Sermons from November 2023
The Heart of the Hypocrite
Jesus is invited to a dinner with the Pharisees. They wanted to watch him as they judged him. It turns out that Jesus was watching them and pronounced judgment against them. In these interactions we get a picture of the hypocrite contrasted with the compassion, power, and wisdom of Jesus. May this serve as a caution and call to be loyal to Jesus. Passage: Luke 14:1-24
Jerusalem’s Rejection
Jesus laments over Israel’s continued rejection of his work and identity. He has continued to display his compassion and demonstration his power. Yet Israel persists in rebellion. Jesus pronounces God’s judgment yet gives a ray of hope that one day they will see him when they recognize him as the blessed one who comes in the name of the Lord. Passage: Luke 13:31-35
Will Those Who Are Saved Be Few?
In this sermon we consider a question asked of Jesus, “Will those who are saved be few?” Jesus’ answer probes deep into the heart to describe what one must do to be saved. He warns about those seeking entrance into the kingdom but are shut out and perish. Our Lord, like always, does not speak in abstraction, but makes truth very personal. Will those who are saved include you? Passage: Luke 13:22-30
A Second Chance at Repentance
Jesus extends mercy and compassion again and again. Yet religious pretenders continue to reject him and harden their hearts. In this sermon we consider how the hypocrite exercises a counterfeit repentance and contrast that with true repentance. Note: The end of the video has some qualities issues as the sun streamed into the church during the sermon. Passage: Luke 13:10-21