Sermons

According To Luke: The Lost Sheep Opening Illustration: The film Amazing Grace chronicles William Wilberforce as he endeavors to end the British transatlantic slave trade in the nineteenth century. Wilberforce has made an earlier visit to his old pastor and friend John Newton. That’s right, the same John Newton that penned Amazing Grace.  Newton himself was a former captain of a slave ship prior to his conversion to Christ and Wilberforce was hopeful that Newton would give an account of his slave-ship days. Newton, however, refused to do so, because the experience and the "20,000 ghosts" haunted him too greatly. Now, near success in ending the slave trade, Wilberforce visits Newton and discovers that he has recorded his account. His eyesight now gone, Newton says to Wilberforce, "You must use it. Names, records, ship records, ports, people—everything I remember is in here. Although my memory is fading, I remember two things very clearly: I'm a great si...

According To Luke: The Salt Life Opening Illustration: About 9 years ago my family moved to this area. For years, I had lived in central to north Alabama. I had visited the Gulf Coast on summer and spring break over the years but was unaware that South Alabama had it’s own distinct culture and lifestyle. Driving here on the Eastern Shore I noticed several tags that read “The Salt Life”. What exactly did that mean? I did not quite understand at the time what I know now. The Salt Life is a way of life for South Alabamians. The Salt Life is a philosophy for individuals who adore surfing, boarding, and all things relating to the shoreline and waves. People who live this lifestyle and support this philosophy let the world know by putting “The Salt Life” bumpersticker on their cars, trucks, and SUV’s. You still see them today and you see more of them as you travel towards Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.  Is it possible though that we have missed the boat when considering “The Sa...

According To Luke: The Cost To Jesus’ Call Are You P repared To P art Ways With This P lanet ? Luke 14:25-33 ESV I. What Will It Cost To Follow Christ? A. R elationships vs. 25-26 Matthew 19:29 ESV [29] And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. B. R elaxation vs. 27 Mark 9:35 ESV [35] And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, "If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all." C. R iches vs. 33 Matthew 19:21 ESV [21] Jesus said to him, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." II. Jesus’ Call Requires... A. C aution vs. 28-30 Mark 8:35 ESV [35] For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake an...

According To Luke: Unexcused Absence  Are You S creening The Call From The S avior ? Luke 14:13-24 ESV Listen To The Information From The Master’s Invitation! I. The Invitation E xtended vs. 16-17 Luke 14:16-17 ESV But he said to him, “A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. 17 And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ I Timothy 2:3-4 ESV This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  II. The Invitation E xtinguished vs. 18-20 Luke 14:18-20 ESV But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.’ 19 And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.’ 20 And another said, ‘I have married a wife, an...