Podcasts about from matthew

by Aubrey Botha https://cpcchurchimages.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/14130359/July-12-Sermon.mp3 Genesis 25:21-34 21 Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife, because she was childless. The Lord answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant. 22 The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the Lord. 23 The Lord said to her, “Two nations are in your womb,    and two peoples from within you will be separated;one people will be stronger than the other,    and the older will serve the younger.” 24 When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb. 25 The first to come out was red, and his whole body was like a hairy garment; so they named him Esau.[a] 26 After this, his brother came out, with his hand grasping Esau's heel; so he was named Jacob.[b] Isaac was sixty years old when Rebekah gave birth to them. 27 The boys grew up, and Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the open country, while Jacob was content to stay at home among the tents. 28 Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob. 29 Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. 30 He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I'm famished!” (That is why he was also called Edom.[c]) 31 Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.” 32 “Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?” 33 But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright.   Matthew 13:1-9 The Parable of the Sower 13 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.” Transcript (Transcribed by TurboScribe) Well, thank you, Alexander, and thank you for all those who make me feel welcome on a Sunday morning in your own special way. I mentioned this last week. There’s a lot of good natured teasing that goes on, and that’s simply because, as Alexander shared, I’ve known the congregation a long time. I guess it was 2009, I came to what was then St. Andrew’s Church, just up the hill, and a few years later, St. Andrew’s and St. Giles amalgamated and became Westside Presbyterian Church, and stayed for several, well, more than some years after that, and retired, I think it would be about four years ago, but still active in ministry. I enjoy attending churches, church services on those Sundays. I’m not preaching elsewhere, but one of the things I look forward to is being here for a few weeks in the summer. So, again, thank you to Aubrey and the session for the invitation. Two readings this morning, from the book of Genesis and then from Matthew. Let us hear God’s word. Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife because she was childless. The Lord answered his prayer, and his wife Rebecca became pregnant. The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, why is this happening to me? So she went to enquire of the Lord. The Lord said to her, two nations are in your womb, and two peoples within you will be separated. One people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger. When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb. The boys grew up, and Esau became a skilful hunter, a man of the open country, while Jacob was content to stay at home among the tents. Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebecca loved Jacob. Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. He said to Jacob, quick, let me have some of that red stew. I am famished. That is why he is also called Edom. Jacob replied, first sell me your birthright. Look, I’m about to die, Esau said. What good is a birthright to me? But Jacob answered, swear to me first. So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. From Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 13, that same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying a farmer went out to sow his seed, and as he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path and the birds ate it up. Some fell on rocky places where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, but because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among the thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. And still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear. Amen. In the name of the Creator, the Redeemer, and the Sustainer. Amen. We are told earlier in Genesis that for twenty years Isaac and Rebekah had prayed for a child. Finally their prayers are answered, and the miracle of conception came. But it wasn’t smooth sailing. Even in the womb, the twins were struggling with one another. It’s a foreshadowing of what would continue on throughout their whole lives. It leads Rebekah to ask, while the twins are still in the room, it leads Rebekah to ask, why is this happening to me? And God answers, two nations are in your womb. One people shall be stronger than the other, and the elder shall serve the younger. We’re not told within the text how Rebekah would have received this news. It helps us understand what is about to unfold in foreshadows what’s taking place. But it wouldn’t have been immediate help at that time, and especially that latter phrase, the elder shall serve the younger. As I say, it’s not said in the text, but Rebekah must have said to herself, oh this does not bode well, because that’s not the culture. That’s not the custom. Firstborn, the elder, that’s the head, and the younger siblings serve the elder, but that’s not what Rebekah is told. Esau is born first. Jacob falls close behind, grasping at his brother’s heel. Even that small detail foreshadows the life that Jacob will lead, always grabbing and holding on. In fewer than 15 verses, the twins grow from newborns to young men, yet very little has changed in their lives or in their personalities. They were different in the womb, and they are different outside. Esau is impulsive. He’s driven by the moment, never thinking things all the way through. Jacob is patient, calculating, and as we see, he’s very opportunistic. With that understanding of who these twins were and their personalities, we come to the latter part of the story that I read to you. Esau comes