Lake Osborne Church

Luke 15 crescendos with the third "lost" parable, that of the lost, often termed prodigal son. Yet, upon further look, is there only one lost son? Upon further look, is running far afield the only way to be lost, or do rebellion and religion both feature pitfalls for the heart we must be aware of? And, is this Jesus the one who comes to deliver us from both? Tune in as we continue to hear from the Master Storyteller - Jesus Christ - the one who came to seek and save the lost.

Luke 15 features the "lost" parables of Jesus, culminating with the crown jewel story of the lost (prodigal) son. Before arriving there, however, Jesus first weaves tales of a lost sheep, and a lost coin, which upon being found are met with great rejoicing. Come and listen, again, to Jesus, the one who came to seek and save the lost and marvel at the kingdom over which he reigns.

Luke 15 features the "lost" parables of Jesus, culminating with the crown jewel story of the lost (prodigal) son. Before arriving there, however, Jesus first weaves tales of a lost sheep, and a lost coin, which upon being found are met with great rejoicing. Come and listen, again, to Jesus, the one who came to seek and save the lost and marvel at the kingdom over which he reigns.

The original Easter story and account of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, as told by John, gives us varied reactions to the miracle. Amazingly, the varied reactions - running, weeping, and doubting - are all allowed to exist in the family of God, and all teach us something about our own encounter with the risen Christ.

No, not the stuff you must clean out of your dryer vent but Lent, as in the season of intentional reflection and preparation leading up to Easter. How are we to think of this season? How are we to rescue it from empty ritual and see it as opportunity for Gospel formation? Tune in as Pastor Adam, in part two, walks through a text in Hebrews which sheds light on this season and its power in the Christian life.

No, not the stuff you must clean out of your dryer vent but Lent, as in the season of intentional reflection and preparation leading up to Easter. How are we to think of this season? How are we to rescue it from empty ritual and see it as opportunity for Gospel formation? Tune in as Pastor Adam walks through a text in Philippians which sheds light on this season and its power in the Christian life.

Maybe it was the lost hour of sleep, but Daylight Savings Time had a strange way of calling Colossians 1:9-14 to mind. It's logical flow and beautiful highlighting of God's gospel gift can fuel our days and inform our walks as those whom God has "delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of his beloved son."

Jesus is never controversial or rude for mere controversy or rudeness sake, yet at the same time never minds making a dinner awkward by challenging falsehood and proclaiming the truth, and we see this again in Luke 14:12-24. Utilizing both the setting and his affection for meals as an illustrative lens he gives the parable of the great banquet - an unexpected picture of his kingdom and who it includes.

Finding himself both a dinner guest, again, with an audience that misunderstands his role as Messiah, and healer to a man with great need, Jesus continues to unveil his paradoxical kingdom. Tune in as Jesus throws one of his favorite pitches - the fastball of Sabbath healing, only to follow up with the curveball of yet another parable to the belief of some and the bewilderment of others.

The image of a door is a significant concept in modern storytelling, be it the round doors of the Shire, the hall of doors in Alice and Wonderland, the back doors of The Matrix, or the door leading off set into the real world in The Truman Show, just to name a few. And yet, long before any of these, Jesus as messiah and master storyteller employed the concept of a door in his own teaching about his kingdom, his role, and his gospel. Tune in as we consider the words of Jesus in the parable of the narrow door.

Encountering another of Jesus's masterful stories known as parables, we're faced with the seemingly ordinary activities of planting the tiniest of seeds and baking the simplest of bread yet, somehow, being witness to the extraordinary. Tune in and listen to how Jesus even turns our notions of church growth and kingdom work on their heads and delights again in surprising us all.

In one of the signature pitches for the curveball throwing Messiah, Jesus heals on the Sabbath, as recorded in Luke 13:10-17, and in so doing has much to say - both in his day and ours - about the sanctity of human life and the nature of true religion.

Luke's Gospel is filled with the enigmatic stories of Jesus that we call parables. As Jesus continues to instruct his followers on the upside down nature of his kingdom, he employs a parabolic tale of servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding feast. Were they ready for his return? Are we? Tune in and hear from our Lord Jesus through his word as he stands at the door and knocks.

