River Bible Church | Dustin Daniels

What good is a fruit tree if it doesn't produce any fruit? It's not good — Jesus actually curses a fruit tree and kills it for not doing what its designed to do. (Mark 11:12) All that to say this — we learned that the first three soils are spiritually dirty and polluted. There was no purity to the soil—those soils are all contaminated. Those soils (aka people's hearts) have a mixture of other loves and priorities in this life that prevent them from bearing fruit. So, we are zero for three. The question before us today is, how do we hear, listen, believe, and actually produce spiritual fruit? In other words: How do we finish life well? The answer lies in the fourth soil.

Today, we'll study the Parable of the Sower/Seed/Soils. Now titles matter. Jesus has many titles — sermons have titles. Both are important. While it might be tempting to focus on the sower or even the seed — this parable's main focus are the different types of soils. And the reason for that is because the sower and the seed remain the same throughout the entire parable. There is no variation between the farmer and his seed. However, there are variations/differences between the soils. So, if we were to title this parable theoretically — we would call it “The Parable of the Soils.” However, that title would only be half correct. When we look at Jesus' explanation, we'll notice that we miss a profoundly deep theological truth if we hear this story from a surface-level reading. So, if we want to be theoretically and theologically correct, we would title this parable “Three Ways to Spiritual Disaster.” What are the three ways?

In every book of the OT, we'll see a ‘Plan B.' And when we flip to the Gospels, we see God's Plan B regarding the redemption of our sin. The Scribes and Pharisees have officially rejected Jesus as their Messiah and Savior. And Jesus says, “Fine, I've got Plan B. Jesus now has a new focus on how to complete His mission. Now, what would you recommend if you had a suggestion for Jesus on how to complete His mission? I would suggest Rambo or, at the very least, Jason Bourne. But killing everybody and starting over didn't work the first time — just ask Noah. So Jesus does something unthinkable today. What is it, and how does it apply to you today?

Today, we see that Jesus had human problems — relationship problems. Things are not well — all in the family. There is a family feud back in Nazareth. This strife has been brewing for probably about a year now. As you look at your own family — and the dysfunction in it — I pray that this passage will bring some relief to the problems you're having. Because if Jesus had problems, you can guarantee we will too. What are these problems? How do they impact you today? Let's find out as we learn how Jesus focuses on His family.

Today, Jesus points us back to the miracle He performed in —verses 22-32. That's where Jesus healed a blind and deaf man who was possessed by a demon. So this is His conclusion to that miraculous healing. Ultimately, today's passage shows us the consequences of trying to be a good person.

Today, unfortunately, the religious people are at it again. Their language continues to reveal the wickedness in their hearts. The way Matthew puts his Gospel together, is like today is an interruption to what Jesus is trying to teach the Scribes and Pharisees. Next week, we'll see Jesus conclude thoughts good fruit and good deeds. Today, however, Matthew really shows us the audacity and nerve of these religious people. They demand a supernatural sign from Jesus to prove that He is the Messiah. Remember the comedian who had his whole bit, “Here's your sign!” That's where we are today — talking about signs. Question: Are we supposed to ask for signs and miracles? Let's find out.

Today, Jesus addresses the heart of the matter regarding blasphemy and sin. Because it's always a matter of the heart. The Scribes and Pharisees were dangerously close to committing the unforgivable sin — because their hearts were not right. And if our hearts are not right — our mouths won't be either. Jesus has much to say about our hearts and our tongues today. What does that mean for us?

Yes, God is infinite — but his offer of salvation is not. There is a divine timeline that we're all on! Now, please know that these two verses that we're studying this morning are not easy to understand at first glance. These verses have been severely misinterpreted and misunderstood. Because of their eternal consequences attached to them, it is critical to understand them correctly — and that's what we will do today.

Have you ever been lied to? How'd it feel? What if the lie has eternal consequences? There are many lies about Jesus that people believe today — the biggest one today is that Jesus wants you to be happy, healthy, and wealthy. (Prosperity Gospel). That's not true — Jesus wants us to be holy. And Jesus also wanted the Pharisees to be holy — but they refused to listen to the truth. Because the Scribes and Pharisees didn't listen to the truth, they listened to lies. The question before us is this — are we doing the same thing today — but in a different context? Let's find out!

