Highland Christian Church - Asheville, North Carolina | The Whole Gospel for the Whole Life, for the Whole City
The disciples were stirred by what they saw when they saw Jesus pray. The disciples knew Jesus had something that they didn't. The disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to spend time with the Father just like He did. What does Jesus want us to know about this gift of prayer?
The disciples were stirred by what they saw when they saw Jesus pray. The disciples knew Jesus had something that they didn't. The disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to spend time with the Father just like He did. What does Jesus want us to know about this gift of prayer?
The promise to Abram (Abraham) is a promise that is still impacting the world today. "Blessed to bless" was not only a promise about the Messiah, it's a call to live as a people who trust that God is our provider.
From the moment we turned our backs on God, the world took on a very different look from the Garden. Leaving the presence of God, the place we were made to live, opened the door for the unthinkable. The decision to be our own gods didn't free us. The decision to live our lives without God left us in chains.
We have heard that God made things good, but what we see in us and around us doesn't seem so good. We see hurt, abuses, sorrow, and death. How does the Scripture address pain and is there any hope?
Where does human value come from? What if it's not found in what we accomplish? What if it's found in understanding what our Creator has said about us?
There is great hope in considering how God made all things "good." God created all things, including humanity, with purpose and function.
As we begin a new year and a new journey through the Scripture from Genesis to Revelation, lets start with spending some time considering some reasons WHY we should study the Scripture.
Advent Series. Helper.
Advent Series. Merciful.
Advent Series. Mighty.
Advent Series. Savior.
ParablesSheep, and Coins, and Sons Oh My!Luke 15
ParablesThe Religious Man & the IRS ManLuke 18:9-14
ParablesThe Two BuildersMatthew 7:24-29This parable comes at the very end of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5, 6, 7). Jesus ends the sermon not with a pep talk or a funny story, but with a series of warnings. This parable is the final warning. Jesus says that the wise person is the one who not just listens to his words, but also does and that this is like a builder who builds their house on a solid foundation. Jesus says that the person who hears his words and doesn't do them is like a foolish builder who builds their house on the sand. The storms come to both house; one remains standing and the other falls with a great crash.Jesus is taking a familiar idea from the Hebrew Scriptures, the wise vs the fool, and re-centering it around himself. Wisdom is the path to life while the Fool brings destruction upon themselves. Jesus says that the the way to wisdom, the way to life is by putting his words into practice and that those who don't put his words into practice are bringing about their own destruction.This warning isn't so much - "Do what I say or you're going to get it!" It's more like a parent warning a child not to run into the street because it's dangerous and they will get hurt. Evil and sin have invaded God's good world and you will have storms. The only way to stand through them when they come is if your foundation is solid, built around doing his words.We'll also look at how the Holy Spirit helps us put Jesus' words into practice, so it's not about our willpower and determination. We'll look at the transformation process where the Holy Spirit transforms us into a new type of person who is able to live out the words of Jesus.
ParablesThe Good SamaritanLuke 10:29-37Until we recognize Jesus as our Good Samaritan, we will not understand how to be one.This story is often used to teach ethics. "Help anyone in need" tends to be where we go with this. While that is a true statement, this story can often be summed up as a "change your behavior" story WITHOUT proper context.Jesus is directly addressing a religious leader who has no intentions of learning from Jesus. We know that he set out to "trap" Jesus. Jesus doesn't play into that. The religious man doesn't even know that his question AND his answer simply show he doesn't understand how God works in our lives. We do not EARN an inheritance. We CANNOT keep the law - the law shows us that we can't when we properly study it. "WHO is MY NEIGHBOR?" showed that all the man cared about was justifying himself.Jesus' telling the story of the good Samaritan was not just about being kind. It was a lesson in how religion cannot save us (nor does it want to - it only condemns). The man who was near dead on the road had no ability to save himself. He was completely dependent upon the help from a stranger. And the fact that Jesus closes out the story with saying that a "GOOD" Samaritan was the one who saved the day would have been so offensive. BUT, it was exactly the Gospel picture we all need. "While we were still his enemies, Christ died for us."This story isn't just about crossing boarders and extending a hand to your neighbor - which DOES IN FACT MEAN - ANYONE in NEED (in this case, even the non-Jewish & non-well behaved good Jewish people for that matter). It is about the GREATEST BOUNDARY CROSSING. It's about the greatest need being met (our being left for dead in our sin now rescued, carried, and brought to safety). Sure, should we aim to go and do what Jesus said, in "being the one who showed mercy," yes. But don't be too quick to put yourself in the story as the one who does the good... what if we need to first be the one who realizes the good done to us?
