http://www.sonspots.org/index.htmlBible studies and interviews from SONlightendavid.tate@sonspots.orgCopyright 2009 SONlight Foundation2010-09-01T12:41:22-05:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Sun, 05 Sep 2010 00:09:25 -0500SONlight5 Minute SONspotssonlight, sonspots, sunlight, sunspots, bible study, interviewSONlight's 5 Minute SONspots. Broadcasting since 1977.Five minute long bible studies progressing through the bible thoroughly verse by verse. Combined with 5 minute interviews with Christian men and women. Broadcast on radio stations worldwide. The five minute discipleship companion to SONlight's 60 second evangelism spots.david.tate@sonspots.orgBible Study2010-09-01T12:41:22-05:00http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7649-Your-Cross.php#unique-entry-id-248http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7649-Your-Cross.php#unique-entry-id-248
As we consider taking up our crosses, remember that at the time these who were carrying crosses in reality were on the way to their own death. And each of us in following Jesus must be ready to have our desires die so they may be replaced by the Lord’s desires.

In Luke 9:23-26 we see the serious instruction Jesus has for us.

Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

These words follow closely the first united declaration from the disciples that Jesus was indeed the Christ of God.

After this statement of faith from these disciples, Jesus then lays out the cost of following Him. “If anyone would come after me...” Notice that Jesus does not close the door to anyone. How gracious is the invitation — to ‘anyone.’ Male or female, rich or poor, without regard to nationality or tribal heritage. Jesus invites anyone to come to Him.

Click through to listen and read more...]]>If we are going to follow Jesus, we must take up our cross - Luke 9:23-26david.tate@sonspots.orgBible Study2010-08-30T12:41:21-05:00http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7648-Time-Together.php#unique-entry-id-247http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7648-Time-Together.php#unique-entry-id-247
In Luke 9 we see Jesus investing time with disciples who will soon be the leaders of the new church.

Today let’s look at Luke 9:18-22. This is a glimpse into an intimate moment with these disciples.

Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, "Who do the crowds say I am?"

They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life."

"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
Peter answered, "The Christ of God."

Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone. And he said, "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life."

We find in Scripture that Jesus often spent time in prayer. On some occasions there were long periods of conversation between Jesus and Father God. At other times Jesus offered up short prayers for the particular occasion. I find it interesting to see Jesus, fully divine himself, entering into prayer with the Father who indwelt Him.

Click through to listen and read more...]]>It should be interesting for us to note that even Jesus spent time praying in solitude - Luke 9:18-22david.tate@sonspots.orgBible Study2010-08-27T12:41:21-05:00http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7647-Multiplication.php#unique-entry-id-246http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7647-Multiplication.php#unique-entry-id-246
In our study through the book of Luke we come to the passage about Jesus feeding the five thousand from Luke 9, verses 10-17:

When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida, but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.

Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, "Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here."

He replied, "You give them something to eat."

They answered, "We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd." (About five thousand men were there.)

But he said to his disciples, "Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each." The disciples did so, and everybody sat down. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to set before the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

When the twelve apostles returned from their teaching and training mission, they accompanied Jesus to an area near the town of Bethsaida.

Click through to listen and read more...]]>In his earthly ministry Jesus performed many miracles today we look at one that impacted the lives of thousands of people - Luke 9:10-17:david.tate@sonspots.orgBible Study2010-08-25T14:48:34-05:00http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7646-Herods-Fear.php#unique-entry-id-245http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7646-Herods-Fear.php#unique-entry-id-245
Today we will study a passage that pertains to the inner turmoil within Herod Antipas as he heard about the work and ministry of Jesus and his apostles.

Let me read Luke 9, verses 7-9;

Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on. And he was perplexed, because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead, others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life. But Herod said, "I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?" And he tried to see him.

Some months prior to this Herod had caused John to be arrested and imprisoned in the fortress of Machaerus on the east side of the Dead Sea. John had great sway over the people who flocked to the area of the Jordan River to hear John’s powerful messages about repentance and forgiveness of sins in preparation for the coming Messiah. It has been written that Herod was afraid John would stir up a rebellion.

Herod had yielded to the jealous bitterness of his wife Herodias and had reluctantly ordered John the Baptist beheaded.

