Podcasts about scripture matthew

A life of absolute peace, a life of tremendous clarity, a life of total power and freedom, a life of high beauty—that's the vision of the Lord's Prayer. A whole new life that revolves around God. We're going to look now at the part of the prayer that's about admitting. Let me reiterate that since prayer essentially is centering on God, everything starts with adoration and everything has to be understood as flowing out of it. If your repentance, if your admitting doesn't flow out of adoration, it won't deal with your guilt and it will even make it worse. But if it flows out of adoration of the Father, it can get rid of your guilt. Jesus Christ, in the context of the Lord's Prayer, teaches us 1) the reason for repentance, 2) the motivation for repentance, and 3) three ways to repent. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on May 20, 1990. Series: The Lord's Prayer 1990. Scripture: Matthew 6:9-15. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.

This message is a timely invitation to embrace the kind of rest our souls were made for—rest that isn't earned, delayed, or conditional, but freely given by Jesus. Drawing from Matthew 11, Pastor David explores how true rest doesn't begin with a vacation or a calendar block—it begins with coming to Jesus.As we step into a new year, we're often pulled into patterns of performance, productivity, and pressure—whether from religion, culture, or even our own expectations. But Jesus offers us something radically different: rest from striving, rest from self-reliance, and rest that restores our identity in Him.This message unpacks the rhythms of grace that help us live fully present, fully known, and fully free—not burned out by the weight of the world, but anchored in the love of God.The new year doesn't need a new you. It needs the real you—resting in the grace of Jesus.This message invites us to trade exhaustion for intimacy, and striving for surrender:• A rest from religion—where we stop performing for God and start living with Him• A rest from culture—where we no longer chase success, image, or approval• A rhythm of daily, weekly, and regular rest—shaped by prayer, presence, and Sabbath• A community of rest—where we are fully known, fully loved, and not alone

What's ironic is the Lord's Prayer has probably the most familiar words in the English language, and yet it is the secret to what you seek. We're so tired of technology, of quantifying everything, of being a number. At the core of our being, we need and we desperately want real soul experience. And how to have it is right in front of us.  Jesus Christ taught it to us in the Lord's Prayer. Jesus says, “This is how to pray. This is the key.” I must say that one of the reasons why we don't know how to use it is because this prayer is so familiar. But it tells you everything you need to know about communication with God. Looking at just one verse, we see how Jesus shows us 1) the difficulty of prayer, 2) the basis of prayer, and 3) the essence of prayer. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on May 6, 1990. Series: The Lord's Prayer 1990. Scripture: Matthew 6:9-15. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12Resources for a life of following Jesus, every day, everywhere, with everyone.

Send us a textWe're so glad you've joined us today as we continue our series WITH.In Week 5: With God, Pastor Reid Robinette invites us to consider what it truly means to live in ongoing relationship with God — not under Him, over Him, from Him, or for Him, but with Him.Jesus describes life with God as a treasure worth everything, a reconciled relationship that makes us new, and a life that remains connected to Him as our source.

December 28, 2025 Jesus’ life of suffering and persecution began as an infant. Matthew records that Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah. If we follow Christ, we also must be obedient during times of suffering. Scripture: Matthew 2:13-23

Send us a textAt Christmas, we celebrate more than a moment in history —we celebrate the truth that God is WITH us.In this Christmas Eve message, Pastor Reid Robinette teaches from Matthew 1, showing how the incarnation of Jesus reveals God's heart for relationship. God is not the means to a blessing — He is the blessing.This message is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and receive the hope, peace, and love found in Emmanuel — God WITH us.

The Season of Advent is coming to an end as we gear up for Christmas. As we come together and celebrate the birth of Jesus we will look at the themes of Advent; hope, peace, joy, and love. Tune in as Pastor Emily Edwards shares the message, “A Bold Love.” Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12Visit us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://christchurchbham.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or Connect with us on social:Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/christchurchbham/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

2025-12-21-1030 Pastor Loran Livingston is the speaker this morning, December 21, 2025, in the 10:30 am service.   Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25; 2nd Corinthians 8:15   Notes: -God aloud a perfect Jesus to come to earth through an imperfect family lineage. -It shows us that He ca make something great out of our broken lives, despite our history.

2025-12-21-0830 Pastor Loran Livingston is the speaker this morning, December 21, 2025, in the 8:30 am service.   Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25; 2nd Corinthians 8:15   Notes: -God aloud a perfect Jesus to come to earth through an imperfect family lineage. -It shows us that He ca make something great out of our broken lives, despite our history.

