Read Luke 9:18-27.“Identify” seems to be the word of the decade. People can identify, it seems, as anything they want, even as Christians. Jesus asked His disciples how the crowds identified Him. “John the Baptist” or “a prophet” were among the answers. Jesus had already demonstrated that He was a worker of miracles, a healer, … Continue reading Discipleship Minute – Luke #13
Doctor’s Orders (Part 8)
Luke 18:18-23StudyIn answering the ruler, Jesus is actually asserting that He is, indeed, God. To see that, we need to remember that in the Gospel accounts, Jesus claimed to be good.He claimed to be the “Good Shepherd” in John 10.He also claimed to be without sin in John 8.Jesus is saying that God is good … Continue reading Doctor’s Orders (Part 8)
Discipleship Minute – Luke #12
Read Luke 7:40-50.Suppose someone came to your house right now and said they were taking care of all your debts: mortgage, car note, credit cards, and medical bills? The forgiveness of temporal and temporary debts would certainly be like a massive weight lifted off your shoulders. It would be a relief and open up possibilities … Continue reading Discipleship Minute – Luke #12
Doctor’s Orders (Part 7)
Luke 18:18-23StudyMany times Jesus answered a question, but not in the way people think He ought to answer it.It is the same way here.Jesus wanted the young ruler to think about what he was asking.o “Why do you call Me good? No one is good, but One—God (Luke 18:19, HCSB).This may sound like an odd … Continue reading Doctor’s Orders (Part 7)
Discipleship Minute – Luke #11
Read Luke 6:1-11.Jesus usually encountered conflict with the religious leaders of His day because He prioritized meeting people’s needs over rituals such as the observance of the Sabbath. This is evident in Luke’s recount of two incidents.In the first confrontation, Jesus and His disciples were walking through a field of grain following a path. Travelling … Continue reading Discipleship Minute – Luke #11
Easter 2021
“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they [the women] came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two … Continue reading Easter 2021
Discipleship Minute – Luke #10
Read Luke 5:17-26.People, when thinking of Jesus, often focus on His preaching and teaching. He was known widely as a miracle worker during His earthly ministry. However, His greatest gift was His authority to forgive sins.While Jesus was teaching in a house, there were two groups of people listening to Him. Among those in the … Continue reading Discipleship Minute – Luke #10
Doctor’s Orders (Part 6)
Luke 18:18-23StudyThe ruler asks a question,o “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 18:18b, HCSB).This question has a sincerity to it. But we don’t know the circumstances which prompted it. We all know that, during times of personal crisis, that people are open to discussions of spiritual matters. The Holy Spirit … Continue reading Doctor’s Orders (Part 6)
Discipleship Minute – Luke #9
Read Luke 5:4-32.What are some qualities that the popular culture look for in people that are deemed successful? Knowledge? Aggressiveness? Connections? When Jesus chose His closest followers, or disciples, He did not use the conventional wisdom. In today’s passage, Jesus entered a fishing boat owned by Simon in order to better teach the crowds that … Continue reading Discipleship Minute – Luke #9
Discipleship Minute – Luke #8
Read Luke 4:16-30.I haven’t been back to my hometown of West Monroe, Louisiana for several years. Each time we go, though, it seems like a different place. After being baptized by His cousin John and experiencing temptation in the desert, Jesus went back to His hometown of Nazareth. He already gained a reputation as a … Continue reading Discipleship Minute – Luke #8
Mark Riser - Apologist 