Matthew (2013)

Is following Jesus the same as believing in Jesus? Listen to this lesson to learn the differences between salvation and the rewards that may be earned by believers. See that you can lose rewards but you can never lose your salvation once you believe in Christ. Learn the meaning of the two categories of inheritance and see that there are consequences for believers at the Judgment Seat of Christ who do not confess their sins and walk by means of the Holy Spirit.

What does it mean to be a disciple? Are all believers disciples? Did Jesus invent the word? Listen to this lesson to learn the answers to these questions and more. Find out how the Gospel of John is focused on evangelism and the word “believe” is included eighty-five times. Is following Jesus another word for becoming a Christian or is it a challenge for someone who is already a believer to advance to a higher standard? If you have believed in Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, will you accept the challenge to become a disciple, a student and follower of Jesus. or are you content staying in “spiritual diapers”?

What in the world is the baptism of the cup? If you have only one idea of baptism, listen to this lesson to learn that there are eight different kinds of baptism in the Bible, three of which involve water, and five are dry. See that the cup of baptism refers to what is in the cup. Find out that when Jesus referred to the drinking of His cup, He is talking about His suffering on the Cross. Since none of us will die on a cross, understand that it refers to the unjust suffering that is part of the spiritual life of all believers. We need to ask ourselves how we handle unjust suffering.

Me first! Notice me! Is that your attitude? Listen to this lesson to hear that Jesus made it plain that if you want to be first, you have to serve others. See how this relates to humility and submission to God’s authority. Hear about four attributes in Philippians 2 that are true and result in regarding others as more important than ourselves. Instead of thinking solely about what we want, focus on obedience to God and the needs of others.

Are you seeking to be important and admired by others? Listen to this lesson to learn that life is not about our plans or our ambitions but about serving God. Find out four things about Christ’s telling His disciples He would go to Jerusalem and die. See that not all of Jesus’ suffering is redemptive and we will suffer also. Understand that the most common title for Christ is the Son of Man and that it emphasizes His humanity but not at the exclusion of His divinity.

When a believer dies, the biggest question is whether they have stored up treasure in Heaven. Listen to this lesson to learn that Jesus’ emphasis is on our service to God and not how much status or things we acquired on earth. See how the parable about the landowner is saying that we can trust God’s generosity for rewards for our obedience to God. Understand the meaning of “many who are first will be last” and the “evil eye” reference. Ask yourself if you are willing to serve the Lord out of grace orientation, knowing that God will deal with you on the basis of His goodness.

Is how you live evidence of whether or not you’re going to Heaven? Listen to this lesson to see the difference between being saved by faith alone in Christ alone and being saved from the power of sin in your post-salvation life. Find out why Jesus set up a condition for the rich young ruler to have treasure in Heaven. Learn the meaning of trying to put a camel through the eye of a needle. Examine your own life and see if there is something keeping you from storing up treasure in Heaven.

Do we have to become like a little child or sell everything we own and give to the poor in order to go to Heaven? Listen to this lesson to learn that Jesus is not dealing with going to Heaven but rather, He is talking about serving in the future kingdom of Heaven. Hear some of the positions taken by commentators on what the rich young ruler was seeking. Find out Jesus’ response to the questions and how it involves treasure in Heaven. The challenge for us as believers is to follow Jesus as His disciples so we can glorify God.

Why is it important to know the context of a Bible passage? Listen to this lesson to hear eleven reasons why we need to understand that Matthew is emphasizing Jesus teaching His disciples how to follow Him. Find out what part forgiveness plays in this passage and the fact that children had no status in their culture. If you decide you want to follow Jesus as His disciple, keep in mind that you must forgive others and not worry about your own importance.

Is marriage a covenant that is permanent and cannot be broken? Listen to this lesson to learn that marriage involves the marriage partners transferring their loyalty to each other. Learn the high standards for marriage dictated by God. Find out if infidelity mandates divorce and what happens when someone dislikes or hates their spouse. Learn the important exception clause and find out if there are other exceptions. See that in the Church Age Christians are to forgive one another and do all they can to work out their marriage problems while accepting that it is not always possible.