The GIFTS GET YOU READY FOR CHRISTMAS HELP UNDERSTAND WHAT CHRISTMAS IS REALLY ABOUT  NATE BARGATZE VIDEO                                 BUMPER STICKERS EVERYWHERE- IF ITS ON A BUMPER STICKER MUST BE TRUE RIGHT? WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM                                BEEN IN A SERIES FOR 3 WEEKS THE GIFTS SCRIPTURE MATTHEW 2:1                             SCRIPTURE MATTHEW 2:2 2 and asked, “Where is the […]

This Sunday we continued our Advent journey by reflecting on the candle of Love. Looking at Matthew 1, we were reminded that God's love is not distant or sentimental.God enters the messy places of our lives, just as He entered Joseph and Mary's story. We see how His love steps into our shame, acts with courage, and draws near to us in Jesus, our Immanuel.As we move toward Christmas, may we live as people who are loved: offering compassion, choosing courageous obedience, and being present with those around us. God is with us, right here, right now, and that changes everything.Scripture: Matthew 1:18–25 and John 3:16–18

Today's message affirms that our Sovereign God has moved graciously on behalf of a fallen race. /// Scripture: Matthew 1:18–25 | Speaker: Bro. Danny Nance | Date Recorded: December 21st, 2025 | Running Time: 48:27

In Week IV of our Advent series Come and Behold Him, we turn to Matthew 2:1–12 and the story of the wise men—Gentile seekers whose long journey culminated in a simple but profound declaration: “We have come to worship Him.”Unlike the quiet, personal announcements given to Mary and Joseph, or the public proclamation to the shepherds, the arrival of the Magi reveals that the birth of Jesus is not only the fulfillment of Israel's hope, but the invitation of the nations. Drawn by a sign in the heavens and centuries-old prophecy, these men traveled great distance and great cost—not to observe the newborn King, but to worship Him.This sermon explores what true worship really is—not merely words or rituals, but a life rightly ordered before God. From the example of the Magi, we see two essential marks of genuine worship:Acknowledging Jesus as King—not only Savior, but LordOffering gifts of sacrifice that reveal His rightful rule in our livesAs Jesus later teaches, the Father is seeking worshipers who worship in Spirit and in truth—worship that flows out of real life, real surrender, and real obedience. The Christmas story challenges us to ask an honest question: Have we truly come to worship Him?This message invites us to behold Christ not only as the child born in Bethlehem, but as the reigning King worthy of our reverence, submission, and sacrifice.

If God had waited for the perfect conditions to bring Christ into the world, we might still be waiting. The nativity story starts, not with certainty, but with love. Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

We worship together in-person and stream our service each week. If you would like to watch the entire worship service, it is available to view on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@WPCRICHMOND/streams.This morning, we welcome Pastor Anna C. Gheen.Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Series: The Promise: Foretold & Fulfilled; Scripture: Matthew 2:4-8

Speaker: Rev. William Moody. Scripture: Matthew 1 v18-25.

Scripture: Matthew 1:1-2:12

In this powerful episode, Erik Cabral exposes the three idols quietly destroying Christian men from the inside: lust, money, and ego. Drawing from Scripture, personal testimony, and years of spiritual wrestling, Erik unpacks the silent battles men face and the practical steps every believer can take to break free.This is not just another conversation about sin. It's a call to spiritual warfare, biblical discipline, and rediscovering identity in Christ.What Erik Covers in This Episode• Lust: Why so many Christian men are silently struggling with pornography… and how Scripture (Matthew 5:28 and 1 Corinthians 6:18-20) shines a light on the true spiritual cost.• Money: How wealth becomes a hidden idol in the lives of believers, how Erik fell into money-driven identity, and what the Bible teaches about true contentment (1 Timothy 6:6-10).• Ego: Why men chase platforms, status, and validation… and how pride subtly becomes self-worship. Erik shares his own journey of ego, career success, insecurity, and surrendering his “platform” to God's Kingdom.This episode challenges Christian men to examine their hearts honestly and invites them into a deeper walk with Christ… free from the idols that steal peace, purity, and purpose.Biblical Tools to Fight BackErik gives simple, actionable steps to break the cycle of idolatry:• Lust: Weekly accountability + Scripture memorization• Money: Giving, serving, and reordering priorities toward Kingdom impact• Ego: Anonymous acts of service that starve pride and strengthen humilityWhy This MattersMost Christian men battle these struggles alone. Erik reminds viewers that isolation is the enemy's playground… and community is God's design for transformation. This channel exists to help men fight back together through Scripture, honesty, and spiritual discipline.If this episode encouraged you…Subscribe and join Erik each week as he helps believers:• Build a life rooted in biblical identity• Strengthen Christian discipline• Break strongholds and idols• Walk in the freedom Christ promisesResources mentioned:When Money Becomes an Idol: Embracing True Security Through Faithhttps://hillcities.org/when-money-bec...

