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.

Lord Over All (Luke 4:31-44)

Christ enters a synagogue in Capernaum to preach the gospel. There is a man possessed by a demon. Christ commands the demon to leave and even the demon obeys. Christ not only drives out demons but also cures illnesses. He has authority over everything and aims to not only free us from sin but also bring healing.

Introduction to the Seven Edicts (Revelation 1:1-8)

John, the apostle in exile, is granted a profound revelation encompassing messages directed towards the seven churches. Within these divine edicts lie cautionary messages aimed at the historical churches of yore, yet their significance transcends the boundaries of time and directly warns the modern-day church.

Christ’s Divided Success (Luke 4:14-30)

Christ travels to different synagogues preaching the gospel. He is praised in Galilee but faces danger in his hometown of Nazareth. Christ escapes a near-death situation by slipping away from the crowd. We might think that this is an act of cowardice, but it testifies to the reality that Christ is simply following his father's plan.

Who is Good? (BC 1; Luke 19:17)

We finish studying Belgic Confession Article 1: The Nature of God. We are created good but we fall short of God's perfect goodness since we are sinners. Christ points out that only God is truly good, highlighting our need to live more in line with His kingdom.

Conquering the Slanderer (Luke 4:1-13)

In the biblical narrative, Jesus confronts the Devil in the wilderness, a crucial moment establishing Christ’s integrity over the Devil. The Devil attempts to manipulate Scripture in order to deceive Jesus, testing His resolve. Despite facing these challenges, Jesus remains steadfast and overcomes the temptations presented to Him, emerging triumphant after three encounters with the adversary.