At 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.
Matthew 23:29-33- Woe Unto You Who Disguise Your Dishonor
Matthew 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 […]
Matthew 23:25-26 Cleaning the Wrong Side of the Cup
From 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 […]
Matthew 23:23-24 Straining Gnats & Swallowing Camels: The Central Reason for the Covenantal Curses
You’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 […]
Matthew 23:16-22 Woe Unto You Blind Guides
How 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 […]
Matthew 23:13-36 The Covenantal Implications of the Seven Woes
We 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 […]
