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you miss the sermon last Sunday?
Did you miss something in the sermon, listen again here.
August 2, 2026
July 26, 2026
July 19, 2026
July 12, 2026
July 5, 2026
Our sermon this week highlighted the fact that the Apostle Paul considered a Christian
person as a new man or woman. The apostle is not teaching a new morality. That would
never work. A new morality does not change anyone. The problem is not the standard.
The problem is ourselves. Paul’s argument for a higher standard of living is quite
profound. At a high level, Paul is arguing that we need to understand “what” we are.
This will affect “how” we think and ultimately determine the “way” we act. “Being,”
“thought” and “action” always belong together. Because we are new people in Christ,
the apostle calls for no hint of wickedness in our lives. In our section of Scripture, Paul
highlights six intolerable vices. We can stay away from these vices, because we are
new people meant to shine the light of God. We’re encouraged to walk in the light that
we are. We must shine forth as lights to help the darkness and decay of the world
around us. It’s in our everyday lives that the kingdom of God will be visible on this earth.
As we begin to live like Jesus.
June 28, 2026
June 21, 2026
This week, we looked at an obscure passage in Joel 1:1-4 as our Father’s Day sermon.
This passage highlights a catastrophe that occurred in Israel of swarming locusts. The
prophet told the elders that they should “tell your children about it.” Interesting, each
generation was to tell successive generations. We know that we’re to declare the
goodness of God to each generation, but here, the prophet encourages to tell the story
of tough times. In application, we also should embark on a life of storytelling to our
families of the faithfulness of God. Retelling stories of God’s faithfulness in time of
plenty and in times of need. Maybe more so in the times of need to teach our children
that God will see us through difficult times. God never promises that there will be no
difficult times. We live in a fallen world. However, God does promise that he’ll be with
us, and he will see us through those times.
June 14, 2026
This week, the Apostle Paul highlights what it means to “walk in Christ.” In verses 25-32
of Ephesians chapter 4, Paul highlights five examples of what it means to live to a new
standard of Christian living. First, Paul says the Christian should put away lying. We
need to cultivate a life of truthfulness. Secondly, we need to put away anger. Paul
recommends that we deal with anger quickly before it takes a foothold in our life.
Thirdly, Paul says we should put away stealing. He encourages the Christian to work
with their hands so that they might help others. Fourthly, Paul says we should put off
corrupt talk. The apostle contrast this with words that “build up” or edify people. Finally,
verse 31 is a “catch-all” of six vices. He concludes with verse 32 where he tells us that
we should be kind to one another. We should forgive each other as God has forgiven us
in Christ. This is the grace that is modeled for us by our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.
May 31, 2026
We finished our sermon this week titled “Spiritual Maturity.” It covered Ephesians 4:14-16. We highlighted verse 15 which says that we should “speak the truth in love,” so that we “may grow up in all things.” We said that the phrase “speaking the truth” is actually one word in the Greek. It actually isn’t the normal Greek word for speaking. It’s actually a verb form of the word “truth.” In other words, we should be “doing the truth in love.” How fascinating. Some theologians translate it as “truthing in love.” You see, it’s not just speaking. It definitely incorporates speaking - speaking the truth, discussing the truth and teaching the truth. However, it implies a whole lot more. It actually covers our whole behavior. The apostle is telling us that we fight immaturity and wishy washiness by holding the truth in love. This is why standards are so important. We can’t hold on to the truth unless we know what the truth is. Truth is important. It is the basis for the unity in the church. The purity of our doctrine and the purity of our lives are how we influence a fallen world. May we at Lakeview be used of God to bring a revival to His people.
May 24, 2026
We began a two-part series this week on “Spiritual Maturity.” In the context of
Ephesians Chapter 4, the Apostle Paul highlights two aspects of spiritual maturity. The
first aspect is unity. Paul highlights unity as something the church needs to maintain (vs
3) and also as something that we need to aspire to (vs 13). He also highlights a second
aspect of maturity from verse 13. It’s Christ-likeness. God works in the church to
develop aspects of the character of Jesus Christ. We concluded by highlighting verse
14, which is the opposite possibility - immaturity. Verse 14 warns us not to be tossed
around by “every wind of doctrine.” We have to be wise to the “trickery of men.” May we
at Lakeview be wise as owls and as harmless as doves as we commit ourselves to the
teachings of Jesus Christ.
May 17, 2026
May 3, 2026
This week, we began a two-part series on the spiritual gifts from Ephesians 4:7-13. The
apostle begins by saying that each one of us has been given a gift from the resurrected
Christ. Paul highlights in verse 7 that the gifts are given to the church by Jesus, and
they are to be used for the purpose in which he gave them. Namely, to serve and build-
up the church. Paul then goes on to highlight some of the gifts in versus 11-12. Actually,
there are five lists of spiritual gifts in the New Testament. Two lists in 1 Corinthians 12,
one in Romans 12, one here in Ephesians 4 and the last one in 1 Peter4. It’s interesting
to note that all the lists have varying gifts. There is some overlap but others vary.
Theologians say we should interpret this variation as God gifting the church what is
necessary at the time. In other words, God will gift His church with the gifts they need at
the time they need it. The list here in Ephesians 4 highlights the gifts of ministry.
Scholars say this was needed at the time for the church in Ephesus because of the on-
going threat of false teachers. In conclusion, Jesus doesn’t withhold gifts. They are
poured out in full measure to serve and edify His church.April 26, 2026
In Ephesians 4:4-6, the Apostle Paul highlights the seven “ones” that to lead to unity in
the church. The first triad of unities focuses on the Holy Spirit. Paul says there’s “one
body, one Spirit and one hope.” The Holy Spirit grafts us into one body and gives us
that one hope. The second triad of unities all focus on the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul
writes, “one Lord, one faith and one baptism.” These unities focus on the content of faith
and the union that baptism brings. Paul is not concerned with the mode of baptism here.
He’s thinking about what baptism signifies, which is our union with Christ. Finally, Paul
highlights the last unity of the “one God and Father of all.” The apostle highlights that all
things flow from the Father. All these unities are very Trinitarian. The effect of unity in
the church comes from the Holy Spirit. The church itself is establish by Jesus Christ
who was sent from God the Father. Whatever we may say about the church, the church
is God’s church. It is composed of God’s people; it is the result of God’s work, and it
exists for God’s glory.
April 19, 2026
This week, we started Ephesians Chapter 4 with a sermon titled, “A Worthy Life.” Paul
encourages the Ephesian believers, and us indirectly, to live a life worthy of our calling.
He highlights five characteristics of a worthy life. First, he mentions “lowliness” or
“humility.” Humility refuses to insist on our own rights and puts the interests of others
before our own. Secondly, Paul notes “gentleness.” Gentleness is not weakness, but it’s
defined as “controlled power.” It’s putting our own power under the control of God.
Thirdly, Paul highlights patience. Patience is often learned through suffering, which is
why the term is often translated “longsuffering.” Fourthly, Paul tells us to bear with one
another. Finally, Paul highlights what all these characteristics point to - unity. In verse 3,
Paul notes that we should “make every effort” to keep the unity of Spirit. In conclusion,
we’re to demonstrate a way of life superior to that of the ungodly world and show a
special unity that is ours in Jesus Christ.
April 12, 2026
Chapter 3 of Ephesians ends with a doxology. The word “doxology” comes from the
Greek. It’s a compound word. “Doxos” meaning “praise” or “glory,” and “logos” meaning
“a word.” Therefore, the word doxology literally means a “word of praise” or a “word of
glory.” In Ephesians 3:20, Paul says that God can do above anything we can ask or
imagine. God’s ability to give all that we ask or imagine is meant to encourage us to
make big petitions to God. God often does more than we could ever imagine. With such
overwhelming promises, one might think that it’s for normal people like us. Paul doesn’t
allow this. Paul does this by showing that the power of God which is able to do these
things is the same power already at work in all who are God’s children. Paul ends with a
praise to God in verse 21. The power comes from God, so the glory must go to him
also.
April 5, 2026
This Easter, we went over 1 Corinthians 15:35-49 in a sermon titled, “Glorious Body.” In
this section of Scripture, Paul describes an important point about our resurrection. The
main point is that our resurrection is not a reconstruction. Nowhere does the Bible teach
that God is going to put together the pieces and return us to our former bodies. What
the Bible does teach is that there is a continuity (it is OUR body), but there is not an
identity (it is not the same body). Paul knew that such miracles cannot be explained, so
he uses several analogies to help make the point. The first analogy he uses is that of a
seed. A seed dies, but from that death there comes life. A corn seed produces a corn
stalk. You see, there is continuity there - a corn seed will produce a corn stalk, not a
cucumber. A cucumber seed produces a cucumber plant. Just so with us - there will be
continuity with our resurrected body. It will be our unique body. However, it is not
exactly like the seed. God will give us a glorious body as He pleases (vs 38). It’s a
sovereign act of God. There will be diversity in the glorious body just as there is
diversity in the bodies of our world. God will give us a glorified body suited for a new life
in heaven. We will use this new body to serve and glorify God for all eternity.
March 29, 2026
We reviewed Psalm 95 this Palm Sunday. Psalm 95 teaches us the right way to
worship. First, it highlights several forms of worship. These forms include singing and
music. Secondly, it tells us why to worship. Psalm 95 tells us God is a great God and
the creator of all things. It also says that we should worship God, because He is our
Great Shepherd. God cares for us and preserves us. Finally, almost unexpectedly,
Psalm 95 gives us a warning. It warns us that if we hear god’s voice, we shouldn’t
harden our hearts to Him. In conclusion, Psalm 95 teaches that true worship is hearing
the word of God, obeying the word of God and praising God for it.
March 22, 2026
March 15, 2026
This week, we talked about the meaning of history. What is history about? Is it just the
study of kings, queens, presidents, inventors, nations, battles, greography? In our
section of Scripture today (Ephesians 3:7-13), the Apostle Paul turns to the church as
the focal point of world history. In verse 9, Paul says he wants to illuminate us on the
plan of the mystery of God. The passage seems to reference a three point plan. First,
God’s plan is to bring together otherwise divided individuals in Jesus Christ. The church
is open to all: Jew, Gentile, Rich, poor, educated, uneducated, every race and every
creed. Secondly, the plan seems to reveal the mystery of displaying Christ in the world
through the church. Jesus Christ is the focal point of history and so is His church.
Finally, the church is proof of the principle that suffering for truth and righteousness is
the way to glory and the secret to true happiness. In conclusion, we have to display the
manifold wisdom of God in our lives. The world can see the mystery of Christ only
through us. It is how we conduct ourselves at work, school, play - how we think and
speak that the meaning of history is to be found through Jesus Christ.
March 8, 2026
We began Chapter 3 of Ephesians this week with a sermon titled, “The Mystery
Revealed.” In verses 1-6 of Chapter 3, the mystery Paul reveals is that the Gentiles
should now be made partakers along with the Jews of God’s great blessing in the
church age. Now, both Jew and Gentile can approach God equally on the basis of
Christ. The chief thing Paul wants to say is that the mystery of God is His creating one,
new people in Christ. In verse 6, Paul says the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel,
members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise of Jesus Christ. It is
Jesus who has broken down the dividing wall of hostilities between people. By calling
people to Christ, we’re being His messengers who are sent out to draw all people
together.
