In Matthew 18:1-6, as in many others passages, we see Jesus take the ideas of this world and turn them upside down. The kingdom of heaven is all about Jesus’ righteousness, sacrifice, glory, and greatness not ours. We see that greatness doesn’t come from anything we can do, be, or accomplish it comes from surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Greatness in the kingdom of heaven starts with surrender, continues in humility, grows in faith, and leads to a desire to see the lost come to know the father.

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In Matthew chapter 13, verses 44-46 Jesus shares 2 parables about about the Kingdom of Heaven. We look at these parables in the same way we do the rest of the New Testament, by looking for Jesus in every chapter. The bible is a book that’s all about Jesus, not us. These two parables testify of Christ and His love for Israel,  and His church. So great a love that He sold, He gave all that he had even to death in order to buy the field, and purchase the pearl.

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As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” [Matthew 14:15-16] 

Jesus then sees crowd's immediate need for food and He takes the little bit of food a little boy has and multiplies it into abundance for everyone present. At this same time Jesus is teaching His disciples a valuable lesson. The disciples saw this situation only from a worldly perspective, but Jesus wanted to reveal to them who He was and what He could do. In John 6:25-59, which takes place the next day after the miracle, Jesus shares the real meaning of what he wanted to show the disciples and the crowd. He wanted to show them that he was the Bread of Life and that those who put their faith in Him will have spiritual bread that nourishes and lasts for all eternity.

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Sometimes we face storms and trials of all kinds and sometimes life seems like it couldn’t get any better.  We have to grow by our faith and understand that all things work together for the good of those who are called according to His purposes. Some storms we bring on ourselves by disobedience. Some storms are brought on by Satan and his tactics in the world. As children of God, Co-heirs with Christ we have to know that no matter the circumstance or situation God is using it for our sanctification. Whether we can see it in the moment or not we have to have the faith to seek God in it. We have to stand strong in Who God is and that he ultimately is working everything out for our good and His glory.

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Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.

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Pray and Fast in Secret. When no one knows, the only motivation can be for the pleasure and will of God.  Pray and Fast for God’s approval, not Man’s approval. A lot of times prayer can be  such a good temperature gauge of our spiritual lives. We can ask ourselves if I spend more time in prayer alone than I do in a group of others. When we pray and fast it has to be for the right reward. The reward is closeness to God, being in the center of His will. Pray from your heart.

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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com

For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com

“Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.” [Matthew‬ ‭4:10‬] ‭

Immediately after Jesus’ baptism the very next passage in the Gospel of Matthew shows us Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness in preparation for his public ministry. We can draw some correlation from the fall of Adam and Eve when Satan came and tempted, questioned the authority of God and ultimately led them into sin through deceit and lies. This time around we find Jesus winning this battle by using God’s Word in His time of need.

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“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” [Matthew 3:11]

We see John the Baptist in this text doing exactly what was prophesied in Isaiah 40, preparing the way for the Lord. John knew what God called him to do and he succeeded in doing it. Let us see what really makes a successful life.

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"On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” [Matthew 2:11]

In Matthew, chapter 2 we see Magi from the east begin a journey to Jesus as they remember God’s word from a prophet in Numbers 24. The magi pick up everything they have and begin their journey straight to Jesus. We all started our journey of faith in Christ at some point in our lives. Let’s look at how our journey to Jesus requires faith, is fueled by worship, and desires our best.

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For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com