Maynardville Fellowship Podcast: Recent Episodes
Matthew Cooke | Maynardville Fellowship
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Carr-08-09-2026.mp3What happens when those entrusted with authority become enemies of justice? Acts 4:18–22 shows that authority is good but never absolute, and when human authority conflicts with Christ, Christians must recognize and obey the higher authority.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Carr-8-2-26.mp3What happens when an opponent can no longer win the argument? They resort to ad hominem, suppression, and intimidation. Luke shows us that is exactly what happened with the Sanhedrin court with Peter and John.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Cooke-7-26-26.mp3In Matthew 24:10–13, Jesus reveals that persecution wasn’t merely something the early church endured—it was something Christ used. The birth pangs preceding Jerusalem’s destruction would expose false disciples, purify the visible church, and reveal those whose faith was genuine.
This message explores the intentional connection between Matthew 24 and the Parable of the Soils, showing that Jesus had already explained why some would fall away, why others would be deceived, and why only those who endure would be revealed as His true disciples.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Cooke-7-19-26.mp3Jerusalem was headed for judgment—but Jesus’ next warning was even more personal. Before the Temple fell, His disciples would be arrested, beaten, & killed, at the hands of Jews and Gentiles alike because they confessed His name.
A few questions beg for answers. Why would that confession provoke such opposition? Would such persecution remain a permanent aspect of Christ’s Kingdom—or can the church work toward peaceful and quiet lives?
Listen as Pastor Matt explains Matthew 24:9—The Birth Pangs of the Kingdom: The Persecution of the Church—and why the church can expect the blessings of the Kingdom in this life, as well as reward in the life to come.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Cooke-7-12-26.mp3Wars. False messiahs. Famines. Pestilences. Earthquakes.
For generations, Christians have pointed to these events as signs that the end of the world must be near. But Jesus says something very different: “See that you are not frightened…that is not yet the end.”
Before telling His disciples what the sign would be, Jesus first warned them what the sign was not. False christs would attempt to lead them astray. Fighting nations would threaten to frighten them. Frightening disasters would shake the world around them. But these events were not the decisive sign. They were only “the beginning of birth pangs.”
In this message, we examine the biblical and historical evidence surrounding the years between Christ’s resurrection and Jerusalem’s destruction in AD 70—and discover why these upheavals were not evidence that Christ’s kingdom had failed, but that the old covenant order was passing away and the reign of the true Messiah was advancing.
Join us as we consider three distractions the disciples had to avoid—and why Matthew 24:4–8 is not describing the end of the world.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Cooke-7-5-26.mp3Jesus has declared that the Temple will be utterly destroyed. The disciples know what is coming. Their unsettled dilemma is when.
“Tell us, when will these things happen, & what will be the sign of Your coming, & of the end of the age?” — Matthew 24:3
These are not the speculative questions of prophecy-chart enthusiasts. They are the trembling questions of men whose entire covenantal world has just been shaken.
The Temple will fall.
The Old Covenant age will end.
The Son of Man will be vindicated.
The Kingdom will no longer be centered in Jerusalem, but in the risen Christ ruling from heaven.
Listen as Pastor Matt explains what the disciples were asking when they asked, ‘When Will These Things Happen?’
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Carr-06-28-26.mp3Peter and John had the full weight of the political and religious apparatus stacked against them. This passage shows how the Christian today should expect the cultural pressure to be mobilized against them and how they can confidently stand against that pressure.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Carr-06-21-26.mp3We all know what it means to be a Proverbs 31 or Titus 2 woman. Hear Pastor Carr’s charge for men to pursue the standard of a Job 1 man.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Carr-6-14-26.mp3Why did the Sadducees rush to confront Peter and John after the lame man was healed? What can we learn from this encounter for our current cultural context? Find out why this passage is so relevant to our current battles.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Carr-6-7-26.mp3Many read the language of verse seventeen as Peter softening his tone toward the people. Pastor Carr demonstrates why the context of the passage actually works against interpreting Peter’s tone as conciliatory.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Stomberg-05-31-26.mp3Throughout the book of Proverbs we see two distinct pulls working on men; the enticement of the wicked, and the voice of wisdom. Born in sin, all men need to be corrected and trained into wisdom. Those who will not heed the voice of wisdom are proven fools and await the promised destruction. Those who will listen to correction, reproof, and when needed discipline, are transformed from folly to wisdom.
God will not leave His children in their sin and folly. He will use whatever correction or discipline is necessary to bring them to repentance and wisdom. If we understand this, we will learn to embrace anything that will free us from folly and make us wise.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Carr-Survey-Judges-5-27-26.mp3Judges is a book shows Israel’s continued encounters with the serpent and the subsequent covenantal degeneration that came with their continued rebellion.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Cooke-5-24-26.mp3Matthew 24 is one of the most misunderstood passages in the Bible, often treated as a detached prophecy about events far removed from its immediate context. But before Jesus speaks of wars, tribulation, signs, and the end of the age, Matthew first shows us something quiet but thunderous: Jesus leaves the Temple.
In Matthew 24:1–2, the King who entered Jerusalem with public acclaim now departs the Temple without ceremony. The disciples still see beauty, permanence, and religious grandeur. Jesus sees a condemned house standing under judgment. Not one stone will be left upon another.
In this sermon, The Unceremonious Departure, we consider how Matthew 24 flows directly out of Matthew 23, why the destruction of the Temple was unavoidable, and why visible glory can blind even true disciples when they fail to interpret the world through Christ’s word.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Carr-Survey-Joshua-5-20-26.mp3This book is about more than simple military conquest. It is a book of Israel’s need for covenant renewal and God’s overwhelming covenant faithfulness.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Cooke-5-17-26.mp3In Matthew 23:37–39, Jesus brings His final public indictment against Jerusalem to its devastating conclusion. The city of peace had become a city of blood. The city that was supposed to receive the prophets murdered them. The city that was supposed to teach the Law to the nations rejected the messengers who called her back to that Law. Yet Christ’s words are not cold judgment. They are judgment through tears.
He had long summoned Jerusalem under the shelter of His wings, but she was unwilling.
So Jesus pronounces the sentence: “Behold, your house is being left to you desolate!”
This is not vague end-of-the-world language. It is the covenantal abandonment of the old-covenant temple order, fulfilled in the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in AD 70. The house was left desolate because Immanuel had departed.
But is the a failure of God’s promises? God forbid! It is their fulfillment in Christ. The old house is abandoned because the true Temple has come. The old priesthood is eclipsed because the true Priest has come. The old sacrifices are finished because the true Sacrifice has come. And the new house is being built in Him.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Carr-Survey-Deut-5-13-26.mp3Pastor Carr explains the nature and significance of the covenant renewal sermon Moses delivered prior to the people of Israel entering the Promised Land.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Cooke-05-10-2026.mp3In 1 Peter 3:7, the apostle Peter gives husbands one of the clearest and most searching commands in all of Scripture: know your wife, honor her, be tender with her, remember whose she is, and keep covenant with her so that your prayers may not be hindered.
A wife is a fellow heir of the grace of life, a daughter of the King, and a precious vessel entrusted to her husband’s care. Her femininity is not a defect to tolerate, but a glory to honor. Her vulnerability is not an excuse for contempt, but a summons to Christlike strength.
Peter does not call husbands to sentimental softness or domineering harshness. He calls them to the pattern of Christ, the Bridegroom who knows, honors, protects, and gives Himself for His bride.
A man may confess biblical headship with his lips, but if he is harsh, selfish, dismissive, or covenantally absent in his home, he contradicts with his life what he professes in doctrine.
Listen as Pastor Matt calls husbands to repent where they have damaged what God entrusted to them, and to recover the glory of strong, tender, Christ-shaped leadership in the home.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Carr-Survey-Numbers-5-6-26.mp3Many people overlook the beauty and hidden value of the book of Numbers. Listen as Pastor Carr shows how God formed his holy army, replaced it, and was still true to his promise.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Cooke-5-3-26-1.mp3We tend to think of patience & grace as basically synonyms. But biblically speaking, that is not always the case.
Sometimes God delays judgment in order to display mercy. But sometimes He delays judgment in order to expose rebellion, harden the self-righteous in their chosen path, and vindicate the justice of His wrath.
In Matthew 23:34–36, Jesus announces that He will send prophets, wise men, & scribes to that generation—not because they will receive them, but because they will reject them. Their treatment of Christ’s messengers will prove that they are true sons of those who murdered the prophets. From Abel to Zechariah, the blood of the righteous has cried out. And Jesus declares that all of it will come upon that generation.
This is a sermon about covenantal bloodguilt, delayed judgment, AD 70, the end of old covenant Israel, and the terrifying reality that God’s patience is not always mercy.
Sometimes God gives men enough rope with which to hang themselves.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Carr-4-26-26.mp3Patterns matter. They inform what an author is doing and saying in a book. Pastor Carr shows how Luke shows a pattern in Peter’s preaching and what that means for the book of Acts and how it can help us better understand the text.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Carr-4-19-26.mp3In this passage Peter and John are confronted with a beggar on the outside of covenantal life. Pastor Carr shows the significance of this man’s healing and why he is a picture of the nation of Israel at the border of God’s blessing but excluded because of uncleanness.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Carr-Acts-4-12-26.mp3It can be difficult for baptists to think in terms of covenant. In this sermon Pastor Carr shows how Luke necessitates that we think in terms of covenant realities even when we are tempted to get swept up in descriptive narrative.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Carr-4-5-26.mp3What happens when Christ redeems a people and brings them into covenant with each other? In this passage we see the four pillars of covenant life that shaped the early church and continues to shape the covenant people of God today.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Romans-12_17-21-A-Counter-Intuitive-Offensive-Strategy-Part-2-1.mp3When evil is done to you, one question matters: will evil only wound you, or will it recruit you? Why would we imitate the evil done to us and thereby multiply it? Romans 12:17–21 forbids revenge, forbids fleshly retaliation, and commands believers to answer evil with good. Listen as Pastor Matt explain how striking back is not victory, but surrender, and how that overcoming evil comes through righteousness, mercy, and trust in the justice of God.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Carr-Survey-LEV-3-25-26.mp3Pastor Carr shows how Leviticus answers the question of how a sinful people can approach the holy God who dwells among them. He gives special attention to the offerings and sacrifices and how they point to Christ.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Romans-12_17-21-Counter-Intuitive-Offensive-Strategy.mp3When evil comes against the church, how should we respond? In Romans 12:14–16, Paul gives an answer that cuts against every fleshly instinct: bless persecutors, enter into the joys and sorrows of the body, and do not let pride rule your heart. Join us as we consider how God calls His people to overcome evil with good through a counterintuitive offensive strategy.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Carr-Survey-EX-3-18-26.mp3Pastor Carr walks through the book of Exodus and shows how God fulfills His promise to make Abraham into a nation and establishes a covenant with them.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Romans-12_9-13-Loving-the-Body-of-Christ.mp3In a world shaped by mere self-interest and shallow connection, God calls His people to something deeper. Romans 12:9–13 gives us a vision of unfeigned love—love that hates evil, clings to what is good, and gives itself for the good of the saints. Come hear what covenantal love looks like in the body of Christ.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Carr-Survey-GEN-3-11-26.mp3The importance of Genesis cannot be understated. If we misunderstand what is happening in the opening book of the Bible we will inevitably miss the gospel and all of the rich blessings God has for his people. Listen as Pastor Carr walks through the foundational book of the Bible.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Cooke-3-8-26.mp3Last week Pastor Matt showed how the power of multiplication enabled the apostles and the early church to change the world so quickly. Godly men became examples for others to imitate, and those who followed their example became examples themselves. As that life-on-life discipleship continued, the gospel “sounded forth” not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in “every place.” Through the power of multiplication, the influence of faithful Christians reached far beyond the places the apostles themselves had ever gone.
This week, Pastor Matt explains an essential qualification: Christianity is not a Lone Ranger faith. God is not simply multiplying isolated believers, but building one unified body made up of many members with different gifts and callings. In Romans 12:3–8, we see that Christians are called to a right view of themselves, a right view of others, and faithful cooperation within the body as together we labor to disciple the nations.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Carr-Survey-3-4-26.mp3Bible surveys are often dismissed as too elementary, but they offer many benefits to even the most knowledgeable believers. Pastor Carr begins this series by walking through the various genres of the Bible and how they related to the covenantal life of the people of God.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Cooke-3-1-26.mp3When we look at the enemy all around us, we may be tempted to despair. The enemies of Christ control the news media, the entertainment sector, the monetary supply, education, and virtually every elected official in Washington’s uni-party. Yes, it’s bad out there.
It seems as if there are no quick solutions, but God has turned things around quickly before. We see one such example in 1st Century Thessalonica. Paul, Silvanus, & Timothy ‘turned the world upside down’ (Acts 17:6). In I Thessalonians 1:5-7 we see the simplicity of their world-flipping method. &, spoiler alert; it’s men. Convictional, Holy Spirit filled, unflinching men, who pour into other men, who pour into other men.
The transformation of our nation by the power of God depends upon the mobilization of men who have been transformed by the power of the Gospel,
Follow such men.
Be that kind of man.
Invite others to follow you as you follow Christ.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Car-02-22-2026.mp3As Peter’s covenant lawsuit comes to an end, the response of the crowd becomes even more pressing. Listen as Pastor Carr demonstrates the necessary response for both national and spiritual Israel in this conclusion to his Pentecost series.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Carr-2-15-26.mp3As Peter draws his covenant lawsuit to a close he delivers the final verdict against the enemies of God. Pastor Carr shows how Peter tightens the noose of judgment on those who listen to his sermon.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Carr-2-8-26.mp3As Peter begins to draw his covenant lawsuit to a close, he introduces corroborating evidence to solidify his condemnation of Israel. The evidence of Christ’s vindication and exaltation not only stood as condemning evidence against Israel, but it also demands that we acknowledge and submit to King Jesus.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Lecture-8-_First-350-Years.mp3There is a seemingly endless stream of inaccurate political rhetoric flooding our culture today — rhetoric designed to advance a destabilizing agenda.
Do we live on “stolen land”?
Are we a “nation of immigrants”?
Was this country built by greedy, oppressive colonizers?
Absolutely not.
In Lecture 8, Pastor Matt examines the complicated, messy history of the American continent and draws important distinctions between settlers, colonizers, and immigrants.
Our forefathers were not the villains of history. They were overwhelmingly Christian men — imperfect, yes — but driven by conviction, courage, and a vision that has undeniably blessed the world.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Carr-01-18-26.mp3At Pentecost, Peter initiates formal covenant charges against Israel. In this passage he continues to argue his case against the nation. Listen as Pastor Carr unpacks the evidences Peter puts forth for the dissolution of the covenant with Israel.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Cooke-Civics-1-14-26.mp3Not rebellion. Not anarchy. Lawful resistance.
When civil authority commands what God forbids—or forbids what God commands—Christians must draw a line. Lecture 7 lays out the biblical framework, the jurisdictional boundaries of government, and the tested tactics of lawful resistance developed in the Christian tradition.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Carr-1-11-26.mp3What was the significance of Peter choosing the text from Joel 2 to address the mocking crowd at Pentecost? Find out how he picks up on Joel’s covenant lawsuit and applies it to the hearers in Jerusalem and what that means for believers today.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Cooke-Civics-1-7-26.mp3In Reformed circles you’ll sometimes hear the phrase “Protestant Resistance Theory.” It teaches that civil rulers are limited—by God’s law, natural law, & their covenant oaths—and that tyranny may be resisted, ordinarily through lesser magistrates & lawful constitutional channels, not private, freelance revolt. But resistance theory isn’t uniquely Protestant. Listen as Pastor Matt shows how it predates the Reformation and is rooted in five ancient Christian creeds.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Carr1-4-26.mp3It’s tempting to see this passage simply as a descriptive prelude to Peter’s sermon from Joel. However, Luke has packed this portion of Scripture with a ton of OT courtroom language intended to indict Israel for their rebellion against God.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2-Peter-1_5-8-A-Proposed-New-Year-Add-to-Your-Faith.mp3A new year invites sober reflection. Scripture does not permit spiritual stagnation—God calls His people to real growth in holiness. Are you walking with the Lord as closely as you once did, or have you noticed yourself becoming less watchful, less tender, less godly? It’s time to stop the drift. In this message, Pastor Matt reminds believers that sanctification is not optional, and from 2 Peter 1:5–8 draws three anchors for the Christian life: the effort required, the essential qualities to pursue, and the promised end reward.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Carr-12-28-25.mp3What happened on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2? Beyond the narrative events, what happened in the scope of redemptive history? Listen as Pastor Carr ties the events of Pentecost to multiple Old Testament prophecies and shows the implications of their fulfillment.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Carr-12-21-25.mp3What is the festival of Pentecost and how was it observed throughout Israel’s history. Answering those questions are foundational to understanding what Luke is revealing in Acts 2. In this sermon Pastor Carr traces the origins of the Feast, its focal shift, and the ultimate fulfillment in the New Covenant.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Carr-12-14-25-1.mp3See how Luke shows the formation and legitimacy of the early church as a replacement for the Jewish synagogue system and how they used that authority to rule in the matter of Judas and what should happen to his place.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Civics-Lecture-5.mp3Every social order rests on a creed. Last week we saw how the creed of the Roman Empire shifted from completely pagan, gnostic Platonism to the increasingly developed Christianity of the creeds: The Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Creed of Constantinople, the Chalcedonian Creed, and the Athanasian Creed. In this lecture Pastor Matt follows these creeds through history as they walk out of the sanctuary & into coronations, law codes, &, eventually, constitutions. The people who confess them go home, write laws, crown kings, build courts & parliaments. Change the creed and you eventually change the entire government of a people—its laws, its structures, & its institutions. These doctrinal statements became the very bones of Western law & government.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Carr-12-7-25.mp3It doesn’t matter what great things we aspire to do if we fail to obey Christ’s direct commands. Pastor Carr shows how the disciples demonstrated faithfulness in basic obedience as the foundation for what was to come next.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Cooke-Civics-12-3-25.mp3Every social order rests on a creed, on a concept of life & law. The political structure of a society represents a religion in action. If you change the creed, you will eventually change the law, the institutions, and political structure of a people. The early church didn’t just win theological debates; it replaced pagan social foundations: From cyclical or meaningless history to linear history under God. From emperor-as-divine to Christ as the only true King & Judge. Listen as Pastor Matt labors to demonstrate how the creeds of the early church were not just about getting theology right; they were God’s way of re–wiring the foundations of law, power, & liberty for the nations.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Carr-11-30-25.mp3In this sermon Pastor Carr steps out of his exposition of Acts to give a topical treatment of the session of Christ. This important doctrine is the backbone for understanding what takes place in the rest of the book as well as what is taking place in history today.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Carr-11-23-25.mp3Listen as Pastor Carr shows how the ascension demonstrates the glory and divinity of Christ as well as the meaning of the arrival of the two angels. This sermon shows how passages like this can have an immediate fulfillment, but still have relevance for the church today and moving forward.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cooke-Civics-11-19-25.mp3More and more, Americans are pressured to denounce and apologize for their heritage. Many Christians are all too eager to oblige. Should we be? Listen as Pastor Matt considers this sensitive subject and offers a biblical model for understanding the past and looking toward the future.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cooke-Civics-11-12-25.mp3Skip mere trivia; pursue timeless wisdom. Pastor Matt contrasts three views of history—meaningless, cyclical, linear—and shows why the biblical, linear view both explains the past and shaped America’s civics. Learn what to recover, what to avoid, and how to judge “progress” by an objective good.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Carr-11-9-25.mp3Are the disciples still slow to understand when they ask about the restoration of the kingdom? Many would come to that conclusion, but it seems unlikely given the context of the question. Listen as pastor Dreamy Eyes explains the nature of their question and how that affects us today.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cooke-Civics-11-5-25.mp3Whatever happened to civics class?
