Feeding the Sheep the Word: Read & Proclaimed

Are You a Pyro? (James 3)

James 3 (along with Matthew 5:9 and 12:33-37) show us the greatness of the tongue. It is a spark that can set a forest on fire. Some people enjoy setting fires (pyromaniacs). Some people are not consistent -- bearing olives and figs at the same time, blessing God and setting fires with the same mouth. And yet others will see a harvest of righteousness from their words that will give them assurance of faith. If we could just get the tongue under control, we could exercise self-control over the whole body. But what is impossible for us is possible for God.

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Labels: assurance, faith, James, Matthew, self-control, speaking

Shabby Clothing Day (James 2)

James 2 (also read Matthew 5:7 and 5:17-20) is fairly difficult to apply in a Presbyterian church. After all, most Presbyterians assume that the seats in the back pew are the seats of honor. In any case, this message encourages sharing the gospel with the poor in word and deed as signs of genuine faith. The two major themes are partiality and works.

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Labels: faith, good works, honor, James, Matthew, partiality

Tricking the Heart (James 1)

James 1 (like selections from Matthew 7) tells us that believers should ask God for wisdom, believers should hear and do the word of God, and that not all who claim faith have it. James, in particular, tells us that we can deceive ourselves concerning God's character and promises (especially under trial when we might accuse God of tempting us), by hearing and not doing the word, and with worthless religion rather than religion that is pure and undefiled before God (i.e. visiting orphans and widows). May these warnings encourage your growth in the grace of God.

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Labels: faith, James, Matthew, temptation, trial, warning

Are You Putting Jesus on Trial? (Matt 26:57-75)

Matthew 26:57-75 is a powerful passage to equip the saints to share the good news (aka evangelism). After addressing how we should not put Jesus on trial with the unbeliever as a judge of the evidence, we see that we (like Peter) are the ones on trial. Of course, our trial is not even close to the amount of pressure Jesus was under. May we not deny Him but share about our relationship with Him to any and everyone.

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Labels: evangelism, judge, Matthew, peter, trial

Taking up Your Cross or a Crown? (Matt 4:8-11)

Deuteronomy 6:10-15 and Matthew 4:8-11 tell us, "You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve." This is a temptation with international and even cosmic consequences. And it is resumed in Matt 16:21-26. The temptation is to skip the cross for a crown. The question is whether we are seeking crowns like power and money or are we taking up our cross -- are we worshiping and serving God alone.

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Labels: cross, deuteronomy, Matthew, money, power, serve, temptation, worship

Living by All of God's Word (Deut 8, Matt 4:1-4)

Deuteronomy 8 and Matthew 4:1-4 show us what it means to live by all of God's word and not by bread alone. As you listen, may it not make you physically but Spiritually hungry and may you be driven to seek out more of God's word. The temptations are a traditional Lenten text, we will look at the next two from Matthew in the coming Sundays.

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Labels: bread, deuteronomy, lent, Matthew, word of God

The Empty Tomb (Shepard Memorial)

Matthew 28:1-15 shows us that everyone agrees that the tomb was empty on the first day of the week. Where they disagree is on the question: Why is the tomb empty? In this sermon several of the most persuasive evidences and arguments for the resurrection are mentioned, but the sermon means to confront people with the authority of the risen and reigning Lord. And the sermon takes seriously that unbelievers will interpret these things through sin-stained glasses but believers have been changed by the work of the Spirit so that they will interpret these things wanting to believe the truth as we find it in the Scriptures.

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The Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 45 says this, "What benefit do we receive from the resurrection of Christ? First, by his resurrection he has overcome death that he might make us share in the righteousness which he has obtained for us through his death. Second, we too are now raised by his power to a new life. Third, the resurrection of Christ is a sure pledge to us of our blessed resurrection."

Labels: apologetics, christ, evidences, heidelberg catechism, Matthew, resurrection

The Empty Tomb (Peter Creek)

Matthew 28:1-15 shows us that everyone agrees that the tomb was empty on the first day of the week. Where they disagree is on the question: Why was the tomb empty? In this sermon several of the most persuasive evidences and arguments for the resurrection are mentioned, but the sermon means to confront people with the authority of the risen and reigning Lord. And the sermon takes seriously that unbelievers will interpret these things through sin-stained glasses but believers have been changed by the work of the Spirit so that they will interpret these things wanting to believe the truth as we find it in the Scriptures.