Today, Matt takes a break from all the drama of the Scribes and Pharisees and reveals how different Jesus truly is. He does this by taking us back to the OT prophet Isaiah. Matthew digs deep here because he wants us to know how different Jesus is from Israel's spiritual leaders. While the Scribes and Pharisees were rude, demanding and harsh — The prophet Isaiah foretells with perfect accuracy the demeanor in which The Lord Jesus has and treats people. What are those characteristics, and how does it impact your life today? Let's find out!

So we celebrate the birth of God's son and the temporary death of God's son. Both Christmas and Easter. In a world that, at best, puts up with this notion about Jesus being God and Savior of the world — And, at worst, the world openly mocks Jesus and denies His existence — except to take His holy name in vain. Let me ask you — what does it all mean for you today? What does it mean for the New Year? Eternity? Well, we're going to address those questions by studying Luke's Gospel. I'd like to read it to you, explain it, and then we'll apply it to our lives.

Last week, we saw Jesus as the Lord of the Sabbath. Today, we see Him as the Lord of Mercy on the Sabbath Day. In other words, Matthew, our Gospel writer, proves Jesus' claim from last week when he told the Pharisees — Matthew 12:6 — "I tell you that something greater than the temple is here." Matthew 12:8 — "For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” How does Jesus prove that He is indeed Lord/Ruler/Master/Creator? What does this mean for you today? Let's find out!

One of the primary causes of opposition towards Jesus centers on observing the Sabbath Day. The Sabbath Day (Shabbat) is a day of rest. For the next two weeks, we'll watch two events unfold—both happening on the prescribed day of rest. We'll take each event one at a time. The first event occurred spontaneously, but the second was no accident. Three questions to consider as we begin: 1. How do these events impact your life today? 2. How important is rest to God? 3. How important is rest to you?

The mystery of salvation. We know that salvation is a gift of grace from God — by faith alone, by grace alone, through Christ alone — But we also know that we as sinners, have a responsibility to accept and believe the Gospel message. How are those two mysteries reconciled? Is it one more than the other? Lastly, we'll see Jesus present the Gospel message and invite people unto salvation. Today's passage is God's Gospel presentation through Jesus. These are the most important words we'll ever hear.

Jesus ended with this last Sunday — Matthew 11:14/15 — And if you're willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who is to come. Let anyone who has ears listen. “Can you hear me now?” For those who had ears — they understood that since Jesus said John was the Elijah — that meant that Jesus Himself is God. And today, it is God Himself who explains with crystal clarity what it means to reject Him as Lord and Savior when the Gospel is presented. What's that mean for you? Everything! Eternal life or eternal death.

John the Baptizer is the most underrated man in Scripture. His official ministry was maybe six months long, yet as we'll see, it was the most important ministry any prophet could ever do. Why's that? — John wasn't only a prophet. He was a prophet's prophet — a super prophet. His role in introducing Jesus — was one of divine greatness. However, Jesus uses John the Baptizer as God's standard of greatness. How does God's standard impact your life today? Let's find out!

Today, we start Matthew chapter eleven. Jesus provides a teachable moment for us all — regarding a subject that we all deal with nearly every single day. In some form or fashion, we deal with doubt. It's one thing to doubt whether the Diamondbacks would win the World Series… It's one thing to doubt whether so and so will win the election... But what does Scripture have to say about doubt? Do you sometimes doubt your own salvation? Do you doubt that God has truly forgiven you of your sins? Is doubt a virtue or a vice? Those are the questions before us today, so let's find out!

Today, we close with Jesus' instructions for us as His disciples. Contrary to Jewish expectations, Jesus does not immediately bring peace or prosperity to the nation of Israel. There are many reasons for that, but today, Jesus presses into our decisions and priorities. How do our every day decisions with our jobs, retirements, hobbies, time and money impact your walk with the Lord Jesus Christ? Let's find out!

Learning God's Word is new for all of us — no matter how long we've been Christians. This means it's not only difficult for us to wrap our brains around what God is saying at times, but it can also be unnerving at best and terrifying at worst. Speaking about being terrified — Today's lesson is about fear. In today's passage, Jesus tells His disciples not to be afraid three times, vv 26, 28, and 31. Why should we not be afraid?  Let's find out!

