The Lord's Supper, Part 2
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 11:23-26
The Lord’s Supper is not simply a sacrament of commemoration. It is much more. Our Lord instituted it as a sign and seal of God’s covenant with his people. Meaning, it is “sign” to us and the world of unbelievers that we are citizens of the commonwealth of God under his kingdom domain, submitted to the sovereign rule of his King (Jesus). It commemorates the “seal” of the covenantal blessings we have received granted through the body and blood of Jesus that he sacrificed for our salvation, thus Jesus own words to his disciples on that very night he instituted it (Mt 26:28), “…for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
The Lord Supper is a means of grace, for God uses to strengthen our faith in his character and promises. We respond to these good gifts by living out our faith as signified by this sacrament. The Corinthian saints demonstrated a lack of understanding of these truths by how they observed the Lord’s Supper. Paul’s aim is to provide corrective teaching on this matter, so they would recover faithfulness in how to observe such Christian rites and experience its blessings.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
The Lord's Supper, Part 1
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 11:17-22
Private communion with God is essential to the spiritual growth of Christian. So (also) is our public worship within the assembly of the saints. How we observe and participate in God-given sacraments reflects the condition of hearts. A Christian lifestyle that endeavors and strives forward in righteous living will produce reverence for the things of God. In contrast, when we make light of God’s commands and ordinances in our daily lives, a spirit of indifference and dullness will show up in corporate worship, thus dishonoring God and one another.
Paul has completed his instruction on acceptable practices of worship of men and women, and now moves on to next topic under the same theme: The Celebration of the Lord’s Supper. In Part 1 of this sermon series, Paul will identify and rebuke the dishonorable observances of this divine sacrament being practiced within the congregation at Corinth.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
Head Coverings, Part 2
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 11:7-16
Everything that God established in the earth has a prescribed order and function. He first demonstrated his divine design (and purposes) in the creation of the heavens, the earth, mankind and in everything therein (Gen 1-2). Further, he has chosen his people as a part of his redemptive plan that was hatched before the foundation of the world (Eph 1:3-6). He gave us his Word that we know him and share in his holiness through right worship. He established his church and gave it organizational structure and mission that everything be done decent and in order that witnesses to his name.
This truth also applies to the corporate worship of God’s people. In Part 2 of this sermon series, Paul draws from the OT Scriptures (Story of Creation) to continue his teaching on proper worship among men and women within the assembly of the saints as it relates to prayer and declaration of the Word.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Head Coverings, Part 1
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 11:2-6
The Church is an altar of worship unto God built into the earth. We are spiritual building inhabited by the Holy Spirit where we serve God as mobile temples of Jesus Christ to the nations. Peter taught (1 Pt 2:4-5), “As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, (5) you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” Amen!
Our worship becomes undeniable visible our obedience to his Word and the fruit of thanksgiving from our lips. This will be the central focus (i.e., proper worship) of Paul’s teaching through the next several chapters (11-14) of his 1st epistle to the Corinthians. In Part 1 of this sermon series, Paul will address proper worship among men and women within the assembly of the saints as it relates to prayer and declaration of the Word.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
God-Glorifying Christian Liberty, Pt.2
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 10:27-33
The life of Christian is one where we die to a type of self-interest that would wrong our neighbor and impede our fellow man’s growth towards God. If we truly want to glorify God, we must model our Lord’s example in his earthly mission as recorded in the Gospels. He sacrificed his dwelling in heaven to come down to earth to do his Father’s will. He sought his Father’s glory in the service of mankind. This is the root motivation of all Christian liberty. Affirming this truth Paul taught (Gal 5:13-14), “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. (14) For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Paul continues his teaching to the church about how to live the Christian lifestyle with both believers and nonbelievers in a way that glorifies God. He uses the example of fellowship meal as way to provide application to this truth.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
God-Glorifying Christian Liberty, Pt.1
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 10:23-26
A Christian is saved for purposes of living for Christ. With Jesus as our model in how he submitted to his Father in his earthly ministry, we likewise cast aside a self-willed life in exchange for a God led one. Yes, we have freedoms in Jesus, but such emancipation from a lifestyle of sin is to be used to serve God and others. Paul taught (Gal 5:13-14), “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. (14) For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
The second greatest commandment of all scripture is the central theme of Paul’s last block of teaching (v23-33) in this chapter, and it is this: The Christian should live in a way that promotes the interest of their fellow men to the glorification of God. In today’s message (Part 1), we shall begin to unpack these Biblical truths that reveals the heart of how our freedoms in Jesus are to be used to love God and people.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
The Perils of Unbelief, Part 5
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 10:18-22
The Gospel announces the Great Banquet feast of heaven (Mt 22:1-14). It is an invitation to fellowship and communion with our God. Because of Jesus salvific works, we can now approach the table of redemption where the riches of righteousness is served to all who respond in faith to his invitation (call). As a Christian approaches God, we at the same time must depart (flee) from our former life of dining at the table of the world (i.e., sin rooted in earthly affections) which only offers temporal delights with long-term dissatisfaction.
Paul now concludes his exhortations about idolatry. In this subject text, he highlights the contrast between fellowship with the Lord and worship at the altar of idolatry. He refers (again) to ancient Israel’s priestly rituals in the temple to emphasize the truth that a Christian cannot partake of Satan and God at the same time.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
The Perils of Unbelief, Part 4
Scripture Focus: 1 Cor 10:14-17
Reverence and affection for God above all things helps us overcome worship of things in creation. Faith puts out the fires of unbelief before the flames of idolatry consumes our entire heart. Paul has labored much in this chapter (10) to warn the Corinthian saints of the dangers of unbelief. He recalls examples from the history of the Israelites continual cycles of disobedience in the wilderness that invited the judgement of God as a cautionary tale to the church today, thus (v11), “Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.”
In Part 4 of this sermon series, Paul reminds the church of how our fellowship and unity with Christ should restrain idolatrous living, like the OT saints participated in.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
The Perils of Unbelief, Part 3
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 10:11-13
Idolatry is a natural by-product of the human heart. John Calvin, in his timeless writings called “The Institutes of the Christian Religion,” he famously wrote, “The human heart is a perpetual idol factory.” It is so ingrained in our fallen nature to operate in unbelief with our Creator. As result, we shall fashion (invent from our vain imagination) other gods that we may give our affection and esteem to. After all, we were created to worship! If we won’t have faith in our Creator, we shall place our faith in created things.
To be clear, an idol is not solely a graven image we make of wood and stone. An idol is anything we obey and trust in more than God. Today’s idols are:
- Love of the World
- Belly (our appetites)
- Influence over People / Approval of People
- Comforts
- Self-righteousness
- Provisions from God (Getting something from him becomes more than being with him).
Idolatry creates an atmosphere in our hearts where unbelief can take up residence and produce the works of disobedience. This was the central issue with the OT saints. They revered their own way and thinking over trusting God’s, which resulted in continual lapses of faith that invited his judgement. In this focus text, Paul continues to provide application to the church that we should learn from the historical examples of the children of Israel.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
The Perils of Unbelief, Part 2
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 10:6-10
There is a common societal proverb that has endured through the generations of humanity. It is this, “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”
Paul continues his teaching on idolatry, which is defined as worship of, or honor paid to someone or something other than God as though it were God. This ruinous sin is on display in our lives when we obey and place more trust in creation than the Creator. Remember, God does not share glory with anyone (or anything) for sovereign rule over us. Either we will rule on the throne of our lives, or He will. We cannot serve two masters (Mt 6:24).
Idolatry was growing like cancer within the congregation at Corinth. It was spreading to all areas of their community living with one another. Paul continues his warnings against this by offering several examples from Israel’s history that remain instructional to the church today. Paul’s primary objective in examining the mistakes of the past, is that we (NT church) see our own reflection (like looking into a mirror) in the OT saints that we may learn its lessons to benefit our present.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
The Perils of Unbelief, Part 1
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 10:1-5
What does it mean to have faith? It is this: to trust God wholly with our provisions, protection, and providence. It is to be assured of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Heb 11:1). Faith is in operation in our lives when we look to our Heavenly Father and place complete confidence in this Word through Jesus Christ in all things. The Bible exhorts that this is the standard way of life for a Christian (Rom 1:17). However, we still struggle with trusting God in various seasons of our lives. We are guaranteed to stumble in faith when we place our confidence in anything but Him. Sometimes, we even live in a duplicitous way. Meaning, we give lip service of worship declaring our faith in God, yet our lifestyles reflect that we trust more in:
- Human abilities
- Earthly provisions
- People
- Governments and politicians
When we have displaced God’s throne in over lives for other things, idolatry is present. We can see the fruits of its sinful operation in our hearts we show more reverence and adoration for things that are created over the Creator. The point is that we worship what we place our faith in.
In this sermon series, Paul reminds the church of the dangers of unbelief by surveying the Biblical history of the Israelites continual cycles of distrust in God (despite the many miracles, signs and wonders he performed delivering them out of Egypt). He wants the church to learn from the saints of old. He wants us to clearly see the perils of unbelief and the disciplining judgment of God it invites into our lives. Remember, man has been created for worship. We will worship something. We will either place our faith in living God or idols invented by vain human imaginations.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
The Race of Faith
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 9:24-27
Our lifestyles are a testimony to what we actually believe. The Christian life is not one solely of lip service to our Lord, but also actions and thoughts that are consistent with what we profess. Just as a tree is identified by the fruit it bears, so also our life reveals our faith. Here is a Biblical truth: following Jesus is difficult but has eternal reward for those who take upon this journey with him. Jesus even taught (Mt 7:14), “For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”
With this in mind, Paul likens the life of faith to that of an athlete who begins to train and prepare for Olympic games. He uses the method of illustrations to teach the Corinthian congregation the necessity of dedicating one’s whole life to the Holy Spirit Boot Camp training program in righteousness. This is the only way we be victorious in this life of Jesus and receive heaven’s prize.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Gospel Soul Winning
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 9:19-23
The central focus of the Gospel is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As a result, the primary purpose of all ministry is the spreading of its good news of our great salvation and thus save souls. Further, this message is not reserved for one ethnic nationalistic group, but to all nations, tribes and tongues, thus Jesus Great Commission (Mt 28:19-20), “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (20) teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you…” This is the church mission until the Second Coming of our Lord, thus he said, “…and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Paul was called into this mission field of ministry as Apostle to preach to the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles (Acts 9:15). This was especially a difficult tasking with the Corinthian church who was composed of both. At times, their distinct cultural differences were like attempting to mix oil and water, thus causing disunity within the church. In our sermon text, Paul reminds us of our call to spread the Gospel to both groups. He offers his strategy for winning souls out of every nation, tribe, and tongue.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Christian Minister & Community, Part 3
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 9:15-18
A faithful minister of the Gospel is not one who is perfect or sinless. Rather, one who diligently strives daily to obey Christ and love his Bride (his church). The Bible teaches that the relationship between clergy and congregation is symbiotic in its nature. Meaning, both are dependent on one another in a mutually beneficial relationship. Paul highlights the truth when he challenged the Corinthian congregation, (v11), “If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?” (cf., Mt 10:9-10).
Further, in Part 2 of this sermon series (v7-14) Paul reiterated that God has put into the hands of the church body the resources needed to support their Pastors and families in a similar way to how he structured the care of Old Testament Priest and Levites who served God and the people through a tithing system, thus Paul affirms (v13), “Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings?” Though the tithing systems was a part of the Mosaic law and was fulfilled in Jesus, a similar principle of shared community care has been established by God for the NT church (e.g., 2 Cor 9, Acts 4:32-37).
In Part 3 of this sermon series, Paul reminds the church that though he has these rights to community care, he has declined to request them from the church. In today’s message, we’ll further explore why he decided to go the bi-vocational route as minister of the Gospel.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Christian Minister & Community, Part 2
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 9:7-14
A preacher of the gospel shares in both the spiritual and material benefits within the church community in which they serve. As a general statement, (in American culture) too often Pastors are viewed as superhuman people who only exist to serve the needs of the congregation. Very little thought is given to how the attitudes and actions of church members impact their spiritual, emotional and financial well-being. What is sometimes forgotten is that clergy are people… with the same needs as those in the laity. As result more and more Pastors lament suffering neglect in these areas due to the lack of Biblical reciprocation of care that they extend towards their church family.
Paul was dealing with a similar situation among the Corinth congregation. His two letters (1 & 2 Corinthians) to them reveal issues he was having in this area, to include those who did not respect his God-given authority as an Apostle within the church. In Part 2 of this sermon series, he continues to challenge their unbiblical view of Christian liberty and community care as it relates to a minister of God.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Christian Minister & Community, Part 1
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 9:1-6
The currency of the church to impact the moral thermometer of American culture is in decline. In a similar downward trend, so is the value and respect for Christian ministers within the church. As a general statement, we live in time where Pastors are expected to be CEOs with divine powers like the Holy Spirit as those who can:
- Do all things as we should possess all spiritual gifts and practical skills.
- Discern & interpret all people’s feelings and emotions at all times.
- Be everywhere fulfilling all the needs of the congregation.
As a result of these unbiblical expectations, burnout among Pastors is also on the rise, as many are resigning (or being removed) from ministry. Further, serving God’s people can be very difficult at times, as (sometimes) your good can be returned with evil. Your mistakes and shortcomings can be met with unending criticism rather than compassion, patience and understanding. Your adoration for the members, can be returned with contempt and disrespect.