March 1, 2026
The second chapter of Ephesians concludes with three images of the church. The firstimage Paul uses is the image of citizenry. You’re a citizen of a country or kingdom.
We’ve said at a very high level the kingdom of God is where God rules. Through Jesus
Christ, the kingdom of God is destined to grow throughout the world eliminating human
boundaries. Secondly, Paul equates the church to family. He says we’re of the
“household” of God. As wonderful as the image of citizenship is - it’s still rather distant.
Family ties are much closer, which is why scholars say Paul uses this illustration of the
church. We’re now in God’s family with all its privileges. We now have access to God
our Father at any time with any need or request knowing we have assurance that He
will hear and see us. Finally, Paul speaks of the church as a temple. This temple is built
on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Jesus Christ being the chief
cornerstone in the foundation. Peter call us “living stones.” The imagery is that stones
are different sizes and shapes. Believers in the church are also different sizes and
shapes but each being critical to the building of God. In conclusion, there’s a rich history
and mystery to how God builds His church. God is still working and still building His
church today. Won’t you come and be a part of this magnificent structure where God
Himself dwells?
February 22, 2026
Our sermon title this week was “No More Walls.” We highlighted how the Apostle Paul
referenced the wall of separation that existed in the Jerusalem temple to distinguish
between Jews and Gentiles. The outer court of the temple was called the Court of the
Gentiles, and it was lower than the upper Jewish courts. Not only was it lower, there
was also a five-foot wall separating the lower court for the upper courts where Jews
could go. Paul saw this as a barrier that Jesus had now broken down through His cross.
Verse 15 says that Jesus “abolished the enmity” or hostility that existed between jews
and Gentiles through the cross. We noted how Paul also speaks of how Jesus
reconciled all people to God through His death. Jesus first made the relationship right
between God and mankind. Paul argues that since this vertical relationship with God is
fixed, that also leads to a fixing of all the horizontal, human relationships. In Christ, we
are members of one body - restored in peace with all members.
February 15, 2026
In Ephesians 2:11-13, the Apostle Paul highlights some of the shortcomings of being aGentile. In verse 12, he highlights that the Gentiles were separate from Christ. Unlike
the Jews, Gentiles had no expectation of a savior. Secondly, they were excluded from
the citizenship of Israel. This meant they were separate from Jewish blessings. Thirdly,
they were strangers from the covenants of promise. The word promise is singular
meaning Paul was probably referring to the Abrahamic covenant of grace. Finally, Paul
says they were without hope and without God. It’s a grim picture. But he then follows
this with verse 13 where he says “But now in Christ Jesus” they are brought near to
God. This is their current state, and it is the state of every Christian. We’re all brought
close to God by the blood of Christ. It’s important for us to remember all the blessing of
God that we received. It’ll help us as we reach out to others.
February 8, 2026
Ephesians 2:10 highlights the necessity of good works. Although Paul says in verses 8-
9 that salvation is totally by grace through faith, he quickly follows in verse 10 that we
were “created” for good works. How does one reconcile the fact that Christianity
stresses salvation by grace alone yet requiring the loftiest moral conduct? It is because
our salvation consists of several aspects. God does justify us, but that is not the only
thing He does. He also regenerates us. He creates in us a new heart at our salvation.
You see, good works are a necessity, because they spring from a new heart created for
good works. Our conduct is one of the best tests to make sure our calling is sure. It’s
not a perfectionism. It’s a realization that a Christian is one who is a committed follower
of Jesus Christ.
February 1, 2026
This week, we went over one of the most beloved and memorized passages of
Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-9. Paul leads off by saying it is by grace that we are saved.
The Lord Jesus Christ came to this earth by the initiative and grace of God. Jesus came
not to “patch-up” our nature or reform us. Jesus came to recreate us. If anyone is in
Christ, they are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). Secondly, Paul notes that the
instrument of this great salvation is faith. Paul highlights salvation is “through faith.” We
highlighted in service what constitutes biblical, saving faith. Theologians highlight the
necessity of knowledge, a heartfelt response and a trust in the gospel. We concluded by
saying that Paul says it’s “not of works.” It’s important for us all to realize that faith is not
a work which we do that gets rewarded with salvation. The whole process of our
salvation: grace, faith, regeneration, repentance - all aspects of our salvation are not of
ourselves, but it is the gift of God. All any of us can do for such a gracious salvation is to
receive the gift of Almighty God.
January 18, 2026
We concluded our sermon on Ephesians 2:4-7 with a sermon highlighting our “Union
with Christ.” Actually our union with Christ is quite a mysterious thing. It’s not an easy
doctrine to explain. The Apostle Paul notes three things in our Scripture today about our
union with Christ. First, Paul says we’re made alive, spiritually, through our union with
Christ. We now have a new disposition, and we’re growing day by day in practical
holiness. Secondly, Paul notes that we’ve been “raised” with Christ. Scholars say we
should think of this as living in a new environment. We now have a heavenly
perspective, because heaven is really our home. We are pilgrims or strangers in this
world. Finally, Paul says we are seated with Christ through our union with him. This is
our new position. We reign with Christ today in the sense that we are extensions of
Christ’s presence in this world. In conclusion, our union with Christ is experienced in our
lives through a new disposition, an eternal perspective and our being a light in this world
for the gospel of Christ.
January 11, 2026
January 4, 2026
We picked up our study in Ephesians again this year by beginning chapter 2. Our
sermon title was “Stone Cold Dead.” The apostle begins chapter 2 on a very somber
note about sin. Why? Theologians think it’s because we really won’t begin to
understand the grace and absolute majesty of the salvation of God until we’re clear on
the biblical doctrine of sin. Paul begins verse 1 of chapter 2 by saying that all of us in
our natural state are dead in trespasses and sins. Although dead, the sinner is quite
active in their sin. In other words, we’re born in this world with a disobedient nature.
Theologians have called this “original sin” or our “sin nature.” The point is that we are
not born neutral. We’re born heavily biased to sin, and it shows up or manifests itself in
practice. The apostle Paul says that we fulfill the lusts of the flesh and mind. Apart from
the utterly unexpected grace of God in quickening the human mind and soul, none of us
would ever willingly turn to God or embrace the offer of salvation. Praise God the
Father, Son and Holy Spirit for reaching out and saving mankind for this horrible
situation.
December 28, 2025
This week, we learned what the early church was like from Acts 2:42-47. First, the early
church was a teaching church. We see from Acts 2:42 that the early church was
devoted to the apostles teaching or doctrine. This is actually the first mark of a Spirit-
filled church. A Spirit-filled church always studies apostolic teaching. Secondly, we
learned that the early church was a church of fellowship. The fellowship of the church
was a common fellowship because of the great spiritual realities the believers shared
together. Thirdly, the early church was a worshipping church. We see from verses 42
and 46 that the early church worshipped both formally and informally. Finally, the early
church was a missionary church. The Holy Spirit is missionary, so a Spirit-filled church
is also a missionary church. In conclusion, the early church provides us with a model to
follow throughout 2026.
December 21, 2025
December 14, 2025
We continued with our sermon titled, “The Character of Christmas” from 1 Timothy 6:11-
16. We picked up at verse 12 where Timothy is encouraged to “fight the good fight of
faith.” The word “fight” in the Greek is where we get the English word “agonize.” It’s a
struggle. Unfortunately, many Christians today don’t realize that we’re in a fight. The
Christian is in a fight with their own sin nature, the evil world system and the devil
himself. We fight the good fight of faith. A person of God is known by what they are
faithful to. We’re to guard the truth of the gospel and Jesus Christ. Paul says that Jesus
was faithful and provided a good confession before Pontius Pilate. Paul reminds
Timothy and us that the “Commander-in-Chief” Himself made His own good confession.
We too have to make our confession to the glory of God.
December 7, 2025
Our advent text this year is from 1 Timothy 6:11-16. In this section, Paul highlights some
character things to Timothy, and then he goes on and lays the grounds of why we need
to live this way. It’s because of the testimony or “good confession” of Jesus Christ to the
praise of God Almighty. We went over verse 11 this week where Paul highlights that we
need to run from certain sins like the love of money, and we need to pursue things like
godliness. It’s an important concept. We can’t just keep avoiding sin as the only strategy
of the Christian walk. We need to also pursue godly things. It means replacing the
“don’ts” with the “dos.” In other words, we’re to take constant “evasive actions” in our
lives. At the same time, we’re, positively, to go in hot pursuit of godliness. It’s an
extremely balanced approach, and it is the only way to develop complete character to
serve God in this world.
November 30, 2025
November 23, 2025
November 16, 2025
This week, we highlighted the concept of “adoption” stated in Ephesians 1:5-6. The
Apostle Paul uses this term to emphasize the privileges that come from that position. By
adoption, we become children of God and given the privileges that belong to
membership in God’s family. Our sonship or daughtership is derivative. In other words,
we derive it from Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus is the Son of God by eternal generation;
we are sons and daughters of God by adoption. You see, every blessing that we enjoy
from God is always in and through the Lord Jesus Christ. Really, God’s glory is revealed
ultimately and finally and most completely through the Lord Jesus Christ in which we
are in union with. The most wonderful thing about our salvation is the way in which God
has done all this - through His beloved Son!.
November 9, 2025
We concluded the Apostle Paul’s single sentence in Greek highlighting verses 3-14 of
Ephesians 1. The last three verses, 11-14, cover the work of the Holy Spirit. The section
begins with our “effectual call” as theologians term it. The effectual call includes the
Holy Spirit convincing us of our sin and misery, enlightening our minds in the knowledge
of Christ, and renewing our wills. The Holy Spirit persuades and enables us to embrace
Jesus Christ as He is freely offered to us in the gospel. Theologians call it the “effectual
call,”: because it has the power to produce the intended ‘effect” - faith in Jesus Christ.
This is so important, because without the effectual call of the Holy Spirit, no one would
turn to God. Secondly in our section of Scripture, it highlights the Holy Spirit’s important
work to glorify Christ. In glorifying Christ, the Holy Spirit works through Himself and us
by leading us to Christ - to increasingly produce the character of Jesus in us.
November 2, 2025
October 26, 2025
October 19, 2025
We finished our sermon this week on Ephesians 1:4 by concentrating on holiness. After
the apostle says that we were chosen by God before the foundation of the world, he
says that we should be “holy and blameless before Him in love.” Theologians say that
“holy and without blame” are two words used to describe the same thing but from
different aspects. Holiness refers to the state of our inward or internal purity. “Without
blame” refers to an outward or external condition of purity. According to the Apostle
Paul, we are chosen not for the “possibility” of holiness but for the “realization” of
holiness. For sure, holiness is a process, but it is not an “optional” process. If you are
chosen of God unto holiness and to be without blemish, God will bring you to that
condition.