in from the field, exhausted and starving. Let me have some of that red stew, I am famished. Jacob replies, sure. First, sell me your birthright. Sell. You’re firstborn. I’m to serve you. Sell it. Not even give it. Sell it to me. Esau, again, in the moment, not thinking it through. I’m about to die. What good is a birthright to me? And just like that, Esau gives away the birthright over a bowl of lentil stew. Now, I know something about the persuasive power of a good bowl of food. I know I’ve mentioned, I’m sure I’ve mentioned this before. After all, I’ve been coming here for some years. I’m sure I’ve mentioned the trophy I received for cooking chilli. Just happen to have it here. I have it at home, but if there’s a display case, I’m happy to leave it later. Yes, the People’s Choice Award from 2003. Okay, a few years ago. The Rotary Club of Brantford Sunrise, the ninth annual chilli cook-off, June 21st, 2003. The People’s Choice. Not just awarded by, the people spoke and gave me and my team this, I know the power of a good bowl of food. Now, some of you are saying, wait a minute, 2003, anything more recent? Funny you should ask. I thought I heard somebody ask. 2020, just before the world changed, we had in February of 2020, we had our annual Super Bowl contest up at Westside. Super, S-O-U-P-E-R. And yes, if you are asking, I placed in the top 10 of that competition. There were nine of us in entry, but that still places me in the top 10. A good bowl of chilli, soup, stew, that can certainly be tempting. But it’s probably not worth however good it is. It’s not worth your inheritance, your birthright. Neither brother comes out of this encounter looking particularly good. Esau acts impulsively with little thought for the future. Jacob sees his brother’s weakness. He sees it and he exploits it. Neither brother comes out looking good. And let us not completely overlook the parents. It says within the text, the father favoured one child and the mother favoured the other. It’s not just the brothers are not looking good. The family is not looking particularly good. Later in the book of Genesis, Jacob will deceive his own ageing father as well. So where does this ancient family story, and I know many of you would be familiar with this story, where does that ancient story about a long ago family meet us today in our circumstances? With our families. Well, when we think about our families, most of us still feel the pressure to convince the world that everything’s fine. Most often that’s certainly the image we would like to project in a natural way, that everything is okay. Family is normal. Everything’s under control. But when we’re honest, and we can be honest with each other at times and with good friends, when we’re speaking a little more honestly and it feels safe to do so, we know better. We know families can be complicated. We know relationships can be strained. Old wounds can linger. Misunderstandings happen, and sometimes as they’re explained, the situation does not get better. I’ve offered enough explanations over a misunderstanding that I have successfully made the situation worse with my explanations. Sometimes the people we love the most are the ones who can hurt us the most. And yet, let’s get to this, and yet God is still present. God is still there in the midst of that, in the midst of the strain, and the misunderstanding, and the friction, and the tension. That’s one of the great gifts of the stories in the book of Genesis. The very first book, the book that not only emphasises our ongoing, our original and ongoing relationship with God, but also talks about the families that are within that relationship with God. The Bible never pretends that God’s people are flawless. The Bible never pretends that families are not without their challenges. Quite the opposite. Again and again, God chooses to work through people. Again and again, God chooses to work through families that are imperfect. At the heart of Genesis is the inspiring truth that God accomplishes God’s purpose through some of the strangest, most awkward, most hard-to-understand families imaginable. When God looked across the world for people through whom to bless the nations, that’s where that phrase comes from Genesis, when God looked for people through whom to bless the nations, God did not choose people who seemed to have it all together, who had no flaws, that had never known challenges. Sometimes it looks like God would choose the B team, that God would choose not the best and the brightest, but God would still choose them. Families that argue, families that failed, people who doubted, people who made terrible decisions. God would still use them, people just like us. Many of the stories in Genesis make the very first book, as I said, of God’s story with God’s people. Many of the stories make this wonderfully clear. We do not have to be perfect before God can use us. We do not have to have everything figured out before God can bless us. We do not have to belong to a flawless family before God can call us to be a blessing to others. The good news is that God does not wait for perfect people. The good news is that God is faithful even when we are not. If God could work through Isaac and Rebecca, if God could work through Esau and Jacob, if God could bring blessings to people, to nations, to the world through that family, then surely God can work through us and ours. You’ve heard me say in the past, and I mean it with the utmost sincerity, Central Church has a lot going for it. And I hope this doesn’t shock you. But it’s not because you’re perfect. I’ve never heard anyone claim that about Central Church. What I have heard, it’s a group of people who care about each other, who care about the neighbourhood they’re in, who care about the community that you’re part of. Not perfect, but perfectly caring people. This is a church that God has, that God can, and God will continue to work through. Because by the grace of God, we are exactly the kind of people that God has always used and loved to use. People, people just like us. Amen, and so be it.

