13May/12Off
Matthew 15:1-28 Heart Conditions
Pastor Kevin Miller continues in Matthew. Please click here to listen to the sermon.
- Clean and Unclean
- Matthew 15:1-2 The Pharisees have heard about Christ's continued work and have come from Jerusalem to challenge Him with how His disciples are breaking a ceremonial cleanliness _______ handed down from generations ago.
- Matthew 15:2-9 Jesus' response is to challenge the Pharisees right back with an important difference: while the disciples are not following the traditions of the elders, the Pharisees aren't following God's laws. Jesus notes how the Pharisees have ingenuously found a way to keep from spending money and time helping their parents in old age, all the while enjoying their fortunes for themselves. The quote from Isaiah applies perfectly - these people do not honor with their hearts. Does this ever describe us?
- The "Heart" of the Matter
- Matthew 15:10-11 Jesus turns to the people to make sure that his teaching was properly understood.
- Matthew 15:12-14 Peter now questions Jesus to make sure that Jesus realizes the big challenge that He is posibg. Jesus' response is as simple as it is profound: the Pharisees care more for traditions than for God, "leave them alone."
- Matthew 15:15-20 Jesus now describes the entire principle to the disciples: it's not what goes in that makes a person ___________, but what comes out from a sinful heart which has nothing of God's grace in it. That is truly unclean.
- A Living Example
- Matthew 15:21-24 Now Matthew shows us an example of the role of faith between "clean" and "unclean." Jesus responds to this woman in this way to make a point..
- Matthew 15:25-28 ... which is that it doesn't take a Pharisee to be righteous, it takes faith and trust in God's grace, knowing full well that we don't actually deserve mercy.
- Conclusion: what is the condition of your heart?
12May/12Off
Matthew 14:22-36 The Savior is the Miracle
Please click here to listen to the sermon.
- The Miracle
- Matthew 14:22-24 Jesus sends His disciples across the sea as He dismisses those who were miraculously fed. After this, Jesus heads up the mountainside to pray and, while there, sees the disciples' boat struggling against the wind.
- Matthew 14:25-26 Between 3-6 am, Jesus goes to join the disciples. How will He do this without a boat? Jesus Himself will ________ to them! As Christ approaches, the disciples aren't sure what to make of Him - it certainly isn't normal to walk on water, and yet this person looks strangely like Jesus.
- Matthew 14:27-31 Jesus, knowing the disciples' concerns, tells them to take courage and identifies Himself. Peter, recognizing the Lord and also wishing to be with Christ, asks Jesus to call him out onto the water as well. This Jesus does and it seems to go well for the first few steps until Peter becomes distracted by the wind and the choppy sea. At this point Peter cries out to the Lord - "save me!" Diagnosing the situation, Jesus' response to Peter comes as a question: "why did you doubt?"
- Matthew 14:32-33 Jesus and Peter climb into the boat and the ___________ dies down. The disciples then worship Jesus as it is confirmed not just through His teachings, but also now to them in a personal miracle - "truly You are the Son of God."
- Matthew 14:34-36 Postscript: Jesus and the disciples arrive across the lake and soon word goes out of His miraculous power. This sets up for a confrontation next week.
- The Life Application
- Fix your eyes upon Jesus alone - do not be distracted by what life throws at you. Even when you fall, recover like Peter did and call out to Christ as your Savior.
- Don't miss what Jesus has done: He worked a miracle through Peter. He will provide the same for us to accomplish the mission of making disciples.
17Apr/12Off
Matthew 14:1-21 From Tragedy to Miracle
Pastor Kevin Miller preaches through Matthew chapter 14: the death of John the Baptist and Jesus feeding the 5,000. Please click here to listen to the sermon.
- The Tragic Death of John the Baptist
- Matthew 14:1-2 News of Jesus makes its way to Herod, who has a seared conscience because of his role in the death of John the Baptist and wonders what's happening.
- Matthew 14:3-5 In flashback fashion, we are shown Herod's actions which led to the beheading of ____________. Herod is most concerned with looking good in front of his court and wants to kill John but is afraid of the common people.
- Matthew 14:6-12 During a scene of utter depravity, Herod makes a rash promise which calls his plans front and center: will he keep his promise (and thus anger the common people), or will he back out and lose face with those in his own social circles? He chooses to have John beheaded.
