Matthew 22:15-46 / Controversial Questions / Eternal Answers
Four big questions arise in Matthew 22:15-46. Three are asked of Jesus and one is asked by Jesus. The three questions asked of Jesus are meant to trip him up and trap him. But what they meant for evil, God uses for good. The questions are: It is amazing how timely these questions are. …
Read MoreMatthew 22:1-14
Throwing Punches and Painting Pictures Part 2 One of the central questions of Matthew’s gospel is, Who belongs to the true poeple of God? Or, to put it another way, Who will enter the kingdom of God? The three parables from 21:28-22:14 teach us three things about entering the kingdom of God: All three of the parables…
Read MoreMatthew 21:23-46 / Throwing Punches and Painting Pictures
In our text this week, we have a clash of authorities. Jesus is in a battle. A verbal battle. A theological battle. A spiritual battle. Of course, there is no physical violence here, but make no mistake, this is a battle. The key question is one of authority. Over the next two chapters, Jesus will…
Read MoreMatthew 21:12-22
Learning to Listen We live in a world of non-stop chatter. Chatter on the TV, chatter on the radio, chatter coming through your earbuds, and chatter in your mind. Today, airing your opinion is seen as a form of courage and health, and it matters more than listening. Talking continually is valued more than listening…
Read MoreMatthew 20:29-21:17 / The Main Thing
Matthew 21-23 focuses on the central issues of life. In 20:29-21:17, we have three encounters and three stories that teach us the most important thing in life: who is Jesus, and what does it mean to follow him? There is no more serious issue than this. Starting in Matthew 20 and moving through 21:17, Matthew…
Read MoreGetting Back into Matthew
I am really excited to get back into the Gospel of Matthew. We began walking through Matthew on January 5, 2020. A lot has changed since then. And we have taken a few detours, but I am excited to finish it up this year. Now, why in the world would we want to spend so…
Read MoreAdvent Week 4 / Luke 1:39-55
Mary’s Christmas Carol One of the most asked questions every Christmas is…Mary, did you know?And this Sunday we get the answer! Sunday we look at one of the most famous passages in the Bible: Mary’s Magnificat. It is a beautiful, powerful song of joy. My goal is to help make Mary’s song our song. Her confidence…
Read MoreAdvent Week 3 / Luke 1:26-38
An Unexpected Announcement This advent, we are looking at different passages in Luke and joining him in celebrating the salvation that Jesus brings. Chapters one and two in the Gospel of Luke are like the first notes of the symphony of salvation. The Savior is coming! This is the theme of these chapters, and Luke’s…
Read MoreToday salvation has come to this house
Luke 19:1-10 / Week 1 / Advent 2022 This Sunday is the first Sunday in Advent, and we will turn our attention to celebrating the coming of our King. Our passage for the week will be Luke 19:1-10, the story of Zacchaeus, and our theme will be: Today, salvation has come to this house.
Read MoreRepairing Relationships / 1 Cor. 13
This week we are going to look at the love chapter: 1 Corinthians 13. Most people assume this chapter was written for weddings or valentines day. But it was’t. This chapter was written to show you how to deal with difficult people. And tell us what our greatest need is. The greatest need you…
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