You don't have to have it all figured out to come to Jesus. Week 3 closes the Come to Me series on the easy yoke, and the plain truth that green isn't your problem, green is your ticket in. From Matthew 11:28-30, Kevin lands the series on what your first day with Jesus actually looks like: walking in green, knowing nothing, and getting taken in anyway. He tells his own first morning green on the San Pedro, and the town kid who read electric meters and asked for a cowboy job every month until he finally got the nod. In this message: The excuses that keep a man circling the gate instead of walking through it A yoke that's cut to fit and built for two, He carries the load with you God doesn't grade your misses. He cares that you threw the loop Your day one, and how to tell Him so in your own words Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30 Grab this week's free 5-day Bible study at savethecowboy.org. Watch the full message: vimeo.com/1207164668 Read the Bible in plain cowboy talk, the Simplified Cowboy Version: simplifiedcowboyversion.com Ride with the Long X Ranch Cowboys: lxranch.org Give to the ministry: savethecowboy.org A sick pen for sinners, not a show ring for saints.

Rev. Jeff DeBoer on "Why Not Now?" From Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

In our traditional service message from June 21st, Rev. Brian shares with us a message called, The cost of discipleship. From Matthew 10:24-39 Jesus teaches that true discipleship requires courage, sacrifice, and unwavering loyalty to Him above all else. He warns that following Him may bring opposition and hardship, yet believers can trust in God's loving care and sustaining grace. Also, this highlights the transforming work of grace that shapes us into Christlikeness and calls us to wholehearted holiness. The cost of discipleship is real, but those who surrender their lives to Christ ultimately discover the fullness of life found in Him.

First Seek the KingdomFrom Matthew 6:25-34. Put world algorithms on a diet. Feed biblical wonder. Lord, help me see the world through your eyes.

From Matthew 5:7 - this is the 6th message in the "Appetites, Addictions, and Afflictionis" serios.

In this sermon, “Walking and Talking with Jesus Everyday,” Pastor Emmanuel Akognon reminds us that Jesus calls His people to be both salt and light in the world. From Matthew 5:13–16, we are challenged to see that Christian witness is not only about what we say, and it is not only about how we live. It is both. Our walking with Jesus gives power to our talking for Jesus. Pastor Emmanuel teaches that working with Jesus is better than merely working for Jesus. When we walk closely with Christ, our witness, service, evangelism, and discipleship begin to flow from a real relationship with Him.

In Part 2 of “Unrivaled Power”, Dr. Crawford Loritts describes how believers can become influenced by demonic strongholds. He’ll offer 6 ways to help ensure that the doors exposing us to Satan’s influence remain closed. From Matthew 8:28-34.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/livingalegacySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KEEP ON | SZN 3: REVIVAL THROUGH BUILDINGIn this message, Pastor David Osborne closes out the Sermon on the Mount with a call to stay persistent in prayer. From Matthew 7:7, we're reminded to keep on asking, keep on knocking, and keep on receiving.When we ask, we seek God's will for ourselves, stand in the gap for others, and bring our needs before Him. When we knock, we grow in discipline and diligence, learning to stay faithful in our spiritual life, body, finances, profession, and relationships. And when we receive, we do so expecting good gifts from a good Father, standing on the guarantee of His Word and His promise to fulfill it.Keep on asking.Keep on knocking.Keep on receiving.Keep on, keepin' on!

Who gets invited to the table? Who is worthy of healing? And what happens when faith refuses to give up hope? This week, Charlette and David dive into a Gospel where Jesus continually reaches toward people others overlook, reject, or dismiss. From Matthew's surprising call to follow Jesus to stories of healing and restoration, these readings invite us to consider how God's mercy breaks through barriers and brings new life. Join us as we explore where we see that same mercy at work today and share our weekly God Sightings from the journey of faith. Faith to Go is a ministry of The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego.  Click here to learn more about EDSD's great work in our region and how you can support this ministry.Remember to get in contact with us!Email: faithtogo@edsd.orgInstagram: @faithtogo

From Matthew 28, Austin Baker reminds us that being on mission isn't just a moment or a trip - it's the everyday calling of following Jesus.

