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We move onto Luke 11Chapter 13. It is another very precious moment on the journey to Calvary.

We read of Jesus Christ praying - Jesus at Prayer - Jesus communicating with His Father. And Jesus says to us His Disciples - "Follow Me". Here is one way to follow Him more closely - in the realm of prayer. This is one very practical way whereby we can be obedient to God - simply by praying.

When we read of Jesus praying - it is as if we are on very holy ground - and we can almost feel like intruders, as we overhear Jesus talking with His Father.

When Jesus prayed He…  ( Click for more )

In Luke Chapter 10 and at verse 25, we read of a religious lawyer coming up to Jesus - with a question - and it just happens to be one of the most important questions a man can ask - "Teacher - what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

But, this religious man with his keen legal mind proves to be most insincere. Oh, he comes with this right question - to the right person - but look at his motive. He comes to tempt Jesus - to test Jesus - seeking to trap Jesus.

What he is asking Jesus is, "Is there any one thing I can do to get me into heaven?"

This is…  ( Click for more )

We are reading in Luke Chapter 10 of various basic principles when it comes to mission and ministry. Jesus teaches those men He is sending out to travel light. Don't let a lot of luggage hinder you and clutter you, and slow you down. And - don't waste time blethering and gossiping along the way - lit. 'don't pass the time of day with people'. What does this mean? Don't spend too much time on superficial conversation, so that the time just passes and nothing real has been achieved or accomplished. This short brief mission has the sense of haste and urgency.

"Greet" is…  ( Click for more )

When we move on into Luke Chapter 10, we are looking at some of the things Jesus did and said once He had set his face to go to Jerusalem. Jesus appointed 72 others - for a period of ministry - sending them out two by two - and they were to go and minister in the various towns and villages, where He planned to go and preach and minister later on.

There is a crucial and vital principle for ministry in the Church of Jesus Christ here - the matter of appointing. There is no use a man or woman saying - "I think I will do this. I'll decide to serve in this area or that way."…  ( Click for more )

In the latter part of Luke Chapter 9, Jesus Christ has resolutely set His face to go to Jerusalem and ultimately the Cross. He and His disciples have been travelling together with a highly interesting conversation and profound teaching from Christ.

As they were going on their way, a man comes up to Jesus and says, "I will follow you wherever you go." That is always a dangerous thing to say to Jesus, especially when we do not know where He is going.

We have to be careful as to what we say - what we vow - and what we pray. God may take us seriously.

Jesus read…  ( Click for more )

We are in Luke Chapter 9 and at verse 51, where Jesus Christ has resolutely and determinedly set His face to go to Jerusalem. In obedience to the Will of the Father - Jesus allows Himself to be crucified - and killed - laying down His Life - knowing this - that His Loving Faithful Father would raise Him up from the grave. No man took His Life from Him. Jesus laid it down.

On His way from the north, to Jerusalem, Jesus has to pass through hostile Samaria. There had been a feud between the Samaritans and the Jews. Jesus sent some messengers on ahead to arrange hospitality for Him,…  ( Click for more )

We come to Luke Chapter 9 verses 51 to 62, where Jesus Christ is preparing to go to Jerusalem. Jesus Christ is preparing to go home - via the Cross and the grave. This is new. We have never been here before.

The time has now come for a change in the ministry of Jesus. Jesus has been preaching and teaching - healing the sick - casting evil spirits out of people - and ministering to the various needs of those men and women who came to Him.

Now, Jesus sets His Face to go to Jerusalem. Jesus is determined to face whatever lies ahead of Him. Jesus makes that decision to face the…  ( Click for more )

In Luke Chapter 9 at verse 28, we read of Jesus Christ taking Peter, James, and John, up onto a mountain to pray. It is as if these three men were closer to Christ than the others - able to take more than the others. You can come as close to Jesus Christ as you want to.

As Jesus prayed HE was transformed and transfigured – His clothes are white and shining - the light of the world had never shone brighter. Moses and Elijah appeared. This was a serious moment. They are speaking about His EXODUS.

