Podcasts from Ambassador Presbyterian Church in Apex, NC
Scripture: Matthew 21:12-27 Date: April 12, 2026 This sermon examines Matthew chapter 21, highlighting Jesus's entry into Jerusalem and the significance of Palm Sunday in acknowledging His messianic role. The message analyzes the cleansing of the temple as a prophetic act against insincere worship, challenging the congregation to consider the authenticity of their spiritual practices. The symbolism of the barren fig tree represents God's judgment on Israel's spiritual state, prompting reflection on faith and reliance on God's promises. The message includes an encounter between Jesus and religious authorities, exploring themes of authority, submission, and obedience. Concluding with a call to pursue a transformative relationship with Jesus, this sermon emphasizes the importance of genuine worship that reflects an active faith, urging believers to assess the depth of their connection with God. Topics: Matthew 21, Jesus, Jerusalem, Palm Sunday, messianic role, cleansing temple, insincere worship, barren fig tree, God's judgment, spiritual practices, authority, transformative relationship, genuine worship, active faith Chapters 00:00:13 — Introduction to Matthew 21 00:02:42 — Jesus Enters the Temple 00:06:13 — Cleansing the Temple 00:07:51 — The Cursed Fig Tree 00:28:29 — Challenged Authority 00:33:44 — The Heart of Worship 00:36:58 — Jesus Replaces the Temple 00:41:49 — Call to Genuine Faith
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-9 Date: April 5, 2026 In this sermon, we examine 1 Peter 1:3-9, where the Apostle Peter offers encouragement to a community facing trials. I discuss the concept of "living hope" rooted in God's mercy and the assurance offered through Jesus' resurrection. We explore how trials refine our faith and lead to profound joy, alongside the promise of an eternal inheritance that sustains us. I urge listeners to reflect on their sources of hope, emphasizing that through Christ, we can confidently face life's challenges while grounded in lasting promises. Topics: 1 Peter 1:3-9, Apostle Peter, encouragement, community, trials, living hope, God's mercy, Jesus' resurrection, faith, eternal inheritance Chapters 00:00:11 — Introduction to Living Hope 00:01:26 — The Struggle of Losing Things 00:03:38 — A Living Hope Through Resurrection 00:05:44 — Peter's Audience and Their Trials 00:08:03 — Starting with Praise 00:08:38 — Defining Living Hope 00:13:14 — The Source of Our Hope 00:14:47 — Hope Amid Trials 00:20:57 — The Substance of Living Hope 00:22:44 — Sustaining Power in Difficult Times 00:30:03 — The Joy in Suffering 00:32:28 — Knowing We Have Living Hope 00:36:22 — A Call to Examine Our Hope 00:37:17 — Conclusion and Prayer
Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11 Date: March 29, 2026 This sermon examines Matthew 21, focusing on the significance of Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem as a key moment in the Gospel narrative. Highlighting the intentional fulfillment of prophecy, the discussion emphasizes Jesus's identity as the Messiah and son of David amidst the chaotic backdrop of Passover. The sermon explores how His choice to ride a donkey signifies His humble kingship, contrasting the crowd's joyous yet superficial understanding of His role as a political redeemer. By analyzing the implications of the crowd's reaction and the deeper meanings of Jesus's mission, the message invites reflection on our recognition of Him as the true King who offers peace and salvation. It concludes with a call to acknowledge His identity and anticipate His ultimate return in glory, urging a life of worship and service in response to His love. Topics: Matthew 21, Jesus, triumphal entry, Jerusalem, prophecy, Messiah, son of David, donkey, humble kingship, crowd reaction, peace, salvation, worship, service, glory Chapters 00:00:03 — Introduction to the Triumphal Entry 00:03:03 — The Final Week Begins 00:08:09 — Jesus's Sovereign Preparation 00:15:10 — Prophetic Proclamation by the Crowd 00:19:09 — Pensive Contemplation in Jerusalem 00:24:19 — Who Is This Jesus? 00:29:54 — The True Nature of King Jesus 00:30:20 — Awaiting the Final Victory
Scripture: Matthew 20 Date: March 22, 2026 This sermon examines Matthew chapter 20, emphasizing that the kingdom of God is rooted in divine grace rather than human merit. The pastor initiates a dialogue on fairness, channeling personal experiences of perceived injustices and the common belief that effort correlates with reward. Through the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, the sermon illustrates God's radical grace, highlighting that all workers receive the same reward, regardless of their labor duration. The message transitions to Jesus' prediction of his death, emphasizing the cost of grace and the link between sacrifice and true greatness. The pastor challenges listeners to reflect on their views about status and service, culminating in a call to choose grace over a meritocratic mindset, urging a transformative understanding of their relationship with God. Topics: Matthew chapter 20, kingdom of God, divine grace, human merit, fairness, injustices, effort, reward, parable of the laborers, Jesus' prediction, cost of grace, sacrifice, status, service, meritocratic mindset, transformative understanding Chapters 00:00:09 — Introduction to Matthew 20 00:02:29 — The Economy of Divine Grace 00:03:51 — The Parable of the Workers 00:05:46 — The Prediction of Suffering 00:22:06 — The Paradox of Greatness 00:31:09 — The Portrayal of Grace 00:35:36 — The Choice of Economies 00:38:06 — Living in Grace