Unfortunately, this is not a new reality for church leaders, as Paul had to endure those who questioned his authority (and his church community rights) as Apostle and minister of the Gospel. In some cases, they objected to him as a person, for they complained about his appearance and public speaking skills. He apparently lacked charisma they longed for, as they grumbled against him (2 Cor 10:10), “…his bodily presence is weak, and his speech is of no account.”
Gifts and talents he did not possess was at times weaponized against him to marginalize his role in the church community. Paul had to remind the church of his ministerial rights as one who was sent by God to shepherd them in faith. In Part 1 of this sermon series, he:
- Reminds them of the Biblical qualification of an Apostle.
- Begins his defense for communal rights as an Apostle.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Idolatry & Christian Liberty, Pt.2
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 8:7-13
Christian liberty is to be exercised with a heart of grace and Bible truth. God has given us freedoms to enjoy things in his creation (1 Tim 4:4-5); however, such freedom is to be stewarded according to this Word with a mindset of loving thy neighbor as thyself.
Paul continues in his exhortations to the church in how to apply such liberty in our fellowship with others. Bottomline, we are cautioned against allowing our Christian living to cause our fellow brethren to stumble in their faith.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Idolatry & Christian Liberty, Pt.1
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 8:1-6
The Christian serves one God. The guardrails to Christian liberty is defined by this truth. While we are set apart (sanctified) as holy people for godly use, there are some allowances to enjoy amenities of this life such as food, celebrations, and entertainment. We are able to do so because everything in creation belongs to God (Ps 24:1). Paul even taught (1 Tim 4:4-5), “For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, (5) for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.”
What is the Christian application of this truth as it relates to our fellowship with others that might involve worship (or affirmation) of something other than our one God? This was a prevailing concern for Corinthian Christians as they are embedded within a culture overrun with false god worship.
How should they engage in fellowship with non-believers (who may also be family, friends and past associates) where idolatry is involved in the process? How does a Christian reconcile in his own heart what earthly delights are permissible under Christian liberty? Paul uses their inquiry to him concerning a matter of eating meat offers to idols to address this timely issue.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Biblical Principles for Marriage, Pt.4
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 7:32-40
Maintaining one’s commitment to God while executing our duties to a household can be a tough balancing act for a Christian. While all who believe in Jesus will have difficulties navigating this life (Jn 16:33), there is a distinction in the type of daily challenges and how they managed depending on your marital status.
Paul wraps up to his teachings on marriage to the Corinthian congregation. He offers more in-depth instructions how both married and unmarried can sustain their devotion to God, but at the same time, be on guard against divided affections based on our relation obligations to others.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Biblical Principles for Marriage, Pt.3
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 7:25-31
Marriage can only be fruitful when it lived out the way God prescribes in his Scriptures. In the first two parts of this sermon series, Paul dedicated his teaching to the topics of marital conjugal rights, single people, divorced, and mixed marriage (i.e., a believer with an unbelieving spouse). He now continues his teaching on marriage by diving into the following areas:
- Engagement (betrothed) as relates to marriage and wedding vows.
- What are realistic expectations for a married couple in dealing with the troubles of this life in how it impacts marriage and service unto God.
Paul provides an eternal perspective on how to live for God regardless of one’s marital status.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Live As You Were Called
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 7:17-24
All Christians are called out of the world from various places of life. As believers we are in the world, but not of the world. Because of Jesus, our citizenship is in heaven, not of the earth. Paul takes a brief pause in his teaching in Biblical principles of marriage to stress this truth: Whatever socio-geo-economic status that a Christian finds themselves, we are called to live honorably according to Christ character before God in that very place.
This insert within Paul’s discourse on marriage is not random nor out of place. It will begin to lay foundation for more in-depth instructions for single, widowed, and Christians married to unbelievers found in the final passages (v25-39) of this chapter.
This Sunday, Paul uses the illustrations of circumcision & uncircumcision; and slave & freedman to help us understand the importance of living a life for God where he assigned us to his Glory.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Biblical Principles for Marriage, Pt.2
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 7:8-16
The institution of marriage was established by God at the beginning of creation (Gen 2:18-25). He created man in his very image and likeness. From that, he then formed both man and woman and placed them in the earth for the following purposes:
- To serve and glorify God with their lives (Ecc 12:13).
- To procreate and populate the earth (Gen 1:28).
In part 1 of this sermon series, Paul had to address an unbiblical view of celibacy that was being propagated in the church, thus a fundamentalist group within their congregation mandated, “all sexual relations should be avoided.” He offered corrective instructions on God’s purpose for marriage and the importance of mutual submission between husband and wife in the matters of sexual relations. In Part 2, he now turns his attention to those who are unmarried (i.e., single folk and widows) and those married to unbelievers.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Biblical Principles for Marriage, Pt.1
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 7:1-7
The institution of marriage was established by God at the beginning of creation (Gen 2:18-25). He created man in his very image and likeness. He formed both man and woman and placed them in the earth for the following purposes:
- To serve and glorify God with their lives (Ecc 12:13).
- To procreate and populate the earth (Gen 1:28).
To be clear, he only created two genders: male and female. He made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve, nor Pamela and Eve. He created marriage solely for a man and woman who would become one with each other and God. Jesus reinforced this truth before the religious elites, (Mt 19:5-6), “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made the male and female, (5) and said, ‘Therefore man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh?’ (6) So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” These are Biblical truths and foundational for marriage. God remains unchanged in his Word regardless of the cultural trends of man’s society that is shaped by sinful men with debased minds that are hostile to God and his Word.
These fundamental tenets set the stage for exploration of Paul’s instructions on marriage in this sermon series where he will address issues of marriage, separation, virginity, and celibacy. Such teaching to the Corinthians on this subject is timely, as it appears they have yielded to the culture of their day and embraced moral laxity.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Christ Lordship, Pt.1
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 6:12-14
Does it matter to God what we do with our physical bodies? Isn’t the nurturing of our soul and human intellect in the knowledge of God priority at the expense of what we do in our human flesh? In the first and second century church, there were false teachers who endeavored to integrate this type of heresy (repackaged teaching from Greek philosopher Plato) into church doctrine. The implication of such belief meant that a person could engage all sorts of sins with their bodies without consequence to their souls. This Platonic influence led to all sorts of sins being practiced within the Corinthian congregation (including sexual promiscuity).
In 1 Corinthian 5, Paul began to deal briefly with the issue of sexual immorality concerning a case incest that occurred within their fellowship unabated. Now (in Ch 6), he continues his exhortations on this topic by giving more general principles of how to deal with this particular sin. He exposes the heresy of Plato perpetuating the church by pointing to the Biblical hope of bodily resurrection that will inherit the new creation.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
The Glory of the Resurrection
Focus Scripture: Luke 24:1-12
Jesus’ resurrection was a foretaste of heaven’s blessings promised to all believers in the new creation to come. It is a divine act by which demonstrated His prophesied victory over death and vindication as the Son of God (Rom 1:4). Further, one of the foundations of our faith in Christianity (as to the certainty of Jesus resurrection) rest on these words proclaimed from the angels from heaven, “He is not here, but has risen.”
This Sunday we shall survey the events that occurred on that glorious third morning. Additionally, we shall explore the significance of the resurrection as it relates to our great salvation.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Lawless Lawsuits, Part 2
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 6:7-11
Spirit-led arbitration is essential to church unity. Believers (by which the Spirit dwells and yields its power) are commanded to allow God leading in our relationships with people, especially in the matter of disputes among the saints. Why? God’s version of a final resolution will inject his character, glorifying will and wisdom which is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere (Jam 3:17).
In contrast to God, our human nature is self-centered and self-interested to the very core. There is no mutual agreement, or “win-win” approach desired as far as our flesh is concerned. The negotiating philosophy of our fallen disposition is, “Do unto others before they do unto you.” Why is this? The root of our human nature is sinful. As result, our default way of thinking is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. This has created a worldly climate in the Corinthian church who have embraced the practice of suing one another in pagan courts. In our focus text, Paul warns them of the danger of these behaviors as it is injurious (both spiritually and physically) and ruins a church community witness.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Lawless Lawsuits, Part 1
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 6:1-6
The Christian life is to illuminate the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a world shrouded in darkness. Like city on a hill, the church is called to shine the light of salvation that permeates, influences, and changes the world around it to accord to Biblical norms. We cannot be effective in this divine mission if we apply worldly standards to our ethic of living. This is what was happening to the body of believers at Corinth. They had sign out front that said, “Church”, but on the inside it was filled with people who had conformed to a worldly way of living. Division, and sexual immorality operating in their fellowship had made shipwreck of their witness to the community around them. Paul dismay deepens as he now confronts the practice of lawsuits among the members of their church.
Blessing,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
The Necessity of Church Discipline
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 5:9-13
We have all heard the saying, “One bad apple can spoil the bunch.” In principle, this is what can happen within the body of believers when the “practice” of a sinful lifestyle is allowed to thrive among his people. If such person(s) is not called to account by the church, lawlessness can grow and negatively affect the life of faith of the congregants. As a result of this spiritual truth, Paul warned the churches (1 Cor 15:33), “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals” (cf., Gal 5:9).
As we continue our study of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian church, it appears that factionalism is not their only issue as worldliness has created a climate for another fruit of the flesh to germinate and flourish: sexual immorality. In this last section of text in chapter 5, Paul continues his instructions on how to properly address a member in their congregation who is actively involved in an incestuous relationship.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Church Division: Final Admonishments
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 4:14-21
There are few things identified by scripture that God (actually) hates. Discord in the church is one of them (Prv 6:19). When there is unity within the church, the Spirit of God is present and flows through the church leadership down into the church body like anointing oil flowing down Aaron beard into his sacred robes that covers his body. When believers live and serve in agreement with God’s word, our fellowship is pleasing aroma to God to his glory (Rom 15:5-6). It is this life of worship Paul exhorts the church to reclaim. He now concludes his discourse on church division that is flourishing in the Corinthians congregation by way of the wisdom of men. He offers his final admonishments on this issue that remains applicable for the church today.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Follow Us as We Follow Christ
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 4:9-13
Human pride is incompatible with the character of Christ. It will never produce fruits of the Spirit in the life of Christian. Not only does it exalt its wisdom higher than God’s, but it considers the Gospel way of living and thinking as foolish. In addressing the worldliness prevailing in the church of Corinth, Paul continues to put on display the Apostles way of life as a model for Christ-centered living and attitude as he confronts the church’s embrace of the wisdom of this world that has produced:
- Misappropriation of glory to church leaders that has caused the congregation to be divided into four factions (1 Cor 1:11-13).
- Inflated sense of status. They saw themselves as rulers over others, even rejecting the authority of the Apostles.
In our focus text, Paul continues his use of irony (and a little bit of sarcasm) to expose the foolishness of Corinthians behavior in the church. He will remind them what is the true temperament and life of servant of God in a world hostile to its message and messengers.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Think & Act as Christ
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 4:6-8
The wisdom of men can shipwreck the faith and Gospel fruit of any body of believers. This is what was occurring in the Corinthian church as they were extolling the giftings and personalities of their favorite church leaders (i.e., the Apostles) that they preferred. This misappropriation of glory was the source of factionalism in the church they had divided the congregation into four groups, “…I follow Paul,’ or ‘I follow Apollos,’ or ‘I follow Cephas,’ or ‘I follow Christ'” (1 Cor 1:12). In response to this error, Paul labored to use these questions to re-establish Biblical truth in the first 3 chapters of his (1st) letter:
- What is the difference between the wisdom of God vs the wisdom of men?
- What is the true foundation of Jesus Christ and his teaching? And how is church doctrine and living built on that substructure?
- How is the operation of worldly wisdom (of men) in the church ruinous? How does it destroy the work of the Gospel and our witness to the world?
- What is a servant of God? Do the congregants owe glory to the Apostles or to God?
Throughout his exhortations on these questions, he has used office of the Apostles as a model of the kind of attitude and service the Christian should imitate and submit to by the wisdom of God. Having dealt with the issue of right judgements and faithfulness (1 Cor 4:1-5), he now confronts pride that is propping up human supremacy and self-righteousness which is the root of the division plaguing the Corinthian church.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Stewards of the Mysteries of God
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 4:1-5
A calling to preach the Gospel is not an assignment to be taken lightly. James cautions against many people pursuing this divinely ordained position within God’s kingdom because the high standard by which such a person will be judged by God (Jam 3:1). Further, Paul reminds the church at Corinth that the apostles are servants of Christ by which glory is to be given to God. Therefore, their service should be not source of division, causing the congregation at Corinth to misappropriate their affections more on a preacher’s giftings and appearance, than the One who sent them. This Sunday, Paul exhorts them to discontinue these evil judgments considering the fact a preacher true Judge is God alone.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
You Are Christ Temple
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 3:16-23
A Christian is a fellow worker with God in his kingdom mission in the world. His church (body of believers) is his temple by which his Spirit dwells. When we stray from these truths, it is often because we have forgotten who we are and to whom we belong. As a result, we become susceptible to worldliness, which infiltrates the church like a Trojan Horse through the wisdom of men. As Paul closes his discourse on addressing factionalism in the church, he summarizes his main points he has been making through the first three chapters of 1 Corinthians:
- We are God’s temple, sanctified to lead a life of holiness that imitates the character and nature of God.
