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Remember that there are new people coming to believe in Jesus all around the world, and these new believers need to know that there are people who have been faithful to the Lord Jesus for ten, fifteen, forty five years or more years - and that it lasts. We need to hear about the new ones and the new ones need to know about those who have been in this a long time.

Luke Chapter 13 verse 18 where Jesus Christ is asking questions. It appears as though Jesus is struggling to get His Message through. Does that not happen today? He repeats - "What shall I compare the kingdom of…  ( Click for more )

We are reading and studying in some depth in Luke 13. At verse 18, Jesus asks, "What is the kingdom of God like?" "What shall I compare it to?"

It is as if Jesus realises that it is hard to get His Message across. It is hard to get through. Even Jesus Christ found that at times.

Think of what we have been looking at in this long section - Hypocrisy - Fear - Greed - Worry - be prepared and ready for Jesus' Coming again - how to get ready - settle these important issues now. Then some people try to sidetrack Jesus - what about other people? Some were more…  ( Click for more )

Luke Chapter 13 at verse 10. We read that Jesus Christ went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day. He is teaching - Jesus loves to teach. He is always present where the Word is being taught - are you? Have you noticed the emphasis on teaching in this long section in Luke? There are those who do not like teaching – I wonder why? Jesus loved to teach and the disciples loved to receive His teaching.

There was present in that sanctuary, a woman, who had a spirit of infirmity for 18 years. She was bowed down - bent - she had not been straight for 18 years. She needed help and…  ( Click for more )

In Luke Chapter 13 and verse 6, Jesus goes on to tell a parable - "A man had a fig tree and planted it in his vineyard. Now, that is about the last place you would choose to plant a fig tree. There it would have the best soil - a favoured position - a fine setting - it would be given every opportunity to produce fruit. Within three years a fig tree should produce some fruit.

When the owner looked at it, He found no fruit, and the order was given - "Cut it down. Why should it use up the good that is in the soil? We have no room for fruitless trees."

The business…  ( Click for more )

We move on into Luke Chapter 13. Let's remember Dr Luke did not write 'chapter 13' - that was added much later on - by that I mean - Luke wrote these words - but he did not number the chapters. That happened many centuries later.

This is one long section, where Jesus Christ has been giving warnings about hypocrisy - fear - greed - and worry - and then encouraging people to be prepared and ready for His Coming Again. And then, we read about what the actual situation will be like upon the earth - and what the consequences of believing in Jesus might cause - and how people were unable…  ( Click for more )

We are reading and studying this final section of Luke Chapter 12 where Jesus Christ spells out simply and clearly that being a disciple will not be easy at times. Look at how Jesus takes time to describe in detail just what this may involve at times. Just as salvation is radical in every aspect - so are these consequences of becoming a believer in Jesus.

Consider one aspect of just how radical faith in Jesus Christ can become. Judaism was a family religion - involving households. Jesus foresaw that His claims would cut across family life - and involve individual decisions.

At…  ( Click for more )

We move on to Luke Chapter 12 and verses 49 to 59. We are reading this lengthy section where Jesus is speaking specifically to disciples - and none of this could really be applied until Jesus had been to the Cross - until Jesus had been raised from the dead - and until the Church was birthed through the pouring out of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus has been speaking to these disciples about faithfulness - about being ready

for that day when He shall reappear - about being ready for His coming again. This is in a section dealing with dangers which the disciple could face - hypocrisy…  ( Click for more )

Continue with me in our reading and study of Luke Chapter 12 as we come to verses 35 to 48, where we are reading these words of Jesus. Now for us the resurrection has happened - Jesus has been to the Cross - Jesus has been raised from the dead - Jesus has ascended and has returned to the Father. Jesus has completed the work the Father sent Him to do. Jesus has poured out the Holy Spirit and we have had the privilege of sharing in that experience. But we have read of how important it is to remember the words of the Lord. Our study has to be a little longer because it is difficult to…  ( Click for more )

We are reading and studying in Luke Chapter 12, where Jesus Christ has taught His disciples how they can avoid Hypocrisy, Greed and Fear. How many in our world today would like to be set free from one or two of these? But on He goes to deal with another equally serious matter that troubles so many – that emotionally draining thing called “worry”. I am not rushing through this section because there are vital lessons from Jesus Christ for those who belong to Jesus Christ – for those who are born again and who are disciples in the Kingdom of God.

