Sermons of Matt Privett: Recent Episodes
Jesus takes His disciples, who were fewer than before to Caesarea Philippi, and He asks them who people are saying He is. The answer and the follow up are well known, but are they rightly understood-- Was Jesus talking about the church-- Listen and think about it.
In this conclusion to our series through John 6, we see Jesus emphasize the sovereignty of God in salvation, the absolute necessity of faith in Jesus, and the rejection by Israel of their Messiah.
Jesus continues His -Bread of Life- discourse with the Jews by telling them no one comes to Him unless the Father draws Him, but they must believe in Him.
We continue our look at John 6 by inching closer to Jesus calling Himself the Bread of Life. After feeding the masses, Jesus walked on water, invited Peter to do the same, then addressed Israel in their faithlessness.
One of Jesus' most famous miracles is more than meets the eye. As Jesus feeds 5000, plus women and children, He creates matter and the question lingers- Will Israel be satisfied in the Messiah, the Prophet, the One who is God--
Our miniseries on John 6 can't start until we deal with the context in the last half of John 5. There, we see Jesus unequivocally equate Himself with His Father - a clear declaration of the fact He is Yahweh, God. Jesus makes it clear to the Jews that if they don't believe -in- Him, they don't really believe God and His word.
How are we to read and understand the Bible-- This question is incredibly important to knowing and applying the truth, and avoided -perhaps fatal- error. Listen in as I talk about whether we should take the Bible -literally,- and what that even means.
John the Baptist is more - MUCH MORE - than the first chapter of the Christmas story. Listen as we see how God chose John to proclaim the Messiah and announce the inauguration of the last days, culminating in Israel in the promised kingdom.
Jesus knew His future included crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, and that He would not be physically on the earth. He would need men to carry out His work. This, Jesus commissioned twelve as apostles. In this lesson we look at His plan for these men to minister to the lost sheep of Israel, and how some of His statements apply to us.
Is the unpardonable sin something we can commit today-- Listen as we examine the text and different views and see that, just maybe, the word of God is screaming at us about how to interpret this text.
Jesus continues to show He is the Messiah and the Son of God. In the case of our passages this morning, He exhibits authority over death, continuing to preview kingdom conditions.
We continued our look at the Sermon on the Mount with a view toward the self-righteousness of the Pharisees -and us- contrasted with Jesus' instructions.
We began looking at the purpose of Jesus' most famous sermon and the context in which it was given. Some very interesting questions raised.
Kind of a scatter-brained forty-five minutes to be honest, but I touched on the significance of Jesus' statements in light of the Sabbath, and also had some good discussion on text criticism and what is and is not Scripture.
In this lesson there are some finishing thoughts on Jesus healing the paralytic, then we move on to Jesus calling Matthew to be His disciple. Finally, we arrive at questions about fasting. And- do we, the body of Christ, today need to be fasting--
In the early days of His Galilean ministry, Jesus made it clear through His acts that He is the Christ, the Son of God - just as Mark 1-1 states. Jesus heals, cleanse, and forgives.
As John's ministry decreased, Jesus' ministry was increasing. Rather than be jealous of Jesus' ministry, John was happy that the Bridegroom was with His bride. Jesus' ministry then continued to Samaria and Galilee, where He was believed, and then rejected.
In light of recent events, we talked a bit about how the church ought to be thinking about Israel.
The most famous verse in the New Testament has a context, and that context is Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus about the necessity of being born from above and faith. Jesus draws upon the account of Moses, Israel, and the fiery serpents to illustrate that belief in Himself, the Son of Man, is required for everlasting life. At all times, we must believe all that God has revealed.
After Jesus performed signs in public at the temple during Passover, Nicodemus came to Jesus by night. This is a very familiar passage to us, but listen with fresh ears as we see some things in this text you may not have considered before.
When you consider all of Jesus' miracles, turning water into wine usually doesn't reach the very top of anyone's list of amazement. Why, then, did God will that this be Jesus' first sign-- There's a good reason for it. Listen as we Jesus start giving a preview of His kingdom from the outset of His ministry.
Jesus was immediately cast into the wilderness by the Spirit to be tempted by the devil. Listen as we talk about Jesus in His role as Israel's great high priest, and how He responded to the temptation, and how believers today can resist temptation.
Why was Jerusalem, all Judea, and the district of the Jordan flocking to the wilderness and the Jordan to be baptized by John-- This is the key to understanding not just John's baptism, but that of Jesus as well. Listen and think.
In this first part of what will be a two-parter, we get into John the Baptist, his message, his baptism, and more.
Continuing to look at Paul's instruction about what happens before the day of the Lord, in this passage we see that the Antichrist to come is Christ's Antichrist. God is One in charge, so we can have confidence and never lose hope or faith.
Jesus' time at the temple as a twelve year old is often focused on because his parents lost Him for three days. What really stands out, however, is His perfect obedience.
