Matthew - Liferoads Church https://liferoads.org Helping people become Fully Alive in Christ Sun, 02 Aug 2026 23:56:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.3 https://liferoads.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/cropped-cross-100x100.jpg Matthew - Liferoads Church https://liferoads.org 32 32 Isaiah – Week 9 https://liferoads.org/sermons/isaiah-week-9/ Sun, 02 Aug 2026 23:56:47 +0000 https://liferoads.org/?post_type=ctc_sermon&p=5245 Who is this servant that is written about in ⁠Isaiah 42:1-9⁠? We know now it is a prophetic description of Jesus and His perfect and gentle leadership on earth (⁠Matthew 11:28-30⁠). Matthew (⁠12:1-21⁠) quotes this verse in Isaiah regarding the way Christ will not break those who are bruised, and will not snuff out those who are struggling. In fact, Jesus will grow that reed into spiritual strength and fan the dimming flames into a fire for Him.

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]]> Who is this servant that is written about in ⁠Isaiah 42:1-9⁠? We know now it is a prophetic description of Jesus and His perfect and gentle leadership on earth (⁠Matthew 11:28-30⁠). Matthew (⁠12:1-21⁠) quotes this verse in Isaiah regarding the way Christ will not break those who are bruised, and will not snuff out those who are struggling. In fact, Jesus will grow that reed into spiritual strength and fan the dimming flames into a fire for Him.

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]]> Isaiah – Week 2 https://liferoads.org/sermons/isaiah-week-2/ Mon, 15 Jun 2026 03:19:24 +0000 https://liferoads.org/?post_type=ctc_sermon&p=5216 The book opens with the nation of Judah under trial. God calls all of creation to be witness to the corruption of humanity. God did everything possible to offer us a full, purposeful life. And though the garden that He gave has been robbed and is vile, He has not given up. He always leaves a path for redemption and healing. He always has a remnant. There will be a day of victory and peace for ever and ever.

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]]> The book opens with the nation of Judah under trial. God calls all of creation to be witness to the corruption of humanity. God did everything possible to offer us a full, purposeful life. And though the garden that He gave has been robbed and is vile, He has not given up. He always leaves a path for redemption and healing. He always has a remnant. There will be a day of victory and peace for ever and ever.

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]]> Bless The Lord O My Soul – Week 1 https://liferoads.org/sermons/bless-the-lord-o-my-soul-week-1/ Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:19:00 +0000 https://liferoads.org/?post_type=ctc_sermon&p=5180 In response to Easter last week (Jesus victory over death) we worship (⁠Matthew 28:1-10, 16-20⁠). It is important to accept that everybody worships, it is a matter of what/who you worship. Worship can be misdirected or misguided, there are plenty of examples in the old testament, and plenty of examples today. That which we worship transforms us (⁠Psalm 115:1-8⁠). Let us be transformed into the image of God (⁠2 Corinthians 3:18⁠). Sing truth into your hearts.

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]]> In response to Easter last week (Jesus victory over death) we worship (⁠Matthew 28:1-10, 16-20⁠). It is important to accept that everybody worships, it is a matter of what/who you worship. Worship can be misdirected or misguided, there are plenty of examples in the old testament, and plenty of examples today. That which we worship transforms us (⁠Psalm 115:1-8⁠). Let us be transformed into the image of God (⁠2 Corinthians 3:18⁠). Sing truth into your hearts.

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]]> When Heaven Meets Earth – Week 2 https://liferoads.org/sermons/when-heaven-meets-earth-week-2/ Mon, 02 Mar 2026 03:10:24 +0000 https://liferoads.org/?post_type=ctc_sermon&p=5143 Storms come, you can be sure of it. Literal or metaphorical, they often come without warning and without reason. Jesus has power over these storms, power over the literal storms in His creation, and power over the storms in your life. When Jesus calms the storm (⁠Matthew 8:23-27⁠), the disciples even ask, ‘What sort of man is this?’ echoing ⁠Psalm 107:24-31⁠. He is the master of creation! Though the disciples were afraid, and there is certainly a reverent fear we […]

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]]> Storms come, you can be sure of it. Literal or metaphorical, they often come without warning and without reason. Jesus has power over these storms, power over the literal storms in His creation, and power over the storms in your life. When Jesus calms the storm (⁠Matthew 8:23-27⁠), the disciples even ask, ‘What sort of man is this?’ echoing ⁠Psalm 107:24-31⁠. He is the master of creation! Though the disciples were afraid, and there is certainly a reverent fear we should have toward our creator, Jesus says, ‘Be still.’ God has stated these words to Moses, to David and to you: “Be still and know that I am God” (⁠Psalm 46:1-11⁠).