Verse 32.…  ( Click for more )

We are reading and studying in Luke Chapter 12, where Jesus Christ has taught His disciples how they can avoid Hypocrisy, Greed and Fear. How many in our world today would like to be set free from one or two of these? But on He goes to deal with another equally serious matter that troubles so many – the corroding topic of worry.

In verse 22, Jesus says - "Do not worry about your life - what you will eat - or about your body and how you will clothe it." These words are being spoken to disciples - they are for us. Jesus is saying to us - Follow Me and I will help…  ( Click for more )

We are reading and studying in Luke Chapter 12, where Jesus Christ has taught His disciples how they can avoid Hypocrisy, Greed and Fear. How many in our world today would like to be set free from one or two of these? But on He goes to deal with another equally serious matter that troubles so many.

At verse 22, Jesus says - "Do not worry about your life - what you will eat - or about your body and how you will clothe it." These words are being spoken to disciples. They are for us. Jesus is saying to us - Follow Me and I will help you avoid all worry. Wealth can be as…  ( Click for more )

We are reading and hopefully studying these words of Jesus Christ in Luke Chapter 12 verses 22 to 34 - where Jesus is speaking to disciples - at a time when crowds are surrounding Him.

These words of Jesus are for disciples, and if you are a disciple then these words are for you, and we so need to hear Jesus in these present days.

Jesus is speaking to disciples about dangers and hazards and pitfalls along the way. They are like warning signposts on the motorway - or it is as if Jesus is coning off certain sections - coning off certain paths - closing down a few lanes.

Jesus…  ( Click for more )

In Luke Chapter 12, Jesus Christ is teaching about Hypocrisy, Fear, Worry, Finances and Greed.

In verses 13 to 20 we have studied that interruption from the man who was after more money from an inheritance and Jesus takes that opportunity to tell about the farmer who wanted to build bigger barns to store all his crops – a bigger bank balance – keeping it all to himself without much concern for anyone else. It is quite a devastating passage. Now, do remember, that this teaching comes from the lips of Jesus and people outside the Church do say to us at times, “If…  ( Click for more )

While Jesus Christ is teaching one man interrupts and asks for Jesus to intervene in a family dispute about money. Now, this man does not appear to want fairness or justice. It is obvious he simply wants more money. We read of this in Luke Chapter 12.

Verse 15. Jesus uses this incident to teach people about a rich farmer who has a massive harvest. We can call these verses, "The tragedy of the poor rich man."

Jesus is saying - Watch out - be on your guard against all kinds of greed - a man's worth does not lie in what he possesses - or in what he owns - a man's bank…  ( Click for more )

We are reading in Luke Chapter 12, and in these first 12 verses we read of Jesus warning His disciples of two of the hazards along the way, as we serve in the kingdom, and obey the risen and living Lord Jesus Christ. We read of hypocrisy and fear. Hypocrisy - putting on a front - a mask - role-playing - acting - is similar to yeast. It influences people around - working away invisibly - secretly - imperceptibly - and can spread fast. A little can affect a lot. This can also apply to good yeast.

We also saw how fear can paralyse us spiritually. We can fear what people around us…  ( Click for more )

In Luke Chapter 12, Jesus Christ is teaching us and drawing our attention to hazards and pitfalls which could confront us as we make our ways through life

If the first hazard is hypocrisy, the second is fear. O how fear can prevent us from travelling along the Christian way. Fear can paralyse our words and our deeds. Fear can grip us and get a hold of us, and prevent us from doing what Jesus wants us to do.