October 12, 2025
October 5, 2025
We began a two-part series titled, “The Chosen” from Ephesians 1:4. In verse 4, Paul
teaches that the blessings of salvation come to the Ephesian church because God has
determined from before the creation of the world to give the blessings of salvation to
them - and for that reason only. Incredibly, Paul doesn’t start with anything that has
happened in time or space. He starts with nothing that’s happened in this world or part
of the created order. He goes back in eternity, before the foundations of the world ever
began. Paul goes further in verse 5 and says that we’re chosen by God out of the “good
pleasure of His will” - in spite of ourselves. There is a great mystery here, so we need to
talk about divine election in a spirit of humility. Theologians say that Paul begins with
divine election for one simple reason - to teach us that salvation is of the Lord - alone.
There is no room for boasting realizing that we’re all saved by the grace of God.
September 28, 2025
We concluded our sermon on “Spiritual Blessings.” from Ephesians 1:3 this week. Paul
praises God the Father who loves us and gave us His Son, Jesus Christ to be
reconciled to Him. Because of the person and work of Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, we
are made right with the God who loves us, and he has given us spiritual blessings that
are even hard for the most trained Christian to fathom. Praise God the Father, through
Jesus Christ the Son by the power of the Holy Spirit for electing us, adopting us,
redeeming us, forgiving us, sealing us with the deposit of the Holy Spirit. It is simply
incredible.
September 14, 2025
We covered Paul’s greeting in Ephesians 1:2 where he asks for grace and peace to the
Ephesians believers. We went through what grace and peace means. Grace is a
notoriously difficult term to define. The consensus among theologians is that it means
“unmerited favor.” Peace is not simply a cessation of war, rest or quiet. It certainly does
mean those things but it also means much more. The root of the Greek word for peace
means “union.” It’s a bringing together after a quarrel or dispute. We need grace and
peace in our lives, because of the fallen condition that we’re in. Mankind is naturally
“hostile” (Romans 8:7) to God. We’re alienated from him. It is in this environment that
God reaches out to us in grace. What God does is makes peace with us through his
Son Jesus Christ. Paul writes in Romans that we “being justified by faith, we now have
peace with God.” Having peace with God naturally leads to peace with others. It’s the
challenge to all of us - to repent, to change our thinking about our state and relationship
with God. We then need to trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Grace and
peace only comes to the Father through Jesus Christ His Son. When we trust in Christ,
we can go and walk in a newness of life.
September 7, 2025
August 31, 2025
We finished Genesis chapter 36 this week by highlighting Esau’s descendants in Edom.
Scholars say that Genesis 36 highlights Edom to show us what happens when a nation
forgets God. We highlighted that the Book of Obadiah highlights three steps that led to
the fall of Edom. First, Edom stood aloof when their brothers and sisters fell. We have a
special responsibility to those within our immediate family and the family of God - the
church. Where we can help, we must help. Where we can encourage, we must
encourage. Secondly, Edom became arrogant. Arrogance is looking down at someone.
If we do that, we’ll end up thinking we’re better than others and we’ll end up mistreating
others. Finally, Edom took pleasure in the misfortune of others. We noted the German
term “schadenfreude,” which means a joy in another person’s harm. In conclusion, it
would be wise for us to keep in mind these three things that distracted Edom: aloofness,
arrogance and schadenfreude, so we don’t make the same mistakes.
August 24, 2025
This week, we went over Genesis 35 in a sermon titled, “The Back Nine.” The title is a
golf term indicating the last round of golf. The final years of life are often called “The
Golden Years.” However, those years can be filled with disease and death, which can
easily lead to bitterness. Chapter 35 of Genesis teaches us that God does give people
special graces during our golden years. God’s enabling can transform the sunset years
into the first real experiences of eternal life. Jacob’s final years were like that. Jacob’s
life had been filled with troubles most of which were of his own making. However, as he
entered the last years of his life, he experienced a fuller measure of the presence of
God. Jacob did this in three ways. First, he purified and recommitted his life. He told his
family to put away any idols, and he reflected on the past blessings of God. Secondly,
he reflected on God’s Word. Jacob was the last person in Genesis who God actually
appeared. It was an end to the patriarchal time. God said what he needed to say.
People just needed to remind themselves of the promises the patriarchs had received
many times. Finally, Genesis 35 closes with the deaths of Deborah, Rachel and Isaac.
Living through the tragedies of life will help us to encourage young people that God will
be faithful through those tragedies.
August 17, 2025
We finished our sermon this week titled, “The Dinah Incident” from Genesis 34. We
concluded with the final two lessons from the story. First, we have to realize that we live
in a wicked world. We live in a world that so easily comes to terms with its sins. That’s
what happened in our story. Both Shechem and his father neglected to realize that
Shechem did anything wrong in the rape of Dinah. There’s no confession or any type of
recognition from them that Shechem did a disgraceful thing. It is a warning for us to not
be indifferent to sin. Secondly, we noted that God didn’t give up on Jacob or his family.
It’s a lesson that God will also not give up on us - his church. God - just like us -
continued to teach Jacob and develop his character. God will not give up on us, and he
will continue to grow us in holiness.
August 10, 2025
Genesis Chapter 34 is a difficult chapter. In it, we have the rape of Jacob’s daughter,
Dinah, by the king of Shechem’s son and then the bloody revenge of Jacob’s sons
destroying the city of Shechem. In studying the chapter, we came up with four lessons
that we can learn from the story. We covered two of the four this week. The first lesson
was titled “where the heart is.” We need to make sure we’re at the place God wants us
to be. We need to think spiritually and make sure that we’re part of a good church and a
good Christian community. The second lesson was a word on parenting. We need to be
wise as foxes and harmless as doves in raising our families. We need to help our kids
learn of God’s ways and live to his glory and the glory of the kingdom of Jesus Christ.
August 3, 2025
Genesis Chapter 34 is a difficult chapter. In it, we have the rape of Jacob’s daughter,
Dinah, by the king of Shechem’s son and then the bloody revenge of Jacob’s sons
destroying the city of Shechem. In studying the chapter, we came up with four lessons
that we can learn from the story. We covered two of the four this week. The first lesson
was titled “where the heart is.” We need to make sure we’re at the place God wants us
to be. We need to think spiritually and make sure that we’re part of a good church and a
good Christian community. The second lesson was a word on parenting. We need to be
wise as foxes and harmless as doves in raising our families. We need to help our kids
learn of God’s ways and live to his glory and the glory of the kingdom of Jesus Christ.
July 27, 2025
In chapter 33, we have Jacob finally meeting his brother Esau. Jacob had lived twenty
years under the threat of his brother. God had worked not only in Jacob’s life but in
Esau’s too. The scene of their meeting in verses 1-4 of chapter 33 is quite touching.
Esau ran to meet Jacob, hugged him and kissed him. They both wept. James Boice
makes an interesting observation. Boice says that in the text neither Jacob or Esau
mentioned the events prior to their parting years before. In a day when we vent
everything, Boice says that’s not always the thing to do. Sometimes, it is better to forget
the past and not dig up old bones. Particularly if God has given each of the parties the
ability to do so. We concluded that the process of Christianity is exactly that: a process.
Christianity is initiated with the new birth, but our sanctification is a process. We see that
in the life of Jacob. As long as we have an affection toward God, we know that he is
working in our life.
July 20, 2025
We concluded Chapter 32 of Genesis with a wrestling match between God and Jacob.
Theologians highlight three things that stand out in this wrestling match. First, they say it
was God who wrestled “with Jacob.” It was not Jacob wrestling with God. In application,
sin often hangs on in our lives. It refuses to give up. This is one of the reasons why God
must sometimes become our fierce competitor to overcome the “self” and destroy sin’s
power. Secondly, theologians note that God touched Jacob’s hip to knock it “out of
socket.” God doesn’t play by our rules, and he never loses. A lot of times God will put
our lives “out of socket” to bring us to our senses. Finally, we see Jacob “clinging” to
God. In verse 26, Jacob refuses to let God go. Scholars say it is here that we see a
totally different Jacob. It is the determination and strength of faith that allows us to hang
on helpless to Christ who is alone able to support and comfort those who cling to him. In
conclusion, the wrestling match teaches us three important truths: that God often
wrestles with us, he may even put our lives out of socket that we may cling helplessly
on Christ alone who saves.
July 13, 2025
We began this week’s sermon in Genesis Chapter 32. We covered the first 21 verses
that highlight Jacob’s return home to face his brother Esau. In the beginning of the
chapter, God sends an encampment of angels to help Jacob realize that God would
protect him. He didn’t need to fear his brother, Esau. However, instead of being
strengthened, Jacob was still fearful. All Jacob could think about was his own
inadequacy and sin. He had a guilty conscience about his brother. In application, we
also said that there are many people in the church today like Jacob. People who have
sinned in major ways in the past but can’t quite shake it. They become paralyzed in their
Christian walks by past failures. We must never forget that God has forgiven our sin in
Christ Jesus. When we repent and trust in Jesus’ work on the cross of Calvary, we’ll find
that God has forgiven our past. He has blotted out our sin, and he enables us to move
forward boldly to serve him and establish his kingdom.
July 6, 2025
We finished our sermon on “Going Home” this Sunday from Genesis 31. We picked up
our story where Jacob and his family secretly left from Jacob’s Uncle Laban. Laban
hears about Jacob leaving and chases after him. Laban catches up with Jacob after
seven days in the hills of Gilead. Laban rebukes Jacob for leaving secretly. He accuses
Jacob of stealing from him. After Laban searches and finds nothing because Rachel hid
things, Jacob’s frustration bursts out. In verses 36-42 of Genesis 31, we find the longest
speech of Jacob in Genesis. Jacob asks Laban what was his crime and lays out how he
was really taken advantage of. The meeting of Jacob and Laban ends with the Mizpah
covenant where both Jacob and Laban agree to keep a line of demarcation between
them. In conclusion, Genesis 31 is the last we hear of Laban. Scholars say that’s a
good thing, because Laban represents the world. Scholars say that Jacob needed to be
free from the world in order to give his life wholeheartedly for God. The same is true for
Christians. It’s a dangerous place to be a “semi-religious” person. We must totally come
home to God through repentance and faith.
June 29, 2025
We began a two-part series this week titled, “Going Home.” In this chapter, Jacob takes
his family and begins his return to Canaan. Jacob wasn’t one to act hastily. However,
that’s exactly what he did. We began our message by highlighting three things that God
did to prepare Jacob for the move. First, Jacob seem to have developed a desire to go
home. Her knew that he belonged to the land that God had given to his grandfather
(Abraham) and his father (Isaac). Second, Jacob’s circumstances seem to have made
him realize that it was time to go. Six years had passed, and he had grown extremely
wealthy. So much so, that his father-in-law began to look bad on him. Finally, Jacob did
not go until God had spoken to him to go. We concluded by applying this to our lives.
We may be at a crossroad in life today. These are three things to look for God’s leading:
our desire, circumstances and God’s revealed will. When these three things come
together, it’s a good indication of God’s will in any given circumstance.
