The Bible Church of Cabot

Part 3 of a Sunday School lecture series through the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith (2LCF).

In Luke 19:1-10, we see that Jesus sovereignly seeks the lost and produces genuine repentance that results in joyful restoration. I. A lost man seeks to see Jesus. (vv. 1-4) II. The Savior seeks the sinner. (vv. 5-7) III. Saving grace produces visible repentance. (v.8) IV. The Son of Man declares His saving mission. (vv. 9-10)

Part 2 of a Sunday School lecture series through the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith (2LCF).

In Luke 18:35-43, we see that those who recognize Jesus's authority and cry out to Him in persistent faith receive mercy. I. Persistent Faith Cries out for Mercy (vv. 35-39). A. The blind man begs beside the road to Jericho (v. 35). B. The blind man recognizes Jesus's authority (vv.36-38). C. The blind man refuses to be silenced (v. 39). II. Sovereign Mercy Grants Sight and Salvation (vv.40-43). A. Jesus summons and questions the blind man (vv.40-41). B. Jesus grants sight and salvation to the blind man (v. 42). C. The man and the crowd praise and glorify God (v. 43).

In Luke 18:18-34, Jesus shows that His kingdom cannot be entered through human exertion or possessions, but only through God's power, which He accomplishes through the suffering, death, and resurrection of the Son of Man. I. The ruler's question and Christ's response expose the man's heart. (vv. 18-23) II. Christ warns about wealth and the impossibility of salvation apart from God. (vv. 24-27) III. Jesus promises eternal rewards for those who follow Him in faith. (vv. 28-30) IV. The path of redemption will be accomplished through the Son of Man (vv. 31-34)

Part 1 of a Sunday School lecture series through the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith (2LCF).

In Luke 18:1-17, Jesus teaches that those who receive the kingdom of God must come to Him in humble, dependent, and persevering faith as they await the coming of the Son of Man. I. Disciples are called to persevere in faith through persistent prayer (18:1-8). II. Disciples are warned that only the humble and repentant will be justified before God (18:9-14). III. Disciples are taught that the kingdom is received only through childlike dependence (18:15-17).

In Luke 17:20–37, Jesus teaches that both the present kingdom and the coming of the Son of Man demand humble, watchful faithfulness from His disciples rather than anxious speculation. I. Jesus clarifies the nature of the coming of the kingdom of God (vv. 20–21). II. Jesus prepares His disciples for the coming of the Son of Man (vv. 22–37). A. The coming of the Son of Man will follow suffering, rejection, and delay (vv. 22–25). B. The coming of the Son of Man will bring sudden and decisive judgment (vv. 26–35). C. The coming of the Son of Man will be unmistakable and require no speculation (v. 37).

In Luke 17:11-19, Jesus contrasts the lepers' responses to mercy, showing that saving faith returns to Him in thanksgiving and praise. I. Ten lepers cry out to Jesus in desperate need, recognizing His authority (vv. 11-13). II. All ten obey Jesus's command, even before they see the outcome (v. 14). III. One leper returns to Jesus in thanksgiving and praise (vv. 15-16). IV. Jesus highlights the absence of gratitude in the nine and commends the one (vv. 17-18). V. Jesus declares that the grateful leper's faith has saved him, showing the nature of true faith (v. 19).

In Luke 17:1-10, Jesus teaches his disciples what faithful kingdom living looks like by identifying four marks of true disciples. I. Disciples Must Take Sin Seriously, Especially Its Effect on Others (vv. 1-2) II. Disciples Must Practice Loving Accountability and Continual Forgiveness (vv. 3-4) III. Disciples Must Live by Dependent Faith, Not Measured Faith (vv. 5-6) IV. Disciples Must Obey Humbly, Not Transactionally (vv. 7-10)

Because God is the Sovereign who created, sustains, and rules over his creation (vs. 14–15), I pray that He will, according to the riches of His glory, grant you: I. Power leading to presence (vs. 16–17a). II. Power leading to perception (vs. 17b–19a). III. Power leading to perfection (v. 19b). IV. Power leading to praise (vs. 20–21).