Jesus' instructions are both descriptive of what took place with the Apostles while others are prescriptive for us to replicate today for the Great Commission. Once again, it's important to know the difference because if we get these backward, we'll wind up in a cult of some sort. Jesus provides reasons why there will be persecution for the disciples and hatred for us today. And in our culture and time, that is a timely message to understand and take home.

Well, if you have a red letter Bible, you'll notice that the rest of Matthew chapter ten is all red. After commissioning the 12 Apostles, Jesus now provides instructions. He's preparing to send them out on a short-term mission trip. These instructions are also found in Mark and Luke, but Matthew is the most detailed. Some of the instructions that Jesus provides are descriptive of what took place. Those instructions are only for the Apostles. Other instructions are prescriptive — meaning they are for every Disciple of Jesus — including me and you. How do we know the difference? Why is it important? And why do you care? Let's find out!

God uses ordinary and dysfunctional people to usher in the Kingdom of God. There is no plan B. The twelve disciples who became apostles were no exception. Today, we meet these men. Today, Jesus turns disciples into apostles. What's the difference? And how do these men impact your life today. Let's find out!

For the past year and a half — 70 sermons — Matthew has directed our attention to the person and the work of Jesus Christ. But like a great player who becomes a coach, Matthew shifts our focus to how Jesus trains His disciples for ministry. In Matthew 10, we'll see how the work of Jesus expands through replication. Today, we'll learn Jesus' model of discipleship, how this is important for us as the Church, and lastly, what our individual role is — as a disciple.

Today, Matthew provides two more miracles for us to witness. The interesting thing about these miracles is that Matt is the only one who writes about them. The other Gospel writers don't. These particular miracles don't have any details. As we'll find out—Matthew only reports the facts. So one of the questions we must ask ourselves is, “What's Matthew telling us?” The short answer is that Matt seems to want us to focus on the response to the miracles rather than the miracles themselves. Matthew is not downplaying the miracles—after all, a miracle is a miracle. If what Jesus was doing were normal—they would be called “normalcals.” So at the end of today's story, we'll see how the crowds respond one way, and the Pharisees respond another way. Who's right and who's wrong? More importantly, how are you going to respond today?

Today, we're going to see Jesus' grace in action by meeting two new characters. The first is a wealthy, educated, and well-known man in the Jewish community. The second is a woman, a Gentile outcast. As different as these two people are, we will learn some striking similarities. Similarities not only between them — but also similarities with us. What are they? Why do you care? Let's find out.

So John's disciples watched Jesus and His disciples very carefully. And evidently, Jesus forgiving a tax collector and partying with him and his tax collecting buddies — pushed them over a religious and moral boundary that they set up for themselves. Their offense leads to a question about fasting — but it's not really about fasting. Their question is about religion — human works to please a Holy God. Jesus' answer to their question will transform your life today. How? Let's find out together.

Today, we're going to see how forgiveness leads to discipleship. Today we learn about the testimony of Matthew, our Gospel writer. Everybody loves a good salvation story—and today we'll learn how Jesus saved the worst sinner in town. How does Matt's testimony impact you? Let's find out together.

Today we see the crescendo of miracles — Matthew has presented an ascending type of authority — and that authority is the forgiveness of our sins. Now Today, Matthew paint's the picture of what the Jews look like. If the Gentiles have no hope to live a healthy life on Earth and no hope for salvation after they die, then what's it look like for the Jews? Well, we meet a new character today — a paralyzed man. And Jesus says something to this paralyzed man that is the most important statement anyone, Jew or Gentile, could ever hear. What is that statement? Glad you asked. Let's find out together.

Repentance brings us to today's passage. Today's text is part of the sequel to last week's story. After Jesus quiets the storm, He and the disciples reach their destination on the other side of the lake. But as soon as they roll up, something unexpected and terrifying happens. Jesus is met by two demon-possessed men. Now demons can't repent—only people can—however, demons are much better theologians than any of us—and we have much to learn from them today. How so? Let's find out together!