- We are to flee the deception of the wisdom of the age. Its aid in this life is futile.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Kingdom Builders
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 3:10-15
Jesus is the Chief Cornerstone, and his teaching is the foundation of our faith. A community of believers (Holy Temple, the church) is the structure that is built upon it. Peter writes, (1 Pt 2:5-6) “As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, (5) you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ.” As an Apostle, Paul was commissioned by God to lay such a foundation for every church he planted, by which others (and the church today) are called to co-labor with God in building a body of believers in which His righteousness dwells and shines to His glory a dark world. In our sermon text for this Sunday, Paul cautions how we should go about this kingdom advancing work in light of future examination by God in the coming judgement.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Servants for God's Glory
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 3:5-9
There are no great men of God, but only a great God of men. This truth is lost in a church culture that idolizes ministry leaders like celebrities. Such a worldly mindset had infiltrated the Corinthian church as they gave esteem to men which only belonged to God, which became a source of factionalism. Paul endeavors to set the record straight by reminding them of the true station of ministers in comparison to God as we co-labor with him in his kingdom work. This Sunday, he highlights key roles of a “servant” in the ministry work that applies to all Christians, especially preachers of the Gospel.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Failure to Launch
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 3:1-4
Earthly wisdom prevails in a church only when spiritual growth is in a degenerative state. When we vacate Biblical truths in exchange human philosophies, ideologies, and political positions it will produce all sorts of fruits of our fallen nature, not that of God. James taught, “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice (Jam 3:16). This “wisdom of the world or of this age,” was (among many other matters) operating in the Corinthian church that had divided the congregation. A misinterpretation of the character Christ had become a source of disunity (1:12-14). In our focus text, Paul continues his admonishments of the people of God by addressing the root of their problem: Spiritual Immaturity.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Reflections of Emmanuel
Focus Scripture: Mt 1:18-25
Jesus is the reason for the season. He is truly Emmanuel. As we celebrate Christmas, it is vital that we explore the significance of “God with Us.” What are the divine blessings we receive by God clothing himself in our humanity? How is our hopeless future changed in the promise of Jesus? This Sunday, we shall offer three reflections on the birth of our Lord into the created order as a blessing to the entire world.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
Who Has Known the Mind of the Lord?
Focus Scripture:
This week we continue in I Corinthians 2:6-16 looking at Paul’s instruction to a congregation where divisions and contentions were robbing the church of unity and spiritual progress. To combat these problems, Paul addresses the need for better understanding on how God reveals his hidden wisdom. We will see how the spiritual man differs from the natural man and how the wisdom of this world is inadequate for knowing God. By focusing on the fact that all of the servants of God mentioned in Chapter 1 were presenting Gospel truth as the Holy Spirit opened their understanding, the church could unite. The differing speaking styles of each teacher as evaluated by the cultural norms of that day would no longer serve as a source of contention.
Blessings,
Mr. Norman Lance, M.A.
Assoc Pastor, Southern Hills Baptist Church
Power & Faith in Jesus Christ
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 2:1-5
The wisdom of heaven is displayed through Jesus Christ which glorifies and demonstrates the power of God (Jam 3:17, Prv 30:5). In contrast, the wisdom of earth manifests itself in our sinful nature which glorifies Satan and exposes its futility in the matters of salvation and eternity.
In the opening verses of 1 Cor 2, Paul continues his discourse on the “foolishness” of preaching, “the word of the cross,” to those who holdfast to human wisdom (cf., 1 Cor 1:18-31). In our focus text, he intends to emphasize that the proclamation of the gospel of “Christ crucified” does not draw its power in persuasive speech, but rather by the Holy Spirit. As believers, we are reminded we are to pay much closer attention to the substance and quality of the preaching of the gospel, rather than the outward appearance and oration talents of a preacher.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
The Gospel that Glorifies God, Part 2
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 1:26-31
God does not apply value of a person based on the examination of the outward appearance of who we are and what we possess in the world. Rather, by his providential will he selects his servants based on his purposes and plans with his glory always in view. The powerful, wealthy, and famous of the earth often seek their own honor and good. Too often, even if they attempt to approach God, it is to assimilate him as apart of a larger collection of their earthly holdings and affirmations thus adding to their own glory. This is what the Rich Young Ruler attempted to do in seeking Jesus (with misguided intentions) to inquire about the requirements of eternal life (Lk 18:18-30). Further, those who lack these things are encouraged by society to pursue them at all costs as a virtue of society.
The truth of the matter is whether we have much or little of earthly things, we cannot allow our socio-economic status to distort a sober judgement of our ourselves in our dealings with people in the church. Such pride would cause us to overestimate our value in relation to others and God. In our sermon text, Paul rightly reminds us how God’s value system differs from man’s as it concerns the selection of people according to his will.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
The Gospel that Glorifies God, Part 1
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 1:22-25
In last week’s sermon, “The Saving Wisdom of God” (focus text, v18-21), Paul described the contrasting responses of humanity to the gospel. The “word of the cross,” which is rejected by nonbelievers is a reference to Jesus’ crucifixion which has both historical and theological importance because it:
- Reveals who God is.
- Reveals how God relates to man.
- Displays God’s full manifestation of his deity through his Son, Jesus Christ.
- Reveals Gods divine providential works throughout history from the fall of Adam & Eve to bring about our redemption through the birth, death, and resurrection of the Savior of the world.
Such a message is the power of God for everyone who believes (Rom 1:16-17).
Paul now continues this theme through v22-31 by further spotlighting the futility of earthly wisdom. He unveils the mystery of God’s purpose for choosing the “low and despised” things of the world to receive his saving wisdom that the world considers either foolishness or require additional signs (and wonders) to believe.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
The Saving Wisdom of God
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 1:18-21
The wisdom of God is the beginning to recovering godliness. Apostle Paul pens his first letter to the churches of Corinth in response to a report he learned from the household of Chloe that there were divisions in the church. Many of the members of the church (though possibly not all) were separated in the 4 factions: The Party of Paul, the Party of Apollos, the Party of Cephas, and the Party of Christ. Clearly, the wisdom of man is driving the vehicle of the church with pride behind the wheel.
It is important to be reminded that the city of Corinth’s historical setting featured a society filled with wealth, mass paganism, prostitution, and love for entertainment. As a result, a church embedded in such culture would likely be plagued with many problems as a result. Paul, who had the heart of God, rightly deals with this issue of disunity in light of God’s view of divisiveness in the church (Prv 6:16-19, Ps 133:1, Col 3:12-14). He exhorts the Corinthians that:
- Christ is not divided in his divinity and character.
- Christ died for them (not man).
- Gods’ people are unified into Christ baptism, not into a baptism of Paul.
When the honoring of men morphs into worship, such will become like gasoline to the flames of discord and divisions. This is the byproduct of human wisdom. As Paul continues his exhortations, He describes to the Corinthians the futility of the earthly wisdom in light of the Word and Power of God.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Church Division
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 1:4-17
Church unity is not optional for a community of believers (Eph 4:1-6). Since of the inception of church (2000+ years ago), division has been a primary weapon used by our adversary to weaken the fellowship of the saints. Like then, we still divide over many things such as: theology, traditions, money, power, and how to address secular ideologies that infiltrate the church. Division takes root and flourishes where there is misinterpretation of scripture (i.e., corrupt hermeneutics) that leads to destructive application in the lives of Christians. It causes factions and discord which can destroy church unity from within and invite blasphemy of the world to the witness of Jesus Christ. While the church at Corinth had many issues, this is the first challenge Paul endeavors to address in our focus text for today’s message.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Introduction: Letter to the Corinthians
Focus Scripture: 1 Cor 1:1-3
The epistles to the church in Corinth are one of thirteen letters Paul wrote that are recorded in the New Testament. It is believed Paul’s first visit to Corinth is recorded in Acts 18, where he also he crossed paths with a married couple Aquila and Priscilla (who were both believers) as they shared the same profession of tent making (Acts 18:1-4). A brief survey of the two letters to Corinth reveals that the church there was riddled with numerous problems that were doctrinal, practical and relational. Further, Corinthian society was similar to our American culture today from a socio-economic perspective. I have often said, that if we want to learn about the variety of problems a church can experience (and how to address them), we need to study these letters Paul has written. This Sunday, we shall explore an introduction to these epistles.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Christ Lives, Part 3
Focus Scripture: Luke 24:36-53
The Gospel truth of the resurrection is like an oasis that refreshes our soul in the desert of doubt. When we struggle in our faith in God, we need to be reminded of his goodness worked in our lives. To remember strengthens our faith that we may recover our worship of our God who abounds in grace and mercy towards his children, thus the Psalmist sing, “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. (12) I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. (13) You way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God?” (Ps 77:11-13). As Luke’s Gospel record comes to its conclusion, we see that our Risen Savior appears to his fearful and discouraged disciples. His visit has twofold purpose:
- (1) To reassure their faith in his promises. He does not offer a “new” word, but the one he had already given them.
- (2) To remind them of the cooperative mission they would engage in to spread his Gospel to the whole world.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Christ Lives, Part 2
Focus Scripture: Luke 24:13-35
Central to the foundation of the Christian faith is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Both events are inseparable as the redemptive plan of the Father is incomplete if it ends at the crucifixion of his Son. The resurrection was also “necessary,” for without it our faith in God is pointless and we remain condemned, Paul taught, “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. (18) Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. (19) If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied” (1 Cor 15:17-19). Praise be to God that Jesus prophesized in his earthly life that he would rise from the grave on the third day after his crucifixion (Mk 9:30-31). According to Luke, the disciples discovered this truth after a visit to his tomb on that third morning only to find it empty of our Lord. Unfortunately, instead of being re-affirmed of their faith after seeing the visual evidence of what Jesus told them, the disciples leave the tomb hardened in unbelief. Jesus, our Risen Savior encountered two of his followers returning to their hometown of Emmaus with hearts burden with discouragement. Today’s message will offer several reflections of Jesus discussions with these men that should be both instructive and an encouragement of our faith.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Christ Lives, Part 1
Focus Scripture: Luke 24:1-12
The Resurrection is a glorious spiritual blessing from the heavenly places. It is a divine act by which demonstrated Jesus prophesied victory over death and vindication as the Son of God (Rom 1:4). Further, one of the foundations of our faith in Christianity rest on these words proclaimed from the angels from heaven, “He is not here, but has risen.” This Sunday we shall survey the events that occurred on that glorious Easter morning. Additionally, we shall begin to explore the significance of the resurrection as it relates to our salvation in this sermon series.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
The Darkest Hour
Focus Scripture: Luke 23:44-56
The darkest hour in creation has finally come. Jesus (who is our substitutionary sacrifice) had experienced a gross miscarriage of justice that led to a sentence of death. He had endured all the physical and emotional afflictions of pre-trial beatings, human degradation, dishonor, and humiliation associated with Roman style capital punishment. He was considered a criminal to his own people as he was crucified alongside two of other death row inmates (v32). His good towards humanity was repaid with evil by sinners who made him a spectacle and reproach upon society. This Sunday, we shall explore his last moments of life as he experiences the full price of our sin, which included isolation and to be forsaken by his Father.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Calvary, Part 3
Focus Scripture: Luke 23:39-43
Today is the day of salvation. The Gospel message is one of urgency as it calls all humanity to turn to Jesus for atonement for sins and eternal life. Not all come to Him at the same time period (or seasons) of life. Some receive salvation as little children, while there are others are granted this gift at an adult age. Regardless, one thing is clear: As long as you and I breathe oxygen on this side of heaven, it is never too late to repent from our sins and come to Jesus for rescue from the wrath of God that holds its sway over all humanity that rejects him and his Son. Luke’s record of Jesus and the two criminals who were crucified alongside him is an excellent example of this truth. Just before Jesus dies, he hangs on a bit longer to his earthly life to receive one final convert while he was on this side of heaven. The exchange between Jesus and one of the criminals glorifies the message of hope and an eternal future that the Gospel is. Jesus is the only door of our great salvation.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Calvary, Part 2
Focus Scripture: Luke 23:32-38
The blessedness of Calvary is a monument of God’s love for sinners. The Father gave his Son over to the agonies of hell, by which a chosen people might inherit the innumerable pleasures of heaven. Calvary is a location near the city of Jerusalem, but outside of its walls. It is a place preferred by the Jews and chosen specifically by the Romans to carry out the death sentences of what they considered the worst of societies criminals (e.g., like rebels). It is place of death reserved for sinners, by which Jesus goes to in exchange for you and I. This Sunday, we shall survey the continuation of Jesus’ sufferings and how he remained true to the will of his Father that we might live in him.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Prophecy of the Suffering & Passion of Christ
Focus Scripture: Isaiah 53
Isaiah was a prophet of the Lord among the people of Israel in the 8th century. He served God for 40 years as his mouthpiece among the Israelites and its kings. His messages consisted of charges, condemnation, and judgement against a wayward nation who violated the covenant of God. He also spoke of future blessings and restoration. Such promises would not be possible without the “Suffering Servant,” Isaiah prophesied about almost 700 years before Jesus walked the earth. Isaiah 53 best captures a God who would be the instrument of and the only pathway to future redemption. As we survey the persecution and crucifixion of Jesus’ life in the last chapters of Luke’s Gospel, it is important to have a complete picture of who the Messiah is and what he accomplished on the behalf of sinners in the entire world. His death satisfied God’s righteous demands for judgment against sin, thus opening the way mercy and grace for everyone to come to God in faith for salvation. How is all this possible? Isaiah gives us the answers in Chapter 53 of his book. Here are a few observations from his prophecy that should be continually informative, instructive and encouraging for his church today.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Calvary, Part 1
Focus Scripture: Luke 23:26-31
The crucifixion of Jesus is upon us. The road to Calvary is set to begin now that Jesus has been sentenced to death by Roman authorities, thus granting the wishes of the Jews. He will be executed outside the city of Jerusalem as one being charged with blasphemy (cf., Lev 24:10-16). We shall continue our journey through Jesus last moments of life and uncover divine truths as he suffers the penalty of sin for all humanity.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Trial of Injustice, Part 3