ParablesThe SowerLuke 8:4-15This parable ultimately lays out the work of the parable. The parable reveals how readily our hearts are to receive God's word. Jesus tells the story but then he actually explains the story. He doesn't always do that. And he only lets the disciples understand this story - which is interesting because it's recorded for us - so it makes clear God's desire for US to also understand the truth Jesus expresses in this story. The average public wouldn't have heard the explanation since the disciples were the ones to ask, "What does this story mean?"Jesus expresses just how important our ears are... ears take words in and they make their way to our hearts. THEN, what we do with those words (understanding and practice) MATTERS.The footpath, the hard heart - because of how hard the ground is, the seed lays on top of the ground and the enemy snatches it up.The rocky soil, the ears hear and get excited, but the second trials come, the temptation to go back to our ways, rather than God's ways - becomes too great and there is loss.The thorns and weeds... the seed is planted, but because it's among weeds and thorns there is a competition for nutrition. The person who is looking for life won't find it because of their obsession with money and the cares of this life - as long as we think they will nourish us... we will starve. Our time and care is placed on things of this world and the seed does not produce.The good soil... the heart that is hearing (beyond just listening but understanding), BUT CLINGING TO God's words... over time produces a harvest.This parable would have frustrated the disciples. In their minds, the kingdom should come in power and outward displays - restoring Israel in power. A story about a kingdom and seeds would have seemed absurd. BUT, the story describes how the Kingdom comes AND how the King of that Kingdom comes. In order for fruit to be produced, the seed has to die so that the germ can grow and produce, that takes time... but it produces more than we could ever expect or ask for.Where is our heart when it comes to hearing? Are we "leaning in" to hear and understand Jesus' words? Are we hard and disinterested? Are we "emotional" response people - easily excited but anti-commitment? Are we still chasing money and the cares of this world and disregarding the One thing that could truly nourish us? Do we long to be the heart ready to receive, cling to, and produce fruit?
ParablesThe Unforgiving Forgiven GuyMatthew 18:21-35
ParablesThe Rich FoolLuke 12:13-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool.Jesus is inspired to tell this story because of a self-centered demand for justice. Jesus does not entertain the man's request, but Jesus DOES deal with the heart of the man's request: Greed.The story is A GREAT picture of our American culture. The man only speaks to himself (not his community or God), he does not think of his neighbor, and he becomes satisfied with HIS stuff. Only thing is, NONE of this man's life is his own... it's simply on loan from God. And when God calls for the man, the man is faced with just how wasted and empty his life has really been.Jesus then closes with such a simple statement... "A person is a fool to store up earthly treasure but not have a rich relationship with God."Fool is a harsh word - but it's meant to stir us to look inward and ask the tough question: "Am I living foolishly?" If we answer "yes" to the question, Jesus is changing our minds and pointing us to a way of living that doesn't compile MORE STUFF, but a life that is made WHOLE.Becoming RICH (in this life or in relationship with God) takes investment. What we invest in has lasting effects. Jesus tells us that our investments in this life will either trap us or free us. Jesus also makes sure we understand that there is no separation between our physical and spiritual worlds. Everything we do, everything, has implications on our souls.