Once upon a time, every student needed two or three semesters of civics to graduate high school. Today, “social studies” has replaced it—and most students can’t explain the difference. What changed?
In this opening lecture, Pastor Matt exposes the theological shift behind that subtle terminology change and the seismic worldview upheaval that followed. What was once taught as a science—anchored in divine order, objective truth, and fixed moral law—has been recast as a humanity, rooted in relativism and feeling.
The result? The America our forefathers envisioned—built on biblical foundations and covenantal responsibility—is being slowly replaced by something completely different.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Carr-11-2-25.mp3We live in a culture that often confuses activity for faithfulness so we cane easily interpret a season of waiting and preparation as a sign of God’s displeasure. Pastor Carr shows how Jesus’ instructions to the apostles can be a measure of comfort and instruction for us today.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Carr-10-26-25.mp3An introduction to the themes and direction of the book of Acts taken from Luke’s reminders given to Theophilus.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Carr-11.mp3Pastor Carr begins his introduction to the book of Acts by showcasing the continuity between it and the book of Joshua. He demonstrates that Luke intentionally structures Acts as a book of conquest that is intended to mirror Israel’s initial conquest of the promised land.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cooke-10-12-25.mp3Matthew 23:29-33 serves as the capstone on this series of seven woes—these covenantal indictments against national Israel. Central to understanding this ‘woe’ is a right understanding of the fifth commandment; honor your father and mother. The scribes a Pharisees said ‘If we’d been living in the days of our fathers, we wouldn’t have been partners with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ Their pretended honor of the prophets was really a way of honoring themselves and dishonoring their fathers.
When we speak evil of parents, there’s an extra layer of guilt—beyond speaking evil of others. God placed you with them, blessed you by their care, & now entrusts their care to you; God forbid you speak evil when God command you to act for their good. Parents, can you look back & see ways you failed your children? You wish you’d done better; you wish you’d known then what you know now. You pray God will limit or undo damage from neglect, wrong emphases, time misspent. Afford your parents the same mercy you want from your children. Remember: by what judgment you judge, you shall be judged. If you desire mercy, extend it. Is it hard? It certainly can be—justice & mercy hinge on faithfulness through difficulty. The ‘weightier matters of the law.’
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2-Cor.-6_14-7_1-The-Tragic-Death-of-Charlie-Kirk-and-the-Necessary-Death-of-Classical-Liberalism.mp3Oh, how deeply we’ve grieved the tragic death of Charlie Kirk! Charlie Kirk was an absolute champion of classical liberalism. You might think I meant “a champion of conservatism.” But Charlie Kirk’s method—& much of his message—were shaped by a classical-liberal framework. He loved “the marketplace of ideas”: “I’ll hear you, you hear me, & may the best ideas win.” With a playful, smirking confidence, he believed his ideas were best. Charlie said, “If we stop talking & dehumanize one another, terrible things will happen.” He kept talking. Kindly. Respectfully. Convincingly. And they shot him in the throat. Part of what we grieve is bigger than one man. Deep down, we knew that in witnessing the tragic death of Charlie Kirk, we were also witnessing the necessary death of classical liberalism.
As much as it hurts—because we long mistook this kind of liberalism for a virtue—its passing is a necessary & good outcome of this tragedy. It contradicts tenets of biblical revelation. You cannot reason with the unreasonable. It’s not that they don’t understand the truth. They suppress it in unrighteousness (Rom. 1:18 ). When they cannot win an argument, they howl like animals; if that doesn’t silence you, they do exactly what Jesus said they would. Mt. 7:6 Don’t give what’s holy to dogs… lest they… turn & tear you to pieces. Our strategy for winning has been to give what’s holy to the dogs; why are we surprised when they do as our Lord said they would? If spirited dialogue with demons isn’t the winning strategy, where do we turn?
Listen as Pastor Matt breaks down 2 Cor. 6:14–7:1 showing how rejecting the classical liberal frame and returning to biblical cultural engagement is the path to victory.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Car-9-28-25.mp3How are we to interpret the days in which we live? What must we understand about who and what it is that opposes the kingdom of Christ? Pastor Carr lays out the foundational reality that must undergird our response to this time that has been given to us.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Psalm-131-The-Murder-of-Charlie-Kirk.mp3Many of us have been devastated. Shaken to our cores. … by the murder of a man we never met- Charlie Kirk. Who committed this atrocity? A lone gunman? Was it a government conspiracy? Perhaps a foreign government or agency? You crave justice; you hunger for answers—so down the rabbit hole you go.
Podcasts, influencers, & news outlets constantly claim to have “Breaking news.” This voice is sure it’s a transgender shooter. Another, a government conspiracy. Another points to suspicious “timestamps.” You hear of an arrest. Someone then claims the arrest is a scapegoat. It’s exhausting. Soul-crushingly discouraging. What are we to do with these anxious thoughts in a time like this? We turn where saints have always turned—to God’s Word. Join Pastor Matt as he walks through Ps. 131, where we hear David’s prayer—born in a difficult-to-grasp cultural moment. We don’t know the exact situation behind Ps. 131—& that’s a mercy. God gave it to steady us in many moments, including this one.
If you need consolation as you grieve Charlie Kirk’s assassination, listen in. If you are encouraged, share with a friend who needs peace today.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Cooke-9-7-25.mp3Two faithful sisters, Euodia & Syntyche, found themselves divided. They scrutinized motives, assumed the worst, and replayed their grievances. Paul points them to a better way: love that doesn’t record wrongs committed against them in an ever running ledger, but that deliberately dwells on what is true, honorable, and praiseworthy. Join Pastor Matt as he unpacks how this transforms conflict into unity.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Cooke-8-31-25.mp3It’s one of those uber-familiar texts:
Mt. 23:27 You’re like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they’re full of dead men’s bones.
But most people are not familiar with its Old Testament roots in the book of Ezekiel. Listen as Pastor Matt explains how Ezekiel used the analogy of whitewash to show the guilt of the prophets of his generation, and how Jesus picks up the image, escalating the blood-guilt of the scribes and Pharisees. If the lesser sins of that generation merited the destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple, what would the outcome be for this generation?
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Cooke-8-24-25.mp3From the outside looking in, the scribes and Pharisees performed all the external shows of righteousness imaginable; with lengthened tassels, broadened phylacteries, scholarly robes, prominent seats, & respectful greetings in the marketplace. But they neglected the internal holiness that God requires; justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Listen as Pastor Matt warns against cleaning only the externals (the only part men can see), while neglecting the heart, which God sees perfectly and will surely judge.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Carr-ST-8-20-25.mp3What does God know and when does he know it? What is the extent of His knowledge of the future? Pastor Carr addresses these questions and more as he begins to think through this important attribute of God.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Matthew-23_23-24.mp3You’ve probably heard the phrase: straining at a gnat, swallowing a camel. We use it to describe people who major on the minors and miss the point. But what if I told you Jesus said it first — and He used it to warn of judgment? In this message, Pastor Matt shows why that warning was the very reason Jerusalem fell in 70 AD.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Carr-ST-8-13-25.mp3Here we face the great threat to the Christian faith, at least according to the atheist or blue haired lunatic. In actuality the discussion of the presence of evil in light of a good and all powerful God is one that brings the Christian confidence and solicits praise.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Matthew-23_16-22-Woe-Unto-You-Blind-Guides.mp3How are we to understand swearing, vows, and oaths? Didn’t Jesus say not to swear at all? Yet Deuteronomy commands, “You shall fear only the Lord your God… and swear by His name.” How do we reconcile these texts?
The Scribes and Pharisees embraced a loophole-laden system of vows — silly as children crossing their fingers, but deadly in its power to defraud. Listen as Pastor Matt unmasks the absurd logic and damning consequences of blind guides in high places — and points us to the only Shepherd who swore truthfully, kept every vow, and bore the covenant curse so His people could live in the unshakable light of His Kingdom.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Carr-ST-8-6-25.mp3In this lecture Pastor Carr considers five attributes of God: Righteousness, Jealousy, Hatred, Wrath, and Holiness.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Carr-ST-7-30-25.mp3How should we think through defining and understanding God’s attributes? That question is addressed in this lecture as well as God’s attributes of goodness and love as found in Scripture.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07-27-25-Name-Edit.mp3Pastor Carr gives a grave call toward the personal and corporate holiness that should mark the Church and her people.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Carr-ST-7-23-25.mp3In this lecture, Pastor Carr explores the third way God reveals His Lordship— as Father. Discover how Scripture defines the Patriarchal nature of the Kingdom, and what it means for God to be Father.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Cooke-7-20-25.mp3Is. 49:6–7 I’ll also make You a light of the nations So that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth. Kings will see & arise, Princes will also bow down.The scribes & Pharisees postured as those very messengers—God’s agents summoning the nations into covenant blessing through the coming Messianic King & royal conqueror. They came bearing the terrifying texts—of a King who would subdue the nations, break rebels with His rod, shattering them like clay pots. What a message—take the carrot, or get the stick. The combined fear, & prophetic expectation would make a man skip line at the circumcision booth!But it only looked like evangelism. Underneath the robes & rituals was hunger for influence—& income. Each convert meant another tither. Another disciple of the system. Another soul under the thumb of rabbinic control. They weren’t shepherds seeking the lost. They were salesmen securing revenue. The Great Commission was nowhere in sight—but the great commission check? That was cashed.Listen as Pastor Matt unmasks the devil’s evangelists showing why Christ’s harshest words weren’t for pagans, but for false preachers.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Carr-ST-7-16-25.mp3What does it mean to live under the rule of the One True King? In this lecture, Pastor Carr explores the second way God reveals His Lordship—through the Kingdom. Discover how Scripture defines the nature and timing of that Kingdom, and what faithful citizenship looks like in light of it.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Matthew-23_14-Woe-to-the-Wolves-In-Shepherds-Clothing.mp3Listen as Pastor Matt uncovers the horrifying irony of those who wore the robes of shepherds while devouring the most vulnerable sheep. Each of the synoptic Gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke, reveals the same chilling indictment: religious hypocrisy dressed in pious theater, preying on widows and the weak.Listen in as Jesus thunders judgment from Ezekiel and Zephaniah, declares covenantal divorce on a corrupt nation, and warns all who dare pose as Shepherds for personal gain: “You will receive greater condemnation.”May we all take refuge in the True Shepherd—the One who doesn’t devour His sheep, but lays down His life for them.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Carr-ST-7-9-25.mp3How does God make His presence known to His creation? While there are many secondary means—through beauty, providence, and conscience—Scripture reveals one primary method: covenant. In this lecture, we trace the major covenants of the Bible and discover how each one reveals God’s intent to dwell with His people and bless them through His abiding presence.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Matthew-23_13-Woe-Unto-the-Gatekeepers-Outside-the-Gate-of-the-Kingdom.mp3They claimed to be guides into God’s Kingdom — but they were standing on the outside, slamming the gate shut on those who would enter.The hypocrisy of Israel’s false shepherds was undeniable — men who didn’t love the people, didn’t know the way, and yet presumed to speak for God. Jesus’ first woe in Matthew 23 isn’t mere condemnation; it’s the opening line of a covenantal divorce decree.The light of the world would no longer shine through national Israel. But make no mistake — the Kingdom from heaven is still invading the earth. “The kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing the fruit of it” (Matthew 21:43).With that transfer came new gatekeepers… and a new stewardship of the Keys.Christ has given those keys to His Church.Listen as Pastor Matt Cooke traces this theme through the Old Testament and the Gospel of Matthew — and calls believers to stop bowing to those outside the gate.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Carr-Systematic-2.mp3If God is Lord — and He is — then nothing is neutral. Not your ethics, not your politics, not even your understanding of history or science. Everything must be interpreted through His revealed Word. Listen as Pastor Carr unpacks the massive implications of God's Lordship over all of life.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Carr-6-29-25.mp3Ephesians 1 fills the believer with awe for God’s glory in salvation. Listen as Pastor Carr shows how that awe produces deep gratitude and lasting unity in Christ’s church.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Carr-ST-6-25-25.mp3What exactly is Systematic Theology? And when we talk about God’s attributes, where’s the best place to start? In this episode, Pastor Michael Carr argues that it all begins with God’s Lordship- and that His control, authority, and presence naturally flow from there.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Matthew-23_13-36-The-Covenantal-Implications-of-the-Seven-Woes.mp3We hear it all the time from warmongering politicians: “God will bless those who bless Israel, and curse those who curse Israel.” They say it with conviction—rarely with context—and insist it’s self-evident, even axiomatic.But what if I told you that Jesus cursed Israel? Cursed them to the point that He took the Kingdom from them and gave it to a new people, a people who would bear its fruit.What if I told you that the “Israel of God” isn’t a modern political state, but a New Covenant community, gathered around the Risen King?It’s not a hot take. It’s Bible—every word of it.In this sermon, Pastor Matt walks through the covenantal logic behind Jesus’ seven woes on the Scribes and Pharisees, and shows how rightly understanding these judgments delivers a fatal blow to the modern cult of Zionism.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Panel-6-18-25-noise-removed.mp3Few topics ignite more heated debate among Christians than tithing. Is it a timeless expectation for God’s people, or a relic of the Old Covenant? Passion runs deep on both sides. Tithers often view non-tithers as greedy or lacking faith, while skeptics of tithing accuse its defenders of legalism. In this panel, the Maynardville Fellowship elders tackle the real heart issues beneath the controversy; exploring generosity, humility, and how to walk with conviction without dividing the Body.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Matthew-23_11-12-The-Lowly-High-Calling-of-the-Kingdom-Citizen-Part-2-of-2-The-Humble-Path-to-Exaltation.mp3Matthew 23:11 is one of the more familiar texts in the Bible: “But the greatest among you shall be your servant.” If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably always taken this as a simple encouragement to serve others. Something like, “If you want to be the greatest, then serve the most,” or “In the Kingdom, greatness isn’t measured by gifting or title, but by service.”But if we reduce this rich text to mere moralism, we miss the profound covenantal message Matthew intends his readers to grasp. In this sermon, Pastor Matt unpacks the verse in its full context, emphasizing its courtroom setting, revealing its Christ-centered thrust, and shining a light on the glory of the Gospel and the establishment of God’s Kingdom on earth.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Panel-6-11-25.mp3Is the pursuit of wealth ever a worthy pursuit for a Christian? Should we sell everything we have and give it to the poor? Is wealth especially dangerous for the Christian? Is poverty dangerous? Is money the root of all evil? And how can a Christian recognize when money has become an idol? Listen as the elders of Maynardville Fellowship consider these questions and others related to money.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Cooke-6-8-2025-Matthew-23_8-12-The-Lowly-High-Calling-of-the-Kingdom-Citizen-Part-1-of-2-The-Rejection-of-Exalted-Titles.mp3What did Jesus mean when He told His followers not to be called Rabbi, to call no one on earth Father, and not to be called leaders? Is there something inherently wrong with those titles? Not at all. Listen as Pastor Matt digs into this text to show that something much greater than a legalistic ban on the use of a few titles is at the heart of Jesus' prohibition. In fact, the rejection of exalted titles is eternally important. It is nothing less than an indication of Kingdom Citizenship.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Panel-6-4-25.mp3How should we understand forgiveness? Am I obligated to forgive everyone? What if they are not repentant? Does forgiveness always entail the elimination of any and all consequences? Listen as the Maynardville Fellowship elders consider these questions and others related to forgiveness.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Province-6-1-25.mp3How much consideration do you give your spiritual growth? How do you best determine where you are in your Christian development? Do you take a theological or doctrinal test? The Bible has much to say about the importance of Christian maturity. Listen as Pastor David examines 1 John 2:12-17 to help us discover a biblical method for discerning our spiritual state.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Carr-5-25-25.mp3Zechariah’s book concludes with a prolonged revelation of the kingdom of the Messiah and the final five verses highlight the glories of that kingdom. Not only will God’s enemies be defeated, but his people will be transformed into a holy people, fit for his presence.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Panel-5-21-25.mp3There are a lot of opinions floating around about child discipline and training. Is spanking okay? Is spanking more always the answer? Are other methods of discipline acceptable or even advisable at times? And what is the goal of all of our discipline? How should children behave in the home, in the church, and after worship? Listen as these questions and others are biblically considered.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Carr-5-18-25.mp3In this passage, Zechariah anticipates the new city that will come in the wake of the new creation narrative of v 6-9. That city will dwell in security and its enemies will be stripped of their oppositional power.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Panel-5-14-25.mp3Our culture would have us believe that good order in the church is something that is relative to each congregation with minimal consequences. However, Paul writes to Timothy of the devastating consequences of having a church that is out of creational order. Listen as Pastors Michael Carr and Josh Woody discuss this controversial text and doctrine.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Carr-5-11-25.mp3Our culture would have us believe that good order in the church is something that is relative to each congregation with minimal consequences. However, Paul writes to Timothy of the devastating consequences of having a church that is out of creational order.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Panel-5-7-25.mp3What does the Bible say about birth control? Absolutely nothing! But that doesn't mean that it will not inform every question we might ask related to the subject. Is birth control sinful? If so, must Christians try to have as many children as possible as quickly as possible? If it is not sinful, does it follow that all types are permissible? Do motives matter? Listen as the elders discuss these questions and others related to yet another controversial issue.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Carr-5-4-25.mp3As Zechariah’s prophetic work draws to a close, he details the events surrounding the much anticipated arrival of the Messiah. In this passage he uses a creation motif to demonstrate the nature of the kingdom under the reign of the Righteous King.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Panel-4-30-25.mp3You've probably noticed a resurgence of a 'weird' old term; courtship. What's the big deal? Who cares what you call it, right? Well... wrong actually. Listen as the elders at Maynardville Fellowship discuss another controversial, yet extremely important topic.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Carr-04-27-25.mp3After all the warnings of judgment and final captivity for continued idolatry, in the final chapter of his prophetic work, Zechariah reveals the fate of Jerusalem and those who inhabit it physically and spiritually.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Panel-4-23-25.mp3Just in case we didn't confuse you enough with our discussion of head coverings we decided to hit it again! Listen as the Maynardville Fellowship elders consider the historical understanding of head coverings, how and why it ceased to be the cultural norm, difficulties with the text, and if it matters in the 'culture wars.'