Join us this week for a brand new sermon mini-series on what it means to build a church together, starting with Matthew 28 verses 16-20.Nearly ten years ago, a small team left downtown Des Moines to plant Walnut Creek Church in Altoona. What began with a handful of families meeting in a renovated 150-year-old building has grown into a thriving church committed to making disciples of Jesus Christ. In this message, we share the vision behind Building Together. A church-wide initiative focused on prayer, generosity, growth, and preparing for the next generation of ministry.From Matthew 28, Ephesians 4, Acts 2, and Psalm 127, we explore God's design for His church and the role each believer plays in making disciples, growing spiritually, and reaching the community with the gospel.Whether you're part of Walnut Creek Church or simply interested in biblical church growth, this message offers a vision for what it means to build together for God's glory.

From Matthew 5:4 - preached on Mother's Day and is a part of the Appetites, Addictions, and Afflictions series.

From Matthew 5:4 - preached on Mother's Day and is a part of the Appetites, Addictions, and Afflictions series.

Scot helps us understand the setting and context in which Jesus gave his most famous sermon. From Matthew 5-7

In this episode of Practically Pastoring, the guys tackle two heavy, real-world ministry situations that require courage, wisdom, and a steady hand. First, they discuss what to do when a staff member or elder appears to mislead the congregation during a church meeting. From Matthew 18 conversations to questions of trust, bitterness, and leadership integrity, the conversation digs into how pastors can respond without blowing up the church in the process.Then, after a Church Merch ad break, the conversation turns to an even more serious issue, how to respond when a man attending the church is discovered to be on the sex offender registry for a crime involving a minor. The guys talk candidly about grace, consequences, written restrictions, background checks, safety teams, and the church's responsibility to protect children while still offering a path for supervised fellowship and discipleship.This episode is a reminder that pastoring is not just preaching and handshakes in the lobby. Sometimes it means stepping into awkward, uncomfortable, necessary conversations for the good of the flock. What we cover in this episodeHow to address a misleading statement made publicly in a church meetingWhy budget disagreements and trust issues are not always the same problemThe importance of handling conflict directly, privately, and with maturityHow past church hurt can shape present reactionsWhy some leadership problems may reveal deeper cultural issuesBest practices for handling a registrant attending churchWhy written policies, signed agreements, and clear restrictions matterWhether a chaperone or buddy system is wise, and why it often isHow background checks help protect kids, churches, and volunteersWhy protecting the flock includes both guarding the vulnerable and helping keep sinners from returning to old patternsResources mentionedChurch Merch from Promotions Guypromotionsguy.com/churchmerchTrinity Security AlliesA trusted church safety resource recommended by the team for consultations, policies, and practical safety guidance

Do we truly grasp what was accomplished when Christ died, or have we grown accustomed to truths we rarely consider? This sermon confronts the tendency to overlook the significance of the cross, especially the moment the temple veil was torn. From Matthew 27:45–51, Pastor Dorrell examines the darkness, the cry of Christ, and the supernatural rending of the veil as God's declaration that the old sacrificial system is finished and full access to Him is now granted through Jesus' atoning work . The central truth is that Christ not only secured forgiveness but opened direct fellowship with God. Therefore, the listener is called to boldly draw near, embracing the privilege of prayer and communion with the Father.Eastland is a Place to BelongEastland Baptist Church is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We are a welcoming and close-knit family community that loves to care for each other through the Church. We strongly believe in loving and supporting each other and our neighbors. Our members don't just attend our Church; they feel a strong sense of belonging.Join UsFind service times and our location at https://www.eastlandbaptist.org/join.Connect with UsWebsite: https://www.eastlandbaptist.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/eastlandbaptisttulsaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/eastlandbaptistTo support the ministry of Eastland Baptist Church, tap here: https://www.eastlandbaptist.org/give

From Matthew 21 we answer the most important question ever asked, Who is Jesus to you?03.29.2026 BPC

What happens at the end of time—and are you ready for it?In this message, Mark Ashton walks through the four major biblical events surrounding the future return of Jesus: the Rapture, the Return, the Reign, and the Renewal of all things. From Matthew 24 to Revelation 21–22, this teaching unpacks what Scripture says about the end times, eternity, judgment, and the hope of a restored world.If you've ever wondered what happens after death, how to be ready for Jesus' return, or what heaven will actually be like, this message offers both clarity and urgency. The central question isn't just what will happen—but whether you're ready when it does.Jesus is coming back. The question is: are you prepared?