Scripture: Matthew 19:16-30 Date: March 15, 2026 This sermon examines Matthew 19:16-30, focusing on a wealthy young man's inquiry about eternal life and Jesus' response highlighting the flaws in self-righteousness and attachment to wealth. The pastor emphasizes that true righteousness comes from God alone and that material possessions can hinder spiritual dependence. Salvation is presented as a divine gift rather than an earned reward. The promise of abundant life in following Jesus underscores the importance of spiritual fulfillment over material gain, encouraging humility and surrender to experience God's transformative grace. Topics: Matthew 19:16-30, wealthy young man, eternal life, self-righteousness, attachment to wealth, true righteousness, material possessions, spiritual dependence, salvation, divine gift, abundant life, humility, surrender, transformative grace Chapters 00:00:06 — Introduction to Eternal Life 00:02:26 — The Quest for Eternal Life 00:03:45 — The Man with Great Possessions 00:10:14 — The Fatal Assumption 00:13:19 — The Challenge of Surrender 00:16:26 — The Grip of Wealth 00:21:34 — The Gift of Salvation 00:22:44 — The Promise of Eternal Life 00:25:12 — The Glorious Response 00:27:49 — Conclusion: Hope in Empty Hands
Scripture: Matthew 19 Date: February 22, 2026 This sermon offers a deep exploration of marriage as depicted in the Gospel of Matthew, particularly focusing on chapter 19. It begins with Jesus' interaction with the Pharisees regarding divorce, serving as a lens to understand the divine intention behind marriage. Emphasizing the sacred covenant between a man and a woman, this message highlights the significance of becoming "one flesh," portraying marriage as a spiritual bond reflecting God's glory. The sermon addresses societal perceptions of marriage and encourages listeners to uphold its sanctity despite acknowledging the realities of marital challenges. Through a balanced approach of conviction and compassion, it calls married couples to seek renewal and encourages singles to value their current state while trusting in God's timing. Ultimately, the message invites healing and reconciliation for those affected by broken relationships, urging a community that embodies Christ's love and commitment to divine intentions for marriage. Topics: marriage, Gospel of Matthew, chapter 19, Pharisees, divorce, sacred covenant, one flesh, spiritual bond, marital challenges, healing and reconciliation Chapters 00:00:03 — Introduction to Marriage 00:04:52 — The World's View of Marriage 00:11:17 — God's Design for Marriage 00:16:14 — The Definition of Marriage 00:21:33 — God's Defense of Marriage 00:23:42 — The Pain of Brokenness 00:27:24 — The Gospel's Call to Conviction 00:31:00 — Compassion in Our Approach 00:33:08 — Practical Steps for Struggling Marriages 00:38:48 — Hope for the Brokenhearted
Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-12 Date: March 1, 2026 In this sermon, I explore Ephesians 6:10-12, emphasizing the divine support available to us as we confront spiritual battles. I teach on the necessity of tapping into God's strength and the protective armor He provides, which reflects His character and equips us against the schemes of the devil. Sharing personal stories, including a friend's spiritual confrontation, I highlight our inherent weaknesses and the importance of relying on Christ amid chaos. This message underscores the reality of our struggle against unseen forces, urging listeners to recognize the true enemies of faith. Practical applications focus on prayer, communal support, and scripture engagement, empowering believers to navigate spiritual challenges with confidence and divine strength. Topics: Ephesians 6:10-12, divine support, spiritual battles, God's strength, protective armor, character, schemes of the devil, personal stories, relying on Christ, unseen forces, enemies of faith, prayer, communal support, scripture engagement, spiritual challenges Chapters 00:00:04 — Ephesians 6, verses 10 through 12 00:35:23 — Extraordinary Experiences and Ordinary Life
Scripture: Matthew 17:1-13 Date: January 11, 2026 This sermon highlights the significance of Jesus' transfiguration as a revelation of His divine glory and identity. The pastor emphasizes that Jesus embodies God's glory, supported by Peter's authentic testimony. The disciples' fear contrasts with Jesus' reassurance, symbolizing the transition from the old to the new covenant. The message points to the vital connection between suffering and glory, asserting that true glory is understood through trials. Ultimately, listeners are invited to respond to Jesus' glory by worshiping and reflecting it in their lives, seeking strength to recognize Christ in both Scripture and daily experiences. Topics: Jesus, transfiguration, divine glory, identity, Peter, testimony, disciples, reassurance, covenant, suffering, worship, Scripture Chapters 00:00:21 — The Glory of Jesus 00:01:56 — Understanding Christ's Mission 00:04:33 — The Revelation of Suffering 00:08:36 — Unity in Christ's Glory 00:10:34 — The Hope of Future Glory 00:16:56 — The Call to Worship 00:18:26 — Hope Amidst Brokenness
Scripture: Matthew 19:13-15 Date: March 8, 2026 This sermon examines Matthew 19:13-15, where Jesus interacts with children during his journey to Jerusalem. The pastor highlights the essential message that the kingdom of God belongs to those with childlike qualities, such as dependency and trust. Emphasizing Jesus's love and acceptance, the message challenges the dismissive attitudes of his disciples and underscores the vital role children play within the faith community. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their responsibilities in nurturing children's faith, creating an inclusive church environment, and modeling a childlike approach to their relationship with God. The sermon ultimately calls for greater commitment to welcoming and supporting children in their spiritual journeys. Topics: Matthew 19:13-15, Jesus, children, kingdom of God, childlike qualities, dependency, trust, love, acceptance, faith community, nurturing, inclusive church, spiritual journeys Chapters 00:00:08 — Introduction to Jesus and Children 00:02:09 — Family Night Joy 00:04:44 — The Challenge of Parenting 00:06:05 — Jesus's Love for Children 00:08:34 — Disciples Rebuke the Parents 00:11:33 — Let the Children Come 00:14:06 — The Value of Children in God's Kingdom 00:15:48 — Jesus's Identification with Children 00:20:04 — Receiving the Kingdom Like a Child 00:25:56 — Jesus's Invitation to All 00:28:39 — The Role of Parents in Faith 00:31:43 — Conclusion: Embracing Jesus's Blessings
Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35 Date: February 16, 2026 This sermon examines Matthew Chapter 18, focusing on forgiveness and reconciliation. It begins with Peter's inquiry about the limits of forgiveness, asserting that forgiveness is essential in the Christian faith. The pastor uses the parable of the unforgiving servant to illustrate the obligation to extend grace to others. Key questions about the necessity and process of forgiveness are addressed, with practical steps highlighted, such as cultivating compassion and letting go of debts. The message concludes by emphasizing that true forgiveness reflects God's grace and encourages self-reflection on one's own willingness to forgive. Topics: Matthew Chapter 18, forgiveness, reconciliation, Peter, parable, unforgiving servant, grace, compassion, self-reflection, Christian faith Chapters 00:00:06 — Introduction to Forgiveness 00:04:46 — The Unforgiving Servant 00:10:25 — Questions of Forgiveness 00:18:06 — Understanding Our Debt 00:20:59 — The King's Compassion 00:27:24 — The Call to Forgive 00:30:22 — How to Forgive 00:37:47 — The Cost of Forgiveness 00:42:44 — Embracing God's Grace
Scripture: Matthew 18:15-20 Date: February 8, 2026 This sermon examines Matthew 18:15-20, focusing on Jesus' guidance for addressing conflicts within the church. It emphasizes the importance of reconciliation among believers while acknowledging the presence of sin. The pastor outlines the principles of church discipline rooted in love, aimed at restoring broken relationships rather than punishment. Key steps for addressing sin include private confrontation, followed by the inclusion of witnesses if necessary, and, as a final resort, bringing the matter to the church. The discussion highlights that these actions serve the greater goal of community integrity and spiritual restoration. The sermon concludes with an exhortation for individuals to reflect on their relationships and engage in the pursuit of reconciliation, reinforcing a culture of love and accountability within the church. Topics: Matthew 18:15-20, Jesus, conflicts, church, reconciliation, believers, church discipline, love, restoration, accountability Chapters 00:00:07 — Introduction to Matthew 18 00:00:55 — The Importance of Church Discipline 00:02:39 — Understanding Discipline and Reconciliation 00:04:14 — The Need for Ongoing Reconciliation 00:07:28 — Jesus's Instructions on Sin 00:14:22 — Goals of Confronting Sin 00:17:31 — Pursuing Reconciliation Steps 00:18:55 — Steps to Address Sin in the Church 00:29:31 — Church Discipline in Practice 00:31:28 — Limits of Church Discipline 00:35:18 — The Pursuit of Reconciliation Continues 00:36:21 — Conclusion and Call to Action
Scripture: Matthew 17:14-27 Date: January 18, 2026 This sermon explores Matthew chapter 17, focusing on the Transfiguration and its implications for Jesus and His disciples. The pastor discusses the disciples' encounter with a father's plea for healing, highlighting the limitations of human power without divine authority. Key themes include the struggle between faith and doubt, exemplified by the father's admission, “I believe; help my unbelief.” The pastor emphasizes that genuine faith, however small, should be anchored in Jesus' power, urging listeners to trust in God for transformation amid life's challenges. Topics: Matthew chapter 17, Transfiguration, Jesus, disciples, healing, human power, divine authority, faith, doubt, transformation Chapters 00:00:05 — Introduction to Matthew 17 00:01:22 — The Challenge of Mountaintop Experiences 00:03:51 — A Crisis of Faith 00:06:43 — The Reality of Sin and Satan 00:13:41 — Unbelief and Its Consequences 00:18:00 — The Power of Small Faith 00:25:29 — Dependence on God Through Prayer 00:29:01 — The Cross and Our Faith 00:33:49 — The Call to Bring Our Burdens to Jesus 00:36:18 — Longing for the Final Glory
Scripture: Matthew 15:21-28 Date: November 2, 2025 This sermon examines Matthew 15, focusing on the interaction between Jesus and a Canaanite woman seeking help for her demon-possessed daughter. It begins with Jesus' seemingly harsh response to her plea, which serves to test faith and reveal spiritual truths. The message breaks down the encounter into four segments: the woman's heartfelt request, Jesus' hard response, her humble reply, and the ensuing healing result. As the narrative unfolds, we see the woman's profound humility and understanding of Jesus, contrasting with the Pharisees' rigid attitudes. Her unwavering faith is highlighted as she accepts her lowly status but still seeks His mercy, providing the insight that even a fraction of Jesus' grace suffices. Ultimately, the healing of her daughter underscores the message of faith transcending societal barriers. The sermon encourages us to reflect on our own faith, urging us to approach Jesus with humility and persistence, trusting in His grace to fulfill our deepest needs. Topics: Matthew 15, Jesus, Canaanite woman, demon-possessed daughter, faith, humility, mercy, healing, societal barriers, grace Chapters 00:00:04 — Introduction to Matthew 15 00:03:11 — The Heartfelt Request 00:09:18 — The Hard Response 00:15:01 — The Humble Reply 00:20:39 — The Healing Result 00:23:08 — The Abounding Grace of Jesus 00:26:57 — Invitation to Receive Grace
Passage: Matthew 13:10-17 A good story told by a good story teller has power to not only capture our imagination and engage our emotions, but to convey truth in a way that connects to what we know and experience in life. That is if we're open to perceiving and receiving that truth. Many people are familiar with the short stories, or parables, that Jesus told to convey the truths of the kingdom of heaven, but not all understand those truths. Indeed, Jesus' purpose in using parables in his teaching was to further reveal the mysteries of the kingdom to those open to receiving them, but also to further conceal those truths from those whose hearts were hardened to what Jesus had to say. As we move into Matthew 13 where Jesus' method of teaching shifts to using parables, his disciples want to know why he tells stories. Jesus' paradoxical answer is important for us to explore if we are to have eyes to see and ears to hear the kingdom truths made known through the parables of Jesus. As we prepare to look at Jesus' parables in Matthew 13 over the next several weeks, it will help us to hear from Jesus himself as to why he speaks in parables.
