Sermons on Matthew
“Why Emmanuel?” – Matthew 1:23
Main thoughts:Isaiah tells us that the Messiah will be called Emmanuel or “God with us.” The angel repeats this same name to Joseph. We know that Jesus is God in the flesh. We celebrate His advent or “coming to” this earth. Why? Why did God become a man? Why did He come as a child? To reveal God to usThroughout human history debates have raged as to what God is like. Human beings have created many false gods and many…
“A Savior from Sin” – Matthew 1:18-25
As we celebrate the birth of Christ, we can quickly forget why He came. His life’s purpose is found in His name, Jesus. His name means “Yah saves” of “Yah’s salvation.” Yah is the shortened form of Yahweh, God’s name. Jesus literally means, God’s salvation. This is His purpose for coming. In verse 21 we have the first promise in the New Testament, a promise that declares the purpose for which Jesus was born. He In Greek the definite article…
Fruits of True Repentance (Matthew 3:7-8)
As we end our study on abuse, we now want to address how to help an abuser repent and be restored. Because such sins require very personalized counseling our focus is going to be how our church as a whole should approach the process. Pure but not Deceived As believers we have changed hearts and renewed minds; because of this our minds do not naturally fathom or understand the impulses, urges, and deception that engulf the minds of abusers. This…
Forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-35)
Abuse affects a lot more people than just the one who is abused. Family, friends, churches, etc. are all affected by a single instance of abuse. How can we bring healing to these situations and stop the pain from continuing? Forgiveness. Forgiveness defined Forgiveness has been used to cover up and continue the perpetration of abuse. This happens because forgiveness has been wrongly defined. Forgiveness is not a refusal to call the police. Forgiveness is not reconciliation and restoration. Forgiveness…
Authority is Limited by God (Matthew 20:25-28)
Abuse is always someone in a position of authority, trust, or power ABUSING that position. This position may not come with an official title, but it may be a position that someone holds because of age or physical size and strength. The Bible talks a lot about authority. Many sermons have been preached about authority, and we all have memorized passages of Scripture that command us to submit to authority. The question then becomes, does the Bible place any limits…
Why Study Abuse? (Matthew 18:6-10)
Abuse is one of the most painful things that a human being can endure. Most people do not want to talk about their painful experiences, much less spend time studying it. Why should we study abuse? Abuse defined There is much evil in our world. There is sexual sin and physical violence. Abuse is something quite different. Abuse is when a person in power, trust, and authority ABUSES their position and causes physical, sexual, emotional, or spiritual harm upon a…
Watching Over Your Own Soul – Filling Our Life With Jesus
We are continuing to look at Jesus’ instructions for overcoming our besetting sins. When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the…
Watching Over Your Own Soul – Removing Sources of Temptation
Jesus gives very specific instructions for overcoming our besetting sins. Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that…
Marriage is Temporary (Matthew 22:23-30)
The Sadducees ask Jesus about marriage in the Resurrection (heaven, eternity.) His answer bothers many Christians. He emphatically states that no one is married in heaven. Your wife will no longer be your wife; your husband will no longer be your husband. Why does this clear teaching bother us so much? Why we err Jesus’ answer bothered the Sadducees as well. The reason? They were ignorant of Scripture and the power of God. Although we think we have it figured…
Watching Over Your Own Soul – Peter (Part 2)
We continue looking at Peter’s life so that we might better understand our own sin. Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be…
Watching Over Your Own Soul – Peter
Peter’s life is filled with much we can learn about our own sinful natures. And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for…
Common Problems: Money (Matthew 6:24-33)
The problem is not money Financial problems is the number one stated reason for divorce in the United States. However, this simply is not the truth. Financial stress brings out the true character of people, thus leading to marital problems. The money was never the issue; it was simply the catalyst that brought out the real underlying issue. The problem is priorities Financial issues are always issues of priorities. The problem is not that your spouse is spending money on…