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Carr-4-20-25.mp3What does a random passage in Leviticus have to do with the resurrection of Christ. More than you’ve probably realized. Find out how this passage enhances your understanding of the glories of Christ’s work of atonement.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Carr-4-13-25.mp3 Zechariah continues his incredible unveiling of the events of Christ’s arrival, the Jews’ rejection of him, his ultimate victory, and the aftermath of his ministry on both his enemies and his friends. Listen as Pastor Michael Carr handles the penultimate chapter of Zechariah’s prophetic masterpiece.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Headcovering-1-Edited.mp3What do we do with difficult text like I Corinthians 11:2-16 that have no other texts that add clarity? Is Paul's command to women that they wear head coverings cultural or timeless? How are men the glory of God, but the woman the glory of the man? Why does Paul say long hair is a shame to a man and a glory to a woman? And what is with this weird reason Paul gives for the command to cover; 'Because of the angels!?!?!' Listen as the Maynardville Fellowship elders consider these questions and others related to this difficult text.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Josh-woody-4-6-25.mp3God disciplines those whom He loves and trains them as sons. Listen as Pastor Josh Woody explains from Hebrews 12:5-11 how and why God disciplines His people, the danger of His discipline being absent in your life, and how you are to receive and participate in the discipline of the Lord.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Panel-4-2-25.mp3Why do we have clothing? What does clothing symbolize theologically, and what practical purposes do they serve? What makes some types of clothing inappropriate? What should a Christian consider when choosing what to wear? Listen as the Maynardville Fellowship elders consider these questions and others related to clothing.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Carr-3-30-25.mp3Who is the one who was pierced in Zechariah 12? To what is “that day” referring? Is this something we are to look forward to or have the events of this passage already taken place? Pastor Carr answers these questions and more in this sermon.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Carr-3-23-25.mp3What if God told us exactly what would happen during and after the ministry of Christ on earth? What if he did it 500 years before it happened? In this sermon, Pastor Michael Carr shows how God did just that and why it matters for the church today.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Panel-3-19-25.mp3What is a man’s role and duties in his home? Are these roles arbitrarily assigned by God or are they rooted in the created order? Are there any theological or soteriological doctrines that risk being misunderstood if these truths are rejected, neglected or forgotten? Listen as the elders discuss these, and other questions, related to biblical patriarchy.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Carr-03-16-25.mp3Zechariah informs much of our current political discourse. See what this text teaches about the role and importance of modern Israel in our political future.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Panel-3-12-25.mp3How is the use of unleavened bread for communion rooted in the Old Testament tradition? Does it matter if unleavened bread is used? Are individual 'wafers' okay for communion, or is symbolism lost by not using a 'loaf'? How important is it ti maintain the purity of symbols? Is communion a time of celebration or introspection and mournful solemnity? Listen as the elders discuss these, and other questions, related to the symbolism of the communion bread.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Carr-03-09-25.mp3Zechariah’s oracle continues with the anticipated righteous King taking in the role of the Good Shepherd who judges the bad shepherds, and unites, expands, and defends his flock.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Panel-3-5-25-1.mp3Does something mystical take place when Christians take communion, or is it just a symbolic remembrance? What does wine symbolize in communion? Why have we, and many churches, used grape juice instead of actual wine? When did that start? Is it okay? Listen as the elders discuss these, and other questions, related to the symbolism of wine in communion.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Carr-3-2-25.mp3What type of king was promised to post-exilic Israel? How would he be different from the kings that came before him? In this passage Zechariah captures the mind as he foretells of the coming King and the extent of His glory and reign.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Closed-Communion-Panel-2-26-25.mp3What is the meaning and purpose of communion? Who can partake of the table? What is a person professing when they partake? Should you ever refrain from taking of the table because you feel unworthy that Lord's Day? And can a person take communion at home, or at some other event outside the church? Listen as the elder’s of Maynardville Fellowship collaborate to answer these questions and others in a panel discussion format.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Carr-2-23-25.mp3God didn’t just keep his promise to judge the enemies of Israel after they returned from exile, but he told them exactly how he would do it. Not only does this passage show how God would judge his enemies, but it also demonstrates his attributes that his people should follow.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Elder-Panel-2-19-25.mp3What is an elder? Is it different from a pastor? What is the difference between a church that is elder led and elder ruled? Which is Maynardville Fellowship? And what is the extent of a pastor's authority, and what can a congregant do if they feel a pastor has disqualified himself from the ministry? Listen as the elder's of Maynardville Fellowship collaborate to answer these questions and others in our first Wednesday night panel discussion.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Carr-2-16-25.mp3Do we live in a time of defeat and retreat, or do we live in a time of victory and dominion? If Christ has declared victory then it would be inappropriate for his people to live in defeat. It is necessary for the people of God to understand what time it is and to live accordingly.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/I-Thessalonians-1_2-4-Cultivating-Continual-Gratitude-for-ALL-Believers.mp3Do you ever find yourself withdrawing from fellowship? Neglecting your duty to make disciples and encourage your brothers in the Lord? Perhaps you are may even be hiding in plain sight, avoiding spiritual conversations like the plague. What causes us to get in such a state? Listen as Pastor Matt explains how such withdrawal is due to a lack of gratitude for your fellow believers, and points out four ways the Apostle Paul cultivated continual gratitude for all believers.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Gospel-Centered-Apologetics-Lecture-13-ConfirmingDefending-the-Resurrection-Part-2-Answering-the-Skeptic.mp3Not everyone who hears of the resurrection of Christ will believe. Some will believe, some will mock/sneer, and others will be open to hearing more on the matter (Acts 17:32-34). Not every skeptic is created equal! Some are mockingly antagonistic, while others just aren't convinced. How do we answer those who suggest that the resurrection is not the most plausible explanation for the empty tomb? Is it possible that the disciples hallucinated the resurrection appearances? Perhaps someone stole the body? Some even suggest Jesus didn't actually die, but only passed out and then when He came to He pretended He had risen. Listen as Pastor Matt cross-examines these skeptical suggestions and shows that the bodily resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the only logical conclusion given the data we have.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Gospel-Centered-Apologetics-Lecture-12-ConfirmingDefending-the-Resurrection.mp3The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the crowning proof of Christianity. If the resurrection didn't take place then Christianity is a false religion. If it did take place, then Christ is God & the Christian faith is absolute truth. Listen as Pastor Matt walks your through how to defend the historicity of the resurrection to a skeptic.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Carr-1-26-25.mp3 Zechariah continues his pronouncement of God’s dealings with national and spiritual Israel in chapter 8. Pastor Carr shows the great promise God had for his people even if the nation should fail to obey.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Gospel-Centered-Apologetics-Lecture-11-Why-I-Choose-to-Believe-the-Bible.mp3When defending the Christian faith it is necessary to appeal to the Scriptures. Unfortunately, most Christians can be stumped by one simple question from the skeptic: "Why do you believe the Bible?' Listen as Pastor Matt explores the power and wisdom of the thoroughly biblical answer put forth by Voddie Bauchum based off of 1 Peter 1:17-21.“I choose to believe The Bible because it is a reliable collection of historical documents, written by eyewitnesses during the lifetime of other eyewitnesses, reporting supernatural events that took place in fulfillment of specific prophecies & claimed their writings are Divine rather than human in origin.”
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Carr-1-19-25.mp3As Zechariah seven comes to a close, the prophet gives the Lord’s answer to the envoy from Bethel concerning worship that pleases God. Pastor Carr walks through the text highlighting the nature of the prohibitions levied against the people for their good.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Carr-1-12-25.mp3This week Pastor Carr takes a topical look at the failures in Israel’s history that led to the spiritual captivity that brought their demise. He uses that history as a warning for the church and challenges to greater affection.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Sermon-Carr-01-05-25.mp3In this message Pastor Carr continues to handle Zechariah’s response to the delegation from Bethel in Zechariah 7 and gives a brief exhortation toward the type of worship that pleases and honors God.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Carr-12-29-24.mp3Why do we perform the religious duties that we do? Can we do that which is good and Scripture requires of us in a way that is displeasing to God? In this sermon Pastor Michael Carr explores the important distinction between outward conformity and inward submission to the commands of God.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Carr-12-22-24.mp3As Zechariah moves out of the night visions his attention turns to the long awaited Branch figure. This passage serves as a more formal introduction to the person and work of the Branch Messiah that will be developed in the remainder of the book.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Cooke-Gospel-Centered-Apologetics-Christmas.mp3A couple of week’s ago I stumbled on an article titled ‘Why You Should Stop Treating Jesus’s Birth Narratives as History.’ This guy loved the Spiritual lessons one could glean from the whole Jesus story. In his construct, the story is ‘truth’ but it isn’t TRUE. That is to say that it did not happen. Let me tell you right now, if we neglect the historicity of the nativity of Jesus, the Christian faith is of ZERO value. But how can we know? When you really bear down on the birth narrative of Christ, & ask the questions that the text demand you ask, you actually find great apologetic value in this familiar little story.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Carr-12-15-24.mp3The final of Zechariah’s series of night visions depicts the ultimate demise of national Israel’s favored status and the anticipated victory of the promised Christ.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Cooke-Apol-12-11-24.mp3The first three 'Cs' of Gospel-Centered Apologetics answers three questions;1) Compatibility- How is this person's worldview compatible with Christianity? There will be ways that it is, because all men are created in the image of God.2) Consistency - How is this person's worldview internally inconsistent? It will be, because all other worldviews are false and will necessarily be internally inconsistent.3) Contrast- How does Christianity hold to the true aspects of their worldview, but in an internally consistent system? It will, because Christianity is God's revealed truth.In the last two lectures Pastor Matt applied these questions to the two major worldviews we encounter in America; Evolutionary Naturalism and Religious Postmodernism. This week listen as Pastor Matt moves to the fourth 'C'; Confirmation, where he demonstrates how Jesus and the apostles used the Scriptures and eye-witness testimony to 'give evidence' (Acts 17:2-3), and 'persuaded' (Acts 28:23-28), and 'proved' (Acts 17:31) that Jesus was the death conquering Christ and that Christianity was the truth.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Carr-12-8-24.mp3The first half of Zechariah’s sixth night vision portrayed the flying scroll exposing the hidden sins of Israel. The second half of the vision shows how God will remove Israel from their place of honor. Pastor Carr shows how to apply this text to Israel’s post-exilic context, their first century context, and what that means for Christians today.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Cooke-Apol-12-4-24.mp3Listen as Pastor Matt explains the belief system of Religious Postmodernism and how to apply Gospel-Centered Apologetics to counter this pervasive and destructive worldview.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Carr-12-1-24.mp3The first four chapters of Zechariah consist exclusively of blessing and promise, but in the sixth vision the tone shifts to covenant curses. Find out how the curses for violating the covenant are intensified for Israel after their return from captivity and why.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Cooke-Apol-11-20-24.mp3In lecture 6 Pastor Matt explained how to direct conversations toward a productive ‘clash of gospels,’ where we point people to the Biblical Gospel consisting of Creation, Fall, Redemption in Christ, and Consummation. In this lecture we consider how to apply these principles when countering the worldlier of an Evolutionary Naturalist.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Carr-11-24-24.mp3How will God accomplish is purposes with his chosen people? How do his dealings with OT Israel affect his chosen people today? In this sermon Pastor Michael Carr shows how God moved his people from cursed to blessed and why that matters for you today.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Sermon-Carr-11-17-24-1.mp3In this sermon Pastor Michael Carr considers the biblical pattern for temple building from Genesis to the final temple of Revelation. Learn how this pattern applies to the narrative of Zechariah as well as to today’s believer.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Cooke_apol_11-13-24.mp3Every person has a basic worldview, a 'gospel,' that gives their lives meaning and purpose. Each 'gospel' will answer the four major worldview questions;1. Where Did I Come From?2. What's Wrong with the World?3. What's the Solutions?4. Where is all this Headed/What Happens When I Die?Listen as Pastor Matt explains how to direct conversations toward a productive 'clash of gospels,' where we point people to the Biblical Gospel consisting of Creation, Fall, Redemption in Christ, and Consummation.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Carr-11-10-24.mp3Symbolic imagery can be difficult to digest in the prophetic books and this passage is no exception. Follow along as this sermon walks you through the symbolic items of this vision and rejoice at its glorious fulfillment in Christ.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Cooke-apol-11-6-24.mp3Apologetics is the biblical practice of defending the faith. Paul did it. Peter did it. Jesus did it. And we are commanded to do it. But man's problem is not only an intellectual problem but a spiritual and moral problem. Listen as Pastor Matt explains from Romans 1 the limits of evidence and reason, and the need for prayer and the Spirit of God to work for evangelism and discipleship to be effective.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Carr-11-3-24.mp3See the promises made to the newly clean High Priest and how his ministry foreshadowed the true High Priest who was to come.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Carr-10-27-24-redo.mp3The people of Israel find themselves in a dire position in this text. See how the marvelous grace of Christ was extended to His people even 500 before his redemptive ministry on earth.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Carr-10-20-24.mp3What is the nature of the promises to Old Testament Israel with regard to their city and temple? Many mistakenly apply these promises to the “end times”, but pastor Carr shows in this sermon why these promises were fulfilled initially in Zechariah’s time and finally in Christ.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Gospel-Centered-Apologetics-Lecture-4-The-God-Who-Wills-to-Be-Known-Part-2-of-2.mp3People look for revelation from God from many sources today; reams, visions, audible voices, modern prophets, & modern day miracles. But the Reformed tradition looks to one source for Special Revelation; Sola Scriptura. Listen as Pastor Matt explains and defends this Scriptural doctrine from the pages of Scripture itself.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Carr-10-13-24.mp3Zechariah’s second vision is his shortest, but it full of restoration and promise. The imagery is not nearly as intimidating as one might think. This sermon makes the symbolism plain and the hope clear and tangible. Find out what role you play in this promise.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Carr-10624.mp3The first vision of Zechariah’s ministry reveals the way that God interacts with his covenant people. The gracious and comforting words that he offers for Israel are also offered to his covenant people today.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Gospel-Centered-Apologetics-Lecture-3-The-God-Who-Wills-to-be-Known-Part-1-of-2.mp3In order to know if there is a God He must reveal Himself. Good news! He has! And He has done so to all men, in all places, at all times (Rom. 1:18-20). But that knowledge is only enough to condemn a man, not save Him. Listen as Pastor Matt explains the difference between General and Special Revelation, where Special Revelation finds its ultimate expression, and the Christian’s duty in light of these truths.
The worship of the false god Baal has brought the Northern Kingdom of Israel under the condemnation of the Lord in the book of 1 Kings. To show that the Lord is God and not Baal, the Lord causes a drought to come over the land and it does not rain for more than 3 years. Listen as Brother Cody Maples walks us through 1 Kings 18, and we will see a showdown between the prophet of God, Elijah, and the 450 prophets of Baal. Then the people of Israel will have to quit “limping between two different opinions.” Then the people of Israel are called to make a choice. They can’t go on “limping between two opinions.” If the Lord is God, serve Him, but if Baal is god, then serve him.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Of-Images-and-Imagery-Zechariah-1_7-11.mp3It can be difficult to understand what you’re reading in prophetic literature. Fortunately, there is great internal evidence to help you understand the symbols and imagery that is used. This sermon walks through the four primary images in the first vision of Zechariah.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Gospel-Centered-Apologetics-Lecture-2-The-Danger-of-Over-Spiritualizing-Faith.mp3Satan hates the image of God. Satan wants to destroy men, keep them from reproducing, and, if he fails at that, he wants to keep them from imagining God as they were created to do. One subtle little tactic that Satan has used over the past 200 years or so has been to redefine faith. Faith has been relegated to the spiritual realm, and with it so has all religious belief. Listen as Pastor Matt explains how that happened, the consequences, and how that in the incarnation the unknowable spiritual truths were made accessible to all in the God-man, Jesus Christ.
Listen as Pastor Matt defines Christian Apologetics, defends the branch of Theology from Scripture, and explains why it is such a critically important discipline.
https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/The-Lord-Remembers-Zech-1_1-6.mp3Does God see me in my distress? Will he be faithful to his promises toward me? Does he have a plan for my future? It may be surprising to many, but Zechariah opens his book answering these very questions.
One of the great encouragements in Scripture to press on in faithfulness, regardless of how we feel or what we see around us, is that God is not mocked. Sowing to the flesh, no matter how the wicked seem to prosper, will bring only corruption. Sowing to the Spirit, will bring eternal life. Listen as Caleb Stomberg, Pastor of Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks Minnesota, encourages Maynardville Fellowship toward continued faithfulness in light of this hope. *
Jesus has finally silenced the relentless attack of the religious leaders. They don’t know how to answer Jesus’ question. Furthermore, they are so intimidated by His wisdom that ‘no one dared from that day to ask Him another question.’ One might expect Jesus to kind of, ‘live and let live.’ If the Scribes and Pharisees are no longer going to attack Jesus, then He can just go about His business freely. Why enflame their passions against Him, right? But what do we see? We see Jesus on the attack! Listen as Pastor Matt shows how Jesus lambasts the Scribes and Pharisees to the crowds with them listening; exposing their self appointment as leaders, their double-standards, and the unholy motives of their ‘righteousness.’ If Jesus keeps this up He is going to get Himself killed….. which is, in fact, a necessary component of God’s perfect plan.