- A Miracle for the Masses
- Matthew 14:13-14 Back int he present, Matthew shows us Jesus' response once the disciples of John tell Him the news - Jesus wishes to be alone, possibly to think or grieve. However, the crowd won't leave Him alone. Rather than being annoyed, Jesus responds with ____________.
- Matthew 14:15-17 Jesus spends so much time with the crowds that the day grows late. They are in a remote area and so the disciples helpfully suggest that Jesus call it a night. However, Jesus has something else in mind: a demonstration that God is in control of all things!
- Matthew 14:18-21 From seven pieces of food Jesus feeds 5,000 people! 1) Notice how Jesus involves the disciples in this miracle; 2) This is a reminder of God's ultimate power.
- A Hope for Us
- We must understand that our devotion to Christ may well cost us everything earthly, as it did for John. And yet it is worth it to gain everything heavenly and eternal.
- In the midst of terrible circumstances, we must remember that God is in control. Our hope is found in Christ alone.
8Apr/12Off
John 20:19-31 Everyday Disciples
Pastor Kevin Miller preaches from John, following the disciples after Jesus' death and resurrection. Please click here to listen to the sermon.
- Great Joy for All Who Fear
- John 20:19-20 The disciples are cowering in fear for their lives, not knowing what will happen. Then Jesus appears and the first words He says are " _________ ____ _______ ______." They are overjoyed! Their King Lives!
- John 20:21-23 Again, Jesus says "peace be with you" and then He gives the version of the Great Commission found in John's Gospel. The disciples serve a living Lord out of the peace that He has worked in their hearts, a peace that will always drive them for the glory of God.
- "Receive the Holy Spirit" this is a symbolic gesture of what will come in the Book of Acts. Christ is reminding them of the promise He has made to send a "Helper" (14:26, 15:26, 16:7)
- Great Joy for the One Who Doubts
- John 20:24-25 At this point we see Thomas enter the scene. He often gets a bad rap, but we must remember that he didn't see the risen Jesus as the others did. It's not that Thomas doesn't believe, but rather that the news is so good the he himself isn't sure that it can be trusted without proof - "Really?! My Lord lives?! I've got to see this!"
- John 20:26-28 And indeed, Thomas' wish comes true. Jesus returns, once again notes the familiar phrase "peace be with you," and then tells Thomas to examine His wounds and _______________. Thomas' response is one of the most direct in Scripture: "my Lord and my God!"
- John 20:29-31 Note that Jesus does not chastise Thomas, but instead pronounces a blessing on all those who will believe after the disciples. Lastly, John gives us his purpose for writing: that those who read would believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior - the Prince of Peace.
- For You and I: Do we trust and believe? Do we respond with obedience? Do not give up hope! We have everlasting Peace.
7Apr/12Off
Matthew 13:44-58 Buried Treasure
Pastor Kevin Miller continues in Matthew, where Jesus is teaching about the surpassing value of God's kingdom with heaven and hell in the balance. Please click here to listen to the sermon.
- The Kingdom of Heaven is like...
- Matthew 13:44 ... a treasure hidden in a field. A man working a field goes out and finds a treasure. He then sells all that he has to purchase that field with the treasure in it. The point? The kingdom of heaven is worth any and every cost that we have to give. Do you value the kingdom (ultimately your relationship with Christ) that much?
- Matthew 13:45-46 ... a fine but rare pearl. The merchant searches for an exquisite pearl an, when he finally locates it, sells ______________ that he has to purchase it. The picture is complete here - it isn't solely about "finding," but primarily about responding and valuing faithfulness and obedience.
- Matthew 13:47-50 ... a net that catches fish. Only this time, the parable has parallels to the parable of the weeds. Many fish are caught, but only some are kept. This is how it will be at the final judgment - will you be kept by Christ (because you trusted Him for salvation)? Or thrown back, to be ______________ from Christ for eternity?
- Matthew 13:51-52 A question: "do you understand?" Once the disciples finally get it, Jesus pronounces that they are truly the ones who can instruct about the kingdom by drawing upon Biblical truth (see 12:35).
- The Kingdom Without Christ
- Matthew 13:53-56 This next picture might seem odd, but Matthew is now focusing upon those who reject Christ in His very hometown. Though He does some miracles and teaching, those who knew Jesus can't get over the fact that He was the "carpenter's son" - they don't want to believe.
- Matthew 13:57-58 Jesus confirms their rejection by not having any need to perform miracles.
- And now it's our turn...
