CURRENT WEEK - 04/28/24
The Idol of Wealth and True Riches (Part 1) - Matthew 19:16-26
Transitioning from the heartwarming encounter in Matthew 19:13-15 to the subsequent interaction in Matthew 19:16-26, the readers witness a significant shift in focus. The tender scene of Jesus blessing the children contrasts sharply with the following encounter. In verse sixteen, a wealthy man approaches Jesus, seeking guidance on inheriting eternal life. Unlike the children who approached Jesus with simple, humble faith, the rich young man is characterized by wealth and status. This contrast highlights the central theme of the passage: the nature of true discipleship and the radical demands of following Jesus. The narrative underscores Jesus’ teachings on the essential qualities required to enter the Kingdom of Heaven: childlike faith, humility, and a willingness to let go of everything to follow Him. Jesus’ response to the rich young man reveals the high cost of discipleship and challenges believers to consider the idol of wealth and true riches
PREVIOUS WEEKS - 12/31/23 - 04/21/24
Embracing Childlike Faith: Lessons from Jesus' Blessing - Matthew 19:13-15
Transitioning to Matthew 19:13-15, the scene transitions to a new setting where children are brought to Jesus for His blessing. This shift in focus highlights the multifaceted nature of Jesus’ ministry, encompassing both profound theological discourse and tender acts of compassion towards the marginalized and vulnerable. It illustrates Jesus’ holistic approach to ministry, embracing the intellectual and emotional dimensions of human experience and revealing His heart of love and compassion for all people, regardless of age or social status. The theme of Matthew 19:13-15 is embracing childlike faith: lessons from Jesus' blessing.
Marriage, Divorce, and Singleness (Part 2) - Matthew 19:1-12
Shifting to Matthew 19:10-12, Jesus responds to His disciples’ astonishment at His teaching on divorce by presenting singleness as a sacred calling. He affirms that while marriage is honorable, singleness, embraced for the sake of the kingdom, can be a chosen path to wholehearted devotion to God. This juxtaposition highlights Jesus’ acknowledgment of the diverse expressions of human relationships and the significance of each individual’s unique journey in fulfilling God’s purposes.
Marriage, Divorce, and Singleness (Part 1) - Matthew 19:1-12
In Matthew 19, the Pharisees debate with Jesus about divorce and remarriage, leading the disciples to ask about singleness. Thus, in Matthew 19:1-12, Jesus addresses the topics of marriage, divorce, and singleness. Matthew 19 is not the first time Jesus addressed the issue of divorce and remarriage. During the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:31-32, Jesus corrects the misinterpretation of the Law’s allowance of divorce. Much of the modern church’s stance on divorce and remarriage originates from Catholic influences instead of Biblical truth, raising questions about biblical alignment. Correction of distortions to biblical teachings is necessary, challenging traditions that may not align with Scripture.
Words of Abandonment, Fulfillment, and Reunion - Matthew 27:46; John 19:30; Luke 23:46
In John 19:30, Jesus proclaims, “It is finished!” This word of fulfillment marks the completion of Jesus’ earthly mission and the satisfaction of God’s redemptive agenda. With these words, Jesus heralds the victory of redemption over condemnation. His words echo throughout history, offering assurance to all who trust in His completed work of the cross. With a final agonizing breath, Jesus says in Luke 23:46, “Father, Into Your hands I commit My Spirit.” In this word of reunion, believers witness the culmination of Jesus’ sacrificial death, as He willingly offers His life for the sake of humanity. It is a profound moment of intimacy, where the Son shares restored fellowship with the Father in complete submission and devotion. This final word fulfills Psalm 31:5: “Into Your hand I commit my spirit.”