This is an odyssey in Bible study and interpretation which gives way to hope for all those who are in Christ. Listen in as we see what Paul teaches must happen before the Day of the Lord.
The King was born. Now Jesus would be sought out, for worship at the temple and by the magi, for death by Herod. Listen in as we walk through these verses and see some amazing stuff in what are very familiar passages.
Paul considered the Thessalonian church an assembly of believers worthy of giving thanks to God. Part of their comfort was the knowledge that God will judge evil. In this sermon I address what it means to -obey the gospel,- what -the penalty of eternal destruction- entails, along with some misconceptions about hell. The ultimate end is the glory of God, which permeates this text.
Christ is born in Bethlehem- In this study we look at the familiar narrative and what the Bible actually says, rather than some of our traditions. We also look at the prologue of John, how the Word has been made flesh, and what that means.
In this lesson we take a look at what God revealed to Mary and Joseph, and how they both faithfully responded. --This is part two. The audio got cut off when my wife, who I haven't seen in three weeks, crashed my lesson. ---
In this lesson we take a look at what God revealed to Mary and Joseph, and how they both faithfully responded. --This is part one. The audio got cut off when my wife, who I haven't seen in three weeks, crashed my lesson. ---
After four centuries of no new revelation, God broke into history again by sending an angel, Gabriel, to announcement the coming of the two messengers referred to at the end of the Old Testament. Listen as we look at the coming of John and Jesus.
What are the Gospels-- What are they not-- And what are they all about-- That's what we talk about in this overview of these four biblical books and what they say about Jesus.
Before we actually dive into the New Testament, we talk about why we can trust it, and all of the word of God. Understanding these things is foundational to being able to know and defend the word of God.
All of Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for us, so any attempt to intentionally or unintentionally downplay the Old Testament undercuts the foundation upon which the New Testament was given to us. In this lesson we walk through several passages to see how God, in long ages past, pointed the Hebrews to their coming Messiah- Jesus.
We finish up discussion of a time during which God did not speak, though He did speak about it. The idea of partially fulfilled vs. fully fulfilled prophecy is discussed, as well as some very important principles of biblical interpretation as we head into the Gospels.
God didn't speak through a prophet for 400 years, but that doesn't mean He didn't speak ABOUT these years. In fact, God have Gabriel intricate details of world history before the fact. Listen to part one of this overview of what God revealed to Daniel about all of this, and how it helps ground our understanding of the Gospels and Acts.
Malachi closes out our Old Testament with an indictment of Israel's religious leaders and the telling of two messengers to come.
With the third stage of the return from exile, the rebuilding of the temple, and now the wall in the rear view mirror, it was past time for God's word to once again take center stage and be central to the worship of Yahweh by the people of God. Listen as we see Israel's response to the word of God.
Nehemiah had never laid eyes on Jerusalem, but upon the report of the condition of the city it broke him and he prayed. After all, this was the land Yahweh had promised Israel. In this lesson we see how he led the rebuilding of the walls, and its tie to Israel's future.
When Ezra led the second return to Israel from exile he found the sons of Israel intermarried with the very people Yahweh had told them not to back in Deuteronomy 7. Ezra's response provoked repentance in Israel and provides valuables examples for the body of Christ in this age.
The word -God- isn't found in the book of Esther, yet it is impossible to escape His presence and His work. Listen to how God uses Esther and Mordecai to save his covenant people spread all across the Persian empire. You will see help from God arise through gods, use of imperfect but faithful people.
God stirred the spirit of a foreign king to send His people back to the land He had given them. In this lesson we look at the early days of Israel's return and the fascinating ways in which Scripture addresses them.
Job was at his lowest point, and for good reason. But amidst his suffering he had a certain hope -- his resurrection. Listen as Pastor Matt explains how Job knew his Redeemer, and what he knew about that Redeemer. The resurrection, Jesus' and that of the believer, is our hope. You don't want to miss this good news.
From Jeremiah 31 we look at what the Scriptures actually say about the New Covenant. What is it-- Who made the covenant-- Who was it made with-- The background of the covenant-- What's it all about-- This lesson helps us understand better how to approach the Bible to understand context and intent.
From Babylon, Yahweh put His hand on the priest Ezekiel and gave him a vision of His glory, commissioning Him as a prophet. In this Resurrection Sunday morning Sunday School lesson, Matt talks about how Ezekiel describes this vision and how he -and others in the Scriptures- have responded to the glory of God, and thus, how we ought to respond.
A break from our normal Sunday School routine for some Q-A. The first question is on how to approach transgenderism. Things flow from there to touch on homosexuality, the image of God, marriage and divorce, the gospel, and the authority and sufficiency of God's word.
An aging Daniel was a very influential and powerful man in the Babylonian Empire, but because of his God he was hated by others, who sought to and did entrap him, to bring him to death. But God delivered Daniel, who continued to serve Him faithfully. And He used Daniel to speak to several powerful earthly kings.
