirit in which I give determines its value.

Second, the value of my giving is determined by the sacrifice which it involves.