In John 1:14-18, we read that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us as the fulfillment of Old Covenant promises, and displayed the glory of God in the fullness of grace and truth, making the unseen God known. I. The incarnate Word dwelt with His people. (v. 14a) II. The incarnate Word reveals God's glory (v. 14b) III. The incarnate Word is confirmed by God's prophet (v. 15) IV. The incarnate Word brings grace and truth (v. 14c, 16-17) V. The incarnate Word makes God known (v. 18)

In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus teaches that earthly circumstances do not determine one's eternal destiny; rather, it is how one responds to God's Word that matters. I. Jesus shows us the earthly conditions of the rich man and Lazarus (vv. 19-21) II. Jesus shows us the eternal conditions of the rich man and Lazarus (vv. 22-26) III. Jesus shows us the sufficient and authoritative witness God has given in Scripture (vv. 27-31)

In Luke 16:14-18, Jesus rebukes those whose love of money leads to playing fast and loose with the law as they justify themselves in the sight of men rather than please God. I.​ Jesus rebukes those who scoff at His teaching because they are lovers of money (v. 14). ​Application: If you love money more than Jesus, you will scoff at his teaching. II.​ Jesus rebukes those who justify themselves before men who see only the external, with acts that are detestable to God, who see the heart (v. 15). ​Application: Don't fear men or seek their favor. Live your life Coram Deo, "before the face of God," so you pursue what pleases Him. III. ​Jesus reminds those who love money and justify themselves before men that: A.​The Old Testament is fulfilled in Him, and they must enter in through the proclamation of the good news of His kingdom (vs. 16–17). B.​ Christ, the King of His kingdom, has the authority to interpret and apply the law as well as demand righteous obedience to it (v. 18). ​Application: Pursue righteousness as you seek to understand and obey what Christ commands.

In Luke 16:1–13, Jesus uses a parable to teach us how to serve the proper master and be a faithful steward of earthly wealth. I.​ Jesus teaches his disciples a parable about an unrighteous steward. A.​ An unrighteous steward squanders his stewardship by squandering his rich master's possessions (vs. 1–2). B.​ The unrighteous steward ponders the problem of his present situation (v. 3). C.​ The unrighteous steward plots a plan for his future situation (vs. 4–7). D.​ The unrighteous steward's master praises his shrewdness (v. 8a). II.​ Jesus applies the parable to His disciples. A.​ Problem: Lack of shrewdness in pondering your present situation (v. 8b). B.​ Solution: Use worldly wealth shrewdly to prepare for your future situation (v. 9). C.​ Warning: Your character matters, so you must be faithful! (vs. 10–12). D.​ Summary: Serve God, not wealth, to ensure your eternal dwelling (v. 13).

In Luke 15:11-32, Jesus teaches that God seeks the lost in both their rebellion and their self-righteousness, joyfully restores all who repent, and graciously invites sinners to share in His joy. I. The younger son reveals that a person can be deeply lost through self-indulgent rebellion. (vv. 11–19) II. The father reveals that God joyfully restores any sinner who turns to Him in repentance. (vv. 20–24) III. The older son reveals that a person can be just as lost through pride and self-righteousness as through open rebellion. (vv. 25–30) IV. The father reveals that God is exceedingly patient with the self-righteous and invites them to share in His joy. (vv. 31–32)

In Luke 15:1–10, Jesus responds to the Pharisees' grumbling by telling two parables that reveal God's joy in saving the lost and His call to share in that joy. I. Jesus welcomes listening sinners as Pharisees grumble in offense. (vv. 1–2) II. Jesus reveals God's relentless pursuit of His lost ones. (vv. 3–4, 8) III. Jesus reveals God's joyful celebration in saving repentant sinners. (vv. 5–7, 9–10)

Jesus warns us to consider the cost of true and useful discipleship with a call to give our full allegiance to Him. I. Christ's disciples must give Him their allegiance. A. Regarding family (vv. 25-26a) B. Regarding self (vv. 26b-27) II. Christ's disciples must calculate the cost. A Parable of the tower builder (vv. 28-30) B. Parable of the warring king (vv. 31-32) C. Readiness to abandon all possessions (v. 33) III. Christ's disciples are distinct. A. Useful (vv. 34-35a) B. Have ears to hear (v. 35b)