Moses knew all about EXODUS - leading people out of slavery into freedom.…  ( Click for more )

In Luke Chapter 9 at verse 23, we come to these highly challenging and demanding sentences in the Gospel record. Jesus Christ has sent out the Twelve and has fed the 5,000 with no waste whatsoever. Peter confesses who Jesus is - not just a mighty miracle worker - not just Someone who can control the winds and waves - not just a great Teacher - not some powerful prophet from the past raised back to life - but the Messiah - the Christ - the Saviour - the Son of God. In a sense what could be more challenging? But it is the response which is challenging – our response to all that…  ( Click for more )

In Luke Chapter 9 at verse 10, the disciples, who had been sent out on this mission with authority to preach the kingdom of God and heal the sick, return and report to Jesus, telling Him what had happened. Jesus saw that they needed to rest - time to be quiet - time to be alone - away from the needs and demands of people. Do you see the rhythms? They needed an opportunity to reflect upon their ministry and work out the implications.

Work and rest - work and worship are vital. We all need this.

Nevertheless the crowds came. Jesus welcomed them, and spoke to them, healing those…  ( Click for more )

In Luke Chapter 9, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the King, sends out His men to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. Having had a time of study and learning as they observed Him ministering, now it was time for the practical.

Verse 7. One man was not in His kingdom, and did not want to be in His kingdom, but the ministry of these disciples made this one man tremble. Herod heard of all that was being done by Jesus, and now Jesus has a group of men out preaching and healing.

When the Word of God is preached tremendous things happen, and certain individuals tremble.…  ( Click for more )

On we go to Luke Chapter 9. One day Jesus calls his twelve men together. They have been with Jesus now for about a year, and Jesus gives them a special anointing - specific authority and power - to go and minister.

For a year they have been watching, listening, observing and learning. For a year they have been under training - now they are being sent out on a mission. It was time for the practical. It is not enough just to take it in all the time. There has to be an outlet - the opportunity for service and mission and ministry.

Jesus Christ gives his disciples power and authority…  ( Click for more )

We come to Luke Chapter 8 and verse 40 in these present studies. We have seen how Jesus Christ ministered to that very needy demonized man in such a powerful and effective way, and yet, the local people told Jesus to take His ministry elsewhere. When Jesus is not wanted, He will move on and go where He is needed and wanted. It is really quite appalling shocking and surprising how some react to the ministry of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. If you are involved in front line ministry do not be taken aback when you come across similar reactions.

Here comes Jesus to a group of people…  ( Click for more )

What a sight greeted Jesus Christ. We are studying Luke Chapter 8 and we reach verse 26. Jesus and the disciples have just sailed across the Lake of Galilee, having been in a violent storm, which he calmed and rescued the situation from possible eternal danger. I described to you what a storm is like on the Galilee having observed such a scene from the safety of our hotel room.

A man came to Jesus. He is naked - controlled by evil spirits - demonised.

Remember this book is being written by a doctor, and inspired by the Holy Spirit, and we have read of how reliable this book…  ( Click for more )

In Luke Chapter 8 at verse 22, we read of Jesus Christ and His disciples sailing across the lake, and Jesus, the Son of God falls asleep in the boat. Jesus is tired. He has been preaching and teaching and answering questions. He is physically exhausted - worn out - drained - and in need of a rest. He is human. He is a Man. This is all He needs - rest. So often a good rest - a good sleep - is all we may need. What an amazing glimpse of the humanity of the Son of God.

As Jesus lies there asleep, a storm arises, and the boat is being thrown around, and there is a very real possibility…  ( Click for more )

We are reading and studying in Luke Chapter 8 where Jesus is speaking about quality - reliability - perseverance - patience - in that parable of the sower which He explained and developed in detail.

In verse 16, Jesus continues to teach that the fruitful life is like a lamp. That seed which germinates and grows transforms that man into a lamp. The main purpose of a lamp is to shine - to illumine - to enlighten.

