Author: Alan Holden

If the Dead Could Speak Introduction A. Spiritism is the belief and attempt to communicate with the dead. People want to keep in touch with departed loved ones. They want to know about life after death. If the dead could speak, what would they say? B. The Bible does not leave us to wonder. The…

The Thanksgiving Christian, saying the right words but without the right actions A. In Luke, only the disciples of Jesus called Him “Master”; others called Him “Teacher,” v. 13 B. Nine obeyed the Letter of Jesus’s Command: “Go, show yourselves to the priests,” v. 14 C. These nine followed the prescription and were healed. D….

Religious Indignation The Woman A. The Daughter of Abraham B. Woman Crippled “by a spirit” Simon the Sorcerer had the spirit of bitterness, Acts 8:23 A Whispering spirit A Mean spirit Crippled and enslaved to sin C. Woman bound by the infirmity of Satan, v. 16 Jesus A. Teaches at the Synagogue B. Takes the…

Ready Introduction Jesus changes His focus from earthly possessions in verses 13-34 to watching for the Lord’s Second Coming. Three parables on vigilance follow: the watching servants, the watchful householder, and the servant in authority. Throughout Luke, watchfulness and faithfulness with one’s possessions consisted in laying up treasure in heaven rather than on earth. Thesis:…

The Defeat of Deceit Introduction This demon-possessed Gadarean man is not what you would call a hot prospect for the church. Throughout the gospels, the very people that society has given up on are the people to whom Jesus goes. Thesis: Satan’s ploys are no match for the Savior’s power. “Legion” of Demons A. Categories…

God’s Invitation to You Introduction There is a small voice that penetrates the stillness of the night. It comes from the bedroom across the hall. “Daddy, I’m scared!” Out of your groggy, fuzzy state, you respond with, “Honey, don’t be afraid, Daddy right across the hall.” After a brief pause, the little voice is heard…

No Room Introduction Christmas rush and parties and family get-togethers crowd the calendar, until there is no room in our lives for Jesus. Thesis: The world tempts us to crowd the Lord out of our lives. No Room for Jesus in Daily Life A. Christian devotions: Bible reading and prayer B. Christian service C. Christian…

Jesus Was Baptized, v. 21 A. Publicly B. As an Example of His Death and Resurrection Jesus Was Praying, v. 21b A. Prayer is the antecedent to spiritual: blessing power authority B.  Illustration The 60-story John Hancock Tower in Boston is a magnificent piece of architecture. But it also is plagued by one of the…

The Parable, vv. 1-17 A. God Is the Potter God has a plan for the clay. God patiently works and remolds the clay. B. Judah Is the Clay God molds and remakes the clay according to His will. If the clay does not respond, God breaks and remolds. C. God’s Plan for Judah God is…

The First Church Thesis: The New Testament church is a fellowship of believers who are accountable to each other and work together in ministry and missions. The Disciples’ Consecration, vv. 23-31 A. Exegesis Saved People, vv. 8-12 By Christ From sin Through persecution Same Purpose, v. 29–>preach boldly the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Supernatural Power,…