2025-12-14-0830 Pastor Loran Livingston is the speaker this morning, December 14, 2025, in the 8:30 am service.   Scripture: Matthew 24:36–44, 1 Thessalonians 1:10; Luke 2:25–52   Notes: -In the mist of a busy season, no one knows when the Rapture will happen except God the Father. -We must be praying, working, and watching in expectation and eagerness for Jesus -To come at any time.

2025-12-14-1030 Pastor Loran Livingston is the speaker this morning, December 14, 2025, in the 10:30 am service.   Scripture: Matthew 24:36–44, 1 Thessalonians 1:10; Luke 2:25–52   Notes: -In the mist of a busy season, no one knows when the Rapture will happen except God the Father. -We must be praying, working, and watching in expectation and eagerness for Jesus -To come at any time.

Scripture: Matthew 2: 1-17 The Magi Visit the Messiah 2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: 6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,     are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler     who will shepherd my people Israel.'[b]” 7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” 9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. The Escape to Egypt 13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” 14 So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”[c] 16 When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. 17 Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38Resources for a life of following Jesus, every day, everywhere, with everyone.

December 14, 2025 True believers can have doubts at times as John the Baptist did while in prison. Jesus would have John turn to the Scriptures to see that he was the Messiah to come into the world. We must do the same when we experience doubt. Scripture: Matthew 11:1-12

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25Visit us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://christchurchbham.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or Connect with us on social:Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/christchurchbham/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Measure twice and cut once. You do things right the first time to save yourself the extra work. But then Grace breaks in and disrupts your best laid plans. You just play the hand you're dealt the best you can.Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25**For the best uninterrupted livestream experience, participate in this week's sermon at nblc.net/sermons

Morning Services: "Advent Series: ”Hope in the King" What does the ministry of John the Baptist teach us about who Jesus was and why we wait in excitement for his arrival? Scripture: Matthew 11:2-11

Hope For Those Who Sit in Darkness | Christmas at Wonder Church“The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light.” — Matthew 4:16Christmas is supposed to be magical — full of concerts, lights, traditions, and moments we try so hard to savor. But what happens when the Christmas story collides with our story? What if this season isn't festive, but heavy? What if joy feels far away, and hope feels impossible?In this message, Pastor CJ Witkoe explores Matthew 4:12–16 and the prophecy Isaiah spoke centuries earlier: the light of Christ breaks in for those who sit in darkness. Not just for the religious. Not just for the hopeful. But for the hopeless. The disappointed. The exhausted. The ones who have heard “no” so many times they stopped praying, stopped dreaming, stopped expecting anything to change.In this Christmas message, you'll discover:

It's easy to find ourselves in the middle of December with a packed calendar and an unprepared spirit, carrying bitterness, comparison, or disappointment into every day. Drawing from Matthew 3:3, Karen talks about what it means to “prepare the way for the Lord” so we don't miss Jesus in the middle of our own expectations. You'll come away with simple, practical ways to prepare your heart for Christmas, no matter what your circumstances are like.Episode Recap:Today we're talking about preparation (2:15)We must prepare our hearts so we don't miss Christ (3:54)We prepare through self-reflection, repentance, readiness (5:06)It's hard to see the condition of your own heart, so pray about it (6:12)This world is full of trouble, but Christ has overcome the world (13:09)We have to take our thoughts captive over and over and over again (14:45)Practically, how do we prepare our hearts? (17:13)Scripture: Matthew 3:3 (NIV) – ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'Discussion Questions: When you look at this Christmas season, where do you see that your heart might be “unprepared”? (Bitterness, comparison, resentment, fear, exhaustion, etc.)What “self-talk” tends to get loud for you during the holidays (i.e.: life isn't fair, I never have enough, no one appreciates me)? Which scriptures could help you renew your mind with truth instead?Karen shared practical ideas for preparing your heart: starting the day with Jesus, lighting a candle, sitting in silence, simplifying your schedule, serving someone in need. Which one could you realistically try this week?Is there one thing you could say no to this December to create more space for peace, presence, and noticing Jesus? What would it look like to trust God with that decision?Resources:Give today to help us reach more moms with Wire Talk in 2026! boaw.mom/givePick up a copy of Karen's Self Talk curriculum today: https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/products/six-truths-study-guide?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&pr_rec_id=ac36e3440&pr_rec_pid=1414191513677&pr_ref_pid=4773089017933&pr_seq=uniformListen to Noel by Tommee Profitt: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDyA9W9CaeQ

