Luke

Find a sermon associated with this book in the Bible below.

The sermon, titled "Far Greater," focuses on the parallel announcements of John the Baptist's and Jesus's births in Luke 1, emphasizing God's power through impossible births (Elizabeth's barrenness and Mary's virginity). Through these accounts, the sermon illustrates three main points about God - His power to do the impossible, His preeminence shown through Jesus becoming the "most low," and His faithfulness to His promises despite our belief or unbelief.

Pastor Ryan highlights the ongoing need for repentance in a believer's life, emphasizing that it's not just a one-time act for salvation but a continuous process for sanctification. He clarifies that while Christ's sacrifice justifies us, ongoing repentance deepens our understanding of sin and magnifies our appreciation for God's grace. Pastor Kwon concludes that true repentance involves humbly acknowledging our sinfulness while embracing God's immense love and willingness to forgive, leading to genuine heart transformation.

Pastor Ryan delves into the impact of shame on our lives, drawing from personal experiences and the story of the woman healed by Jesus. He elucidates how shame drives us to hide and overachieve, yet through faith in Jesus, we can be freed from shame's burden. Pastor Ryan encourages a shift towards desperate faith in Jesus, emphasizing that our identity is rooted in His love and sacrifice, not past actions or others' opinions. The sermon concludes with a prayer, reminding the congregation of their new identity as beloved children of God, free from shame and embraced in community.

The sermon discusses how both sons in the prodigal son story sought to fulfill their innate needs (acceptance, security, value, significance, and purpose) through either worldly pursuits or religious behavior, but both paths led to slavery. The father in the story represents the gospel - showing that true freedom and fulfillment of these needs comes only through accepting God's unconditional love and grace rather than through worldly success or religious performance.

Pastor Ryan emphasizes that Sabbath is a vital practice for nurturing a relationship with God, highlighting Jesus' ministry as the ultimate fulfillment of divine rest and redemption. He outlines the four stages of rest—creation, fall, redemption, and restoration—and encourages believers to cease their own efforts and find joy by resting in God’s completed work through Christ.

Pastor Ryan's sermon on "Resurrection Sunday" discusses the significance of Jesus' resurrection, introducing a new sermon series. He emphasizes the power of God in difficult situations and the evidence supporting the resurrection. The sermon stresses faith in Jesus for salvation, with a call to make a personal decision to follow him. Pastor Kwon encourages the congregation to reflect on their relationship with Jesus and solidify their faith.

The sermon emphasizes the transformative power of the gospel, highlighting how Jesus' promise to the thief on the cross—"Today you will be with me in paradise"—demonstrates God's grace and the assurance of salvation for those who trust in Him. It encourages believers to focus on a personal relationship with Christ rather than worldly desires, underscoring the importance of responding to God's call with faith and repentance.

Following Jesus requires a willingness to sacrifice personal comfort, relational convenience, and familial control, as true discipleship demands prioritizing Christ above all else. However, the power to pay these costs comes from understanding and embracing the gospel, which assures us of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice and steadfast love, enabling us to respond in obedience and joy.

This sermon emphasizes the importance of faithfully stewarding the gifts and opportunities God has given us, as we await the return of Jesus Christ, who will reward those who have been faithful in advancing His kingdom. It challenges believers to focus on eternal investments rather than earthly pursuits, urging them to live with the anticipation of hearing "Well done, good and faithful servant" from the Lord.