Focus Scripture: Luke 23:13-25
Jesus has come to die for the sins of the world. Enmity and injustice would be divine tools used to carry out the Father’s providential plan for our redemption. Isaiah prophesied of Jesus, “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, and smitten by God, and afflicted” (Isa 53:4). Jesus has been tried in two different jurisdictions (Galilee & Judea); both which determined the Sanhedrin case was without basis. Now he is returned to Pilate where the religious elites will persist in their demand for the death penalty with a case built on lies like a stack of cards. This Sunday, we shall survey the final moments of Jesus’ sham trial and glean redemptive truths from Jesus’ persecution as it concerns the salvation of sinners.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Trial of Injustice, Part 2
Focus Scripture: Luke 23:6-12
The greatest miscarriage of justice in human history is underway. The religious elites completed a sham preliminary hearing at the high priest house in order to establish a conviction against Jesus that would warrant the death sentence. They rejected him as the Son of God, so when he responded with truth that he was indeed the Messiah, they falsely accuse him of blasphemy, “What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips” (Lk 22:71). Now they bring him before Pontius Pilate for sentence hearing. He heard the charges and determined that Jesus had committed no crimes deserving death. Upon hearing that Jesus was from the region of Galilee, he quickly sent him to Herod (Antipas), for this was his jurisdiction. Further, Pilate saw it as an opportunity rid himself of controversial case that could spark unrest in his own region. This Sunday, we will explore spiritual truths behind Jesus’ refusal to answer any of Herod’s questions. Additionally, we will examine how we as the Christian are to endure injustice by modeling our Lord.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Trial of Injustice, Part 1
Focus Scripture: Luke 23:1-5
The Kangaroo Court has been assembled and Jesus’ sham trial is underway. He has already endured a pre-trial before the Sanhedrin. They have denied him any rights to “due process” and falsely accused him of blasphemy which would triggered the death sentence. But they have a problem though. The Jews are under an occupying pagan nation rule. In accordance with Roman law, it would be illegal for them to put Jesus to death. Therefore, Luke records that the Sanhedrin transports Jesus to the Romans authorities to achieve this end, “Then the whole company of them arose and brought him before Pilate” (v1). This Sunday, we shall survey the details of Jesus sentence hearing before Gentile government of Rome.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
The Kangaroo Court vs Jesus
Focus Scripture: Luke 22:63-71
The road to Calvary is drawing near its conclusion for Jesus. The Jewish religious elites have colluded with Romans to form an arresting party (led by their inside man, Judas) to track Jesus down and take him into custody. Before they can ultimately sentence him to death, they must put him through sham legal proceedings that will pervert any “due process.” According to Luke, Jesus has been taken to the residence of the High Priest to stand before the Sanhedrin for an unofficial pre-trial. We shall witness the greatest miscarriage of justice to occur in all creation of our Lord before this Kangaroo Court. Jesus who committed no sin, and extended his love to everyone, will be charged, and put on trial as a criminal and enemy of the state. This Sunday, we shall survey how Jesus’ good is repaid for evil and is living example for the Christian on how we are to endure the reviling of the world for his name’s sake.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwater.com
Pardoning Grace
Focus Scripture: Luke 22:54-62
Betrayal is one of the most injurious wounds one can suffer in this life. Especially when it comes at the hands of those closest to us. David had experienced this as he laments the anguish of it, “For it is not an enemy who taunts me – then I could bear it; it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me – then I could hide from him. (13) But it is you, a man, my equal, may companion, my familiar friend. (14) We used to take sweet counsel together; within God’s house we walked in the throng” (Ps 55:12-14). In our focus text for this Sunday, Jesus will experience this affliction upon himself by his highly favored disciple and friend……Peter. We shall explore the circumstances that lead to his denial. We shall also spotlight how pardoning grace works in the lives of God’s people, even on our worst day in following the Lord.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
The Hour of Darkness
Focus Scripture: Luke 22:47-53
The prophesized hour of darkness has finally come. No sooner than Jesus completes his fervent prayer for strength and preservation in the Garden of Gethsemane for his mission at Calvary, an arresting party enters this grove of the foot of the Mount of Olives. Luke records, “While he was still speaking, there came a crowd…” (v47). The story of redemptive history presses forward concerning Jesus’ detainment which would lead to his death and ultimate resurrection (Mt 20:17-19, cf., Isa 53:7). We shall explore the circumstances around this event. We shall also examine what Jesus’ arrest teaches us about who he is and the depravity of the power of evil against him.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Gethsemane Prayer
Focus Scripture: Luke 22:39-46
Prayer connects us to the divine provision of our Father in Heaven. As a part of his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus previously taught, “Ask, and it will be given to you, seek, and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you. (8) For everyone who ask receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened” (Mt 7:7-8). Further, we are exhorted by scripture to engage in this means of grace continually (1 Th 5:17). Here is the truth: A prayerless life is a faithless life. We pray to petition God for our needs, to include the strength to carry out his will. This is exactly what our Lord does in the Garden of Gethsemane. The sole purpose of his incarnation into the earth was to die for sin and be raised for our eternal justification. Now entering his last evening of life, he prays for strength to do the will of the Father, by which the salvation of all of humanity utterly depends. This Sunday, we shall examine how he spent his last moments of freedom in prayer and the necessity of its working in our own lives.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Be Strong & Courageous
Focus Scripture: Luke 22:35-38
The Christian life is not one of ease and earthly prosperity, but rather of spiritual warfare, divine mission, and promise. Trials and tribulation for the sake of the Gospel is to be expected according to the scriptures (Jn 16:33). Paul taught that, “…all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…” (2 Tim 3:12). On the eve of his crucifixion, Jesus warns his disciples of the dangerous future to befall them after his death, resurrection, and ascension. This Sunday, we shall explore the context and application of Jesus kingdom “advisory alert” and how it still instructs the Christian (the church) today.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
The Lesson's of Peter's Pride
Focus Scripture: Luke 22:31-34
Pride comes before a fall. It is powerful force of our sinful nature that closes our ears to the voice of God. It blinds us to the destructive path we are on which will end in a pit of humiliation. At the Lord Supper, Jesus had to rebuke and exhort his disciples for embracing such a self-centered mindset as it concerned leadership, as he caught them disputing amongst themselves as who would be the greatest in God’s kingdom, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. (26) Be not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves” (v25-25). Jesus modeled servant leadership that draws its strength on humility before God, not tyrannical governance of man by which he masquerades as a god.
Pride leads us away from the fellowship of God into the bosom of Satan. This was an area Peter struggled with throughout Jesus three-year ministry together with him. Considering our Lord is soon to be arrested, he offers a final warning specifically towards Peter. This Sunday, we shall explore Jesus words that serves as both an advisory alert and encouragement.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Greatness Through Humility
Focus Scripture: Luke 22:24-30
Humility frees us from pride and arrogance. In doing so, it helps us to discern and accept our standing as compared to God. Like a river, it flows towards the lake of our hearts, thus creating a strong current of thanksgiving for the goodness and mercy our God within. Pride functions as dam to that river. Pride produces calamity and humiliation. Humility is the only current from a Biblical perspective that will pull us towards fruitful relationship with God and exaltation in him.
In the fallen world of men, self-centeredness is championed as it puts us above all people (including God). Man exalts man. Contrastively, the kingdom of God value system is the opposite. God centeredness is exhorted as it bows low in submission to him, for he exalts his people in due season (1 Pt 5:6-7). This principle was quickly forgotten by Jesus disciples as they argued amongst themselves as to who was the greatest. Jesus’ response was both a rebuke and encouragement, which is still applicable to us today.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
The Feast of God's Love, Part 2
Focus Scripture: Luke 22:17-23
A life of gratitude is fueled by joyful remembrance of God’s goodness upon our lives. This is the primary reason God commanded the Jews to commemorate the Passover, by which his love and saving grace was experienced in all its power in their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Living a life of daily thanksgiving strengthens faith in God in the present. But what about the future? Remember, the Passover was an earthly shadow of an eternal glory to come. Jesus now incorporates the “Lord’s Supper” (aka Eucharist) which is meal of thanksgiving to the Lord where we partake of a life of God, that reminds us of what Christ done for his people now and will complete when he returns. This Sunday, we shall explore the significance of the elements of the Lord supper symbolized in the bread and wine.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D
www.springoflivingwaters.com
The Feast of God's Love, Part 1
Focus Scripture: Luke 22:14-16
The Passover celebration is one thanksgiving and reflection on God’s delivering power of his people. According to Luke, Jesus now gathers with his disciples to not only eat the Passover Meal but also institute the Lord’s Supper. Such sacrament was introduced by our Lord to replace the substitutionary animal sacrifice of a lamb with one final sacrifice of himself (Heb 9:11-12). Further, the Lord’s Supper would serve as a reminder of all those partake of Jesus the sacrifice he is and has made for us. This meal is rich in divine truth and hope for all those who place their faith in Him for salvation. This Sunday, we shall begin to explore the symbolic and eternal weight of glory this sacrament offers Gods’ people.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Plots Against Jesus Fulfilled
Focus Scripture: Luke 22:1-6
The end is near for Jesus three-year Gospel ministry. At this point in Luke’s record, He has concluded his final instructions to his twelve disciples about signs of the end of the age and the importance of faithful living while wait for his Second Coming. It is now (believed) to be Thursday and Friday of Passion Week where Jesus is soon to be arrested as the Jews celebrate the Passover, “Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew new, which is called the Passover” (v1). This Sunday, we shall explore the significance of these initial events of the Passover. We shall examine the collusion of the religious elites and Judas to arrest Jesus in this moment in redemptive history.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Signs of the Times, Part 7
Focus Scripture: Luke 21:34-38
God has not left us without a witness to his truth. As an act of His love, Jesus warns his people about the signs of the end of the age that will set the stage for his second return. The goal of his warnings is to promote faithfulness to God. Obedience to his Word will produce readiness for the things to come. He offered the “Parable of the Fig Tree” to illustrate the necessity of discernment and alertness in the Christian life as we wait for his new kingdom and royal reign to come (v30-31). Jesus concludes his discourse by reinforcing his previous instructions on how his people are to live with anticipation of his return while enduring the perils of this life. His instructions are simple, but twofold: Watch yourselves and stay awake!
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Signs of the Times, Part 6
Focus Scripture: Luke 21:29-33
The end of the age is near. Through his 3-year Gospel ministry, Jesus warned the unbelieving Jews of the coming judgement upon the earth. Their only escape was to place their faith in him for rescue out of what he called a wicked and perverse generation. Unfortunately, they rejected his message and identity as the Son of God. Their hardened hearts blinded them to the signs of end of the age, for Jesus challenged their lack of discernment, “…When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ (3) And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times” (Mt 16:2-3). Jesus did not want his disciples (nor future followers) to fall into this trap. In our focus text, he begins to exhort them to remain watchful and heed his warnings after he concludes his prophecies of the destruction of Jerusalem and his Second Coming. In today sermon, we shall explore his “Lesson of the Fig Tree” and how he uses its illustration to highlight the importance of discernment and alertness in the Christian life in an age that is passing away.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Signs of the Times, Part 5
Focus Scripture: Luke 21:25-28
Daily news reels that spotlight (continually) the endless state of peril in our culture and societies is alarming to the world of men (especially unbeliever). Why? Because they place all their hope in this life. Their focus is the present, for they desire a heaven on earth by which man rules away from the presence of God, with their minds fixed on earthly things (e.g., Mt 16:23). In contrast, believers in Jesus Christ view our earthly life through heaven’s lens (biblical perspective). We look forward to the return our eternal King (Jesus) who will inaugurate a new creation, under a divine government. In the next segment of this sermon series (Part 5), Jesus finally describes the signs of his second coming we shall explore this Sunday.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwater.com
Signs of the Times, Part 4
Focus Scripture: Luke 21:20-24
Jesus is our sure foundation in a fallen world. His teachings, works, miracles, signs and wonders not only affirmed him as the Son of God, but also highlighted his mission to grant salvation through grace and truth. He came first to Israel, then also to the Gentiles. Where He and his Gospel has been rejected, judgement was surely to follow (cf., Mt 23:37-39). In general, the Jews of Jesus day disapproved of him and cried out for his crucifixion. In anticipation of this, Jesus prophesized about the fall of Jerusalem. This prediction shocked his disciples as they (like the Jews) had placed their hope in earthly things such as a temple and political deliverer. Jesus uses their adoration of the Herod’s modernized temple to correct their understanding about the immediate future of Jerusalem and coming judgement at the end of the age.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Signs of the Times, Part 3
Focus Scripture: Luke 21:12-19
It is understatement to say the world appears to remain in a constant state of peril. Geo-economic and political unrest keeps most countries miry swamp of instability. Wars and the rumors of them are the source much fear and anxiety in societies. Natural disasters of all types have persisted through the age. These harbingers that mankind have experienced in this fallen creation order were also a reality during the Gospel ministry of Jesus. So much so, the Jews hope was rooted in earthly things such as a temple and political messiah. In the earlier passages of this chapter of Luke, the disciples were found marveling at the gloriousness of the temple, by which Jesus responds, “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down” (v6). From these words, Jesus began a discourse describing the signs of the times that pushes back against such earthly thinking and limited view of God. In Part 2 of this sermon series, Jesus described the “Beginning of Woes” that signified the approaching end of the age, such as:
- Appearance of False-Saviors (Messiahs)
- Wars and the rumor of them
- Natural disasters
He now continues his warnings as he spotlights the persecution that will accompany the aforementioned signs.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
The Resurrection: Past, Present & Future
Focus Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:20-28
Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life (Jn 11:25). He declared to Martha (just before raising her brother Lazarus from back to life who had been dead in a tomb for four days), “…Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, (26) and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.” This same Jesus was later crucified to atone for the sins of the world as prophesied (Isa 53:10). Then the gospels revealed that even grave could not keep him, but his Father in Heaven raised him, thus conquering death. The most wonderful promise in all eternity was fulfilled came from the lips of God’s holy angels that the disciples encountered at the empty tomb, “…Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. (6) He is not here, for he has risen, as he said…” (Mt 28:5-6).
