Luke 3 5, Sermon Series: Empowered by the Spirit by Bishop Ben Duncan

Luke 3 – 5, Sermon Series: “Empowered by the Spirit” by Bishop Ben Duncan 2012/2013

Time: Sunday, September 2, 2012, 11am

Title: “Preparing the Way for Christ”

Topic: Empowered by the Spirit (Sermon 1 of 12).

Text: Luke 3:1-6

Thought 1: The Mention of the People (3:1-2) A. The Wicked Rulers (3:1) B. The Wayward Religious (3:2a) C. The Wilderness Recluse (3:1-2b)

Thought 2: The Ministry of the Prophet (3:2b-3) A. The Unique Man (his attire of camel skins and leather belt reminiscent of Elijah the prophet; his diet of locusts and wild honey) B. The Unprecedented Method (baptism was typically only required for converts to Judaism; not for the Jewish people or religious leaders) C. The Universal Message (i.e., repentance)

Thought 3: The Meaning of the Prophecy (4-6) A. A Compassionate Representative to Humanity Sent (3:4a) (i.e., the forerunner John the Baptist; then the Savior Jesus Christ; ultimately all believers as His ambassadors) B. A Complete Removal of Hindrances Sure (3:4b-5) C. A Collective Revelation of His (i.e., God’s) Salvation (3:6)

Thesis: John the Baptizer, empowered by the Spirit of God (within his mother’s womb) to be the forerunner of Christ, prepared the way of the Lord for Him later to be received by those in his audience. John lived in a world filled with evil rulers and compromising religious leaders. His message of repentance and requirement of water baptism ran counterintuitive to his audience, who included the self-righteous and the pagans. Yet, the Spirit of God had chosen Him to be the one to go before the Lord and prepare His way to come into their lives.

Similarly today, believers are the spiritual forerunners who empowered by the Holy Ghost now prepare the way for Christ to come into the hearts of all those in their spheres of influence. We too live in a wicked world full of secular views and religious compromise that resist the gospel message of repentance and water baptism. Yet, God uses believers as His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20) to go in His place with the ministry of reconciliation. Therefore, we are empowered and commissioned to go, to witness, and to remove the obstacles that hinder people from coming to faith in Christ.

In the midst of religious compromise and worldly philosophies today, God has similarly called, chosen, and placed us in His body, the church, as it pleases Him (1 Corinthians 12:18 ) according to His purpose and not our qualifications (2 Timothy 1:8-9 ) and this was His plan all along, before time began! Like John, you and I amazingly have arrived on time, on schedule, and on stage, as God has ordained! Like Esther, we are here for such a time as this (Esther 4:14). Like John the Baptizer, who was described by Jesus as being the greatest prophet (Luke 7:28) even though his ministry was brief (John 5:35; probably about three years) and powerful, we too can have a ministry, regardless of its length, that is effective when it is “empowered by the Spirit.”

1 Luke 3 – 5, Sermon Series: “Empowered by the Spirit” by Bishop Ben Duncan 2012/2013

Title: “The Signs of a True Repentance”

Text: Luke 3:7-14

Thought 1: A Vocal Message Finds Confrontation (3:7-9) A. Assumed Sincerity Probed (3:7-8a) B. Ancestral Superiority Problematic (3:8b) C. Announced Sentence Personal (3:9)

Thought 2: A Volitional Moment Fosters Contrition (3:10) A. An Intentional Motion B. An Interest Mentioned C. An Inquiry Made

Thought 3: A Visible Modification Follows Conversion (3:11-14) A. The Individualism of the Citizens Revealed (3:11) B. The Integrity of the Collectors Repudiated (3:12-13) C. The Intimidation of the Combatants Rebuked (3:14)

Thesis: John the Baptizer preached repentance and challenged his audience to offer “fruit” or proof of the same. Many of the religious held to their privileged ancestral Jewish heritage as a pseudo security of their salvation; but, John pointed out that they could not rely on their family trees or Abrahamic heritage to get them right with God and assure them of an entrance into heaven. He said that the “axe” (i.e., judgment and wrath) of God would cut down and destroy such a spurious belief system. These people then were moved from a phony repentance to a genuine one as we see the change in their demeanor. Obviously, they wanted to be right with God and the Holy Spirit’s conviction had come upon them as they were now willing to change. They made inquiry as to what to do? John intimates that true repentance, empowered by the Holy Ghost on the inside of the heart, will be validated by a change in conduct on the outside through our interaction with others.

Today, believers must also preach genuine repentance and expect evidence of changed lives among the penitent. Too many are deceived into relying on the faith of their fathers, grandparents, church affiliation, etc., to usher them into salvation and heaven on the “coattails” of these relationships. Yet, we know that salvation is personal, and thereby is a decision that each individual must authentically make to avoid the judgment and wrath of a righteous God. Such an internal change will be accompanied by an outward evidence of a new life in Christ Jesus. The Holy Spirit will empower every true believer to make the necessary changes in thought, speech, behaviors, and activities, in order to validate to others a confirmation of a godly lifestyle.