Click through to listen and read more...]]>In His earthly ministry, Jesus impacted the lives of countless people, including a king or two - Luke 9:7-9david.tate@sonspots.orgBible Study2010-08-23T14:48:34-05:00http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7645-Sent-Out.php#unique-entry-id-244http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7645-Sent-Out.php#unique-entry-id-244
Let’s look at Luke’s record of Jesus sending out the twelve apostles to serve and minister to people.

Let’s read Luke 9:1-6.

When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He told them: "Take nothing for the journey --no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that town, as a testimony against them."

So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.

Click through to listen and read more...]]>Every Christian is called by the Lord to a task, including the twelve apostles - Luke 9:1-6.david.tate@sonspots.orgBible Study2010-08-20T14:48:33-05:00http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7644-Daughter-of-Jairus.php#unique-entry-id-243http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7644-Daughter-of-Jairus.php#unique-entry-id-243
Today let’s review the story about the daughter of Jairus as found in Luke 8.

(Luke 8:41-42, 49-56) Then a man named Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, came and fell at Jesus' feet, pleading with him to come to his house because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. As Jesus was on his way, the crowd almost crushed him.

While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. "Your daughter is dead," he said. "Don't bother the teacher any more."

Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed."

When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child's father and mother. Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. "Stop wailing," Jesus said. "She is not dead but asleep."

They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and said, "My child, get up!" Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.

A synagogue leader, a lay person elected by the people, was a highly visible and respected person. These leaders were administrators over the affairs of the Jewish community. The synagogue was the hub of life in their society.

Giving no attention to his position, Jairus humbly fell at the feet of Jesus and entreated him to come and minister to his dying daughter who was about twelve years of age. Jesus went with him.

Click through to listen and read more...]]>The power of God in Jesus was revealed to us in so many ways, but one of the most exciting things to see is someone being raised from the dead. - Luke 8:41-42, 49-56david.tate@sonspots.orgBible Study2010-08-18T14:48:33-05:00http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7643-Power-Over-Spirits.php#unique-entry-id-242http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7643-Power-Over-Spirits.php#unique-entry-id-242
At this time in our study through the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is involved with his disciples in what some call the Great Galilean Ministry. The big purpose of this time together was to train these disciples in the things of God. These men around Jesus would be the early leaders in establishing and nourishing the Church in its infancy.

It’s hard to grasp the immensity of this task. There were no seminaries, no Bible schools — in fact, no Bibles. But God’s plan was to reveal Himself in and through His Son, Jesus Christ; so that faith might spring forth and grow as they learned the nature and character of God through him.

Then at Pentecost the Holy Spirit would come and inhabit and empower these men and every Christian in a way, which had never occurred before!
These men were caught up in totally new expectations, in a new empowerment, for a new age — the age of the Church — the body of Christ.

Already they had observed that Jesus had power and authority to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and to raise the dead. Jesus had also revealed his authority over nature, and even over sin.

But they had to have more time, more experiences, and even some practice in trusting God.

In the passage for today, Luke 8:27-39 they would observe Jesus breaking the heavy shackles of sin and demonic slavery of a man in the area of Gadara.

Click through to listen and read more...]]>As Creator of everything, God has power over everything, including spirits. - Luke 8:26-32, 35-37david.tate@sonspots.orgBible Study2010-08-16T14:48:32-05:00http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7642-The-Wind-and-the-Waves.php#unique-entry-id-241http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7642-The-Wind-and-the-Waves.php#unique-entry-id-241
The power of Jesus over natural events is clearly demonstrated in Luke 8:22-25:

One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.

The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!"

He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. "Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples.

In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."

This miracle occurred on the Sea of Galilee, which is located about 700 ft below sea level and in a depression surrounded by hills. Because of the geographic situation of this lake, storms were known to appear quite suddenly and with great violence.



Click through to listen and read more...]]>As God over all creation, Jesus commands power over everything - Luke 8:22-25david.tate@sonspots.orgInterview2010-08-13T14:48:32-05:00http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7641-Ron-Laurent-Children-in-Haiti.php#unique-entry-id-240http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7641-Ron-Laurent-Children-in-Haiti.php#unique-entry-id-240January 12, 2010 earthquake near Port-au-prince.

