Living the Kingdom in a less than Friendly World (Mt 13:24-43)
In one longer parable and two brief parables Jesus provides for us word pictures for living the Kingdom now in a less than friendly environment.WatchNotesDownloadDateTitle
- Jun 16, 2024Living the Kingdom in a less than Friendly World (Mt 13:24-43)
Living the Kingdom in a less than Friendly World (Mt 13:24-43)In one longer parable and two brief parables Jesus provides for us word pictures for living the Kingdom now in a less than friendly environment.
- Jun 9, 2024It’s About the Heart (Mt 13:1-23)
It’s About the Heart (Mt 13:1-23)
In the first parable recorded in Matthew, Jesus uses a familiar word picture to challenge his listeners to consider carefully the condition of their hearts. - Jun 2, 2024The Priority of Compassion (Matthew 12:1-14)
The Priority of Compassion (Matthew 12:1-14)
We can learn a great deal about living the Kingdom of Heaven now as we see the interaction between Jesus and the religious leaders. What traditions may have gotten in your way as you strive to follow Jesus? What will you do to change them? - May 26, 2024Responsibility and Rest (Matthew 11:20-30)
Responsibility and Rest (Matthew 11:20-30)
In a rebuke, a prayer, and an invitation, Jesus gives us a frame work for what it looks like to live responsibly in the Kingdom of Heaven, now. - May 19, 2024Kingdom Apprentices
Kingdom Apprentices
We begin a new sermon series entitled "Living the Kingdom of Heaven...Now." In this sermon we define the Kingdom of Heaven as used in Matthew's gospel and we look at some characteristics that should define each of us who claim to follow Jesus. - May 12, 2024Divine Roadmap (part 2 Mt.7:21-27)
Divine Roadmap (part 2 Mt.7:21-27)
In the final two word pictures of the Sermon on the Mount we are reminded that we need to do the right things with the right heart. - May 5, 2024Divine Road Map (part 1 Matthew 5:13-20)
Divine Road Map (part 1 Matthew 5:13-20)
In what may be called the epilogue of the Sermon on the Mount Jesus challenges his listeners and us with choices. - Apr 28, 2024Kingdom Living in Relationship (Mt 7:6-12)
Kingdom Living in Relationship (Mt 7:6-12)
We all know what it is like to deal with difficult people. As representatives of our Heavenly Father, we need discernment to know how to live in a godly way. It is not easy. We also have a God who knows what we need and implores us to ask him for our needs and learn to wait on his provision. Discernment is part of daily living in God's Kingdom as we build relationships. - Apr 21, 2024Watch Out For Sawdust (Mt. 7:1-6)
Watch Out For Sawdust (Mt. 7:1-6)
The old saying goes, "We don't like in others, what we don't like in ourselves." Jesus reminds us in a very clear and even humorous way that when we judge others unfairly, we end up looking foolish, and we take over what God has reserved for himself. We need wisdom to know when to critique another, when to be quiet, and when to focus on our own issues. - Apr 14, 2024Kingdom Investment Strategy pt. 2 (Mt. 6:25-34)
Kingdom Investment Strategy pt. 2 (Mt. 6:25-34)
We all want to live our best life now. In this very familiar passage we discover that it is when we trust fully that God is willing and able to meet our needs that we can live a life that is focused, unhurried, and satisfying. It truly can be our best life now. - Apr 7, 2024Kingdom Investment Strategy (pt 1 Mt 6:19-24)
Kingdom Investment Strategy (pt 1 Mt 6:19-24)
Someone has said, “What you own eventually owns you.” There is some truth to that statement. Consider carefully that which you think is valuable. How does it help you now? What difference will it make in your quality of life next month? We have a human tendency to hold on to our stuff. God has a better plan but it requires a change of heart. - Mar 31, 2024“Second Chances” (Mark 16:7)
“Second Chances” (Mark 16:7)
Second chances. We have all needed them at some time or another. In the story of Peter, we discover that the risen, living Jesus Christ is a forgiving, Lord and Savior. His mercy is wide, his grace has no boundaries; his forgiveness is complete. On this Resurrection Sunday we celebrate our God who gives us second chances, and more. - Mar 24, 2024A Sharper Focus: Word Pictures from Palm Sunday
A Sharper Focus: Word Pictures from Palm Sunday
There are times in our lives when our focus just seems to be sharper. We are more aware of our surroundings, more aware of what is important, more aware of our closest relationships. It seems this was the case with Jesus from his triumphal ride into Jerusalem until his death on calvary. As we look at the focus of Jesus, may we consider how we can sharpen our focus in our daily lives. - Mar 17, 2024Check your motives (Matthew 6:1-18)
Check your motives (Matthew 6:1-18)
Followers of Jesus exercise various disciplines as an expression of their inner relationship with Jesus. They don't always parade their efforts on a proverbial stage for the world because God is their audience. Jesus challenges us to check our motives for why we do what we do. - Mar 10, 2024Loving our Enemies (Matthew 5:43-48)
Loving our Enemies (Matthew 5:43-48)
We all have people who do not care for us. In fact some may actively oppose us. Jesus reminds us, that as people who are characterized as Christ Followers, we are to not attack or just tolerate our enemies, we are to love them and pray for them. Just as God's grace is evident in their lives whether they recognize it our not, our grace and proactive love should also be on display as we interact with them.