MiraclesThe Get OutMatthew 14:22-33 - Jesus has just fed the 5000 and Matthew says, “Immediately” Jesus gets his disciples out of there. John’s Gospel tells us why so quickly: “the people wanted to grab him and make him king.” Jesus puts the disciples on a boat to consider all that they had just seen and heard. Jesus, knowing the crowd didn’t get who He was and that his disciples were still slow to understand His identity – He goes to spend time with His Father.So the disciples are in trouble… wind and waves… Jesus just stomps all over the thing causing the disciples to tremble (literally walking on the water and waves). Jesus had just shattered their view of him with the feeding of the 5000 and he was doing the same by coming to them on the water. The disciples are terrified (right response), so Jesus tells them that they don’t have to be afraid (the natural response) because He is there (I AM here). Matthew is totally making that connection. The “I AM” is here so do not be afraid.People give Peter a hard time about sinking in the waves, but Peter spoke up! Rather than stay in the boat, he wanted to be with Jesus – that would take walking on water! William Carey said, “Expect great things of God, and attempt great things for God.” Peter did just this. Walking on ANY water, calm or rough, is a supernatural event. Eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, matters ALL THE TIME… not just when we can see the swells and crests around us.In Peter’s terror, even though he’s a strong swimmer and a fisherman, he still knew where to turn. “Save me, Lord!” is the shortest prayer in the Bible – but it communicates the point. Peter, often full of words, was very TO THE POINT in this moment. Jesus saves him then asks about his faith and why he doubted… surely a reference to all that Peter has seen Jesus do prior to this moment (feeding 5000, etc).Again, we see this miracle causing the people (the disciples in this story) to ask, “Who is this guy?” They are coming clearer and clearer to an answer as they worship and declare Jesus is the Son of God.Jesus revealed His power over nature.Jesus revealed His willingness to save.Jesus wants the disciples to see His power, to raise their understanding of who He is, and bring a depth to them.Response:Our fears are calmed in Jesus’ presenceWhen we know the power of God, we’ll expect bigger things from GodHow many of us started our walk with Christ, eyes on Him, but in the midst have taken our eyes off of Christ? Can we say, “Save me, Lord” without giving excuses or long drawn out explanations?Do we respond to Christ’s presence with us with worship?
MiraclesThe Get LooseLuke 13:10-17 - Jesus sees a woman crippled by an evil spirit (Jesus actually tells us WHY this woman has been bent doubled over for 18 years – held in bondage by Satan). This DOES NOT MEAN all illness or disability is from Satan. In this specific instance, we know the reason – because Jesus lets us know. She is unable to even lift her head – lived a lifetime staring at the ground. Jesus calls out to her, touches her, and the text says, “She is loosed!” “Loosed” was a medical term used by doctors to describe when someone was released from disease, tendons relaxing, or a taking off of bandages (Makes sense b/c Luke was a doctor). In that moment she could stand upright. She praises God! This is where the story should have ended: with the right response.But, Jesus intends to address the hearts of the religious leaders as much as he desires to address the hearts of the crowds and this woman. The synagogue leader in a roundabout way – addresses Jesus – by telling the people NOT to come to synagogue on Sabbath to be healed (talk about passive aggressive). The Sabbath healing issue was regularly a point of contention for the leaders and Jesus. The leaders had turned Sabbath into a weight too much for anyone to bear. BUT GOD intended for Sabbath to be a day of life – as it reminded us of our life WITH GOD (something the religious leaders had forgotten about).The religious leaders had become so addicted to their forms and traditions that they COULD NOT SEE PEOPLE! Jesus takes them to their own living rooms (where their animals would be tied up for the night in first century Palestine). Each morning, because the animals were never to be left in the house during the day, they were untied and taken outside the house for food and water. Jesus was saying to the leaders – “you’d untie your animals, but you’d rather see a bound up woman remain that way, because it doesn’t fit into your traditions? Sabbath, as it truly is meant to be understood – is the PERFECT time for God to free and heal…” Life points to God!Jesus intends to reveal the hypocrisy of the religious leaders.Jesus shows his power to overthrow the reign of Satan and usher in God’s Kingdom.Jesus’ mission is to loose people from the crippling influences in our life.Responses:The woman was already in the synagogue. She was there as a part of her life. God showed up. Will we put ourselves in a place to see God work in our lives regularly?The woman praised God at her healing: the appropriate response.The synagogue leader ignored the miracle and obsessed over the traditions, losing sight of what matters most – God’s Kingdom life!The crowd enjoyed the religious leaders embarrassment AND seeing God’s power. Could have been a mixed response in the synagogue that day.