Click through to listen and read more...]]>An interview with Ron Laurent discussing his mission trip to Haiti and his work with the children there.david.tate@sonspots.orgBible Study2010-08-11T14:48:32-05:00http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7640-Mothers-and-Brothers.php#unique-entry-id-239http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7640-Mothers-and-Brothers.php#unique-entry-id-239
Today, we will look into Luke 8:19-21. These verses talk about the family of Jesus.

Now Jesus' mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. Someone told him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you."

He replied, "My mother and brothers are those who hear God's word and put it into practice."

In this short passage we may have the key to understanding why so little mention is made to the family of Jesus in the Bible.

Click through to listen and read more...]]>Frequently, the family of Jesus is overlooked - Luke 8:19-21david.tate@sonspots.orgBible Study2010-08-09T14:48:31-05:00http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7639-Light-in-a-Lamp.php#unique-entry-id-238http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7639-Light-in-a-Lamp.php#unique-entry-id-238
No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him.

In these verses Jesus speaks of a lamp, which at the time would have typically been a small clay dish containing olive oil and a wick. Most had handles so the lamp could be carried from one place to another.

His words did not convey a new principle to these people or His disciples. They knew about lamps, and knew best how to make the most out of the small light they produced. Remember that at this point in history lamps like this would have been the most common available source of light on a dark night. On a moonless night, a lamp would be the source of light to walk by, or the source of light indoors for anything that occurred after night fell.

Click through to listen and read more...]]>Jesus is the Light of the World, and in each of us that light needs to be shining brightly - Luke 8:16-18david.tate@sonspots.orgInterview2010-08-06T14:48:31-05:00http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7638-Ron-Laurent-Serving-the-Lord-in-Haiti.php#unique-entry-id-237http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7638-Ron-Laurent-Serving-the-Lord-in-Haiti.php#unique-entry-id-237January 12, 2010 earthquake near Port-au-prince.



Click through to listen and read more...]]>An interview with Ron Laurent discussing his mission trip to Haitidavid.tate@sonspots.orgBible Study2010-08-04T14:48:31-05:00http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7637-The-Parable-of-the-Sower.php#unique-entry-id-236http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7637-The-Parable-of-the-Sower.php#unique-entry-id-236
"A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown."
When he said this, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

His disciples asked him what this parable meant. He said, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that,
"`though seeing, they may not see;
though hearing, they may not understand.' "

This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

The setting of this parable is in a field in the countryside with a well worn path running through it, and the thing that’s being explored in this parable is not the sower or the seed, but the soil which represents people.

Click through to listen and read more...]]>Today’s lesson has to do with a parable that would have been quite relevant in this agricultural society in Israel - Luke 8:5-15david.tate@sonspots.orgBible Study2010-08-02T14:48:30-05:00http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7636-Women-Involved.php#unique-entry-id-235http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7636-Women-Involved.php#unique-entry-id-235
Today we enter the eighth chapter of Luke in our Bible studies. In this chapter Jesus begins His second trip through Galilee. This time the twelve apostles accompany Jesus as He continues to mentor them in preparation for their work in establishing the future Church. This all culminates in perhaps less than a year at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit is sent to take up permanent residence in each believer, and the infant Church is born.

Let’s look at Luke 8, verses 1-3:
After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.

In a culture where women played behind the scene roles, it is significant that Dr. Luke mentions three women as being participants in this trip through Galilee and in general.

The Bible shares with us some impressive records of strong women of faith, and in general, Luke mentions women more than any other gospel.

Click through to listen and read more...]]>Lets consider today the many women that played important roles in the Bible - Luke 8:1-3david.tate@sonspots.orgBible Study2010-07-30T14:48:29-05:00http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7635-Much-Love.php#unique-entry-id-234http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7635-Much-Love.php#unique-entry-id-234
There is a beautiful picture of Love in Luke 7:36-50.

Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.

When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is -- that she is a sinner."

Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you."
"Tell me, teacher," he said.

"Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?"

Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled."
"You have judged correctly," Jesus said.

Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven --for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."

Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."

The other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?"

Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

This scene of life contrasts a Pharisee and a known sinner.

