Why Go and Baptize in the Trinity? (Matthew 28:16-20; BC 8)

Jesus commanded his Apostles to spread His message worldwide, baptize people in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and teach disciples to obey His teachings. Christ also gives the remarkable promise that he will be with them always until the end of their age.

A Kingdom of Turmoil (Luke 6:12-23)

In Luke 6:12-23, Jesus goes to pray on a mountain before choosing His twelve apostles. He blesses the poor, hungry, and sorrowful, showing that real blessing comes from God's Kingdom, not material wealth or status. Jesus' message gives hope to the oppressed and challenges the privileged, assuring all that blessing comes in the midst of turmoil.

Exhorted from Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22)

Revelation 3:14-22 speaks to the church in Laodicea, highlighting their useless faith and encouraging them to repent turning unto Christ. Jesus cautions them about their lack of spiritual awareness and advises them to acquire genuine faith, purity, and spiritual understanding. He waits for them to welcome Him into their congregation. Now, he patiently waits, but when he returns his patience will run out. The call is for the church to turn to Christ, consciously wanting Christ in their midst, and changing their course which lead to Christ being excommunicated from their communion.

How Much Authority Does Christ Have? (Luke 6:1-11)

In Luke 6:1-11, Jesus faces criticism for not following Sabbath rules when he picks grain and heals a man on the Sabbath. He explains that the Sabbath is meant for true restorative life, and not to celebrate death. Jesus challenges the religious customs, and shows the deeper meaning of resting in God’s glory. This incident demonstrates Jesus's authority over traditional beliefs and demonstrates his mission to bring God’s people into the full victory rest that Adam forfeited.

Sinning Fraud or Messiah (Luke 5:27-39)

In Luke 5:27-39, Jesus asks Levi (Matthew) to follow him, eats with tax collectors and sinners. He tells the Pharisees he came for sinners, not the righteous. Jesus talks about fasting, using parables to say new wine goes in new wineskins and people don't fast with the groom around. This is a passage that is making clear why Christ has to come to redeem. We are left with the question: is Christ the Messiah or a fraud?

Otherwise Your Children Would Be Unclean (1 Cor. 7:14)

Paul refers to some children as clean, rather than unclean. Is baptism the cleansing bath? Does baptism make the child clean, or does Paul refer to something more fundamental and traditional? Why does Paul use Old Testament terms like clean and unclean?

Exhorted from Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6)

We might fall into a routine and forget about Christ, losing sight of His importance. Sardis trusted in their fortress. They assumed they were safe because of their fortress. However, the city fell two times because they were too complacent to check their fortress. The church in Sardis is urged to wake up and pursue Christ.

Exhorted from Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29)

The Church in Tyatira struggles to balance faith and daily life, torn between its Christian values and worldly temptations. They are compromising their beliefs, and losing focus on their spiritual goal. they are exhorted to cling and live for the conquering Christ who forced Balaam, the great prophet, to speak his words.

Approaching the Lord of Healing (Luke 5:12-26)

Two men go to Jesus Christ for healing. One understands Jesus' power despite his mental barrier, while the other realizes his paralysis is not his real problem as his friends cut through the barrier. Jesus demonstrates the genuine healing in the kingdom.

Christ’s Resurrection Revelation (John 20:1-18; 21:1-19)

Christ obeys the father and dies on the cross to fulfill his father’s mission. Without being raised, his perfect obedience would be pointless. Christ's prayer in John 17 is confirmed because he has finished his work from the father. His resurrection testifies that he has completed the work His Father gave Him to do. His resurrection validates the Gospel.

Denying the Crucified Christ (John 18:15-27; 19:16-30)

Peter courageously wields his sword for Christ, then denies Him. He discovers Christ sacrifices for His followers, not vice versa. Our lives are to be centered on our savior, not ourselves. That's why Christ must go to the cross to secure his disciples, and to empower his disciples to live for him.

Exhorted from Smyrna (Revelation 2:1-7)

The church in Smyrna is encouraged to stay strong despite challenges. They will endure hardships, but should know they are spiritually wealthy in Jesus Christ, even if they lack material wealth.

Calling the Fishers of Men (Luke 5:1-11)

Christ came to liberate the imprisoned. We expect the demon-possessed and the sick to turn to Christ. Peter was chosen as a disciple. Peter's response challenges the idea that the healthy are self-sufficient.

Exhorted from Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7)

John brings a message from the angel to the church in Ephesus, praising their convictions but urging them to live according to it. The church is encouraged to see the resurrection power that they possess in Christ Jesus.