Sermon text: Luke 16:19-31

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Albert Schweitzer was a German/French theologian, musician, and philosopher who was born in the late 1800's. He won the Noble Peace Prize in 1952, but well before that was a renowned musician and teacher. He was a genius and destined for European fame, when he dropped it all, went to medical school, became a medical missionary and started a medical clinic in West Central Africa. When people wondered why he did this, he answered their questions by pointing them to the parable we are going to read this morning.

So let's read it. Read Luke 16:19-31.

Last week we mentioned that Jesus has big concerns with money. And this parable in Luke again speaks of the temptations and struggles that arise with money. Again, Jesus' point is exceptionally clear. Do not become too comfortable in riches in this lifetime.

Sermon text: Luke 16:1-13

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My insurance agent is a part of Riverside. And I actually got a new life insurance policy this year to protect my family if something were to happen to me. And if you have life insurance you know that the company sends a nurse to you and they draw blood and take your blood pressure and a whole host of other tests to determine your risk of dying. Before they insure my life, they want to know the odds that I will die. And I obviously am hoping that those odds are fairly long. I try to eat healthy, exercise when I am able, avoid drugs, etc. I try to ensure my health as well. We all do this. We want to build up some security on earth.

Sermon text: Luke 15:11-23

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When we think of this parable, we generally think of it as the story of one son. And we know that he took his dad's inheritance and he went off and foolishly spent it all and then came back. But this is really the story of two sons. While it is true that the one son goes off and spends everything, there is his brother too. And he seemingly does everything right. He stays at home and tends the farm while is younger brother is out living wildly. And he does the chores and obeys his dad. He is productive and the good son. He is rightfully frustrated when his brother comes back and seems to get all of his father's praises.

Sermon text: Luke 15:1-7

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This morning I want us to wrestle with three things as we study our passage from Luke 15. First, who are the tax collectors and sinners in our world or community today? Second, what does it mean for us to welcome and eat with them? And third, why is that God seeks the lost and we don’t?

Sermon text: Luke 14:15-24

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Jesus' approach always surprises me. Picture that I am telling someone about an awesome party that Jesus is throwing. And I say, this will be a great party, after all this is the guy that turns water into wine. And I say, blessed are those folks that get to go to his house and party with Jesus. And Jesus is there and he hears my excitement.

But instead of responding directly or even acknowledging what I just said, he simply starts telling a story.