This morning, Reformation Sunday, 508 years after Luther's 95 Theses and 236 years after the 1689 was published, in an effort to advance church's move toward being confessional, we will define confession, creed, and catechism, examine the Scriptural basis for adopting and using creeds, confessions, and catechisms, then answer the questions: "Why should we adopt the 1689?" and "How will we utilize the 1689 in everyday church life?" I.​ Definitions: A.​ Creed B.​ Confession II.​ Is there a biblical basis for writing & adopting creeds, catechisms, and confessions for the local church? A.​ We have examples of creeds in the bible. B.​ We have commands in the Bible that necessitate confessions and creeds. C.​ We must know what to accept and what to reject as sound doctrine. III.​ Why should Bible Church of Cabot adopt the 1689? A.​ The Bible supports it. B.​ Our goal is to have an in-depth, usable, practical confession of faith to guide our faith and practice as a church. C.​ What does it mean for BCC to be a "confessional" church? ​D. ​Objections? 1.​ "No creed but the bible" or "no creed but Jesus." 2.​ Why do we need a confession of faith when we already have the Bible, the inspired word of God? Are we saying the confession is now our bible? IV.​ How will BCC utilize the 1689? A. ​In our worship ​B.​ Identifying, vetting, and training leaders ​C.​ Guiding Elders D.​​ Teaching new Covenant Member candidates E.​ In our families V.​ How and when will we make this transition? VI.​ Application

In Luke 14:7-24, Jesus tells 3 parables that challenge us to live the earthly life of a true disciple that will lead to eternal life in his heavenly kingdom. I. The Parable of the Guests at a Wedding Feast: Humility marks the life of one who follows Jesus (vs. 7–10). Interlude: Explanation of Divine Reversal (v. 11). II. The Parable of the Host and His Luncheon: Generosity marks the life of one who follows Jesus (vs. 12–14). Interlude: A Misunderstood Truth (v. 15). III. The Parable of the Great Dinner Pictures the Marriage Supper of the Lamb: Those who humbly receive the generous invitation of the Host will enter eternal life (vs. 16–23). Warning: Do Not Decline His Invitation (v. 24)!

In Luke 14:1-6, Jesus exposes the hypocrisy of self-righteous religion and reveals that true obedience to God flows from merciful compassion, not lifeless legalism. I. The Pharisees are suspicious of Jesus at a Sabbath meal, revealing the hardheartedness of those who value rules over God's mercy. (vv. 1-2) II. Jesus is compassionate toward a man who is suffering from dropsy, revealing mercy that honors the true purpose of the Sabbath. (vv. 4-6)

In Luke 13:31–35, Jesus declares both His steadfast determination to fulfill the Father's redemptive plan and His deep lament over those who reject Him. I. Jesus responds to the Pharisees' warning with determination, demonstrating the steadfast obedience that believers are called to imitate while trusting God. (vv. 31–33) II. Jesus responds to Israel's rejection with lamentation, demonstrating the compassionate boldness that believers must have in the face of rejection. (vv. 34–35)

In Luke 13:22-30, Jesus teaches that all who enter God's kingdom must pursue Him with genuine faith while there is time, but those with only a superficial relationship will be cast out. I. Someone raises a question about those who will be saved. (vv. 22–23) II. Jesus gives a surprising answer about those who will be saved. (vv. 24–30) A. The Narrow Door (v. 24) B. The Closed Door (v. 25) C. The Presumptuous Outsiders (vv. 26–28) D. The Surprising Guests (vv. 29–30)

In Luke 13:10:21, Christ shows that the power of God's kingdom liberates those in bondage and transforms the world. I. Christ displays the power of God's kingdom A. Jesus frees a woman on the Sabbath (v. 10-13) B. The synagogue official rebukes the woman (v. 14) C. Jesus rebukes the synagogue official (v. 15-16) D. The crowd reacts (v. 17) II. Christ explains the power of God's kingdom A. The kingdom of God grows from small beginnings (v. 18-19) B. The kingdom of God transforms all it touches (v. 20-21)

In Luke 13:1–9, Jesus presents two unchanging realities of sin, repentance, and judgment. I. Everyone is sinful, so everyone (you!) must repent or perish in the judgment (vs. 1–5). II. God is patient, waiting for (your!) fruit that proves repentance, but judgment is still coming (vs. 6–9).