June 22, 2025
We concluded Chapter 30 of Genesis this week. Our sermon was titled, “Jacob’s
Labor,” and we highlighted three principles from the text that scholars say can teach us
about prosperity. First, theologians say that Jacob did not try to become wealthy. Rightly
understood, scholars say this is the initial key to all prosperity. Trying not to become
wealthy does not mean a lack of concern for wealth itself. What scholars mean is that
we shouldn’t advance our wealth at the expense of others. Secondly, theologians note
that Jacob worked hard for his employer. Jacob could have found many reasons not to
work hard, but he didn’t make excuses. Finally, Jacob trusted God for his prosperity. In
conclusion, Jacob teaches us several important concepts that we should consider,
which are not trying to be wealthy for wealth itself, work hard at whatever we do and
trust God for our prosperity. The greatest prosperity for any Christian is the saving
knowledge of Jesus Christ.
June 15, 2025
This year, we went over Psalm 128 for Father’s Day. Psalm 128 highlights the blessings
of a godly home. The poet begins with the blessing of a person who fears the Lord and
walks in His ways. Theologians say it’s a fear in the sense of holy awe that is the proper
attitude. It’s also not merely those who fear the Lord that are blessed but those who fear
the Lord and “walk in his ways.” Right thinking leads to right acting. A faithful walk is
what pleases God. The psalmist goes on to say a man who does this will benefit from
the fruit of their labors. Their spouse will be a joy to them and their children will be the
symbols of an abundant life. These are proverbial truths meaning they are truths in
general. Blessings come in various ways to various people who fear God and walk in
his ways. The psalmist concludes by highlighting that the blessings even go outward
into the community. Although Christianity is personal, it is never private. Blessing are
always incomplete until they embrace other people too. In conclusion, the blessings of
a person who fears God and walks in his ways begin individually, reaches out to our
families and eventually blesses the communities we live in.
June 8, 2025
This week we covered the forming of Israel contained in Genesis 29:31-30:24. From the
text, Jacob had twelve sons that became the fathers of the twelve tribes of Israel from
whom millions and millions of Jewish people come today. One would think that the
blessing of such a large and long awaited family would come with joy and happiness.
Actually, the opposite was true. Six of Jacob’s sons were born of Leah. It was a great
blessing for her, but she was the wife Jacob did not want. She was very frustrated.
Rachel, the wife Jacob loved, could not have any children. In spite of her favorable
position, she was every bit as miserable as Leah. In conclusion, the story of Leah and
Rachel teaches us that God is sovereign. We’re not to compete with others; we’re not to
compete for people’s affection. We’re here to please God first and foremost. God
doesn’t need our willful scheming or our bitter rivalries. What he needs and what he will
have is our total hearts and minds fully surrendered to him.
June 1, 2025
We began Genesis chapter 29 this week with a sermon titled, “Comeuppance.”
Comeuppance means getting what you deserve. We see that in the story of Jacob in
Genesis 29. In the story, Jacob finds his Uncle Laban and falls in love with Laban’s
youngest daughter, Rachel. Jacob says that he’ll work for Laban seven years to marry
Rachel. Laban agrees, but on Jacob’s wedding night, Laban substitutes Rachel’s oldest
sister, Leah, in for Rachel. Jacob complains that Laban deceived him, but he agrees to
work for Laban another seven years for Rachel’s hand in marriage. Laban agrees. the
story really highlights two principles. First, Jacob learned to grow in grace. Jacob was
always kind to Leah even though she deceived him. Secondly, the story shows that God
will not be mocked. We will sow what we reap. That’s why it is so important to strive to
turn from sin and to live an honest life in sight of the Lord and others. We will get our
“comeuppance” for a life of disobedience. Christians aren’t exempt from this principle.
Paul teaches in Galatians 6:7 the universal principle that a person will reap what they
sow.
May 25, 2025
This week, we talked about Jacob’s vow in verses 20-22 of Genesis 28. Theologians
say there are positive and negative points to Jacob’s vow. First, the positive. It was a
positive sign that Jacob recognized and appreciated the revelation of God to him. Also,
he knew that revelation necessitated a change of life. On the negative side, it did seem
Jacob’s vow concentrated on himself. He seemed to barter with God in that if God
would take care of him, then he would worship God. Next, Jacob set up a pillar to mark
the event and promised to give God a tenth of everything. Theologians say memorials
are not necessary. It’s more important that we listen to the words of Jesus. Also, we
don’t need to promise things back to God of what he freely gives. Our obligation is to
recognize all that we have is from him. In conclusion, God doesn’t rebuke Jacob for his
inadequate vow. God let it go and continued to work with Jacob where he was at in life.
God works that way with all of us too.
May 18, 2025
We talked about Jacob’s vision of a ladder from heaven to earth from Genesis 28:10-19.
On his way to his Uncle Laban, Jacob sleeps and has a dream where he sees a ladder
reaching from earth to heaven. At the top of the ladder, God proclaims a blessing on
Jacob. In our sermon, we highlighted the four aspects of God’s blessing designed
specifically to help Jacob. First, God emphasized his presence with Jacob. Theologians
say that this addressed Jacob’s sense of loneliness. God is with us too in our journeys.
Secondly, God reiterated the promise of land to Jacob. This was designed to help
Jacob’s feeling of poverty. Jacob left his home with nothing. God reminds Jacob that all
he sees will be for him and his descendents. We too as Christians have riches beyond
our imaginations. Christians have a heavenly kingdom and a promise to enjoy it with
Jesus and all those who love him. Thirdly, God’s word addressed Jacob’s humiliation.
This shows us that no matter how badly we may have acted, God is always able to use
us wherever we are. Finally, God addressed Jacob’s fear for the future. God tells Jacob
that he will return home. God watches over us to and guides our future. In conclusion,
Jacob’s story is very applicable to us today. Jesus is the ever-present companion to the
lonely. He is the wealth of the destitute. He is the glory of the disgraced, and he is the
mighty fortress to the fearful.
May 4, 2025
The story of Isaac’s family continued this week. In our section of Scripture for this week,
we see Isaac sending Jacob to Rachel’s brother, Laban. He did this, because Esau,
Jacob’s brother, was seeking to kill him. Isaac blesses Jacob again before he leaves to
Laban’s house. However, his blessing this time is a little different. It’s different, because,
theologians say, Isaac was different. Isaac began to see the covenant sovereignty of
God. Actually, Isaac uses a special Hebrew name for God as he blesses Jacob in
Genesis 28:3. Our Bible’s say “God Almighty,” and the Hebrew name used was “El
Shaddai.” This name is typically used by the Hebrews to higfhlight God’s omnipotence
or his “all-powerfulness.” It is a term of exaltation. We concluded our sermon by
highlighting the actual model of a family that Paul gives us in Ephesians 5:22-6:4. We
asked ourselves what produces the extraordinary effects of a godly household?
Theologians say it’s chiefly the death of the self. That death comes only when the
members of the family meet the Lord Jesus Christ. When one comes to Jesus and
surrenders their will to him, this type of godliness can happen.
April 27, 2025
This week, we went through the story of Jacob lying to his father to obtain his father’s
blessing. The overall point to the story seems to be that the sovereign will of God will be
done in spite of anyone’s opposition to it. There are four major players in the story:
Isaac, Rebekah, Esau and Jacob. Each person didn’t trust the other. Isaac wanted to
give the blessing to his favorite son. Rebekah wanted it to go to her favorite son
according to God’s plan. Jacob lied to steal the blessing and Esau schemed in the first
place with his father for the blessing. No one trusted anyone. In application to us, we
said that if we’re not trusting God and trying to do our own will instead of his - or even if
we’re trying to do his will but in our own way - we have to learn from this story that the
plotting of sin never works out and that the path of disobedience is always a rocky road.
April 20, 2025
We continued our Easter series through 1 Corinthians 15. This year, we highlighted
verses 29-34, which talk about the effects of denying the resurrection. Paul argues that
it’s unnecessary to baptize and it’s unnecessary to suffer if there is no resurrection. Paul
noted in verse 30 that he is in danger every hour. He said that he dies daily for the sake
of Christ in verse 31. His point seems to be that if there is no resurrection, if there is no
afterlife, we might as well enjoy the present time to the fullest. He says we should just,
“eat and drink for tomorrow we die” in verse 32. The absence of all hope of salvation
tends to lead people to abandon themselves to mere sensual enjoyments. Paul ends in
verse 34 by telling Christians to “wake up.” We shouldn’t fool ourselves. Evil
companionship corrupts good morals. If we don’t have a proper understanding of the
resurrection and of the general concepts of Christianity, we’ll go the way of the brutes.
April 18,2025
April 13, 2025
This Palm Sunday, we reviewed Psalm 94 under the title of “God the Righteous Judge.”
In this Psalm, the writer notes that the wicked seem to triumph. It’s a theme picked up
on in the Book of Ecclesiastes. However, the psalmist reminds us that vengeance is the
Lord’s. It is God who will ultimately avenge. The psalmist warns the wicked to not think
that God doesn’t see or hear what they are doing. God will judge properly and at the
proper time. The psalmist then encourages God’s people to be instructed and learn
from the law of God. God will never abandon or forsake his people. The psalmist then
adds personal testimony to this fact. God had helped him “when his foot was slipping.”
The psalm ends by telling us how we as God’s people are to live in this crazy world.
We’re to live by faith. It is through faith that we’re saved, and it is faith that will help us
navigate through the mountains of life. We rejoice in God who actually sees and who
will both punish sin and vindicate the righteous. We have His word on it.
April 6, 2025
We finished our sermon titled “Sins of the Parents” this week. We picked up our sermon
where Isaac was loitering around and compromising himself with the Philistines. God
prospered Isaac even though he was living outside his revealed will. But, the Scriptures
say that problems came to Isaac too. The Philistines began to envy him. They told him
to leave, and they gave him a hard time by stopping up his water wells. It wasn’t until he
finally came home to Beersheba that God appeared to him again. In application to us,
we said that God works differently with each individual to try to bring you back home to
Him. Many are running from God even though He may be blessing their life. Others,
God may trouble your path to get you home. God works through many different
circumstances and different methods for each of us, but we should make no mistake
about His design. His design is to bring us back home where we can worship and
receive the bounty of His blessings. Today, in New Testament times, it means coming
to Jesus Christ. God is reaching out to all of us today through His Son, Jesus Christ.
God calls all of us to repent and put our trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ
alone. Only when we come home to Jesus can we enter into the joy and peace only
God can bring.
March 30, 2025
We began a sermon this week titled, “Sins of the Parents.” The Lord warns us about the
sins of the parents in the Second Commandment. Theologians say what the Second
Commandment is trying to teach is that the punishment for the father’s sin may be the
sin itself. In other words, the children may repeat the parents’ sin and suffer for it. That
seems to be what happened here in our text of Genesis 26. Abraham’s son, Isaac,
repeated the same sins as his father. Isaac was going to Egypt in the middle of a famine
and he also lied about his wife, Rebekah, being his sister. It was the same sins as his
father, Abraham. We can break the cycle of the sins of our parents only by coming to
the Lord Jesus Christ. He alone can create in us a new heart that is fervent to please
God. It is in Christ alone that we put our trust for forgiveness and life transforming
power.
