St. Luke Church

Who is Your Daddy? // Brian Ebel

St. Luke Church Lexington, KY — Mon, 19 Oct 2026 14:45:04 +0000

Conflict often appears to begin with difficult people or circumstances, but James points us toward the deeper battle taking place within our own hearts. In James 4:1–12, we discover how disordered desires, pride, envy, and anger can shape our relationships and even our prayers. We cannot win the conflicts around us until we allow the Holy Spirit to confront the conflict within us. James offers a path forward: repent, reorder our lives around God, and refuse to speak evil against others. The good news is that God gives greater grace, inviting us to stop asking Him simply to change others and instead pray, “Lord Jesus, change me.”

Does Your Life Have the “Receipts” // Matt Penny

St. Luke Church Lexington, KY — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 11:00:00 +0000

This is the core of James’ teaching. Faith without works is dead. Do your doctrines and your deeds match up, or is it empty words and empty hands?

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?