Christ’s Disruptive Kingdom (Luke 6:24-36)

Jesus teaches a new way of living, valuing love and kindness. He warns the wealthy, satisfied, joyful, and earthly esteemed about an earthly reward. Followers are urged to love everyone, love enemies, pray for abusers, and forgive offenders. Believers are encouraged to show God-like mercy, being confident that Christ’s kingdom is present, and they will receive a great life in the age to come.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Approaching a Just God (BC Art. 1; Rom 3:24,25)

We believe that God is completely just. It's scary because God can see into our hearts and know our hidden wants. If we're even a tiny bit wrong, God is bound to punish us. That is why we rely on Christ and the Spirit to give us faith. If we're not connected to Christ, his work will not benefit us.

Advancing Heavens War (Luke 3:19-38)

Luke tells us that John was arrested. This shows us that God's plan continues with the arrival of Christ, despite Rome's apparent world peace. We understand that God's plan and victory are different from what this world sees, and are seen through our heavenly eyes by faith.

God's Holy War (Luke 3:1-18)

Luke reports Christ's growth in wisdom, stature, and favor of his father. 20 years later, John, son of Zechariah, begins his holy call for people to repent and believe in Christ, which is the radical call of the Gospel. This is God’s holy war going forth in this age: the call of the gospel to repent and believe in Christ Jesus.