Easter Message

There has been a lot of talk about end times during this pandemic. Is Jesus coming back soon? This parable in Matt 25:1-13 offers us insights into how we as believers need to live in light of Jesus’ promise of His Second Coming.

In Matt 13:44-46, Jesus uses two small stories to teach us about the surpassing value of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus compares the kingdom to a hidden treasure and a costly pearl. Both parables make the same point - If we value the kingdom of heaven as priceless, we will gladly give up everything to be part of this kingdom. However, our giving up is only a fraction in comparison to what we receive from Jesus.

Entitlement seems to be all too prevalent in our day and age. Even in the Christian community, there is a subtle belief that God owes us the ‘good life’. To celebrate Thanksgiving meaningfully, we need to battle this attitude of entitlement. In 2 Sam 7, King David responded with a prayer of Thanksgiving even when God said no to his request, and his dreams were set aside. This prayer shows us how to battle against entitlement.

Forgiveness is an act of the heart and the Father’s heart is to forgive. In turn He desires us to forgive one other. On that note, Neil and Sharol offer us a unique perspective on the parable of the unforgiving servant in a “heart versus head” approach to forgiveness, as well as some insightful tips to help us ensure that our hearts are right.

Have you ever found yourself whispering or perhaps even shouting quot;Lord, if your kingdom is here, why does it seem like the enemy is winning? Where are You in all this?” Jesus answers these questions and more through a number of parables, explaining to His disciples what the Kingdom of heaven is like and that their understanding of the Kingdom isn#039;t aligned with His. This sermon is focused on the Parables of the Mustard Seed and Yeast found in Matthew 13, the lessons in them and implications for our lives.

In Matt 13:24-30, Jesus told the parable of the wheat and weeds. This parable answers the age-old question that people of all generations have asked: Where is God amidst all the evil that surrounds us today? Why does He not do something about it? However, God is not being immune or indifferent to the presence of evil. He assures us that there is coming a day when all evil will be wiped out from the face of the earth.

The Bible teaches that it is possible for Christ-followers to be sure they are going to heaven when they die. The question we need to be concerned with is not the possibility of losing our faith but are we true followers of Jesus? There is a faith that is counterfeit and a faith that is genuine. This sermon, from Matthew on the Sower and the Seed, will help us examine these questions.

Have you ever wondered why Jesus spoke so often in parables? Many of us assume Jesus is simplifying spiritual truths by using stories. As you read Matt 13:10-17, you may be surprised to find the real reason behind why Jesus spoke in parables. The parables offered a deeper revelation of the Kingdom to those who were spiritually seeking. However, it had a negative effect on those who have no interest in spiritual matters.