Passage: Matthew 12:28; Acts 1:6-11 As we've seen in our study of Matthews gospel up to this point, Jesus has come proclaiming "the good news of the kingdom of heaven" and demonstrating its arrival in his powerful miracles of healing and deliverance, clearly showing his authority over the physical, natural and spiritual realms. Ironically, this led to rising hostility and hatred towards his message and ministry from those who claimed to be most expectant and excited about the coming of God's kingdom and promised King. Obviously they were missing something when it comes to understanding the kingdom of God. Which leads Jesus to tell some familiar stories, known as parables, to teach about the nature of the kingdom. However, these parables were meant as much to conceal and they were to reveal the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. Even after having the meaning of these stories explained to them by Jesus, the disciples still didn't fully grasp the nature of the kingdom. Right before his ascension they were still asking about when he would establish it. So before we head into Matthew 13 and look at Jesus' parables of the kingdom, we will take a look at just what Jesus was talking about when he said, "the kingdom of heaven has come upon you." (Matthew 12:28). What is exactly is the kingdom of heaven, and what did Jesus mean that it is here now in our midst, and yet not fully restored? Join us Sunday as we hear what God's word has to say about the kingdom of heaven, also called the kingdom of God.
Passage: Matthew 12:21-50 As we've seen in our recent messages from Matthew's gospel, Jesus has shown himself, gentle and lowly, eager to bring true rest and restoration to any and all who come to him. But one thing he is clearly not is a negotiator or compromiser when it comes to those who oppose him. In fact, he says when it comes to our view of him and his claims, there is no middle ground, there are no fence sitters, you can't remain neutral. As the conflict with the religious leaders continues to heat up, Jesus is very clear, you are either with him, or against him. And he doesn't leave us guessing as to how we can know. Jesus doesn't come just to help us do some spiritual housecleaning and straightening up in our lives. He comes to occupy the house and take control of the household. So the question he poses not to just to the Pharisees, but to us is, "Are you with me, or against me? Join us Sunday as we look at what Jesus says about how you know whose side you're on when it comes to him.
Passage: Matthew 12:1-21 As Christians, when we talk about Sabbath, or what we now call the Lord's Day, it often turns to a discussion or maybe even a debate about what we can or can't do on that day. As one of the Ten Commandments and what we call a "creation" ordinance, we should recognize the significance of the day which God has set apart unto himself and for our rest. But as is often the case, we can easily turn what God meant as a life-giving blessing into a legalistic burden, turning the focus from cultivating relationship to keeping rules. Indeed, Jesus himself confronted this issue when the Pharisees accused he and his disciples of breaking the Sabbath commands. In his response, Jesus not only exposes their hypocritical hearts, but shines light on not just what is lawful, but on himself as the Lord of the Sabbath, giving added meaning to his earlier invitation to find our true rest in relationship to him. Join us Sunday as we consider what Jesus teaches us concerning the Sabbath and what the Sabbath teaches us concerning Jesus.
Passage: Matthew 11:20-30 Sometimes people think that if only they could have heard Jesus teach and seen his miracles in person, then they would surely be convinced of the truth of the gospel. But such is not necessarily the case. Jesus himself issues a warning of judgment upon those cities where he preached the gospel and performed miracles most regularly, and yet people did not repent, but rejected Jesus. Seeing is not necessarily believing, unless we see with eyes of faith opened by God's grace through his Son Jesus. Thus Jesus follows his warning, with one of the most welcome invitations we find in scripture, to come to him and find rest. Jesus' call to come and learn from him and let him carry our burdens, is a call to trust fully in his gracious provision. The choice Jesus presents is clear, we can reject the clear testimony of his words and his works, or we can rest in the kind invitation and promise of his provision for our souls through his burden-bearing sacrifice for us. Join us Sunday as we consider this choice. Which will it be? Are you rejecting or resting in Jesus?
