St. Luke Church

Ending Favoritism // Brian Ebel

St. Luke Church Lexington, KY — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000

We all have favorites. But what about those who aren’t our favorites? Jesus said anyone can love their best friend, but to love your enemy…ah…now God has done something in your life. Choose mercy over judgment and friendship over alienation. These are marks of a faithful Christian.

Listening and Doing // Brian Ebel

St. Luke Church Lexington, KY — Sun, 20 Sep 2026 20:57:02 +0000

It’s funny how our culture and James are the same. Lots of talking. Not much listening. James’ call is simple. Shut up. Listen. Do what the word says and stop trying to invent your own favorite version of Scripture.

Who was James? Jesus’ little brother. From skeptic to on-fire follower, James’ call is about the heart of discipleship and doing it in a practical way. Luther struggled with the book as have others, but its call is that right doctrine should also empower right living. James says life can be brutal. So gut up, trust God, and persevere.

Who Was James + What Was His Calling? // Brian Ebel

St. Luke Church Lexington, KY — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 20:39:04 +0000

James did not always believe that his brother Jesus was the Messiah. But after encountering the risen Christ, this skeptic became a devoted disciple, a leader in the early church, and a servant who belonged completely to Jesus. His transformation reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace.

In James 1, we learn that trials are not good, but God is—and God never wastes the painful seasons of our lives. James gives us a pathway through those trials: rejoice in what God is producing, request the wisdom only He can provide, and resist the temptations that arise when life becomes difficult. The question for us is this: will we allow our trials to drive us away from God, or will we trust Him to use them to draw us closer and strengthen our faith?

The Real Thing // Matt Penny

St. Luke Church Lexington, KY — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 13:58:24 +0000

It is possible to look like we have faith without ever experiencing its transforming power. In Acts 19, the sons of Sceva attempt to use the name of Jesus without truly knowing Him. They have the right words and appearance, but when their faith is tested, it is revealed to have no substance. Paul’s life offers a different picture: everything begins with what God has given, and the power belongs entirely to Him.

Real faith is not built around appearances, personal benefits, or the easiest path. It carries a cost, transforms our hearts, and sends us into the world on mission. When the people of Ephesus encounter the real thing, they confess their sins, leave their former lives behind, and publicly surrender what once held them captive. The question for us is this: do we simply have the appearance of faith, or is our faith truly transforming the way we live?

Launching the Next Gen // Matt Penny

St. Luke Church Lexington, KY — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 14:26:25 +0000

None of us arrived at our faith alone. We stand on the shoulders of people who showed us what it means to know and follow Jesus. In Acts 16, Paul recognizes God’s work in a young disciple named Timothy, invites him into his life and ministry, and entrusts him with real responsibility. As the two generations serve together, the churches are strengthened and continue to grow.

Launching the next generation requires more than teaching young people from a distance. It means seeing their potential, inviting them to walk alongside us, modeling a life of faith, and giving them opportunities to lead. It also requires us to recognize that the future of the church is not about preserving everything for ourselves, but preparing others to carry the Gospel farther. The question for us is this: are we willing to get our shoulders dirty so the next generation can stand upon them and see farther?

Leading with Excellence // Brian Ebel

St. Luke Church Lexington, KY — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 14:04:03 +0000

In Acts 4, the early church was united in heart and soul. Its members held nothing back, cared for one another sacrificially, and bore witness to the resurrection of Jesus with great power and grace. Their lives were not marked by halfhearted commitment or leftovers, but by a willingness to offer God their very best. Each of us has been entrusted with different gifts, abilities, resources, and opportunities. Leading with excellence does not mean achieving the same results as everyone else; it means faithfully using what God has given us for His glory. Excellence requires sacrifice, whether we are leading in our homes, workplaces, neighborhoods, or church. The question for us is this: are we giving God and the people around us our best, or only what remains after everything else?