Author: Alan Holden

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,…

Why Do Christians Suffer? Introduction Paul is still in prison after two years in Caesarea. He was guilty of no crime except that of preaching the Gospel to Gentiles as well as to Jews. Undeserved Sufferings A. Not all suffering is the result of sin committed by the sufferer. B. There are many causes for…

Introduction When it comes to accountability, people would rather ignore it. Each year, taxpayers shove the 1040 tax forms aside each day until the fateful day of April 15. Why do people procrastinate? Simple: they believe the philosophy of “what they don’t know, won’t hurt.” When they find out the amount of tax they owe,…

Four Petitions Introduction A pastor and a bus driver went to heaven. The bus driver got a big beautiful mansion with large rooms. The preacher got only a one-room bungalow, so he went to St. Peter and said, “How come I got a very small place and the bus driver got that beautiful house? I’ve…