Three Hebrew youths refused to bow down to a false god. They knew their God, even if He decided not to deliver them, was able to deliver them. Yahweh showed His glory to His enemies and rewarded His own by stepping into the flames of affliction to deliver Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego.
When the Babylonians exiled some of the best of Judah to their land, they sought to assimilate them into Babylonian culture, to essentially strip them of all that made them Israelites. They changed their names, sought to change their diets, and ultimately, sought to change their God. But Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah would not defile themselves. They remained faithful to Yahweh, who protected them and blessed them.
In the midst of judgment and the foretelling of judgment, the prophets also spoke to the people of God about His promise of future hope -- one tied to the coming Messiah. In this lesson we particularly look at what Micah and Isaiah foretold about the One we would come to call Jesus.
Judah was on the verge of extinction, as the Assyrian Empire was knocking at the door. King Hezekiah listened to God's prophet and trusted in Yahweh, who answered Hezekiah's prayer in an astonishing way.
Athaliah tried to wipe out all the royal seed so she could be queen, but God preserved His covenant with David by protecting a one year old boy named Joash. Learn about Joash, and also about the man God used to protect him and advise him, Jehoiada, one of the great unsung saints of Scripture.
This is a look at one of the very saddest chapters of the Bible, 2 Kings 17, which is the account of the northern kingdom of Israel being set aside by Yahweh, by means of the Assyrian Empire.
On the heels of several lessons relating to the prophets in the era of the divided kingdom, this is an interlude which focuses on God's giving of the Davidic Covenant and its implications for Israel and all of history.
The account of Hosea and Gomer is an incredible representation of God's relationship with Israel. This book shows God's grace, but also God's plans for the future.
This Sunday School lessons focuses upon the book of Jonah, the best known of the Minor Prophets. We see the sovereignty of God, the reality of judgment, and the necessity of repentance in this short book. God is in control of everything -- all the time.
This continues a series through the era of the prophets, specifically looking at Amos's prophetic ministry and his emphasis on God's judgment of Israel because of their continued sin.
We know we must contend earnestly for the faith, and we know from we are contending against. This three week mini-series through the letter of Jude now concludes with Pastor Matt expounding upon three overarching commands for believers in order to be faithful contenders- remember the words, guard yourselves, and worship God.
Having told his readers they must contend for the faith because there are those who have crept in unnoticed, false teachers, already attacking the faithful, in verses 5-16 Jude draws open Old Testament and extra-biblical examples very familiar to his Jewish believing readers to show them the characteristics of false teachers and what God has done, is doing, and will do about them.
The letter of Jude is among the tiniest in the Bible, but it packs a big punch. In this look at the first four verses, Pastor Matt looks at who wrote the letter, who received it, what the letter is about, and why it was written. While that might sound mundane, these verses offer invaluable lessons for the body of Christ today. This letter is absolutely relevant to those who believe in the faith once for all handed down to the saints.
The good news of salvation is incomplete without a warning against the bad news. God is holy and will pour out His wrath on all who reject Jesus for all eternity. This is biblical truth we should not run away from. We should warn the world... and rejoice in what Jesus has saved us from.
Paul's ministry serves as an example for the way Christians should seek to serve the Lord today. In this sermon Pastor Matt tackles this challenging text that should have every believer examining himself-herself to see how they measure up.
Resurrection is not merely a New Testament theme, but a whole Bible reality. Case in point- Job. What was probably the very first book of the Bible that was written includes a few stunning sentences from a man suffering beyond our comprehension. What did he express- Complete faith in God, complete hope in seeing Him at some future point. Listen as Pastor Matt expounds on the first resurrection story on this Resurrection Sunday.
The resurrection is the climax of history past and the culmination of history future. There are ramifications on our lives and responses that are required. The living Christ will one day reign, but the spiritual revolution He starts in the hearts of those He saves precedes His coming. On which side of His revolution are you- Consider the ramifications of the resurrection in this special message from Matthew 28.
What is the church- Who is the church- What is the church supposed to look like- These are questions Paul answers for us in the opening verses of 1 Thessalonians. Listen as Pastor Matt exposits the text and we see what it means to have work of faith, labor of love, and steadfastness of hope in Christ.
What is the most important command to obey- In this sermon, Pastor Matt contends it is found in 1 Corinthians 10-31 -- do all to the glory of God. When we do this, all of the other commands fall into place. Listen to why this is important, and how our basis for obeying this command is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ-
What would you do if you could have your life spared, if only it meant compromising your faith- The truth is we are faced with numerous temptations to compromise here and there every single day. We should follow the example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who had a faith fire couldn't burn.
On Wednesday of the week He would be crucified, Jesus was setting the temple aright, teaching and preaching the gospel. However, the chief priests, scribes, and elders plotted to get rid of Him and sought to trap Him in His words. But Jesus knew better and responded to their question with one of His own. Listen as Pastor Matt expounds on the significance of this situation where Jesus' authority was questioned, and what the ministry of John the Baptist has to do with your life today.
