Jesus' journey to the cross is the focus of our studies for the next few weeks. Luke 9:51 marks a new section in Luke's Gospel that includes material unique to this Gospel as it emphasizes Jesus resolute march to the cross. Jesus' determination to do the Father's will by living and dying for His people calls and motivates us to follow in Christ's footsteps by giving our lives completely to Him as faithful disciples. Our consistent following of Christ in wholehearted discipleship is an expression of thanksgiving and not an attempt to merit His favor.

Dr. Michael Barrett, of the Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, MI, wrote an impressive and challenging article in the May/June 2019 edition of the Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth, "A WARNING from EZEKIEL". The substance of this sermon is taken from Dr. Barrett's article. The central point is this: Worship that is contrary to God's command and design drives God away! It is a challenging concept to consider.

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Because the gospel changes who we are and how we act, Paul calls believers with a wrong understanding of the second coming of Christ to work until the Lord Jesus returns. They had left off work and become a loafers, unproductive in society and meddlesome in the affairs of other believers. To ignore the clear teaching of the apostles was an act of rebellion. Disciple was indicated. Biblical discipline has as its goal the glory and honor of Christ, the restoration of the errant, and the warning of other believers to refrain from rebellious behavior. Paul calls the errant believers to task and the encourages the entire congregation to be involved in warning the loafing believers to change their ways.

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God's faithfulness gives believers confidence in all circumstances and situations.

The Thessalonian church was confused about the "Day of the Lord". Paul reaffirms his previous teaching to them that the Day has not yet arrived. Two important things must occur before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ: the great apostasy and the revelation of the Man of Lawlessness (or Man of Sin). The Apostle comforts confused believers regarding the truth of the end times.

Jesus teaches that what you love, set your desire upon, strive for, will determine how you live your life. Therefore, you must be very careful where you deposit your heart's treasure.

God's creative work in the womb clearly argues for the unique personhood & dignity of every individual. Therefore, to despise and/or destroy God's creative work is an assault on God Himself!

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Jesus told the worshipers at the Feast of Tabernacles that He is the Light of the World. He stated that those who follow Him would not walk in darkness, but would be light-bearers. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus expands on what His followers are to be: salt and light to the world.