Citadel Square Sermons

The Gospel of Luke | Your Will Be Done - Luke 22:39-46

Jonathan Suggs preaches from Luke 22:35-38. This week, we’ll see the final minutes before Jesus is betrayed and arrested. Understanding the full weight of this moment, Jesus tells his disciples to pray and then runs to prayer himself. While he wrestles with the severity of what awaits him, Jesus shows us how we should also approach God in prayer. But instead of praying alongside Jesus, the disciples fall asleep. And the question we’re left with is “How can we pray that we might not enter into temptation?”

The Gospel of Luke | Get Ready - Luke 22:35-38

Pastor Steve Heron continues our series in Luke and preaches from Luke 22:35-38.
In Jesus' last moments around the Passover table, he prepares his disciples for what's to come in His absence. Recalling the history of divine provision for ministry in the past, he introduces a new age where ministry is going to look different. While these times will be filled with new enemies and challenges, he turns their minds back to the faithful truths of God's word as their source of strength. 

The Gospel of Luke | Sifted to Strengthen - Luke 22:31-34

Pastor AJ Rankin preaches from Luke 22:31-34.
Jesus tells Peter that Satan wants to sift him like wheat, but Peter insists he is ready to go to prison or even die for Jesus. Jesus predicts Peter will deny Him three times before the rooster crows. Despite this, Jesus has prayed for Peter and laid the groundwork for his restoration before Peter ever fails. Jesus also prays for us. And when we do fail, we are to turn back to Jesus and strengthen the faith of others.

The Gospel of Luke | The First Lord's Supper - Luke 22:14-30

Pastor Steve Heron preaches from Luke 22:14-30.
As the hour approaches for Jesus' crucifixion, he sits down for his final meal. Gathering his apostles around him, he inaugurates what the entire Old Testament predicted: The new covenant. Fulfilling the shadows of the sacrificial system, Jesus breaks the bread and pours the cup to open the way to God through his ultimate sacrifice on the cross for sinners. While Jesus says there's a way to come to the meal, he also says there's a way to leave the meal that shows we've embraced what it means to follow our savior.

The Gospel of Luke | Passover Preparation - Luke 21:37-22:13

Pastor Steve Lindenmeyer continues our Luke series and preaches from Luke 21:37-22:13.
As the time draws near for the crucifixion, Jesus continues to teach in the temple and the disciples begin to prepare for the Passover meal. Judas, however, turns against Jesus and conspires with the Jewish leaders on a plan to arrest Him.

The Gospel of Luke | Watch Yourselves - Luke 21:29-36

Pastor Steve Lindenmeyer preaches from Luke 21:29-36.
In this week's passage, Jesus shares the parable of the fig tree to summarize his previous teaching. As Jesus prepares us for the coming Kingdom He reminds us that His words are eternal and He exhorts us to be watchful and prayerful as we await his second coming. What does it look like for us to live in light of eternity instead of being consumed with the cares of this world?

The Gospel of Luke | Your Redemption Is Near - Luke 21:5-28

Pastor AJ Rankin continues our series in Luke and preaches from Luke 21:5-28.
In this week's passage, we see Jesus spending the days leading up to his crucifixion teaching at the temple. He warns them about future chaos, destruction, and persecution that are to come before the end. He also encourages his followers to endure and be prepared for his return. Why is it important for Christians to be watchful, enduring, and hopeful today?

The Gospel of Luke | The Scribes and the Widow - Luke 20:45-21:4

Jon Merkling preaches from Luke 20:45-21:4.
In this week’s passage, we see that things are not always what they seem in the Kingdom of God. Jesus contrasts the Jewish teachers of the law, who only care about themselves and the pretense of godliness, with the faith of a poor widow who gives all she has to God. Here we learn that God is concerned not with external appearances, but rather with what’s in our hearts.

The Gospel of Luke | David's Son & David's God - Luke 20:41-44

Pastor AJ Rankin continues our Luke series and preaches from Luke 20:41-44.
Now it is Jesus’ turn to pose a question to the religious leaders about the identity of the Messiah. He asks, “How can they say that the Christ is David’s son?” Then, citing Psalm 110:1, Jesus shows that David calls him Lord. How is he both Lord and David’s son? The Redeemer must be David’s greater Son and God himself. So who do you say that Jesus is?

The Gospel of Luke | God of the Living - Luke 20:27-40

Pastor AJ Rankin preaches on Luke 20:27-40.
The next test for Jesus comes by way of the Sadducees who are also attempting to trap Jesus into saying something blasphemous. In his supreme wisdom, Jesus avoids the trap and shatters the Sadducees preconceived notions about him, the resurrection, and the age to come.