MiraclesThe Get UpLuke 7:12-16 - This was an exceptionally sad encounter. A widow (having lost her husband), is leading a funeral procession for her now, dead son. As a woman and a widow, this was incredibly challenging as she had no form of safety or provision. The men in her life had died. This was a huge loss that probably stirred more than one question in the widow’s mind: “How will I survive? Will I survive? How will I continue on? Why does death seem to follow me around?”Thankfully, it was said of Jesus, that he “broke up every funeral he ever met.” Jesus’ is filled with compassion for the widow, the disenfranchised, the forgotten. He tells her NOT to cry – when all her expectations should have pointed to LOADS OF TEARS! The Scripture makes sure we know that Jesus touches the coffin – unafraid of being defiled and “catching death” – Jesus speaks life. The young man sits up and starts talking. We then read that “Jesus gave him BACK to his mother.” This is a powerful picture of Jesus’ power over life and death. At death, this young man would have no longer belonged to his mom. At Jesus’ voice – he raised the dead, and with His authority – has the right to give this young man BACK to his mother.In just a few verses after this, John the Baptist is questioning whether or not Jesus is the Messiah and Jesus answers him with “the dead are raised and the Good News is preached to the poor” (John 7:21-23). Luke is giving evidence, through Jesus’ action, that Jesus is MORE than a teacher – but THE Messiah.While this young man experienced a “restoration of life” (not a resurrection – since, resurrection is to raise NEVER to die again), he would die again. Jesus’ raising people from the dead was a testimony that death is not as permanent as we think it is. Ultimately, God’s power over death would be on FULL display in Jesus’ resurrection.Jesus displays God’s compassion for the broken hearted.Jesus brings life.Jesus has authority over death.Responses:Jesus overflows with compassion for this woman’s situation.Jesus deals with the cause of this woman’s pain.The son can only sit up and live at Jesus’ command.The crowd responds with fear & praise.The crowd makes declarations about Jesus (a prophet, God has visited us)- A result of Jesus’ miracles is ALWAYS leading us to decide: “Who is this Jesus?”
MiraclesThe Get DownLuke 5:17-26 - Miracles were a HUGE part of Jesus’ ministry… but why? Jesus spoke about the Kingdom of God breaking through and arriving and taking up space – Jesus’ miracles displayed and proved that He was binding up the enemy and that His Kingdom truly was invading! (Each week will have a similar intro to help our people understand that miracles were never the point – but they revealed something MORE!)In Luke 5:17-26 Jesus’ teaching and miracle stick together. They work together. One proves the other. Jesus had been teaching about His Kingdom before the roof opened up. Crowds AND religious leaders were listening in. The man on the mat does not FIRST hear, “Get up and walk,” he hears, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.” (WE HAVE TO PAY ATTENTION TO THE PHARISEES RESPONSE IN THIS STORY AS JESUS IS ADDRESSING THEIR SINFUL HEARTS THE WHOLE TIME – He just happens to use this paralyzed man’s life as the illustration). In this case, Jesus said, “Which is easier, to say your sins are forgiven or get up and walk?” Verse 24 becomes key in our understanding of this miracle and miracles in particular: “So I will prove that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins.” Then Jesus heals the man.The Pharisees had a correct understanding of sin and God and forgiveness, they were the ones who say, “Who does this guy think he is, only God can forgive sin.” (their THEOLOGY was correct), but their hearts were far from God – not believing – not moved to help the man on the mat – nothing.This story tells us about Jesus’ authority. It also tells us of our deepest need: forgiveness. The issue at the center of all our brokenness is sin. It’s separated us from God, it’s kept us from believing, it’s kept us prideful and rejecting of God’s words and help. BUT – Jesus came into the world to break the work of the devil (1 John 3:8b - But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil.) The Kingdom breaking through does mean healing of sickness, wholeness where there is brokenness, but the Kingdom breaks through to destroy our UNBELIEF, first.The crowds, the man on the mat and his friends, they went away worshipping God. Miracles invite us to acknowledge God at work, but they are pointers to our hearts, calling out to us to WORSHIP God.
