I. Introduction: How Did the Magi Know? Back in 2015, I traveled a lot more than I do today, and in December 2015, I found myself in the grand metropolis of Otley, UK. Now in the UK, I don’t know if they know what a warm sunny day is, but that weekend, the rain had … Continue reading The Gifts of the Magi, the Gift of Our Savior
Under pressure, Christians often struggle to openly demonstrate their faith. The denial of Jesus by Peter, driven by fear and pride, exemplifies this. However, Peter's restoration by Jesus reflects God's forgiveness and the transformative power of grace. This serves as a reminder of our need for humility and dependence on God in our journey of faith.
This week's passage in Matthew 26:26-56 showcases significant events in Jesus' life. It includes the institution of the Lord's Supper, Peter's denial prediction, Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane, and His subsequent arrest. These events emphasize fulfillment of prophecy, Jesus' obedience to God's will, and the symbolism of the Lord's Supper elements.
I. Introduction Over the next three weeks, we will study Matthew 26, focusing on the last hours of Jesus, His arrest, and the trial events. Today, we begin with Matthew 26:1-25. This passage covers the events leading up to Jesus' arrest, marking the beginning of the Passion narrative. It includes Jesus predicting His crucifixion, the … Continue reading The Last Hours, Part 1
This content delves into Matthew 24, exploring Jesus' teachings on the signs of the end times and the necessity of vigilance and readiness. It discusses the Parable of the Fig Tree, the Unknown Day and Hour, and the Parable of the Faithful Servant, underscoring the importance of preparedness and ethical conduct in light of Christ's eventual return.
The Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24 explores the signs preceding Christ's return and stresses the importance of understanding biblical prophecy. It begins with Jesus predicting the temple's destruction, symbolizing the end of an era. The passage discusses signs like deceptions, wars, famines, and earthquakes as indications of the approaching end times, emphasizing the need for endurance. It also highlights the significance of the "abomination of desolation" and the great tribulation, culminating in cosmic disturbances heralding the Second Coming.
Allow the God of Creation cleanse the temple that lives inside you.
The passage from Matthew 19:16-26 delves into the interaction between Jesus and the rich young ruler, offering insights into wealth, discipleship, and reliance on the Lord. It explores the challenges of prioritizing spiritual wealth over material abundance, emphasizing the role of divine grace in achieving true discipleship and entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven.
In Matthew 19:13-15, Jesus blesses children despite disciples' rebuke, highlighting their importance in the kingdom of heaven. This contrasts with the metaphor of childlike humility in Matthew 18.
Is it lawful to get a divorce? Jesus teaches us that's not even the right question. #Marriage #Matrimony #Wedding #BibleStudy #bliss
Introduction: Contextual Background So we’re going to cover Matthew 18, several parables together, so it’s going to feel like we’re moving quickly. But there’s a theme, a purpose to Matthew’s writings, so it’s important to understand before the study how this chapter fits within the larger story of Jesus' ministry. Matthew's Gospel is organized in … Continue reading From Humility to Forgiveness
How did the magi know to go look for the Savior? More importantly,, how do *you* know to go looking for the Savior? Christmas has already brought us the greatest gift.
Introduction I think it’s easy to underestimate everything that Jesus has done for us. I’ll go further – no matter where you are in your Christian walk, you and I have already underestimated and continue to underestimate everything the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords has done, is doing, and will do for … Continue reading Jesus, Lamb of God
I. Introduction When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? Me, I wanted to fly a jet for the US Navy. Something about being at sea, landing on that aircraft carrier. Of course, if I understand it, they use a system of green lights and red lights to … Continue reading The Keys to Happiness
I. Introduction – What Do We Do Under Pressure? It is easy to be a Christian at church. We are in our safe place. We have no triggers. We are surrounded by brothers and sisters who encourage us. So, it is easy to stand here and say, “I am a follower of Jesus Christ.” But when … Continue reading Denying Christ
I. Introduction – The Parable You probably cry at weddings. Statistics show that 86% of all women cry at weddings, 36% of all men do, and over 77% of all statistics are made up. The last wedding I attended was between two antennae. The wedding was ok, I suppose, but the reception was amazing. … Continue reading Offered to All
I. Introduction Today’s scripture is a familiar one; Jesus has been teaching and preaching in Judea when He was approached by a rich man, and they had a conversation about sewing and zoo animals. Let’s read the entire conversation and see if I understood it correctly. Matthew 19:16-26: Just then a man came up … Continue reading What Is Required?
I. Introduction We’re only going to study 5 verses today. How long can that possibly take? Let’s start by turning to Matthew 11. When I just sit down and read the bible, I often just read quickly without slowing to ponder the meaning. But once I stop to examine a passage, often I find … Continue reading My Yoke is Easy
I. Introduction I have missed a few weeks due to travel again. I was fortunate enough that the weekend wasn’t too windy or cold or rainy, so I got out to see a Victorian Festival in Otley UK. The very first thing I saw was a brass band – I love brass bands, I … Continue reading Gifts of the Magi
I’ve discovered how slow to understand I must be. We’ve been remarking that when Chris or Fred teach, they get large amounts of text to cover. Chris had the entire Beatitudes plus half of the New Testament to teach in 30 minutes. Fred gets, like, the entire Old Testament when he teaches. And when I … Continue reading Christian Behavior in God’s Church
Sometimes we bite off more than we can chew. I remember my grandfather saying to me that my “eyes were bigger than my stomachâ€. He was referring to the way I’d heap food on my plate and then be unable to eat everything. My eyes were bigger than my stomach. Home remodeling projects can easily … Continue reading Take Part in Missions
I’m sure you’ve all heard the prayer that goes, Dear God, So far today, I've done all right. I haven't gossiped, and I haven't lost my temper. I haven't been grumpy, nasty or selfish. But in a few minutes, God, I'm going to get out of bed and that is when I'm going to need … Continue reading Resisting Temptation
Chasing the Wind 
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