Click through to listen and read more...]]>In the life of Jesus, there were many important and wonderful moments, but this is one of the most beautiful - Luke 7:36-50david.tate@sonspots.orgBible Study2010-07-28T13:30:32-05:00http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7634-Playing-Games.php#unique-entry-id-233http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7634-Playing-Games.php#unique-entry-id-233
We will explore Luke 7:24-35 today.

After John's messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces.

But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written:
"`I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."

(All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus' words, acknowledged that God's way was right, because they had been baptized by John. But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.)

"To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other:
"`We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not cry.' For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, `He has a demon.'

Friend, in this passage Jesus seeks to set straight the perspective regarding John the Baptist.

Jesus asked if the crowds had journeyed into the desert to see a common reed swayed in the air by the political pressures of the day? (The heads in the crowd denied this implication.) John was a fiery man of God declaring truth about sin and righteousness.

Click through to listen and read more...]]>Today we’ll get to study what Jesus had to say about His cousin, John the Baptist - Luke 7:24-35david.tate@sonspots.orgBible Study2010-07-26T13:30:27-05:00http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7633-Assurance-for-John.php#unique-entry-id-232http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7633-Assurance-for-John.php#unique-entry-id-232
Today let’s study Luke 7:18-23:
John's disciples told him all these things. Calling two of them, he sent them to the Lord to ask, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?"

When the men came to Jesus, they said, "John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, `Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?'"

At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. So he replied to the messengers, "Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me."

This event unfolds while John the Baptist is imprisoned at Machaerus. There is no sure way of knowing how long John had been in prison.

John’s ministry was to prepare the people for the coming Messiah. Very possibly John, like most of the Jewish people, was expecting Jesus to be the conquering Messiah who would overthrow the Romans and reestablish the kingdom of Israel.

Click through to listen and read more...]]>So often we see people in the Gospels not quite fully understanding who Jesus is; even John the Baptist - Luke 7:18-23david.tate@sonspots.orgBible Study2010-07-23T13:30:16-05:00http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7632-The-Widows-Son.php#unique-entry-id-231http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7632-The-Widows-Son.php#unique-entry-id-231
Let’s look at an event that demonstrates the compassionate nature of God from Luke 7, verses 11-17.

Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out --the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, "Don't cry."

Then he went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. He said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!" The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.

They were all filled with awe and praised God. "A great prophet has appeared among us," they said. "God has come to help his people." This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.

Many people do not understand the compassionate nature of God. They perceive God as a harsh disciplinarian, ready to thump them on their head when they cross the line.

Click through to listen and read more...]]>Jesus demonstrated great compassion towards a widow who had lost nearly everything. - Luke 7:11-17david.tate@sonspots.orgBible Study2010-07-21T13:29:27-05:00http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7631-Centurions-Servant.php#unique-entry-id-229http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7631-Centurions-Servant.php#unique-entry-id-229
Let’s study Luke 7, verses 1-10.
When Jesus had finished saying all this in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. There a centurion's servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, "This man deserves to have you do this, because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue." So Jesus went with them.
He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: "Lord, don't trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, `Go,' and he goes; and that one, `Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, `Do this,' and he does it."

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel." Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.

Dr. Luke, as a gentile, was sensitive to the ethnic conflict between Jew and Gentile. At the same time he was keenly aware that all people need to have a faith relationship with Jesus Christ.

Click through to listen and read more...]]>A general has authority over his troops, but Jesus has authority over everything. - Luke 7:1-10david.tate@sonspots.orgBible Study2010-07-19T13:29:21-05:00http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7630-Wise-and-Foolish-Builders.php#unique-entry-id-228http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7630-Wise-and-Foolish-Builders.php#unique-entry-id-228
In our study of Luke we come to a passage today that is known by many boys and girls from Sunday school lessons. It is a passage that most Christians are familiar with, but one that deserves a bit more consideration. From Luke 6:46-49:

Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.

This is the same lesson that many of us have heard before, and is a nearly identical telling of the same illustration that Jesus gave in his Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 7:24-27. Many might be more familiar with the text of that passage, but in Luke we gain some additional insight.