- Do you treasure Christ above all other things in life?
- Will you who trust Christ respond with obedience?
4Apr/12Off
Matthew 13:24-43 How to Read a Map
Pastor Miller continues in Matthew, working through more parables. Please click here to listen to the sermon.
- The Parable of the Weeds
- Matthew 13:24-26 The weeds are growing with the wheat! We've already seen that there are those who are not "fruitful soil," so what shall be done about them?
- Matthew 13:27-30 The workers recognize the problem. They go to the field-owner to hear his startling reply: "don't pull them up yet because you might harm the wheat." They shall grow together and then be separated at the harvest.
- Two Additional Kingdom Parables
- Matthew 13:31-32 Christ continues with two parables to help set the tone before giving us an explanation about the weeds. This one concerns the mustard seed which is very small and yet grows into a very large plant. So it is with the church - insignificant at the start, but glorious at the finish.
- Matthew 13:33-35 The picture shifts to a woman baking a large batch of bread - it only takes a small amount of yeast to produce an astounding amount of bread.
- The Meaning of the Parable of the Weeds
- Matthew 13:36-39 With very similar language to the parable of the soils, Christ explains how each element in the story has a parallel with the truths that He has taught.
- Matthew 13:40-43 Now that we have the "map legend" for this parable we can ask "what does it mean?" The one soil of the previous parable will produce the wheat which grows and flourishes eternally in the kingdom of heaven. The three unfaithful soils produce only the weeds which will be gathered up to be burned and will be separated from the kingdom of heaven.
- What does this mean for us today?
- We should not be surprised at the increase of evil in our world - politically, individually, or spiritually.
- We must remember that God is growing the church.
- What a great challenge and opportunity we have!
31Mar/12Off
Matthew 13:1-23 The Parable of the Soils
Pastor Kevin Miller continues in Matthew, heading into the parables. Please click here to listen to the sermon.
- The Parable Itself
- Matthew 13:1-3 The crowds follow Jesus as He goes out. At this point, they are so large that Jesus must get into a boat to be heard and seen by all. Jesus begins to teach in parables (short stories designed to illustrate a Biblical truth).
- Matthew 13:4-9 The story is of a farmer scattering seed, however it is primarily about the soil in which the seed is planted. There are four types: the path/trail, rocky, thorny, and good soil. What is Jesus' point? It is made in v9 - listen and respond! Only those who do so are of the __________ soil.
- But Why Parables?
- Matthew 13:10-12 Get ready for a difficult truth: the reason for parables is so that some will respond and others won't. Those who don't are those who have rejected Christ and so have hardened their hearts. This is a Biblical picture of God's sovereignty and our human responsibility.
- Matthew 13:13-17 This truth has been shown throughout the Scriptures - many people seem to "hear," but don't really. Many appear to "see," but don't really care to. Contrast that with the disciples (and all who follow Jesus) who really do hear and see - their asking JEsus this question ______________ His very point about their desire to respond!
- The Meaning of the Parable
- Matthew 13:18-22 Now Jesus goes on to explain the parable to the disciples. The first three types of soil do not respond to the seed just as the first three types of people do not respond to Christ with faith and obedience.
- Matthew 13:23 But notice the last soil/person - they respond by not just hearing, but also understanding. This is the very root of faithfulness and fruitfulness for Christ.
- Application
- Wrestle with Christ's teachings! Don't give up and wither.
- Be not just a hearer fo the Word, but also a do-er.
21Mar/12Off
Matthew 12:38-50 The Two Generations
Teaching Pastor Kevin Miller continues the Matthew sermon series. We have reached a confrontation with the Pharisees and scribes against Jesus. They are asking for a sign-miracle. Please click here to listen to the sermon.
- The Wicked Generation
- Matthew 12:38-41 Jesus is approached byt he Pharisees and the teachers of the law and challenged to give them a ___________. Jesus' response is not what they might have expected - whereas they thought they could trap Him, instead He tells them that they have already been given a sign and rejected it. The "sign of Jonah" is the comparison between Jonah as in the belly of the whale for 3 days and nights just as Christ will be in the earth for 3 days and nights (by Jewish reckoning). The point? Even those who heard Jonah preach repented - but not the Pharisees and those like them.
- Matthew 12:42 Similarly, even the Queen of the South (Sheba) recognized wisdom when she saw it. The same cannot be said for this generation of the Jews.