The true disciple of Jesus Christ is like a lighthouse. He gives light for other travellers along the way so that they may journey in safety, but he also warns of the…  ( Click for more )

In Luke 8:16, Jesus Christ continues to teach these disciples who had come with questions and He is telling them that the fruitful life is like a lamp. We spent time in our previous study looking at the seed and the type of soil and how that was paralleled in the types of lives people lead. Jesus speaks about four different kinds of soil and He explains that there are four different kinds of responses to the sowing of the seed, which is the Word of God.

That seed which germinates and grows transforms that man into a lamp. Now, there is an amazing statement, but rather wonderful.…  ( Click for more )

In Luke Chapter 8, we read of Jesus travelling around the various towns and villages, and, what does He do everywhere He goes? He proclaims the good news of the kingdom of God. Jesus Christ is King. He moves around physically and geographically. He changes places for preaching and teaching, but He does not change His message.

The Kingdom of God - where Jesus Christ is king - that is the place of security, safety and assurance. The twelve were with Him - they would be learning so much as they listened, watched and observed. There were also some women following Jesus around - some…  ( Click for more )

In Luke Chapter 7 verses 36 to 50, we read of one of the Pharisees, a man named Simon, inviting Jesus to his home for a meal. Why did he do t his? Was it to trap Jesus? We know from what happened later on that it was not a straightforward invitation to have tea.

Jesus accepts the invitation. He goes, and they are just about to eat, when a woman - a sinner - a prostitute - comes to Simon's door. She knew that Jesus was in this house. News had got around fast. Imagine such a woman coming to such a house - and coming to repent. She came to Jesus for forgiveness.

Simon does not…  ( Click for more )

We have been studying these first 35 verses of Luke Chapter 7, where we have seen Jesus heal the Roman Centurion servant, raise from the dead that young man in the village of Nain, and we read of John's serious questions regarding Jesus.

John the Baptist who had imprisoned as a consequence of his preaching and witness – just as many are today all around our world - had to learn that Jesus was going to carry out His Ministry - His Way - as the Father wanted Him to.

Verse 23 is so important and it bears repeating - never be offended or huffed at what Jesus is saying and…  ( Click for more )

In Luke 7:18-35, we meet a puzzled prophet. Now we have recently been studying these incidents where Jesus Christ heals the servant of a Roman Centurion, and raises back to life a young man who had died.

One dear man is in prison as a result of his faithful preaching and baptising and prophesying. It is Jesus' cousin John, and when he challenged sin in the life of a king he was incarcerated in a dreadful jail.

John has questions. John even has doubts. John knew who Jesus was. John had baptised Jesus, but persecution and imprisonment, can do peculiar things even to a man of…  ( Click for more )

In Luke 7:11, Jesus goes to the village of Nain. His disciples go along with Him, and Jesus is attracting big crowds. These are two distinct groups – disciples and crowds of people. There comes that point where there has to be the necessary transition. It has to go further than mere interest or curiosity.

A sorry sight meets Jesus. He is confronted with a funeral procession. A widow has lost her only son. Now, Jesus knew what it was to be an only Son. The procession is leaving Nain and Jesus is approaching Nain. These two groups meet. Funerals in the Middle East are very…  ( Click for more )

When we move on into Luke Chapter 7, it is as if one stage of ministry is over and another begins. Jesus had been saying things to the crowds and to His disciples - teaching - and He had said everything He wanted to say on that occasion. Teaching is so important and teaching from the Word of God. It would be difficult to over emphasise this essential dimension.

Jesus now enters Capernaum. Much of the ministry of Jesus has been spontaneous. Those in need met Him, or came to Him, or He would be walking along the road. Jesus was not limited nor restricted to certain times and places…  ( Click for more )

In Luke 6:37 Jesus is cautioning us against judging and condemning. We have to be able to examine a tree, and know whether it will produce good fruit or bad fruit. If we could not do this we could never write a reference. We have to very wise regarding the practical implications of these verses. And of course, when it comes to writing references, we must be honest.

I am told that some employers virtually ignore references that come from ministers and pastors because they will be too positive and not sufficiently objective. I have said to people who have asked for a reference,…  ( Click for more )