One would be hard pressed to begin the new year - resolutions, anxieties, hopes, fears, and all - with a more poignant text from Jesus who wants us not to fret or belabor but to have faith and believe. Tune in and listen as Jesus tells us in this passage how he has done all that is necessary for us to be people who do just that.

As the crowds continue to gather and follow Jesus, many do skeptically or at arm's length. Will Jesus check the boxes of their preconceived, Messianic notions? Will they allow his words to truly lay bare their hearts or will they continue to ask for signs as a smokescreen for unbelief? And, what do Jonah, Solomon, the Queen of the South, and lamps have to do with all of this? Tune in and hear again from the paradoxical, curveball throwing, religion-disarming Savior that is Jesus Christ as Luke the gospel-writer presents him.

In another of Luke's remarkable recollections of Jesus's ministry as he journeys towards the cross, Jesus proves himself to be king of spirits, expelling a demon and healing a man rendered mute. He is king over all he has made, restoring speech to the formerly possessed man's imprisoned tongue. He is also the returning and rightful king who has conquered the strong man (the devil) who held us captive in our sin. And, he is the king of hearts. Have you made room in yours for him?

The Jesus of Luke's Gospel continues to throw one curveball after another to the delight of the religious outsider and to the perplexing of the religious insider. In Luke 11:1-13, we again see him toss a pitch over the plate that is unexpected, as he takes up the topic of prayer and how one approaches our infinite, holy, yet gracious and resurrecting God.

Luke continues to present to us a portrait of Jesus as the paradoxical, curveball-throwing, religion-disarming, barrier-breaking Messiah and this is seen further in a few short verses detailing Jesus's time visiting the home of Martha and Mary. In the brief glimpse we're given into the lives of these two women, we can see ourselves, we can see our own barriers that must be overcome, and we can see the Gospel which blesses and compels our lives.

The parable of the Good Samaritan is unique to Luke's Gospel and yet is one of the passages of Scripture most firmly embedded in our cultural lexicon, but do we really understand it? Do we really hear it with the same shock that the original audience would have? Further, do we allow it to challenge our preconceived notions as Jesus intended? Tune in and allow Scripture to overwhelm your familiarity with fresh insights as we all strive to follow after the ever-surprising Jesus.

Fresh on the heels of being sent out by Jesus in pairs for ministry and evangelism, seventy-two of his followers return marveling at the Jesus who kept his promises and in whose name was transformative power. Do we as his followers, today, still believe the same? Do we as his followers, today, still marvel at his Gospel? Tune and in remember, afresh, the blessing that is ours as disciples of the One, namely Jesus, who "saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven."

As Jesus continues in Luke's Gospel account, this side of his transfiguration on the mountain, and on his way to Jerusalem and the cross, he continues to illuminate realities of his kingdom. Jesus continues to demonstrate he is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, promises, and people and sends his disciples with a message to proclaim. Just what is the nature of that life-changing, kingdom-ushering message? Tune in and find out...

Ever since the glorious and stunning encounter of Jesus on the mountain of transfiguration, he sets his face towards Jerusalem and the cross which awaits him - the cross which makes every sad thing come untrue. And yet, as his disciples follow - do they really know the one whom they follow? Do they really know what they've signed up for? Do we today as the ones bearing the name of Christ?Luke 9:43b-62 gives five, short yet profound accounts where Jesus deconstructs his disciples cultural assumptions about his kingdom and instead offers them insight into the kingdom he is actually bringing. Let his words sink into our ears.

After Christ and some of his disciples are together, with Moses, Elijah, and the voice of the Father, on the mountain of transfiguration, they are confronted with the realities of this world and the present spiritual battle which still rages. In a sense, we are too, as we live this side of mount Calvary yet we know the One who is with us. Tune in as Luke's Gospel continues to present this incomparable Jesus.

The transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain is one of the most glorious, instructive, yet mysterious moments in the life of our Savior. Not only does he bring along his closest followers in Peter, James, and John but is joined by Moses, Elijah, and the very voice of God the Father. What did it all mean then? What does it mean now? Tune in and meet Jesus, King of the Mountain.