- Matthew 12:43-45 Thus Jesus pronounces a judgment: He has worked powerfully to rid His audience of demons and sin and yet they have not sought to be filled with the things of God. Thus their spiritual emptiness will be filled only with the things of the devil. Remember, there is no neutrality when it comes to spiritual matters.
- The Faithful Generation - Brothers and Sisters in Christ
- Matthew 12:46-47 As Jesus continues speaking to the crowd, some come to Him saying that His ___________ is outside. But Jesus turns this into an unexpected teaching moment: "who really is my family?"
- Matthew 12:48-50 Answer? It is those who do the will of the Father in heaven - they are truly the family of Christ.
- There is Much to Apply Here
- God in Christ has already done everything necessary for us to follow faithfully as disciples - the evidence is before you.
- Which "generation" do you belong to? The wicked generation which rejects Christ? Or the faithful one that is called Christ's "family"?
17Mar/12Off
Matthew 12:22-37 Anatomy of a Pharisee
Teaching Pastor Kevin Miller continues the sermon series in Matthew, where the Pharisees level a serious charge of sin against their enemy Jesus. Please click here to listen to the sermon.
- Jesus Heals... But How?
- Matthew 12:22-23 A demon-possessed man is brought before Jesus and is healed. What is so special about this?
- Matthew 12:24 The crux of the matter: the Pharisees no longer deny what Christ is doing, but they cast it in the light of doing __________ rather than doing good. (see also 9:34)
- Matthew 12:25-28 Jesus' response forms a very direct and potent argument: 1) He isn't working for the devil because He would be working at cross-purposes; 2) The fact is the the demon was driven out; 3) Because the demon is driven out, Jesus must be doing this by the power of God. This demands a response of faithful belief.
- Jesus Heals... But Why?
- Matthew 12:29-32 Truth be told, this passage isn't only about healing and Jesus' power - it's primarily a passage about the _______________. There is no middle ground in this spiritual battle: either one is with Christ or one is against Him, you and I cannot be neutral. The "unpardonable sin" is that the Pharisees - knowing differently - ascribe Jesus' work to the devil. Thus they are not forgiven because they are entirely unrepentant.
- Matthew 12:33-37 The final point that Jesus makes regarding the Pharisees concerns their character: if a bad tree produces bad fruit then it is clear that the Pharisees produce that bad fruit by their words and actions. This is because their very hearts are corrupted. All will be judged - the question is whether a person will answer that judge with their faith in Christ or with their own words.
- What about us?
- Let us not miss the connection between words and heart.
- Where do you stand - with Christ or against Him? Not sure? Look to your words and actions because they'll tell you.
- True joy is found in being judged righteous in Christ.
15Mar/12Off
Matthew 12:1-21 The Plot to Kill Jesus
Please click here to listen to the sermon.
- Lord of the Sabbath
- Matthew 12:1-2 It is a Sabbath day and we find Jesus and His disciples to be hungry. What do they do? They pick a few heads of grain to eat as they walk by the fields. Of course, no good deed goes unpunished: the Pharisees are right there waiting to pounce.
- Matthew 12:3-6 Christ responds not with some sort of legal defense, but instead He points to David's very similar actions way back when. A second example is given: what about the _________ who are required to work on the Sabbath? Jesus' point is that His authority is even greater.
- Matthew 12:7-8 His challenge to the Pharisees and those like them is this: the Law is put in place to honor God, not to burden people - but the Pharisees have missed the point.
- The Plot to Kill Jesus
- Matthew 12:9-10 Again we see the Pharisees watching Jesus' every move. This time they really think they've got Him - surely He will want to heal this crippled man, but it is a ____________ day. Will Jesus fall right in to their trap?
- Matthew 12:11-14 Jesus' response brings us right back to the argument He made earlier: the point of the Sabbath isn't to prevent and suspend common sense and grace. It is to honor God.And doing good is definitely honoring to God. The response of the Pharisees? "Let's kill Jesus."
- Matthew 12:15-16 Jesus knows full well the intentions of the Pharisees and so He withdraws from this place to prevent further confrontation for the time being.
- Matthew 12:17-21 All of these things show us a new picture of the Messiah: not only does He teach and heal with authority, but He also does so with mercy and grace as this quote from Isaiah shows. Christ brings hope to the weak!
- Applying These Truths to Our Hearts and Minds
- The meaning of Sabbath shows us the mercy of God.
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