Further, the truth of his resurrection was confirmed (later) by his disciples…..even for doubting Thomas who was hardened in unbelief, refusing to believe the testimony of those who saw him, for he cries out in anguish of his own soul, “…Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe” (Jn 20:25). To which eight days later his prayer is answered. Jesus appeared again to the disciples behind their lock doors and goes directly to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe” (Jn 20:27). Not only did his twelve disciples (along with women who accompanied them) see him, but many more before his ascension back to heaven, for Paul declares, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, (4) that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, (5) and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. (6) Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep” (1 Cor 15:3-6).
Every year on Easter Sunday, we celebrate (as the saints have done since the inauguration of the early church) the resurrection of our Lord. What is the resurrection about? Why didn’t God the Father stop his redemptive work at the crucifixion? Why is the resurrection so necessary, significant, and foundational to our faith that we celebrate it? This Sunday, we will explore Paul’s writings to the churches at Corinth on this subject that reveals how the resurrection impacts our past, present, and future.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Signs of the Times, Part 2
Focus Scripture: Luke 21:8-11
Jesus is the way, the truth, the life (Jn 14:6). Every word that he spoke in the Gospels came directly from his Father in heaven. He is the Word of God and everything he taught can be trusted as absolute truth. During his earthly ministry, Jesus not only declared the gospel of salvation, but also provided instruction and warnings about signs of the end of age (including his second coming). He did this so his chosen people would not be deceived. The Father does not want his children led astray by false prophets and teachers who (as Jesus prophesized) would rise to distort the truth and lead many to their destruction. According to Apostle Paul, the source of such deception is from Satan. As our primary adversary, he (and his ministers) initial plan of attack is to disguise his lies behind a thin veil of truth (so called enlightenment) to those who hear it, “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. (14) And no wonder, for even Satan himself disguises himself as an angel of light. (15) So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds” (2 Cor 11:13-15).
As Christians, we are thankful to God that he never leaves his people without a witness of his word as our only light in the darkness. On this day (in Luke’s gospel record) he corrects the disciples understanding about the fate of the temple. He also uses the opportunity to detail “signs” of not only the coming destruction of Jerusalem, but he also gives clarity about end of the age. The Sunday, we will explore the first part of his discourse, which he highlights the “Beginning of Woes” to come.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Signs of the Times, Part 1
Focus Scripture: Luke 21:5-7
Through human history there has been much hysteria and misinformation about the end of the age. This reality was also true within the people of Israel. Jesus appearing and ministry challenged their deeply rooted beliefs about Messiah’s identity and mission. His teaching exposed their inability to interpret the signs of the end of the age, the emerging kingdom and coming new creation. Remember, Jesus confronted them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ (3) And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times” (Mt 16:2-3). Even his disciples who had been with him for almost three years (at this point in Luke), still struggled with willful blindness to the truth concerning these matters.
In our focus passage, Jesus is now leaving the temple after a few days of teaching and enduring inquisitions of the religious elites. As they depart, the disciples expressed great admiration of the temple construction. This Sunday, we shall explore how Jesus uses this very moment to begin a discourse on the signs of the end times.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Commitment to God
Focus Scripture: Luke 21:1-4
What does it mean to trust fully in God? What does it look like in everyday life to commit ourselves to his Word? How we steward the resources that God has put on our hands says a lot about how we view these questions. As chapter 21 of Luke’s gospel opens, it appears that Jesus is finally resting from his temple bout with the religious elites. Having spent time rebuking them and warning the crowds in the temple against their corrupt practices, he now witnesses true genuine religion over the sham religion of these law interpreters. In our focus text, Jesus takes the opportunity to spotlight the faith of the widow’s offering as a teaching moment for his disciples. This Sunday, we shall explore what it means and what it looks like to be totally dependent on God, an attribute found in a poor widow.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Imitate Christ
Focus Scripture: Luke 20:45-47
During “Passion Week”, the religious elites attacked Jesus’ authority and teaching with hopes to discredit and shame him. Their craftiness was discerned by our Lord and their hypocrisy unmasked before the hearers in the temple. After successfully uncovering the error of their beliefs, Jesus now exposes their corrupt practices. They were wolves in sheep’s clothing who devoured God’s people who were charged to the care with false teaching. They were brood of vipers. Like a family of snakes (which were considered evil creatures likened to the ways of Satan in scripture), they were deceitful and dangerous to anyone who drew near them. Jesus being fully aware of their large following takes the opportunity (out of love) to warn those who were prone to be easily lead astray but such fellows. Jesus offers five criticisms of them we shall explore this Sunday. Further, with these critiques we should pray that God examine our own hearts (from the pulpit to the pews).
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
The Descendant Lord of David
Focus Scripture: Luke 20:41-44
Jesus is Lord over all things. He is the Promised One to come to whom God swore to Abraham, “…in you all the families of the earth shall blessed” (Gen 12:3). Through his line would come the Savior of the World, who was descendant of David himself (Mt 1:1-17), by which through the generations of Israel they have maintained faith in such promised Messiah. Additionally, while Jesus walked the earth in his gospel ministry, they witnessed the fulfillment of such hope living in him. Which is the reason why a blind beggar in Jericho who drew near him for healing cried out, “Jesus, Son of David!” (Lk 18:38). Then on Palm Sunday as he entered Jerusalem on a donkey’s colt (fulfilling messianic prophecy of Zech 9) where the multitude worshipped him and shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Mt 21:9). However, on this day in the temple during, “Passion Week”, Jesus cast doubt on this title given him. Here a couple questions we will explore this Sunday in our focus text:
- Is Jesus only merely a descendant of David?
- If this is true, how can he also be David’s Lord?
- How does David (himself) address this question as recorded in the scripture?
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
The Resurrection & The Life
Focus Scripture: Luke 20:27-40
Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life (Jn 11:17-27). All those who believe in him (though we shall die in this earthly life) are preserved to eternal life with him. Not only are we granted new life, but we are gifted a new body needed to inhabit the new creation to come (cf., 1 Cor 15:50-57). In our focus text, Jesus is continuing his daily teaching in the temple in this last week of life leading up to Good Friday and his own eventual resurrection. Having been confronted and sternly questioned by various factions of the religious elites such as chief priest, scribes, elders, and the Herodians, he now must face the Sadducees. This party was widely known for their opposition to the doctrine of resurrection, and they question Jesus about it. This Sunday we shall explore this latest inquiry and how our Lord’s response glorifies our Living God. This encounter ensures that we who trust in Jesus are alive in him forever.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Honor God
Focus Scripture: Luke 20:19-26
Who is worthy of more honor? God or man? Do the religious elites who confront Jesus with this principled question really want to know the answer? Or was their intentions (again) corrupt? Though they failed in their blunt approach to discredit and shame him by questioning his authority previously, they now deploy a more covert design to ensnare Jesus. They veil their true agenda by cleverly asking Jesus to address a highly contentious issue of Jews paying Roman taxes. Though their strategy has changed, their goal remains the same: destroy Jesus. This Sunday, we shall explore the wisdom of Jesus response to their latest inquiry they present to him (not bluntly as before) but perfumed with flattery that dripped with honey. Once again, he turns the tables on them. The trap they set for Jesus, they themselves will be ensnared by it.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Parable of the Wicked Tenants
Focus Scripture: Luke 20:9-18
All authority over heaven and earth has been granted to Jesus Christ (Mt 28:18). Further, Paul taught that Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father, “…far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also the age to come. (22) And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, (23) which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all” (Eph 1:21-23). Jesus reigns now and rules forever. The religious elites of Jesus day did not see it that way. They rejected him, as he was not the type of Messiah they looked for. They desired a political deliverer who would advance their earthly dreams of supremacy as a nation. In contrast, Jesus was an eternal King who came to put to death their ideas of a kingdom. To follow Jesus, they were called to die to such earthly hopes and see their true enemy they needed saving from (not Rome, but in-dwelling sin).
As Jesus gospel ministry was coming to end, the religious elites (and their followers) increased in their plotting to arrest him and doubled their efforts to destroy him. They step up the persecution efforts during the “Week of the Passion” by challenging his authority while he was teaching in the temple. Unfortunately, these efforts to embarrass and discredit Jesus was unfruitful, but instead further exposed their hypocrisy. Now Jesus leans into his rebuke of them by teaching a “Parable of the Wicked Tenants,” that warns the people who are “hanging on to his words” against these wicked men. This Sunday we will explore the meaning of this parable.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Trust In Jesus
Focus Scripture: Luke 20:1-8
Chapter 19 of Luke’s gospel set the stage for the “Week of the Passion,” as Jesus nears the end of his gospel ministry. Palm Sunday records his “Triumphal Entry” as he rides a donkey’s colt into Jerusalem thus fulfilling Messianic prophecy (Zech 9:9). Then on Monday, he resumes his ministry by entering the temple to teach, only to have to carry out some housekeeping duties first to restore right worship in the temple. The Pharisees and merchants were operating a racketeering scheme in the court of the Gentiles (area) and had turned it into a stockyard (marketplace of commerce), or as Jesus described it, “…a den of robbers” (v26). According to biblical scholars (as we enter Ch 20), it is now believed to be Tuesday as Jesus re-enters the temple again to resume his teaching.
Bear in mind, the religious elites were still fuming. Jesus busting up their money-making enterprise was the last straw. They now dispatch a small committee to confront and challenge his authority in the temple. Their primary purpose was to embarrass and discredit him in the midst the multitudes who had gathered to listen to him in the temple, or as Luke described, “…for all the people were hanging on his words” (Lk 19:48). They wanted to turn public opinion against him, which would give them better optics when they arrest and kill him. This Sunday, we will explore the true motives of these Jewish leaders and unpack the wisdom of Jesus’ response to them.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Zeal For God's Worship
Focus Scripture: Luke 19:45-48
The “Week of the Passion” commenced when Jesus entered Jerusalem on what our Gospel writers titled, “The Triumphal Entry.” On that day, Jesus received praise from the multitude of disciples affirming him as their King, the Son of God. Yet as he looked over the landscape of the great city, he wept over the unbelief the flourished in the city of God because they rejected the biblical identity and mission of the Messiah. Palm Sunday passed into Monday. With little time left, Jesus resumed his Gospel ministry and headed into the temple to teach. What he found there did not stir up weeping within him but rather incited his righteous indignation. He was greatly displeased to find that the religious elites had transformed God’s house of worship into marketplace of commerce. This message will explore the significance of Jesus’ cleansing the temple and his zeal for God’s creation to have access to their Creator.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Here Comes Your King, Pt.2
Focus Scripture: Luke 19:41-44
The Gospel proclaims an eternal King and Kingdom which the religious elites rejected. They misinterpreted Scriptures that spoke to the Messiah’s identity and the signs of his appearing. This is why when they demanded that Jesus perform more signs to validate his claim that he was the Son of God, he responded, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red’ (3) And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times” (Mt 16:2-3).
Now, Jesus (the king of glory) has entered the great city (Jerusalem), fulfilling Messianic prophecy (Zec 9:9). He is showered with the praise he is due. Though many of the disciples acknowledged him as King as he entered Jerusalem, he knew many of them held to a misunderstanding of the Messiah and his mission.
He had not come to bring forth glorious earthly kingdoms with all the Jewish splendor they hoped for. He had not come to be their conquering earthly king riding on a white horse to overthrow the oppression of Rome. Instead, He came to proclaim a kingdom not of this world as he was its eternal King. He came to deliver them (us) from our true enemy (internal sin) that left unaddressed would result in our eternal condemnation. He came to offer a real hope and a future.