In Luke 12:54–59, Jesus warns about judgment for those who fail to recognize him as God's Messiah by issuing 2 challenging questions. I. You know how to examine the earth and sky to know the weather, so why do you not examine the present time and know I am the Messiah (vs. 54–56)? II. Why do you not choose the good by settling (repenting and reconciling) with me and avoiding certain judgment (vs. 57–59?

In Luke 12:49-53, Jesus teaches that the judicial and costly nature of his mission separates those inside and outside the kingdom, even within one's household. I. Jesus speaks of his desire for the mission. A. The casting of fire (v. 49a) B. The longing for its kindling (v. 49b) II. Jesus speaks of the necessity of his suffering. A. The baptism to undergo (v. 50a) B. The distress until it's finished (v. 50b) III. Jesus speaks of the impact of his coming. A. The expectation of peace (v. 51a) B. The reality of division (v. 51b-53)

In Luke 12:35-48, Jesus calls His disciples to live in faithfulness, promising blessing to the vigilant and judgment upon the neglectful. I. Jesus calls His disciples to watch faithfully, remaining vigilant for the Son of Man's return. A. Be prepared for service. (vv. 35-36) B. Be expectant of blessing. (vv. 37-38) C. Be warned of surprise. (vv. 39-40) II. Jesus calls His disciples to serve faithfully, stewarding what has been entrusted to them. A. Who's the parable addressing? (v. 41) B. The faithful steward is rewarded. (vv. 42-44) C. The unfaithful steward is judged. (vv. 45-46) D. God's justice is proportionate. (vv. 47-48)

In Luke 12:22–34, we find Jesus contrasting two ways to approach obtaining the necessities of life: one based on worry and one based on trust. I. Do not worry about or seek food or clothing (v. 22, 29). A. For there is more to life than food and the body than clothing (v. 23). B. If God feeds the ravens, and you are much more valuable than birds, you can trust Him to feed you (v. 24). C. For you can't add any length to your life by worrying (vs. 25–26). D. If God clothes the lilies with greater glory than Solomon, and they are destined to be used for fuel, you can trust Him to clothe you (vs. 27–28). E. For the nations worry and seek these things, but your Father knows you need them (v. 30). II. Do trust your Father as you seek His kingdom (v. 31a). A. For your Father will give you food and clothing (v. 31b). B. For your Father is well-pleased to give you the kingdom (v. 32). C. So you can live generously, making an unfailing heavenly treasure, with your passion directed toward the kingdom (vs. 31–32).

In Luke 12:13-21, Jesus warns that placing one's trust in riches rather than God leads to spiritual poverty before Him. I. A man demands Jesus's help regarding his family inheritance. A. A disturbance from the crowd (v. 13a) B. A desire to divide an inheritance (v. 13b) C. A clarification of Jesus's role (v. 14) II. Jesus addresses greed with a warning and a parable. A. A warning about greed and possessions (v. 15) B. A parable about mishandling earthly riches (vv. 16-20) C. A statement about spiritual poverty (v. 21)

In Luke 12:1-12, Jesus exhorts his disciples to live with integrity and courage by rightly fearing and trusting the Lord. I. Guard against hypocrisy. A. Avoid the corrupting influence of the Pharisees. (v. 1) B. Everything will be revealed, so live openly. (vv. 2-3) II. Fear God instead of man. A. God's authority is greater than man's. (vv. 4-5) B. God's care comforts his people. (vv. 6-7) III. Confess Christ boldly. A. Speak the truth without shame. (v. 8) B. Our response to Jesus matters eternally. (vv. 9-10) IV. Trust the Spirit's help. A. Jesus's followers will face hostility. (v. 11) B. The Spirit will help the faithful. (v. 12)