Click here or the title to listen.

The Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 45 says this, "What benefit do we receive from the resurrection of Christ? First, by his resurrection he has overcome death that he might make us share in the righteousness which he has obtained for us through his death. Second, we too are now raised by his power to a new life. Third, the resurrection of Christ is a sure pledge to us of our blessed resurrection."

Labels: apologetics, christ, evidences, heidelberg catechism, Matthew, resurrection

Evil & Envious Elders (Shepard Memorial)

Matt 27 is the climax of the clash between the Pharisees and Sadducees, on the one hand, and Jesus on the other. This climax includes the death and burial of Christ, but today we stressed the rest of the story. They are still eager to accuse Jesus (cf. v.12-14), they have envy coming out of their evil hearts (v.18) as even Pilate can see, and they view Jesus as the antichrist before and after His death (v.42-43 and 63-64). They need Jesus and so do you. He saw to the work of covering sins with His death. And His Spirit can transform you from envying others to having good intentions and a good will toward others, and from eagerness to accuse others to a deep self-examination, and to see Jesus as the Christ.

Click here or the title to listen.

Labels: envy, heart, Matthew, Pharisees, Pilate, Sadducees

Evil & Envious Elders (Peter Creek)

Matt 27 is the climax of the clash between the Pharisees and Sadducees, on the one hand, and Jesus on the other. This climax includes the death and burial of Christ, but today we stressed the rest of the story. They are still eager to accuse Jesus (cf. v.12-14), they have envy coming out of their evil hearts (v.18) as even Pilate can see, and they view Jesus as the antichrist before and after His death (v.42-43 and 63-64). They need Jesus and so do you. He saw to the work of covering sins with His death. And His Spirit can transform you from envying others to having good intentions and a good will toward others, and from eagerness to accuse others to a deep self-examination, and to see Jesus as the Christ.

Click here or the title to listen.

Labels: antichrist, death, envy, heart, Matthew, Pharisees, Pilate, Sadducees

Authority & Power (Shepard Memorial)

The cleansing of the temple (Matt 21:12-17), the chief priests and elders of Israel questioning Jesus about the source of His authority (21:23-27) and the trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin (26:57-68) are tied together by the theme of authority and power. Jesus Christ speaks and acts with authority from God. The priests, scribes and elders response was, "Who made you king?" Jesus never responded defensively, and when forced to respond under oath, He responded offensively. He offended them. He is the kind of preacher that no one would choose to be their pastor, but He is the pastor of every true church. And seeing the abuse that He endured: He is the kind of king you would not choose to lead you into battle, but He has been made king and judge over you. Is He your Lord? Or are you still asking, "Who made you king?"

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Labels: elders, king, Matthew, pastor, priests, scribes, servant, temple

Authority & Power (Peter Creek)

The cleansing of the temple (Matt 21:12-17), the chief priests and elders of Israel questioning Jesus about the source of His authority (21:23-27) and the trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin (26:57-68) are tied together by the theme of authority and power. Jesus Christ speaks and acts with authority from God. The priests, scribes and elders response was, "Who made you king?" Jesus never responded defensively, and when forced to respond under oath, He responded offensively. He offended them. He is the kind of preacher that no one would choose to be their pastor, but He is the pastor of every true church. And seeing the abuse that He endured: He is the kind of king you would not choose to lead you into battle, but He has been made king and judge over you. Is He your Lord? Or are you still asking, "Who made you king?"

Click here or the title to listen to this message.