As sinners we are predisposed to worship idols, and idols come in many different forms. In this passage Pastor Matt looks at King Nebuchadnezzar and how similar we can tend to be, but also how Jesus delivers us from having to bow the knee to the idols in our lives.
The gatekeepers of Jewish religion in the first century not only ignored Scripture and added their own traditions, they were also involved in a lucrative racket at the temple itself. Jesus came into Jerusalem the week of His crucifixion, saw this -again-, and did something about it. Listen as Pastor Matt speaks to this passage regarding how we must have a holy fury against sin, a whole commitment to the word of God, and be ready for sin to be wholly committed against us.
Commonly known today as the triumphal entry or -Palm Sunday,- there is a lot more going on in this passage than meets the eye. Listen as Pastor Matt expounds on Jesus' final entry into Jerusalem, how it connects to the Old Testament in many ways, how it demonstrates the sovereignty of God, and how it prepares the way for judgment.
King David was simultaneously an adulterer, murderer, and a man after God's own heart- not unlike everyone who is a sinner solely saved by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. In Psalm 25, David lifts his voice-pen to the Lord, YHWH, and asks for Israel to be brought out of its troubles. In it, Pastor Matt expounds on the psalm and things in it which show the kind of people God guides.
When the Babylonian Empire crushed Judah and the people were sent into exile, King Nebuchadnezzar tried to do more than just conquer people. He sought to strip away the identity of young men and replace it with his own. In this look at Daniel 1-1-8, Pastor Matt talks about the names of Daniel and the three men commonly known as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego and what they were faced with.
The last thing Luke records before Jesus' final week was a parable He told about a nobleman who went away to receive a kingdom, and in the meantime his slaves were entrusted to do his business. Listen as Pastor Matt explains the parable and its implications for everybody.
You may know this story through a children's song, but the song leaves out the best part. The Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost. God seeks sinners, and that's what we see in Luke 19-1-10. Listen as Pastor Matt exposits this text and we see the necessity of faith and a changed life.
On the heels of Jesus telling His disciples He was going to Jerusalem to be mocked and killed, but He would rise on the third day, Jesus encounters a blind beggar who cries out for mercy. Listen as Pastor Matt explains how the faith of the blind beggar, the healing power of Jesus, and the faithful response are instructive for you and me.
On the heels of the rich young ruler walking away from Jesus, unwilling to abandon his lifestyle for eternal life, the disciples mentioned to Jesus they -had- left homes and more. Jesus responded with a promise of comfort to all who will come to Him completely. Listen as Pastor Matt expounds on Christ's solemn statement about His coming crucifixion and His message of encouragement for those who believe.
On the Pentecost Sunday, Pastor Matt explains from Acts 2 the birth of Jesus' church, the basis for Jesus' church's existence, and the blueprint for Jesus' church. Listen to this sermon which should cause you to ask what you are doing to glorify God in your local church.
Having settled the eternality of Jesus Christ in the first phrase of this letter, now John turns his attention to the humanity and historicity of Christ. However, this is no mere set of intellectual facts to acknowledge. In the reality of Christ we find our joy, our satisfaction, and our commission. Listen as Pastor Matt expounds on this -and a little more-.
The opening phrase of 1 John is only five words long in English, but it's power packed. Listen as Pastor Matt explains how John very succinctly makes his case for the eternality of Jesus Christ, then listen to further proof that Jesus did not come into being in Bethlehem, but -was- all along.
As we prepare for our journey through the book of 1 John, we take a look at what the Bible says about the author. In so doing, God shows us through His word that we must be devoted to both truth and love under the lordship of Christ.
The resurrection is the pinnacle of human history -so far-, but what if it's just a story- A fable- An illusion- What if Jesus has not been raised- In this Resurrection Sunday sermon, Pastor Matt answers those questions from the word of God in a message every believer and unbeliever needs to hear.
Have you ever heard of the prophet Micaiah- He was a man willing to speak the words of God when nobody wanted to hear it. Listen as Pastor Matt preaches his story from 1 Kings 22, weaving it with that of Martin Luther as we approach the 500th anniversary of his 95 Theses. The bottom line- We must live in, meditate on, act upon, and speak the words of God.
You know Jesus has commanded you to go and make disciples, but are you intimidated by the thought of sharing the gospel- What if people don't like it- What if people ask questions and you don't know the answers- In this message we see a couple of examples of the power of a testimony -- telling what God has done for you and how He has had mercy on you. I hope this message, preached at Fairview Baptist Church, will encourage you.
This is one of my favorite underrated Old Testament passages because it's a real event that paints such a beautiful picture of the gospel. Naaman was a prideful man and a leper, both physically and spiritually. Yet, until he humbled himself and obeyed the words of the man of God, entrusting himself to God's provision for salvation, he had no hope.
