In this five-week sermon series, we’ll explore key stories from the Gospel of Luke through the Wesleyan lens of holiness of heart and life. Drawing on John Wesley’s conviction that authentic Christian faith must transform both our inner character and our outward actions, each message examines how Jesus’ words and deeds invite us into deeper discipleship. From redefining the Sabbath and calling the apostles (Luke 6:1-16), to miraculous healings that demonstrate compassion (Luke 7:1-17), to the assurance Jesus offers in seasons of doubt (Luke 7:18-35), we see how holiness permeates every facet of life. We will also witness transformative forgiveness (Luke 7:36-50) and the glory of Christ that compels us back into mission (Luke 9:28-45). Join us as we discover how God’s grace reshapes our hearts and empowers us to live out the love of Christ in the world.

• Scripture: Luke 6:1-16
• Text Focus: Jesus redefines Sabbath practice and chooses the apostles.
• Holiness Aspect: True holiness is about love for God and neighbor, not just rigid rule-keeping.
• Application: We form a holy community by prioritizing compassion over legalism and recognizing God’s call in each other’s lives.

Jesus’ actions on the Sabbath challenge narrow legalism and reveal a deeper understanding of holiness—one that prioritizes compassion and love for others. Furthermore, in calling the apostles, Jesus forms a community built on God’s grace rather than human credentials. In the Wesleyan tradition, holiness is not confined to personal piety alone but is also lived out in our relationships and communal commitments. This sermon explores how we can embrace a spirit of mercy, recognizing God’s call on our lives, and fostering a Christ-centered fellowship.

• Scripture: Luke 7:1-17
• Text Focus: Healing of the centurion’s servant and raising the widow’s son.
• Holiness Aspect: Social Holiness – Our faith must extend beyond church walls to meet people in their needs, just as Jesus heals and restores.
• Application: As a church, we enact compassion and justice in practical ways, embodying God’s love.

Two miracles—a centurion’s servant healed by Jesus’ word and a widow’s son raised from the dead—demonstrate God’s compassion for all people, regardless of status or circumstance. In Wesleyan theology, social holiness compels us to engage with the world’s needs, trusting in God’s transformative power. This sermon focuses on how Jesus’ compassionate acts model for us a holiness that moves outward, inviting the church to be agents of healing and hope wherever suffering is found.

• Scripture: Luke 7:18-35
• Text Focus: John the Baptist’s doubts; Jesus points to his works as proof of his identity.
• Holiness Aspect: Faithful questioning and seeking clarity can lead to deeper conviction.
• Application: Even when we wrestle with questions, holiness means staying engaged with Jesus’ mission and remaining open to the Spirit’s assurance.

Even John the Baptist, a faithful prophet, experiences doubt and sends messengers to ask, “Are you the one?” Jesus responds by pointing to the tangible evidence of his work—healing, liberating, and proclaiming good news. In the Wesleyan tradition, assurance is central; yet, the journey of faith may still pass through valleys of uncertainty. This sermon addresses how we can hold space for honest questioning, look for the signs of God’s activity around us, and trust that God’s grace can bring clarity and renewed conviction in times of doubt.

• Scripture: Luke 7:36-50
• Text Focus: The anointing by a sinful woman; Jesus’ forgiveness and teaching on love.
• Holiness Aspect: Love is the highest expression of a sanctified heart.
• Application: True holiness reveals itself in humble service and extravagant love, especially toward those society considers “less worthy.”

A sinful woman anoints Jesus’ feet with tears, and in this startling act of devotion, we see the depth of God’s forgiving grace. Jesus responds not with condemnation but with compassion, revealing that true holiness is inseparable from love. In Wesleyan thought, holiness is never purely theoretical—it must be lived out in sincere devotion to God and care for others. This sermon highlights how forgiveness transforms us from the inside out, enabling us to pour out extravagant love in return.

• Scripture: Luke 9:28-45
• Text Focus: The Transfiguration; then Jesus’ disciples struggle to heal.
• Holiness Aspect: Moments of profound spiritual encounter (mountaintop experiences) empower us for service in the valley.
• Application: The call to holiness isn’t just about spiritual highs; it’s about returning to the work of healing, teaching, and loving the world.

The Transfiguration reveals Jesus’ divine glory, giving Peter, James, and John a glimpse of the kingdom’s majesty. Yet almost immediately, Jesus and the disciples descend into a world of brokenness, where they confront a boy’s tormenting spirit. Wesleyan spirituality reminds us that moments of spiritual revelation are meant to empower our service in everyday life. This sermon challenges us to carry the light of Christ into the valleys—where healing, compassion, and the call to discipleship demand real-world action, fueled by the holiness we’ve encountered on the mountaintop.