Where are you on your spiritual journey today? Have you been wrongly relying upon your church heritage, your familial association, your moral sense of rightness, your good behavior, etc., for your salvation? Perhaps, Holy Spirit is now lovingly convicting your heart to break free of these false securities and to enter into a genuine relationship with God the Father, by faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. Like the repentant citizens, soldiers, and tax collectors in John’s audience, Holy Spirit will move you to repentance inwardly that will be evidenced by a life change outwardly.

Title: “The Bipolarity towards Ministry”

Text: Luke 3:15-22

Thought 1: The Multitudes Reveled in Thoughts (3:15) A. Their Wild Imagination (3:15a) B. Their Wrong Interpretation (3:15b) C. Their Wishful Investigation (3:15c)

Thought 2: The Messiah Revealed in Time (3:16-17, 21-22) A. The Prompt Deflection to Him (3:16a) B. The Personal Description of Him (3:16b-17) C. The Powerful Declaration for Him (3:21-22)

Thought 3: The Monarch Reviled by Truth (3:18-20) A. The Convincing Proclamations (3:18) B. The Convicting Provocations (3:19) C. The Consequential Persecutions (3:20)

Thesis: John the Baptizer, empowered by the Spirit, preached the truth resolutely and without compromise. Consequently, he experienced both adulation and abjuration from those who heard him. His humility and awareness of his mission and role allowed him to quickly deflect any praise of him toward the only One (i.e., Jesus) Who alone deserves to receive it, and to have the strength to endure the consequences of the sufferings that followed.

Believers today will encounter similar reactions to the gospel. We too must deflect all praise to God alone and preach the Word without apology. There will be some who flatter the minister or believer’s ministry and want to enlarge it; such self aggrandizement must be resisted firmly and promptly, or pride and arrogance could precipitate a fall of the minister or believer. On the other hand, we must learn to endure hardships, persecutions, and mistreatment from those of the world who hate us (John 15:18-19; 2 Timothy 3:12). The Holy Spirit empowers the minister or believer to successfully navigate both of these extreme responses of the world.

What have you been receiving lately, compliments or criticisms? Are you experiencing pride or feeling discouraged? Don’t allow your opinion of yourself to be distended or diminished, by the responses and reactions of those around you. The world is vacillating – indeed, “bipolar,” – in its relationship with God and His followers. For example, the same authorities, politicians, and celebrities that use their voices to refuse or decry prayer in the classroom, won’t allow Bibles in the school library, or never include ministers to talk to the students at a commencement ceremony, will be the first secular voices during a school tragedy to solicit prayers from everyone on the daily news, to quote scripture in political speeches, and to invite ministers to participate in memorial services. Remember, we are not here to receive the approval of man (John 12:42-43); rather, we are to receive God’s approval. The world wavered with Christ, it will behave similarly with His followers. On one day over 5000 wanted Him to be their earthly “king” when He fed them lunch; but, by the next day, they rejected His teaching and walked away from Him leaving only the 12 disciples (John 6:5-15, 22, 26, 41-42, 54-68). During His week of passion, the multitudes that received Him with shouts of “Hosanna,” would later that week cry, “Crucify Him” (John 12:13-18; 19:6-15). Paul and Barnabas experienced similar erratic behavior from the world who upon healing a lame man began to worship them as gods, and then at the behest of religious leaders turned on them and even stoned Paul (Acts 14:7-19). So, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10). Yes, be empowered by the Spirit and you can refuse to give in to either of the extremes of praise or rejection.

Title: “The Family Tree”

Text: Luke 3:23-38

Thought 1: The Victory of the Messiah’s Launch (3:23a) A. His Majesty and Presence B. His Ministry and Purpose C. His Maturity and Priesthood

Thought 2: The Validity of the Maternal Lineage (3:23b-38a) A. The Davidic Covenant (3:31) B. The Abrahamic Covenant (3:34) C. The Adamic Covenant (3:38)

Thought 3: The Visibility of the Maker’s Likeness (3:38b) A. Given at the Formation B. Gone at the Deformation C. Gained in the Reformation

Thesis: The Son of God, Second Person of the Godhead, with humility temporarily set aside his Sovereign Majesty and came to earth with a ministry and purpose to reconcile mankind to God. He began his ministry (as a Priest after the order of Melchizedek) at 30 years old (the same age that a Levitical or Aaronic priest would begin his priestly ministry). His maternal lineage confirms that he has the correct pedigree to be the Messiah (i.e., He was the Heel that would bruise the head of the serpent, the devil; He was the Seed of Abraham through Whom all nations would be blessed; He was the Son of David, of Whom His kingdom would have no end). As the first man Adam was the son of God, created in the image and likeness of God; so, Jesus as the Last Adam, is the Son of God Incarnate, Who is the Visible Image of the Godhead bodily, the very God Himself, Emmanuel, God with Us! He fulfilled His ministry and mission to bring mankind (i.e., all who believe on Him as Savior) back into a right relationship with God.

The Son of God humbled Himself and He Who has always and ever shall be God, also became man. Divinity became humanity! The prophet Isaiah proclaimed it (Isaiah 7:14), the earthly father witnessed it (Matthew 1:21- 23), the Apostles, John and Paul, affirmed it (John 1:1; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 2:9)!

Christ came to earth for the specific purpose to die on the cross for our sins (John 12:27-33). He could have been delivered from this suffering by calling on the Father and more than twelve legions of angels (about 72,000 or so; since a Roman legion was typically 6,000 soldiers) would have rescued Him (Matthew 26:53-54). However, He realized that the compassionate will of the Father was responding to the redemptive need of humanity and He became submissive for our sakes.