Under ConstructionGod Who RevealsExodus 34 - Unlike our made up gods, that we tell what to do and what they should be like, God has told us who He is. He has not left us living in darkness and left to guess what He is like. This is why the Scripture is such a treasure. When we understand God is who He says He is, we can see all our false narratives dealt with. We NEED a God who reveals who He is.Taking it to Jesus - Jesus reveals God to us. He reveals the same God from the OT. They are not two different subjects. Jesus reveals Exodus 34:6-7 through His life and through His death and resurrection. Our response to Jesus is the same response Moses had to God revealing who He is... WORSHIP (Exodus 34:8-9). If this is true about God, then we want the same things Moses wanted - God to be with us, God to forgive us, and for God to see us as His own!
Under ConstructionGod THE StandardExodus 20 - God, after His rescue of His people, gives to them a standard that they are to live by. They are to reflect The One who IS the standard. The law was given to reflect the law giver. When we reject these ways, we not only reject God, we actually deny the way we were made to live. In our “breaking” of the law, we tell the Law-giver that we know better and have another way to live. Everything breaks down as we turn our backs on these words. Relationship with God and with others.In our rejection of God’s law, we have rejected Him. Just like when we reject our laws, and we go before a judge & jury and are found guilty... in the same way, we aren’t just going before someone who defends the laws, WE ARE GOING BEFORE THE LAW GIVER! The One who IS the standard. His Goodness is SO GOOD, evil simply dies in His presence. We learn that sin is a bigger issue in the universe than we think it is. Sin is our belief that we know better than God and that God’s standards are not needed. Sin is arrogance toward the Law Giver. Sin is the heart pride that says we don’t need God. In our arrogance we have offended people and we have offended God.Taking it to Jesus - Because God understood our inability to live this standard apart from Him, He gifted the nation of Israel with sacrifice. Something would die in our place. Sin is no small thing if the penalty is death. Even in this, God extended grace to Israel. For generations, she was being taught the value of the sacrifice that would be offered in place of the person sinning. Along comes Jesus... He not only dies in our place, but He lives the standard God set out for us perfectly. If Jesus’ life had not been lived the way it was, His death would not have mattered. Jesus’ sinless-ness matters just as much as His sacrifice. By faith, we exchange our lawlessness for Christ’s righteousness. It’s a gift.
Under ConstructionGod Who Is, God Who DeliversExodus 3 - Moses’ life is one of ups and downs, rising and falling. In the midst of itall, God reveals Himself to Moses in a bush! What God reveals in that encounteris that He is the God who IS! He has no beginning. He has always been. Hesimply “Is.” Everyone else can point to a time when they WERE NOT, but NOTGod. This matters because if God did have a creator of His own, we’d belooking to the wrong one :-)Not only did God reveal His power in this statement, but He also revealed thatHe was a God of rescue. He was going to deliver His people. He was powerfulenough to take an entire nation OUT OF another powerful nation. He was goingto set people free from slavery and lead them to The Promised Land.Taking it to Jesus - Jesus is the BETTER Moses. Jesus actually let’s people know that He is this same God “Before Abraham, I am!” Jesus was saying that He was there, has always been there, and will always be there! In Jesus’ coming, He was the promise fulfilled to rescue people from slavery to sin and death. Moses led the people out of Egypt. Jesus leads us out of sin. Our deliverer has come, the One who is I Am before Abraham! We are a people who are in need of deliverance, and without a powerful Rescuer, we have no way out of sin.
Under ConstructionGod Who is ThereGenesis 50:19-21 - Joseph’s story is telling, not just about Joseph’s strength, but of a God who is with Joseph in trial and hurt and suffering. He’s not just present with him, but also working in it. God doesn’t need perfect situations to shape us. God doesn’t need perfect people, either. The enemy can use suffering to cause us to hate and distrust God, but in our looking at Christ, we know that God has suffered on our behalf. And what the enemy and even the world saw as bad, God was working for our good and His glory.Taking it to Jesus - Jesus’ life, looked at from the outside, would have been seen as a failure and a mess. BUT GOD was working His plan the whole time. Most would assume that if God was “in it,” there would never be anything wrong or weak or struggling (much less death). BUT, God flipped it, suffered with us, and defeated sin, death, the grave, and darkness. God is working in and through us in the midst of our trials and struggles, through the presence of His Holy Spirit. He is there.
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