In Luke 11:37-54, Jesus confronts and condemns the empty religion of the Pharisees and scholars of the Law, revealing their unbelief. I. Empty religion cleans the outside but leaves the heart defiled. A. The scene is set by a Pharisee inviting Jesus for a meal. (vv. 37–38) B. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees' inward uncleanness. (vv. 39–41) II. Empty religion defiles others while striving for self- righteousness. A. The Pharisees neglected justice and the love of God. (v. 42) B. They loved honor and recognition. (v. 43) C. They defiled others like unmarked graves. (v. 44) III. Empty religion keeps others in the dark while ignoring the Light. A. The Lawyers burdened people without helping them. (vv. 45–46) B. They honored dead prophets but rejected God's messengers. (vv. 47–51) C. They hindered access to God's truth. (v. 52) IV. Empty religion rejects correction and plots against God's messengers. A. The truth upset the scribes and Pharisees. (v. 53) B. They began to plot against Jesus. (v. 54)

When challenged to produce miracles, Jesus rebukes his generation for their unbelief while calling on the crowd to examine their spiritual vision. Christ rebukes the crowd for their unbelief ○ A wicked generation seeks a sign (v. 29a) ○ The sign of Jonah (v. 29b-30) ○ Two Gentile witnesses - The Queen of the South (v. 31) - The Ninevites (v. 32) Christ calls on the crowd to examine their spiritual vision ○ No one hides a lamp (v. 33) ○ The eye is the lamp of the body (v. 34) ○ Examine your spiritual eyes (v. 35) ○ Be wholly illuminated (v. 36)

Week six of a seven-week Sunday School class, The Basics of Baptistic Covenant Theology.

Week six of a seven-week Sunday School class, The Basics of Baptistic Covenant Theology.

In Luke 11:14–28 we encounter 5 realities of the spiritual battle for power and authority that challenge us to listen to and obey the word of God. I. Jesus demonstrates His power and authority (v. 14a, b). II. The crowds respond to Jesus's power and authority. A. Amazement (v. 14c). B. Slander (v. 15). C. Skepticism (v. 16). III. Jesus refutes His opponents and proves the source of His power and authority. A. Kingdoms fall when divided against themselves (v. 17). B. Satan's kingdom is not divided against itself (v. 18). C. My kingdom has come upon you because My power (and My disciples' power) comes from God (vs. 19–20). D. Satan is a strongman, but I am The Strongman who plunders His kingdom (vs. 21–22). IV. To which strongman are you committed? A. The one whose power and authority lead to life and gathering others into that life (v. 21–23). B. The one whose power and authority lead to evil and death (vs. 24–26) V. Blessings come to those who hear and obey the Strongman's word (vs. 27–28)

Week four of a seven-week Sunday School class, The Basics of Baptistic Covenant Theology.

In Luke 11:1–13, Jesus teaches us to pray by calling us to remember 3 aspects of the Father's character directed toward His children. I. Recount the Father's greatness (vs. 1–4). II. Rely on the Father's generosity (vs. 5–9). III. Receive the Father's goodness (vs. 10–11).

In Luke 10:38-42, we learn that devotion to Jesus and his word is the one necessary and enduring priority above all other good responsibilities. I. Devotion to Jesus is the One Necessary Priority. A. Martha's priorities were wrong. B. Mary's priorities were right. II. Devotion to Jesus is the One Enduring Priority. A. Martha's priorities were temporal. B. Mary's priorities were eternal.

In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus teaches that loving God is inseparable from genuine faith, and faithful love toward God is expressed in obedience by loving others as a good neighbor. I. The Lawyer Asks Two Questions A. Question 1: "What shall I do to inherit eternal life?" - 1. The Lord's Counter-Question - 2. The Lawyer's Answer - 3. The Lord's Response B. Question 2: "And who is my neighbor?" II. The Lord Tells a Parable A. The Circumstance of the Parable B. The Characters of the Parable - 1. The Priest - 2. The Levite - 3. The Samaritan C. The Conclusion of the Parable - 1. The Lord's Question - 2. The Lawyer's Response - 3. The Lord's Command

Week three of a seven-week Sunday School class, The Basics of Baptistic Covenant Theology.

Week two of a seven-week Sunday School class, The Basics of Baptistic Covenant Theology.