Passage: Matthew 11:1-19 As we've seen in the past few weeks in Matthew's gospel, Jesus' ministry is increasingly met with opposition and division among those he encounters. Yet, his response is not to fight back or bring down quick judgment upon his opponents, as many expected him to do, but to continue teaching and preaching the good news of the kingdom and to exercise his power in deeds of mercy and healing. This approach leaves even John the Baptist with some doubts and questions about Jesus identity, doubts which he addresses by pointing to God's word and his works as both confirmation and that the kingdom is at hand and affirmation that the King, the Messiah has arrived in Jesus. The challenge and the encouragement that Jesus gives us as we confront our own doubts and questions is will we take those questions to Jesus and will we take Jesus at his word. Join us Sunday as we continue our study in Matthew's gospel.
Passage: Matthew 10:34-42 In Matthew 10:34-42, we find Jesus telling His disciples that His coming will bring division rather than peace, even among close family members. He emphasizes that loyalty to Him must come before all other relationships; that following Him requires self-sacrifice, and that true life is found by giving up one's own for His sake.
Passage: Matthew 10:16-33 As Jesus sends his disciples out on a training mission, he not only equips them with instructions, but he prepares them for hardship they will face. Following Jesus guarantees opposition, suffering and even persecution, but it does not mean defeat. Jesus not only warns us of the hardships that come with following him, but he guides us in how to respond to persecution with fearless faith and confidence in his promise to be with us and for us in victory. Join us Sunday as we look at how Jesus enables us to be a bold witness in a bad world.
Passage: Matthew 10:1-15 In Matthew 10:1–15, we see Jesus calling His twelve disciples and giving them His authority to drive out unclean spirits and heal every disease. He tells them to go only to the lost sheep of Israel and proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is near. They are to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and cast out demons, freely giving as they have received. They are to travel without money or extra supplies, relying on the hospitality of worthy people. If any place rejects them, they must shake the dust off their feet as a testimony, warning of coming judgment.
Passage: Matthew 9:35-38 “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” In this passage we see Jesus' compassion for the hopeless, their great need for spiritual guidance, and the call for more laborers to enter God's mission.
Passage: Matthew 9:14-34 As Jesus' ministry expands and popularity grows, so do questions. One of those questions comes from John's disciples about fasting. In his answer, Jesus points to the new era that has broken into the world in his coming. He has not come just to put a new twist on old ways, but he has come to make all things new. And Matthew 9 gives us a whirlwind tour of Jesus' demonstrating that in bringing new healing and hope into lives of those he encounters. Jesus came into a desperate world to desperate people, to make all things new. Join us Sunday as we come to the One who invites us to new joy, new life, new hope in him.
Passage: Matthew 8:18-34 As Jesus' teaching and healing ministry begins to become more widely known, it understandably attracts the attention of the crowds, many of whom are eager to jump on the Jesus bandwagon and follow him. But unlike today where political leaders and social influencers will say and promise almost anything to gain followers, Jesus' call to follow him comes with a warning label that might read: "Count the cost and proceed with caution." Jesus does not hide the cost that comes in committing to be his disciple, and the series of encounters that Matthew records in our passage this week call us to consider what we are signing up for. Have we counted the cost, considered the difficulty, confronted the danger that comes with being Jesus' disciple? Join us this Sunday as we continue in Matthew's gospel and look at the dangerous calling to follow Jesus.
Passage: Matthew 7:13-27 Like any good preacher, Jesus brings his teaching in the Sermon on the Mount to a close with a challenging call to discernment and decision. Having laid out the true character and nature of kingdom living in contrast to the outward display of religion that is often mistaken as righteousness, Jesus makes his point to his disciples by contrasting two gates that lead to different paths, two trees that bear different fruit, and two foundations that are of different stability. He warns his followers not to be deceived into taking the easy path, picking the bad fruit, or building on an unstable foundation, all of which are pictures of missing out on the true life Jesus came to bring, life with him in his kingdom. Join us Sunday as we wrap up our message in the Sermon on the Mount and consider the narrow gate, the good tree, and the firm foundation that is the Lord Jesus himself.
Passage: Matthew 7:7-12 Just ask. It seems so simple and yet for many of us it is so hard. It's hard for men to ask for directions. It's hard for women to ask for advice on parenting or personal matters. It's difficult for children to ask for help on a difficult task. Why? Because to ask is to admit our need for help, to demonstrate our dependence on others, and to confess that we aren't in total control. It requires a humility and a hope that asking will yield the help needed without the shame of needing help. Which is why when it comes to prayer, Jesus needs to give us the simple command again and again: just "ask." There are many barriers to coming to God in prayer, but one of the main ones is we aren't willing to admit our need, and when we are, we aren't sure God is willing to help. We wonder if asking is worth it. Jesus says, it's more than worth it. It's vitally necessary. And for those who know God as Father, he loves to hear his children ask and to give them good gifts in answer to their requests. Those gifts are not always the things we're asking for, but they are always the things that our Father knows we need and is for our best. Which when understood and believed makes coming to God in prayer as easy as...well, asking, seeking, and knocking. Join us this Sunday as we consider Jesus' call to personal, persistent prayer and the good things he promises to those who simply ask.
Passage: Philippians 4:4-9 Randy Martin The Scriptures offer us profound encouragement to experience peace even amidst the storms of life—seasons that often stir anxiety in our hearts. Jesus assured His disciples, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Yet, despite this promise, achieving that peace can feel out of reach. A few weeks ago, Pastor Warren unpacked Jesus' teaching to His disciples in Matthew 6:25-35. He reminded us that anxiety is unnecessary because God cares for us deeply and will provide for all our needs. Anxiety is also unproductive, for it cannot change what is beyond our control—only God can. Moreover, anxiety is unworthy of us, as it reflects a lack of trust in our Great God. Instead, we are called to seek Christ and His Kingdom, with confidence that He will sustain us. This powerful message from Jesus finds a complementary truth in Paul's letter to the Philippians. Like Jesus, Paul urges us not to be anxious, but he goes further, showing us how we can more fully embrace the peace of God. This Sunday, we will explore Philippians 4:4-9 and discover how God's Word provides a roadmap to experiencing His perfect peace. Join us this Sunday as we delve into this life-changing teaching and draw closer to the peace only God can give.