Today's passage is famous—if you've been a Christian for any time, you should be familiar with it—the storm on the sea where Jesus calms the wind and the waves. Today we're going to learn two key points — The first lesson is very practical because it deals with fear. The second lesson is theological because it reveals how Jesus is God through His power over creation. Both are important and can be applied to our lives today. How so? Let's find out together.

If Matthew's Gospel were a symphony, today's passage would be in an interlude. Matthew has revealed three miracles back to back, and now he provides a short break from the action because, after this break, Jesus provides three more miracles before the next interlude. And it's within this interlude that Matthew gives us a short synopsis of two conversations that Jesus had with two men who want to be Disciples. Both men said they would follow Jesus—so how does Jesus respond? Probably not like the way we would—Jesus says, thanks but no thanks. There's a lot to this little story—and it has much to teach us about our own faith than we might guess. How so? Let's find out!

Today, we see Jesus perform another miracle— but it's quite different. So far Jesus healed a leper and saved the life of a Centurion's servant. But today, Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law. And we could look at this story from our 21st century entitled perspective and think—well, she deserved to be healed. After all, she's Pete's mother-in-law! She's in the family. She's got faith! She puts up with Peter! That alone should make her a saint. So this miracle story gets close and personal today. And it's personal for you and me too—because if we're not in a trial today, we will be soon.

Today, if you thought coming to church and the pastor calling you a spiritual leper was weird, it gets even stranger. Last Sunday, Jesus healed someone who was the epitome of the walking dead. Today, Jesus helps someone who the Jews want dead. We meet someone who is enemy number one—and yet He comes to Jesus asking for a miracle. Today's narrative has some vital lessons for us all to apply to our lives. What are they? Let's find out.

To prove that Jesus is Lord, He lives the Gospel that He just preached. He practices what He preaches. But Jesus does so much more than that—we'll see His divine power in action. Matthew shows beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesus is God wrapped up in human flesh and bones. Over the next several months, we'll witness nine miracles performed by the Lord Jesus. Each was carefully selected out of probably thousands. What does this mean for you today? And why do you care? Let's find out!

The old adage, ‘to save the best for last,' fits well. Because when we listen to the Sermon on the Mount, we do not simply hear Jesus' words—We hear Jesus Himself. He is grace and Truth. He is truth and grace. And his closing example illustrates both perfectly. How does it impact you? In every way possible. Let's find out together!

So we have two gates and two roads. We have two teachers that bear two very different types of fruit. Today, Jesus introduces us to two different types of people. Now there are all different types of people in the church. Diversity within the church actually makes the church stronger. The more racially diverse a church is, the stronger it can be. The more comprehensive our testimonies, the more unified the church can be. However, when you boil down all the different worldviews, ethnicities, nationalities, and even various theological perspectives, there are only two types of people. Who are these people, and why do you care? Let's find out!

Contrary to popular belief, life doesn't get easier when you are born again. The narrow road is not safe. The narrow road is much more dangerous than the wide road—for all the reasons we discussed last Sunday. Yes, we are free and forgiven by the bloody cross and empty grave—but we still live in a sin-stained and angry world. And because of our fallenness and brokenness, Jesus gives us a new warning today. This warning applies to all of our lives— because we're all dealing with it in some form or fashion. What is the warning? And how do we make sure we heed this warning? Let's find out.

As we spend the next several weeks with Jesus' conclusion to the Sermon on the Mount, we'll begin to hear a certain underlying theme — Essentially, Jesus is saying, You've heard my sermon, now what are you going to do with it? In other words, it's decision time. Jesus demands a verdict. His sermon and his conclusion are not words to ignore this morning. It is a matter of life and death. The Sermon on the Mount is not a sermonette for Christianettes. But out of God's grace, it's not only one decision we must make, but many. What is that decision for you today? Let's find out!

Who is adequate to be poor in spirit? Who is sufficient to live a life of complete humility? Who is faultless within the purity of their heart? How on earth can we live up to these impossible standards? We can't. But what we can do is be forgiven. We need to be cleansed and purified from all these things. We need divine help and God's grace more than we need our next breath. Practically speaking, where does this help come from? Better yet, Who provides this kind of help? Let's find out!