Why is our nature to only love people who treat us well? Why do we feel the need to get even when we are hurt? And what does it say about our faith if we refuse to love our enemies? Because Jesus makes it clear–this isn’t optional, it is the clearest evidence that our lives have truly been changed by him. From Matthew 5

Clip of the Week-"The Kingdom of Heaven" Sister Joanna Basham Saturday evening of Columbia's 2016 Mother's Day meeting Sis. Joanna Basham delivered “The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto….”. From Matthew 13 she reads the parable of the sower explaining that our inheritance is among them that are sanctified while the deceitfulness of riches will choke the Word out. She moves on the parable of the tares to prove we have to be willing to do whatever it takes to make it to heaven!! Our spiritual heroes have been our example in holding up the Word of God and He has blessed them! Brother David Cosby  

In Week 1 of Formed on Mission, we explore how mission begins with seeing people the way Jesus does. From Matthew 9:35–38, we learn that compassion starts with noticing the hurting and helpless around us. When we step into God's work, He reshapes our vision and forms our hearts.

This is the short Pastoral Prayer time before the message "Three Dangers Facing the Church in 2026" where Pastor Rusty sets the stage for the message but also offers a warning about judgement that could befall the American Church if we do not get serious about contending for the faith. From Matthew 11:20-24.Please listen to the following podcast to get the full understanding of this message. Thank you for listening to our podcast and we would love for you to subscribe to our page and share with others. Join us for our weekly worship online at www.firstbaptistblowingrock.com or our Youtube page. Contact us at office@firstbaptistblowingrock.com or by phone @ 828-295-7715

From Matthew 6:5-13, David Thomas unpacks what we can learn from Jesus’ retreats to the secret place, and encourages us to fall in love with the hidden place. David Thomas is a pastor that helped to steward the Asbury Outpouring in 2023.

There's something powerful that happens when people gather — and most of us are too busy to notice what we're missing. In this message from illuminate church in Kissimmee, Florida, we explore why Jesus didn't just teach in synagogues and lecture halls — he gathered people around tables. Meals with sinners, outcasts, and friends weren't incidental to his ministry; they were his ministry. From Matthew 9 to Luke 19 to the Last Supper itself, Jesus used the table to signal something radical: you belong here. Drawing from Hebrews 10:19–25, this message unpacks three reasons God calls us back to gather regularly — for our own spiritual endurance, to experience his presence in ways solo faith can't replicate, and to grow into the kind of people who reflect his kingdom to the world around us. If you've been drifting from community, feeling disconnected, or just going through the motions on Sunday, this one's for you. You were made for more than watching from a distance. Come back to the table. Visit us at illuminate.church.

Pastor/State Rep. Nate Schatzline brings a prophetic challenge to Grace City Church: embrace the wilderness, kill the normal, and live with holy consistency in both “locusts and honey.” From Matthew 3, he calls the church to be a bold, consecrated movement that prepares the way for the Lord and refuses to grow familiar with God's presence. The message culminates in a historic commissioning announcement that you won't want to miss. Support the showThanks for listening! Go to www.StrongerManNation.com for more resources.

From Matthew 3:13-4:11, Joshua Luke Smith explores three invitations from Jesus’ baptism and journey into the wilderness, that are particularly helpful as we think about Lent.

Jesus says the second most important thing is to love our neighbor. Yet we live in a culture that often isn’t very neighborly. How can we start loving our neighbors well? From Matthew 22 & 1 John 4

As we stepped into the new month of March at our Testimony and Thanksgiving Service, Pastor Femi Paul continued the series In Search of Character (Part 2), drawing from 1 Peter 2:9. We were reminded that being “peculiar” means possessing distinctive, godly character traits that set us apart. Our identity as a chosen generation and special people is not merely positional, it is behavioural. Character is what makes us truly special. Without it, we become ordinary, indistinguishable, and ineffective. It is all a matter of character. From Matthew 13 and Romans 5, we saw that enthusiasm without depth produces no lasting fruit. Trials are not interruptions; they are ingredients in the character formula. Endurance builds tested integrity, maturity, and a hope that does not disappoint. The charge was clear: we must intentionally build on our faith by adding good character and spiritual understanding, as instructed in 2 Peter 1:5. Growth is deliberate. To neglect character development is to remain shortsighted. True distinction in God's kingdom is measured not by talk, but by transformed character. Confession: I am set apart by godly character. Endurance is building maturity and integrity in me.