Passage: Matthew 7:1-6 If you've ever had something stuck in your eye, you know how much pain it can cause and often we can't even see the speck of sand or dirt that is causing it. Sin is like that. The seemingly smallest of transgressions can have immensely painful consequences for us and others around us. However, Jesus uses the analogy of something stuck in our eye to point out how easy we are at seeing the tiniest speck of sins or faults in the life of others, while we ignore the huge planks of sin in our own life. As we turn our attention this week back to Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, he addresses the ease with which we can judge others for the smallest of sins, while letting ourselves off the hook in terms of the sin in our own life. And yet, his command not to judge others is often misinterpreted as a blanket tolerance for any behavior and a way to deter Christians from being discerning or making any judgment about sin. Once again, Jesus challenges us to go deeper than just outward behavior and consider the attitudes and actions of the heart as we confront sin, first in our own lives and also in the life of others. Join us Sunday as Jesus reminds us and helps us deal with the fact that there is something in our own eye that needs attention.
Passage: Matthew 28:1-20 Stories have power in our lives, and the most captivating stories are those that speak particularly to our hearts and our deepest desires and longings. It's those stories that we want to tell others. The events of Easter mark the climactic scene around which the true story of all of history turns, and on which all hope for the future rests. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the one event in history that gives confident assurance that life is not just a meaningless tale that ends in death, but actually has purpose and ends like so many heroic tales that grip our hearts: with triumph over evil and death, and the reign of a good and gracious King forever. When Jesus died, those closest to him thought the story was over and had ended in tragedy and defeat. Which is why, when they realized he was no longer in the tomb, they had to be told repeatedly to go and tell others, he is risen. Which is how Jesus makes his power, his presence and his purpose in this world known to others, as his followers go and tell the good news that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead. Join us Sunday as we consider the good news of the greatest story ever told and our calling to go and tell it to others.
Passage: Mark 5:21-43 Rev. Lee Shelnutt In Christian Missions, we proclaim, we herald Jesus. We share the good news about our Savior and King and the salvation that is found only in Him. But what kind of Savior and what kind of salvation do we herald? What does Jesus have the heart and power to save us from? Two stories nestled together in the Gospel of Mark, beautifully tell us. Let's explore those together and the picture they paint of the Healing Touch of our Savior.
Passage: Matthew 6:25-34 "Don't worry." How many times have we heard those words from a trusted friend or family member, or uttered those words ourselves to someone who has expressed concern or anxiety over some issue? Deep down we know that worrying about things is unproductive and often unhealthy. Yet, when it comes to heeding those simple words that we know to be true, to not worry is something that most if not all of us, including Christians, struggle greatly to do. The list of things we're anxious about is long and grows daily. Which is why Jesus words about worry in the Sermon on the Mount are both challenging and comforting. They challenge us to take seriously the issue of worry or anxiety and see it for what it truly is: a lack of faith in our good and gracious heavenly Father. They comfort us by reminding us of God's good and gracious provision in all things as we trust in him and seek his will and his way in our lives. As we live in a world of worry, Jesus not only commands us not to worry, but he comforts us with the only antidote to anxiety: a confident trust and rest in the grace and provision of God in Christ.
Passage: Ephesians 3:14-19 Words alone will not bring us the joyful, obedient, worshipful life that God intends for His people. The Bible by itself — even, in particular, the gospel of God's love in Christ, by itself — is unable to give believers the power they need to live lives of joy and full of the presence of Christ. To experience Christ's presence and love as God intends, we must pray for God's Spirit to empower in us what His word declares.
Passage: Matthew 6:19-24 We all love and look for a good ROI or return on investment. Whether its time, talents or treasures, we like to know that what we do or have will have a positive and lasting impact. But any investor would shake his head warily at the promise of a "sure thing," an investment that can't lose. As Jesus continues to teach on kingdom living and to challenge his followers to live lives guided by a heart-righteousness devoted to pleasing God, he turns his attention to the subject of money, and how to approach the stewardship of those treasures God has entrusted to us on this earth. And while we often think of stewardship in terms of what we give or give up, Jesus actually encourages us to look at it in terms of investing for a return. And he says, if you want a "sure thing" we need to understand kingdom treasures, have a kingdom perspective, and serve the kingdom's King. Join us Sunday as we continue in our series in the Sermon on the Mount and see what Jesus says about investing in the kingdom of heaven.
