Matthew 7:13-14; Near the conclusion of the Sermon, Jesus uses common imagery to emphasize the difference between those who follow His teaching…..and those who don’t. The wide gate and broad “lead to destruction”, which Jesus warns that many follow to their ruin. Conversely, the small gate and narrow road “leads to life”, but “only a […]
Matthew 6:25-34; Following His instruction on the proper and improper use of treasure, Jesus addresses the powerful topic of worry. Believers should not fret over the necessities of life, as Christ assures his followers that the Father will provide for them. Instead, we should seek to advance God’s kingdom first and the rest will fall […]
Missions report and update from Dave DeCook
Colossians 2:9-15; The Apostle Paul used the cross and resurrection as the foundation of his doctrinal instruction to the early church. He brought together the full Deity of Christ, spiritual circumcision, purpose of baptism and the victory of Jesus over all spiritual powers into one expansive unit of instruction.
Scripture readings and related music to refocus Christians upon the events leading to the crucifixion of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
John 12:12-19; Jesus and disciples returned to the nearby village of Bethany to be honored and anointed by the family of Lazarus. Christ’s raising of His friend from the grave had become a well-known phenomenon in Israel, which did not go unnoticed by the Sanhedrin. When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the donkey colt to […]
Matthew 6:19-24; The next section from the Sermon engages earthly wealth and blessing, also beginning with a warning by Jesus. He cautions, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth”. The fleeting nature of earthly hording is revealed by the reality that possessions decay and wear out, as well well as being at risk […]
Matthew 6:9-13; After Jeeus cautions His close followers to avoid two pitfalls in prayer in this passage, He continues with an example of a concise model prayer. The Lord’s Prayer is prefaced by Christ, “This, then, is how you should pray….”, which provides a proper example of first acknowledging the Greatness of Father-God. Followed by […]
Matthew 6:5-8; Springboarding from the recent study of the Beatitudes, our pre-Easter pursuit of Christ’s ministry focus continues in Matthew’s gospel. The Sermon on the Mount is one of Jesus’ most powerful and challenging messages, so we follow the Spirit’s leading into the veins of gold contained in those deep insights about Christian conduct and […]
Matthew 5:1-12; The final Beatitude is an expansion of Beatitude 8 on the topic of persecution. Jesus warns His disciples, and those in attendance at the Sermon on the Mount, to anticipate both verbal and physical hostilities “because of me”. Just as the OT prophets were mistreated for proclaiming the word of God, so would […]