So, He began His earthly ministry as our High Priest at age 30. This resembles the time that the Levites would enter the service of the priesthood to minister in the Temple/Tabernacle (Numbers 4:3).

The High Priest alone would enter the Holy of Holies and then only once each year on the Day of Atonement to offer a blood sacrifice for the sins of the people; but, Christ our High Priest entered the Most Holy Place to make atonement for us, once and for all (Hebrews 9:6-15) affirming that both His Sacrifice and His Priesthood are forever efficacious for our salvation. Christ is forever a High Priest after the order of Melchizedek (Psalms 110:4; Hebrews

5:1-10) and His priesthood will never end or change (Hebrews 7:20-28) as He will always make intercession for us!

While Matthew’s gospel gives the descending paternal lineage of Christ, Luke’s gospel gives the ascending maternal linage of Christ. Through both of these lineages (i.e., Joseph and Mary) we see that Jesus is credentialed to be the Messiah. His blood line runs through his mother, and his royal line runs through his father. His ancestral line reveals that He is the Son of David, the Son of Abraham, the Son of Adam, and most importantly, the Son of God.

David, like Jesus, was from the tribe of Judah. He became the second king of Israel and entered a covenant with God that would ultimately bless all who believe on Jesus and become a citizen of His eternal kingdom. This Davidic Covenant would perpetuate David’s kingdom via the Messiah Who would be born King of kings and Lord of lords (Matthew 2:2; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Revelation 19:16)!

God’s covenant with David reveals that he will have an everlasting kingdom through Christ (2 Samuel 7:8-16) affirming the prophecy of Isaiah (9:6-7) that Christ’s kingdom via the throne of David will have no end and will increase forever. Remember that Christ is forever a priest after the order of Melchizedek, who himself was also the King of Salem (i.e., Peace). Therefore, anyone in His kingdom reigning with Him would also become a royal priest. The Apostle Peter declares that we believers now in Christ’s kingdom are also a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9-10). We will one day reign with Christ forever over all the kingdoms of this earth and heaven since He has made us to be kings and priests to rule with Him forever (Revelation 1:5-6; 5:10; 11:15). We are God’s adopted children and as such heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ who are privileged to be seated with Him in heavenly places (Romans 8:15-17, Ephesians 2:6-7).

Also in the lineage of Christ is Abraham, the father of the faithful. It was with him that God covenanted (Genesis 12:1-3) that all the nations of the earth would be blessed. This is affirmed and explained by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Galatians (3:13-16) where Christ Jesus is the Seed of Abraham through Whom the blessings of Abraham shall come upon all the nations and peoples of the world.

Just as God called out Abraham to be in fellowship with Him; for him and his descendents to be God’s people and to covenant with Him as their God; today, God has called out the believers, His church (i.e., ecclesia (Greek), called out ones), to be His people and He will be our God (Revelation 21:3)!

We are therefore privileged to be grafted into the Messianic Jewish family tree (Romans 11:17-24) as believers from all nations. We who believe are “Jewish” in the sense that we are covenanted with God, a new covenant of the heart (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Romans 2:28-29; Hebrews 8:8-13).

Next, the lineage of Christ is traced all the way to the beginning, with Adam.

Adam was created as the son of God; but, when he failed, he no longer bore that divine image. As fallen man, he was now in need of redemption.

The first Messianic promise (Genesis 3:15) to humanity comes from the result of this fall when Adam is told that the Heel (i.e., the Messiah, Jesus Christ) will crush the head of the serpent who bit the heel of humanity.

The Apostle Paul makes an excellent contrast between the first Adam and the Last Adam (i.e., Jesus Christ) in his letters to the Romans (5:12-21) and to the church at Corinth (1 Corinthians 15:45-49). Within these discourses, he sharply distinguishes the sin, death, guilt, judgment, and condemnation that came to all of humanity through the first Adam, and that through Christ comes righteousness, life, justification, grace, and pardon to all who believe on Him. The first Adam and Last Adam are further contrasted: a living soul versus a living spirit; a natural man versus a spiritual man; an earthly body versus a heavenly body; a human creature versus a divine Creator.

As humans, we are born naturally in the image of the first Adam; as believers, we are now reborn spiritually in the image of the Last Adam, Jesus Christ!

Mankind was created by God in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:26-27; 2:7). God breathed the breath of life into man and he became a living soul! That is, after forming mankind’s body from the earth’s dust, He imparted into humanity an everlasting soul that will live forever. God is a Spirit and He made mankind to be a spirit in order to have fellowship with Him. We are His privileged and crowning creations and unlike any of His other earthly creatures!

The wise man, King Solomon (Ecclesiastes 3:11) says that God has put eternity into the hearts of humanity! Our souls will live forever, either with God in Heaven or without Him in eternal punishment.

We now bear the image of Adam (Genesis 5:1-3), who was created in God’s image and likeness; but, who fail from this state of grace. As was foretold (Genesis 2:17), he and all humanity would experience death. This would be a death from the inside out: spiritually, morally, and physically. The descendents of Adam did not inherit the divine image and likeness of God; rather, humanity was created in the image and likeness of a fallen man – Adam, by whom sin and death have passed upon all mankind (Romans 5:12).

