Sermon Audio

Phillip witnesses to the Ethiopian Eunuch on the road to Gaza. The principles we see in this witness encounter illustrated the biblical principles of being ambassadors for Christ.

Jesus demonstrates that empty ritual (especially man-made rituals) is not good enough to make man right with God. He seeks a heart devoted to Him which only comes through the new birth. The Pharisees object to Jesus' actions on the Sabbath, but He instructs them on the proper observance of God's commands.

Jesus answers the Pharisees' question about ritual fasting by showing that the gospel He proclaims is incompatible with all religions that work for righteousness. Jesus didn't come to be an accessory added to the religion of men. He came to save mankind and give men new hearts. The gospel is an all or nothing proposition.

Jesus calls an unlikely person to be His disciple. Levi (Matthew) is a tax collector. Tax collectors were thought to be the most wicked, vile, and hated people in Israel. Yet Jesus extends the call to this sinner. The call is to follow Jesus and Levi leaves all to do so. This is the same call made to us today.

Jesus demonstrates that He possesses the authority to forgive sin, as desperate men do whatever it takes to get their paralyzed companion to Jesus. At the same time, religious men sit satisfied, not recognizing their need for Christ.

Esau sells his birthright for a bowl of stew. This wasn't just his inheritance of servants, money, and livestock - the inheritance from Abraham and Isaac came with a promise from God. The "seed" would come from the line of Abraham and Isaac. God already told Rebecca that Jacob would be the promised seed, but here we see Esau couldn't care less about his spiritual inheritance. He was a profane man (Heb. 12:17).

A man full of leprosy desires Jesus to make him clean. The leper is unclean and shut out of the presence of God in the Temple, and the community of God. He must yell, "unclean, unclean" to warn those who come near. His uncleanness defiles everything he touches, but when Jesus touches him...

Jesus demonstrates authority over Peter's fishing and calls him to become a fisher of men. Jesus has authority over every area of our lives but that authority demands a response. Peter responds in repentance and faith, forsaking all to follow Jesus

Jesus proclaims the only sin that will not be forgiven "in this word or the next world." He calls this sin the Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. What is this sin and how can I know if I have committed it? The answer is found in the context of Matthew chapter 12.

Jesus begins demonstrating His authority as the kingdom of God begins breaking into creation. Jesus casts away the effects of the fall by healing diseases and casting out demons. His word has power to conquer the kingdom of darkness and He is compassionate toward those bound in its grip