Sermons on Matthew
Following Jesus – Week 9
Jesus described how people receive the word of God like soil receiving a seed. Our hearts respond to Christ’s message by being — hard, shallow, crowded, or receptive. The Parable of the Sower is a well-known story found in Matthew 13:1-23 that is asking us how we hear God’s word. Do we have a tinge of resistance, or are we distracted? What does it look like to be receptive to the message of God’s kingdom? The seed sprouts in good…
Following Jesus – Week 8
When John the Baptist was in prison, he sent some of his disciples to ask Jesus if he truly was the Messiah (Matt 11:1-11). Jesus honored John — then He pointed to the signs that were prophesied in Isaiah. Jesus has grace for those who wrestle with doubt. He knows that there will be a day where faith becomes sight, hope is fulfilled, and love is eternal (1 Cor 13:12-13). Then, there will be no doubt. But, while we are…
Following Jesus – Week 7
Jesus called His disciples and sent them into a world full of need. Matthew 10:1–20 reminds us that ministry is not just for a few; it’s for all of us. Wherever we are at—work, home, or in our neighborhoods—we are in ministry. We walk through Jesus’ instructions for the mission: for who (the lost sheep of Israel), the method (preaching and healing), and the mindset (traveling light, trusting God’s provision). Jesus also sets realistic expectations: this work involves real opposition.…
Following Jesus – Week 6
What comes to your mind when you think of authority? Today, in our reading from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 9, we are introduced to a level of authority that only God possesses. Jesus is clear: He has the authority to forgive sin. But He also has the authority to heal and to transform your identity to be a child of God. Allow Jesus to be your good shepherd; He has the authority to do that too. He calls you,…
Following Jesus – Week 5
This message challenges us to honestly evaluate the substance of our faith: Are we Jesus flavored or Jesus filled? Drawing from Matthew 7, we look at three essential tests Jesus gives: the Fruit Test, the Obedience Test, and the Foundation Test. Popularity, appearances, and good intentions aren’t enough — what matters is a life rooted in knowing Jesus, doing God’s will, and building on the unshakable foundation of His Word. In a world filled with spiritual shortcuts and diluted faith,…
Following Jesus – Week 4
In Matthew 6:1-15, Jesus makes it clear that spiritual practices are not for show. What we aim for in our spiritual lives, we receive. Don’t pray to impress or with formulaic expectations, as if God does not already know and He needs to be woken up or informed. Spiritual practices of generosity, worship and prayer are about a personal relationship with God. The Lord’s Prayer is a model or a map of prayer. Like many other books of prayer, it…
Following Jesus – Week 3
The teachings of Jesus have had vast historical influence, and the Sermon on the Mount may be the most influential. But the scripture we are covering today (Matthew 5:1-20) isn’t just nice platitudes; it is shocking. The audience was ‘astonished.’ We must be careful to not read this sermon with preconceived ideas and cast our Western understanding into it. We need to see it as Matthew wrote it, in the context of the Messiah King and His Kingdom. To understand…
Following Jesus – Week 2
The synoptic gospels present Jesus’ temptation immediately following His baptism. We can expect challenges after spiritual peaks. The wilderness motif is common in scripture. It represents a dry and discouraging time that grows and matures us. It is a time that we must be dependent on God (1 Peter 1:6-7). Today in Matthew 3:13-4:11, we look at the temptations of Christ. We must understand that temptation is not a sin. Jesus was tempted, just like we are (Hebrews 4:15). Temptation…
Following Jesus – Week 1
Isaiah chapters 40-55 are called the ‘comfort poems.’ They are a backdrop to the Gospel of Matthew. They tell of the Messiah’s return and hope of the promised Kingdom of God (Isaiah 52:1-10). Matthew is diligent to make clear that fulfillment of the entire story of the Hebrew Bible is found in Jesus. He begins the Gospel with the genealogy from the promise to Abraham (Matthew 1:1-17). Immerse ourselves in the story because we still have a part to play…
An Invitational Life – Week 2
This sermon dives into the adventure of evangelism, breaking down misconceptions and recasting it as a relational journey rather than a high-pressure sales pitch. Reflecting on his personal sales experiences, Pastor Donnie explores the contrast between trying to “sell” Jesus and joining God’s work in drawing others to Him. True evangelism begins with seeing people as God does, moving from guilt-driven obligation to a Spirit-led partnership. Inspired by the “Couch to 5k” for people who desire to be runners, this…
Practical Faith – Pt. 11
Is money evil? How is a Christian to view it, to use it? Kylan Kracher addresses that question as he teaches on James 5:1-6.
Practical Faith – Pt. 10
James highlights that we should not act as the judge. Leave that up to Jesus, we should seek the Lord in all thing and encourage each other toward Jesus.