Labels: christ, elders, king, Matthew, pastor, priests, scribes, servant, temple

The Betrayal (Shepard Memorial)

Matthew 26 tells us the events surrounding the betrayal of Jesus Christ by one of the twelve -- Judas Iscariot. This passage was written for the new church that Christ would create with His resurrection and for us. The examples of Judas and the other disciples are warnings for the church. Judas warns the people that many will fall away, betray one another, and hate one another. The other disciples, in particular Peter, James and John, show us our need to pray, "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." This is a prayer for the church ("us"). Another way Matthew shows us how to be a church is through the institution of the Lord's Supper. The church is the many whose sins are forgiven (the many who love one another). Thus no matter what hardship may come, even if it is betrayal, you should continue to gather together.

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Labels: church, forgiven, holy kiss, Lord's Supper, love, Matthew, warning

The Betrayal (Peter Creek)

Matthew 26 tells us the events surrounding the betrayal of Jesus Christ by one of the twelve -- Judas Iscariot. This passage was written for the new church that Christ would create with His resurrection and for us. The examples of Judas and the other disciples are warnings for the church. Judas warns the people that many will fall away, betray one another, and hate one another. The other disciples, in particular Peter, James and John, show us our need to pray, "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." This is a prayer for the church ("us"). Another way Matthew shows us how to be a church is through the institution of the Lord's Supper. The church is the many whose sins are forgiven (the many who love one another). Thus no matter what hardship may come, even if it is betrayal, you should continue to gather together.

Click here or the sermon title to listen.

Labels: betrayal, church, forgiven, Lord's Supper, love, Matthew, Sunday worship, warning

Your Last and Complete Warning (Shepard Memorial)

Matthew 23 contains the seven woes Jesus pronounces upon the scribes and the Pharisees and his lament over Jerusalem. These warnings really were reminders to the leaders of the early church of what it means to be a servant of the kingdom of heaven. The sermon divides the text into sections and then attempts to explain the section, look at how it points us to Jesus, and then how we might apply it. Whether you are a scribe or other leader in the church or not, if you follow Jesus you need to remember to point people to Jesus.

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Labels: christ, lament, Matthew, Pharisees, shema, warning, woe

Your Last and Complete Warning (Peter Creek)

Matthew 23 contains the seven woes Jesus pronounces upon the scribes and the Pharisees and his lament over Jerusalem. These warnings really were reminders to the leaders of the early church of what it means to be a servant of the kingdom of heaven. The sermon divides the text into sections and then attempts to explain the section, look at how it points us to Jesus, and then how we might apply it. Whether you are a scribe or other leader in the church or not, if you follow Jesus you need to remember to point people to Jesus Christ.

Click here or title to listen.

Labels: christ, lament, Matthew, Pharisees, warning, woe

Trick Questions on Divorce (Shepard Memorial)

Matthew 19:1-12 includes the two trick questions the Pharisees ask Jesus about divorce. These are trick questions because they want Jesus to denounce the marriage of Herod and Herodias. Instead, Jesus challenged the Pharisees who interpreted the law in order to empty it of all meaning and replace it with their own commandments and traditions. The Pharisees, like you, need Jesus. Christ was single (a figurative eunuch for the sake of the kingdom) during this life because the resurrection began His wedding feast. Jesus sent the Spirit to purify you, the church, as His spotless bride. Now we can begin to discuss marriage, divorce, and singleness.

Click here or the title to listen.

Labels: christ, divorce, eunuchs, marriage, Matthew, Pharisees, spirit

Trick Questions on Divorce (Peter Creek)

Matthew 19:1-12 includes the two trick questions the Pharisees ask Jesus about divorce. These are trick questions because they want Jesus to denounce the marriage of Herod and Herodias. Instead, Jesus challenged the Pharisees who interpreted the law in order to empty it of all meaning and replace it with their own commandments and traditions. The Pharisees, like you, need Jesus. Christ was single (a figurative eunuch for the sake of the kingdom) during this life because the resurrection began His wedding feast. Jesus sent the Spirit to purify you, the church, as His spotless bride. Now we can begin to discuss marriage, divorce, and singleness.

Click here or the title to listen.