John the Baptist calls us to repentance, making room for the One who is coming.  Scripture: Matthew 3:1–12

Advent reveals that love and vulnerability are inseparable, for God entered the world not in power but in the fragile form of a baby laid in a manger. The incarnation isn't distant theology—it is God with us, meeting us in our fear, grief, and limitations with a love strong enough to overcome darkness. True courage mirrors the infant Christ: a willingness to embrace uncertainty, rely on help when we are helpless, and love even when it hurts. In a world afraid of weakness, Advent invites us to begin again with vulnerability, interdependence, and the radical truth that the Father's love is strong enough to save. --- Scripture: Matthew 2:17-24 Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: 18 “A voice is heard in Ramah,     weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children     and refusing to be comforted,     because they are no more.”[a] The Return to Nazareth 19 After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child's life are dead.” 21 So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, 23 and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.

This sermon comes from our 2025 Advent series, "Brought to the Light: Advent for All Who Need It." In this series, we're looking at how Jesus comes to us all as hope, peace, joy, and love. In this sermon we look at the story of Joseph and how God comes to us with an invitation to peace based in His presence and His promise.Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Title: Joseph: The Unseen Giant in the Christmas Story! Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25 Speaker: Dr. Vic Borden Date: December 7, 2025 AM

Prepare the Way Series: Christmas Through Matthew's Eyes (Week 2 of 5) Scripture: Matthew 3:1-12 Summary Continuing our journey through Matthew's telling of the Christmas story, Week 2 focuses on an unlikely figure: John the Baptist. He doesn't appear in Christmas pageants or on greeting cards, but Matthew includes him prominently because his message is essential to understanding Christmas—before you can truly receive Jesus, you must prepare the way. We spend weeks preparing for Christmas: decorating houses, shopping for gifts, planning meals, organizing events. But have we prepared our hearts? John the Baptist's message answers that question with an uncomfortable but necessary truth: true preparation begins with genuine repentance. Key Points: 1. True Preparation Begins With Repentance John's first words set the tone: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" Not "Get excited" or "Prepare a celebration"—repent. The Greek word metanoeo means to change your mind, to have a fundamental shift in thinking that leads to a change in direction. It's not just feeling sorry for sin or admitting mistakes—it's recognizing you've been going the wrong direction and turning around to go God's way. John quotes Isaiah 40:3: "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight.'" In ancient times, when a king was coming to visit, messengers would go ahead to prepare the road—filling potholes, leveling rough spots, straightening crooked paths. John is saying: The King is coming. Prepare the way. Get your life ready through repentance. The Christmas connection: When Jesus came the first time, many people weren't ready because they wanted Him on their terms—a political deliverer while letting them keep living their own way. But Jesus didn't come on those terms. He came calling people to repent, to surrender, to follow Him completely. The same is true today. Many people want to celebrate Christmas without surrender. They want Jesus as a baby in a manger—safe, non-threatening, warm feelings and traditions. But you can't have Jesus without repentance. You can't receive the King without bowing to His authority. 2. Genuine Repentance Produces Visible Fruit When the religious leaders came to be baptized, John confronted them: "Bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not think to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.'" The Pharisees and Sadducees believed they were right with God because of their religious credentials—the right bloodline, Scripture knowledge, traditions. But John says that's not enough. What matters is genuine repentance that produces real change. The principle: True repentance always produces visible fruit. If your heart has genuinely changed, your life will show it. Not perfection, but direction. Not sinlessness, but transformation. What does fruit look like? Evidence of genuine life change: A person who was bitter becomes forgiving A person who was selfish becomes generous A person who was dishonest becomes truthful A person who was immoral becomes pure A person who was prideful becomes humble The Christmas connection: When Jesus was born, the religious leaders had all the credentials—Scripture knowledge, traditions, righteous appearance. But they rejected Jesus because they had never truly repented. Their religion was external, not internal. When the Messiah they claimed to be waiting for actually showed up, they didn't recognize Him because their hearts weren't prepared. Many people increase their religious activity at Christmas—attending church, singing about Jesus, putting up nativity scenes. But has your heart actually changed? Have you genuinely repented? 3. Jesus Brings Both Transformation and Judgment John makes a crucial distinction: "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I...He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." For those who genuinely repent and believe, Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit—He gives new life, transforms from the inside out, indwells believers with God's presence. But for those who refuse to repent, Jesus brings judgment—separation of true from false. John uses an agricultural image: A farmer with a winnowing fan throws grain into the air. The wind blows away the chaff (worthless husks), and the wheat (valuable grain) falls to the threshing floor. John says: Jesus will separate wheat from chaff. He will gather genuine believers. He will judge the false and fruitless. Yes, Jesus came in humility, born in poverty, laid in a feeding trough. But even as a baby, He was the King who came to transform and judge. And one day—maybe soon—Jesus is coming back as the Judge of all the earth. When He comes, He will separate the genuine from the fake. The question: Which are you? Not "Are you religious?" or "Do you celebrate Christmas?" but "Have you genuinely repented and surrendered to Jesus Christ?" The Closing Illustration: A missionary in Africa was preparing to return home after years of service. The village chief asked to see the missionary's house one final time. As they walked through, the chief examined every room carefully. Finally, in the kitchen, he stopped and pointed to the missionary's broom in the corner. "May I have this?" the chief asked. The missionary was surprised but agreed. "Of course, but why do you want my old broom?" The chief replied, "Because a broom sweeps clean before the master arrives. And you have taught us that Jesus is coming. I want to remember that I must prepare the way—I must sweep my heart clean before He returns." That humble chief understood John the Baptist's message: Prepare the way. Make His paths straight. Sweep clean before the Master arrives. The Bottom Line: This Christmas season, we'll prepare many things—houses, meals, gifts. But the most important preparation is preparing your heart for Jesus. John the Baptist shows us how: Repent. Turn from sin. Surrender to Jesus. Bear fruit worthy of repentance. True preparation begins with genuine repentance. Genuine repentance produces visible fruit. Jesus brings both transformation and judgment. Prepare the way for the Lord. Make His paths straight. Because Jesus is coming—to celebrate His birth and, one day, His return.