Passage: Matthew 6:1-18 In our image-conscious, social-media, selfie-driven society, people are constantly on the look for that photo-op or that journal posting to present themselves in a positive, admirable light to others. As Christians we love to share about the service we render to others: posing with the widow who's house we're helping to paint or posting our testimony of how blessed we were by serving at the homeless shelter. And truly, local churches and believers often lead the way in serving others in need. But we would be naive to deny that alongside our desire to do good, comes a natural inclination to be seen doing good, to get credit for our compassion, to be recognized for our righteousness. There is nothing wrong with recognition or rewards. But when those accolades become the driving force, the motivating factor behind our desire to do good, then suddenly our good deeds lose their "goodness," or as the prophet Isaiah puts it, our righteous deeds become like filthy rags. (64:6). In his call to kingdom living, Jesus warns against what we might call "Selfie-religion" or living out our faith for the purpose of being seen and respected by others. Rather, he directs his followers towards a kind of sanctified secrecy when it comes to living for, loving like and leading to the King. Join us Sunday as we continue to look at Jesus' teaching about a righteousness that surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees and is not bent on being seen but on serving others.
Passage: Matthew 5:38-48 It's easy to love your family and friends and to want to do things that bless them. But what about those who do you wrong, who take advantage of you, who actively seek your harm? When we are wronged, when we are slighted, when someone does something to harm us, our natural response is to think what can I do to get them back, and often to get them back bigger and better than they got me. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus has already told his followers that they will be reviled and persecuted because of him (Matt. 5:11). The question is not if we will experience that, but how will we respond when we do. Jesus' continues to challenge us with a heart-focused view of the law that guarantees that his followers will stand out as different than the rest of the world. He says kingdom life involves resisting revenge and loving your enemies. Indeed, he calls us to literally go the extra mile and love even those who do not love us. For after all, isn't that what our heavenly Father has done for us. Join us Sunday as we consider how to love with the same love that our King Jesus has loved us.
Passage: Matthew 5:27-37 Jesus continues his teaching on life in the kingdom, contrasting the traditional interpretation and application of God's law by the religious leaders with the true intent and heart-focus of those commands from the King himself. This week, we'll look at three situations that Jesus addresses that at first may seem unrelated, but in reality are linked together in a way that points to a purity and integrity of the heart that is essential to our being faithful and true in our relationship both with God and with others. Join us Sunday as Jesus challenges the status quo of our culture by calling his followers to be true to your wife (or husband) and to your word.
Passage: Matthew 5:17-26 Having addressed the blessings of kingdom character in the Beatitudes, and the calling of kingdom citizens to be salt and light in the world, Jesus now turns in the Sermon on the Mount to the commands of the kingdom that define and guide the lifestyle of those who belong to the kingdom. He begins by noting the enduring nature of God's Word, pointing out that he has come not to do away with it, but to establish it in all its fullness. Then he proceeds to take the traditional interpretations of several commands and point to the deeper heart righteousness involved in living them out. The first issue he tackles is one that indeed cuts right to the heart: the issue of anger. Anger is a universal problem that is often made light of or even encouraged in our society. But Jesus does not hold back in pointing out the seriousness and danger of anger in our lives, equating its effects to that of murder. Which is why he wants us to not only better understand the nature and effects of anger, but to offer wise counsel in dealing with anger in a way that demonstrates the character of the kingdom as those who pursue peace. Join us Sunday as we look at what Jesus has to teach us about anger management.
Passage: Matthew 5:13-20 Having outlined the character and blessings of those who belong to the kingdom of heaven, Jesus now turns to the impact that citizens of God's kingdom will have on the world around them. He uses two analogies from everyday life to highlight the Christian's preservative and illumining affect on a world that is decaying in darkness. The power of the gospel makes us salt and light in the world, and Jesus is clear that this is not just something we seek to be, but something we are by virtue of the righteousness which he fulfills on our behalf. What does it mean to be salt and light in a dark and decaying culture, and how do we attain a righteousness that exceeds the scribes and Pharisees? Join us this Sunday as we look at Jesus' teaching on Kingdom Calling and Commands.
Passage: Matthew 5:1-12 This week, our study of Matthew's gospel brings us to one of the most familiar sections of the bible and perhaps the most famous sermon ever preached, Jesus' discourse known as the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus begins his ministry preaching the good news that the kingdom of heaven is at hand. God's rule and reign is now present and powerfully at work through his Son. Jesus starts by teaching teaching his disciples what life in the kingdom is to be like. He opens with a description of those in the kingdom who are truly blessed, and as is often the case, it is not what we might expect. The Beatitudes, as they are commonly known, don't describe the circumstances or situations that we typically think of as blessings, but rather the heart attitude and spiritual bent that leads to embracing and experiencing a deep trust and humble dependence on God. Jesus' challenging sermon opens with a challenging call to pursue true kingdom character and to consider what it means to live a truly blessed life.
Passage: Matthew 4:23-25 In these verses we find Jesus teaching and proclaiming the the good news of the Kingdom. Jesus' ministry of healing the sick shows us the healing nature of God's kingdom in a broken and sinful world. He cast out demons showing his power over darkness, and himself as the light Isaiah promised to those dwelling in darkness. He who fights against the darkness in and around us will soon go into darkness for us and so conquer it once and for all for. Jesus' reign as God's anointed King is good news though in our sin we can't see it that way. We desire to rule our own lives. The one who calls his disciples friends is seen, in our sinful human nature, as an enemy to be overthrown. (Psalm 2) And so Jesus calls us to repent of our warped view of the goodness of God and his Kingdom. We are called to lay down our kingship and kingdom building and follow him as King. As we look at these three verses which summarize Jesus' ministry, we see that Jesus' kingdom is a place of healing and freedom from the dark powers of evil.