March 23, 2025
This week, we went over the story of Esau selling his birthright in Genesis 25:27-34.
The author of Hebrews refers to this story in a warning to Christians not to be immoral
or godless like Esau. In this story, Esau comes in from the field and was weary. He asks
Jacob for some stew, and Jacob agrees to it if he gives Jacob his birthright. Esau
thought lowly of his birthright, so it wasn’t a big deal to him to give it to Jacob. He gladly
gave it away for food and rest. Scholars say Esau sought so little of the spiritual
advantages of his birthright that he virtually threw it away. Esau was no heathen. He
was raised in a home with an abundance of spiritual advantages. Theologians say that
is exactly the application for us. Are we, as a Christian people, throwing away our
birthright of a Christian background for the savory but passing stew of this world? No
people in history are as blessed as us who live in a great country and have complete
access to the Bible and biblical churches. Let us not throw this heritage away. Let us do
all we can to establish the visible, living fellowship of Jesus’ disciples on this earth.
March 16, 2025
We went back to the Book of Genesis this week . We picked up right after the death of
Abraham to the lines of his two sons: Ishmael and Isaac. Isaac’s line was the line of
promise. Isaac had two sons: Esau and Jacob. The Apostle Paul in the Book of Romans
takes us to the story of Esau and Jacob to highlight God’s sovereign grace. In the
natural way, Esau was born first and he was the most vigorous son. It was natural that
the messianic line should go through his line. However, Esau was not God’s choice.
Jacob was God’s choice for carrying on the messianic line. God’s choice was all of his
grace. Paul writes in Romans 9 that before the twins were born, before they had done
anything good or bad, God chose Jacob in order that God’s purpose and election might
stand. God’s grace through His sovereign eternal purpose is difficult for us to
understand, but it is taught everywhere in the Bible. The Bible teaches both God’s
sovereign grace and human responsibility. Actually, God’s sovereign, saving grace is
the only hope of success we have as we proclaim the gospel to those around us.
March 9, 2025
We concluded the Gospel of Matthew this week by reviewing the Great Commission
from Matthew 28:16-20. We highlighted the four universals of the commission. First,
Jesus said all authority is given to him. The point seems to be that the Father confers
upon the Son, by virtue of his atoning death and triumph over death, the right to
exercise authority universally. Second, Jesus says to make disciples of “all nations.”
There are no differences in the church of Jesus Christ. There are no distinctions in
nationalities, in genders, in race, in social status or in anything. Christianity is a faith for
all of mankind. Thirdly, Jesus commanded us to teach “all things” that he commanded
us. This means that for all Christians a lifetime of learning must follow our entrance into
Jesus’ church. Finally, Jesus says that he will be with us “always.” Jesus will never
leave us nor forsake us. In conclusion, the Great Commission has given us, the church
of Jesus Christ, the task of telling all people the good news of Jesus Christ.
March 2, 2025
We opened Matthew 28 with a discussion of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Our
sermon focused on the four imperative verbs in verses 6-7. The angel told the women
who visited the grave four things. First, the angel said to “come.” There were many
things that could have kept the women away from the tomb of Jesus. However, the
angel told them to come, and they recognized the call from God’s messenger and they
came. Secondly, the angel told them to “see” where the Lord had laid. They needed to
see that his tomb was empty. Jesus has conquered death and the grave. Thirdly, the
angel told them to “go.” No matter how tempting it may have been to hang around the
tomb and learn from its lessons, we all must go. There is work to be done, and we must
get on with it. Finally, the angel told them to “tell.” The greatest news that the world has
ever heard is that Jesus Christ has been raised from the dead. In conclusion, we can all
learn from the four imperatives of the angel to the women that first Easter morning. The
gospel of Jesus Christ really is the “good news” that the world needs to hear.
February 23, 2025
We talked about the burial of Jesus Christ this week. It covered Matthew 27:57-66. The
burial of Jesus Christ was important for several reasons. First, theologians say Christ’s
burial proves that Jesus was really dead. They wanted to end any type of “swoon”
theory where Jesus only “seemed” dead. The detail provided in all the gospels point to
the fact that Jesus did literally die. Secondly, theologians say the burial of Christ fulfilled
Scripture. Matthew notes in 27:57 that Joseph of Arimethea was a “rich” man. This was
in fulfillment of Isaiah 53:9. Finally, theologians say the burial of Christ had theological
significance. Scholars note the apostle Paul speaks of Christians being “buried with
Jesus in his death.” What’s fascinating to scholars is that Paul discusses this while
talking about the Christian life. Paul uses it to explain why believers cannot just continue
in sin. The Christian has not only died to sin. Paul says we’ve also been “buried” to it.
For a Christian to go back to sin, once we’re been united to Christ is like digging up a
dead body.
February 16, 2025
This week, we highlighted four miracles that Matthew records at the death of Jesus
Christ on the cross of Calvary. The first miracle was darkness from noon to three-o-
clock in the afternoon. There really is a gap in the narrative during this three hours.
However, we know that it was during this time that Jesus took the burden of our sins.
The second miracle was the tearing of the temple veil. The veil was a curtain that
separated the Holy Place from the Holiest of Holies in the temple building. The Holiest
of Holies was where the high priest would meet with God at the ark of the covenant
once per year to make atonement for the people. The veil, in a sense, said that you
could come so far to God but no farther. When Jesus died, everything that the Old
Testament sacrifices pointed to was fulfilled. The way to Almighty God was now open to
all who would trust in Jesus, which is symbolized by the tearing of the veil. The third
miracle was the earthquake at Christ’s death. Theologians say this earthquake parallels
the giving of the law at Sinai. The law came through Moses, but grace and truth came
through Jesus Christ. Finally, we talked about the resurrections of Old Testament saints
at the death and resurrection of Christ. Matthew doesn’t elaborate on the resurrections,
and theologians think that this resurrection was a foretaste or pledge to the final
resurrection of all who believe in Jesus. In conclusion, many miracles accompanied the
death of Jesus Christ pointing to his final sacrifice for his people.
February 9, 2025
Our text this week was Matthew 27:32-44, which concentrates on the crucifixion of
Jesus. Verse 32 begins by telling of a man named Simon from Cyrene who was drafted
by the Roman soldiers to carry Jesus’ cross. Scholars say that a condemned person
usually carried his own cross, but Jesus must have been so weakened by the beatings
to actually do it. Scholars think Simon and his household ended up being converted.
Matthew then goes on to explain the gambling for Christ’s clothes as written in the
prophets. All the gospels record Jesus’ death, but each gospel has its own special
emphasis. Matthews’s emphasis seems to be the insults or the mocking by those
passing by and by the leaders. Again, this was in fulfillment with the Old Testament
Psalms. We concluded by highlighting the substitutive atonement of Christ. In other
words, Jesus endured the cross in our place. The cross was God’s punishment for our
sins. God made him who knew no sin, sin for us, that in him, we might become the
righteousness of God. We trust in Jesus alone to free us from sins penalty, curse,
power and eventually from its very presence.
February 2, 2025
We concluded Matthew 27 this week with a sermon titled, “The Roman Trial.” Ancient
Rome was known for their procedures, comprehensiveness and systemization of their
laws. One would think the Roman trial would be easy to understand, but this part of
Jesus’ trial was the exact opposite. Pontius Pilate, who was not known historically for
his scruples, seems to see what was going on with Jesus and tried to do everything he
could to acquit him. Scholars aren’t sure why Pilate would do that. Some say he was
impressed with Jesus. The Scriptures seem to indicate this. Verse 14 says that Pilate
did “marvel greatly” at Jesus’ silence. Matthew also seems to indicate that Pilate’s wife’s
dream had an influence. Verse 19 says that Pilate’s wife wrote him a note while he was
on his judgment seat saying to have nothing to do with Jesus. Jesus was a just man.
This does seem to influence Pilate. However, there was an uproar going on, and Pilate
was worried about a poor report the emperor might get if he let Jesus go. Pilate liked to
think he was innocent and washed his hands of the matter. It’s ironic, because Pilate
was not innocent. Pilate, like many of us, thought he could be neutral with Jesus. No
one can be neutral concerning Jesus Christ. Jesus is before each of us today as much
as he was physically before Pilate. We must repent and trust in him alone as our Lord,
Savior and King.
January 26, 2025
January 19, 2025
This week, we came to the point in Matthew’s gospel of Peter’s fall. James Boice in his
commentary noted four things we can learn from Peter’s fall. First, Peter did not believe
Jesus’ warning. Jesus warned all his disciples that he would be struck, and they would
be scattered. We like Peter often don’t believe God’s Word. Secondly, Peter looked
down on the other disciples. Peter told Jesus even if everyone else left him, he would
not. We are not stronger than anyone else. There is no sin another believer can do that
we’re not capable of doing ourselves. Thirdly, Peter failed to pray. Peter was told to
pray, but he didn’t. He fell asleep like the others. Finally, Peter thought it was safe to be
in bad company. The people in the courtyard were not friends of Jesus. If we want to
live a Christian life, we must not spend too much time with Jesus’ enemies. In
conclusion, there are many things we can learn from Peter’s fall to apply to our lives.
January 12, 2025
We picked up on the Jewish trial of Jesus this week in Matthew’s gospel. There seemed
to be three parts to Jesus’ Jewish trial. First, Jesus was taken to Annas who was the
high priest from a Jewish perspective at the time. This is recorded in John’s gospel.
Second, Jesus was taken to Caiaphas, because Caiaphas was appointed by Rome as
the high priest. This is the trial recorded in all the synoptic gospels. Finally, Jesus meets
with the entire Sanhedrin the following morning of Caiaphas’ trial. There were so many
illegalities of Jesus’ Jewish trial, but they did try to stick to some form of Mosaic law.
That occurred with the calling of witnesses. However, the witnesses didn’t agree. With
the case falling apart, Caiaphas pulls a brilliant political move. He asks Jesus point
blank under an oath of God if he is the Messiah and the Son of God. The brilliance of
Caiaphas’ question is the linking of the Messiah with the divinity of God’s Son. Jesus
answers and emphatic “yes,” and he is declared guilty by the entire Jewish leadership.
January 5, 2025
We returned to the Gospel of Matthew this week with a sermon titled, “The Betrayal.”
Matthew 26:47 starts out saying that a bunch of folks were coming to take Jesus away
to the high priest. In the front was Jesus’ betrayer, Judas Iscariot. Matthew says that
someone took out a sword and struck the high priest servant in the ear. John tells us
that it was Peter and the servant’s name was Malchus. Luke tells us Jesus healed
Malchus’ ear, and Jesus rebuked Peter for drawing his sword. Jesus told the group that
everything was being fulfilled according to the Scriptures. For Jesus, it was more
important that the Scripture be fulfilled than that he should escape suffering.
Theologians say that Christians are citizens of both God’s kingdom and the world’s
kingdoms. As citizens of both, Christians are allowed to bear arms for their country.