Click through to listen and read more...]]>Sometimes that which is familiar to us eludes our notice. - Luke 6:46-49david.tate@sonspots.orgBible Study2010-07-16T13:29:05-05:00http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7629-Bad-Fruit.php#unique-entry-id-227http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7629-Bad-Fruit.php#unique-entry-id-227
In our study of Luke we have come to chapter 6 and an illustration from Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain about fruit, both good and bad.

From Luke 6:43-45:
No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thorn bushes, or grapes from briers. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.

The principle here is communicated through the illustration that good trees produce good fruit, and bad trees produce bad fruit. This would have been an example that was clear to his audience of people that were closely connected to agriculture and raising and eating fruit.

Click through to listen and read more...]]>The only thing that rotten fruit is good for is to be thrown out and used for compost. - Luke 6:43-45david.tate@sonspots.orgBible Study2010-07-14T13:28:50-05:00http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7628-Judge-Not.php#unique-entry-id-226http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7628-Judge-Not.php#unique-entry-id-226
Jesus taught us very clearly the danger of judging others. Lets look at Luke 6:37-42.

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

He also told them this parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, `Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.”

This passage continues the words of Jesus as He delivered the “Sermon On The Plain.” He extends his teaching about attitudes that would permeate his followers.

Judge not! The principle given says that a believer does not take over God’s role and judge either an outsider or a fellow Christian. This is not the role for a believer. We are never called upon to pass sentence upon another person. Such an action would be sin.

Click through to listen and read more...]]>Each of us is to be very careful to apply the same standards and expectations of behavior to ourselves as we do to others. - Luke 6:37-42david.tate@sonspots.orgBible Study2010-07-12T13:28:33-05:00http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7627-Ethics-of-Love.php#unique-entry-id-225http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7627-Ethics-of-Love.php#unique-entry-id-225
Is the definition of love, as viewed by the world system, the same as God’s definition of love? Listen to Luke 6:27-36 and we’ll talk more.

"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even `sinners' love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even `sinners' do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even `sinners' lend to `sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

This discourse by Jesus came from his lips during what some people call ‘The Sermon On The Plain.’ Many people were listening, including the twelve men Jesus had appointed to be His apostles a short time before these words were spoken.

Click through to listen and read more...]]>Jesus spoke of many things in His ministry on earth, but what He taught us about Love is particularly important. - Luke 6:27-36david.tate@sonspots.orgBible Study2010-07-09T13:28:10-05:00http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7626-Blessings-and-Woes.php#unique-entry-id-224http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7626-Blessings-and-Woes.php#unique-entry-id-224
Today we will be studying Luke 6:17-26. Pay attention to the contrasts in this passage:

He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coast of Tyre and Sidon, who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by evil spirits were cured, and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.

Looking at his disciples, he said:
"Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who hunger now,
for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.
Blessed are you when men hate you,
when they exclude you and insult you
and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.

"Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.
"But woe to you who are rich,
for you have already received your comfort.
Woe to you who are well fed now,
for you will go hungry.
Woe to you who laugh now,
for you will mourn and weep.
Woe to you when all men speak well of you,
for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.

We notice that at this time the crowds continued to seek Jesus. All kinds of people thronged to Jesus, from near and far.

Click through to listen and read more...]]>In His Sermon on the Plain, Jesus taught us that things are not always how they appear to be. - Luke 6:17-26david.tate@sonspots.orgBible Study2010-07-07T13:27:50-05:00http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7625-Twelve-Selected.php#unique-entry-id-223http://www.sonspots.org/blog/files/7625-Twelve-Selected.php#unique-entry-id-223
In our study of Luke’s Gospel, today we study about Jesus appointing twelve disciples to be apostles.

Listen as I read Luke 6:12-16.
One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

Matthew, Mark and Luke all give a list of the names of the twelve men Jesus appointed to be apostles. The first chapter of Acts also has a list.

This is an awesome act in history. First we find the Son of God, in perfect fellowship with His Father, setting aside twelve men to be trained for the task of being used to establish and nurture the Church — the body of Christ — and to be leaders in this first century work of God.

Click through to listen and read more...]]>God has a plan for all of us, and today we look aat His choosing of 12 men and His plans for them. - Luke 6:12-16