Jesus deals with the fear of men by saying, "The worst thing people can do to you is kill you." What will people say? What will folk think? How will they regard…  ( Click for more )

We are in Luke Chapter 12 in these present studies where Jesus Christ is about to give vital teaching to His chosen disciples. Now, last week we were thinking of these words which are frequently voiced, “If only the Church would keep to the teaching of Jesus and forget all about doctrine and what we should believe!” Well, let’s just take time to look at what Jesus taught in these following verses, because we must be able to answer people when they confront us with very real questions. Many are sincere.

Many would like to live the way Jesus lived and live according…  ( Click for more )

In our studies in the Gospel of Luke, we move on into Chapter 12. The momentum appears to be increasing. The crowds are increasing - the pace is becoming faster - the conflict is becoming sharper.

There is this growing open conflict between Jesus Christ and the religious leaders of the day. That very often happens. There is a conflict between Jesus Christ, The Lord, the King - and those who thought they were important people.

Many are gathering around Jesus for various reasons, but Jesus’ priority is to teach disciples. Jesus wants to give His Chosen Men words of advice…  ( Click for more )

We arrive at verse 33 in Luke Chapter 11. If you light a lamp - do not hide it - nor cover it up - nor keep it secret - you let everyone see the light.

The light you allow to come in will enlighten you. It is possible to allow more and more of the light of Jesus to come into our hearts, or we can see just what we want to see. Some will only see what they want to see - hear what they want to hear - believe what they want to believe - and that is tragic.

A Pharisee invited Jesus for a meal - for tea - Jesus sat down without washing - they were horrified - Jesus did shock people…  ( Click for more )

As we slowly make our way through Luke Chapter 11, let's read on from verse 29. There are times when we must not rush through passages of Scripture. These Chapters are so very practical and highly relevant in these present times. Of course, The Word of God is always practical and relevant!

Crowds are increasing, and Jesus Christ is on His way to the Cross. He knows it.

His opening words to this growing congregation are, "This is a wicked generation."

We are not the first people to be living in difficult times. It is important that we recognize and acknowledge…  ( Click for more )

In the Gospel of Luke at Chapter 11 and verse 21, Jesus portrays a picture of Satan - thinking he is safe and secure in his evil palace - surrounded by strong-arm guards - and thinking he will never lose his possessions. What a picture!

When a stronger man appears - when Jesus appears - Satan is overcome - all the armour upon which he has relied is taken away, and all his possessions are taken from him.

It is a total irreversible defeat. What a powerful picture we have of Jesus Christ here. Christ is the strongest man around. In these present times we need to have a good strong…  ( Click for more )

We have been reading in Luke Chapter 11 where Jesus Christ has been casting out an evil spirit and He has had to listen to stupid unwise critical comments.

Be very careful regarding speaking judgmental words of criticism. We have to be cautious in this area. It is dangerous to speak careless negative wounding words. There are occasions when it is better to be silent - when it is better to be quiet.

These people should have been the first to recognise that this was the Living God at work, but they are closed and blind and their hearts are cold and critical.

The two kingdoms…  ( Click for more )

We are studying in Luke Chapter 11 and at verse 13 we read of Jesus Christ saying to His disciples - how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.

This is one of the greatest gifts any man or woman can receive - the gift of the Holy Spirit. To receive that anointing - to receive that holy power - to receive the Holy Spirit as Jesus received when He came up out of the Jordan River is a most precious experience. If only the leaders of the nations would seek this anointing – what a different world this could be.

When we ask and seek…  ( Click for more )

We are studying these opening verses in Luke Chapter 11. One disciple makes a very simple request to be taught to pray and Jesus takes time to instruct and teach His disciples. Jesus goes on in verse 5 to teach His disciples to be specific when praying and not to give up.

A friend comes to your home at midnight - and you have no food - so you go to your neighbour, and say "Lend me three loaves". Three rolls. The neighbour wants you to go away because you are being a bit of a nuisance. You are waking up the whole family, but you go on asking boldly and shamelessly.

On…  ( Click for more )