In today’s message, we will explore why Jesus weeps over Jerusalem as he enters it.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Here Comes Your King, Pt.1
Focus Scripture: Luke 19:28-40
Jesus’ gospel ministry that featured the themes of a “coming King” and “eternal Kingdom” is approaching its dramatic climax. In this chapter of Luke’s Gospel, he records Jesus (and his disciples) journey out of Galilee, through Jericho, then into Jerusalem for the Passover. “The Week of the Passion” is set to begin starting with his “Triumphal Entry” unto Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. “Good Friday” is not far away. This Sunday, we shall explore the significance of the way and timing by which he enters Jerusalem as it relates to:
- His Glory
- His Father’s Timing
- His Fulfillment of Prophecy
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Have You Been Faithful?
Focus Scripture: Luke 19:11-27
As Jesus’ Gospel ministry was coming to end, there was great anticipation of his arrival into Jerusalem. Many (including his own disciples) misinterpreted his mission and the nature of his kingdom. Previously, Jesus warned the Pharisees, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, (21) nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ Or ‘There!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you” (Lk 17: 20-21). Further, the kingdom that Jesus proclaimed is not of this world (Jn 18:36) but is “spiritual” and alive (by his Spirit) in his chosen people as they advance through this life.
The crowds observed the transformation and acceptance of a despised tax collector (Zacchaeus) into the kingdom AND that Jesus claimed to be the ONE [Messiah] who came to seek and save the lost. These events and words caused them to ponder whether Jesus would setup a kingdom on earth with the Jewish splendor (they hoped for), thus, “…they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately” (v11). To rid them of this fantasy, Jesus told them a parable that emphasized the following:
- God’s people are not to be focused on the timing in which he would finally establish his kingdom, instead Jesus refocused his disciples when they asked him a similar question, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom of Israel?’ He said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority’” (Acts 1:7).
- God’s people are to be focused on faithful living (which includes serving) until his return. We are to concentrate on what he has given us today and leave the future (results) to God.
- God’s people are not to be apathetic nor slothful in our duties he assigns us. If you are a Christian, you are called to serve God.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters
Savior of the Lost
Focus Scripture: Luke 19:1-10
God did not send his Son into the world to judge it, but to redeem that which is lost. Such Gospel mission was very unpopular among the religious elites (partly) because Jesus considered low people in society (e.g., tax collectors, prostitutes, lepers, etc…) as beneficiaries of such salvation. Through him, the Father expressed his affection and pursued fellowship with sinners. Jesus referred to himself at the “Good Shepherd” who gathers his sheep and leads them (they who follow his voice) through the door of his sheepfold to the pasture of salvation (Jn 10). Among his sheep included not only Jews, but also Gentiles (and those from all socio-economic classes, cf., Eph 2:14, Gal 3:28-29). Further, while wealth can be a great stumbling block for those seeking to enter the kingdom of God (e.g., Rich Young Ruler, Lk 18:18-30), it is not entirely impossible. With God, all things are possible. Zacchaeus is an excellent example of this truth. This Sunday we shall explore the following questions:
- Who is Zacchaeus and what are the historical details of his occupation?
- What is the significance of Jesus choosing to seek Zacchaeus out and fellowship with him in his home?
- What does Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus reveal about his mission to the lost?
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Healing Faith
Focus Scripture: Luke 18:35-43
Jesus Gospel ministry was coming to an end. He and his disciples had completed their journeys through Galilee and were make their ascent up to Jerusalem where Jesus predicts (for the third time) his coming death and resurrection (Lk 18:31-33). The city of Jerusalem had geographical, historical, and theological significance as it related to the prophetic fulfillment of our Lord’s mission. Further, it should be noted that Jesus timing was not a coincidence as he seeks to enter Jerusalem at the Passover (cf. Mt 26:1-2, Ex 12).
The Passover festival was given to Israel to observe once a year for a seven-day period. It was celebration to commemorate Gods’ mercy on his people in their deliverance from Egypt. Just as God had instructed his people to kill a lamb as an atoning act, so also is Christ our “substitutionary,” atonement or as Paul says, “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Cor 5:7, cf., 1 Pt 1:19). Israel learned on that great and powerful day of God, only the blood of the lamb saves. Likewise, when we receive Jesus in faith, his blood washes away our sins and death passes over us.
It is by divine providence that Jesus (our Passover Lamb) approaches Jerusalem at this very moment. However, before he and his band of disciples begin their ascension towards Jerusalem, he must first pass-through Jericho. Here, he comes across a blind man who was begging on the side of the road. One encounter with the Great Physician, this man is made whole. We will explore both the physical and spiritual implications of Jesus healing work in this blind beggars’ life.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Upward to Jerusalem
Focus Scripture: Luke 18:31-34
Salvation cost us nothing as it is a gift from God (Eph 2:8-9). However, to live for him will cost us everything. In the Gospels, Jesus cautioned the multitudes to count the cost of discipleship. Association with Jesus could cause division within families and loss of earthly livelihoods (Lk 14:27-33).
The disciples had already begun to live out this reality which is why Peter highlighted the commitment the 12 disciples had already made; thus, he says, “See, we have left our homes and followed you” (v28). Jesus had acknowledged their commitment and encouraged them with promise of present and eternal reward, “Truly, I say to you, there is not one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, (30) who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life” (v29-30). He now turned their attention to an infinitely greater sacrifice he is about to make as his gospel mission is nearing its end. This Sunday, we will explore the significance of his third prediction of his death and resurrection as it related to the site (Jerusalem) of such prophetic fulfillment.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
The Peril of Riches, Pt.2
Focus Scripture: Luke 18:24-30
Salvation from start to finish is not accomplished by human achievement. We add nothing to the process of redemption (other than our sin), and we take nothing away by human works or will. If we are in Christ (born again), we cannot undo or lose such great salvation by any power under heaven (to include human hands). All the works of redemption is performed and kept by God himself (Jn 6:44, 10:28-29).
The Father has gifted believers to his Son Jesus. Any righteousness apart from him contributes nothing to our great salvation. This was a hard truth the rich young ruler rejected, as he came offering superficial reverence while inquiring how to become a partaker of salvation at the close of the age. In truth, he only came to justify himself and add validation of Jesus to his own righteousness. A high view of himself as exposed, when asked if he obeyed the law to which he answered, “All these I have kept from my youth” (v21). The response Jesus offered was not expected and left him bitterly disappointed. He walked away with a sad countenance. He was called (as we all are) to abandon his idolatrous affections for his earthly life to follow Jesus. Truly, we cannot serve to masters. His wealth and power were a higher good than Jesus. His attachment to the world was stronger than any attachment to God. Truly, the love of the Father was not in him (1 Jn 2:15-17). Now alone with the disciples, Jesus uses this encounter as a teaching moment. He warns of how and why the pride of possessions are a great roadblock for people entering the kingdom of God. Part II of the sermon series will address two primary questions:
- How does a love for this world sustain unbelief in God and his Savior?
- How does a love and pursuit of wealth and power cause a stumbling for those attempting to enter the kingdom of God (or even believers being fruitful in the walk with God)?
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
The Peril of Riches, Pt.1
Focus Scripture: Luke 18:18-23
Eternal life is a gift to all whom God grants it. Righteous deeds offer no saving capital, nor can human exertion earn a person entrance into the kingdom of God. Paul taught, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not of your own doing; it is gift of God, (9) not the result of works; so that no one may boast” (Eph 2:8-9). The transliteral word (δῶρον) from the Greek for “gift” is “dōron” which communicates two biblical truths about salvation:
- A gift (a present) is free. Someone else labors at their own expense and gives to another to enjoy. The one who accepts the gift, do so as their own possession (a blessing) that they did not sacrifice for.
- A “gift” implies offering or sacrifice. Meaning, Jesus (the Son) was sacrificed so God (the Father) could offer salvation as a gift (a possession) to all who believe in him. Jesus was our acceptable sacrifice (a sin offering, 1 Pt 1:19).
In short, someone else suffered and paid the ransom due, that we may enjoy the full benefits of such a sacrifice at no cost to us. That is what makes it a gift. Biblical grace is rooted in this divine truth. This is a helpful reminder and foundational to understand Jesus’ encounter with a rich young ruler. His self-righteousness masked a greater attachment to his wealth and power than God. This Sunday, we shall explore how a love for earthly riches hinders entrance into the kingdom of God.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Child-Like Faith
Focus Scripture: Luke 18:15-17
Persistence in prayer is essential to our ability to endure all things and be faithful in the mission God has left his people in the earth. Another important ingredient needed in prayer is “humility,” which is the reason Jesus teaches, “The Parable of the Pharisee & the Tax Collector” (Lk 18:9-14). We are instructed not to come before God puffed up in self-righteousness and boasting in one’s works like the Pharisee did. We are to approach God needy like the tax collector (i.e., beggars, Syrophoenician woman of Mk 7). We come his throne of grace with a humble attitude (embracing sober judgement of oneself). Our faith should reveal a trust that is fully committed to God and his love. We come to receive from God (only offering him praise and thanksgiving, longing to always be close to him) ……. childlike faith.
In the previous parable, the tax collector is an excellent picture of a trustful little child before his father. He is our model of how we come to Jesus, the Son. Some might say, “but Jesus isn’t the Father in Heaven?!!!” But remember what Jesus told his disciples when Philip asked, “Lord, show us the Father…” Jesus’ response, “…Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (Jn 14:8-9). To come to Jesus is to come to the Father through him (Jn 14:6). Today, we will survey the characteristics of childlike faith as Jesus rebukes his disciples from preventing little children from coming to him.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Persevering In Prayer
Focus Scripture: Luke 18:1-8
One gift of the Holy Spirit is the desire and longing for the coming King (Jesus) and his Kingdom. Just before his ascension to heaven, his disciples inquired about the timing of his return, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom of Israel?” Jesus response, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. (8) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:6-8). It has been over 2000 years since that moment. During that time period, the Christian (and God’s church) has endured much trial and tribulations through persecution for our testimony and witness of Gospel of Jesus Christ. In faith, the Christian has (and will continue to) labor and persist in our God-given commission in the advancement of God’s kingdom. We are called to serve him in his mission until the day we leave this earth.
Persistence in prayer is essential in our ability to endure all things and be faithful in the mission God has left his people until he returns. In the latter verses of Luke 17, Jesus describes the signs that will be seen in the age just prior to his return. While we labor in the present life for the glory of God, his return is the hope that anchors us in our faith. Jesus shares a parable of “Persistent Widow” which aims to encourage us not to lose heart in our waiting and stress the importance that we (and followers through the generations) persevere in prayer. Here are some observations of the parable that remain instructive for us today.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Coming King & Kingdom, Part 2
Focus Scripture: Luke 17:26-37
At the close of the age, Jesus will usher in the full manifestation of his eternal kingdom., i.e., the new creation. He and John the Baptist announced its inauguration with these words, “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand!” Since that time, this same kingdom (which is essentially spiritual in its essence) has been advancing in the earth. The Pharisees were completely blinded to this truth as they ask Jesus when such a kingdom would come (v20). Jesus responds, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, (21) nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ Or ‘There!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.” In part 1 of this sermon series, Jesus began to expose their misconceptions on the nature of such kingdom. He described:
- A kingdom that would not arrive with outward show (such as loud proclamation, prancing horses, marching armies, and parades) as man is accustomed to.
- Further, such a kingdom has a King who is not coming to rebuild our earthly kingdoms to rule over, but rather to overthrow and put them away along with all of man’s reign.
- A kingdom that (in this age) is discerned spiritually by its citizens and visible to the world through spiritual fruit.
- A kingdom that has a King who will not return in some hidden way to select group of people disclosing secret knowledge, but rather all in creation will see him when he returns, “For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of man be in his day” (v24).
Now he continues to detail more signs of his return by highlighting how people will be living during the days just before his Second Coming. We will explore his warnings that will help us understand the importance of discernment and preparedness for his appearing.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Coming King & Kingdom, Part 1
Focus Scripture: Luke 17:20-25
A Messiah King and the advancement his kingdom are the two primary themes of the Gospel. Such message reminds us of Psalm 2, which rightly describes an act of Gods’ sovereignty over the creation by the coronation of His Anointed One (i.e., Jesus) in response to the worlds of man who plot insurrection to his rule. Through history, mankind has persisted in his pursuit of self-glorification by establishing earthly kingdoms that fade (e.g., Tower of Babel, Gen 11), built with perishable material (such as brick and stone), financed by silver and gold that will hold no value in the matters of eternity. By contrast, the Kingdom of God is eternal, is not built by human hands, and glorifies our Creator. Jesus offers a preview of this kingdom when he was under arrest and before Pontius Pilate. When asked him if he was King of the very Jews seeking his death sentence, Pontius Pilate questions him “…Your own nation and the chief priest have delivered you over to me. What have you done? (36) Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world’” (Jn 18:35-36). The kingdom Jesus speaks of is spiritually discerned by those granted salvation (and thus citizens of it).
