In our Sunday sermons, we are studying through the teachings of Jesus. Our study aims to focus on what Jesus says to us through God’s Word so we can know God’s will (Psalm 40:8; John 6:38, 40). Although we have shored up our thoughts with other verses throughout the Bible, our desire has been to present a thorough study of what Jesus says. This approach is not novel because Christians have been doing the same thing since Jesus ascended.
Consider the beginning of the Book of Luke. In Luke’s prologue, we get insight into why he is composing an orderly account of Jesus’ life. Luke’s gospel account is designed so, “that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught” (Luke 1:4; cf. John 20:30-31). As you read through Luke (and Acts) you can see where certainty is provided for things like Jesus’ virgin birth, deity, and authority. Luke is doing more than telling a narrative (1:1; cf. Acts 9:27 “declared”) he is helping his audience make connections to what they already know (e.g., Luke 24:13–35). Similarly, Paul helped Timothy make connections and encouraged him to “continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:14–15).
I’m reminded of these passages as we continue our study because what we are teaching is not “new” because they are based on verses we already know or frequently study. However, Jesus’ words have the potential to sink deeper into our souls when we hear them and grow in faith (Romans 10:17; Hebrews 4:12–13; 5:12–14).
My challenge for each of us is to listen to, study, and receive Jesus’ words so we can have certainty that “the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations. . .” (Luke 24:46–47).
Billy Camp
Have you missed any of the lessons in the sermon series? You can watch/listen on our YouTube channel by clicking here or on the graphic below.
Billy grew up at the Decatur Highway congregation in Birmingham, Alabama. After graduating from high school, he moved to Montgomery to attend Faulkner University. In 2012, he graduated from Faulkner with an undergraduate degree in Biblical text. He then went on to complete his Master’s degree in New Testament Studies at Faulkner and his Ph.D. from Liberty University in Christian Apologetics. In addition to serving with our family ministry and preaching, Billy also teaches in the Bible department at Faulkner University.
Billy is married to the former Shelby Vega and they have three children: Kinley, Roman, and Lewis. He works with the Family Ministry at Dalraida and also preaches and teaches classes regularly.