I. He Determines Our Responsibilities – He begins this section w/a simile telling us the kingdom of heaven is like this parable – He is giving us a glimpse into how God works with us – He gives us something of His to invest – Don’t think u don’t have anything    * Jesus – Share your love for Christ    * The works He has done in your life – We all have God… Continue reading

I. Jesus Demonstrated Ministry  Matthew 4:23-25 – So, lets take a look at what Jesus was doing:   (Kingdom Ministry)    * Teaching in their synagogues – We are to go meet people where they are and  teach them God’s Word – Don’t compromise! – Difficult!    * Proclaimed the gospel of the kingdom -Death, Burial, & Resurrection    * Healed people of every kind of sickness – Alleviated human suffering – People responded by… Continue reading

I. A Desire for Righteousness  v.6 – Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled – Hunger and thirst – Food and water are the things that sustain our life – In other words after we die to ourselves then we will desire righteousness as our sustenance like we desire food and water now; and God delivers Himself    * He is our righteousness – Jeremiah 23:6    *… Continue reading

I. God Knows Better v.33-36 – We know this in our mind, but sometimes in the situation we want to trust ourselves – Paul reminds us of the depth and riches of God’s wisdom and knowledge and then asks some rhetorical questions:  (get a clue)    * Who has known the mind of the Lord? -We can’t unless He shares it    * Who has become His counselor? – Nobody    * Who has first… Continue reading

I. Realize Who You Are v.9-12 – We belong to Christ and the Father – Ownership – We are not our own! – He is glorified in you – Our salvation reveals the effectiveness of the cross – Our salvation expressed is our ministry of reconciliation – He is no longer in this world – We are His ambassadors – Remember who you represent – This is where life can get in the way of… Continue reading

I. The Recipients v.12-14 – We are told from the beginning of this passage who it is being written to:    * Little Children – Sin forgiven and you know the Father – For His name’s sake – These are people who have just been saved and are at the beginning of their journey    * Young Men – Overcome the evil one; Are strong; and God’s Word abides in them – These guys… Continue reading

Mark 4:35-41; Matthew 6:25-33; Luke 17:1-5; Rom 4:16-21; Matt 8:5-13 ** Heb 11:6 tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God ** I. No Faith  Mark 4:35-41 – Read verses – Let’s look at the characteristics of “no faith”    * Initially they did what He said – Got in boat & headed to other side    * Jesus was with them asleep – Not worried at all    * They woke Him… Continue reading

I. The Issue  v.1 -The disciples were increasing in number and a complaint arose – Spiritual progress always initiates spiritual warfare – At that time there were two types of Jews who were in Jerusalem:    * The Native Hebrews were Christians who stayed in Jerusalem and spoke  Hebrew    * The Hellenistic Jews were Christians who were Greek speaking Jews of the diaspora who had returned to settle in Jerusalem – The complaint was,… Continue reading

I. Self Centeredness – We have a natural tendency to look after our own circumstances – In itself, this isn’t self centeredness – Self centeredness takes place when this view eclipses the people around us – Let’s see how it developed in this man’s life – He begged for forgiveness for Himself – When faced with an insurmountable debt 10,000 talents (1 talent = $1k to $30k; so 10k = $10 mill & $300 mill)     … Continue reading

I. A Father’s Instruction v.1-2 – Let your heart keep his commandments – Why? – Usually a father only wants you to have a better life than the one they had! – LISTEN! – There are benefits to listening to your father – If you do you will have:    * Longer days – Their instruction will save you time    * Longer life – Their instruction will protect you and God will honor… Continue reading