Passage: Matthew 4:12-22 Following Jesus' baptism and temptation in the wilderness, Matthew marks the beginning of Jesus' ministry by once again, connecting the dots of his life with the promises of God. He is the light shining in the darkness of which the prophet Isaiah spoke, and that light shines through his picking up the message of John to "repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." The priority and power of this call to turn from the darkness of sin towards the light of God's glory is epitomized in Jesus' call to his first disciples to come and follow him. What does it mean to follow Jesus and what difference does that make in our lives today? Join us Sunday as we consider that from the lives of the fishermen Jesus called to become fishers of men.
Passage: Matthew 3:13-4:11 Last week we looked at John the Baptist's ministry of preparing the way for the arrival of the King, Jesus by calling people to repent and baptizing them as a sign of that turning from sin toward God. So it's a little surprising, especially to John, when the King arrives and requests that he himself undergo the same baptism. Often times the baptism and temptation of Jesus at the beginning of his ministry is seen by people as an example for us to follow, and there is an element of that. But even more, it marks Jesus' own preparation for the work of redemption he's come to do for his people. In his baptism and temptation, he is a King who both stands with his people as a comrade in arms and fights for his people as a champion in battle. Here we see Jesus identifying with us as sinners, yet without sin, and facing temptation for us in victory. All in order that he might be prepared and equipped to carry out his mission of rescue and rule. Join us this Sunday as we continue our series in Matthew and consider Jesus as our comrade and champion in the battle against sin.
Passage: Matthew 3:1-12 As we enter a new year, we are continuing our sermon series in the gospel of Matthew. The focus in this next part of the series will be on Living for the King as Matthew chronicles the beginning of Jesus' ministry, announcing that the kingdom of heaven has arrived and preaching what may be the most famous of his public discourses, the Sermon on the Mount. This week we will look at ministry of John the Baptist whose calling is to herald the Kings arrival and prepare the way by calling the people to repentance for sin. The good news of the gospel is that God has provided a way to new, reconciled, restored life with him in his renewed kingdom. Receiving that kingdom means turning from our old way of sin and self to follow Jesus who is the way, the truth and the life. That turning is not just a change of direction, but a change of heart which is the calling to repentance. Join us Sunday as we prepare to enter a new year of living for our King Jesus with a fresh call to repentance.
Passage: Matthew 2:13-23 The birth of Jesus was indeed good news of great joy, but it was not received that way by everyone. The arrival of the King of kings immediately launched an assassination plot by Herod that threatened to bring a quick end to God's plan of redemption. Indeed, the plot highlighted the depths of evil to which God's enemy would go to stop the salvation of God's people. But that plan would not be thwarted, and Joseph is tipped off by the angel of the Lord, who formulated an escape plan that not only provided protection for this newborn King, but pointed to the truth that he was indeed the promised deliverer. Join us this Sunday as we finish out advent series on the born identity of Jesus and learn of his escaped from an assassin.
Passage: Matthew 1:21 As we continue looking at the "born identity" of Jesus in Matthew's gospel, we come to the clearest statement of why the baby Jesus was born into this world, a purpose that is reflected in the name given to him by his heavenly Father. The Hebrew name for Jesus means "Jehovah (God) saves." And Joseph is told to give this name the son to be born to Mary. Why? "Because he will save his people from their sins." Jesus comes to save. That is the central message of the gospel and indeed of the whole scriptures. God saves and he does so through his son Jesus. And why do we need a Savior? From what do we need to be rescued? Our sin. In order to understand and embrace the rescue mission on which Jesus has been sent, we have to see our great need to be rescued. The good news of the gospel, that Jesus saves, shines brightest against the dark backdrop of our need for salvation as sinners. Join us on Sunday as we continue our Advent series and consider the powerful name and purpose of Jesus, to save sinners like you and me.
Passage: Matthew 1:18-25 Immanuel, God with us. It's a name that is given by God in the prophecy of Isaiah to a newborn son as a sign to King Ahaz of God's presence and power to deliver his people. King Ahaz refuses the sign, but God does not forget his promise. And in Matthew's account of Jesus' birth we're told that this son, born to the virgin Mary, is indeed the fulfillment of that promise as God with us. Those three words, encompassed in that one name, hold a mountain of truth in them that explains the essence of Christmas. Jesus is Immanuel, God with us. Such news was difficult for Joseph, Mary's fiance, to grasp, but he believed God's promise and embraced God's plan. Join us this Sunday as we consider the profound and hope-filled implications of the incarnation: that Jesus truly is God with us.
Passage: Matthew 1:1-17 Tracing one's ancestors and family roots has become a fast growing interest and industry. Technology has made it easier, as we say in the South, to find our who your people are. Exploring your genealogy, however, comes with some risk, as you may find out there some characters in your family background you're not so excited about. As we start a study in the gospel of Matthew, we find that the opening chapter starts with a list of Jesus' ancestors going back to Abraham. Interestingly enough, its a list of folks who's lives and reputations you might think would be better left off the of the family tree of the King of kings. And yet, this is precisely Matthew's point as he records for us Jesus' coming as the promised Messiah, the One who would fulfill the covenant promises of God to Abraham and David and would usher in the kingdom of God. Far from being a simple catalogue of names of Jesus' ancestors, it is a reminder that Jesus came to earth as a man, from a long line of sinners like you and me, to redeem a people for himself, who would enter into that family tree as children of the covenant; sons and daughters of God. Join us this Sunday as we start a series through the gospel of Matthew beginning this advent season looking at the born identity of Jesus.
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