Send us a textIs faith really just a list of rules? For many people, that's the only version of Christianity they've ever known — do this, don't do that, and hope God is pleased. But Jesus offers something completely different.In Week 1 of our new series WITH, Pastor Reid Robinette unpacks what it means to live not under God, but with God — a life rooted in relationship rather than performance.

Scripture:  Matthew 1:18-25, Matthew 2:1-12 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary:  Scott introduces the Advent series by comparing each Gospel's account of Jesus' birth to a unique Christmas card, beginning with Matthew's perspective. Matthew highlights Jesus as the long-promised King by tracing His genealogy and openly presenting the difficult, even dark, realities surrounding His birth—especially Joseph's initial crisis and courageous obedience. Joseph's story shows that Christmas is proof God keeps His promises, both globally to the world and personally to individuals, even when circumstances feel disappointing or confusing. The visit of the wise men contrasts those who welcome Jesus with joyful worship against those, like Herod, who resist Him out of fear and self-protection. Ultimately, listeners are called to respond to Jesus' arrival with worship and trust, especially in the places where they feel fear, brokenness, or uncertainty.

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-8

Advent is like knowing the end of the story first, giving us the courage to live in the chaos of the middle. Scripture: Matthew 24:36-44Worship guide: https://tinyurl.com/fbcjc11-30p

We worship together in-person and stream our service each week. If you would like to watch the entire worship service, it is available to view on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@WPCRICHMOND/streams.This morning, we welcome Pastor Anna C. Gheen.Scripture: Matthew 1:1-17

In this message, we will look at three exhortations Jesus gives to His disciples as they are sent out into a hostile world of persecution. These exhortations are both realities and promises that every Christian must embrace in order to persevere to the end.   Scripture: Matthew 10:26-42

by Brooks Simpson | From the Series: Walking with Jesus | Scripture: Matthew 5:38-48 | Download Audio

This week, Karen tackles listener questions on navigating everything from over-involved mother-in-laws to family disagreements and unmet expectations. Karen shares wisdom from her 39 years of marriage about when to speak up, when to set boundaries, and how to keep your marriage strong even when extended family drama threatens your peace! Episode Recap:How do we make our relationships with our MILs stronger and better? (2:53)As a MIL, how can I best help my DIL when Baby #3 arrives? (4:25)My MIL doesn't get along well in family situations, should I intervene? (8:35)Boundaries are for you, not the other person (10:17)My SIL never prioritizes our family, should I talk to her? (12:25)My MIL is upset over our parenting choices, (15:18)My husband and I are at odds over how best to honor his family (18:20)Scripture: Matthew 11:28 (NIV) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”Discussion Questions: When have you found it hardest to set boundaries with family? What helped you hold firm?How can you and your spouse stay unified when you see a family situation differently?What practical ways can you show love to your in-laws while still protecting your family's peace?When conflict rises, what would it look like for you to “take it to the Lord” instead of trying to fix it yourself?Resources:Reach out to https://birdsonawiremoms.com/book-karen-to-speak to have Karen come speak in your community!Join our private FB group, BOAW Moms: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BOAWmoms