When Moses died Israel wasn't left in a lurch. God had already called Joshua to be his successor. In His instructions to Joshua God's faithfulness shines through. Yet, the faithfulness of God demands a response from those who love Him and seek to follow Him. Listen as Pastor Matt explains.
In this overview of Jonah we see not only the remarkable events which took God's prophet from a boat to the belly of a fish to preaching repentance to the most powerful empire on earth at the time, but we are also confronted with our own sin, our own commission to preach the gospel and make disciples, and the grace and compassion of our salvation, from whom comes salvation.
In the middle of the last letter in Scripture Paul would write, we read what almost amounts to a three verse hymn, an early creed for the early church, pointing to simple, but essential, gospel truths. Toward the conclusion Paul curiously writes, -If we are faithless, He remains faithful.- What does that mean, and why are those words of the utmost encouragement to those in the faith- Take a listen and find out.----This message was preached at Red Branch Baptist Church at their midweek service.
Paul's last written words to the church at Corinth are both theologically rich and incredibly practical. He offered them six imperatives, one glorious blessing, and two incredible promises to boot. Listen as Pastor Matt expounds on the apostle's appeal to the Triune God as both the source and motivation for the church.
The encounter between Jesus and the rich young ruler is one of the most familiar in the Gospels. In it we are confronted with the gracious gift of eternal life from God, what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, and with the question of whether or not we will submit to His lordship.
The account of Judah and Tamar wouldn't make a good Valentine's Day sermon and most who read Genesis 38 probably do so in fast-forward or with eyes glazed over. But all Scripture is inspired by God and you don't want to miss how one of the uglier episodes in all of the Old Testament plays a part in God keeping His promises to His people, and the very practical applications to the lives of all believers.
The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector is, for good reason, one of the most memorable of all the things Jesus taught. In just six verses Jesus makes a sharp distinction between a religion based of human works and religion based on divine accomplishment. Which religion is yours- To which kingdom are you heading-
The parable of the widow and unjust judge is often read and understood in a way which provokes more persistent prayer. Certainly it does call for us to pray, but the context shows us there is something specific in mind about which we ought to pray. Listen as Pastor Matt exposits the text which leaves us asking the question of ourselves, -Am I longing for Christ--
The account of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers is one familiar to many, even many who don't regularly read the Scriptures. However, as it is with most passages, there is more than meets the eye here. Listen as Pastor Matt expounds on the faithfulness of Joseph, the evil of Joseph's brothers, the evil of Jacob's sons, the anguish of a father, and the sovereign and gracious hand of God over it all.
The account of the life of Joseph begins in earnest with this passage, and we learn much. He was faithful to his father in that his father's interests were his priority. He was hated by jealous brothers as a result of his father's favoritism and the Lord's choice of him. We also see a small but significant way in which God alters the way He communicates with His people. The era of the patriarchs is coming to an end as the emphasis moves to the twelve tribes.
After Jesus was raised He had an encounter with a man who had failed Him, Simon Peter. But instead of berating him, Jesus restored Peter, provoking in him the love of God and reminding him he had a mission to fulfill. As we come into a new year, may this message provoke in us a desire to follow Christ more closely in 2017.
God made known the people from whom Messiah would come, the place from which Messiah would come, and the general time when Messiah would come. On this Sunday morning Pastor Matt starts in an unlikely Christmas text and ends with the glorious truth that sinners can be made sons of God.
There are only three verses in all of Scripture devoted to an obscure woman named Anna. She isn't mentioned before, she isn't mentioned after. But what we see of her shows a woman looking for the Messiah, zealous for the Messiah, and telling others of the Messiah. There is a boat-load of glorious truth and application in what the Spirit tells us about a woman named Anna.
Who wouldn't like to know when the kingdom of God is coming- The problem for the Pharisees is that they were seeing it before their eyes and missing it. The disciples, meanwhile, would need to know more about it. So here Jesus unravels a little bit of the future for them. Listen as Pastor Matt explains how those in Christ should long for His return, and live confidently in obedient faith in light of God's promises.
There was little earthly reason to expect an Amorite harlot would help the people of God overthrow her own city, and yet Rahab the harlot placed her faith in YHWH, the one true God, the God of heaven and earth. Listen to this snapshot of what the Bible says about this unlikely woman of faith, and she is an example to all who are in Christ.
As the book of Genesis shifts focus from Jacob to his sons, this section of the text is often overlooked, or at the very least read in -fast-forward.- However, all Scripture is inspired and there are valuable lessons to learn about God, His word, and His plan from this passage.
In this account unique to Luke, Jesus encountered ten leprous men as He came to a village. They cried out for mercy and He delivered. Listen as Pastor Matt explains the need we all have to be cleansed, and how we can only be made well -i.e., saved- through the God-man, Jesus Christ.
Understanding who Jesus is, why He came, and how we should respond to Him are essential to the faith, and if we don't bring these things to bear on Christmas, then we lose what Christmas is all about.