The Bible teaches that a day will come when the Messiah King (Jesus) will return in all his glory and reveal the fullness of this kingdom. Remember, he tells his disciples, “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (Jn 14:2-3). In our text, Jesus now offers signs that are both instructive and a warning against misconceptions about his return and coming kingdom we shall explore.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
Focus Scripture: Luke 17:11-19
Jesus is our Great Physician. Our Heavenly Father’s works through him on the cross and the resurrection heals us from the cancerous nature of sin and delivered us from the wrath to come. From out of thankful heart should spring forth praise and glory in response to how God has loved us. “So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. (13) Therefore, let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. (14) For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. (15) Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of the lips that acknowledge his name” (Heb 13:12-15).
Our focus text centers on an encounter Jesus had with 10 Lepers as he was traveling along the border between Samaria and Galilee. This gospel record present two questions that we shall explore this Sunday:
- What is God’s disposition to the outcast of societies?
- What is the proper response to experiencing his goodness showered upon us?
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Gratitude In Service
Focus Scripture: Luke 17:7-10
Strength from above is needed to live the kind of life the bears the fruit of faith. Such reliance is accomplished when we remain in trustful fellowship with God, like a mustard seed that maintains uninterrupted contact with its nourishing environment. Further, an abiding heart in Jesus is needed to live for him. Resistance to temptations (including to avoid causing others to stumble) and having a spirit of forgiveness produces fruitful relationships within the church body. Hearing these truths, disciples asked our Lord for what they needed, “Increase our faith!” (v5). They learned that nothing is impossible in God, or as Jesus says of such faith, “…you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you…” (v6).
Having this assurance from God, the disciples needed to understand the answer to this next question: What is the right attitude and heart that is required in service unto the Lord? Jesus answers this by offering another parable that highlights the relationship between the master of small farm and his one servant.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Strength From Above
Focus Scripture: Luke 17:1-6
It is impossible, in this present earthy life, to put an end to every enticement. Further, though God allows us to be confronted by temptations, he is himself does not bring them into our lives, nor is he responsible for our stumbling into the pit of sin when we succumb to them. James taught, “Let no say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. (14) But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires. (15) Then desire when it is conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death” (Jam 1:13-15). In the previous two chapters of Luke (15 & 16), Jesus warns his disciples of the dangers of greed and self-glorification among men (which temptations the Pharisees succumbed to), which lead them to commit sin in their attitudes towards people (i.e., wayward and sinners); and (sin in their) exploitation of their God-given possessions and responsibilities. As mentioned before, while these Parables were “wake-up calls” directed that Pharisees, they were also instructional to the disciples on how to faithfully steward their lives for the glory of God.
Through those teachings, Jesus used the Pharisees lifestyle as an exhibit of how NOT live for God. But now he places his attention solely on his disciples to exhort them in two areas that are critical in our ability to walk with the Lord:
- They were to be careful not to be a stumbling block to others (i.e., Teach and Witness).
- They were to labor to love on another by being quick and always ready to forgive.
This Sunday, we shall explore the meaning of these instructions to his disciples in how they apply to our own Christian life.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Eternal Reward
Focus Scripture: Luke 16:19-31
How one lives their life reveals the source of their faith. Our convictions are rooted in what we truly believe in. If we truly love Jesus, we will endeavor to live as he did, pursing righteousness and operating in mercy and grace. Without the fruit of faith evident in one’s life, any professions of faith are likely hollow and dead. James taught, “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? (15) If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, (16) and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? (17) So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (Jam 2:14-17). To recap, Jesus exposed the Pharisees dead faith in the Parables of Luke 15-16 in these ways:
- Parable of the Lost Sheep, Coin & Prodigal Son exposed their wrong attitudes towards people.
- Parable of the Dishonest Manager rebukes their sinful use of material possessions.
Jesus now concludes his exhortations, with the “Parable of the Rich Man & Lazarus.” In it, he reveals the eternal reward for ungodly handling of people and wealth. The Pharisees attitude was the antithesis (a contrast or opposite) of the man in the “Parable of the Good Samaritan” (Lk 10) who had true faith, which was demonstrated in his acts of compassion and stewardship of his possessions (towards a man who had been robbed, beaten, and left for dead on the side of the road).
This Sunday, we shall explore some observations that should be instructional (in this text) as it concerns stewardship our life and God-given possessions that we may imitate the Word and Works of Jesus that will bear the fruit of true faith.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
The Law & Kingdom Living
Focus Scripture: Luke 16:14-18
The Christian life is one of God-given stewardship where we will give an accounting on how we have loved others in a way the imitates the character and will of God related to His redemptive mission. The Pharisee failed to exemplify these qualities. Jesus teaches parables Luke 15 & 16 (early parts) that rebukes them for the following:
- They did not seek out and value lost people as the Father does (as demonstrated in the Parables of the Lost Sheep & Coin).
- They did not exhibit a yearning love for wayward people (i.e., sinners) as the father exemplified for his youngest (and oldest) in the Parable of the Prodigal Son.
- They were unfaithful (slothful & dishonest) in their stewardship in teaching of God’s law and living it out. Instead, they had a zeal for pursuing money (and the power & status it gained them). Thus, Jesus exposes the idolatry of their hearts, “No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money” (v13).
This Sunday, we shall further explore Jesus’ indictment of the Pharisees, as he continues reprove them for circumventing the morality of the law for selfish gain, through deceitful motives, instead of striving for righteousness of God through genuine self-denial, earnest endeavor, and with untiring zeal.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Faithful Stewardship, Pt.2
The Christian life is one of stewardship. In the parable of the dishonest manager, Jesus teaches the importance of faithfulness in such a calling. In Part 1 of this sermon series highlighted the following:
- The primary definition of a stewards is that of servant.
- A steward (even as seen in the Bible) is employed by an owner (or higher authority) to oversee the operation and affairs (resources, property, people, etc…) of possessions that he does not own.
- A steward is not simply charged to manage his owners’ affairs, but they are to prosper under his care (e.g., Parable of the Talents, Mt 25:14-30).
- Diligence and integrity are key attributes a steward needs to be found faithful.
- All will stand before Jesus in judgement to give an accounting of their life. The judgment of non-believer will be unto condemnation to hell, and for the believer, unto eternal life, thus Jesus taught, “…for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice (29) and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgement” (Jn 5:28-29). Further, John is given a vision of this judgement in Revelations (Rev 20:11-15).
- Charles Spurgeon adds, “that every one of us, in proportion to our time and opportunities, must give an account of himself before Almighty God” (i.e., according to what has been given, not what has not).
- The Christian life calls us to use our God-given gifts, talents/skills, and resources to rightly steward the responsibility he has given us in a way that wholly depends on the strength, astuteness, and wisdom supplied by his Spirit.
Jesus’ parables are instructive and beneficial to all who hear him and abide in his truth. However, he now concludes this teaching by making clear who these parables (in Luke 15 & 16) were directed at, which was the Pharisees “who were lovers of money”. They failed to love others with the heart of the father (especially sinners and the wayward), and they were dishonest and slothful in pursuing the mission of God that his truth be proclaimed and made available for all. Like the dishonest manager, they were self-seeking and unscrupulous in their handling of God’s law and responsibility over the people charged to their care. Jesus very presence exposed their errors the labored to keep concealed, to the light of day for all to see, which is the reason they ridiculed and persecuted him. In Part 2 of this sermon series, Jesus lays bare the primary focus of his truth in the parable of the dishonest manager.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Faithful Stewardship, Pt.1
Focus Scripture: Luke 16:1-9
We are appointed one life to live, then we must face judgment (Heb 9:27). Further, the Bible teachers that all of mankind will stand before Jesus (the Judge) and give an accounting of our lives, to include the Christian (1 Pt 4:5, 2 Tim 4:1). We will answer to God for not only what do, but what we say, for Jesus taught, “I tell you, on the day of judgement people will give account for every careless word they speak, (37) for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Mt 12:36-37). When Jesus ascended back to Heaven after his death and resurrection, he left his people as stewards over his Gospel mission. He has given to each Christian his Spirit (with spiritual gifts) and practical skills/talents to execute his mission. He commissions us, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and to the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (20) teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Mt 28:19-20).
This Sunday, we shall explore:
- What is the definition of a Steward?
- What were the primary factors that contributed to the dishonest manager’s predicament?
- What are the redeemable attributes of the dishonest manager that Jesus identifies that should apply to the Christian life?
To listen in, click on the link.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
The Ugliness of Self-Righteousness
Focus Scripture: Luke 15:25-32
God the Father has a yearning heart for his wayward children. This truth is wonderfully demonstrated in the three parables that Jesus teaches in this 15th Chapter of Luke. In revealing God’s heart of mercy, he also exposes the disposition of our natural human heart (as seen in the oldest son) that is judgmental towards the backsliders and despises the mercy of God granted towards them (e.g., Jonah). The father and his oldest son heart towards youngest son were polar opposites. If Jesus descriptions of the father’s love towards his lost son was meant to be an encouragement to us, then also the self-righteous heart of the oldest son was meant to be instructive to the church as a warning. What lesson should we learn from oldest son’s attitude and the father corrective pleas to him?
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Return To God
Focus Scripture: Luke 15:11-24
The parables of Luke 15 all share the same central them: Our Father has a yearning love for the lost and wayward. In the first two parables (Lost Sheep & Coin) featured God’s sacrificial love (of the shepherd) and value he places on his chosen people (by how the woman search for her lost coin). Now Jesus peels that onion back even further. The Parable of the Prodigal son differ slightly from the first two parables in this way: the wayward (son) is not pursued or searched after by the father. Does this parable expose a contradiction in the father’s heart concerning his children? Does the lack of pursuit reveal a God who gets embittered against his children (he finally had it) and therefore he hands us over into own will and desires? Or is it out love he (sometimes) grants his children their will that through experiencing the fruit of our error, we would come to the senses and return to him? As you can imagine for us to choose to walk away from the “Bread of Life” where his storehouse is abundant in true provision of grace and mercy (and true future) in exchange for a life of sin where our provision would be hunger, dissatisfaction, and spiritual destitution is madness. Sin is madness because it deceives us into believing, “we can keep it under control”. We will see in the actions of the prodigal son that to follow our sinful desires blinds us to who God is and leads us to a many other buffets of sins we were not planning for. Charles Spurgeon put it this way, “One sin is the decoy or magnet for another sin and draws it on; and one cannot tell where he begins to descend this slippery slide, how quickly and far he may go.” This truth is observable in the story of the prodigal son.
his Sunday, we shall explore:
- What was the son’s motivation for leaving his father estate and watchful care?
- What factors contributed to his short-lived excursion away from his father?
- What does it mean that, “he came to his senses?”
- What do we learn about God in his father’s actions upon his return?
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
God's Heart for Lost People
Focus Scripture: Luke 15:1-10
God glorifies himself in the salvation of sinners. Such glory is magnified by the death and resurrection of his Son by which lost people becomes vessels of mercy (Rom 9:22-23). The crucifixion of his Son reveals the yearning heart of the Father for lost people. Further, the Gospel does not teach simply that God receives sinners, but rather he pursues them. The Parables of the Lost Sheep & Coin reveals a God who not only longs for sinners, but he goes after them wherever they might be found that he may administer his love and mercy that changes us forever. This is the central theme of both these parables. The truths that God unveils to us today should not only expand our understanding of God’s love, but also instruct our own disposition and attitudes as recipients and extension (like a branch on a tree) of the Father’s love towards others. In this message we will explore the following topics and questions:
- How did Jesus’ attitude towards sinners contrast the religious elites of his day?
- Why does Jesus come down to our level and place in seeking us?
- What does Jesus self-proclaimed title “The Good Shepherd” reveal about the heart of God for the lost?
- How do we as Christians imitate God’s heart in the mission of reconciliation?
Through what we learn together, we will understand the importance of not only sharing the Gospel but BEING
the Gospel.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com
The Only Way to Life
Focus Scripture: Luke 13:22-30
In human history there are a plethora of differing viewpoints on questions related to God:
*Who is God? What does God require of us? Are there many gods? How does man achieve justification and redemption before God? What path(s) are available to man to access eternal reward?
Further, there is a growing choir within our culture that sing the hymns of: moral relativism; and many paths to God (the idea that all religions lead to the same place). There even exists a heretical doctrine of reconciliation called, “Christian Universalism” which believes all humans will “eventually” be restored to right relationships with God and inherit eternal life. For these Universalists, faith in Jesus is not a prerequisite for eternal salvation, and hell does not exist. These theologies and ideologies conflict with what the Bible teaches. Our message today will spotlight Jesus’ teaching on the difficulty and exclusivity of entering eternal life.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D
www.springoflivingwaters.com
What Is the Kingdom Like?
Focus Scripture: Luke 13:18-21
When man visions a kingdom several ideas to mind. Often one thinks of a castle with high walls, surrounded by a society flourishing with economic enterprise, agricultural vitality, and cultural identity is (typically) in view. Its governmental hierarchy are controlled by those with power, wealth, and influence who compete to rule. The Babylonian kingdom (in Shinar, recorded in Gen 11) that featured “The Tower of Babel” epitomizes everything man envisions as the gold standard for a self-glorifying empire. Within such societies inequality and iniquity are the norms, where ambition and self-fulfillment are celebrated (and gifts & talents of others are coveted and envied) above all, (all) while the virtue of godly character is practiced hypocritically or marginalized all together. Darwinian evolutionary theory (survival of the fittest) is a primary guiding principle of man’s way of life in such kingdoms.
