A sermon by Pastor Tim Vusik from Matthew 20:17-28.

We live in an ambition world. Everyone wants to be a celebrity. But if you can’t be a celebrity, at least try to be next to one. As Jesus gives another horrifying prediction of His death, His disciples are not concerned about Christ but are angling for better seats in His kingdom.

Big Idea: Christ’s cross is the pattern for our ambition: the outpouring of yourself in service of others.

1. The Messiah’s Ambition (17-19)

A sermon by Yan Kislitsa from Matthew 19:27-20:16.

Generally speaking, when we do a good job, we expect appreciation. The problem arises when we bring this value system into our relationship with God. Does God owe us anything?

Big Idea: Trusting God’s generosity leads to a life of contentment and sacrifice!

1. God’s Generous Grace Can’t be Earned (19:27-30)

A sermon by Pastor Tim Vusik from Matthew 19:13-26.

Following Jesus' discussion with the Pharisees, Matthew focuses on two other encounters. In the first, we see children who come to Him with nothing, and in the second, a man who comes with everything.

Big Idea: Even the best of men can’t be saved apart from God’s merciful grace in Jesus.

1. What Good Thing Shall I Do? (16-19)

A sermon by Pastor Tim Vusik from Matthew 19:1-12.

As opposition against Christ grew stronger, the Pharisees tried to trap Him by raising the controversial issue of divorce. Instead of giving a direct answer, Jesus reproached them for distorting the Scriptures and misrepresenting God's intended purpose for marriage.

Big Idea: Marriage is ordained by God not for self-seeking pleasure but for the Glory of God and the service of another.

1. The Sacred Marriage (3-6)

A sermon by guest preacher Tony Arnds from Ephesians 5:1-5.

We are called to imitate God by loving Him and one another because God loved us and transformed us by giving us His new nature.

1. What to Follow (1-2)

A sermon by Pastor Tim Vusik from Matthew 18:21-35.

After Jesus instructed His disciples to be peacemakers and actively seek reconciliation with those who had wronged them, Peter felt compelled to ask Him, "How many times should I forgive someone who has offended me? Is there a limit to forgiveness?" In response, Jesus directly addressed Peter's question and proceeded to share a parable that conveyed extreme truths.

Big Idea: God’s extreme grace towards us leads us to be people of extreme grace.

1. Extreme Responsibility (21-22)

A sermon by Pastor Tim Vusik from Matthew 18:15-20.

When someone in the church sins against you, how should you respond? According to Jesus, we should pursue them to make peace with them, not to punish them.

Big Idea: When sin disrupts your relationships, be a peacemaker by humbly pursuing your fellow believers.

1. Make Peace by Pursuing Your Brother (15-17)

A sermon by Pastor Tim Vusik from Matthew 18:10-14.

Jesus continues to teach His disciples that great value is placed on every single “little one” who trusts in Jesus, therefore, they must avoid looking down on one another.

Big Idea: Each disciple of Christ is valuable to God and therefore deserves our respect and care.

Do not despise any of Christ’s disciples:

1. Because the Father Watches Over Each Of Them (10)

A sermon by Pastor Tim Vusik from Matthew 18:5-9.

Jesus continues to answer the disciples' question about greatness and emphasizes that since everyone enters the kingdom through Christ's merit, we should receive each other as equally great and not hinder anyone's faith in Christ.

Big Idea:  Since faith in Christ gains you entrance into the kingdom, accept one another on the merits of Christ.

1. Receive One Another on the Merits of Christ (5)

A sermon by Pastor Tim Vusik from Matthew 18:1-4.

Jesus' fourth discourse in Matthew is initiated by a question posed by His disciples regarding the greatness in the kingdom. In His reply, Jesus reminded them of the values and priorities that characterize all who enter His kingdom and join the community of the saints, the church, beginning with the crown of them all, humility.

Big Idea: Greatness in the kingdom is not defined by prideful ambition but by childlike humility.

1. Childlike Humility is the Way Into the Kingdom (2-3)