Following traumatic events in Shechem, Genesis 35 captures Jacob making some important decisions about the direction of his life and that of his family. In the midst of a newfound resolve to follow YHWH as God, Jacob also experiences loss. Out of death comes life, though, and in the birth and naming of Benjamin we see a picture of how God saves sinners.
In verses 1-4 Jesus gave His disciples an explicit command to forgive. As the reality and gravity of Jesus' intention for them began to sink in, the apostles realized they weren't up to it so they asked Jesus, -Increase our faith-- Listen as Pastor Matt explains the implications of the life-altering command to forgive, and how it's the most God-like thing we can do.
How can we truly share life together, obeying Jesus' command to love one another as ourselves, when we still sin and so do others- Jesus lets us know here. This passage cuts to the heart, because Jesus lets us know we're going to have to take a hard look at ourselves and do the hard things if we're going to be His disciple.
One commentator has written about how he doesn't know how anyone could preach from Genesis 34. The average reader might wonder of what benefit a chapter this ugly could be. Pastor Matt takes us through the rape of Dinah, the responses of Jacob, Simeon, and Levi, and why God saw fit to include all of this in His word.
Jesus uses a compelling parable to illustrate the eternity's worth of difference in how to respond to God's word. In the rich man and Lazarus we see a great reversal, a great chasm between their eternities, and a great warning to everyone living.
The 2016 election has been one of the hardest for Christians to know what to do. There is more anxiety and fear surrounding this election than perhaps any other. So how do Christians vote- How do we respond- How do we live- Pastor Matt gives us some things to remember... which will still be true Wednesday morning.
Jesus had told His disciples the parable of the unrighteous steward, but the Pharisees overheard it and scoffed. Jesus used the opportunity to expose what's in and comes from those who may, for everything they are and do, be religious, but really are opposed to Christ.
What would it be like to reunite with a brother you haven't seen in twenty years- One who you had significant heat with- That's what is going on in this passage. Listen as Pastor Matt expounds on Jacob and Esau coming together again, and what it means to us.
Jacob may have had Laban in his rear view mirror, but a greater challenge and potential threat lay before him in his estranged brother Esau. How would Jacob respond- And what would God do to change Jacob's life- Listen in to Pastor Matt explaining this provocative passage.
This audio is from night one of a revival meeting held at Red Branch Baptist Church. Pastor Matt brought his recent series on the parable of the prodigal son to this revival setting.----Our study of the parable of the prodigal son concludes with Pastor Matt looking at the father coming out to plead with his older son to come in to the celebration. Listen as he shows how the older son is a picture of someone who is religious but rejects God, and also at the awkward ending to the parable.
On the heels of a parable about a prodigal son who squandered his estate, Jesus turns His attention to His disciples and tells a parable about an unrighteous manager who squandered his master's riches. Listen to Pastor Matt talk about the unexpected turn this parable takes and the invaluable lesson for those who follow Christ.
This audio is from night one of a revival meeting held at Red Branch Baptist Church. Pastor Matt brought his recent series on the parable of the prodigal son to this revival setting.----Attention is turned to the older brother and his response to the new his brother had returned and been received by his father. In this sermon Pastor Matt draws out the comparison Jesus was making between the older brother and the scribes and Pharisees listening to Him. This is a look into the mirror we all need.
This audio is from night one of a revival meeting held at Red Branch Baptist Church. Pastor Matt brought his recent series on the parable of the prodigal son to this revival setting. ----Continuing in the -Parable of the Prodigal Son,- in this message Pastor Matt examines the unexpected response of the father when the prodigal came home and shows how it is clear picture of the gospel and how God saves sinners. The truth here is imperative for all sinners to understand.
This audio is from night one of a revival meeting held at Red Branch Baptist Church. Pastor Matt brought his recent series on the parable of the prodigal son to this revival setting. ----We continue our look at this most familiar and most understood of parables. Having seen in the prodigal what a sinner looks like, in this sermon we saw the prodigal -come to his senses- and decide to return to his father. In so doing, we saw what repentance looks like.
This audio is from night one of a revival meeting held at Red Branch Baptist Church. Pastor Matt brought his recent series on the parable of the prodigal son to this revival setting. ----In this message we begin looking at what is simultaneously the most familiar and most misunderstood of Jesus' parables -- the prodigal son. Pastor Matt sets the context for what Jesus said here and discusses how the younger son in the first few verses of the parable is a picture of the sinner who, through his sin, separates himself from God.
King Saul was given the immense privilege of being used by God to bring His word to pass, but his obedience to God's command was only in part, not in whole. In this message Pastor Matt speaks about how a high view of a holy God requires a right view about how awful sin is, and how those in Christ must hack sin to pieces as Samuel did to Agag.
Speaking to His disciples in the upper room, the mood was one of great hurt and sadness. But in the passage Pastor Matt looks at here, He gives them what they need- the comfort which comes from faith and hope for a certain future.