What if we've confused church activity with actual discipleship? In this message, Pastor Randy walks through a question that has been shaping Everyday Church for the last two years: What does a disciple of Jesus actually look like? Jesus didn't call us to build crowds. He called us to make disciples. But in a culture filled with programs, production, and noise, it's easy to drift from formation into activity. From Matthew 28, we're reminded that discipleship is defined by obedience — not attendance, not applause, not atmosphere. This message introduces the GLAD pathway: Grow in Christ Love Deeply Advance the Mission Disciple Others This isn't a program. This isn't a campaign. This is formation.   The question isn't whether we enjoy church. The question is — Are we disciples?   From Sunday 02.22.26

Pastor Chris Zauner launches week one of our Escape the Trap series with a sobering message called The Snare of Offense. In a world where hurt, conflict, and relational strain feel unavoidable, this sermon exposes the hidden danger of offense and why Jesus treated forgiveness as a matter of spiritual warfare, not just emotional health.Starting in Luke 17, we see the disciples stunned by Jesus' command to forgive again and again, to the point that their response is simple: “Increase our faith.” Pastor Chris unpacks why this command felt harder than the miracles they witnessed, and how that same struggle shows up in us today. From Matthew 24, he traces the progression Jesus warned about in the last days: offense that grows into betrayal, hatred, deception, and love growing cold. This isn't just something happening “out there” in culture; it's a threat that can take root inside the church, inside families, and inside our own hearts if left unresolved.Through Proverbs 18 and 2 Corinthians 10, this message explains how offense builds walls that feel like protection but become strongholds that imprison the one who carries them. Pastor Chris paints a vivid picture of what happens when love stops flowing, comparing the Sea of Galilee's life-giving overflow to the Dead Sea's stagnant emptiness, and challenges believers to recognize when self-protection has replaced Spirit-empowered love. He also clarifies the biblical meaning of “offense” as skandalon, the trigger of a trap, revealing how Satan uses the bait of offense to pull believers into captivity and keep them from flourishing in God's purposes.This sermon ends with a call to respond, not with passive reflection but with a decision to stand against the spirit of offense, reject isolation, and choose freedom together as the family of God. If you've been carrying bitterness, withdrawing to protect yourself, or feeling your love grow cold, this message is an invitation to repentance, forgiveness, healing, and renewed agape love through the power of Jesus who came to set captives free.The Snare of Offense is a wake-up call and a doorway to freedom. As you watch, ask the Holy Spirit to expose what's hidden, soften what's hardened, and help you live unoffendable as you learn to escape the trap.

From Matthew 5

Biblical illiteracy is one of the biggest challenges facing the American church—and Omaha is no exception. In this message, Mark Ashton launches an eight-week, big-picture journey through the New Testament, helping us understand the most important story ever told: the life of Jesus.In this teaching, Minister Mark Ashton explores the opening movements of Jesus' life—his eternal beginnings, miraculous birth, formative boyhood, and public baptism—and shows how every moment fulfills God's promises from the Old Testament. From Matthew's genealogy to John's declaration of Jesus as the eternal Word, this message connects Scripture, history, and meaning, showing how the New Testament fits together as one unified story.You'll discover why Jesus' lineage matters, how his birth reveals God's heart for outsiders, what his hidden years teach us about growth and humanity, and why his baptism marks the beginning of a new kingdom. Whether you feel overwhelmed by the Bible, unsure how it all connects, or simply want to grow in confidence reading Scripture, this message is designed to give you clarity, context, and a deeper love for God's Word.This is the first step in mastering the New Testament—not just knowing the stories, but understanding how they shape your identity, your faith, and your everyday life.

In this episode, Steve Wood opens the Gospel of Matthew by unpacking the genealogy of Jesus Christ, revealing it as the key to understanding Matthew's entire message. Matthew deliberately anchors Jesus in history as the Son of Abraham and the Son of David, proclaiming Him as the promised King of the world, not merely a spiritual figure. We explore how Matthew's genealogy highlights Jesus' royal lineage, fulfills God's covenant with David (2 Samuel 7), and frames the gospel as a royal announcement—the true euangelion—that God's everlasting King has come. From Matthew 1 to Matthew 28, the theme is clear: all authority in heaven and on earth belongs to Jesus Christ, and the nations are called to bow before Him. This episode accompanies Episode 505 of Luke21. For more resources, visit us online at www.BibleforCatholics.com.