What is forbidden in the Bible is the attempt to advance Christianity by forcing other
people to be Christians. The sword should never be used to propagate or maintain the
gospel. The power of the Christian is the Word of God and the gospel - not the sword.
Out battle is not for political power. It’s the battle of ideas.
December 29, 2024
This New Year’s, we took a look at a section of Scripture from the Epistle of James. In
James 4:1-10, the apostle highlights that our confrontations often come from our own
selfishness. Selfishness leads not only to wrong conduct but also to wrong prayer. This
war within ourselves can quickly slide into a war with God. How? By friendship with the
world. James warns us against getting to close to a world that is anti-God and anti-
Christ. James then closes on several things that we can do to help against worldliness.
First, he says that we need to submit ourselves to God. In other words, we need to put
God first in our lives. Secondly, James says we need to draw near to God. A theologian
said, “nearness is likeness.” The more we are like God, the nearer we will come to him.
Finally, James says we need to humble ourselves in the sight of God. We need to
realize that we’re a work in progress and that we need to come up with strategies to
help us grown in our Christian walk.
December 22, 2024
We concluded our advent series this week with a sermon titled, “The Fullness of Time.”
It covered Galatians 4:1-11. In the text, Paul writes that mankind is under the bondage
of the “elements of the world.” The consensus among theologians is that we’re enslaved
by the cosmic powers of the present darkness of the age. It is in this scenario that God
decides to intervene. God sends His Son from heaven on a rescue mission. Through
Christ’s holy life and sacrifice on Calvary, we are redeemed and adopted into the family
of God. Life outside of Jesus holds us captive. Interestingly, Paul notes that even those
of us who have received God’s Spirit can fall back into slavery. We can all make
choices that turn us away from the grace of God to embrace once again former things of
bondage. It’s a word of warning to the church today. We need to maintain the simplicity
and integrity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
December 15, 2024
We continued our advent messages in Galatians chapter 3 this week. We highlighted
verses 26-29 where Paul tells us that all of us are already children of God through faith.
No other action is necessary. The Galatian believers did not need circumcision; they
didn’t need to observe any other religious holidays. Paul’s point is that all who are “in
Christ” are now God’s children. Paul then goes on to highlight the unity in Christ by
focusing on three institutions of his time that divided people. He highlighted that in
Christ is neither Jew or Greek. In other words, there are no religious distinctions in
Jesus. Secondly, he highlights that there is no longer slave or free in Christ. Distinctions
in social classes are negated in the new creation. Finally, Paul notes that there is no
longer male and female in Christ’s kingdom. In Christ’s community, gender distinctions
have lost their power to divide. It doesn’t mean those “in Christ” cease to be men or
women. Rather, it’s that those distinctions are no longer grounds for status or exclusion.
Paul concludes by stating that all believers are united to Christ through faith. Therefore,
they all participate equally in the same privilege as joint heirs according to the promise
to Abraham.
December 8, 2024
We began our advent season by looking at a passage of Scripture from Galatians. The
passage dealt with the purpose of the law. Paul, in Galatians 3;19-25, highlights two
main purposes of the law in the Old Testament. First, he says it was given because of
“transgressions.” In other words, the law was added to show humanities sinfulness as a
willful, conscious, explicit “stepping over” the divine revealed will. Paul also noted that
the law was given “until the Seed should come.” (vs 19). The law was designed to be in
effect only until Christ’s coming. Secondly, Paul highlights that the law was our “tutor”
(vs 24). In other words, the law taught what was holy and what was not. It was, in a
sense, confining, guarding God’s people between Moses and Jesus of Nazareth. In
conclusion, Paul emphasized that the law was good and holy, but its commission had
ended. It was never meant to be a means of justification or a means of new life. New life
(rebirth) comes only in Jesus Christ through exercising saving faith. It has always been
that way saved by grace through faith.
December 1, 2024
After the Passover supper, Jesus goes to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. Jesus’
prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane is where he asked if it were possible, that the cup
he had been given to drink could somehow be taken from him. It really is a time Jesus
displays his full humanity. His heart was heavy an in his prayer, we can learn four
things. First, Jesus teaches that prayer is to be directed to God and that we can call
God “Father.” Jesus taught us to pray to God as children coming to our Father in
heaven. He uses the Greek term “Abba” for father signifying the intimate speech of a
child to their father in everyday family life. Secondly, Jesus teaches us that prayer
should be according to God’s will. Effective prayer deliberately submits to God’s will.
Thirdly, Jesus teaches us to be persistent in our prayer. Jesus prayed to God three
times in the garden. Finally, we should pray in faith expecting an answer. The answer
won’t always be what we anticipate, but we should expect God to answer somehow. In
conclusion, if we stand in Christ - if we come to him, if we pray to him seeking the
strength he makes available, we’ll be able to resist the temptations in life. Jesus is
always making intercession on our behalf to God the Father.
November 24, 2024
We covered Psalm 28 this Thanksgiving season. In this psalm, David highlights the
necessity of persistent prayer. Jesus told his disciples in Luke 18 to always pray and not
give up. Jesus said to “not lose heart.” In psalm 28, David pleads with God not to be
silent to him. He asks God to keep him from being dragged along with the wicked into
their evil schemes. David was aware that he was capable to behave exactly like the
wicked. He needed God’s grace to keep him holy. David then thanks God for hearing
him. Giving thanks for answered prayer is a good model for us to follow. In Luke’s
gospel, when Jesus healed ten lepers, only one came back to thank him. David
concludes the psalm by including all the Lord’s people. The psalm up to this point had
been extremely personal. In verse 7, David calls the Lord “my strength, my shield.” But
in 8, he says the Lord is “their strength.” It’s a perfect ending for the author who was
also the king of Israel - a great people of God.
November 17, 2024
While all the evil plotting against Jesus was going on, Jesus collects his disciples for
one final time of fellowship before his crucifixion. The center point of this fellowship was
the institution of the Lord’s Supper. This highlight of the evening was bracketed by two
events: Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial. The whole text shows that Jesus was
actually in charge. He directs his disciples to setup the Passover meal in verses 18-19
of Matthew 26. Jesus also knew about his betrayer, Judas. Theologians say that this
was all very purposive. Jesus was in charge and voluntarily, willingly gave himself up for
us. We moved from there to the institution of the Lord’s Supper. We went over the
various ways that people have looked at Jesus words: literally or figuratively. The main
consensus is Jesus’ words “This is my body” should not be taken literally or woodenly.
The plain meaning is obvious - “This bread represents my body.” We concluded with
Peter’s denial. Peter, like all of us, didn’t take into account his own weakness. It should
be comforting for us to know that Christianity is exactly for people who are weak just like
these disciples.
November 10, 2024
We began Matthew chapter 26 this week. The chapter begins with the Jewish
leadership’s plot to arrest and crucify Jesus. At the very time the leaders were plotting to
kill Jesus, another person was preparing for his death in a totally opposite way. Mary of
Bethany took an expensive perfume and poured it on Jesus. She did this for Jesus’
burial. Mary understood what Jesus was going to do, and she loved him for it. She gave
all that she had - her best. It was a sacrificial giving. Jesus understood what she did and
instead of making her action a memorial to him, Jesus made it a memorial to her. It’s a
good lesson for us. Building people’s lives, sharing our possessions and giving
ourselves to others is the best memorial that we can have.
November 3, 2024
We concluded Matthew 25 this week with a story exclusive to the Gospel of Matthew.
It’s the story of the sheep and goats. One would think the parable is relatively
straightforward, but it doesn’t seem to be the case. The ambiguity comes around verse
40 where Jesus refers to how one treats the “least of these My brethren.” Who is he
talking about? The consensus among theologians is that Jesus is talking about how
people relate to his disciples. In other words, the evidence of our new birth is revealed
by how one relates to Christ’s followers, which ultimately means how one relates to him.
Jesus concludes the story by noting that the goats will go away into everlasting
punishment and the righteous to everlasting life. Jesus’ parable of the sheep and goats
is designed to warn us. He’s warning us to be careful to think we’re right with God when
we’re not. If we’re not right with him, we won’t be ready when he comes.
October 27, 2024
For Reformation Sunday 2024, we went over the life of D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Martyn
Lloyd-Jones is regarded as the person most responsible for reestablishing expository
preaching in the church in the twentieth century. Martyn was born in Wales, England in
1899. His parents lived a simple and hardworking life running a general store. They
moved to London where Martyn’s father bought a local dairy business. Martyn rose
each morning at 5:30AM to deliver milk to the local homes. Martyn was a gifted student.
At the age of 21, he earned a medicine degree, and he was soon an apprentice to the
physician of the royal family. He continued to have a meteoric rise in the health
profession. However, life seemed fleeting and empty to Martyn. Even though he was a
religious person who went to church every Sunday, he realized that he was spiritually
dead. At the age of 25, Martyn repented of his sin and placed his faith in Jesus Christ
alone. In 1926, Martyn left medicine to become a preacher. He ended up pastoring
Westminster Chapel in central London for 25 years. In 1968, the preaching ministry of
Martyn came to an unexpected end at Westminster Chapel. Jones was found to have
colon cancer, and he retired from Westminster. Martyn Lloyd-Jones passed away in
1981. His resolve was to preach the person and work of Christ. To this calling, he
remained true until his death.
October 20, 2024
We looked at the second of three parables that Jesus gives about his Second Coming
in Matthew 25. It was the parable of the talents. In the parable, three servants are given
five, two and one talent, respectively. A talent is a unit of measure and not an actual
value. The servants with five and two talents doubled their gifts. The servant with one
talent hid their talent and gave his master exactly what he had been given. The servant
with one talent thought of his master harshly and didn’t want to lose what was given to
him. the master wasn’t actually a harsh person, so the servant with one talent really
didn’t know or relate to his master. The master took the talent from him and cast the
servant out. Theologians stress that the main point of the story is that waiting for Jesus’
return is not a passive matter. It is actually an active matter where Jesus’ disciples must
work energetically and faithfully for him now. We can’t just sit and wait for the end of
time. Christians must realize that they are servants who owe their master to improve
what he entrusts to them. Let us all work diligently for Jesus’ kingdom while we wait for
him to return. We don’t want to propagate a “do nothing” Christianity and be caught
making excuses before him when we meet him.
October 13, 2024
We began Matthew 25 this week with a sermon titled, “Parable of the Ten Virgins.” In
this parable, ten young women are invited to a marriage feast. Five are wise by planning
for a possible delay and five are unwise by not preparing. All the women fall asleep
when a sudden cry comes out that the bridegroom is here. The wise women get up and
trim their lamps. The others realize they are out of oil and ask to borrow some. The wise
women say “no,” because there may not be enough for either of them. The foolish
women go to buy oil and when they do, the bridegroom comes. The foolish women
come back and ask to enter the wedding feast. The bridegroom tells them that he
doesn’t know them. “Watch, therefore” Jesus warns at the end of the parable. The
parable continues the theme of Christ’s quick and sudden return from chapter 24. The
parable also deals with the visible church in that the differentiation here is between
people waiting for the bridegroom. The visible church contains both wheat and tares as
Jesus spoke before. It will be the crisis of Christ’s coming that will separate the wise
from the foolish.
