This sermon explores the second temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, focusing on the importance of trusting God's faithfulness without putting Him to the test. It contrasts Jesus' response to Satan's temptation with Israel's failures in the wilderness, highlighting Christ as the true and faithful Son of God. The sermon emphasizes the danger of misusing Scripture and the importance of understanding God's word in its proper context.  Read More

In this powerful exploration of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, we're invited to reflect on our own spiritual journeys. The passage from Matthew 4:1-4 reveals how Jesus, led by the Spirit into a barren place, faced intense hunger and temptation. This mirrors our own struggles and moments of weakness, reminding us that even in our darkest hours, we're not alone. The parallel drawn between Jesus, Israel, and Adam showcases how Christ's obedience rights the wrongs of humanity. We're challenged to consider: what sustains us in our own wilderness experiences? Jesus' response, 'Man shall not live by bread alone,' teaches us to rely not on our own strength or earthly comforts, but on the life-giving word of God. This message urges us to examine our hearts and redirect our hunger towards spiritual nourishment, finding true sustenance in our relationship with God.  Read More

This sermon explores the central role of love in God's covenant with Israel, emphasizing that the essence of the covenant was love, not merely law. The pastor argues that obedience to God's law stems from loving Him above all else. He draws parallels between the Old Testament covenant and the New Testament teachings on love, highlighting how God's love for His people precedes and motivates their love for Him. The sermon challenges listeners to examine their own lives and conversations to see if they truly reflect a love for God that permeates every aspect of their being.  Read More

In this powerful message, we're reminded of the awe-inspiring nature of God's glory and our deep need for a mediator. The story of Israel at Mount Sinai serves as a vivid illustration of how encountering God's greatness exposes our own sinfulness and inadequacy. Just as the Israelites trembled before God and pleaded for Moses to intercede, we too recognize our need for someone to stand between us and our holy God. This realization should humble us and deepen our appreciation for Christ's role as our ultimate mediator. The message challenges us to examine our own attempts at self-righteousness and instead rest in the finished work of Jesus. Are we trying to approach God on our own merits, or are we truly relying on Christ's mediation? This perspective shift can bring profound peace and confidence in our relationship with God, allowing us to draw near to Him without fear.  Read More

In this powerful exploration of Deuteronomy 4:44-5:5, we're invited to grapple with the complex relationship between God's law and Christian faith. As we delve into Moses' second sermon to the Israelites, we're challenged to consider: What role does the Old Testament law play in our lives today? This message beautifully unpacks how the law was a gift to Israel, instructing them in covenant faithfulness. Yet, as followers of Christ, we're called to a nuanced understanding. The law reveals God's unchanging nature and our need for a Savior, while also providing wisdom for loving God and neighbor. As we navigate between legalism and disregard for God's commands, we're encouraged to see the law through the lens of Christ's fulfillment. This perspective invites us to appreciate the richness of God's word while living in the freedom and grace of the new covenant.  Read More

Many people choose to make a New Year's Resolution, but what does that resolution reveal about us? Proposed are 4 questions that you should consider before making a resolution this year.  Read More

In this powerful exploration of John 20:21, we're challenged to embrace our identity as those sent by Christ into the world. Just as Jesus was sent by the Father, He now sends us with the same purpose and authority. This isn't a calling reserved for a select few – it's the core of what it means to be a Christian. We're reminded that our 'sentness' is a direct result of our salvation, compelling us to live missionally in every aspect of our lives. The message urges us to stop waiting for perfect opportunities or divine signs, recognizing that every encounter is a chance to share Christ's love. By living 'sent,' we not only grow closer to Jesus but also fulfill our purpose in making Him known to a world in need. This teaching invites us to reflect on how we're embodying Christ in our daily lives and challenges us to step out in faith, trusting in the authority and presence of the One who sends us.  Read More

Politics is the religion of our land. It is comprised primarily of two major denominations (Republican and Democrat). They provide their statements of faith as party platforms. If we follow their plans, the party leaders promise a utopian and hope-filled message of heaven on earth. The prophets and priests (CNN, Fox News, etc.) tell us why we should trust the denomination they represent and distru...  Read More

Should we name false teachers? This question is pretty easy to answer. Yes.On several occasions, Paul named false teachers. One example is Hymenaeus and Alexander (1 Tim 1:19-20). John named Diotrophes (3 John 9). Finally, though He didn’t name any one person specifically, Jesus named the Scribes and Pharisees as false teachers (Matt 23:15), and Jesus named “the woman Jezebel” (Rev 2:20). So yes, ...  Read More

Identifying false teachers is important, but we must also know how to guard against their influence. We need to know what to do once we have identified them. How can we avoid being deceived by them? What can we do to combat them and their false teaching? Watch Out/Be Ready  Every book of the New Testament, except Philemon, has a reference to false teachers. If we are not keeping an eye out for the...  Read More

We've got just a couple more things to consider as it pertains to what the Bible has to say about false teachers/teaching. In the coming days, we'll deal with combatting and exposing false teachers. For now, here are the last two identifiers that will help, alongside the other biblical traits, to help us identify false teachers and teaching.9. They Are Unrepentant Rebels Who Love Sin (2 Peter 2:10...  Read More

Here are two more traits of a false teacher, described a bit more in detail. These next two look beyond what the teacher is teaching to what is produced by the teaching. 7. Rather Than Feeding Sheep, They Feed on Sheep (Acts 20:29-30; 2 Pet 2:3)The role of the pastor is to lead, feed, and protect the flock. He does this by rightly teaching the Word of God, drawing on the whole counsel of God’s Wor...  Read More