Grab Their Attention
“No man knows how bad he is till he has tried very hard to be good. A silly idea is current that good people do not know what temptation means. This is an obvious lie. Only those who try to resist temptation know how strong it is. After all, you find out the strength of the German army by fighting against it, not by giving in. You find out the strength of …
Jesus’ Family Tree
An Orderly Account: Encountering Jesus in the Gospel of Luke
Luke 3:23-38
Grab Their Attention
Where did you come from? No, I’m not asking what part of the city you currently live in and drove from this morning. Nor am I asking about the town you grew up in or moved from. I’m thinking more about your ancestry. Who were your parents, and who were their parents? Where were your ancestors during …
The Baptism of Christ
An Orderly Account: Encountering Jesus in the Gospel of Luke
Luke 3:15-22
The Text
15 As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, 16 John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you …
Preparing to Meet the King
An Orderly Account: Encountering Jesus in the Gospel of Luke
Luke 3:1-14
The Text
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the …
Letter from the Pastor 3/4/2025
Introduction
For nearly 5 years, our church has recited an ancient church creed every Sunday in our worship service. For several years, we recited the Apostles’ Creed, and we have begun reciting the Nicene Creed. Our plan going forward is to recite the Apostles’ for half the year and the Nicene the other half. If you were worshipping with our church in 2023, you’ll remember that, alongside the Apostles’ Creed, …
Jesus is the Perfect Teenager
An Orderly Account: Encountering Jesus in the Gospel of Luke
Luke 2:41-52
Grab Their Attention
Meet the perfect teenager. This radiant creature glides into the kitchen at precisely at 6 AM fresh from the shower, already dressed, and smelling like a bar of soap. Rather than asking, “What’s there to eat,” he greets you with a cheery, “Good morning, Mom,” before whipping up an avocado toast… for you! Chores? Done …