From Matthew 26:36-46

By now, you should understand why there is so much internal disagreement about Mark 13. Jesus predicts the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, and His disciples ask, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” (v. 4). From Matthew's account, we also know they also interpreted these events as signs of the end of the age and Jesus' return. In verses 5-13, Jesus describes things that are not signs, such as wars, natural disasters, and persecution. In verses 14-23, Jesus provides the sign indicating Jerusalem's impending destruction—the abomination of desolation. We examined the meaning of that term as Luke explains it in his parallel account. This Sunday, in verses 24-27, Jesus gives the signs of the Son's coming at the end of the age. The signs Jesus mentions are unmistakable. He talks about cosmic signs, as the universe's light dims and the heavens shake. While you may be familiar with these passages, it might surprise you to learn that in every clause, Jesus refers to Old Testament promises and prophetic passages. This Sunday, we will explore those references and see how Jesus foretells His second coming as the fulfillment of God's grand story of redemption. What a day that will be! I. The Unmistakable Signs Of His Coming (v. 24-25) II. The Visible Glory Of His Coming (v. 26) III. The Sure Promise Of His Coming (v. 27)

Jesus warned us that an empty house is still vulnerable. Tonight we answer the question: once God clears your life, what do you fill it with? From Matthew 7, we'll learn how to build a house that stands, filled with the Word, obedience, community, and the Holy Spirit.

God works and provides for us in amazing and miraculous ways. Yet we don’t stand on the sidelines. He has invited us to work with him. Are you responding to his invitation? From Matthew 17:24-27.

We wrap up our series on living in the second mile by looking at the second metaphor that Jesus uses to describe his follower - Light. What did he mean by calling us light and how does that impact not just our own personal lives but the influence we have on others? Join us as we take a deep dive on the importance of light in our lives and how that translates to our everyday spiritual lives and our encounters with darkness. We also look at the results on our culture and nation when the church and individual Christians "hide their lights".  From Matthew 5:14-16Thank you for listening to our podcast and we would love for you to subscribe to our page and share with others. Join us for our weekly worship online at www.firstbaptistblowingrock.com or our Youtube page. Contact us at office@firstbaptistblowingrock.com or by phone @ 828-295-7715

When Jesus returns, will He find you faithful? In this powerful message from Pastor Jeff Schreve, discover what it really means to live as a trustworthy servant of the Master. From Matthew 24, Jesus calls His followers to be both ready and faithful—dependable in service, steadfast in trials, and walking by faith, not by sight. One day soon, the Master will come again to reward the faithful and judge the faithless. Will you be found faithful 'til the finish?

What happens when a man grows up under brutal communism, religious persecution, and fear and then discovers that true freedom cannot exist without truth?In this episode of The Manly Catholic, James sits down with Father Peter Damian, a Catholic priest, son of a Eastern Orthodox pastor, and convert who lived firsthand under the weight of communist ideology in Romania. This is not theory. This is lived experience.Father Peter shares what life was really like behind the Iron Curtain, where neighbors spied on neighbors, faith was suppressed, and fear ruled daily life. He explains why freedom, once lost, is never something to be taken lightly and why modern men are dangerously naive about what happens when truth collapses.The conversation turns direct and uncompromising as Father Peter walks through his intellectual conversion from Orthodoxy to Catholicism. He explains why Christ did not leave us a loose federation of opinions but a Church with authority. From Matthew 16 to the Church Fathers, from the papacy to the failures of decentralized Christianity, this episode exposes why unity without authority is impossible and why the early Church always pointed to Peter as the visible head meant to preserve order and truth.This episode dismantles the lie that freedom means doing whatever you want. Father Peter shows how that lie devastated societies in the East and is now hollowing out the West. Without faith, morality collapses. Without morality, society decays. This is not speculation. It is history repeating itself.Father Peter also shares his powerful vocational story, including the role Our Lady of Medjugorje played in his conversion and call to the priesthood. This episode is a direct challenge to Catholic men. Stop living as spectators. Stop outsourcing truth. Stop confusing comfort with freedom. If you want a virtuous society, you must first become a virtuous man rooted in Christ and His Church.This is Part One of the conversation. The foundation is laid. The fight continues.Referenced Products & ResourcesMystic Monk CoffeeHarmel Academy of the TradesPowerful Quotes from the Episode“Without faith, morality collapses. And without morality, society becomes a disaster.”“Freedom is not the ability to do whatever you want. It is the ability to do what is right.”“The Church is meant to be a symphony. But a symphony without a choir master becomes chaos.”Key Takeaway for MenStop treating freedom as comfort. Start treating it as responsibility. Submit your intellect and your will to Christ and His Church. A man who rejects authority will never lead his family or defend the faith.Support & Stay ConnectedPlease prayerfully consider supporting the podcast on our Buy Me A Coffee page to help grow the show and reach as many men as possible. Thank you for your prayers and support.As always, please pray for us. We are men who strive daily to be holy, to become saints, and we cannot do that without the help of the Holy Ghost.Check out our website and sign up for our newsletter!Contact us at themanlycatholic@gmail.com