The day after the triumphal entry was a doozy of a day. All the groups of religious leaders banded together in their opposition to Jesus. Matthew tells of how they tried to intimidate Jesus, incriminate Him, discredit His theology, and diminish the influence He had over the crowds. In each instance they failed. Now Jesus goes on the offensive. He asks them two questions designed to expand their understanding of the Messiah. Yes, the Messiah was to be the Son of David, but He was more than that; He would also be David’s Lord. Listen as Pastor Matt explains the mysteries truths that make these seemingly contradictory identities possible, and the implications of those truths for both the enemies of Christ and the citizens of His Kingdom.
The religious leader’s have come after Jesus relentlessly since the triumphal entry and the cleansing of the Temple, but each time Jesus has warded off their attacks and made them look foolish. He was unfazed by their attempt at group intimidation. He avoided the Pharisees political trap to catch Him in treason, and answered what the Sadducees thought was an unanswerable Theological inconsistency in Jesus’ worldview concerning the resurrection. Now the Pharisees are attempting to test Jesus again; this time with a legal question. They expect to get Jesus to ostracize a portion of His support proclaiming one portion of the Law as the greatest when others, undoubtedly would have their differing opinions. Listen as Pastor Matt explains how Jesus once again avoids another trap. Jesus answers this question in an incontrovertible way with which no Jew could possibly argue, and in a way that ultimately points us to the Gospel.
When you mention the most wicked cities in history, Sodom and Gomorrah will always be on the list. The Lord calls their sin “very grave,” and the men of the city are called “wicked, great sinners against the Lord.” When we come to chapter 19, we see the Lord pour out his Wrath upon the cities because of their wickedness. Yet, at the same time, we see his Mercy displayed in the character, Lot. Listen as brother Cody walks us through Genesis 19 and we will see the disgusting wickedness of Sodom, how the city has impacted Lot and his family, and the Wrath and Mercy of God on full display.
Some texts are easier to understand and accept than others. This one is a doozy! What’s with this law about marrying your deceased brother’s widow if they had no kids before he died? And how are we supposed to feel about there being no marriage in heaven? And how are we ‘like the angels in heaven’ in the resurrection? After a surface reading, this text probably leaves you with more questions than answers. Listen as Pastor Matt unpacks this difficult passage, and points us to the death and resurrection of Christ as our only hope in life and in death.
This text is the go to text for statists: ‘Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ It is regularly used as a proof text for unlimited submission to leaders, and unquestioned acceptance of any tax burden levied by those leaders. But is that what Jesus is saying? Listen as Pastor Matt shows from the biblical and historical context that there is a lot more going on here than a blanket instruction to submit to any and all human Government, and how that within this text there is an implicit hope of better days to come due to Jesus’ unstoppable coming reign.
The chief priests and elders of the people attempted to intimidate Jesus after the triumphal entry and the clearing of the temple. Let’s just say it did not work…. like at all. In response Jesus gave three parables that progressively indicted the Jews as a whole, and the religious leaders in particular for their rebellion and wickedness. Listen as Pastor Matt shows how this third parable points to the irrationality and wickedness of their collective rejection of His offer of grace and blessing.
What is the proper approach to restoring a brother ensnared by sin? How should a Christian pursue someone who has been excommunicated? Many believe that the approach is the same in both situations, but Scripture is clear that the situations present two different paths to restoration and reconciliation.
Listen as Pastor Josh Woody explains how the local church is to corporately work out their salvation with fear and trembling before a holy God.
Disagreements and conflicts in the church are burdensome, but they are not to unique to your church. The same sorts of conflict was present in Ephesus, Colossae, Philippi, & Corinth. Paul even says that divisions are necessary & even helpful.1 Cor. 11:18 When you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you; & in part I believe it. 19 For there must also be factions among you, so that those who are approved may become evident among you.
The key is that WHEN there is a disagreement over faith or practice that the members are working through those disagreements toward unity. But how can you tell when someone is using such disagreements to create division through gossip? Listen as Pastor Matt examines Proverbs 20:29 to show us how to identify and deal with gossip so the church can remain unified.
Unity is not an option in the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the very thing that Jesus himself prayed his followers would have to mirror the Godhead in John 17. We in the church have an awesome responsibility to maintain the unity that God has already provided us with the means that He has prescribed. Listen as Pastor David presents from Ephesians 4:1-6…
I-Unity is Given to us by God Directly
II-Unity is to be Guarded by us Devotionally
III-Disunity is to be Gravely Dealt With
Unity is not an option in the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the very thing that Jesus himself prayed his followers would have to mirror the Godhead in John 17. We in the church have an awesome responsibility to maintain the unity that God has already provided us with the means that He has prescribed. Listen as Pastor David presents from Ephesians 4:1-6…
I-Unity is Given to us by God Directly
II-Unity is to be Guarded by us Devotionally
III-Disunity is to be Gravely Dealt With
The Parable of the Landowner is the second of three judgment parables that Jesus with which Jesus threatened the chief priests and the elders of the people when they opposed Him in the temple. Listen as Pastor Matt explains this dark illustration, Jesus dreadful application for the Jewish people, and how their damning repudiation of Jesus’ warning led to the salvation of the world.
It is likely that the title of this sermon itself caused you to cringe a bit and recoil. The question is, why? Listen as Pastor Matt explains the God’s patriarchal design for marriage and all of society, and how that departing from this biblical structure ’causes the word of God to be dishonored. The Gospel is unashamedly, unapologetically, and unabashedly Patriarchal and that is something for which we should be thankful.
Christians are commanded to take dominion of the world and disciple the nations under Christ, but we will never take dominion of the world if we do not first take dominion of our own bodies. Listen as Pastor Josh Woody exposits Paul’s warning in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 to discipline our bodies and keep our bodies under control, lest we lead ourselves to destruction.
What does it mean to be “in the world, but not of it”? Many in the church either ignore the distinction altogether or reduce it to a christianized version of secular failures. Find out why Jesus prayed for this distinction and how you can avoid being “of the world.”
After the chief priests and the elders refused to answer Jesus concerning the source of John the Baptist’s ministry, Jesus presented them with a question centered around a parable. In this parable one son rebels and then repents while another son pretends to be an obedient son but doesn’t actually obey. Jesus then asks which son did the will of the father. Clearly, it was the first. But then Jesus hits them with a shocking pronouncement, ‘The tax collectors and prostituted would enter the Kingdom before these self-righteous, hypocritical religious leaders! May we all guard ourselves from pretending to be righteous when our hearts are far from God!
After Jesus’ triumphal entry and the cleansing of the temple the religious leader in Jerusalem were angry. So when He returned he was met with a huge group of chief priests and elders. This group asked Jesus two insincere questions. 1) By what authority are You doing these things, and 2) Who gave You this authority? Jesus’ response is a bit confusing on the surface. He asks them a question, and says if they answer His question He will answer theirs. He asks, ‘What is the source of John’s the Baptist’s baptism, from heaven or of man?’ Does this question seem odd to you? How is John’s baptism in any way related to Jesus’ authority to march into the city representing Himself as ‘the Son of David’ and His authority to cleanse the temple. Listen as Pastor Matt explains this remarkable text.
We all know the text.
Matthew 21:21 Jesus answered and said to them, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will happen.
Have you ever wondered how the cursing of a fig tree has anything at all to do with a mountain being cast into the sea? Listen as Pastor Matt explains how these two things are related, and the confidence building encouragement that this proclamation by King Jesus carries for His people.
Is assurance of salvation a possibility? Can a believer be confident concerning his position in the Kingdom of Light? Absolutely! John’s epistle was written to give such confidence. Listen as brother Michael Carr exposits the final words of assurance from the apostle in this great epistle.
Have you ever read the story where Jesus cursed a fig tree for not having any figs on it? Doesn’t that story seem a bit weird? Did Jesus let His hunger and disappointment in not getting any figs cause Him to act rashly and out of character? Absolutely not! Everything Jesus did was under control and purposeful. Listen as Pastor Matt explains this unusual narrative, and the symbolic lesson it is teaching concerning the future of Jerusalem and the Temple.
In Jesus’ famous Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem we see the bold audacity of Christ on full display. He rides into Jerusalem presenting Himself as the promised Messiah, but in this text we see Jesus take His audacious claims to a new level. Jesus is not only the Messiah; He is God in the flesh!
In Jesus’ famous Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem we see the bold audacity of Christ on full display. His next move takes it to the next level. Listen as Pastor Matt explains the significance of the title conferred upon Jesus by the Galilean crowds, the prophesies surrounding Jesus’ hometown, and the bold statement Jesus is making by cleansing the Temple. He is indeed the Prophet, the King, and the Priest who was to come into the world.
There’s more to glean from David’s final address than a call for a lasting legacy. There is a rich contrast that unfolds between Saul and David that points the reader to the constant refrain of the man after God’s own heart; that Christ is King!
Jesus has set up quite the spectacle by arranging to enter Jerusalem the way He did. He was making a clear statement concerning His identity as the promised Messiah, and the Galilean crowds fully bought into His message. Listen as Pastor Matt contrasts the positive response of the Galilean with the negative response of those in Jerusalem. And then challenges us to respond in faith and joy to a God who establishes His purpose regardless of man’s resistance. The empty tomb is evidence of our victory!
Audacious isn’t a typical word we think of when we think of Jesus, but that’s because we’ve been programed by feather haired, limp-wristed, effeminate, pansy men pastors to ignore the obvious intentions of Jesus’ words & action. Audacious means- Bold, daring, fearless, & courageous. Jesus was both gentle & lowly AND bold, daring, fearless & courageous. Contrary to popular opinion, those adjectives are not mutually exclusive. Listen as Pastor Matt explains how that in the Triumphal Entry we see both on display at the same time.
Audacious isn’t a typical word we think of when we think of Jesus, but that’s because we’ve been programed by feather haired, limp-wristed, effeminate, pansy men pastors to ignore the obvious intentions of Jesus’ words & action. Audacious means- Bold, daring, fearless, & courageous. Jesus was both gentle & lowly AND bold, daring, fearless & courageous. Contrary to popular opinion, those adjectives are not mutually exclusive. Listen as Pastor Matt explains how that in the Triumphal Entry we see both on display at the same time.
In Matthew 20:29-34 Jesus heals two blind men….. almost exactly like He did in Matthew 9:27-31. There too, Jesus encounters two blind men. There too, the blind men show a remarkable urgency & persistence in their cry for help. There too, these blind men demonstrate an astounding understanding of Jesus’ identity; confessing Him as both Lord & as Son of David. There too, Jesus heals them of their
blindness. With just a surface reading, we see these same basic elements as in Matthew 20:29-34. So why does Matthew include two narratives that are so strikingly similar.
Listen as Pastor Matt explains the significance of both the similarities and the differences between these two different healings. It is in the subtle difference found in this latter text that we find the main point; that’s which once needed to be kept secret now needed to be declared & demonstrated as publicly as possible. Jesus is the Lord, the Son of David!
When the other 10 disciples heard how James and John were conspiring to secure the top positions in the Kingdom for themselves they were indignant against them. What does Jesus do? He acts as a peacemaker. He calls everyone together for an unforgettable teaching moment, offering both a negative and a positive comparison.
Matthew 20:25–28 The rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. 26 It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, 27 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Listen as Pastor Matt fleshes out this familiar text.
When James, John, and their mother asked Jesus to grant them seats on His left and right hand in His Kingdom Jesus responded by telling them that they didn’t know what they were asking. What does that mean? In what sense did the not understand what they were asking? Listen as Pastor Matt fleshes out this difficult question and explains its implications for the Kingdom if Heaven.
Christians cannot perpetually surrender ground to wickedness. Paul demonstrates in this text that there is ground that must be defended at all costs. To surrender this hill is to surrender the entire battle. What is this ground that must be defended at all costs? Listen as Brother Michael Carr explores this texts and encourages Christians to fight the good fight of faith.
Right after Jesus told the disciples of His coming suffering and death two of them, James and John, accompanied their mother to ask a favor of Jesus. What was the factor? That James and John would sit on the right and left hand of Christ in His Kingdom. Listen as Pastor Matt considers the problems with this question, and explores how we should understand the relationship between helpful and blessed influence and positions of power and authority.
Last week Pastor Matt explained the particular elements of the parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard. He did not explain what Matthew intended to convey. What is meant by the Kingdom of Heaven/The Vineyard? Who do these early morning laborers and late day laborers who receive just as much as the early morning laborers represent? And how are the early morning laborers provoked to jealousy? Listen as Pastor Matt 1) shows how this text is rooted in the O.T. tradition. 2) Considers what’s going on in the flow of Matthew 3) how Matthew uses the concept of the vineyard elsewhere.
Our sinful nature often clouds our judgment on issues of right and wrong. Such is certainly the case with the laborers in the parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard. Listen to part one of Pastor Matt's examination of this often misunderstood parable.
Culture has changed DRAMATICALLY in the past few generations. That which was unthinkable is now popular opinion, and that which was once popular opinion is now unthinkable. Unfortunately, laws and public policy have moved with these cultural norms. What happened? Listen as Pastor Matt explains a concept known as 'the Overton Window,' how it has moved, and what we have to do move it back.
The very concept of a gender binary, is under Satanic attack. Gender is said to be distinct from biological sex, and to exist only as a social construct. But what does the Bible teach us on this topic? You may be surprised to learn how much you've been impacted by the ‘spirit of the age.' It is very possible that you celebrate things the Bible teaches are reprehensible, and consider reprehensible things the Bible prescribes and celebrates. Listen as Pastor Matt explains how God designed men and women differently on purpose. And how that design is perfectly tailored to the duties He has prescribed to both genders. It is only as we embrace God's design that we can rule over and subdue the earth as God has called us to do.
Last week Pastor Matt biblically demonstrated how Jesus ascended to His throne in the resurrection. But the text goes on to say that when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne the disciples will also sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.... but that didn't happen..... or did it? Listen as Pastor Matt explain the dangers of strict literal interpretation and show how the disciples literally fulfilled Jesus prophesy that they would sit on twelve metaphorical thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Matthew 19:28 Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.But what does 'in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne' mean? Are these events that are still to come, or has it all already happened? Listen as Pastor Matt explains the title 'Son of Man', His Throne, and the implications those concepts carry concerning the timing of these promises.
A serpent has entered the garden and is mocking God and man. Who will drive it out of the garden and crush its head? One king won’t, another king will temporarily, and the True King does ultimately and completely.
Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King! Listen as Pastor Josh Woody explains from the book of Galatians how that 'in the fullness of time' the incarnate Son of God came into the world as King, and made us sons of God and heirs with Him.
The disciples were shocked by Jesus' words concerning the difficulty of entering the Kingdom. He said it was difficult for the rich, & gave an illustration suggesting it was impossible for them. But then Jesus went further. He expanded that impossibility to all men, and said that only by a miracle of God was it possible for anyone to be saved. The disciples are shaken by that reality. They have left everything and followed Christ. Was it possible that their sacrifices were for nothing? So they ask, 'What will there be for us?' Listen as Pastor Matt considers this reasonable question, and Jesus' answer where we see that the reward of faithfulness is always worth the sacrifice.
Jesus told the disciples that it was easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Does it then follow that it is more difficult for a rich man to enter the Kingdom than it is for a poor man? Listen as Pastor Matt shows how this section teaches the impossibility of any man, rich or poor, to enter the Kingdom by his own efforts. But praise be to God! With God all things are possible.
It’s often the most memorable biblical stories that are twisted to advance ideas that weaken, undermine, or even directly contradict clear biblical doctrines. The Story of the Rich Young Ruler is one such story. Does every believer need to sell all he owns and give it to the poor in order to have eternal life? Is there something inherently holy about being poor, or inherently unholy about being rich? Isn't money the root of all evil? How should a Christian view wealth? Listen as Pastor Matt answers these questions and more as he walks through the story of 'the Rich Young Ruler.
Immediately after Jesus affirms the propriety of some men choosing a life of celibacy for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven, we find a story that emphasizes the importance of children to the expansion of the Kingdom. Listen as Pastor Matt explores how this text fits in the flow of chapter 19 and calls upon Christian parents to invest deeply in their children's spiritual development during these precious moldable years. There is no more important calling and duty in your lives! Children matter for the Kingdom of Heaven!
Countless people have concluded from Matthew 19:10-12 and I Corinthians 7 that truly spiritual people, truly holy people, & truly Kingdom minded people should choose a life of singleness & celibacy. At a glance these texts would lead a man to think that if he REALLY wants to make an impact for the Kingdom of Heaven he needs to forego marriage & commit his life to ‘ministry.’ But is that what this text is teaching? Is it better not to marry? Listen as Pastor Matt explores these texts to answer these difficult question.
Just as in the Modern USA, at the time of Christ divorce was shamefully common. The Pharisees had taught the popular Hillelite tradition on divorce saying that divorce was acceptable for any reason. When they asked Jesus He disagreed. He said, 'What God has joined together, do not let man separate.' They responded by claiming that Jesus was contradicting Moses. Listen as Pastor Matt delves into Jesus' response to that accusation, and how He again points to God's intention for marriage from creation.
In Genesis 12, God has just given wonderful promises to Abram. However, when famine strikes, Abram’s response displays his lack of faith in God upholding His promises. In an attempt to preserve his own life, he acts as a cowardly husband and endangers the life of his own wife. Listen as Brother Cody leads us through Genesis 12:10-20 and shows how God is faithful to uphold His promised blessings even when Abram acts in his lack of faith.
In their jealousy and envy the rebellious Pharisees test Jesus by asking Him a calculated question about divorce. The question is designed to reduce Jesus popularity and possibly even get Him killed. How does Jesus respond? Listen as Pastor Matt highlights the uncompromisingly bold answer Jesus gives, and what we can learn from His answer.
We have all walked through difficult seasons with varying degrees of intensity. In Lamentations Jeremiah shows us how a proper theology helps you navigate even the most distressing circumstances.
After Peter heard Jesus' somber, yet encouraging, teaching about the effectiveness of the church in administering church discipline what does he ask? Does he ask about how to pursue the shunned man who has been put out of the church? Nope. Does he ask any clarifying questions about how to be certain they are rightly binding & loosing? Nope, Not on his radar. In light of Jesus’ teaching about discipline, Peter was concerned about putting a cap on his mercy. Listen as Pastor Matt looks at the parable of the unmerciful servant, and the danger involved in withholding forgiveness.