Luke 10:1–24 reveals 2 stages of the disciples' mission that teach us that Jesus equips and empowers his followers (us!) to preach the unstoppable kingdom of God and to rejoice in our salvation and relationship with Christ. *I. Jesus sends the seventy-two on mission. A. Jesus appoints and sends the seventy-two (v. 1). B. Jesus is the Lord of the harvest, so pray to him for laborers (v. 2). C. Jesus gives instructions for the mission. - 1. It will be dangerous (v. 3). - 2. I will provide for you (vv. 4–8). - 3. Heal the sick and preach the nearness of the kingdom of God (v. 9). - 4. Warn: rejecting the kingdom of God leads to judgment (vs. 10–11). D. Jesus gives rationale for judgment: - 1. More light brings greater judgment (vs. 12–15). - 2. Listening to my messengers = listening to me (v. 16a). - 3. Rejecting my messengers = rejecting me (v. 16b). - 4. Rejecting me = rejecting my Father (v. 16c). *II. The seventy-two return from their mission. A. Rejoicing! - 1. Rejoicing in the wrong thing (v. 17). - 2. The kingdom comes in power (vs. 18–19). - 3. Rejoicing in the right thing (v. 20). B. Praising! - 1. My Father conceals and reveals as he pleases (v. 21). - 2. My Father gave me everything and the authority to reveal (v. 22). - 3. You are blessed to see and hear these things (vs. 23–24).

Week two of a seven-week Sunday School class, The Basics of Baptistic Covenant Theology.

Luke 10:1–24 reveals 2 stages of the disciples' mission that teach us that Jesus equips and empowers his followers (us!) to preach the unstoppable kingdom of God and to rejoice in our salvation and relationship with Christ. *I. Jesus sends the seventy-two on mission. A. Jesus appoints and sends the seventy-two (v. 1). B. Jesus is the Lord of the harvest, so pray to him for laborers (v. 2). C. Jesus gives instructions for the mission. - 1. It will be dangerous (v. 3). - 2. I will provide for you (vv. 4–8). - 3. Heal the sick and preach the nearness of the kingdom of God (v. 9). - 4. Warn: rejecting the kingdom of God leads to judgment (vs. 10–11). D. Jesus gives rationale for judgment: - 1. More light brings greater judgment (vs. 12–15). - 2. Listening to my messengers = listening to me (v. 16a). - 3. Rejecting my messengers = rejecting me (v. 16b). - 4. Rejecting me = rejecting my Father (v. 16c). *II. The seventy-two return from their mission. A. Rejoicing! - 1. Rejoicing in the wrong thing (v. 17). - 2. The kingdom comes in power (vs. 18–19). - 3. Rejoicing in the right thing (v. 20). B. Praising! - 1. My Father conceals and reveals as he pleases (v. 21). - 2. My Father gave me everything and the authority to reveal (v. 22). - 3. You are blessed to see and hear these things (vs. 23–24).

Week one of a seven-week Sunday School class, The Basics of Baptistic Covenant Theology.

In Luke 9:57-62, Jesus challenges three potential disciples, teaching them that cross-bearing, kingdom devotion, and a forward focus are characteristics of followers who are fit for the kingdom of God. - Cross-Bearing Over Comfort-Seeking (vv. 57-58) - Kingdom Devotion Over Kinship Duties (vv. 59-60) - Forward Focus Over Fleeting Distractions (vv. 61-62)

In this passage, Jesus prepares His disciples for mission by demonstrating obedience to God's will, patient endurance of rejection, and mercy toward opponents. Jesus exemplifies obedience (v. 51). Jesus endures rejection (vv. 52-53). Jesus chooses mercy (vv. 54-56).

In this passage, Paul exalts Christ, the very image of God, the supreme ruler over all creation, and the reconciler of all things to Himself. Christ is the image of the invisible God (v. 15a) Christ is supreme over all creation - He is the firstborn of all creation (v. 15b) - He is the Creator of all things (v. 16) - He is before all things (v. 17a) - He is holding all things together (v. 17b) Christ is supreme in reconciliation - He is the head of the church (v. 18a) - He is firstborn of the dead (v. 18b) - He is to obtain first place in everything (v. 18c) - He is the dwelling of God's fullness (v. 19) - He is the reconciler of all things (v. 20)