October 6, 2024
We concluded Matthew Chapter 24 this week with a sermon titled “Be Ready.” Jesus
uses several illustrations at the end of Chapter 24 to highlight our need to be ready
when he comes again. First, he highlights the days of Noah. In that story, the judgment
of God came quickly and suddenly. Those who were not prepared drowned. The same
will be when Jesus comes again. The world will be largely unbelieving when he comes.
They will be just going about their normal business. The second illustration Jesus uses
is that of a sudden separation. Two will be working in the field or grinding at the mill and
one will be taken away and one will be left. Jesus really doesn’t explain how this is to
happen yet alone when. The point seems to be that people closely associated with each
other will be separated by the unexpected coming. Thirdly, Jesus explains his coming
like a thief in the night. One won’t even realize that he has came. Finally, Jesus talks
about being a faithful servant. Faithful service is continuing to carry out the things Jesus
has told us to do while we remain in this world. In conclusion, all these stories highlight
the need for Christians to be ready for his coming. If we’re faithful all the time, we won’t
have to worry about when the Master returns.
September 29, 2024
Our sermon this week covered the beginning of Matthew 24. The Chapter starts with the
disciples showing Jesus the great buildings of the temple complex. Jesus tells them that
“not one stone shall be left upon another.” The disciples then ask him two questions:
when will these things be and what will be the sign of your coming and the end of the
age? Jesus answers their question in part. In verses 4-14, Jesus highlights many bad
things that will happen, but which in and of themselves are not signs of the end. He then
moves to the destruction of Jerusalem in verses 15-28. Finally, he notes the time of his
coming in verses 29-35. This is the tough section to understand, and it centers around
the timing. We went over the major ways theologians have handled the timing, but the
issue has perplexed scholars for millennia. We concluded by trying to highlight some
practical applications for us today. The things we need to watch out for are making sure
that we’re not deceived. Jesus warns us a lot about deception in this discourse. We also
have to be settled, resting in God even in times of war and threats of war. Finally, we
need to endure to the end. The perseverance of the saints is worked out in space and
time.
September 22, 2024
We finished our sermon on the eight woes this week. We ended with the last two woes.
Woe #7 came from verse 27 of Matthew 23, and it highlights the wickedness within.
Jesus uses a well-know illustration of a whitewashed tomb to indicate the problem of
being clean only on the outside. The final woe was the murder of God’s prophets. The
last woe is both the climax and the most damning accusation. It was a charge that the
Pharisees were the true sons of their ancestral fathers who killed the prophets sent to
then. We concluded the sermon by highlighting Israel’s judgment in verses 31-39.
Catastrophic and unprecedented judgment was about to befall Israel. It would fall on her
leaders, her people, her capital and her temple. Such will be God’s response to the
nation’s accumulated sins and now in her repudiation of His Son. Jesus laments over
Jerusalem in verse 37. It shows his final lament and prophecy on Israel’s leaders were
spoken more with tears than with wrath.
September 15, 2024
September 8, 2024
Sept. 1, 2024
We concluded our sermon on “The Hypocrisy of the Pharisees” this week. We finished
with the last hypocrisy, which was pride. The Pharisees loved the best seats at all the
public appearances. They loved the nice titles they received. What’s important to realize
is that it’s not the titles or the seats that are the important thing. The problem was
“loving” them. It was the resentment they felt if they didn’t get the recognition they felt
they deserved. They loved the titles of honor and respect - the greetings in the
marketplace. Jesus taught that his disciples had to be different in verses 8-12 of
Matthew 23. Jesus says in these verses that we shouldn’t seek the distinctions from
others on a spiritual basis. We’re to be brothers and sisters. We have one teacher -
Christ, and one Father - God. Now, a majority of scholars say that Jesus lessons here
are spiritual. We shouldn’t take them “woodenly.” The spiritual truth that Jesus is
teaching is that we as his disciples should not seek after such-like titles to “love” them.
We’re not to set out hearts on them. Jesus concludes by teaching that his disciples are
to be self-effacing and humble.
Aug. 25, 2024
We began Chapter 23 of Matthew this week. Many theologians think that Matthew 23 is
probably a collection of things Jesus said not only on this occasion but at other
occasions as well. The chapter begins with a public warning to the crowds of the
hypocrisy of the Pharisees. We highlighted three hypocrisies this week. The first was
hypocrisy itself. Verse 3 of Matthew 23 says, “they say, and do not do.” In other words,
they don’t practice what they preach. They allow themselves in the sins that they
condemn in others. Secondly, they were indifferent. They didn’t care about the heavy
burdens that they laid on people. They added so much minutiae to the Sabbath that
they made the day a burden on people’s shoulders rather than a joy to their hearts.
Finally, we went over their propensity to be all show and no go. They liked their works to
be seen by people. In conclusion, we said these are traps that we can all easily fall into.
Yes, we must do good works that God may be glorified and not ourselves. If we
remember the tender mercies and forgiveness God give us, it’ll protect us from being
harsh to others.
Aug. 18, 2024
In verse 41 of Matthew 22, Jesus turns to the Pharisees and asks them a question,
“What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?” It seems the Pharisees saw
the question as a “no brainer.” They answer him that the Christ is “David’s Son.” This
does seem like the correct response. The Old Testament teaches that one of David’s
natural descendents would reign on his throne forever. Jesus then turns an apparently
easy question into a profound and actually very searching question. In verse 43, Jesus
asks, “How then does David in the Spirit call him Lord?” (Psalm 110:1) In other words,
no father calls his son “Lord.” Sons are subservient to their fathers. The only way this
could happen was if the Messiah were more than a mere man. He would have to be a
divine Messiah - that is God in the flesh. Jesus is a divine Messiah and Savior. He is
both God and man. Being a “descendent of David” is linked to Jesus’ human nature
while the “Son of God” is linked to His divine nature. This conclusion is the very essence
of Christianity. The person and work of Jesus Christ is central to the Christian gospel.
Such an uncanny truth requires a response. It’s the response of the gospel. “If you
confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him
from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9).
Aug. 11, 2024
We finished our sermon this week on the ways the Pharisees tried to trap Christ from
Matthew 22:15-40. We talked about the Pharisees question on taxes last week, so we
picked up this week on the second question about the resurrection. In verses 23-28, the
Sadducees propose a hypothetical situation in which a woman is married seven times
having been left a widow six times. Their question was at the resurrection, whose wife
would she be? Jesus had a twofold rebuke. He said they didn’t know their Scriptures
and secondly, they didn’t know the power of God. Jesus takes them back to Exodus 3:6
where God tells Moses that he is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God talks
about his relationship with the patriarchs in the present tense. This indicates that they
must still then be alive in heaven. Because they didn’t know the Scriptures, they didn’t
know the power of God. Relationships will be different in the resurrection. Finally, a
lawyer asks Jesus what is the greatest commandment? Jesus has a twofold answer -
we’re to love God with all that we are and we’re to love our neighbor as yourself. Jesus
teaches us that true religion consists of a perfect love for God and for other human
beings.
Aug. 4, 2024
In Matthew 22:15-40, we see the various ways in which the religious leaders try to trap
Christ. In each of these traps, Jesus not only vindicates himself, but he actually teaches
on each occasion. the first trap came from the most unlikely of alliances. The Pharisees
team up with the Herodians to ask Jesus if it was right to pay taxes? It seemed like a
no-win question for Jesus. If he answered yes, it would discredit him with a lot of
people. Most people at the time hated Rome and the Roman taxes were considered a
great burden. Conversely, if Jesus said no, then the leaders would denounce him as a
dangerous insurrectionist. Jesus answers the question by stating to “give to Caesar whit
is Caesars and to God the things of God. Here, Jesus teaches there is a God-given
authority to civil government but there are limits to that as well.
July 28, 2024
July 21, 2024
Our scriptures this week covered two parables: the parables of the sons and tenants. In
the parable of the two sons, each son was told by his father to go and work in the
vineyard. One said he would not but afterward repented and went. The other son said
he would go, but he actually didn’t go. Jesus then asks, “Which one did the will of his
father?” The answer is the first. Scholars say the son who said he would obey his father
but didn’t actually represents the chief priests and elders. Conversely, the son who
rejected his father’s command but later did what his father wanted represents tax
collectors and prostitutes. They had been in rebellion against God’s standards, but now,
many repented of their particular sins and came to Jesus. In the parable of the
vinedressers, the disobedient spirit is worse. This parable tells of men had been given
the responsibility to manage a vineyard for the owner and actually mistreated the
owner’s servants and at last killed the owner’s son. The owner who represents God.
The Son is Jesus and the servants are the prophets. The parable highlights how bitter
sinners can be of God and others. Jesus ends the parables with a warning of judgment.
The God who freely offers salvation to all will also judge in righteousness.
July 14, 2024
This week, we picked up on the story of Jesus coming to a fig tree only to find no fruit
on it. Jesus then judges the tree, which ends up withering away. We noted that we can’t
take this story as Jesus just getting mad at a fig tree and just being petty that it didn’t
have any fruit. No, Jesus was teaching a spiritual lesson here. The cursing of the fig
tree was a powerful, symbolic action. Jesus was using the fig tree as an illustration of
the hypocrisy of the Jewish religion. The hypocrisy of a religious profession without the
practice of fruit. It’s like a fig tree that advertises fruit with leaves only to come to find out
there’s no fruit on the tree at all. A religion like that will always try up and wither away.
That’s what Judaism at the time of Jesus had become. The leadership had turned God’s
house of prayer into a den of thieves. It really is a warning to all of us. We can’t just
focus on the outward things of religion but lack the real fruit of spirituality.
July 7, 2024
This week, we picked up on the story of Jesus coming to a fig tree only to find no fruit
on it. Jesus then judges the tree, which ends up withering away. We noted that we can’t
take this story as Jesus just getting mad at a fig tree and just being petty that it didn’t
have any fruit. No, Jesus was teaching a spiritual lesson here. The cursing of the fig
tree was a powerful, symbolic action. Jesus was using the fig tree as an illustration of
the hypocrisy of the Jewish religion. The hypocrisy of a religious profession without the
practice of fruit. It’s like a fig tree that advertises fruit with leaves only to come to find out
there’s no fruit on the tree at all. A religion like that will always try up and wither away.
That’s what Judaism at the time of Jesus had become. The leadership had turned God’s
house of prayer into a den of thieves. It really is a warning to all of us. We can’t just
focus on the outward things of religion but lack the real fruit of spirituality.
