Podcast on The Way

Luke 3:21-38

Read Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38 What similarities do you see in the two? What differences do you see? These verses are often used by people to try to claim that the Bible contradicts itself and therefore cannot be trusted. How might one go about harmonizing these two texts without denying the truth found in each?
Luke’s gospel focuses on the importance of prayer in this first description of Jesus ministry. Luke wants us to see that there is a correlation between earnest prayer and the blessing of God. How important is prayer in your life? Do you struggle with having an earnest prayer life? When you spend regular time in prayer how does it affect the way you feel? When you don’t spend regular time in prayer how does it affect you? What has helped you have a deeper richer prayer life?
To the repentant Jesus comes with his dove-like Spirit and heals and fans into flame their hearts. Knowing how tenderly Jesus treats his people how should this affect the way you treat the people around you? Have someone read 1 Thess. 5:12-19. In which of the areas described in these verses do you need to grow? What do you need to confess and repent of from this list that you have been guilty of failing to do? What are some practical examples of how you should act differently with the people God has placed around you?

Luke 3:1-20

Who were Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate, Herod Tetrarch and Philip Tetrarch, Lysanias Tetrarch, Annas and Caiaphas? Why did Luke include these names in his introduction to John’s ministry?
Have a different person in the group read each one of these verses Jeremiah 1:2, Hosea 1:1, Micah 1:1, and Haggai 1:1. Now have someone Read Luke 3:1-2. What do these verses have in common? What kind of link is Luke drawing between the ministry of John the Baptist and the Old Testament Prophets?
What kind of emotions do you feel when you hear that Jesus came with the two-prong mission that brings the blessing of the Spirit to the repentant but the fires of judgment to the unrepentant?
“The tragedy and consequences of sin are not irreversible,” this is good news! Why would it not be considered good news in our current culture?
When John says, “Bear fruits in keeping with repentance”, in context this fruit involves acts of mercy which must be lived out in the world. How does this truth change the way you live your life this week? Does your life normally bear the fruit of repentance? If not what needs to change in your life to bring it in line with God’s word?

Luke 1:57-79

Luke 1:39-56

Hermeneutics of Baptist Covenant Theology

Luke 1:5-38

Introduction to the Gospel of Luke

2 Timothy 4:9-22