Luke Chapter 17 - ACC NT Study

Ten Healed of Leprosy
11 Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance
13 and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!"
14 When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed.
15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice.
16 He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.
17 Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?
18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?"
19 Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."

In a few words:
Thankful praise is pleasing to our God.

Luke Chapter 16 - ACC NT Study

(Verses 14-15)
14 The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus.
15 He said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight.

In a few words:
We must make a choice. Justify ourselves in the eyes of men, or in the eyes of God.

Luke Chapter 15 - ACC NT Study

28 "The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him.
29 But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.
30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!'
31 " 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.
32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' "

In a few words:
May we celebrate when a brother comes home.

Luke Chapter 14 - ACC NT Study

The Parable of the Great Banquet

15 When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, "Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God."
16 Jesus replied: "A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests.
17 At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.'
18 "But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, 'I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.'
19 "Another said, 'I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.'
20 "Still another said, 'I just got married, so I can't come.'
21 "The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.'
22 " 'Sir,' the servant said, 'what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.'
23 "Then the master told his servant, 'Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full.
24 I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.' "

In a few words:
Only the hungry will be fed.

Luke Chapter 13 - ACC NT Study

(Verses 31-32)
31 At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, "Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you."
32 He replied, "Go tell that fox, 'I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.'

In a few words:
May our goals align with God's will.

Luke Chapter 12 - ACC NT Study

(Verses 11-12)
11 "When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say,
12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say."

In a few words:
When we have opportunity to share our faith, we can trust the Holy Spirit for guidance.

Luke Chapter 11 - ACC NT Study

(Verses 5-8)
5 Then he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread,
6 because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.'
7 "Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.'
8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs.

In a few words:
May our prayers be bold as well.

Luke Chapter 10 - ACC NT Study

(Verses 38-42)
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.
39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said.
40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
41 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things,
42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

In a few words:
Our priorities dictate our time with Christ.

Luke Chapter 9 - ACC NT Study

(Verse 28-31)
28 About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray.
29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.
30 Two men, Moses and Elijah,
31 appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem.



In a few words:
Perhaps our prayers will result in a mountaintop revelation.

Luke Chapter 8 - ACC NT Study

(Verses 43-48)
43 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her.
44 She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.
45 "Who touched me?" Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, "Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you."
46 But Jesus said, "Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me."
47 Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed.
48 Then he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."

In a few words:
May we have the courage to receive Jesus' healing power.

Luke Chapter 7 - ACC NT Study

(Verses 21-23)
21 At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind.
22 So he replied to the messengers, "Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.
23 Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me."

In a few words:
Others benefit when we do not fall away.

Luke Chapter 6 - ACC NT Study

(Verses 17-19)
17 He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coast of Tyre and Sidon,
18 who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by evil spirits were cured,
19 and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.

In a few words:
Healing power is found in Him.

Luke Chapter 5 - ACC NT Study

(Verses 5-6)
5 Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."
6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.

In a few words:
Prayer is often answered when we are ready to give up.

Luke Chapter 4 - ACC NT Study

(Verses 4,8,12)
4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone.'
8 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'
12 Jesus answered, "It says: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'

In a few words:
Our best response comes from God's word.

Luke Chapter 3 - ACC NT Study

(Verses 5-6)
5 Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth.
6 And all mankind will see God's salvation.

In a few words:
God's hand is always on His children.

Luke Chapter 2 - ACC NT Study

(Verses 28-30)
28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,

Simeon saw God's salvation, held Him in his arms, and his soul was at peace. While we cannot fully understand Simeon's experience, we can relate to it when we witness someone who accepts Jesus as Lord, followed by baptism. Seeing a new believer's baptism has a huge impact on us. The one being baptized, and those who are witnesses, share a moment when their souls are at peace simultaneously. And we witness salvation.

In a few words:
God's salvation is continually renewed for those who believe on Him.

Luke Chapter 1 - ACC NT Study

Mary's Song
(Verses 46-55)
46 And Mary said:"My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers."

In a few words:
Sing our own song to the Lord.

Mark Chapter 16 - ACC NT Study

(Verses 1-3)
1 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body.
2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?"

Those who brought spices to anoint Jesus' body were consumed with grief. They concentrated on practical issue. (Rolling away the stone from the tomb no doubt was an impossible task.) However we know from this chapter the stone was already moved prior to their arrival, and great joy would follow when they realized Jesus had risen.

Likewise in our darkest hour, we often tend to concentrate on a practical issue or responsibility. (One that seems like an impossible task.) We usually don't realize God has already removed that obstacle to clear the way for us, and make it possible for joy to return to our lives.

In few words:
Look to Him for a clear path.

Mark Chapter 15 - ACC NT Study

(Versus 33, 34)
33 At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour.
34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" —which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

When we feel as though God is far away, perhaps we begin to believe He has forgotten us, or stopped caring about us altogether. We are not alone. Even Jesus felt forsaken at His truest time of need. However we know God had a plan. Jesus would rise again and spend eternity with the Father.

In a few words:
Even though God's plans are not known to believers, they choose to trust in Him.

Mark Chapter 14 - ACC NT Study

(Verses 27-31)
27"You will all fall away," Jesus told them, "for it is written: " 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.' 28But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."
29 Peter declared, "Even if all fall away, I will not."
30"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times."
31But Peter insisted emphatically, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the others said the same.

Peter and all of the disciples pledged they would die with Jesus if necessary. However as scripture tells us in this chapter, Peter did deny Jesus three times before the rooster crowed twice.

Jesus returned to Peter after His Resurrection and reinstated him (John 21:15-17) and told him to "Feed my Sheep" restoring him to serve as a follower of Christ.

Likewise many of us make a pledge during prayer or devotion time, to discontinue unacceptable behavior in our lives. We promise to our Lord and ourselves not to repeat it, yet to fail and do it again. Even though we may have confessed to Him and asked for forgiveness, we may begin to feel unworthy and be tempted to give up following Him. I believe if we make ourselves available to Jesus (In prayer, worship or bible study) He returns to us, restores us and tell us to "Feed my sheep."

In a few words:
Let us thank Him for our continued restoration.

Mark Chapter 13 - ACC NT Study

26 At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.
27 And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.

In a few words:
Oh to be His elect children, for the Angels to gather!

Mark Chapter 12 - ACC NT Study

41Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts.
42But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.
43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.
44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."

In a few words:
Equal sacrifice often means unequal giving.

Mark Chapter 11 - ACC NT Study

(Verses 4-6)
4 They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it,
5 some people standing there asked, "What are you doing, untying that colt?"
6 They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go.

In a few words:
Explain Jesus' plan to others

Mark Chapter 10 - ACC NT Study

The story of the Rich Young Man in this chapter has always been an interesting one to me. I may have a different take on it than others who read it. Check out verses 17-20:

17 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
18 "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone.
19 You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.'
20 "Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy."

It always made me wonder about when the young man told Jesus that he had kept all the commandments. I want to say: Really? Was he so perfect that he was never disprespectful to his parents or never ever lied ever since he was a boy? I wonder if Jesus was calling him out per se' by telling him the following in Verse 21:

21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

I know Jesus most likely did not mean it this way, but to me His answer was almost like saying: Well, since you are so good and almost perfect, selling everything and giving it to the poor should not be any problem for you. However the young man's reaction reveals his true character in verse 22:

22 At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

In a few words:
Humbly admit our shortcomings to our Lord