Whether it's news networks or sports networks, we live in a world of talking heads with strong opinions. Watching things like world events or ball games, ourselves, we also form opinions as to what's going on. This helps set the stage for the dialogue between Jesus and his disciples in Luke 9:18-27, as they engage in a sort of "postgame commentary" fresh off the victory of miraculously feeding a multitude with just 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. "Who do you say that I am?" Jesus asks his followers.It's a question we must all ask...And the answer Jesus provides is the one we must be prepared to embrace.

Jesus sends out twelve disciples, and shortly thereafter, feeds five thousand men with only five loaves of bread and two fish, and has twelve baskets of leftovers remaining. Do these numbers make your head spin yet? They say "the numbers don't lie" but with Jesus sometimes the numbers don't apply because after all he's God...Tune in and be amazed yet again by this Jesus and what he has for us as followers.

For the second consecutive Sunday, Pastor Adam examines Luke 8:40-56 and the incredible story of two people from very different walks of life - Jairus and an unnamed woman - who were united in their suffering, yet each desperate for the intervention of Jesus. Will they find what they seek?

In the increasing crowds that begin to surround Jesus, he encounters two people from very different walks of life - a distinguished, well-to-do man, and an unnamed woman - who are united through their commonality of suffering. Each comes to Jesus in their own way desperate for his intervention. Will they find what they seek? Tune in as Luke's Gospel continues to roar along with tale after tale of the remarkable Jesus.

The Jesus who can calm storms with merely his words (previous sermon) is the same Jesus in today's text who can cast out demons, too. The remarkable authority of Jesus the Son of God in this wild passage shows itself in how he rescues us, reigns over us, and reorients us. Tune in and experience this authority of Jesus for yourself.

The remarkable story of Jesus, asleep during a great storm, only to arise and calm it with a word, has much to teach us about his nature and the new life under his lordship we're called to. Listen in to hear how everyone from Jonah in the OT to Joe Montana in his 1989 Super Bowl heroics give us imagination for the One who commands even winds and water...

Kevin Costner stars in the iconic 1989 film, Field of Dreams and if we have imagination, it can pique our interest in an even greater story about a greater field, not of dreams, but of harvest - the story of the sower as told parabolically by Jesus. Tune in and listen as we continue to ponder Luke's Gospel.

What a scene it is when Jesus is invited to dinner in the house of Simon the Pharisee. If you've ever been in an awkward social setting, or if you've ever sinned (aka EVERYBODY) then you're not going to want to miss this. Tune in and let Jesus sweep you off your feet afresh.

A lesser known account of Jesus and his compassionate, miraculous power in the lesser known town of Nain gives us a picture worth a thousand words. Tune in and find yourself with the young man, the weeping woman, and the stunned crowd.

Luke 7:1-10 records the story of two vastly different approaches to Jesus and records his vastly different reactions to such approaches. There are the Jewish Elders and the Roman Centurion - and a lot in between, including the difference between religion and gospel. Tune in as Jesus continues to amaze.

In these few short verses we get a glimpse of Luke's version of The Beatitudes - teaching from Jesus on the blessed, dare we say happy, life. But though the verses are few, the implications are many, and just like the Gospel: down is often up, and up is often down. Tune in and allow the words of Jesus to cut through the noise and maybe, just maybe, find the purpose and contentment you're seeking.

If the original Easter was characterized by fear of the miraculous circumstances, the Monday after was one of bewilderment as evidenced by the reaction of those present in Matthew 28:11-20:The women running from the tomb. The guards trying to cover their own skin.The chief priests and elders concocting a bribe.The eleven remaining disciples now in the presence of the One to whom all authority on heaven and earth belongs...That original Monday after Easter like...would everything be all right?

He is risen! He is risen, indeed! Matthew 28:1-10 recounts the remarkable story of a terrifying angelic visit, an earthquake, the witness of two women, petrified Roman guards, and Christ's resurrection from the dead: the most important, significant event in human history. Tune in and see how faith and worship triumph and transforms us all into witnesses.

