The seven churches in Revelation are typically addressed by Jesus according to their strengths and weaknesses. But when Jesus addresses the church in Philadelphia, he only mentions its strength. We learn as followers and as a church that the church in Philadelphia is faithful. How do we respond to a culture in crisis? We stay faithful to the word of Christ and the name of Christ! 

The context and opening words for the Sermon on the Mount are put before us in the Gospel of Matthew. As we begin what is known as the Beatitudes, we answer two questions: a) What is a blessed life? b) Who is truly blessed in this world? 

Against the backdrop of Jesus' call to the dsiciples, we look at the vision and values of the Tabernacle Church. 

Jesus calls four disciples to follow him. He promises to make them fishers of men. In this sermon we review the values of the Tabernacle Church and our mission to encourge and equip more families to follow Jesus. 

Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 

Jesus comes to John and demands to be baptized. In his baptism is the pure gospel and the assurance of our salvation as believers. 

John the Baptist comes baptizing people, preparing them for the coming of Jesus Christ. In his ministry we see patterns of ministry for the church - a community of people crying in the wilderness. 

Matthew uses not only prophecies but patterns from the Old Testament to point to Jesus being the Messiah. One such pattern is the pattern of Moses and the Exodus. The historic facts of Jesus' early life point to the pattern of Moses. 

If Matthew chapter 1 is about the revelation of God in Christ; Matthew chapter 2 is the response of humanity to God in Christ. Will we join the wise men to worship Jesus or find ourselves as outsiders to the grace of God?