Judge not, that ye be not judged. This is one of the world's favorite verses. If you ask an unbeliever if they know any Bible verses, they may quote this one. Why? According to the world — our culture — the mindset says that no one has the right to judge — or, more specifically, to condemn — anybody else. People will defend their behavior and ask, “Who gave you the right to judge me?” That is a great question: “Who gave you the right to judge me?” And then I think its equally as important to ask: “Who will judge me?” Let's find out!

One out of every ten verses in the New Testament is on money. Sixteen of the thirty-eight parables that Jesus taught deal with money. There are five hundred verses on prayer, less than five hundred on faith, and over two thousand on money. Why so many verses on money? Because we tend to live by sight rather than faith. We need every single one of those verses to be reminded of who our Heavenly Father is. Otherwise, we worry. So Jesus, out of his grace, gives us the cure to our worry today. What is that cure? Let's find out!

Very few people know how to handle success and prosperity well. No one is immune from mishandling money. That's why Jesus calls money a master. If somebody is a master, that also means somebody is a slave. As the prophet, Bob Dylan once said, “You've got to serve somebody.” No one wants to serve wealth. We want wealth to serve us! So, you cannot serve God and money, but you can serve God with money. Let's find out how to do that today.

Today is Resurrection Sunday/Easter. We are here today to worship our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Today, we will study the death, burial, and resurrection from the Gospel of Luke. And we will focus on an interesting conversation that Jesus has with two disciples as they are walking to a town called Emmaus on Sunday morning.

Today, Jesus expounds on where we left off last week. We learned that where our earthly treasure is — our heart — our desires will be with that treasure. In other words, our treasures, desires, motives, and agendas are so intertwined — they are inseparable. Why is that? And can you undo what has already been tied together? What is the key to changing our minds towards money and our possessions? If God has convicted us of earthly treasures, how do we start letting them go? Let's find out.

Over the next several weeks, Jesus talks about money, anxiety, judging others, and the constant need for prayer. He then ends this section of His sermon with the Golden Rule. So that's the plan for the next several months. Today, however, let's dive into what Jesus teaches about earthly treasures and possessions.

We have much to learn from Jesus' teaching on fasting. The big picture when it comes to fasting is that fasting is to simplify our life so that we may focus more clearly on our spiritual walk with the Lord Jesus. Although Biblically speaking, fasting generally refers to denying ourselves food for a short period of time — There are other things in our lives that we can deny ourselves of — for the sole purpose of maturing in Christ. And we'll take a look at those things as well.

We don't have to look far in Scripture to see how God's people are tempted. No one is immune from temptation. Starting with Adam and Eve — Moses, Abraham, King David, King Solomon, Jonah, the Apostles — Even Jesus was tempted! So we have a lot to learn about temptation today. And I pray that the Lord will use this sermon to lead and guide you on how to deal with your own private temptations—Biblically.

Today, we move from physical nourishment to spiritual nourishment. We will look at verse twelve and fourteen-fifteen today and learn how forgiveness nourishes our eternal souls. It's been said that forgiveness is the key to happiness. It's been said that forgiveness is man's deepest need and highest achievement. Both statements are true. Let's now turn to the Word of God and find out how and why forgiveness applies to our lives today.

How do we properly pray for ourselves? We all pray for ourselves, but are we doing so properly? We all have a bad case of the normals jumping into prayer, bypassing God's glory, neglecting our sins, and telling God what to do. Over the next several weeks, Jesus takes us on an incredible journey showing us key elements that He wants us to focus on within our personal prayer life. What are those elements? Provision, extending forgiveness, and dealing with temptations. Today, we'll examine what Jesus means by praying for our daily bread.

Today we are going to look at God's Kingdom in verse ten. What does it mean when we pray, Your Kingdom Come. Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven? What are we actually praying for? Let's find out!

The Lord's Prayer is a model, not a mantra. The Lord's prayer is an outline, it's a sketch where Jesus gets us started, and then we fill in the gaps. The Lord's prayer skeleton to where we flesh it out as we pray. Last week we started with verse 9 and got as far as “Our Father….” Today, we'll finish verse 9, learning how God is in Heaven and how God's name is to be honored as holy.