Nevertheless, there is hope!

Jesus instructs Nicodemus on the necessity of being born again (i.e., spiritually); He also tells the Samaritan woman that God is a Spirit, and so those that worship Him must do so in spirit and truth. This requires that we are born again (i.e., born in the spirit), since our spirit died when Adam sinned (John 3:1-8; 4:24). In reality, we humans are spiritually stillborn, that is born “dead” in sin. We are naturally born with a body and a mind; but, our spirit is dead within us. The only remedy to this tragedy is for us to be born again spiritually, where we are made a new creation in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17, 21). Christ was made in the likeness of sinful flesh (Romans 8:3; Philippians 2:7); so, that we may be made in the likeness of His righteousness!

Today, believers, empowered by the Spirit, walk in the anointing of God as His ministers of reconciliation, grafted into His family tree, and as His ambassadors we are pleading to the world to be reconciled with Him. We, who lost our position of son-ship in the first Adam, now may have it restored in the Last Adam (i.e., Jesus Christ). We who were not Jews have been grafted into the divine family tree by faith and are now the children of Abraham, being sons of the faith. We, who are not royalty by birth, are now royalty by rebirth (i.e., being born again) and are a royal priesthood who will rule and reign with Christ forever. We who were born in the image and likeness of Adam (i.e., spiritually dead because of Adam’s sin that condemns us), are now born again in the image and likeness of God (i.e., spiritually alive because of Christ’s righteousness that justifies believers with a declaration of righteousness). Too, His Spirit bears witness with our spirits that we are the sons of God, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ! As someone stated, “The Son of God became the Son of Man; so, that the sons of men, may become the sons of God.”

Time: Sunday, October 7, 2012, 11am

Title: “Overcoming Temptation”

Text: Luke 4:1-15

Thought 1: The Spirit’s Telling (4:1-2) A. His Anointing Received B. His Advancing Respected C. His Abiding Resolute

Thought 2: The Son’s Temptations (4:2-12) A. His Way Modeled B. His Wants Manipulated C. His Word Manifested

Thought 3: The Sinister Tactics (4:3-13) A. Sensory Appeals Exploited B. Scriptural Aberrations Expounded C. Seasonal Attacks Expected

Thought 4: The Sensational Triumph (4:14-15) A. A Spiritual Anointing and Victory for the Messiah B. A Surrounding Area of Visibility for the Messiah C. All Synagogues Affirmed Validity of the Messiah

Thesis: Christ, fully God and fully man, was empowered by the Spirit to victoriously resist and overcome temptation. Subsequent to His water baptism, the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness for 40 days of fasting and tempting. During this time, he endured the same kind of temptations that you and I often face, yet without sin. The devil’s sly and tricky ways (i.e., appealing to natural urges of hunger, pride, etc; taking scripture out of context, etc.) were defeated by Christ, who was strong in the Spirit and used the Word (i.e., the Sword of the Spirit) to do spiritual battle. Christ overcame temptation and began His ministry in the fullness of the power of the Spirit!

Christ models for believers how that we too, empowered by the Spirit, can both victoriously resist and overcome temptations in this life. Though tempted, we do not have to succumb. We are enabled and strengthened by the Spirit to resist temptation and become stronger Christians. We learn from Christ’s example the importance of spiritual disciplines (i.e., prayer, fasting, growing in the Spirit) and using Scripture as the Sword to take the spiritual offensive. We too can have a stronger walk, a more effective ministry, and a dynamic life as we are empowered by the Spirit!

The Holy Spirit’s effectiveness in the believer’s ability to resist temptation is essential. He is seen anointing Christ, pictured as the heavenly Dove descending and resting upon Him. The Holy Spirit guided Christ into a time of fasting and a time of temptation. He also was there with Christ to enable Him to resist the temptation and remain sinless. Similarly, the Holy Presence of God’s Spirit comes upon us, as believers, and remains with us and within us, serving to guide us into times of fasting and times of testing to endure temptation, only to emerge stronger and experience the fullness of His power in our life and ministry.

Title: “Discovering the Place of Our Ministry”

Text: Luke 4:16-32

Thought 1: A Holy Recitation (4:16-22a) A. His Sabbath Custom B. His Scriptural Citation C. His Surprising Conclusion

Thought 2: A Hometown Rejection (4:22b-30) A. The Reactions of the People B. The Reference to the Proverb/Prophets C. The Rescue via Passing

Thought 3: A Headquarters Relocation (4:31-32) A. His Alternate Location B. His Astonishing Lessons C. His Authoritative Lectures

Thesis: Christ began His earthly ministry full of the Spirit of God. He went to His hometown of Nazareth to inaugurate the same; but, He discovered that they were not at all receiving of Him as a Prophet or Minister. Unlike us, Christ had no past sins or anything that would embarrass or impugn His reputation or His effectiveness as a minister; but, the hometown residents remembered “Little Jesus” as Joseph the carpenter’s presumed son, and could not accept Him as anything else. He did not allow this rejection to upset or thwart God’s anointing on and purpose for Him; rather, empowered by the Spirit, He was guided to another place (i.e., Capernaum and the Galilee area) where He could and would perform the majority of His ministry.

