The Sermon on the Mount: Introduction (Matthew 5-7)

After Jesus was baptized by John and spent 40 days in the wilderness being tempted by the devil, He traveled through Galilee teaching “in their synagogues...proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people” (Matt 4:23). He was so popular that a large crowd followed Jesus and “seeingContinue reading "The Sermon on the Mount: Introduction (Matthew 5-7)"

VBS: Gear up! Get Ready! Game on!

This year in VBS our children will learn that God’s “divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2 Peter 1:3). Specifically, they will learn: Day 1: Jesus Cares About Me (Luke 15:1-7). Jesus seeks out those whoContinue reading "VBS: Gear up! Get Ready! Game on!"

A Wise Father’s Teaching (Proverbs 4)

On Father’s Day, we honor fathers by listening to a wise father’s teaching. A wise father’s instructions are “life to those who find them, and health to one’s whole body” (22). He says: Guard Your Heart (23) The wise father tells his children to guard their heart. Notice that we are not told to followContinue reading "A Wise Father’s Teaching (Proverbs 4)"

The Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:17-34)

Our focus in this sermon is The Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper is one of two ordinances (the other being baptism) instituted by Christ for the Church. An ordinance is a decree or demand. The ordinances of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are demands from Christ for His Church to obey. The Gospels mention JesusContinue reading "The Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:17-34)"

A Proverbs 31 Blessing (Mother’s Day)

Ladies, what do you think of when you hear about the “Proverbs 31 Woman”? Do you think of a spiritual Wonder Woman? Do you see an unattainable standard that leaves you depressed? How should we understand Proverbs 31? Proverbs 31:10-31 is a poem King Lemuel composed to remind him of his mother’s advice for seekingContinue reading "A Proverbs 31 Blessing (Mother’s Day)"

Jesus’ Signs in the Gospel of John: Part 2

Last week we learned that Jesus’ miracles were not just random acts of kindness. Jesus’ miracles were signs meant to authenticate His claim to be the Christ, the Son of God. The signs were verifiable proof that Jesus was sent from God (John 3:2). Last week we looked at 4 of Jesus’ signs and todayContinue reading "Jesus’ Signs in the Gospel of John: Part 2"

Jesus’ Signs in the Gospel of John: Part 1

Good signs deliver the intended message with clarity. For example, a good ‘Stop’ sign is properly placed and clearly visible. Good signs in a restaurant let you know where to locate the restroom (and which one is which!). One of my favorite signs is the lunch special sign at Las Brisas. Signs are also importantContinue reading "Jesus’ Signs in the Gospel of John: Part 1"

The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord (Malachi 4:1-6)

Does the return of Christ excite you, terrify you, or could you not possibly care less? The aim of this sermon is to convince you to care and to prepare for the Day of the Lord. The Terrible Day of the Lord Malachi concludes his book with a call for the people to get readyContinue reading "The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord (Malachi 4:1-6)"

Selfishly Criticizing God (Malachi 3:13-18)

In the previous section of our study of Malachi, the Lord told His children to “bring the full tithe into the storehouse...and thereby put Me to the test.” If they would trust Him, He would “rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine inContinue reading "Selfishly Criticizing God (Malachi 3:13-18)"