Lakewood Ranch Baptist Church

What does it mean to obey Jesus’ command to “make disciples”? In Matthew 28:19–20, the Great Commission calls every Christian—not just pastors and missionaries—to help others follow Jesus. Disciple-making goes beyond growing personally or accumulating biblical knowledge; it means intentionally passing on what we have learned so that others grow in obedience and can disciple others in turn. This mission rests not on our own expertise or worthiness, but on the authority of Christ. Through studying Scripture together, sharing life, opening our homes, and pursuing meaningful spiritual relationships, ordinary believers can make an eternal impact by investing in others and helping them become faithful followers of Jesus.

Who has the ultimate authority over our lives and our world? In Matthew 28:16–20, the risen Jesus declares that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him. His resurrection reveals Him not merely as King of the Jews, but as King of the universe, reigning over every part of creation and human life. Yet Jesus’ authority is not cold or distant. He uses His power for the good of His people and remains tender toward weak and doubting disciples. Because Jesus is already Lord, the proper response is worship, trust, and joyful submission to His rightful rule.

Did Jesus really rise from the dead, and what does His resurrection mean for us? In Matthew 28:1–10, the empty tomb is presented not as a symbol or inspiring legend, but as a historical event that demands our attention. This Easter message explores reasons for trusting the resurrection accounts and considers the response of the women who encountered the risen Christ: they bowed at His feet and worshiped Him. Most importantly, the resurrection confirms that Jesus’ sacrifice was accepted by the Father. Because Christ was raised, those who trust Him can be justified—declared righteous, forgiven, and accepted by God. The empty tomb is God’s declaration that Christ’s payment for sin was sufficient and complete.

Why does the burial of Jesus matter? In Matthew 27:55–66, the details surrounding Christ’s tomb strengthen confidence in the resurrection by addressing doubts about whether Jesus truly died, whether the women found the correct tomb, and whether His body could have been stolen. The passage also highlights Joseph of Arimathea, whose courageous decision to identify publicly with Jesus shows the cost of faithful discipleship. Most importantly, Christ’s burial demonstrates the completeness of His saving work. Jesus endured the curse of sin all the way to the grave, entering the earth as our substitute. He lived for us, died for us, and was buried for us—so that through Him we might walk in newness of life.

What does the death of Jesus actually mean? In Matthew 27:45–54, the Gospel focuses less on the physical horrors of crucifixion and more on its spiritual significance. The darkness and Jesus’ cry of abandonment reveal that He is bearing God’s judgment against sin, yet even while feeling forsaken, Jesus continues to trust God. His death also brings life: the torn temple curtain signals new access to God, while opened tombs point toward the resurrection awaiting God’s people. Finally, the Roman centurion’s confession reminds us that the cross demands a response. Jesus endured judgment so that those who trust Him can receive forgiveness, life, and the assurance that God will never forsake them.

What does it really mean to take up your cross and follow Jesus? In Matthew 27:27–44, Jesus perfectly obeys the Father even while enduring humiliation, suffering, and death, showing Himself to be the faithful substitute for those who fall short. Along the road to Calvary, Simon of Cyrene is unexpectedly forced to carry Jesus’ cross, becoming a vivid picture of the costly nature of discipleship. His experience reminds us that we do not always choose when or how suffering comes. Yet Simon also illustrates a recurring theme in Matthew: God welcomes and uses unexpected outsiders. The foreigner walking behind Jesus points toward a gospel meant for every nation and a Savior who qualifies the unqualified.

Sharing the gospel can feel intimidating. We fear rejection, awkward conversations, or simply not knowing what to say. In this message from the Christian Basics series, we explore practical ways Christians can confidently and faithfully tell others about Jesus. Learn why evangelism requires words, why our closest relationships are often the best place to begin, and how the simple framework of God, Man, Christ, Response can guide gospel conversations. The message also offers practical wisdom for speaking clearly, addressing difficult truths, avoiding Christian jargon, inviting further conversations, and welcoming unbelievers into Christian community. Whether across the street or across cultures, every believer has an opportunity to help others hear the good news of Jesus.

How should Christians respond when suffering enters their lives? Scripture offers something deeper than stoicism or easy answers. In this message from the Christian Basics series, we explore how believers can face pain honestly by bringing their grief to God, recognizing His sovereignty, looking for ways suffering can produce spiritual growth, and fixing their hope on the return of Christ. Ultimately, Christianity does not minimize suffering—it promises that suffering will not have the final word. The coming new heavens and new earth give believers hope that one day death, mourning, crying, and pain will be no more. The message concludes with practical wisdom for faithfully walking alongside others in seasons of grief and hardship.

Why should Christians be meaningfully involved in a local church? Scripture presents the church not as an optional religious activity, but as God’s plan for helping His people grow and remain faithful. Through the church, believers receive repeated reminders of biblical truth and God’s grace toward broken people. They also develop relationships that provide encouragement, meet practical needs, and guard against spiritual drift. Finally, Christians gathered together provide a collective witness to the world, demonstrating through holiness and love what life under God’s rule looks like. Being part of a church means more than attending—it means building relationships, serving others, and helping one another faithfully follow Jesus.

How should Christians think about money? Scripture presents wealth as neither inherently good nor evil: it can be used to provide for others and love our neighbors, but it can also deceive us into self-sufficiency and distract us from God. Christians are therefore called to cultivate generosity. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 8–9, this sermon describes biblical giving as proportionate, sacrificial, voluntary, and cheerful rather than driven by guilt or compulsion. Ultimately, generosity is rooted in the gospel: Jesus became poor so that we might become eternally rich, and His grace transforms not only how we use our money, but also our hearts.