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 […]
Matthew 19:23-26 Are Riches a Hindrance to Entering the Kingdom of Heaven?
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 […]
Matthew 19:16-22 Understanding the Message of ‘The Rich Young Ruler’
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? […]
Matthew 19:13-15 Do Not Hinder the Little Children
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 […]
Matthew 19:10-12 Is it Better Not to Marry?
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 […]
Matthew 19:7-9 Jesus vs the Pharisees on Divorce
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 […]
Genesis 12:10-20 Abram’s Lack of Faith and God’s Continued Faithfulness
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 […]
Matthew 19:1-6 Fearlessly Answering the Conspiring Pharisees
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.
Lamentations 3-The Poetic Beauty of God’s Faithfulness Amid Life’s Trials- Brother Michael Carr
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.
Matthew 18:21-35 A Dangerous Question: How Many Times Must I Forgive My Brother?
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 […]