Today, we as believers may encounter similar resistance from family, friends, and colleagues when they discover the spiritual change and the ministerial calling on our lives. Their memories are too familiar of us (i.e., our past, our old sins, our immaturity, etc.). Yet, God has definitely changed and called us into relationship and ministry with Him. We are empowered by His Spirit to walk in fellowship with Him, even though those closest to us reject this change, and often abandon us. Don’t despair! If your “Nazareth” rejects you, then look forward to God placing you elsewhere in a new place, your “Capernaum.” The anointing on us and the ministry given to us by His Spirit will flourish; but, elsewhere.

Trust God to lead you and place you in His body (i.e., His church) where it pleases Him (1 Corinthians 12:18, 27). As a result, we can accept our role in the ministry with the confidence that we are doing what God has called us to do and where He has placed us to do it. Why would we want to be anywhere else or doing anything else, if such pleases God?

Title: “Developing a Christ-like Ministry”

Text: Luke 4:33-44

Thought 1: Casting out Hellish Spirits (4:33-37, 41) A. Christ Acknowledged as Sovereign B. Christ’s Authority Superior C. Christ’s Anonymity Secure D. Crowds Advertise to their Surroundings

Thought 2: Crowds Healed from Sicknesses (4:38-40) A. The Sympathetic Messiah Responded B. This Simon’s Mother-in-law Revived C. The “Sun Setting” Multitudes Restored

Thought 3: Cities Hear about Salvation (4:42-44) A. His Foiled Retreat for a Pause B. His Firm Resolve to Preach C. His Focused Reach to the Pious

Thesis: The ministry of Christ was identified by at least three major focal points: spiritual deliverance, physical healing, and the making and equipping of His disciples via teaching/preaching. These three foci of His ministry were accomplished by the empowerment of the Spirit.

On this occasion, Jesus is teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum. The people are amazed at the authority that distinguishes His teaching from that of the religious leaders. People understand God’s Word and it is affecting them positively. The devil and his demons certainly don’t like this advance into their spiritual domain; so, a demon, possessing a man there in the congregation, cries out for Christ to “Let us alone!” Christ rebuked the demon and cast it out of the man! The onlookers remarked about the power and authority that Christ has in His ministry over demons.

As Jesus left the synagogue, he came to Simon Peter’s home. There He discovered that Peter’s mother-in-law was sick with a fever. Peter and his wife interceded on behalf of her for Christ to heal her and He did so promptly. As Christ laid His hands on her and rebuked the fever, it left her and she revived, arising and serving them as a grateful and gracious hostess.

The news of Christ delivering the demon possessed man and healing Peter’s mother-in-law must have traveled fast. For as the sun was setting, the townspeople from the surrounding area made their way to Peter’s home bringing their physically ill and spiritually possessed family and friends to Jesus. He spent all night ministering to each one in turn, healing the sick of all types of diseases and casting out demons from those who were possessed.

As day approached, Christ departed for an isolated place in the desert; perhaps, to spend some time in prayer with the Father and to be endued with more spiritual power of the Holy Ghost for more ministry. Nevertheless, the people pursued Him and attempted to prevent His going away from them. He affirmed to them that His mission was to preach the kingdom of God to everyone, not just to them, and that He must fulfill this purpose for which He has been sent. So, He left them and was soon preaching in other synagogues in the area of Galilee.

Christ commissioned His church (Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:15-20) to have a ministry similar to His (i.e., to make and equip disciples, to heal the sick, to cast out demons). We are His “hands and feet,” His body, and called to carry on His ministry as He works with us and validates our ministry with signs following. He told us that we would be able to have a Christ-like authoritative ministry only when we were also empowered by the Spirit of God and that we would do even greater things than He had done (John 14:12-15)!

After commissioning His church, Jesus instructed them to wait and seek for the empowerment of His Spirit. It is only by the imbuement of the Holy Ghost power (Acts 1:8) that we will ever hope to experience a Christ like ministry.

Remarkably, we have the highest authority (Luke 10:17-20) and the greatest power resident within us (1 John 4:4) via the Holy Ghost! By the authority of Christ and the power of the Holy Ghost, we can preach and teach and heal and deliver as Christ did! We can lay hands on the sick and watch them recover (James 5:14-16)! We can cast out demons and watch the deliverance of the possessed and oppressed! However, we must spend some alone time with God through the reading of His Word that increases our faith (Romans 10:17) in prayer and fasting if we expect to have a Christ like ministry in the area of healing people of any or all diseases and delivering the oppressed/possessed (Matthew 17:14-21)!

Is your life and ministry characterized by the overwhelming Presence of the Spirit of God? As you fulfill the Great Commission, have you experienced the power from His abiding Presence? Are people being delivered spiritually, saved graciously, trained and equipped for service adequately, developed fully, healed completely? If so, then your ministry is reflective of Christ’s on earth and of the Great Commission that He empowered us with all authority to fulfill. If not, then perhaps it is time for us to follow His example (Luke 4:42) and retreat to an isolated place where we can seek Him and the anointing of His Spirit to be energized and imbued with power for service.