Words of Relationship and Distress - John 19:26-29
As the hours dragged on, Jesus directed His attention to His mother and the beloved disciple, John. In John 19:26-27, believers witness a poignant exchange, encapsulating the depth of Jesus’ love and care for those closest to Him, even amid His suffering. These words of relationship from the cross reveal Jesus’ heart and provide timeless lessons for believers about the importance of familial love, discipleship, and community in the Christian journey. Amidst the darkness and despair of Calvary, Jesus uttered words that pierced the silence and revealed the depth of His humanity. In John 19:28, believers encounter a moment of distress as Jesus speaks the distressing words, “I thirst.” These simple words convey Jesus’ physical torment and His sacrificial mission’s spiritual and emotional weight. This cry of distress from the cross invites believers to contemplate the full extent of Jesus’ suffering and reflect on His humanity’s significance in the redemptive narrative. Through His words of distress, Jesus invites believers to enter into His suffering, to empathize with His humanity, and to draw nearer to the heart of the Savior who willingly endured all for the sake of love
Words of Forgiveness and Salvation - Luke 23:33-34, 39-43
While hanging upon the cross, Jesus uttered seven words or statements. His first two words are words of forgiveness and salvation. Jesus’ word of forgiveness exemplifies radical forgiveness, extending grace even to His executioners. This word embodies Jesus’ unparalleled grace and mercy, even toward those who unjustly persecuted Him. It challenges believers to emulate His example of readiness to forgive the repentant who wronged them, regardless of the circumstances. On the cross, Jesus’ words of forgiveness epitomize His divine love and serve as a timeless reminder of grace’s transformative power. Jesus’ word of salvation reflects His boundless grace, offering immediate redemption to the contrite criminal. It illustrates the accessibility of salvation to all who turn to Jesus in faith, regardless of their past. Jesus’ word of salvation exemplifies His mercy and inclusivity, inviting all humanity into the hope of eternal life with Him. It is a testament to the transformative power of His love and the assurance of forgiveness for all who believe.
Lessons in Obedience: Surrendering to God’s Will - Matthew 17:22-27
Considering Matthew 17:22-27, believers should reflect on their struggle to surrender to God’s will. Where do they resist His guidance, holding onto their own plans and ambitions? The challenge is to let go of control and trust in God’s timing and provision. This passage offers lessons in obedience and surrendering to God’s will.
Faith that Moves Mountains - Matthew 17:14-21
Transitioning from the awe-inspiring Transfiguration scene, Matthew 17:14-21 portrays a stark shift as Jesus and His disciples descend from the mountain and encounter a distressing situation. Approaching Jesus, a desperate father falls to his knees, beseeching assistance for his demon-possessed son, who suffers from seizures. Despite the disciples’ earnest attempts to heal the boy, they cannot alleviate his affliction. This passage unveils the stark contrast between the disciples' limitations and Jesus’ unmatched authority over evil forces. It underscores faith's critical role in acknowledging Jesus’ miraculous abilities and the disciples’ capacity to trust Him. Disappointed by the disciples’ wavering faith, Jesus reproves them, illustrating the remarkable potential of even the tiniest seed of faith to conquer seemingly insurmountable challenges. In the subsequent exegesis of Matthew 17:14-21, the Apostle delves into the significance of faith within Jesus’ ministry, explores the interplay of power and authority, and unveils the profound lessons on prayer and perseverance amidst adversity, all centered around the theme of faith that moves mountains
The Transfiguration (Part 2) - Matthew 17:1-13
In Matthew 17:9-13, the narrative unfolds with a telling revelation that follows the awe-inspiring Transfiguration event. This passage delves into the disciples’ inquiries about the reappearance of Elijah and Jesus’ subsequent clarification regarding the prophesied role of John the Baptist. Embedded within this exchange are profound insights into the continuity of divine revelation, the fulfillment of Biblical prophecies, and the disciples’ evolving understanding of Jesus’ messianic mission. Through carefully examining this passage, believers understand the intricate interplay between prophecy, fulfillment, and the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Biblical Missions is Prayer-Driven - Selected Passages from Acts
Turning to the book of Acts, Luke presents a tapestry of prayer woven into the fabric of every missionary endeavor. From the Upper Room to the ends of the earth, prayer permeates the narrative, guiding, empowering, and transforming the lives of believers. In Acts 1, the disciples gathered in unity, devoting themselves to prayer as they awaited the promise of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 4, Peter and John boldly petitioned God for divine enablement in the face of persecution. In Acts 13, the Antioch church’s fasting and prayer resulted in Barnabas and Saul's commissioning for the missions. The most profound testament to the power of prayer in missions is seen in the life of the apostle Paul. A vibrant prayer life sustained Paul throughout his missionary journeys—a lifeline connecting him to God’s inexhaustible grace and strength.
