Bad stuff happens in life.  That's true for everyone, though the struggles and hardships and issues may vary. And yet Jesus Christ reigns supreme. God's people gather around God's Word knowing that we have a Savior who rules in both life AND death. That gives us hope for today. It also gives us assurance for eternity. We’re glad you’re here to worship with us today.

Jesus issues a simple invitation to a tax collector. He issues the same invitation to all of us. In the tax collector's case, some objected that he was a sinner, but if Jesus had come to call the righteous, he would not have called anyone. By God's grace, we follow Jesus too.

Perhaps in ignorance or in youth, you have made a bold claim and declared yourself the best at something. Bold claims are easy to disprove if they are wrong, but in Matthew 9, Jesus made bold claims with his words and actions. Unlike us, Jesus can always back up his claims.

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Matthew 8:28-34 is a disturbing account, but as Jesus continues to show who he is with his actions, we can find comfort in his power and in his priority. God's Word before us touches on demon possession, rejecting Jesus, and even the role of creatures with whom we share the planet.

Jesus’ miracles in Matthew’s Gospel continue, but what we especially notice today is Jesus’ authority. In some ways, it is like the authority we see and would expect, but in some ways it is very different. It is unquestionably an authority to follow.

Are you worthy? At times we all think we are worthy of this or that, but God's Word is clear we are not. Today Jesus teaches about the only one who is worthy and what he has done for you. We’re glad you’re here.

What do you think of when you hear "untouchable"? John Stockton's record number of career assists in the NBA? The Bill of Rights? The skill level of a favorite musician? As we leave the Sermon on the Mount behind, Matthew 8 introduces us to an untouchable leper, but with God, all things are possible. We’re glad you’re here to marvel at how Jesus has touched our world and believe in his salvation.

Truth is better than untruth. As we pursue truth in God’s Word, we notice that not everything we find is immediately appealing to us, but the truth being unlikeable does not make it untrue. Let’s shape our hearts to embrace God’s truth because God is good.

"Don't judge me!" has become a societal mantra, but we must not believe that all judging is bad because of phrases like "use good judgment." As we resume our study of Matthew, you will notice Jesus himself said "stop judging." Today we explore what he meant and what good judgment is.

Someone so admires you, he or she is watching you, learning from you and wants to imitate you. Maybe it’s a friend or a coworker, or, if you’re a parent, for better or for worse, it’s your child. In a way, that makes him or her your disciple. You’re watching someone and want to imitate someone, too. That makes you a disciple. In a much bigger and different way, Jesus makes us his disciples. We’re glad you’re with us today. May Jesus’ words fill you with joy and confidence in being his disciple.