Time: Sunday, June 30, 2013, 11am

Title: “Called to a Spirit Filled Ministry”

Text: Luke 5:1-11

Thought 1: The Teaching at the Shore (5:1-3) A. The Followers Desire the Word Now and the Lord Instructs B. The Fishermen Dutifully Wash their Nets and Listen Intently

Thought 2: The Tasking of the Ship (5:4-7) A. The Remarkable Command to Launch into the Deep B. The Reluctant Compliance to the Lord in Deference C. The Resulting Compensation of the Load is Delightful

Thought 3: The Tapping into Service (5:8-11) A. The Men Apparently are Fearful, Astonished, and Unworthy Forthrightly to be Called B. The Messiah Aptly is Faithful, Accepting, and Understanding Fully of the Chosen C. The Moment Arrives to Forsake All and Unwaveringly Follow the Christ

Thesis: As Jesus continued teaching in Galilee, He came to the Lake of Gennessaret (Sea of Galilee) with the crowds of people following Him and wanting to hear and understand more of the Word. There, along the shores of the lake, He encounters four fishermen (Peter, Andrew, James, and John) who are washing their nets; but, not using their boats. So, He climbs into Peter’s boat and asks him to put out a few yards from shore. He then teaches the multitudes, who now have a very good vantage point and who can hear Him even better with the water echoing His voice. While teaching, Peter and his colleagues continue washing and repairing their nets, somewhat sleepily after a long night of unsuccessful fishing; but, while working, they are listening to Jesus teach the Word of God, which keeps them alert. After the teaching, Jesus dismisses the crowd and, while on Peter’s boat, says to Peter to, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” Peter explains that they have fished all night long and caught nothing; however, out of respect for the Lord, he will do as He asks. To his surprise, the catch of fish is so great that it begins to break his net and he calls for his fishermen to come and help him. Soon, the catch is so great that it begins to sink all of their boats! On the boat with Jesus, Peter falls on his knees in repentance, confessing he is a sinful man and not worthy of Christ’s company or a relationship with Him. Jesus says to him not to be afraid and that, “From now on, you will catch men.” Peter and his partners bring their boats, nets, and the great catch of fish to the shore and immediately leave them all behind and follow Christ!

This scene was so inspirational to Christian Contemporary songwriter, Steven Curtis Chapman, that he penned and wrote this song, For the Sake of the Call.

Nobody stood and applauded them So they knew from the start This road would not lead to fame All they really knew for sure was Jesus had called to them He said "Come follow me" and they came With reckless abandon they came

Empty nets lying there at the waters edge Told a story that few could believe and none could explain How some crazy fishermen agreed to go where Jesus lead With no thought for what they would gain 11 Luke 3 – 5, Sermon Series: “Empowered by the Spirit” by Bishop Ben Duncan 2012/2013

For Jesus had called them by name and they answered

CHORUS We will abandon it all for the sake of the call No other reason at all but the sake of the call Wholly devoted to live and to die For the sake of the call

Has Jesus climbed into your boat yet? Maybe you have been occupied with the daily tasks of life and have heard His teaching; but, today is different. Though weary from the menial duties required by life, you are captivated by His Word and His Presence which have grown near to you. What’s that? He wants you to do what? Yes, Jesus is telling you to live your life and do your tedious tasks in a different way. He wants you to get out there over your head! He wants you to do it His way, not your way. He wants you to trust Him. Will you? If so, you will reap an abundant blessing and your life will never be the same! If not, you will fade away with the crowd that melted back into the surrounding towns and villages of Galilee, never to be heard from again.

Take a risk! Trust God’s leading in your life and ministry! Have the faith and patience of a fisherman that the big catch is coming! Pastor, wouldn’t it be wonderful to faithfully do something different for a change that results in many coming to Christ? We may not experience nets that are breaking or boats that are sinking from a great catch of souls; but, maybe we will have pews that are sagging with the weight of being so full of people and church buildings that are bursting with new converts! So, get in over your head and faithfully obey Holy Spirit’s prompting to do your life and ministry His way! Abandon in place all of your heretofore acquired “tools of the trade” and you will discover that you are a “fisher of men,” empowered to be so by the Holy Spirit!

Time: Sunday, July 14, 2013, 11am

Title: “The Cleansing of the Leper”

Text: Luke 5:12-16

Thought 1: The Request of the Invalid Person (5:12-13) A. The Plea for Healing from a Man with a Complex Illness B. The Power from the Hand of the Messiah Cures Immediately

Thought 2: The Report to the Inviting Priest (5:14-15a) A. A Private Testimony Required by the Rules of the Law B. A Public Tale Resulted by the Rumors from the Lips

Thought 3: The Retreat for Invigorating Prayer (5:15b-16) A. The Crowds Desire Healing from their Sicknesses and Infirmities B. The Christ Departs Himself for a Spiritual Infilling

Thesis: A man sees Jesus in a certain city and comes up to him, falls on his face and begs Jesus to heal him of his leprosy (now full blown; presumably with missing fingers, a disfigured face, sores all over his body, etc.) if it is His will. Jesus says that it is His will that he be healed and touches him with His hand. Immediately, the healing virtue flows from Christ into the leper who is completely and miraculously restored to health! Jesus tells the man not to tell anyone else but the priest and make an offering for his healing as a testimony, as the Law of Moses requires. The man does exactly what Jesus says; but, as a result, the word gets out quickly about what has happened (probably via the priest and onlookers in the temple) and large crowds begin gathering to hear the story of what happened to the man and how he was healed through his encounter with Christ. The crowds then sought out Christ to ask Him to heal them also of their infirmities, which we understand by implication that Christ did heal them. As a result, Christ retreated into isolation to be alone with God the Father and to be renewed in the power of the Holy Spirit; thus, preparing Himself for the next ministry opportunity.