Labels: christ, divorce, eunuchs, marriage, Matthew, Pharisees, spirit

Beware of Leaven (Shepard Memorial)

Matthew 15:1-16:12 shows us how Jesus' teaching is the exact opposite of the Pharisees' teaching. Jesus fulfills the word/law of God. The Pharisees make void the word of God because they have elevated the tradition of the elders to the same level as the word of God. Jesus seeks change from the inside out -- from the heart to the mouth. The Pharisees are concerned with outward conformity -- ceremonial washings. Jesus can interpret the signs of the times (his miracles). The Pharisees can interpret the signs of the sky for the weather. The danger is that the Pharisees' teachings if they get a foothold in the church would spread to the whole like leaven works in dough. And this is easy to fall into since we often respond to Pharisees by becoming Pharisees.

Click here or the title to listen.

Labels: heart, Matthew, Pharisees, signs, tradition

Beware of Leaven (Peter Creek)

Matthew 15:1-16:12 shows us how Jesus' teaching is the exact opposite of the Pharisees' teaching. Jesus fulfills the word/law of God. The Pharisees make void the word of God because they have elevated the tradition of the elders to the same level as the word of God. Jesus seeks change from the inside out -- from the heart to the mouth. The Pharisees are concerned with outward conformity -- ceremonial washings. Jesus can interpret the signs of the times (his miracles). The Pharisees can interpret the signs of the sky for the weather. The danger is that the Pharisees' teachings if they get a foothold in the church would spread to the whole like leaven works in dough. And this is easy to fall into since we often respond to Pharisees by becoming Pharisees.

Click here or the title to listen.

Labels: heart, Matthew, Pharisees, signs, tradition

Plundering the Temple (Shepard Memorial)

In our first of several sermons on the clash between the Pharisees and Jesus, Matthew 12 shows us the god and idol of the religious, the heart of the religious, and the attitudes and actions of the religious. Religion here means the opposite of grace -- salvation through works. The religious, from evil hearts, worship Satan as their god using the idol of rules. As a result it is no surprise that their actions (especially their words) and attitudes are evil. They look for a way to accuse Jesus, they are judgmental, compare themselves to others defensively, and defensively assert their own righteousness instead of resting in Christ's righteousness. The religious way to avoid Jesus is to attempt to avoid sin. But the only way of salvation is Jesus Christ.

Click here or the title to listen.

Labels: christ, grace, heart, idolatry, idols, judge, Matthew, Pharisees, sacrifices, satan, worship

Plundering the Temple (Peter Creek)

In our first of several sermons on the clash between the Pharisees and Jesus, Matthew 12 shows us the god and idol of the religious, the heart of the religious, and the attitudes and actions of the religious. Religion here means the opposite of grace -- salvation through works. The religious, from evil hearts, worship Satan as their god using the idol of rules. As a result it is no surprise that their actions (especially their words) and attitudes are evil. They look for a way to accuse Jesus, they are judgmental, compare themselves to others defensively, and defensively assert their own righteousness instead of resting in Christ's righteousness. The religious way to avoid Jesus is to attempt to avoid sin. But the only way of salvation is Jesus Christ.

Click here or the title to listen.

Labels: christ, grace, heart, idolatry, idols, judge, Matthew, Pharisees, righteousness, salvation, satan

Live Nativity Resumes (Shepard Memorial)

This is an advent sermon on Matthew 25:31-46 called "The Live Nativity Resumes" since we find sheep and goats and shepherds at the nativity of Christ and we find Christ is the shepherd separating the sheep and goats when He returns. He can tell the sheep and goats apart easily because the sheep are active in ministry to fellow Christians and the goats fail to serve other Christians. In a sense you "earn" eternal life because it is a reward for doing what God prepared beforehand for you to walk in.

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Labels: christ, deacon, eternal life, goats, Matthew, minister, ministry, reward, servant, sheep, shepherd

Live Nativity Resumes (Peter Creek)

This is an advent sermon on Matthew 25:31-46 called "The Live Nativity Resumes" since we find sheep and goats and shepherds at the nativity of Christ and we find Christ is the shepherd separating the sheep and goats when He returns. He can tell the sheep and goats apart easily because the sheep are active in ministry to fellow Christians and the goats fail to serve other Christians.

Click here or post title to listen to the MP3

Labels: christ, deacon, eternal life, goats, Matthew, minister, ministry, servant, sheep, shepherd

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