Sermons on Matthew (Page 2)

Sermons on Matthew (Page 2)

Matthew

The Parable of the Four Soils

Matthew 13:1-23 The parable of the soils challenges us to ask the question, “which soil am I?” How do we respond to Jesus and his word? Is my heart fertile soil for Jesus’ words?

Born is the King

Matthew 2:1-12 That first Christmas, a king was born. And he’s still king today. As we take a closer look at the way that Herod, the wise men and the religious leaders respond to the birth of Jesus we’re led to ask “which of these characters am I most like?” How do you respond to King Jesus?

God’s personal invitation

Matthew 22:1-14 Everyone loves a good wedding … or do they? It seems not, especially when it comes to the heavenly wedding banquet God has planned. The parable Jesus told about this wedding reveals three particular responses to God’s invitation. Some are outright rejecters. Some are grateful (if undeserving) accepters. Others are self-righteous impostors. The invitation is clear and very gracious, but we must all respond personally. What is your response?

The Final Word

Matthew 28 The resurrection was God’s final word against sin, Satan and death. Jesus then speaks some final words of instruction to those who claim to follow him. Listen as we consider what it means for us to make disciples of the risen Jesus.

Two ways of seeing the death of Jesus

Matthew 26-27 How are Christians supposed to feel about the death of Jesus … sad? angry? happy? In this message Pastor Murray explores this question. Certainly the events leading to the crucifixion are excruciating. The graphic nature of the gospel accounts is meant to fill us with horror. What Jesus suffered on our behalf was unbelievably cruel. But there was a divine twist to this cruelty. In the tragedy of the cross, God was defeating Satan and opening the way…

No More Questions

The Jewish leaders have been challenging Jesus’ authority in various ways.  Now they ask a series of trick questions about the law, in the hope of catching Jesus out.  Jesus stuns the crowds with his answers, but eventually he asks them the one question that matters: “Who is Jesus really?”  If Jesus is really God, then whether we’re a disinterested unbeliever or a Christian who’s compromising, the one thing we must not do is take Jesus lightly.  He is the…

Authority issues

The religious leaders come questioning Jesus’ authority before Jesus rebukes them with three parables which outline the nature of authority in God’s kingdom. We’re left to consider what it means for us to live under the authority of God in His kingdom. Matthew 21:23-22:14

The King Commands Attention

For centuries the Jews had longed for a Messiah-King to save them as a nation.  Finally the day came when Jesus presented Himself to them as that King.  But what sort of king?  A humble King riding on a donkey, yet a fearless King who would overthrow the whole broken religious system.  King Jesus reigned from the cross five days later, and He still reigns in the lives of everyone who will receive Him by faith today. Matthew 21:1-22

Gospel Shaped Greatness

Our culture celebrates greatness and high achievement in every sphere of life.  As Jesus address the issue of greatness, he turns things completely upside down.  Gospel-shaped greatness is the polar opposite of worldly greatness.  It follows the pattern set by Jesus who gave his life up for others.  Matthew 20:17-34

Too big to get in

Jesus’ encounter with the rich ruler reminds us that eternal life belongs to those come to Jesus like children, trusting not in themselves, but in the God who does the impossible.   Matthew 19:13-3

Why Worry About Worry?

Anxiety is arguably the no.1 cause of ill-health in Australia today.  Worry about finances, employment, illness, relationships, family, fashion, peer pressure etc. sap the joy of so many of us.   So how should we handle our worries?  Jesus uses two simple illustrations from everyday life, birds and flowers, to point us to the answer.  Who cares for them?  Of course, God does.  And he cares even more for us!  The question is, are we prepared to trust Him with our…