Perhaps you are reading this and either have or know of someone who has a disease that is “full blown” (i.e., stage four cancer, etc.). We too can have an encounter with the Christ of God and receive our complete healing. As the song says, “He touched me and made me whole!” Let the touch of His hand heal you by faith even now. Afterwards, go and tell everyone you can what Jesus has done for you!

As ministers, we often desire to pray the “prayer of faith” (James 5:16) that completely heals those who ask for us to pray for them. However, we learn from Christ’s example that we can only pray that kind of prayer after we have been alone with God and are infused with power from on High. If Jesus, very God in the flesh, had to pray and be refilled with the fullness of God to minister to those who presented themselves to Him, then how do we conclude that we can do any less? Doing this, God will empower us to be His healing hand extended to a hurting world.

Time: Jul 21, 2013, 11am

Title: “The Power to Heal”

Text: Luke 5:17-26

Thought 1: Crowds Gather Around (5:17-19) A. The People Assemble to Discern and Hear B. The Power Arrives to Deliver and Heal C. The Paralytic Assisted by Determined Helpers

Thought 2: Christ’s Graces Astound (5:20, 25-26) A. A Working Faith and Immense Hearts Observed B. A Wondrous Forgiveness an Immediate Health Obtained C. A Waxing Fear and Immanuel, the Healer, Obeyed

Thought 3: Critics’ Grumbles Abound (5:21-24) A. The Doubts of Many Recurred B. The Discerning of the Minds Recited C. The Declaration of the Master Received

Thesis: One day, as Jesus was teaching, clerics from all the towns of the surrounding areas (Jerusalem, Judaea, and Galilee) blended into the growing multitudes. What a special day it was because the power of the Lord was present to heal them! Among them, there were some men who were bringing their paralyzed friend to Jesus in the hopes that He would heal him; but, upon arriving at the house, the crowd was so thick immediately around Jesus that their access to Christ was blocked. Not to be deterred, they climbed atop the roof and, after removing some of the tiling, let him down to Jesus. Upon seeing their great faith, He told the paralytic, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” Upon hearing this, the religious leaders who were in their midst once again had their doubts about Jesus and His ministry rekindled. They were thinking to themselves that this statement by Christ was blasphemy since they argued that no one can forgive sins except God. Jesus, knowing their hearts, asked them why they were reasoning this way and what’s more – which is easier, to say, “Your sins are forgiven you” or “Rise up and walk?” But, Jesus said “Your sins are forgiven you” to the paralytic man to demonstrate to these same religious leaders that He is the Son of Man, the Messiah in flesh, Who has power to forgive sins – power to heal the souls of mankind! Nevertheless, Jesus spoke plainly to the paralytic again and said to him, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” The man got up right away, took up the bed he was lying on, and then proceeded to go to his home – all the while glorifying God! Everyone was seized by both fear and amazement and joined him in glorifying God in celebration of his healing! They all agreed that they had witnessed something peculiar that day.

When Christ is present, the healing and saving power is always present among us; however, how was it present that day to heal them – what made the difference? I believe that it is faith that makes the difference! The faith of some friends that was a living faith, a working faith, an active faith. Their faith had “legs” on it! James says, that he will show us his faith by his works (James 2:18); that’s what makes the difference! Like the writer of Hebrews says in 11:1, 6, “…faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” and he who comes to God must “…believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Obviously, these men were actively bringing their handicapped friend to Jesus and nothing would stop them – not the crowds, not the roof, not the critics! Jesus honored their faith and healed not only the man externally; but, more importantly, internally! Yes, he saved his soul and made him whole – just like James says it can happen (5:15) “And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. ”

Are you in need of spiritual or physical healing or know of someone who is? Then make your way to Jesus Christ right away! Don’t let anyone, anything, or any circumstance stop you! The good news is that His Presence to heal the soul and the body is available to you and every one of us right now. What releases this saving and healing grace? A living, active, faith is the answer! “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,” (Ephesians 3:20).

Time: Sunday, July 28, 2013, 11am

Title: “The Power to Change”

Text: Luke 5:27-32

Thought 1: A Pursuit of the Lord (5:27-28) A. The Obedience to an Abrupt Calling from the Lord B. The Obsessive Abandonment of a Career by Levi

Thought 2: A Protest to the Lord (5:29-30) A. A Meal with Associates & Company Held B. A Moan from Ascetic Complainers Heard

Thought 3: A Principle from the Lord (5:31-32) A. The Tale: The Sick, not the Healthy, Need a Doctor and Recuperation B. The Truth: The Sinners, not the Holy, Need a Deliverer and Repentance

