Vintage Church Podcast

<p>There is a moment in the story of the early church that seems drastic. Two people suffer serious consequences. This story has often been misrepresented and misused. Ananias and Sapphira were not lacking generosity, they lacked honesty. Their misrepresentation of an offering cost them their lives. They were insincere. Sincerity matters to God. Faith can’t be faked because God can’t be fooled. </p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p>On the other side of the resurrection, Jesus spent intentional time with his followers. Before ascending back to heaven, he gathered them on a mountain and gave them their mission. A mission that would be impossible without the help of the “advocate” he promised. Ten days later, the Spirit came down, and they went out. Peter preached the gospel and the church was born. How and when this all unfolded matters!</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p>Between the resurrection and the ascension of Jesus, he spent weeks gathering back his disciples. They would have a significant assignment and Jesus very intentionally sought to prepare them for it. Peter was still sitting in the shame and guilt of his denial. On the other side of that failure, Jesus so beautifully calls him back and reminds him of his purpose. </p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p>So much of what Jesus said and did made little sense in real-time. His followers were often confused and unable to comprehend Jesus’s message. It wasn’t until the other side of the cross, after he rose, that things began to make sense. After he rose, Jesus spent time making sure they fully understood what they had just seen. They were to be his witnesses. To carry the gospel, his followers need to do more than just believe that it happened. They needed to understand why it had to happen. </p><p><br></p>

<p>Jesus frequently communicated what he had to do. Despite the many times, he told his disciples that he must be handed over to die and rise again on the third day, his followers still managed to misunderstand. Following his brutal death, it seems no one expected him to return. They thought it was over. But it wasn’t. A group of women, arriving at the tomb to prepare Jesus’ body, make a discovery that would change the world. He is risen! Just as he said!</p>

<p>When Luke opens his gospel, he makes his intentions very clear. His desire is to solidify the faith of a dear friend. Every story Luke shares points to the reality of who Jesus is, and what he has to offer. As you read about the miracles of Jesus you get a vision of him as teacher, protector, healer, and deliverer. But for him to be any and all of this, you must first accept him as savior. </p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p>We continue to look at the life of Jesus through the lens of Luke’s gospel. As we lean into the greatest story ever told we see Jesus say things that challenge and do things that confuse. The responses he got in real-time are not unlike the responses he gets today. We must decide for ourselves what we will do with what Jesus says and does. How we respond will always be shaped by who we believe he is. Our hope is that you become convinced he is the Messiah and respond with authentic worship. We see one woman do just that in Part 3 of “Out of Nazareth”. </p><p><br></p>

<p>As Luke tells the story of Jesus, he records very different reactions to his ministry. There are some who are constantly offended by what Jesus says and does. So much so that they seek to push him away and eventually plot to end his life. However, there are others that know they are in need of something different. They see Jesus for who he is and all he has to offer. They plead with him to stay.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p>As we move toward Easter, we open up Luke’s account of the life of Jesus. It is apparent in the first few pages of his narrative that he desires to make one thing very clear. Jesus came to rescue anyone and everyone would see him for who he is! Luke records a pivotal event in Jesus’ story. He writes of a crucial moment when Jesus sits in the synagogue of his hometown, opens the scroll of Isaiah, and declares his intentions. </p><p><br></p><p><br></p>