We know the titles 'The Devil' and 'Satan,' but do we even know what they mean? Listen as Pastor Chris Jones of Christ the King Reformed Baptist Church in Clinton, Tennessee sheds light on the meaning of these titles and his method of warfare. Whether Satan accuses us to God, God to us, us to one another, or us to ourselves; we must recognize his tactics and be prepared to resist them.
Most every Christian knows Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” Unfortunately, this verse is often wrongly used to justify people's lack of involvement in the organized church. But did Jesus intend the verse to be taken that way? Listen as Pastor Matt shows how this verse is actually a verse highlighting the authority and influence of the local church instead of denying or diminishing it.
Jesus absolutely taught that we are our brother's keeper. Last week we examined what goes into Seeking your Brother when he is in sin. This week Pastor Matt picks up in verse 16 where we learn to Seek our Brother with Our Brother, and ultimately to Shun Our So-Called Brother if he utterly refuses to repent. May God help His church grow in holiness, and grant repentance to members who are placed under corrective church discipline.
This section on church discipline is completely ignored by many so-called churches, and wrongly used as a hammer by many others that actually see its importance. One neglected aspect of these words is that Jesus gave them with a little toddler still in His lap. Jesus had just used that little child to illustrate our need for humility and the point to the value of each one of the Father's little ones Listen as Pastor Matt shows the urgency, tenderness, and care that should be mark our pursuit of a sinning brother.
Matthew 18:12-14 Is one of the more familiar passages in the Bible. Mt. 18:12–14 What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, & one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains & go & search for the one that is straying? 13 If it turns out that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray. 14 So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones perish. Listen as Pastor Matt explains this text in its greater context and shows the convicting implications for the entire church.
How seriously does the Father take an offense against one of His beloved children? Well, you’d be better off getting a millstone tied around your neck and being drowned in the sea! Listen as Pastor Matt show from Matthew 18:5-10 how we should treat fellow believers, the severity of the punishment for those who offend them, and how that such treatment begins with how we feel about them. The heart of the matter is a matter of the heart. Matthew 18:10 “See that you do not despise one of these little ones.
How seriously does the Father take an offense against one of His beloved children? Well, you’d be better off getting a millstone tied around your neck and being drowned in the sea! Listen as Pastor Matt show from Matthew 18:5-10 how we should treat fellow believers, the severity of the punishment for those who offend them, and how that such treatment begins with how we feel about them. The heart of the matter is a matter of the heart. Matthew 18:10 “See that you do not despise one of these little ones.
Jesus told the disciples again and again of His coming suffering and death in Jerusalem. How did they respond? At first they grieved, but soon after they are arguing. Over what? Over which one of them is the greatest. Finally, they ask Jesus who the greatest in the Kingdom was. In response, Jesus gives one of the most vivid and memorable of all the object lessons in the Bible. He calls a child to Himself, and takes the child up in His arms, telling the disciples that unless they are converted and view themselves as being as low in rank as this little child that they could forget about being great in the Kingdom; they wouldn't even enter. The only way to ascend is to descend. Do you wish to become great? Then you must view yourself as small! Do you wish to rise? Then you must bring yourself low! Do you wish to rule? Then you must serve! Matthew 18:4 Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
How many times have you thought you knew something was right & found out it was wrong? How many times have you condemned something as wrong, only to find out later that it was right? In our pride, we have a tendency to think what we have always known, or always heard is right. Peter did the same thing in regard to the two-drachma temple tax. Listen as Pastor Matt exhorts the church to speak against the moral evils of our day, to cast a biblical moral vision for society, and to patiently endure evil as you wait for God to transform culture though the Gospel message. We win down here, but it's gonna take some time.
Are like me and some times feel weak, & ineffectual? We are not alone. One one occasion the disciples failed in casing out a demon, and they asked Jesus why. His response was both a rebuke and an encouragement. Matthew 17:20 “Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.Take that faith you do have, cultivate it. Nourish it. Exercise it. Keep doing. When you fail; Pray. While you pray; do. Faith that begins small grows, & the outcome it huge. How big? Mountain moving kind of big!What an emboldening claim Jesus makes! Nothing will be impossible for His disciples. Attempt great things for God by the power of the Holy Spirit, and expect great things from God. We win down here!
Greed is among the ugliest of vices and generosity is among the most beautiful of virtues. Since we live in the most affluent society in human history you'd expect us to be a generous people. But that is not what we see. Instead we live in one of the most self-absorbed societies in human history. As Christians we must be on guard against greed and train ourselves in generosity. Listen as Pastor Josh Woody examines Jesus' powerfully convicting teaching on this timeless subject.
When Jesus, Peter, James and John arrive at the bottom of the mountain after the transfiguration they walk up on a mess. The disciples are arguing with the scribes, and at the center of the argument is the inability of the disciples to deliver a young boy from demonic possession. We then see an angry Jesus give a stern rebuke. Why? Listen as Pastor Matt explains what is behind this anger, and how that the main point of the narrative is that the Jesus' disciples must ready themselves to work like Jesus.
On the way down the Mountain Jesus takes the opportunity to make sure they understand the implications of what they just saw in the transfiguration. First, He reiterates His prediction that His death and resurrection are unavoidable aspects of the Father's plan. And secondly, Jesus answers a pivotal question for the disciples that brings the entire narrative together.
Jesus' transfiguration was done for the benefit of Peter, James, and John. Unfortunately, the verses that follow show that they completely miss the point. Pastor Matt shows the implications of Peter's Suggestion that he build tabernacles for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. Next he shows the implications of the Father's Correction. Then lastly, he considers Jesus' Compassion. What grace that we can be so wrong yet tenderly restored!
The events of the Mountain of Transfiguration are recorded in all three synoptic Gospels. But what do they teach us about Christ? Listen as Pastor Matt considers the timing of the event, the triad of disciples He took with Him to the mountain, the transfiguration itself, and the typology behind Moses and Elijah to show the meaning behind this miraculous event.
Mt. 16:28 Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.What event was this prophesy anticipating? Some say it looks forward to the Transfiguration. Some say it anticipates the resurrection/ascension of Jesus. Other suggest the pouring out of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and still others suggest the Final Judgment/Bodily return of Christ. Listen as Pastor Matt explains how the Kingdom of God arrived in a new universal way with the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 AD.
Listen as Brother Michael Carr shows how the New Covenant points to much more than land promises. Jesus established a Kingdom that has gone forth conquering, is conquering, and will conquer. It is indeed a Kingdom that will not be plucked up or overthrown anymore forever.
This is one of the most obscure passages in all of the Bible. Jacob had spent his entire life wrestling against others to get the upper hand for himself. That is, until he finally meets a mysterious antagonists who changes everything, including Jacob. Listen as Pastor David walks through the text to show…I- Jacob’s State/Situation(vs 22-24a)II- Jacob’s Struggle(24b-26)III-Jacob’s Surrender(v27)IV- Jacob’s Success(v28-32)
Matthew 16:28 Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”
What is Jesus talking about here? Many possibilities are suggested from commentator to commentator. The five most suggested say Jesus is speaking of 1. The Mountain of Transfiguration 2. The Resurrection/Ascension of Christ 3. The Holy Spirit Coming in Power on the Day of Pentecost 4. The Final Judgment/Bodily Return of Christ 5. The Destruction of Jerusalem in 70AD.
Listen as Pastor Matt defends and applies a five question test to each of these five views to argue that the destruction of Jerusalem in 70AD is the only possible event that fulfills this prophesy.
Matthew 16:27 For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and WILL THEN REPAY EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS.
Many people think this text is referring to the final judgment, but the next verse calls that common interpretation into question.
Matthew 16:28 Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.
Listen as Pastor Matt examines the immediate context of these verses, the greater context of the book of Matthew, and the Old Testament texts to which these verses allude to show that this text is best seen as being fulfilled in the destruction of the temple in A.D. 70.
Most every Christian is familiar with Jesus’ declaration that whoever would come after Him must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Him. But what does that mean? We have all likely heard the statement that ‘Everyone has his own cross to bear.’ And we’ve also likely heard everything from difficult marriages, stressful jobs, or even physical ailments referred to as a person’s ‘cross to bear.’ But is that that to which Jesus is referring when He calls prospective disciples to take up their crosses and follow Him? Listen as Pastor Matt sheds some light on this much maligned text and calls for disciples to take bold stands even in the face of rejection to the point of martyrdom.
Peter boldly proclaims Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God. What happens next is shockingly unexpected. Jesus tells the disciples not to tell anyone who He is? And then, even more shockingly He begins to show them that He must go to Jerusalem, & suffer many things from the elders & chief priests & scribes, & be killed, & be raised up on the third day? What gives? Listen as Pastor Matt explains why this unexpected follow-up to Peter’s is necessary for Jesus to become out great High Priest, King, and Prophet.
America was founded as an explicitly Christian nation with explicitly Christian laws. Have you noticed how quickly we are moving away from those sacred foundations? How did the people view the establishment of the united states of America during the Revolutionary War? What role did the church play in the establishment of our form of government? What has gone wrong to lead to the transformation of our people’s mores, families, and, ultimately, our laws? Listen as Pastor Matt explores how all of this decline is related to the churches neglect of the ministry of the keys and of our duty to bind and loose. In the absence of a biblical morality a new elite will always come forward to dictate arbitrary absolutes to society- Francis Shaeffer. The godless have filled the void left by the churches refusal to utilize the keys, and the outcome has been godless mores, fractured families, and wickedness codified into our laws. Repentance is the path back to sanity. May what we bind on earth be what is bound in heaven, and what is loosed on earth be what is loosed in heaven! Such is the keys to the Kingdom.
Jesus told Peter that He was giving him the ‘keys to the Kingdom of Heaven,’ and the ministry of ‘binding and loosing.’ Both endowments pertain to authoritative delineation. Keys are delineating between who is in & out, & binding & loosing is delineating between what is right & wrong. Listen as Pastor Matt shows how these ideas are rooted in the Pharisee’s synagogue system. They determined who was in and out of the synagogue, and what behavior and beliefs were acceptable inside the community. Jesus tells Peter that this poorly stewarded authority that had been vested in the Pharisees would not be abolished but transferred to the church. The rightful administration of these ministries is the key to the Kingdom of heaven.
In this sermon Pastor Matt takes a deeper look at Jesus’ response to Peter’s great confession. Jesus heartily agrees with Peter that He is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, and as such He will build HIS Church; a new people of God. And what will this new people of God do? We will receive the promises of the Abrahamic covenant. We will possess the gates of our enemies, and, by the authority given to us by King Jesus, we have the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. Our destiny is to be a blessing to all the nations of the earth as we make disciples of them; teaching them to observe all that Christ has commanded. Praise the Lord! We cannot fail!
As Christians we know that the empty tomb and post crucifixion appearances of Jesus are clear proofs of the Resurrection of King Jesus, but many people offer different explanations. Some people say the disciples stole the body. Some people say that the disciples were hallucinating when they thought they saw a resurrected Christ. And some people even say Jesus didn’t die on the cross. They say He merely passed out, and then awoke and convinced the disciples that He raised Himself from the dead. How are we to answer these skeptics? Listen as Pastor Matt considers six skeptical theories meant to explain away the resurrection, and see how that Jesus’ resurrection is an inescapable fact of history. He is Risen Indeed!
Many atheists have blamed their unbelief on ‘the problem of evil.’ The argument goes as follows:
A. If God exists, then He is all-loving, & all-powerful.
B. If God is all-loving, then He would want to eliminate all evil.
C. If God is all-powerful, then He is able to eliminate all evil.
D. Yet, Evil exists, so God doesn’t exist.
How should the Christian answer this challenge to our faith? Listen as Pastor Matt considers the narrative of Jesus on the Cross, and why that terrible day is rightly celebrated every year as ‘Good Friday.’ Biblically understanding this paradoxically named holiday will help you stand in the faith and answer the skeptic.
Most Christians today believe the world is going to always be getting worse and worse and then, finally, Jesus will come back and save us from this terrible world. But is that what the Bible actually teaches? Listen to Dr. Kenneth Gentry’s fourth and final installment of this four part series on eschatology where he examines the most commonly raised objections to an optimistic eschatology.
Most Christians today believe the world is going to always be getting worse and worse and then, finally, Jesus will come back and save us from this terrible world. But is that what the Bible actually teaches? Listen as Dr. Kenneth Gentry continues with his 3rd installment of this four part series on Eschatology by exposing common misunderstandings of the breadth of the Great Commission. There is a great future for the people of God, and we play a pivotal role in its outworking!
Most Christians today believe the world is going to always be getting worse and worse and then, finally, Jesus will come back and save us from this terrible world. But is that what the Bible actually teaches? Listen as Dr. Kenneth Gentry continues his four part series on Eschatology by showing that the New Testament, just as the Old Testament did, presents a far more hopeful picture than that often embraced pessimistic future for God’s people.
Most Christians today believe the world is going to always be getting worse and worse and then, finally, Jesus will come back and save us from this terrible world. But is that what the Bible actually teaches? Listen as Dr. Kenneth Gentry begins his four part series on Eschatology by showing that the Old Testament presents a far more hopeful picture than that often embraced pessimistic future for God’s people.
Some of the most familiar texts in Scripture are some of the most difficult to understand. Jesus’ response to Peter’s great confession is one of those texts. What does Jesus mean when He tells Peter upon this rock I build my Church? Is Peter the rock? And if so, how are we to understand that truth? What is this ‘church’ that is being built on that foundation? And what does Jesus mean when He says that the gates of hell will not prevail against the church? Listen as Pastor Matt unpacks this hotly contested Scripture.
One of the most misinterpreted scriptures in the Bible is John 18:36 My Kingdom is not of this world. Because of their twisting of this text, Christians have willingly left the public square. People have quoted this text in defense of the idea that Christians should stay out of politics, and that we should not try to influence policy. The results have been catastrophic for American culture. Listen as Pastor Matt sets the textual and historical context by reading what comes before and after this often misinterpreted verse to show that it, and the whole of Scripture, is teaching exactly the opposite thing.
I'm sure you have heard it said that we should keep politics out of our preaching. Such is impossible! We are all familiar with Peter's great confession, 'Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God.' What you might not realize is the political implications of this confession. Listen as Pastor Matt explains how this two fold confession was a denial of the Sovereignty of the Jewish and Roman leaders, and a claim of the absolute Lordship of Christ over all men. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords indeed!
Last week we saw that the polar opposite Pharisees and Sadducees were cooperating together against Jesus. The Pharisees were like our so-called conservatives today. They held to what they had always believed and what they had always thought even though many elements of it were wrong. The Sadducees were like the progressives of our day. They welcomed the secularizing influence of the pagan Roman government as a form of progress. Jesus warns the disciples of both of these dangerous influences. Listen as Pastor Matt considers how this timeless warning is still relevant today.
The Pharisees were fully resolve to destroy Jesus, but in order to do so they needed help. Shockingly they turn to their religious and political rivals; the Sadducees. As much as they hated one another, their love of prestige, power, and position led them to unite around their even greater hatred of Jesus. But when they come to Jesus demanding a sign from heaven Jesus disregards their request and warns them of a much greater sign, but it is a sign that prophesies the destruction of that generation of Jews and mercy to all the nations.
The theological convictions that one generation struggles to reach and fights to defend are often lost within a generation or two. It is necessary that we never take our convictions for granted and simply assume that they are being passed down to the next generation. We must be diligent in our instruction of those truths we hold so dearly.
We live in a culture that is suffering from extended childishness. It is time for Christians to put away childishness and be the mature saints that can confront the assaults of a world opposed to Christ.
Are you good enough? What works does God require of man to be saved? What about after salvation? How does the Christian know he’s pulling his weight and truly living up to God’s standard? The Judaizers thought they had cornered the market on the answers to these questions, but Paul’s answers were the polar opposite from theirs. Paul answers all of this for the Galatians as he lays out God’s plan for Christians to live by faith in Christ. Listen as Brother Chris Sublett walks through the Saving Faith, Sanctifying Faith, and Glorifying Faith we find in Christ and His gospel.
Many are familiar with Psalm 118:24, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” But do we know the context of this verse and it’s true meaning? Do we know what day is being referenced? Is it every day? Is it a particular day? Why should we rejoice and be glad in it? Listen as Pastor Josh Woody answers these questions and shows how this ‘day’ is the basis for the Christian’s joy.
In Matthew 14 we saw Jesus feed 5,000 men, not including women and children, with only five loaves and two fish. And in Matthew 15 we see Jesus feed 4,000 men, not including women in children, with 7 loaves and a few fish. The second feeding is still miraculous, but less miraculous than the first. Why does Matthew put these two miracles so close together in his Gospel? What is the significance of this 2nd miraculous feeding? Listen as Pastor Matt shows that the key to understanding this section is realizing who is being served. These believing Gentiles are not dogs receiving scraps, but children eating at their Father’s table.
Matthew 15:21-28 is one of the most troubling narratives in the Gospels. In this text we see Jesus first ignore a woman who is following Him begging Him to to help her daughter who is cruelly demon-possessed. For awhile, Jesus ignores her. Then He tells her that He was not sent to help her people group. And then He flat out insults her. He even calls her a ‘dog,’ which was a racial slur that Jews used for Gentiles at that time. But then, after all that, Jesus commends her for her great faith and heals her daughter. Why the delay? What is Jesus doing here? Listen as Pastor Matt explains the beautiful theological significance of this confusing narrative.
Jesus dealt harshly with the Pharisees and Scribes, but patiently with the disciples. The disciples were not always a quick study, and, at times, Jesus became exasperated by their slow growth and the smallness of their faith. However, Jesus continued to patiently instruct His beloved disciples even when their growth was slow and their understanding was lacking. Listen as Pastor Matt explains why we should be both comforted and instructed by this narrative.
Nothing gets me in the Christmas Spirit more than remembering how Jesus unapologetically humiliated and infuriated the Pharisees and Scribes. It is the heart warming gift that just keeps on giving! In this third of four sermons on Jesus’ contentious encounter with the Pharisees & Scribes in Mt. 15:1-20 we see Jesus turn the Pharisee’s concern about uncleanness back on them. They are concerned that Jesus example might lead to the crowds being ceremonially unclean because they ate with unclean hands. How does Jesus respond? He called the crowds over, and, In essence, say ‘don’t worry about ceremonially washing your hands, but if you want to be clean stay away from the Pharisees & Scribes!’ It is not JUST that Jesus is calling the crowds to teach them truths & turn their hearts TOWARD Him, He is also warning the crowds against the Pharisees & Scribes falsehoods to turn their hearts AWAY from them. Ultimately them being offended led to the cross, and the cross led to the Salvation of all who believe.