Thesis: Christ saw Matthew (also called Levi) sitting at the tax office. Tax collectors were viewed as outcasts, even traitors, since they worked for (i.e., collected taxes for) the oppressive occupying foreign government (the Roman Empire). So disdained by most people, it is said that these tax collectors were not allowed to attend synagogue, or serve as a trustworthy witness in a court of law. Most likely, Jesus had seen Matthew there many times before; but, this day was different. When most wanted nothing to do with him and avoided him as much as possible, Christ was reaching out to him and wanted to begin an eternal relationship with him. In fact, Matthew would now be numbered as one of the twelve original apostles of Christ and would subsequently write the New Testament gospel that carries his name, about the life and ministry of Christ. This time, Jesus said to him, “Follow Me” – and he immediately walked away from his job as a tax collector to follow Christ into the kingdom ministry. As a celebration of this “sea change” or “redirection” in his life, Matthew invited his former coworkers and others (i.e., Christ, the disciples, family and friends, etc.) to commemorate this occasion via a grand feast at his home. The religious leaders (scribes and Pharisees) as onlookers soon were once again finding fault and questioning the appropriateness of dining with tax collectors (i.e., hated as traitors) and sinners! Jesus shares the simple anecdote that the sick need the physician, not the ones who are healthy. Then clearly Jesus states, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” This inferred that Matthew has repented from his previous lifestyle of being an oppressor to the people and will now become a liberator for them! No longer would he serve the worldly kingdoms; but, he would be an agent of the heavenly kingdom!

When Christ calls us to repentance to follow Him, we have a choice to do just that or not. The right choice is illustrated by Matthew who immediately responds by leaving behind his old lifestyle and following Christ into a new lifestyle. Yes, when Christ comes, we become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17-21) and are now His ambassador. We change inwardly and the evidence is outwardly observed (Ephesians 4:20-24) when we put off the old man and put on the new man! We are resurrected to a new life (Romans 6:1-11). Why not celebrate our repentance, our new birth, our new calling in Christ? The angels in heaven celebrate at the redemption of one lost sinner (Luke 15:7). Yes, the critics will remind us of our past, our lack of qualifications, etc. Nevertheless, we are the blessed ones who are the beneficiaries of the grace of God (Ephesians 2:1-10).

Is Christ calling you to repentance? Do you feel it is time to give your heart to Him? Then do so with abandon! Leave all for Him! Boldly with faith, embrace the new life in Christ! Don’t let the fear of criticisms of the past lifestyle or of the present disqualifications stop you from answering Jesus’ call to repentance (spiritually and vocationally) if He is calling you to “follow Him.” Perhaps, like Matthew, you will discover that His plans for you are the best ones yet (Jeremiah 29:11).

Time: Sunday, August 4, 2013, 11am

Title: “The Question of Fasting”

Text: Luke 5:33-39

Thought 1: A Deliberate Protest to the Lord (5:33) A. A Comparison of Fasting B. A Complaint of Feasting

Thought 2: A Decisive Principle from the Lord (5:34-35) A. The Bridegroom’s Presence B. The Bridegroom’s Absence

Thought 3: A Detailed Parable from the Lord (5:36-39) A. The New Cloth versus the Old Clothing B. The New Content versus the Old Containers

Thesis: Never ceasing to find fault, the critics observed that the followers of the religious contemporaries of Jesus (i.e., the disciples of John the Baptizer and of the Pharisees) were frequently involved in prayer and fasting; but, in contrast, His disciples were doing the opposite – feasting on food and drink! Referring to His disciples as “friends of the Bridegroom,” Christ states that those in the wedding party (i.e., the groomsmen) celebrate with the groom because he is present with them. Jesus said the time would come when He would be absent from them and that would be the occasion to fast and pray. This activity was obviously counterintuitive to the normal activity of most other disciples and the expectations of the pious. In essence, Jesus is saying that there is a new kingdom, a new testament, a new covenant that will not fit the old notions and old ways of ministering championed by the religious leaders who have preceded Him. Jesus shares a double parable with them to illustrate this point. He says that if you put a new piece of cloth on an old garment that the result is either a weakened garment that tears or a garment that does not match or look right. Too, He says that putting new wine into old wineskins (containers) would result in the loss of both the contents and the containers – since the new wine, that would begin the fermentation process, would expand and rupture the older less malleable wineskins. Therefore, new wine requires new wineskins – that is containers that can expand without breaking during the powerful fermentation process. Too, those who are used to drinking old wine (that has aged well) never want new wine (that is in the process of fermenting); because they prefer the taste and texture of the wine that pleases their palate.

Jesus is in effect stating that there is now an empowerment to transform from doing things the old ways via the Old Testament to the new ways via the New Testament! The traditions, laws, customs, etc., preferred by those religious leaders who are used to them and are comfortable with the same must now yield to the new doctrine of grace that is a powerful force that would disrupt the “comfort zone” of many! The new grace and the old law would be incompatible and could not coexist. It would be like trying to repair an old garment with a new piece of material which would result in a tear or mismatch; or like pouring fermenting wine into old wineskins to finish fermenting, the expansion of the gases would burst the containers and ruin both the wine and the wineskin. Fasting and praying then, for example, are not done as traditionally practiced or expected by the pious – openly, dramatically, publicly, proudly; rather, it is done secretly, quietly, privately, sincerely (Matthew6:5-18).

Whether fasting or praying or any other spiritual discipline, allow Holy Spirit to empower you to do things the New Testament way!