These final verses in Matthew are intended to awaken a desire in us to make disciples for Jesus. Matthew is telling the original Jewish audience, and us, that King Jesus is Lord over all people groups.  This commissioning of His ambassadors has efficacy because Jesus has all authority.

This is a first in a series of discussions with ministry leads at Hill Country Bible Church. Jason shares when he accepted Jesus' Lordship, things he's learned over the years, and a little known talent he has. Please join us to get to know Jason a little better!

Today, religion has become a matter of personal preference, it is driven by feelings not absolute truth. This is dangerous and irresponsible. Christianity is based on the truth that Jesus was resurrected from death and now reigns over His Kingdom. Therefore, we are compelled to repent of sin and submit to His authority.

Jason is our Senior Pastor. He and his wife, Mandi, with a small group of folks planted the church in Dripping Springs in September, 2009. We chat with Jason about coming to faith, his early ministry work and thoughts on HCBC-Dripping Springs today.

The climax of the Biblical story takes place at the crucifixion. The cross is the key to understanding how a sovereign, righteous and just God can forgive rebellious people without abandoning His character. King Jesus bore the consequences of our sin. In doing so our sin is forgiven without being excused.

When Jesus condemned scribes and Pharisees, He was speaking to people who were highly respected religious leaders. They sincerely believed they were doing the right things. Jesus tells them they are outside His kingdom because they have an earthly focus on image, not a desire to serve God.

People exercise authority selfishly, so we struggle accepting it. However, disciples of Jesus are called to unconditionally place our full trust in Jesus’ authority and submit to it. We can do that because we are confident, knowing He uses His authority for the good of His people to His glory.  

While remaining humble, with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, He s anything but modest. We now see Him publicly acknowledging the messianic title of “Son of David”. From this point forward, Matthew is showing us Jesus’ claim to Kingship over all humanity, beginning with the Jews.

Human measures of success, such as status and wealth, can keep us from following Jesus’ true calling. In God’s kingdom, humility, generosity and grace reign supreme. We are called to surrender and depend on God’s gift of divine mercy, given totally devoid of any merit we might think we have.

God's created marriage, only He has the right to define it. Marriage's purpose is to reflect the relationship between Christ and His church. Therefore, divorce is at odds with God's plan. It is permitted, in some circumstances, due to hardness of heart. Yet even then, He redeems it.