The northern kingdom of Israel was a spiritual disaster, ruled by wicked king after wicked king. They were completely undeserving of God's grace. Yet, God made a covenant with Abraham, so He would remain faithful to Israel, giving them victory they certainly didn't earn. See how this parallels our salvation, and how in the response of Israel's king we learn how we ought to be responding to the grace God shows us.
Our study of the parable of the prodigal son concludes with Pastor Matt looking at the father coming out to plead with his older son to come in to the celebration. Listen as he shows how the older son is a picture of someone who is religious but rejects God, and also at the awkward ending to the parable.
Attention is turned to the older brother and his response to the new his brother had returned and been received by his father. In this sermon Pastor Matt draws out the comparison Jesus was making between the older brother and the scribes and Pharisees listening to Him. This is a look into the mirror we all need.
This psalm extols the people of God to worship Him with enthusiasm, reverence, and in the truth. Suggestion- Read Hebrews 3-7-4-13 before and after you listen.
Continuing in the -Parable of the Prodigal Son,- in this message Pastor Matt examines the unexpected response of the father when the prodigal came home and shows how it is clear picture of the gospel and how God saves sinners. The truth here is imperative for all sinners to understand.
We continue our look at this most familiar and most understood of parables. Having seen in the prodigal what a sinner looks like, in this sermon we saw the prodigal -come to his senses- and decide to return to his father. In so doing, we saw what repentance looks like.
When Jacob first announced his intentions to leave Laban and go home, Laban resisted and cut a deal for him to stay. God prospered Jacob until telling him it was time to go. Then God delivered Jacob from trouble with Laban. Finally, God granted Jacob peace. Listen to how these events fit in to Genesis and also paint for us a picture of the gospel.
In this message we begin looking at what is simultaneously the most familiar and most misunderstood of Jesus' parables -- the prodigal son. Pastor Matt sets the context for what Jesus said here and discusses how the younger son in the first few verses of the parable is a picture of the sinner who, through his sin, separates himself from God.
In this passage we get the sons of Jacob -most of them, anyway- and the multiple-wives filled drama with which they came into the world. And through the sliminess of it all, we see an acknowledgement of God's sovereign hand from women who, despite their faults, were God's instruments in faithfully fulfilling His covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and now Jacob.
What do those who walk in truth look like- And what do those who don't walk in truth look like- The answers to both of those questions are given in the short letter of 3 John. It is an encouraging call to be on mission, a serious warning against pride, and instruction to emulate those who are faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ. Listen as Pastor Matt expounds on this oft-neglected but very helpful letter.
Jacob moves on from the place he heard from God to the home of his mother's brother, Laban. Hear again the episode which brought Jacob more wives than he bargained for, and consider the sovereign providence of God in bringing about His purposes.
What did the aged apostle John have to say to a church he loved, with no guarantee he would see them again- It was all about the truth. Paul calls the church the pillar and support of the truth and in this short but potent letter John speaks to how highly we must value the truth and live it out.
Jacob left the security of home, embarking on a 500-mile, weeks long journey with nothing more than the blessing of his father and the implicit promise of God within that blessing. Along the way God spoke to Jacob personally in a memorable dream through which God demonstrated His faithfulness and ultimately how He meets our ultimate need. Listen to consider this and the response of Jacob in what is an extremely rich passage of Scripture.
An episode recorded during the era of the divided kingdom shows a powerful Gentile military leader coming to Israel to be cured of leprosy, but God had an even bigger cleansing in mind. Listen as Pastor Matt explains how the cleansing of Naaman the Aramean is a picture of our own salvation, and how we must avoid because like Elisha's servant, Gehazi.
This extended passage deals with Isaac wanting to bless Esau before he dies, but Rebekah setting in motion a plan for Jacob to -steal- the blessing. The passage is bookended with often overlooked but important passage which reveal Esau's character. Listen as Pastor Matt expounds the text and shows how, no matter what, God's will is done.
This passage is written after the fall of the northern kingdom asking the question, -Why-- Why did it happen- Listen as Pastor Matt expounds on the reasons given in the text and hear the clear application for the people of God today.
On the heels of our Vacation Bible School, in which our children learned about the truthfulness of God's word as it relates to Noah's Ark, and how that and the flood apply to them, Pastor Matt provides an overview of the familiar but often misunderstood biblical narrative for the entire congregation. Listen and be reminded afresh what the Noah narrative really all about. It's as relative to us as it was to Noah.
In light of recent events -the deaths of two African-American men and the subsequent shootings of twelve Dallas police officers, five of whom died-, Pastor Matt brings the word of God to bear on the events and on us. How should we think about race, and knowing what the Bible says, how should we then live- Please take the time to listen to this important message.