Luke 19:28-40 records Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the account which informs our celebration of Palm Sunday. Jesus "has need" in this text of a humble donkey's colt, his average-joe-disciples, and he has need of you...not because Jesus is incomplete, but rather because he desires to include us in the great drama of redemption and the incredible fellowship of God.

Jesus and the Pharisees clash over God's original intent for the Sabbath and in the encounters much is revealed about the burden-lifting rest the Gospel provides versus the heavy yoke of religion. Tune in and be reminded of the joy and wholeness found in the love of Christ.

When Jesus remarkably invites a socially despised tax collector named, Levi, to discipleship and in turn is invited to Levi's house for dinner we're given a glimpse at the effectiveness of Jesus's call; his focus on our future and not our pasts; and beautiful insight into his mission. Pull up a chair as we find ourselves having dinner at Levi's, with Jesus.

Jesus the carpenter's son, Jesus the synagogue teacher, Jesus the healer, and now Jesus the great angler? Jesus the one who tells Peter, the lifelong fisherman, to "let down his nets for a catch" just after Peter has returned from an all-night, empty fishing trip? Who is this Jesus and what is he calling Peter to? Tune in as we consider Luke 5:1-11, and consider the calling of this same Jesus on our lives also...

The seaside town of Capernaum provides the perfect setting for Jesus to further reveal aspects of his glorious nature and gospel mission. Listen in as we consider his authoritative healing of a demon possessed man, his compassion for a sick woman, and his zeal for the lost seen in his tireless preaching, finding ourselves once again mesmerized by this Messiah.

It isn't likely the Foo Fighters had Luke 4:16-30 in mind when writing their hit song, "My Hero" from which the title of this sermon borrows, but...After all, when Jesus returns as a Rabbi, to Nazareth where he had grown up, one would think he'd receive a hero's welcome but that's where the story turns...Tune in as Pastor Adam walks through this interesting account and we learn even more about the mission of Jesus and who he came to save.

Just like it's "time" during this part of the year for spring training and baseball to start, it was "time" in the ministry of Jesus and providence of God for his temptation in the wilderness. But what are we to make of this account? How was such a thing possible? Was it real or merely an "exhibition" like these pre-season baseball games? Tune in as Pastor Adam walks through this account in Luke 4 and highlights, yet again, the greatness of our Savior.

What do the ministry of John the Baptist, the baptism of Jesus Christ himself, a long list of funny names, and the temptation of Jesus all have in common? They point us behind and ahead in redemptive history as Jesus "fulfills all righteousness" for us. Listen in as Pastor Adam continues to walk through the beautiful Gospel of Luke.

The one-of-a-kind character of John the Baptist came to prepare people for the arrival of Jesus Christ, but his ministry still speaks powerfully today. For though Christ has departed triumphantly back to Heaven, he will arrive again at the end of time. Were the people ready to receive him the first time around?Are we ready to receive him when he returns?Listen in as Pastor Adam continues to walk through Luke's Gospel.

Listen in as Pastor Adam walks through the fascinating and even funny account of Jesus, as a boy, traveling with his family to Jerusalem only to be unknowingly left behind by his parents in the temple. But as J.R.R. Tolkien once wrote, "not all who wander are lost..."

"For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother's righteous. Do not be surprised, brothers and sisters, that the world hates you. We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers and sisters. Whoever does not love abides in death." (1 John 3) Tune in as Pastor Adam unpacks this text and points out the wisdom it proclaims to us on Sanctity of Human Life Sunday.

Tune in as Pastor Adam unpacks Luke 2:22-40, a fascinating and surprisingly applicable passage featuring Simeon and Anna, two intriguing characters who waited their whole lives for only that which the birth of Jesus Christ brings.

Inspired by the well-worn tune, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" which speaks of "tidings of comfort and joy" Pastor Adam concludes the Advent preaching series by examining Luke 2:8-20, one final passage where the themes of comfort and joy are highlighted and directed to their ultimate fulfillment in the gift of Christmas: Christ himself and his glorious Gospel.