People today think taking a firm stand on issues of right and wrong is Pharisaical. Nothing could be farther from the truth! Jesus actually rebuked the Pharisees for ignoring God’s Law not for upholding it. Jesus corrected the Pharisees for teaching their almost universally held tradition as if it was God’s Law, when they ignored what God’s Law actually said.
How can Christians today be guilty of this sin of hypocrisy? Would you rather be accepted in your circles, & celebrated among men than be accepted by God? Do you parrot today’s talking points and the culture’s ethics while shying away from the biblical teachings that culture has deemed unacceptable? Are you a champion of ‘equity, diversity, and inclusion,’ but silent on abortion, biblical sexuality, or biblical gender roles? Where does this sort of compromise begin? It begins when your heart is far from God. It begins when you give more weight to something else other than God. Listen as Pastor Matt examines Matthew 15:7-9 to show that if a man honors God with his lips, but dishonors God’s Law then he is like the Pharisaical hypocrites.
The Pharisees were committed to destroying Jesus. Why? Because He rejected the flawed ‘tradition of the elders’ and called them out for their hypocrisy. Some high ranking Pharisees and Scribes heard that Jesus disregarded their tradition, and came from Jerusalem to investigate the matter. Jesus was not intimidated. Listen as Pastor Matt shows how Jesus fearlessly called them out for their sins, and pointed them away from their unholy and ever-changing tradition and back to the holy and immutable standard of God’s Law.
Do you every get tired? Are you ever tempted to quit? Or to at least ‘take our foot off the gas’ a little? A little R&R; rest & relaxation, is what we think we need. But we don’t see too much of that in the ministry of our Lord Jesus. Listen as Pastor Matt breaks down Matthew 14:34-36 to see that it is not rest & relaxation but hard work, perseverance, & loving service for the good of others that leads to a life of fulfillment or ‘the good life.’
There is much disagreement concerning the appropriate posture of a Christian toward the civil government. Should we do whatever they say without question? Should we have a posture of revolution and rebellion? Romans 13 has been a go to section of Scripture for many who have advocated shutting down our churches and obeying vaccine mandates. Are those who cite this text handling this Scripture accurately? Listen as Pastor Caleb Stomberg sheds some much needed light on this greatly misunderstood text.
The idolatrous building of the golden calf is a stain on the pages of Israel’s history book. What does this event teach us about our own idolatry and the sin of all mankind. Listen as Pastor David shows how we see that Jesus is the answer to idolatry from this Old Testament passage In Exodus 32.
Is there any benefit to understanding the offerings described in Leviticus? What can we learn about Christ and his gospel from the peace offering in Leviticus 3? Listen as brother Michael Carr shows why the peace offering increases our understanding of the communion table as well as our joy in approaching it.
Being a pastor/leader in the church puts a large target on a man's back. Pastors are often attacked, scrutinized, and criticized. In such times there are put in the awkward position of trying to figure out if, when, and how they should defend themselves. Biblically speaking, should they or shouldn't they defend themselves? If it isn’t right we shouldn’t do it. If it is right we must do it. God has not left us rudderless. We see a very similar scenario play itself out in the ministry of the Apostle Paul, and Paul dealt with it straight forwardly & publicly. Listen as Pastor Matt considers examines this topic in light of Paul's ministry to the Corinthian Church.
What a glorious celebration! The Holy Spirit has raised up another pastor for our church! Listen as Pastor Matt charges Josh to work together with our plurality of elders, to pursue the good of the people under his charge, to do so with the right heart posture, and to persevere when it becomes difficult because of the certainty of the prize. May God bless Pastor Josh and help him discharge his duties in the power of the Holy Spirit!
Last week Pastor Matt explained what the Scriptures instruct the Church to do when someone is caught up in slander and gossip. Unfortunately, not everyone plays nice when this process is carried out as the Bible requires. Sometimes they get mad. They refuse to follow the biblically prescribed steps, and they rebel against the authority of the Scriptures & of the Church. So what are is supposed to do when the Scandal Mongerer is Exposed, Rebuked, & Unrepentant? Listen as Pastor Matt examines Titus 3:10-11 and Romans 16:17-18 to show;
I. How to Recognize a Factious Man II. Our Responsibility in Light of the Factious ManIII. The Reason for this Heavy Handed Response
Gossip is a dangerous threat to family, workplace, and especially church unity. Christians are often ill equipped to recognize gossip when we are doing it, when we hear it, & then when we do recognize it we don't know how to handle it biblically. Listen as Pastor Matt examines Proverbs 20:19 to explain I. The Risk of Gossip II. The Revelation of Gossip III. The Response to Gossip IV. The Root of Gossip.
Everyone has heard of the Parable of the Prodigal Son, but what if I told you the prodigal son is not the main point of the story? Listen as Bro. Josh Woody takes a deeper look at a more unsuspecting character, one whose sin can be a greater danger to those in the church.
Sometimes Christians experience prolonged difficulty, danger, and chaos in their lives. We know that God is able to change our circumstances in an instance, so why doesn't He? Listen as Pastor Matt explores the narrative of Jesus' walk on the water in order to answer that difficult question.
Matthew connects the narratives of Herod’s hedonistic birthday part and Jesus’ feeding of the 5,000 with the linchpin that holds them together being their response to John the Baptist. Listen as Pastor Matt explains the stark difference between the Crony King Herod and Christ the King Jesus, and how that difference established Jesus’ eternal Kingdom and saved His people from their sins.
Matthew connects the narratives of Herod's hedonistic birthday part and Jesus' feeding of the 5,000 with the linchpin that holds them together being their response to John the Baptist. Listen as Pastor Matt explains the stark difference between the Crony King Herod and Christ the King Jesus, and how that difference established Jesus' eternal Kingdom and saved His people from their sins.
Sometimes it’s good to be wowed by the vastness, by the overwhelming enormity, of the forest instead of fixating on the beauty of a singular tree. Listen as Pastor Matt highlights some big picture structural aspects of the book of Matthew, & some prominent O.T. Prophesy/fulfillment themes involving Jesus, Herod, & John the Baptist and the Temple. These themes run all the way from the genealogy and birth of Jesus through His Crucifixion and death, and culminate in the establishment of a new temple and an ultimate sacrifice.
With the exception of the resurrection of Jesus, the feeding of the 5,000 is the only miracle that is found in all four Gospels. What made this miracle so impactful to all the apostles? Listen as Pastor Matt extols the compassion of Jesus and His infinite ability to supply the needs of His people.
Every man is an enemy of God, who surpasses the truth until he’s been born again. We suppress the light of conscience. We suppress the light of God's Law. And once our consciences are seared we risk being given over to our own depraved natures. At that point we descend deeper and deeper into the darkness of our sin. Listen as Pastor Matt shows how this pattern played itself out in the lives of Herod and Herodias and how that in the end there is a day of reckoning coming for all the enemies of God.
Paul tells the church that we are one body of Christ made up of many members. God has given his church a mission, he sovereignly brings his people together as one body, and he equips each individual member with the unique gifts the body needs to grow and flourish. Listen as Brother Josh Woody shows from Romans 12:3-8 why every member should be aware of his gifts, and why it is essential for every member to use his gifts in unison with all members of the body.
How should a Christian think of cultural engagement? Should the church address political issues? Should Christians speak out against wicked rulers? The example of John the Baptist is instructive. 1) He knew what was going on 2) He knew what God's law said 3) He spoke to Herod about his sin 4) He was undeterred by position/power, and 5) He was persistent when he saw no change. Listen as Pastor Matt explains that I. God’s People Speak the Truth and II. God’s People are willing to Suffer for Speaking the Truth. Why? Because God is able to raise the dead!
Jesus' fame continued spreading throughout his ministry and eventually reached all the way to Herod's castle. But when Herod heard of Jesus' miraculous works he arrived at a ridiculous conclusion. Herod is persuaded that Jesus is John the Baptist (who Herod had ordered to be beheaded) raised from the dead! Furthermore, he is convinced that this miraculous resurrection fairy tale is the reason Jesus is able to perform miraculous works. Listen as Pastor Matt shows that Herod should have (and did) know better, and how Herod's rejection of truths he undoubtedly knew makes him all the more damnable for his faulty conclusions and lack of repentance.
Do we have to attend church? If so, how often is often enough? These are typical questions concerning church attendance. Listen as Brother Carr demonstrates why these are the wrong questions and provides a much better metric for why believers should frequent the gathering of the saints.
We are all familiar with Matthew 13:57 "A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” This verse is part of a narrative where Jesus is rejected by the people of His own home town. But why do they reject Him? Listen as Pastor Matt explains why Jesus' ministry was rejected by those in Nazareth, and what we can learn from their calloused rejection of Christ despite His wisdom and miraculous powers.
Jesus asks the disciples if they understand the things He taught them in the Parabolic Discourse, and they say they do. Jesus then gives a one last parable that is unlike the others. All the other parables are 'Kingdom Parables' which explain what the Kingdom of heaven is like, but this one explains what a 'scribe' who becomes a disciple of the Kingdom should be like. Who are these 'scribes' who become disciples of the Kingdom? What is Jesus getting at by saying such 'scribes' are like heads of households who bring forth from their treasure things new and old? And what is the believers duty in light of this parable? Listen as Pastor Matt answers these questions and charges the church to pass on that with which they have been entrusted.
The Parable of the Dragnet is remarkably similar to the Parable of the Wheat and Tares, but does it add anything unique to the overall thrust of the Parabolic Discourse? Listen as Pastor Matt makes the case that the Parable of the Dragnet points to a coming judgment at the end of the Church age while the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares points to Jesus coming in judgment on the Jews in 70AD.
The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Greatest Price are often interpreted as parables relating to the mysteries of conversion. In that interpretation the convert is the man who discovers the treasure, buries it again, and joyfully sells all he has to purchase the field and gain the treasure. But how do we find the kingdom & hide it again? What’s that even mean? Furthermore, what’s this field we’re purchasing that contains the treasure or Kingdom of Heaven? Listen as Pastor Matt offers an alternative interpretation and shows how it fits better within both the immediate context of the Parabolic Discourse and the greater context of the book of Matthew. Spoiler alert: Jesus, not us, is the one who buys the whole field and gains the Kingdom.
Christians are called to be soldiers. Their weapons of warfare are not carnal, but mighty. Intercessory prayer, the proclamation of the Gospel, and sacrificial love. With whom are Christians at war? They are at war with the powers and principalities of this evil age and the corruption that still lies within themselves. The Apostle Paul gives Timothy 4 imperatives as the battle plan of this warfare called the Christian life. Listen as Brother Matthew Mallacoccio leads us through the 6th chapter of 1 Timothy and shows us how to fight the good fight of faith while at the same time resting in Christ.
Listen as Brother Brody Wells exposes the truth of trials in the paradox of Christian living. Are we to rejoice OR are we to grieve? YES! And, all the while God’s grace is on display in proving the trustworthiness of our faith through timely, carefully measured, and necessary trials… not for His good BUT our own.
Justification by faith is at the core of Paul’s letter to the Romans. This foundational doctrine of the reformation is a cause for celebration, but still offends the sensibilities of many modern church-goers. Listen as Brother Michael Carr explores the glorious extent of the justification that Paul declares for the redeemed.
What we do as parents matters! In fact, what we do matters for generations. This truth begs the question, 'For how many generations does it matter?' Deuteronomy 5:8-10 teaches us that unfaithfulness to God can plague a family line to the 3rd and 4th generation, but that faithfulness to God promises blessing to 1,000 generations to come. What a gracious God we serve! Listen as Pastor Matt considers the extent of these multi-generational blessings and curses, and the kind of life that leads to both.
Revelation is a hotly debated and misunderstood book. But, there's one thing upon which there should be no debate; this book is about Jesus! The focus is on what He has accomplished, and the promises He makes to His people. When we see Jesus in the book of Revelation for who He is, what He has accomplished, and His current position in the universe, His people should see no other alternative than to faithfully persevere and conquer in His name, no matter the dragons that are put in their path.
It is easy to become discouraged by the downward spiral of American culture, politics, and pseudo-religion. However, for the Christian, there is great blessing and encouragement found in the most surprising of places: the curse of the serpent in Genesis 3:14-15. See how this dreadful curse is the foundation for victory and rejoicing in the Christian's daily life.
Your talk “talks” and your walk “talks,” but, your walk “talks” louder than your talk “talks”. Action often teaches more memorable lessons than a lecture. The LORD commanded Hosea to walk through an unfaithful marriage as a faithful husband. As he did, he showed us a picture of the great love and mercy of God for His people. Even after outright idolatry and forgetting the LORD altogether, the LORD allures his bride back!
Jesus' explanation of the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares is a difficult section of Scripture to understand. Listen as Pastor Matt makes the case that this Parable had an immediate fulfillment in 70A.D.. Let us all learn three things 1) A person cannot hide from God. 2) The guilty will not go unpunished. 3) Those declared righteous in Christ will reign in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Matthew presents Jesus' parabolic ministry as a fulfillment of Psalm 78. Many skeptics suggest that Matthew is grasping at straws to invent prophetic fulfillment where none exists. Do they have a point? Absolutely not! As always, the skeptics are easily refuted. Listen as Pastor Matt explains how Jesus' parables were a fulfillment of Asaph's ministry, and of the exact situation described in Psalm 78.
The Parable of the Leaven takes us a step farther than the Parable of the Mustard Seed. Not only will the Kingdom of Heaven grow; it will expand. The Kingdom of Heaven is an unstoppable force that will not only be a blessing to the nations, but will increasingly subdue them under the feet of King Jesus.From victory unto victoryHis army shall he lead,Till every foe is vanquished,And Christ is Lord indeed.
Jesus said the kingdom of heaven would grow like a mustard seed; from its beginnings as being like the smallest of seeds to be one day being like a large tree. Jesus called that one! The Roman Empire no longer exists. It hasn’t existed for over 1,500 years! Oh, but the kingdom of heaven, that little mustard seed Jesus planted in Galilee two millennia ago, has grown into a tree—the biggest, longest-living kingdom in history! The Egyptian Empire? Gone! The Assyrian Empire? Gone!The Babylonian Empire? Gone! The Aztec Empire? Gone! The Ottoman Empire? Gone! The Mongol Empire? Gone! Christianity has beat them all by advancing for 2,000 years... and be encouraged, it is just getting started. Nothing and no one can stop King Jesus!
The Kingdom of heaven is an already but not yet reality. Jesus is reigning, but He is reigning 'in the midst of His enemies.' In the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares we see the enemy sow tares amongst the wheat. Tares look almost exactly like wheat until the plants bear fruit. What is the point of this parable? Is it about a 'mixed church' or is He talking about something else entirely? Listen as Pastor Matt considers this parable in light of the rest of Matthew's Gospel.
He is Risen! What a glorious truth! And because He is risen we who trust in Him will be raised also. But have you every thought about the nature of the eternal state? Is heaven an eternal worship service? Are we floating around on a cloud? What will it be like? Listen as Pastor Matt shows from Hebrews 2:5-10 that redeemed mankind will regain what was lost in Adam's sin and will rule and reign with our death conquering Lord. But just like it was for our Lord, the path to that glory is a path through suffering.
What is contentment? We all seek it because we were created to. Will the nicest home bring it, or hitting the lottery? Will marriage bring it? Will a multitude of accolades bring it? Can we ever attain contentment through the things of this world or is contentment only achieved through a Person? The Apostle Paul says “godliness with contentment is great gain”. What is the great gain of godliness with contentment? Listen as brother Matthew Mallacoccio shows us that this eternal prosperity is only achieved through an eternal perspective that rests in the Eternal Provider Himself.
Satan is a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. He sought to devour the Son of God, but Satan’s attacks were part of the Father’s plan to prepare His Son for His ministry and prove Jesus' sinless nature. Listen as Bro. Josh Woody explains Satan’s schemes, how Jesus overcame these schemes in order to fulfill all righteousness, how He is our example to withstand the temptations of the devil, and the glorious implications of Jesus' victory over Satan's temptation; Rev. 11:5 The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ!
Throughout this series you likely thought of the potential elder’s character & abilities displayed within the context of the church. How is he seen within the church? How is he viewed by the saints? But this verse leaves the confines of the covenant community & says he must have a good reputation with those outside the church. But don't the Scriptures warn us again and again Christians we will be hated and despised by the world? What are we to make of this qualification? Listen as Pastor Matt explains what it means to have a 'good reputation with outsiders' and the dangers associated with appointing a man as a pastor who lacks this beautiful testimony.
We have seen a lot of ways that a man can be disqualified from the ministry so far in this series. But it is possible for a man to be qualified in every way we have covered so far, but for it to still be unwise to appoint him as an elder. Today we will consider the immediate and ultimate dangers of appointing an otherwise qualified man to the office of overseer if he is a new convert. May God grant us the wisdom to proceed with caution!
So far we have seen the positive character qualities that an elder must possess. We have considered his giftedness. And we have been warned concerning some potential disqualifying idols. Now this week we are getting personal. I know, you probably think we’ve been pretty personal the entire time, but now we are stepping right though your front door. These verses take us to the man & his household. Listen as Pastor Matt explains what it means to 'manage your household well, keeping your children under subjection with all dignity,' and why such skill in a man's domestic life must be present before he is qualified to be a pastor.
Alcohol, anger, and assets are hot button issues in Christian circles. Many people presuppose that a man who drinks any alcohol, displays any anger, or accumulates any real wealth is intrinsically less holy than a man who completely abstains from alcohol, who never displays aggression, or who is poor. But is that what the Bible actually teaches? Listen as Pastor Matt explains when these dangerous issues are sinful and when they are not, and how each one can disqualify a man from being a pastor and when they do not.
The Bible refers to the book of Proverbs as the “sayings of the wise”(24:23). What would it look like if these “wise sayings” were fleshed out in a life? What would you expect someone who had gained so much wisdom to look like? At the end of this great book we find a model man of wisdom. Listen as we hear a named Agur make three declarations that flow out of the wisdom he has learned. It may just surprise you.
