Bent Oak Church

Acts begins at one of the most important moments in history. Jesus sent his disciples out to witness to the world. But before they could turn the world upside down, Jesus commanded them to wait. The work begins with waiting. We take a closer look at how this waiting shapes this story and our own lives. 

In our final sermon of the Values series, we discuss the role of a local church in the broader work of the church's mission. Having a perspective on what God is doing around the world is crucial for the support and work to which we commit ourselves.

As we continue our series, guest speaker Donna Barrett, explores the importance of community and how our fellowship reflects the life and health of the church.

What is it that a church does when it meets together? In Acts 2, the church commits itself to teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer. These have often been called the four marks of the church. We look at the importance of these marks and how they shape who we are as a church.

As we continue our series looking at the values of Bent Oak Church, we come to an unexpected value: the church as an institution. There are two temptations when it comes to the organization of the church. We are tempted either to make it an idol or to refuse participation. We take a closer look at why the institution of the church matters. 

As we continue our series on the values of Bent Oak, Pastor Barry unpacks the importance of worship and why worship should be the response to everything the church does and receives together.

In the second part of our series on the values of Bent Oak Church, we take a look at how scripture and the gospel anchor in life. It was because the early church was dedicated to the teaching of the apostles that they could share all things in common.

In the first sermon of our values series, we're looking at what it means for a church to live life together and how the church should fit with our common life. 

In our final passage of Luke, we take a look at Jesus's appearance to his disciples and the surprising details that Luke includes. Jesus told his disciples to touch his hands and asked them for something to eat. 

Having found Jesus's tomb empty, his disciples weren't sure what to make of it. In their disappointment, two of those disciples set out for home. Their discouragement blinded them from seeing that it was Jesus who joined them on the road. We take a closer look at Jesus's first appearance after his resurrection. 

On this Easter Sunday, we're looking at Jesus' resurrection and the disciples discover that the tomb was empty. Though Jesus had told them he would rise on the third day, his disciples still struggled to understand. The angels came with the message to remember. When they did remember, everything was changed. 

Upon Jesus's death, Luke introduces us to a new and unexpected character: Joseph of Aramethia. A Jewish leader, Joseph, took a risk in requesting Jesus's body. Having received approval from Pilate, Joseph hurried to bury Jesus with dignity before the Sabbath. In our study, we take a closer look at Joseph and why Luke sees him as an important figure. 

We have been working slowly through the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus. In this week's passage, we come to Jesus's final moments and his death. We'll also look at the responses of those gathered beneath Jesus's cross. 

As we continue our study of Luke's gospel, we come to Jesus' crucifixion. We take a closer look at the two stories: the perspective of Rome and the Jewish leaders and the deeper story of what Christ was accomplishing. Through these two perspectives, we learn to understand better how God is working in our own lives and suffering. 

The religious leaders sought Jesus's death, but they didn't have the power to carry out that sentence. They needed Rome. So they handed Jesus over to Pilate. Jesus's death came as the leaders of the world coalesced around his execution. We take a closer look at Jesus's interrogation before Pilate and Herod Antipas. 

Jesus had predicted that Peter would deny him three times. Peter protested that he was ready to face arrest and even death with Jesus. But once Jesus was under arrest, Peter began his denials just as Jesus had predicted. We take a closer look at the passage and how it was Jesus' look that finally brought Peter back to himself. 

The hour had finally come. Jesus made his way to the Mount of Olives, where he would face his betrayal and be arrested. We take a closer look at Jesus' prayer and how he models prayer for our lives and temptations. 

Still at the Passover table with his disciples, Jesus began to speak of the testing that they were about to face. It would not only be that night, but also in the years to come as they continued Jesus' work. As was common, the disciples didn't understand Jesus's warning. The disciples reveal our own tendency to overestimate our abilities and faithfulness. But even in their failure,...

The time came for Jesus to celebrate the Passover with his disciples. Jesus served them the meal, but his disciples' minds quickly shifted to which of them was the greatest. Jesus explained that leading in his kingdom is not like leading in the world. We take a closer look at the Passover elements and how they model Christ's kingdom leadership. 

As Jesus' final hours approach, Luke prepares us with two stories of preparation. While Jesus' disciples prepare for the Passover meal, Judas prepares with the chief priests to betray Jesus and arrange his death. We look at both stories and discover how they offer us an image of true discipleship.

Having warned those worshipers in the temple of its coming destruction, Jesus turned his attention further into the future to warn of the last days but also to give his disciples hope of his return. We take a closer look at Jesus' words and how we should think about the end times. 

The Chief Priests and elders sent spies to trap Jesus with their questions. They appeared to be sincere, but Jesus saw through their questions. He answered them with remarkable insight and then turned the crowd's attention to an image of true sincerity. We take a closer look at how our own lives can be disguised by false sincerity. 

While Jesus was teaching in the temple, the chief priests, scribes, and elders confronted him. They wanted to know by what authority he taught and acted. But Jesus sensed they had already decided. They were not really interested in the truth. We take a closer look at how our own reluctance to know the truth can keep us from receiving what Jesus offers.

Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem moved him to tears. Seeing the city and their indifference to his arrival, Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem. As he came into the city, he went up to the temple and proceeded to interrupt the sacrificial system. Like an Old Testament prophet, Jesus was moved and acted out of the destruction that awaited them. 

For several chapters, we've followed Jesus' trip to Jerusalem. With Chapter 19, Luke records his arrival. We take a careful look at how Jesus presents himself to the great city and how the groups around him respond to his coming.