From Matthew 6:9–11, we learn the Lord's Prayer begins by reorienting our hearts—God's name, God's kingdom, God's will. Before we ask for daily bread, Jesus teaches us to anchor our lives in worship, surrender, and dependence.

Pastor Kirk challenges us to create space for more of Jesus. From Matthew 9:14–15, this message reminds us that fasting is a holy invitation to lay down our fleshly desires, draw near to God and receive more He has for us.

What do you do when life feels late? Late for the milestone. Late for the relationship. Late for the breakthrough you thought would already be here. In this message, we look at the Magi — travelers who arrived years after Christmas night, crossed borders as religious outsiders, faced delays, setbacks, and uncertainty… and yet still found joy, worship, and hope when they encountered Jesus. From Matthew 2 we discover: Why the Magi's journey speaks to anyone stuck in a long season of waiting How hope survives setbacks, silence, and apparent delays Why “late” is never the same as “too late” in God's economy How joy can appear before the destination, not just at the end Whether you feel behind, overlooked, delayed, or discouraged — this story reminds us that God's timing is never late, and an encounter with Jesus is never diminished by when it happens. With God, there is no such thing as too late.

Welcome to Christ Community's Online Service! As we near the end of Advent, this message explores a different kind of Christmas joy—the slow, costly, faithful joy of the Magi. From Matthew 2, we see a joy that doesn't arrive all at once but unfolds over time through movement, waiting, and trust. This sermon is for those still walking, still wondering, and still hoping—discovering that true joy is often formed along the journey toward Jesus, not just at the destination. For prayer and to stay connected, please visit: https://www.cccgreeley.org For Giving: https://www.cccgreeley.org/give/ Discussion guide: https://cccgreeley.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-12-20-21-Group-Discussion-Questions.pdf We Can't Wait to Celebrate Christmas Eve With You! https://mailchi.mp/cccgreeley/weekly-digital-newsletter-16048484 Christ Community Church – Greeley, CO 

The Bible tells us that Christ is coming again—so how should we live in the meantime? Author and Bible teacher Lee Brainard (soothkeep.info) joins Sound Words to explain what true watchfulness looks like in light of the Lord's return. From Matthew 24 to 1 Thessalonians 5, we discuss how believers can live with alertness, hope, and holiness—redeeming the time and keeping their eyes fixed on eternity.

From Matthew 25:14–30, Pastor Paul teaches how to steward your God-given gifts with excellence, diligence, and faithfulness—because your purpose matters in the Kingdom. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1213/29

From Matthew 25:14–30, Pastor Paul teaches how to steward your God-given gifts with excellence, diligence, and faithfulness—because your purpose matters in the Kingdom. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1213/29

In this message Pastor Chad Veach concludes the “Open Heaven” series with a powerful word titled “Trust Fund.” He reminds us that giving is not about money — it's about trust, faith, and the condition of our hearts. From Matthew 6 and Proverbs 3, Pastor Chad shows how God provides, why we put Him first, and how faith means both knowing and not knowing at the same time. This message will challenge you to trust God with everything, live generously, and experience the blessings of an open heaven. At Zoe, our mission is simple: People Saved, Disciples Made, Leaders Raised, and The Church Released. Through every service, we seek to share the love and hope of Jesus, impact lives, and see transformation in communities in Los Angeles and around the world. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this stream with friends and family!

Welcome to the VOUS Church Podcast.In today's message, I Got My Balance Back, Pastor Rich Wilkerson Jr. reminds us that not every battle requires deliverance; sometimes it requires discipline. From Matthew 17, we learn that even faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains when it's planted in God. There's still time to join us for 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. Find the calendar and additional resources at vouschurch.com/prayfirst.