June 30, 2024
Chapter 21 marks the beginning of the end for the ministry of Jesus. Chapter 21 begins
with the triumphal entry into Jerusalem by Jesus, and it sets in motion the last week of
Christ’s life. The climatic events begin with Palm Sunday, and each of the gospels
records this event. Interestingly, the triumphal entry was ordered by Jesus. He told the
disciples exactly what to do to get a donkey that he rides into the city. Why did Jesus
enter this way? He didn’t have to ride anything. He walked most of the way to
Jerusalem, so why enter now in such a manner? Obviously, Jesus was trying to make a
statement. Matthew provides some insight into what Jesus was thinking by quoting a
prophecy from Zechariah (vs 5). Zechariah’s prophecy is about Israel’s coming king. It
says the king will come on the back of a donkey. He would come in a lowly, humble
fashion. It symbolized that Jesus was coming in peace. He wasn’t riding a creature of
state but of service. The crowd bursted into praise by quoting Psalm 118. However,
their praise was shallow in that their confession of Jesus as king and Messiah on
Sunday would be drowned by cries of “crucify him” by Thursday and Friday.
June 23, 2024
This week, we finished Matthew chapter 20 with a sermon titled, “A Ransom for Many.”
In it, Jesus predicts his death for a third time in the Gospel. This time, he adds the fact
that the people would turn him over to the Gentiles where he would be mocked and
scourged.” He then moves to tell the disciples what leadership in his kingdom would be
like. The mother of James and John comes to Jesus and asks if her sons may sit on the
left and right sides of Jesus in his kingdom. The other disciples get mad at the brothers
when they hear about their request. Jesus used the opportunity to tell his disciples that
unlike Gentiles that rule by authority, it would not be so with his disciples. His disciples
would come to greatness through servitude. It’s a tough concept to grasp. Jesus came
to serve and give his life as a ransom. The concept of a ransom comes from the
language of the market place. It also brings in the Jewish concept of a “kinsman-
redeemer.” Jesus is our kinsman-redeemer. The chapter concludes with two blind men
asking Jesus for mercy. Jesus came to this earth to show mercy to serve and to give his
life as a ransom for many. When we ask Jesus for mercy, he will give it, and he will
open our eyes to spiritual truth.
June 16, 2024
Our Father’s Day sermon this year was titled, “Keeping the End in Mind,” and it came
from 2 Corinthians 2:14-16. In this Scripture, the Apostle Paul tells us not to lose heart.
Even though our external bodies are wasting away, our internal person is being
renewed day by day. In salvation, the Christian is reborn - newly created - becoming the
new self, which is constantly being renewed by grace. It’s such a paradoxical truth.
When believers are physically weak and at the end of their own resources, they can
actually be made spiritually strong. Why? Because life’s troubles, trials and difficulties
drive believers to humbly, prayerfully and hopefully depend on God. Paul concludes by
reminding us to keep an eternal perspective. The things of this world are temporary.
That’s why the allurements of this passing world were of no interest to the Apostle Paul.
In conclusion, fathers need to instill this eternal perspective in their families. Such
reminders won’t eliminate life’s issues, but it will deepen our holy longing for the
fulfillment of all of God’s promises.
June 9, 2024
Chapter 20 of Matthew opens up with a parable about workers in a vineyard. In the
parable, a landowner needed men to work in his vineyard, so he went out early in the
morning and hired all the workers he could find. He went out at other times of the day to
also hire workers. At the end of the day, he pays them all the same. The parable is clear
enough, but it is not without its difficulties. It seems a strange situation to pay the same
wage to a person that worked a whole day to one who only worked an hour. What’s the
main point of the parable? Theologians say the story is intended to teach us about the
grace of God in salvation. In chapter 19, Peter asks what he and the disciples were
going to get for their discipleship, which they considered a major contribution on their
part – much like the workers who worked all day. Jesus, answering the way he did,
taught that anything the disciples received from God – whether rewards for service or
eternal life itself – was a gift flowing from the grace of God. Jesus is telling all of us that
we have to stop thinking of our service in terms of obligation. Rather, we have to serve
in the spirit of a son who loves their father. God values everyone, and he will pursue
everyone to the very last hour.
June 2, 2024
We left our sermon last time with the rich, young ruler sadly walking away from Jesus.
Matthew 19:22 says he walked away sorrowful “for he had many riches.” It’s impossible
for any sinner to get into heaven, but the particular sin in view in our text is the love of
money. Wealth can be a great hinderance to gaining eternal life. The disciples seemed
to have understood Jesus teaching from their reaction in verse 25, “who then can be
saved?” The answer is, of course, no one. From a human point of view, it’s hopeless.
However, this isn’t the last word. Jesus says in verse 26 that with God all things are
possible. This left us with our final point, the disciples’ follow-up question. Peter says in
verse 27 that the disciples have left everything to follow Jesus. What will they have?
Jesus’ reply at a high level is that no one will ever get short-changed or cheated,
because they have followed Christ. Whatever form of his service we may take, the
blessings we will receive are many times greater than what we would have given up.
Jesus gives all of us an encouragement to trust in God and pick up our crosses and
follow him.
May 26, 2024
This week’s sermon focused on the account of the rich, young ruler. The young man
came to Jesus asking what good thing he needed to do to inherit eternal life (vs 16).
Jesus points him to God and God’s law. Jesus reviews the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th
commandments with him as well as Leviticus 19 where we’re told to love our neighbor
as ourselves. The young man replies that he kept those laws since his youth (vs 20).
Jesus’ response goes back really to the 10th commandment - the one he skipped in
verses 18-19 - knowing it was the man’s specific problem. Jesus tells the man to sell his
possessions and come follow him. The Bible says the man went away “sorrowful” (vs
22). Theologians say the main point here is that all of us have to repudiate anything that
would keep us from following Jesus. The test for the rich, young ruler may be different
for different people. The actual specifics of our individual tests may be different, but the
demand is the same for all of us. To be saved, we must deny ourselves, take up our
cross daily and follow Jesus.
May 19, 2024
May 5, 2024
In the beginning of Matthew 19, the Pharisees come to Jesus with a question about
divorce. Theologians note that it’s no coincidence that the subject of divorce comes up
right after a lengthy discussion in chapter 18 on forgiveness. The Pharisees ask Jesus if
a man can divorce his wife for “any reason.” At the time of Christ, there was much
debate on how to interpret the first four verses of Deuteronomy 24, which mention
divorce. Jesus doesn’t answer the Pharisees question at first. He brings them back to
the beginning chapters of Genesis to highlight that marriage was instituted by God for
mankind’s wellbeing and that the union of man and woman makes them one flesh
throughout both of their lives. The Pharisees replied in verse 7 by asking why then did
Moses “commanded” divorce? Actually, Moses didn’t “command” divorce. He simply
tried to regulate aspects of the divorce that was already going on. Jesus said he did this
because of the hardness of peoples’ hearts. We concluded with verse 9 where Jesus
says if one divorces their spouse and marries another person, they are committing
adultery. However, he adds in verse 9 an exemption clause - “except for sexual
immorality.” The Greek word used there is “porneia” - not the typical word used for
adultery. What could Jesus have meant? We decided to pick up the discussion again
after Mother’s Day.
April 28, 2024
This week, we closed out Matthew Chapter 18. In this section of Scripture, Jesus talks
about forgiveness. He begins by giving a three-step process to follow when a brother or
sister sins against us. First, he says that we should try to resolve the matter directly with
each other. If this doesn’t work, Jesus says that we should take a mediator. This would
be someone who both parties would respect to help with reconciliation. Finally, if that
doesn’t work, Jesus says to take it to the “church. “The church’s function here would be
to reconcile the matter or to restore the offender. Scholars say the church’s function is
not for retribution or punitive measures. To emphasize the principle being taught, Jesus
follows -up with a parable of the unforgiving servant. In this parable, a servant is
forgiven much but turns around and doesn’t forgive others. The principle is clear: the
Christian needs to forgive without limits. There is an unbreakable connection between
the forgiveness of God and our forgiveness of other people.
April 21, 2024
In Matthew 18:10-24, Jesus uses the “Parable of the Lost Sheep.” However, he uses
the parable in a different context here in Matthew 18 than in Luke 15. In Luke 15, Jesus
uses the same parable to highlight a sinner that comes to repentance is like a lost
sheep returning. However, in the context of Matthew 18, the lost sheep refers to a weak
or wayward believer who returns home. The point of the parable in Matthew 18 is that
Jesus’ disciples must be like shepherds in the sense of their care for other believers,
especially the weak. The context of Matthew 18 is that the disciples were asking Jesus
who would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus really uses all of chapter 18
to answer that question. We learned over the last couple of Sundays that the greatest
disciple will be the one who is as humble as a child. They are ones that will not cause
offenses. Here, in our text today, Jesus adds another feature of his greatest disciples.
They will be ones who care for the weak or wayward believer. We will never be more
like God than when we exert ourselves to help others, reach out to other and forgive
others.
April 14, 2024
We finished a sermon titled, “A Different Type of Kingdom” this week. We concentrated
on Matthew 18:6-9. In these verses, Jesus continues with the theme of “little ones” who
believe in him. Again, he’s not referring to children literally here. He’s speaking of
normal believers who have become like children in their humility to “believe in him.”
Jesus is warning us in these verses against placing harmful obstacles in a true
believer’s way. What Jesus is saying here at a very high level is that instead of striving
to become the greatest in the kingdom and hurting others along the way - we should be
guarding them. All of us as disciples of Jesus need to learn to forget ourselves and
focus upon Christ’s “little ones” - the lambs of his flock. Jesus then turns from harming
others to harming ourselves in verses 8-9. Jesus uses hyperbole here to emphasize to
us the seriousness of sin. Jesus is using exaggerated language to stress that sin should
be taken so seriously that is must be dealt with immediately, totally and radically. Loving
and being devoted to God through as transformed heart and mind is the only real
answer to fighting sin.
April 7, 2024
We started Matthew 18 this week with a sermon titled, “A Different Type of Kingdom.”
The chapter opens with the disciples question to Jesus of “who then is greatest in the
kingdom of heaven.” They were thinking of an earthly kingdom, and they were
wondering which of them would be the greatest when Christ’s kingdom came. Jesus
uses this opportunity to teach them what the citizens of the kingdom would be like.
Jesus brings a child in their midst, and he tells them they need to be like a child to enter
the kingdom. The characteristic Jesus had in mind with the child was humility. He says
so in verse 4 of Chapter 18. Actually, Jesus’ reply to the disciples’ question in verses 2-
5 is quite shocking. First he changes the nature of their question. They were thinking
they were all in the kingdom, and they were just jockeying for position. Jesus tells them
that they should really be worried about if they’re even in the kingdom. Secondly, he
tells them that they must be converted to enter into the kingdom. People must be
radically changed to get the humility of a child to enter the kingdom. People, by nature,
are not humble. It is when we come to repentance and faith in Christ alone that we’ll find
that our heart was actually transformed. We can then go and walk in newness of life.
March 31, 2024
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October 31, 2021
October 24, 2021
October 17, 2021
October 3, 2021
September 26, 2021
September 19, 2021
September 12, 2021
September 5, 2021
August 29, 2021
August 22, 2021
August 15, 2021
August 8, 2021
August 1, 2021
Older Sermons:
LVBC Sermon - The Christian Familiy P1 (5-9-2021).mp3
LVBC Sermon - The Christian Family P2 (6-20-2021).mp3
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