Biblical Missions is People Supported - Selected Passages from Acts
Biblical Missions is People Supported. The purpose of missions is to preach the Gospel to people. The means of preaching the Gospel is people. Paul says in Romans 10:15, "How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?”
Biblical Missions is Multiplication Focused - Selected Passages from Acts
The church began in Jerusalem according to Acts 2 and multiplied throughout Judea. Then, in Acts 8, the Gospel spread to Samaria, and again, the church multiplied. The Gospel spreads, and churches multiply, first in Galilee and then Anticoch in Acts 11. The Holy Spirit propels the Gospel from the Antiochan Church to the regions beyond, multiplying churches throughout Asia and Europe. What began with twelve men in Jerusalem multiplied into hundreds of thousands of believers worldwide. Indeed, the Book of Acts provides a compelling blueprint for multiplication-focused missions.
Biblical Missions Is Spirit Driven - Selected Passages from Acts
The book of Acts is a testament to the Spirit’s role in Biblical missions. From the outpouring of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost to the missionary journeys of Paul, the Spirit empowers believers with courage, wisdom, and supernatural abilities. The Holy Spirit emboldens believers to confront opposition, endure hardships, and persevere in facing challenges. The Holy Spirit also establishes the church’s missional program.
The Transfiguration (Part 1) - Matthew 17:1-13
The narrative progresses to Jesus highlighting future judgment, with the Son of Man coming in glory to repay each person according to their deeds. This underscores the gravity of discipleship, urging believers to take it seriously. In verse 28, Jesus prophesies that some present will witness the Son of Man coming with his kingdom. Matthew records the near fulfillment in the subsequent verses, presenting the mysterious Transfiguration of Jesus in Matthew 17:1-13. This event provides profound insights into Jesus’ nature, the continuity of divine revelation, and the disciples’ faith journey.
Embracing the Cross: A Call to Discipleship - Matthew 16:21-28
In Matthew 16:24-28, Jesus presents believers with a pivotal decision. Will they be willing to not merely see the cross as a symbol but embrace it as a transformative reality that molds their identity as disciples of Jesus? Bearing the cross represents a radical summons to discipleship. This call urges believers to relinquish their personal desires, ambitions, and self-centered ways in exchange for a life dedicated to following Jesus, even at the potential cost of their lives.
Embracing the Cross: A Call to Discipleship - Matthew 16:21-28
Jesus unveils the divine purpose underlying his earthly mission, a purpose that takes an unexpected turn toward the cross. Amid this revelation, he issues a profound call to discipleship that transcends superficial desires for earthly success and recognition. Jesus exposes the radical nature of genuine discipleship—an invitation to renounce self, shoulder the cross, and walk in His footsteps. This summons demands a surrender of personal ambitions, comfort, and self-centered ways, urging followers to embrace the cross not as a mere symbol but as a way of life. The central theme of Matthew 16:21-28 is embracing the cross: a call to discipleship. What does embracing the cross signify for believers today?
The Rock, the Revelation, and the Responsibility - Matthew 16:13-20
In Matthew 16:13-20, a crucial dialogue unfolds between Jesus and the Twelve, unveiling foundational truths that shape Christian orthodoxy regarding both Himself and the Church. In this narrative, Jesus sets forth the Rock, the revelation, and the responsibility. Beyond confirming His identity, Jesus imparts critical insights into the establishment and mission of the Church. From this passage, believers are challenged to recognize the bedrock of their faith, embrace the revelation of divine truth, and shoulder the responsibility of advancing the mission of Christ on Earth
CURRENT SERMON SERIES
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PREVIOUS SERMON SERIES
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A SERMON FOR KINGDOM SERVANTS: LIVING AS KINGDOM SERVANTS
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THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT: LIVING AS KINGDOM CITIZENS
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A BALANCED LIFE IN AN UNBALANCED WORLD - EPHESIANS 4:1-3
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JAMES: COMMANDS FOR SCATTERED AND STRUGGLING SAINTS
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BEHOLD THE LAMB
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JUDE: A CHARGE FOR SCATTERED AND SUFFERING SAINTS
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2 PETER: WARNINGS FOR SCATTERED AND SUFFERING SAINTS
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1 PETER: ENCOURAGEMENT FOR SCATTERED AND SUFFERINGS SAINTS
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