On a long weekend in which our nation celebrates 240 years of independence, we abuse our liberty if we do not consider the state of our union in light of the Scriptures. What we find is a long train of abuses which, just in the past few days, have been magnified. The right to life is subservient to the right to kill in America. Religious liberty comes only if it doesn't interfere with sexual liberty. The wicked strut on every side when vileness is exalted among the sons of men. How shall we then live- Pastor Matt examines these issues in the light of the world and how we, as the body of Christ, must live in response.
Reflecting on the horror of the exile and the wasteland the Israelites came back to, the psalmist is in a place where praising God seems impossible. Yet, true faith and true worship demand that when all else seems lost we can, should, and must trust in the Lord. In this message Pastor Matt reflects on the King of Righteousness who is also the King of Peace.
This man receives sinners.----Those four words show the difference between the religion of the Bible and everything else. The Pharisees and the scribes didn't like it so Jesus used parables. The parable of the lost sheep and the parable of the lost coin show us the sacrificial love of God for all those whom He is saving, and the joy it gives Him to do so. Listen and marvel at what God does for those who come to Him with repentance.
In this sermon related to issues of the family, Pastor Matt goes to Proverbs to show us the vital importance not only of showing our children the Lord, but keeping them out of things that will keep them from Him.
The apostle Paul wrote to the church at Philippi while under some form of imprisonment. There was little reason to be hopeful, except for his confidence in Christ. That brought Paul great joy and led to him letting the church know what he was praying for them about -- their love, their theology, and their practice. Listen as Pastor Matt talks about this and how it should inform how we pray and live.
Family, friends, and Bethlehem Baptist Church said goodbye to Susie Dupree, 95, who died on May 31. This is the message Pastor Matt preached at her service.------ Note- Pastor Matt was struggling with a cough throughout the message.
Jesus lays it on the line in this passage with regards to what He demands of those who will come to Him and be His disciples. The bottom line is that everything you are and have has to be entrusted to Him. It will cost you everything... but the reward is even greater. Listen to this message that will, God willing, challenge you to a greater degree of faithfulness.
In the midst of tragedy, David might have been tempted to run from God and even blame him for what happened. Instead, David rested in the enduring lovingkindness of God. Listen to how what David went through is applicable to us, and how we can trust in the goodness of God.
Building upon His teaching in Luke 14-1-14, Jesus tells the parable of a host who plans a great banquet and invites many guests, only to have those guests accept the first invitation but, when the time came to go, reject him. This is a parable on God's plan to save, and the question to you is how you are responding to the Lord's call.
We get our closest look at Isaac in this passage, as the narrative recounts a series of events in his life that closely resemble events in the life of his father, Abraham. The overarching theme of the passage is God's faithfulness, and how that is an anchor for those in Christ to live with obedient faith.
With Abraham dead, the focus on the covenant promise of God moving on goes from Isaac to the next generation. Listen again to how Isaac's children came into the world and how God was sovereignly at work in them before they were even born.
The era of Abraham comes to an end. He remarries after Sarah's death, has six more sons, dies, and then the descendants of his first son, Ishmael, are recounted. The overarching theme of it all being that God has kept and is keeping His promises. Listen to what that means for us.
Jesus goes once more into the home of a Pharisee, this time a leader of the Pharisees, where He is set to up to break their Sabbath regulations so they can accuse Him. Jesus, though, turns the situation on its head and once again exposes their hypocrisy.
It's Mother's Day, but for so many what makes a good woman, a good wife, and a good mother is determined by the world's standards, not God's. In this message Pastor Matt takes us to the preeminent text on biblical womanhood to challenge not just the modern thinking on women, but show us how biblical womanhood reflects the person, work, and glory of Jesus Christ.
The history of humankind is one of trying to diminish, or outright get rid of, the word of God -- and specifically the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ. Whether it's the Pharisees, Herod, or numerous others, the Lord is always a target because people don't want to submit to His lordship. Listen as Jesus addresses potential threats and laments the constant rebellion of Jerusalem, but not without hope for salvation.
With Sarah now gone and Abraham in his twilight years, attention turned to the next generation and the continuation of the covenant promise of God. To that end, Isaac needed a wife. Listen as Pastor Matt walks through this rich narrative which points us to the faithfulness and provision of God, and how when God's people know what the will of God is there should be no delay in doing it.
Contemporary religion has convinced us that minimal standards of belief and minimal commitment is sufficient to gain us heavenly bliss, but that's nowhere close to what Jesus said. The door is narrow, and most who think they are getting through it won't. What does it take to get through the door-
Where did David look when everything seemed to be against him- He looked back on God's faithfulness in the past, but that wasn't completely sufficient. He looked around, but all he saw was disappointment, but we're all sinners. But when he looked up he found the Lord still IS gracious to him and still raises him up. Listen as Pastor Matt expounds upon this psalm which has great application to the believer's life.
In this passage Jesus teaches two short passages to teach us what the kingdom of God is like. It defies all human wisdom and understanding and expectation. Christians today need to be thinking and living with kingdom intentionality.