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]]> Waiting Room – Love https://liferoads.org/sermons/waiting-room-love/ Mon, 22 Dec 2025 03:21:46 +0000 https://liferoads.org/?post_type=ctc_sermon&p=5097 The prophet Jeremiah was the messenger that told Judah they were going to be in exile for generations ⁠Jeremiah 29:4-14⁠. Though this seems like defeat, it is under God’s design and under His direction. In ⁠Ezekiel 10⁠ is a description of God abandoning the temple and he goes into exile with His people. That is sacrifice, that is love. In Jeremiah’s letter of Lament he states that God’s Love never ceases (⁠Lamentations 3:22-23⁠). The Hebrew word used there is “hesed;” […]

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]]> The prophet Jeremiah was the messenger that told Judah they were going to be in exile for generations ⁠Jeremiah 29:4-14⁠. Though this seems like defeat, it is under God’s design and under His direction. In ⁠Ezekiel 10⁠ is a description of God abandoning the temple and he goes into exile with His people. That is sacrifice, that is love. In Jeremiah’s letter of Lament he states that God’s Love never ceases (⁠Lamentations 3:22-23⁠). The Hebrew word used there is “hesed;” a never ending, always patient love.

Waiting can be in God’s design and under His direction. But while we wait, we need to live out our vocation. God told Jeremiah that they should seek the welfare of the city they are in exile in. Love them and you will prosper. And while we do this we should worship. Always recognize the glory in God as we serve Him. But, beware, there are snakes ready to deceive.

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]]> Waiting Room – Peace https://liferoads.org/sermons/waiting-room-peace/ Sun, 07 Dec 2025 23:37:54 +0000 https://liferoads.org/?post_type=ctc_sermon&p=5066 If you have never been able to make it through the book of Numbers, you’re not alone. Reading it can feel like sitting in the DMV, “take a number.” Yes, the book is full of numbers and can get very repetitive, but there are also some very interesting stories in there. One of those stories (Numbers 22-24) has to do with a selfish prophet named Balaam. Though he clearly hears God (even through his donkey) and he desires the peace […]

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]]> If you have never been able to make it through the book of Numbers, you’re not alone. Reading it can feel like sitting in the DMV, “take a number.” Yes, the book is full of numbers and can get very repetitive, but there are also some very interesting stories in there. One of those stories (Numbers 22-24) has to do with a selfish prophet named Balaam. Though he clearly hears God (even through his donkey) and he desires the peace God offers His people (Numbers 23:10), Balaam chooses his own path instead of trusting the promised peace of God (Numbers 24:13-17). The words of peace that God prophesied through Balaam come to be realized in the birth of Jesus, the Messiah (Matthew 2:1-12). God makes His invitation clear. It is an invitation of cosmic peace. It is an invitation to join His family and forever be in relationship with THE Prince of Peace.

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]]> Following Jesus – Week 17 https://liferoads.org/sermons/following-jesus-week-17/ Sun, 12 Oct 2025 23:09:36 +0000 https://liferoads.org/?post_type=ctc_sermon&p=5026 The Great Commission: these words are not actually used in the Bible. But Jesus gave his disciples (and us) a task, a mission; and He gave us the authority to spread the great news of His coming – and His resurrection. This is the fundamental event of history (⁠1 Corinthians 15:17-19⁠). Central to Christianity. Jesus showed His authority in teaching. He showed His authority over disease, nature, sin and death. He calls us to participate in sharing this news. Go, […]

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]]> The Great Commission: these words are not actually used in the Bible. But Jesus gave his disciples (and us) a task, a mission; and He gave us the authority to spread the great news of His coming – and His resurrection. This is the fundamental event of history (⁠1 Corinthians 15:17-19⁠). Central to Christianity. Jesus showed His authority in teaching. He showed His authority over disease, nature, sin and death. He calls us to participate in sharing this news. Go, make disciples of all nations (⁠Matthew 28:1-20⁠). The more we live transformed lives, the more natural the mission is for us.