Unfortunately, like the Jews (and Gentile nations), we have continued to view God’s model of a kingdom through such earthly lens. Jesus’ proclamation of the gospel in the 1st century was strange in the hearing of the Jews, for God’s kingdom was the antithesis (i.e., a stark contrast in its governance, identity, nature, and character) of the one they had envisioned. Jesus warned the Pharisees, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, (21) Nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is! Or ‘There!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you” (Lk 17:20-21). In our focus text, Jesus describes some of the visible signs that unveils such a kingdom. Remember, Jesus had just healed a woman with a disabling Spirit by which the Kingdom of God was on display. He now uses that event as backdrop to answer the following questions: What is the kingdom of God like? How does the kingdom of God grow? We will explore Jesus answers in today’s message.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Come To Jesus
Focus Scripture: Luke 13:10-17
Trial and tribulation will abound this life. In general, the sufferings we experience can be grouped into three categories:
1. Natural disasters (i.e., earthquakes, famines, plaques/pandemics)
2. Bodily afflictions (i.e., physical infirmities, chronic sickness, diseases, and death)
3. Spiritual impairment (i.e., sin)
We suffer all these things due to the fall of our first parents, by which their disobedience opened door wide for sin and death to enter the creation by which we now live in. Gods’ response from heaven for our predicament is Jesus. In him, the Father saves that which is lost, he redeems that which is enslaved, he restores dignity to that which has been degraded and debased. In the first Adam we all died, but the second Adam (that is Jesus), we are restored to new life, “For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. (22) For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Cor 15:21-22). In our focus text, we see Jesus living out this gospel truth as he restores physical health and a joy in the Lord to a woman who (like us) suffered the trials of this life. In faith she drew near to the only one in creation who was the answer and held the power to deliver. To listen, click on the link.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Are You Ready?
Focus Scripture: Luke 12:35-40
In the Gospels and NT writings, there are important teachings about Jesus’ return. The common thread in these subject texts is that those who belong to him (Christians) are to actively prepare for his return, which is why Jesus uses phrases like, “Stay dressed for action…” Our focus text offers us instruction on how to live a lifestyle of active anticipation of the Lord’s return. To listen, click on the link.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Danger Ahead (Pt.2): Experts of the Law
Focus Scripture: Luke 11:45-54
Jesus concludes his pronouncement of warnings (woes) in the last verses of our focus text of Ch 11. While the six “woes” applied to all the religious leaders, these last three were aimed more directly at the experts of the law (lawyers). We shall explore Jesus’ woes to them in our message today.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Danger Ahead: Pharisees
Focus Scripture: Luke 11:37-44
The Jews unbelief was heavily influenced by the religious elites who rejected Jesus as the Son of God. Now being invited to a dinner hosted by a Pharisee, Jesus takes the opportunity to rebuke them for their false teaching and hypocrisy by dispensing a series of “Woes” (or warnings).
Overall theme: The righteous indignation expressed by Jesus at this luncheon was similar to his disposition in clearing the temple (Jn 2:13-17) that they turned into an economic enterprise. By highlighting the error in the thinking of which religious elites, Jesus also offers us instruction in how to resist our natural legalistic tendencies. In today’s sermon, we should reflect on these questions:
• Where do we find hypocrisies in our own thinking and habits that is likened to the Pharisees and the experts of the law?
• What prescription can we draw from Jesus’ warning to us that would safeguard us from embracing their attitude that ruins our fellowship with both God and people?
Blessings,
Dr. Price
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Wholly Bright to God's Glory
Sermon Focus: Luke 11:33-36
Jesus proclaimed that he was the “Light of the World” and whoever followed him would not walk in darkness (Jn 8:12). He performed many miracles and wonders in the presence of the multitudes, but doubt had dulled their sensitivity to God’s truth. More signs would not cure unbelief, but rather that they needed to be more receptive to the light already given them…….as life-giving water discovered in the desert (Ps 18:28, 119:9-16). The Light of Jesus (whose lighting oil is truth) was already shining, yet they obstructed and actively endeavored to discredit him and suppress his message (Rom 1:18). Further, Jesus wasn’t the type of leader they wanted who would fulfill their earthly desires (cf. Jn 18:35-37).
In today’s message we will explore the importance of receiving the truth (Christ) and how he illuminates the mind and heart of the believer, that we my serve our purpose as his light bearers.
Blessings,
Dr. Price
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Finger of God
Sermon Focus: Luke 11:20-23
The Kingdom of God is not just a matter of talk, but a display of its power (1 Cor 4:20). The Bible records a demonstration of such truth as Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray in a way that would position their lives to be reflectors (like mirrors) of the kingdom. His instruction to them on prayer could be summed up in one statement, “…seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you” (Mt 6:33). Next, the crowds witness a display of the power of the kingdom as Jesus cast a demon out of man by which it deprived of the power of speech. In response to such encroachment on Satan domain, he uses people to slander Jesus……….to discredit him……….to distort the undeniable witness of God’s work as they accuse him, “He casts out demons by Beelzebub, the prince of demons” (v15). Like last week sermon, we will further explore Jesus’ response to these accusations as he now highlights the present reality of the Kingdom that lays siege, tears down the walls, takes power and captures the goods of Satan’s fortress (domain).
Blessings,
Dr. Price
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Kingdom Now
Sermon Focus: Luke 11:14-19
The “Kingdom of God” is a present reality. It is also a future hope that has come down to us in the person of Christ Jesus (Lk 17:20-21, Mt 4:17) and is visible (spiritual fruit) in the lives of God’s adopted children. Through the Son, God the Father infiltrated the earthly creation (like a Trojan Horse) through the birth of Jesus. This historical event inaugurated the advancement of heavens governance and mission manifesting itself through a reconstituted people regardless of the violence and resistance it has faced. It expands in such a way that it becomes a gift and refuge available to all who encounter it (Mk 4:31-32). Many of the religious elites and Jews rejected Jesus and his truth. Therefore, they viewed him a simple miracle worker in league with devil. Our message will focus on three questions today:
(1) How should we understand the accusations made by “some” that Jesus was in league with the Satan and performed miracles by his power?
(2) What were some root reasons for their deep-seated hatred for Jesus?
(3) How do you and I imitate Christ in both disposition and deeds while in laboring in his kingdom mission?
Blessings,
Dr. Price
www.springoflivingwaters.com
God Our Portion
Sermon Focus: Luke 10:38-42
After Jesus encounter with the lawyer in Jerusalem, he now enters a village in Bethany where he was blessed by women named Martha and Mary with hospitality. As the story goes, Martha makes herself busy with preparing a meal for them, while Mary bypasses the pots and pans to sits at Jesus feet. This creates friction between sisters. Jesus being filled with all wisdom and discernment, uses the conflict as a teaching moment to emphasize the priority of fellowship with him over service. We shall learn why the opportunity to sit and listen to the words of life from the Author of our Salvation was better than being consumed with distracting task for him. We will explore answers to the following questions in this message:
Mary skips the kitchen. What could have been the possible dynamic between the sisters that provides some context as to why Martha expressed frustration with Mary? Biblical scholars argue that Martha may have been the oldest. What is some biblical support for this assumption? How could answers to these questions help us understand the behaviors of Martha and Mary in this text?
The real problem. Martha was so fixated on what Mary was or was not doing, she not only lost her joy of serving, but most importantly her focus on Jesus. How does focusing more on others produce frustration that cultivates anger in us? What is the outworking of resentment that has taken up residence in our hearts?
Jesus refocuses Martha. Jesus opening response, “Martha, Martha…” revealed his disapproval for her reaction and attitude, but also demonstrated his gentleness and care in dealing with Martha. He calls her by name with affection of a Father to a daughter whose distress troubles his very own heart; with heart of a teacher who is concerned for their student who is struggling in their class. What were the root causes for her reaction that Jesus is addressing?
Conclusion. Mary had the correct response to Jesus’ presence, for he tells Martha, “Mary chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Mary chose to prioritize eating from the table of fellowship and intimacy with God, rather than toiling over earthly food portions. What is Jesus teaching us in his exchange with Martha? Why does God prioritize fellowship over service? How does spiritual maturity in fellowship increase fruitfulness in serving?
Blessings,
Dr. Price
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Am I Being a Neighbor?
Sermon Focus: Luke 10:35-37
American culture promotes the following principle, “Love thyself and only those who help me love more of myself.” There are even those who wear t-shirts that say, “I love ME some ME.” Such phrase is a reflection and sign of the times we live in where narcissism is celebrated (which is idolatry), and any form of reprove is considered negativity. Jesus accurately described this age to be full of deception and as a result, “…lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold” (Mt 24:12). Additionally, we have begun to view our human relationships with a binary disposition, “You are either with me or against me.” Or “It’s US against THOSE people.” The church is decreasingly failing to distinguish itself from the world and has therefore become more worldly allowing herself to be sucked into and torn apart by the many currents of the culture whose aim is to drown the Gospel. Just like the Jews of the 1st century, we have lost what it means to love others. The Gospel is needed now more than ever to reclaim our witness and reform our hearts that God’s people will reflect his character and glory in how we love people.
“The Parable of the Good Samaritan,” highlights an exchange between Jesus and a religious man (a lawyer) who was an expert of the law. Jesus’ message of salvation is inclusive of all races, tribes and tongues that included both Jew and Gentiles (Rom 10:12-13). In contrast, the lawyer who confronts Jesus held a view that God’s mercy and redemption was exclusive only to the Jews. Further, his motives were not honorable in his questioning of Jesus. He was not seeking to gain better understanding of the Gospel, but rather to trap in Jesus in his words that accusation could be brought against him. He wanted to embarrass Jesus publicly, thus the scripture says he, “…stood up to put him to the test…” Jesus response to this lawyers self-justifying question (Who is my neighbor?) provided proper insight and instruction on the two greatest commandments, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” This message will explore the highlights of Jesus teaching in this Parable in how it still applies to us today.
Blessings,
Dr. Price
True Resolution
Sermon Focus: Ephesians 4:1-6
Jesus Christ is the hope to which we are called. It comes by his Spirit that grants us wisdom and revelation in God that unveils the riches of the glorious inheritance we have received in Christ. This hope manifests the immeasurable greatness of God’s power through his work of redemption. Due to the immensity of such spiritual blessings we have received in the heavenly places, a God-glorifying life is to be the fruit of a such believer, which Paul now calls attention to. He urges the Christian, “…to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called…”
We have entered the time of the year where people decide on New Year’s resolutions. While some of these pledges are helpful (i.e. lose weight, start exercising, meet business goals, etc…), they are also earthly, temporary and fleeting. The Bible exhorts that our affections are to be bent toward that which is eternal. We are to resolve to press forward to the upward call, that our lives reflect in the present who we are to be in eternity (Rom 8:19). How do live a life “worthy” of such great calling commissioned to us by God? How is our union with Christ and spiritual growth connected? We’ll explore thoughts on these two questions this Sunday.
Blessings,
Dr. Price
Woman With Issue of Blood
Sermon Focus: Mark 5:21-34
Diligence in seeking God drives a vehicle called faith. While faith within itself does not heal nor deliver, it does lead us to God who sits on the throne of grace and mercy who responds to our needs. Listen here to learn how a woman with a blood condition persisted in faith until her needs were met by Jesus Christ.
Kingdom Blessings
Sermon Focus: Luke 6:20-23
Jesus came to proclaim an unseen kingdom that would become visible in his gospel message with accompanying signs and wonders. Learn here how the Beatitudes describes what it means to be blessed in accordance with the values of the kingdom of God.
Blessings,
Dr. Price
Jesus, Savior of the Ungodly
Sermon Focus: Luke 5:27-32
There are none righteous outside the redemptive work of Christ. Jesus died for those who discern their unworthiness and desperate need for him (Rom 5:6-8). It is the poor in spirit that are more likely to perceive their need for a Savior and depend on God alone and not their own righteousness. It was characteristic of Jesus’ ministry to be seen having fellowship and seeking out those considered low-class in society and deemed unclean to the religious leaders and elites (e.g. Mt 8:1-4, Lk 17:11-19, Jn 4:1-45, 8:3-11). He imitated his Father in how he chose his servants, which was a radical departure in how men identify and judge value in people. We naturally focus on person’s physical features and socio- economic standing as the gold standard for worth in society. Contrastively, God does not judge by outward appearance, but rather the Bible records God commissioning the outcast and marginalized of society (e.g. Judges 6:11-18) and uses them for his glory (1 Cor 1:27-29).
In our focus text, we witness a display of God’s election with his encounter with Levi (Matthew) who is sitting at his booth collecting taxes for merchandise of international commerce between Syria and Egypt. The Bible states that Jesus calls him to discipleship and Levi leaves his lucrative business and trusted God to provide for him. This sermon provides some observations about Jesus that should serve a guide in how we engage those in the lost world with the heart of God
Blessings,
Dr. Price
Dominion & Power of Christ
Sermon Focus Scripture: Luke 4:31-37
The Root Cause of Divisions & Discord: Worldliness
Sermon Focus Scripture: James 4:1-3
The Real Pandemic: The Sin of Partiality
Sermon Focus Scripture: James 2:1-8