By itself, being a good teacher, preacher, and communicator of God's Word does not qualify a man for the office of overseer, but it is still very important. In this sermon Pastor Matt first explains what the phrase 'able to teach' means in I Timothy 3:2. Then he walks through Titus 1:9 to show an elder's attitude toward the word, that it is an anchor of the soul, and that these realities are necessary so that he can fulfill the two primary activities; 1) instructing in sound doctrine and 2) refuting those who contradict.
Appointing new elders is a big deal! And before a church does so they must understand the solemnity & gravity of what they are doing. They must evaluate the potential overseer to make sure that he meets the qualifications. Why? First, because pastors will give an account to God for the performance of their duties, & God did not lack wisdom when he prescribed these qualifications. If they lack these qualifications they will fail. And secondly, the church will suffer if an unqualified man is elevated to the position. Listen as Pastor Matt makes some general observations about the office of overseer and begins working through the biblical qualifications listed in I Timothy 3:2-7.
In the Parable of the Sower Jesus is encouraging caution in our dealings with crowds and new people. When there is excitement & large numbers accompanying our ministries our excitement can hamper our discernment. There is a temptation to assume than every attendee, and professing convert is genuine but Jesus informs the disciples of four different types of hearers. We might call them; the hard heart (verse 19), the shallow heart (verses 20, 21), the crowded heart (verse 22), & the well-prepared heart (verse 23). Listen as Pastor Matt explains the causes for each type of hearer, how to recognize them, and what to do about it when you do.
Jesus explained things to the disciples in explicit, plain terms. He sometimes taught the masses in that direct manner, however, Jesus normally taught them in parables without the benefit of plain & explicit speech so the disciples asked Him, 'Why do You speak to them (merely) in parables?' In Jesus' answer to this question we see many concepts that are quite controversial in our day; privilege, inequity, meritocracy, justice/judgement, and mercy. Listen as Pastor Matt explain this text and how that muddying the waters on these biblical concepts leads to misunderstanding the character and nature of God and even the Gospel itself.
Sometimes human suffering seems meaningless. The book of Ruth is filled with such suffering. Naomi lost her husband and both of her sons. Neither of her daughters-in-law had any children at the time of her son's deaths. Naomi means pleasant, but she no longer felt pleasant. She even said people should no longer call her Naomi, but Mara (which means bitter),'because the Lord had dealt very bitterly with her' (Ruth 1:20). But had the Lord truly dealt bitterly with her? Was it possible that God had a wonderful plan for her, and for all of mankind, concerning which she could never even fathom the depth of its beauty and blessing? Listen as Brother Josh Woody points us to a sorrowful story that is filled with glorious hope, and be encouraged child of God, there is purpose in your bitter providences as well.
The Garden of Gethsemane is one of the most beloved texts in the Scriptures but it is also one of the least understood. The first Adam fell in a garden and plunged the human race into sin, darkness, and death. Here we see the Last Adam fall on His face in a garden and rise to victory to redeem His people. The first Adam said, "Not Thy will, but mine." The Last Adam said "Not My will, but Thine.' Listen as Brother Matthew Mallacoccio takes us through this incomprehensible moment in history and shows us that Christ is in fact Very God, and He is also Very Man.
If not understood rightly, extended family can be a good man's greatest hindrance. Family members often try to make a person feel guilty for going where they should go, being where you should be, and doing what you should do. They often even make your involvement with the people of God a test of your loyalty to them. All too often they succeed in making you feel guilty, like a traitor, for participating in that which is virtuous, praise worthy, and good for your soul. They may even say they are trying to protect you from being fanatical about your faith. What should you do? We don't have to wonder because a similar thing happened to Jesus. Listen as Pastor Matt shows how Jesus responded to this situation by unapologetically pointing to the existence of greater relatives.
The Bible is clear; spiritual warfare is real, and demons are real. We are not just in a battle against the flesh, but against spiritual powers and spiritual entities. These unclean spirits delight in bringing disorder, chaos, & cursedness. Jesus tells of a demon who became discouraged and left a man, and the man cleaned himself up, but was not filled with the Spirit of God. In the end the man was colonized by the original unclean spirit and more who were more wicked than the original. Listen as Pastor Matt considers explains how we can guard against a reformation that is ultimately for the worse.
The Ninevites repented after hearing the preaching of a man who was arguably the least impressive prophet in the Old Testament; Jonah. Jonah performed no signs, no wonders, and preached an eight word sermon that announced pending doom, and the godless Ninevites responded in repentance. Likewise, the Queen of the South came from the ends of the earth to hear the renowned wisdom of Solomon despite no miraculous evidences and many imperfection in Solomon's character. Listen as Pastor Matt explains how greater judgment comes to those who reject the greater Prophet, King, and Temple we have in Jesus Christ and the many evidences Jesus provided which demonstrate His power to reverse the curse.
The Scribes & Pharisees asked for a sign, but in reality they were looking for reasons to doubt. They had already seen many amazing signs, but none of the were enough. If you are looking for reasons to believe you will find them, because they are there. If you are looking for reasons to doubt, you will find them because you will set the bar wherever you want, move it as you see fit, & refuse true submission to God until you deem God has earned it from you. News flash; God owes you nothing but wrath & has given you every pleasure you have ever enjoyed. Repent of your obstinance and be saved! Rejoice in the sign of the prophet Jonah; Jesus rose from the dead! What other proof could we need?!
If you want to understand your heart then pay close attention to your words because there is a direct connection between the two. When ‘life happens’ we get a glimpse of the man through his words. What do you say when you’re angry, stressed, in pain? These tests do not create your corruption, they reveal it. That’s when our real thoughts & attitudes surface in the form of words. For this reason every idle/careless word that you utter you will give an account thereof on the day of judgement for by your words you will be justified and by your words you will be condemned. If your words are sinful (like everyone's) then what can you do to be made right with a holy God? Listen to hear the answer to this urgent question.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, it often touted as a supreme figure in Christian history, but did she see herself that way? Mary's Magnificat is a song of worship that shows us what it means to truly magnify the Lord. What is true worship? Is it a seasonal attitude or a lifestyle? Listen as Brother Matthew Mallacoccio shows us from Mary's song of worship 1) what true worship is 2) who the One we worship is, and 3) the true reason for the season.
Almost everyone has heard of blasphemy of the Holy Spirit which is rightly known as 'the unpardonable sin.' But what is this terrifyingly hopeless sin? Listen as Pastor Matt explains often misunderstood section of Scripture.
After Jesus cast a demon out of a demon possessed blind mute man, the Pharisees made the outlandish accusation that Jesus cast the demon out by the power of Satan. Listen as Pastor Matt explains how Jesus answers this moronic accusation by showing that 1) The Accusation is Illogical, 2) The Pharisees are Inconsistent, and then explains 3) The Miracle's True Implication. Rejoice! The Kingdom of God has arrived! And Jesus is more powerful than Satan!
In this lecture/sermon Pastor Matt considers the origin of kingdoms/nations, languages, ethnicities and religions. He also explores the roots of 'Kinism,' and how Jesus coming as King of Kings and Lord of Lord's essentially reduces the world to two Kingdoms; the New Jerusalem (the City of Peace) and Babylon (The City of Confusion). In essence it is Christ or Chaos. Lastly, he considers the uniqueness of the American system of government and challenges popular misnomers concerning the Great Commission. Buckle up! It is a lot of content and food for thought.
There's been a lot of talk in recent years about 'being on the right side of history' on the issue of 'homosexuality.' Listen as Brother Josh Woody looks to an historical biblical account of a city marked by 'gay pride,' and consider the wrath and judgment of God that rained down on those people. May we all strive to be on the right side of God on this issue and every issue, as we rejoice in the good news that there is forgiveness and cleansing for every sin in the cross of Christ.
Listen as Pastor David Province examines Psalm 2 showing the rebellion of sinful rulers, the response of The Sovereign Ruler (God), and the non-negotiable requirement of surrender. Be encouraged! God is not intimidated by the wickedness or rebellion of earthly rulers. He laughs, He mocks, and He speaks in His anger. Make no mistake, God will break those rebels with a rod of iron, and shatter them like earthen ware (vs. 9). Take heed, lest you suffer a similar fate.
In this text Jesus heals one of the more afflicted men He ever helped; a demon-possessed blind mute! The watching crowed is amazed, and asks a very important question, 'This man cannot be the Son of David, can he?' Although the question is asked in a way that is far from faith-filled, the very mention of Jesus being the Messiah was unacceptable to the Pharisees. So what do the Pharisees do? They throw out one of the most moronic objections ever offered. Listen as Pastor Matt considers the absurdity of this accusation and revels in Christ's grace toward this greatly afflicted man.
Listen as Pastor Matt labors to show how the bruised reed and smoldering wick imagery is actually a promise of delayed, yet certain judgment coming to that generation of Jews. May we all be on guard against presumption and empty formalism in our religious observance lest we too be broken off!
Listen as Pastor Matt explains how Jesus was the fulfillment of Isaiah 42:1-4. Jesus was God's Chosen Servant and God's Beloved Son who would accomplish His mission of hope for the nations in the power of the Holy Spirit.... and who would bring judgment on the Jews for rejecting His mission. Behold, the kindness and severity of God (Rom. 11:22)!
After Jesus refuted the Pharisees misunderstanding of the sabbath, and violated their tradition by healing on the sabbath, the Pharisees conspired together as to how they might destroy Jesus. Listen as Pastor Matt looks at Jesus' response to their conspiracy. He simply withdrew from the immediate danger, continued living a life of compassionate obedience, and avoided unhealthy publicity. Let us as Christians learn to do the same in a culture that increasingly hates us. We need not go on the offensive; we are on the winning team!
In Matthew 12:1-8 we saw a showdown between Jesus and the Pharisees and their rival interpretations of God's law. This showdown took place in the grain fields, as the Pharisees accused Jesus of being a Sabbath breaker because His disciples plucked heads of grain to eat. Jesus answered those ridiculous accusations by looking to the Scriptures. He proved from a biblical narrative, from the Law itself, and from the writings of the prophets that the Pharisees were understanding the Sabbath wrongly. But what happens when this narrative transitions from the neutral grain fields to the Pharisees own turf; to THEIR synagogue. Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath? Absolutely, so Jesus does. But how do the Pharisees respond to this act of compassion? Listen as Pastor Matt examines the narrative that excites an envy in the Pharisees that will inevitably lead to Jesus hanging on the cross to establish a greater Sabbath for His people.
The Christian life is a lifelong war. This war is a spiritual battle but has serious eternal consequences with defeat. Thank the Lord that, though Christ, victory is sure and the Christian is held fast by the Captain of their Salvation. But, we must ask, 'Do Christians keep themselves or does God keep Christians?' Listen as Brother Matthew Mallacoccio takes us to the book of Jude for practical instruction on walking with Christ until the end.
In Matthew 12:1-8 we see a showdown between Jesus and the Pharisees. This showdown was centered around their rival interpretations of the Sabbath. Jesus offers three arguments that prove that neither He nor His disciple were Sabbath breakers. Listen as Pastor Matt explains the last of these three arguments. Jesus claims to be to 'Lord of the Sabbath!' It was Him, as Creator ,who instituted the Sabbath, and the Sabbath itself was a but a shadow of which Jesus Himself was the true substance.
In Matthew 12:1-8 we see a showdown between Jesus and the Pharisees. This showdown was centered around their rival interpretations of the Sabbath. Jesus offers three arguments that prove that neither He nor His disciples were Sabbath breakers. Listen as Pastor Matt explains the second of these three arguments and how it points to the coming destruction of the temple and the arrival of a greater priesthood than the Jews had ever known.
The Pharisees claimed that the yoke of the law was a blessing, but Jesus taught that the 'tradition of the elders' was burdensome and crushing. At the end of Matthew 11 Jesus invited people to forsake their devotion to the traditional understanding of the law and to instead 'take His yoke upon them and find rest for their souls.' Now in chapter twelve we see a showdown between Jesus and the Pharisees and these two rival interpretations of the Sabbath, the forth commandment. The Pharisees accuse Jesus and His disciples of being lawbreakers and Jesus masterfully answers their accusation with Scripture. Listen as Pastor Matt begins exploring Jesus brilliant answer which is rooted in His mastery of the Old Testament and His identity as the fulfillment of all its promises.
A Christian is called to joy in the midst of suffering. But doesn't that seem odd? Why would a God who loves His children call them to a life of suffering? We know that He is more than capable of preventing it. What gives? Listen as brother Matthew Mallacoccio explains how only a Christian's patient endurance through suffering not only pleases God, but was ordained, sent, and directed by God and is ultimately for His children’s own good.
Come unto me all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. To most people, both Christian and non-Christian alike, this text is extremely familiar. But why are Jesus' next words after inviting people into His rest about a yoke, which is a tool for labor? Should he mention a recliner or a mattress? How are we resting if we are laboring? Listen as Pastor Matt examines this popular text of invitation to come to Christ.
How boss was Jesus?!?! He trolled the unrepentant cities who had seen His miracles by praising the Father for hiding the truth from them... and He did so right in front of them! Listen as Pastor Matt explores this spontaneous public praise of the Father. Jesus highlights His own deity by claiming that He is the true Son of God (not the nation of Israel), that universal Lordship/Sovereignty has been handed over to Him by the Father, and that He has the incontestable right to choose His people.
Pride is a prevalent sin of the human heart. There are two forms of pride: “Wow is me and Woe is me.” The deception of pride is that it masks itself as a virtue. Pride is no respecter of persons and can poison even our holy duties as Christians. What is the answer to dealing with pride while walking the narrow path? Listen as brother Matthew Mallacoccio explains how God has given us faithful pastors to help us hold steadfast as we journey this path to the King.
Mocking people doesn't seem very Christ-like... but that's exactly what we see Christ doing in Matthew 11. In Matthew 5:11 Jesus promises a blessing for those who are insulted/reviled/mocked for Jesus' sake. Now here, in Matthew 11:20, that same word is used describing how Jesus is 'denouncing' the cities where most of His miracles were done. What would lead Jesus to insult, mock, or denounce people? And for what does He promise a judgment more severe than that which Sodom received? Listen as Pastor Matt considers these difficult verses.
People have always loved to make excuses for not listening to truth. Listen as Pastor Matt examines the ridiculous and self-contradictory reasons the masses gave for listening to neither John the Baptist nor Jesus. Earnestly consider the outcome of such obstinance. If you have ears to hear then eliminate your excuses, lean in, and hear.
John the Baptist was as great a man as any who had ever been born before him, but the LEAST in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he. What a dramatic change! And beginning with the days of John the Baptist the Kingdom began suffering violence and violent men were taking it by force. How can the Kingdom of Heaven 'suffer violence"' What marks the inauguration of the Kingdom of Heaven, and how would faith in that event produce a people even more unshakable than John the Baptist? Listen as Pastor Matt explores the answers to these debated questions.
Jesus said that of those who had been born of women none had been greater than John the Baptist. Now that is some high praise! John was not shakable, not soft, and was willing to speak God's truth. Jesus identifies those qualities as greatness and says that even the least of the citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven will exceed John's greatness. May God create such character in all of His people!
At times even the most genuine of believers struggles with doubt. Such doubts can be debilitating and soul crushing. But what is a believer to do when such doubts come? Listen as Pastor Matt examines the doubts of John the Baptist, who is not only a great example of doubting saint; but also give us a great example of what we should do when doubts arise.
It is not just those who receive (aid, feed, help, refresh) miracle working Apostles who will be rewarded. It is not just those who receive (aid, feed, help, refresh) powerful preachers who have suffered for the cause of Christ who will be rewarded. It is not even just those who receive (aid, feed, help, refresh) normal righteous Christian men because they have the reputation of being righteous Christian men who will be rewarded. Go; Love, serve, and minister to the least of the disciples of Christ, and Jesus ensures us that all such service will be rewarded.
Are you 'worthy of Christ?' The very question ‘Am I worthy of Christ?’ makes me uncomfortable. The question kinda makes me cringe, even tremble. What kind of pride could make us say, 'Yes, I am worthy of Christ; the spotless, perfect, sinless Lamb of God.’ But ‘worthy of Christ’ is terminology that has arisen again & again in the Missionary Discourse. Listen as Pastor Matt examines Jesus' use of the phrase in the Missionary Discourse and its relationship to 'taking up our crosses and following Him.'
On the surface the answer to the question in the title of this sermon seems obvious... the question even seems absolutely ridiculous! Of course, Christ doesn't delight in divided families! But what are we to make of Jesus' words in Matthew 10:35-36 For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household? Listen as Pastor Matt shows how that this text is pointing to a prophesy form the book of Micah, and how it in no way contradicts God's multi-generational promises.
The promise of the Messiah’s coming contained within it a promise of peace. Is. 9:6–7 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; & the government will rest on His shoulders; & His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 7 There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace. But Jesus tells us in Matthew 10:34 that He did not come to bring peace but a sword. How are we to understand this difficult verse? Listen as Pastor Matt examines this verse in the greater context of Matthew and redemptive history.
Listen as Pastor Matt explores the relationship between faith, fear, and worship, and how our fears reveal our true God. Do you fear men or God?
Matthew 10:28 Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell....32–33 Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.
Listen as Pastor Matt encourages us from the Matthew 10:26-28 never to shy away from proclaiming the whole counsel of God regardless of the ire, threats, and intimidation of men. How can we be so brave? Because we fear One who is greater, and who threatens worse punishment, than all the men in the world combined. Matthew 10:28 Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Men were created for glory and we crave it. We, being created in the image of God, desire honor, glory, prestige, & recognition. When pursued in obedience to God such desires are not wrong, and God intends for us to share in His glory. But what is the past to that glory? Listen as Pastor Matt explains how that students and slaves cannot expect more honor than their teacher and master received, and they killed Jesus... but glory not death was the rest of Christ's story and it will be the end for his student/slaves/SONS!
We are, undoubtedly, in the midst of a great culture war. At times this war seems un-winnable, so un-winnable that many are giving up on even fighting. Listen as Brother Tyler Schwartz encourages us from God's word that the war in not only winnable, but that the victory is a certainty because of the nature of the weapons God has given us with which to fight. Swords? Guns? Cannon? Or Bombs? Nope, our weapons are spiritual weapon and they are mighty!
Listen as Pastor Matt explains how Col. 2:11-12 proves that Baptism is not the New Testament counterpart of Old Testament Circumcision. We lose a lot when we misunderstand the nature of the New Covenant and the role of the Church in pursuing regenerate church membership. A pure church is a powerful church! May we minister the 'keys of the Kingdom' well!