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]]> Following Jesus – Week 16 https://liferoads.org/sermons/following-jesus-week-16/ Sun, 05 Oct 2025 21:43:00 +0000 https://liferoads.org/?post_type=ctc_sermon&p=5024 All history points to the crucifixion and subsequent resurrection (⁠Matthew 27:27-54⁠). The cross is a scandal (⁠1 Cor 1:18⁠); it makes no sense to invent such a thing – to use a device of torture as a symbol of grace. This idea of sacrifice is alarming (especially the sacrifice of Jesus); could there be another way? Even Jesus asked this question. The night of His death, He prayed; “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me,” but […]

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]]> All history points to the crucifixion and subsequent resurrection (⁠Matthew 27:27-54⁠). The cross is a scandal (⁠1 Cor 1:18⁠); it makes no sense to invent such a thing – to use a device of torture as a symbol of grace. This idea of sacrifice is alarming (especially the sacrifice of Jesus); could there be another way? Even Jesus asked this question. The night of His death, He prayed; “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me,” but concluded, “Your will be done.” Justice is required for the history of sin. It is here that God’s love and justice ‘kiss’ (⁠Psalm 85:10⁠). Seven hundred years after Isaiah wrote about the suffering Messiah’s redemption of the world (⁠Isaiah 53:1-12⁠), it finally came to pass. Love overwhelming, love manifest (⁠1 John 4:9-10⁠), love in action, the act of history. Jesus’ act of love is enough to redeem the entire world (⁠John 3:16⁠).

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]]> Following Jesus – Week 15 https://liferoads.org/sermons/following-jesus-week-15/ Mon, 29 Sep 2025 02:13:40 +0000 https://liferoads.org/?post_type=ctc_sermon&p=5020 The night of Jesus’ imminent betrayal and arrest, He shared Passover with His disciples (⁠Matthew 26:17-35⁠). During this meal, Jesus aligned the historical reminder of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt with a new covenant, one of His blood and His body instead of the sacrificial Passover lamb. Some people may see this exercise as an empty ritual. But it is a deeply meaningful tradition. Communion brings the identity of God’s people from the past to the present. It ties the experience […]

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]]> The night of Jesus’ imminent betrayal and arrest, He shared Passover with His disciples (⁠Matthew 26:17-35⁠). During this meal, Jesus aligned the historical reminder of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt with a new covenant, one of His blood and His body instead of the sacrificial Passover lamb. Some people may see this exercise as an empty ritual. But it is a deeply meaningful tradition. Communion brings the identity of God’s people from the past to the present. It ties the experience of Israel’s deliverance from slavery to His promises of our redemption: forgiveness, grace and love. It is both a communal event and a very personal introspective event (⁠1 Corinthians 11:17-34⁠). There is a future component as well. Communion is a partially finished meal. We look forward to the marriage feast with Jesus (⁠Revelation 19:9⁠).

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]]> Following Jesus – Week 14 https://liferoads.org/sermons/following-jesus-week-14/ Mon, 22 Sep 2025 00:43:49 +0000 https://liferoads.org/?post_type=ctc_sermon&p=5013 Jesus’ teaching in ⁠Matthew 24:42-25:13⁠, regarding the end times, is a challenging section of scripture. It is more about how we should live in light of His promised return, not so much what the world tends to be fascinated with. It is not about apocalyptic predictions – whether through movies, media, or date-setting. Jesus calls His followers to something different: faithful, expectant waiting. Instead of fear or frenzy, Jesus calls us to readiness, trust, and daily faithfulness. Live today as […]

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]]> Jesus’ teaching in ⁠Matthew 24:42-25:13⁠, regarding the end times, is a challenging section of scripture. It is more about how we should live in light of His promised return, not so much what the world tends to be fascinated with. It is not about apocalyptic predictions – whether through movies, media, or date-setting. Jesus calls His followers to something different: faithful, expectant waiting. Instead of fear or frenzy, Jesus calls us to readiness, trust, and daily faithfulness. Live today as though He could return tomorrow, all the while plan as if the world might continue for years to come.

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