Jesus warns His disciples of the dangerous nature of their mission; they are being sent out ‘as sheep amongst the wolves.’ But how are they to stay safe in the midst of this dangerous mission? What should motivate them to persevere? And can they be confident that their mission will be successful? Listen as Pastor Matt explains finishes his two part series 'Sheep Amongst the Wolves.'
Jesus warns His disciples of the dangerous nature of their mission; they are being sent out 'as sheep amongst the wolves.' But how are they to stay safe in the midst of this dangerous mission? Listen as Pastor Matt explains Jesus' instructions to be wise as serpents and as harmless as doves in the midst of wolf infested religious, governmental, and even familial groups of people. Wolves can be anywhere!
From what text would you guess was the 1st ever ‘Easter’ or Resurrection Sunday sermon preached? Matthew 28? Mark 16? Luke 24? John 20 or 21? I Corinthians 15? II Corinthians 4 or 5? I Thessalonians 4? All these are excellent sections of Scripture, but the very first expository sermon on the resurrection of Jesus was preached.... from the Old Testament. Listen as Pastor Matt examines Peter's exegesis of Psalm 16 from his sermon on the day of Pentecost. Oh the manifold wisdom of the predetermined prophesied death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus! Because He lives we will live also!
As the Apostles went out Jesus told them to stay with men with a reputation of being 'worthy' or Kingdom minded. But what were they to do when their host's character did not match his reputation? Listen as Pastor Matt explains the commonly quoted biblical phrase 'shake the dust from your feet and shows its relationship to biblical church discipline.
Listen as Brother Josh Woody examines I Peter 2:4-12 highlighting the preciousness of Christ, His chosen people, and how God uses our affection for Him and for His people to silence the world’s rebellion.
Can you think of anything with more wealth producing potential than the power to perform miracles! I can think of perhaps one; a message that promises everlasting life! But woe unto the man who would dishonor the word of God or the mercies of God by reducing it into a product to be sold! Listen as Pastor Matt looks at Jesus' instructions never to sell the Gospel or the blessings of the Kingdom- freely it was given to us so freely we give!
Who were the Apostles? Far from being respected rabbi’s or influential political leaders, the disciples were the definition of common. They were fishermen, tax collector's, despised zealots, and the like. God delights in choosing such men ‘unimpressive’ & ‘unqualified’ men to magnify His grace. But that brings up a question; 'Why should people take their message seriously? Jesus graciously provided them with amazing evidence of their apostolic authority. Listen as Pastor Matt explains the purpose of Apostolic miracle's and how we should view miracles today.
John the Baptist, Jesus, and the Apostles all preached the same message; 'Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!.' See (Matthew 3:12, 4:17, and 10:7) What does that message entail, and has our message changed today? Listen as Pastor Matt explains the necessity of a call to repentance and how that call will divide the children of God from the children of the devil.
Listen as Pastor Matt provides a brief summary of the outline, purpose, and content of chapters 1-10 of Matthew's Gospel and then begins a verse by verse look at the Missionary Discourse. Have you ever wondered why the Apostles were sent 'only to the lost sheep of Israel?' We pray the wisdom of God in His purposes in that limitation of their ministry propels your heart to doxology! We couldn't have been redeemed had it been any other way.
In this series Pastor Matt explains how to conquer sinful anger by meditating on the truths of the Gospel. This lecture focuses on the transformative effects of remembering that justice is coming in the certain and severe judgment of God.
One of the enemy’s most successful strategies has been that each of us would fight alone. Don't fall for it! Listen as Dr. James Risner encourages us from Exodus 17 concerning our need to 'hold one another's arms up' when they are growing weary.
In this series Pastor Matt explains how to conquer sinful anger by meditating on the truths of the Gospel. This lecture focuses on the transformative effects of remembering the hope we have in our glorification and reward to come at Christ's second coming.
In this series Pastor Matt explains how to conquer sinful anger by meditating on the truths of the Gospel. This lecture focuses on the transformative effects of remembering that Christ reconciled us to Himself to make us 'fishers of men,' and that patiently suffering at the hands of others adorns the Gospel and aids in our calling.
Listen as Brother John Moody begins his conference on the Dominion Mandate. Consider how Christians are to be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth by functioning as kings who rule and subdue and shepherds who tend and keep.
In this series Pastor Matt explains how to conquer sinful anger by meditating on the truths of the Gospel. This lecture focuses on the transformative effects of seeing yourself as one who has been redeemed by Christ.
In this series Pastor Matt explains how to conquer sinful anger by meditating on the truths of the Gospel. This lecture focuses on how understanding the effects of the Fall on fellow Christians leads to the fruit of the spirit being manifested in our lives despite our disagreements and differences.
We all know this regularly quoted 'Christmas text.' Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given: And the government shall be upon his shoulder: And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. But sometimes that familiarity causes us to take the text for granted without ever grasping the glorious truths therein contained. Listen as Pastor Michael Carr explains the historical context of this rich text and shows us how that this text, written approximately 700 years before the birth of Jesus, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the birth of Christ.
In this series Pastor Matt explains how to conquer sinful anger by meditating on the truths of the Gospel. This lecture focuses on how understanding the effects of the Fall on Non-Christians leads to the fruit of the spirit being manifested in our lives despite our circumstances.
Christmas doesn’t always seem holly jolly. People lose their jobs, houses burn down, there are car accidents, people get sick, and loved ones die. Why? What is magical about that? How are we supposed to get in the Christmas Spirit in the middle of this wretched brokenness? Sometimes, at out weakest points, it can feel like God is mean. But before we give into that thought let’s consider first that maybe, just maybe, we’re missing something. Listen as Pastor Matt grieves the passing of his Uncle Tom, and points to how Christmas can be even sweeter in times of suffering.
In this series Pastor Matt explains how to conquer sinful anger by meditating on the truths of the Gospel. This lecture focuses on how understanding ourselves as fallen creatures leads to the fruit of the spirit being manifested in our lives despite our circumstances.
In this series Pastor Matt explains how to conquer sinful anger by meditating on the truths of the Gospel. This lecture focuses on how understanding who God is as Sustainer leads to the fruit of the spirit being manifested in our lives despite our circumstances.
In this series Pastor Matt explains how to conquer sinful anger by meditating on the truths of the Gospel. In part one we consider how understanding God as Creator leads us to eliminate expectations, yield our rights to God who is the giver of rights, and to concentrate on our own responsibilities even when we are sinned against.
How many times have you gotten angry and then said or did something that you immediately regretted? You are not alone. As fallen men and women we are all prone to allow the volatility of anger to lead us into sin. How can we 'be angry and sin not?' Listen as Pastor Matt explains the Scriptural secret for conquering sinful anger.
Do you ever feel like quitting? Do you ever feel as though you have done enough in your service to God and others? Have you ever felt like drawing a line and saying, “That’s as far as i’m going, now it’s time for me to be served? What should you do if you feel this way? Listen as Pastor David helps us answer these questions from the Scriptures.
Many times baptism is treated as a cute little rite of passage, but baptism is a big deal. With baptism comes covenant commitments where the candidate is brought under the protection, provision, and authority of the Church. Listen as Pastor Matt preaches a baptismal charge to four baptismal candidates encouraging them to count the costs of becoming a disciple and also pointing them to the infinite rewards that await.
Does the doctrine of the resurrection of Jesus Christ matter? Absolutely! Listen as Brother Tyler Schwartz walks us through I Corinthians 15 explaining the negative consequences of denying the resurrection and the life altering consequences we gain in light of its truth.
Listen as Brother Brandon Stitt exhorts us from James 1:12-21 concerning 1) sin and the death it causes, 2) how that God in the exercise of His will brought us forth by the word of truth, and 3) the importance of humbly receiving the word implanted, which is able to save our souls.
All of us experience pressures in our life but not all experience peace in the midst of these pressures. Listen as we see how King David experienced the peace of God during possibly the most pressure filled situation of his life and how you can too.
Jesus’ chosen disciples were ordinary, common, & unexceptional men. But arguably the most respectable & commendable of the rag tag bunch would have been Judas. He looked as righteous and genuine as any of the rest of the disciples as he hid in plain sight. Are you a pretender? One who praises Christ with your lips when your heart is far from Him? Oh, what foolishness it is for a man to attempt to hide from God! May your heart be driven to genuine repentance as you listen.
Matthew the tax collector & Simon the Zealot came from opposite ends of the political spectrum. But Jesus called them both to Himself and they became brothers & co-workers in the gospel. We must always desire mercy and reconciliation with and for those with whom we disagree! God transforms people everyday, and no one is outside of His reach.
There are two paths. One path leads to destruction the other leads to life. My question for us today is not what is the difference between the two paths but what is the determining factor that sets you on the path of the righteous or the path of the wicked?Ultimately the difference in the two paths is at the beginning. The entry point of these two paths, as we will see, is the counsel you receive and believe. Listen and consider how this one factor makes all the difference.
Listen as Brother Cody Maples guides us though Ephesians 1:3-14 to see how God the Father blesses undeserving sinners through Christ, and also WHY He does so: For His own Glory
Who where the twelve disciples? Not one was a scholar. Not one was an expert in the Law. Not a single Scribe or Pharisee was chosen. No priests, or Levites. No, Jesus chose fishermen, tax collectors, and political outcasts, but through them HE did mighty things. The Gospel is not a help wanted ad. It is a help available ad. So we go, we serve, we work... but He gives us the authority & power to do whatever we do. Freely we have received, freely we give. To God be the Glory in every victory!
Concerning the masses of lost hurting people around Him, Jesus once lamented, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few "Matthew 9:37–38. Listen as Pastor Matt examines Matthew 36-38 pointing to Jesus' motivation for reaching the lost, and the means by which they must be reached.
When a Bible verse is repeated practically verbatim by the same writer in the same book it is extremely important that we perk up our ears and listen. Listen as Pastor Matt encourages us to follow Jesus' example in our evangelism. 1) Explain the requirements of the Law 2) Proclaim the arrival of the Kingdom of God in the sinless life of King Jesus 3) Demonstrate the truthfulness of that claim by pointing to Jesus' miraculous life, death, and subsequent resurrection.
Matthew 9:27–31 describes two blind men who, although they cannot see physically, they do see who Jesus is! Then verses 32–34 describe another group of men, the Pharisees. They have good eyes but they cannot see. They are not blind physically but spiritually. Jesus will say of them in Matthew 23, “Woe to you, blind guides …” (vv. 16, 24), woe to you “ blind fools” (v. 17), woe to you "blind men” (v. 19), woe to you "blind Pharisees” (v. 26). Do you know people who are spiritually blind to Jesus' identity and saving power? Pray to the God who can open both Physical and Spiritual eyes! There is yet hope!
God's grace is amazing! Consider the story of the two blind men who Jesus healed in Matthew 9. Before Jesus healed their blindness, God had already opened their eyes to a profound truth. Two poor, destitute, blind men understood what the prominent, rich, healthy Scribes, Pharisees, & teachers of the law had missed; Jesus was the Messiah; ‘Son of David’— and the ‘Lord’- God in the flesh. May He continue to open they eyes of people who are blinded to these glorious truths!
In Ephesians 6:18 Paul urges believers to pray at all times, with all prayer and supplication, with all perseverance, and to make supplication for all the saints. When the word all is used four times in one verse we better pay attention! We pray that this sermon helps you evaluate your prayer life and aids you in sanctification.
Human greatness is relative. One person may be exalted above another person in many measurable ways, but compared to the infinitude of God we are all so very small. The powerful, esteemed, educated, rich people of this age have something very important in common with the weak, detested, uneducated, poor. We are all going to die. Death is the great equalizer. However, death and sleep have something in common when viewed in light of the omnipotence of God. We can be awakened from both! May we all look to Christ in repentance and faith that we might live!
We must be careful only to bind the conscience where Scripture itself binds it. Our opinions of right and wrong are far more cultural than we would like to admit. For John the Baptist's disciples one necessary element of true holiness was fasting.... but Jesus' disciples never fasted. So John's disciples ask Jesus why His disciples didn't fast. Listen to learn the purpose of fasting the Gospel implications of Jesus' stunning answer.
In Matthew 9:10 we see Jesus enjoying a banquet with many tax collectors and sinners. The Pharisees accuse Jesus of doing wrong by keeping company with such men. What does Jesus say? Listen as Pastor Matt shows how Jesus turns the tables on the Pharisees showing them that it is they who are in sin because of their calloused indifference to the pitiable state of their fellow man. Matthew 9:12–13 “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. 13 “But go and learn what this means: ‘I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
In Matthew 9:9 we see Matthew the Roman tax collector. He is a disloyal, dishonest, greedy traitor who shamelessly and disinterestedly sits in his tax booth while the crowds follow Jesus. In Matthew 9:10 we see Matthew the loyal evangelistic follower of Christ generously hosting an expensive banquet in his home for Jesus and his grace needing friends. What happened?!?! Listen as Pastor Matt explains the transformative power of the effectual call of Jesus. Sinner, may He call to you today; 'Follow me!' Neither you, nor your loved ones, are not too far from His grace.
Matthew’s narrative arrangement in chapters 7:28-9:8 shows a progressive development in revealing Jesus’ credentials as the divine Messiah. We saw the authority of His teaching (7:29), we saw His authority over disease (8:3-15), we saw His authority over nature with the wind and the seas obeying Him (8:26-27), and then we saw His authority over the demonic realm (8:28-32). How can He possibly beat that?!? He does in His dealings with the paralytic. (Spoiler: it is something greater than physical healing). Listen as Pastor Matt explains the greatest miracle of all, and how it is promised to all who believe.
Listen as Brother Brandon Stitt expounds on what it means to set our minds on things above, to put to death what is earthly in us, and to put on Christ.
Demons are real and powerful yet completely under the Sovereign reign of the Messiah. Listen as Pastor Matt examines a narrative where Jesus manifests His authority over the demonic realm and is met with an unexpected response from those who witness His power.
Is trusting Jesus more the great longing of your heart? Good news, God always builds and increases the faith of His people. But HOW does He accomplish this glorious outcome? Listen as Pastor Matt show us how God often builds our faith in the midst of storms.
You've probably heard the phrase 'The ends justify the means.' They most certainly do not! When we compromise in order to keep the crowds, to form coalitions, or to gain capital to be leveraged for the expansion of the church we are behaving nothing like Jesus. Listen as we see Jesus' response to each of these 'opportunities.' Jesus doesn’t need the crowds. Jesus doesn’t need advantageous coalitions. Jesus doesn’t need capital assets. Jesus doesn’t need. Period. But Jesus requires your worship, and He requires your obedience. Let us trust and obey as our King builds His Church!
The radical depravity of man is a forgotten doctrine in many churches today. What is this CALAMITOUS condition into which we all are born, what is the CAUSE of this dreaded state, and what is its CURE? Listen as Brother Matthew Mallacoccio answers these three urgent questions from the book of Romans.
We all experience suffering. How are we to understand it? Job suffered more than any of us could possibly imagine. And Job was likely a more righteous man than anyone who will read this sentence or listen to this sermon. Why? God had a plan, and the end of the story is a glorious picture of repentance, reconciliation and restoration- and a picture of the redemption we find in Christ! Listen as Brother Brody Wells explains the beautiful resolution of the story of Job.
Do you ever find yourself questioning God? Job did, and God answers.... with a BUNCH of questions for Job. Listen as Pastor David explains how these questions can be grouped into three groups 1) Can you Comprehend My creation? 2) Can you Care for My creation? 3) Can you Control My creation? Let us, as Job, put our hands over our mouths and repent of such presumptuous thoughts!
The most righteous of men can falter given the right circumstances. What happened to get Job from Job 1:21"The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD," to Job 42:6 'therefore I utterly abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes?' Listen as Pastor David instructs us concerning God's purpose in suffering and how to guard our hearts from falling away.
Where baptism is the sacrament of regeneration, communion is the sacrament of sanctification- becoming holy, being conformed increasingly to God’s will- His Law, or to the image of Christ. That is all the same thing. We are born again which gives us the desire to be like Jesus, & we feast on Him by faith, listening to His word preached, acknowledging any untoward way in us, repenting, trusting in Christ’s Sacrifice, & recommitting to living as Kingdom citizens going forward. We must understand bread & wheat biblically in order to understand communion. Listen as Pastor Matt explains the pain of the process of sanctification and the glorious outcome that waits those who believe.
Deuteronomy 18:15-19 foretells of a new and better Moses who was to come, but what would he be like? The masses saw him as one who would provide physical bread like Moses had. The Pharisees saw him as one who would reward them with the Kingdom of Heaven because of their obedience to God's Law. But Jesus presents Himself as the true bread that come down out of heaven, the one who would keep the law for us, and offer His own life as an atoning sacrifice for our many sins. Rejoice! John 6:54-58 “He who eats My flesh & drinks My blood has eternal life, & I will raise him up on the last day. 55 “For My flesh is true food, & My blood is true drink. 56 “He who eats My flesh & drinks My blood abides in Me, & I in him. 57 “As the living Father sent Me, & I live because of the Father, so he who eats Me, he also will live because of Me. 58 “This is the bread which came down out of heaven; not as the fathers ate & died; he who eats this bread will live forever.”
Like baptism, communion also points us to the offices of Christ. What we commit to at the onset of our reception into the community of faith in our baptism we recommit to weekly at the communion table. & that is what we will be laboring to show in the coming weeks. This morning we will look at the correlation between communion & Christs prophetic office.
Last week Pastor Matt pointed us to Romans 14 encouraging a humble loving disposition toward those who continue meeting for worship and toward those who are choosing to cancel for a time due to the Corona Virus. This week listen as Pastor Matt explains Maynardville Fellowship's rational for continuing to meet giving special emphasis to the biblical admonitions to love our neighbor and to submit to the government.
Listen as Pastor Matt warns God's people of a dangerous virus and gives biblical instruction concerning how to avoid its deadly effects.
When calamity comes is God in control? Listen as Brother Brody Wells comforts those who suffer by unequivocally answering this difficult question from the heavenly discourses in the book of Job.
Listen as Pastor Matt explains the the Old Testament Covenants, Christ's fulfillment of every Old Testament Promise, and the future hope to which our Baptism points; our resurrection from the dead! May the hope of reigning with Christ cause us all to persevere to the end in obedience and faith.