Redirected Piscary Purpose (Matthew 4:18-25). The first disciples go from just listening to getting up following Jesus. He promises to make them part of God’s kingdom mission of healing and saving people. What do you need to let go of to trust and follow Jesus?

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Pagan Soup Messiah (Matthew 4:12-17). Out of the pagan spiritual soup of spiritual darkness, the promised light of the world begins his ministry. How do you know the Kingdom of heaven is near? Not by your feelings or confidence, but by Christ and his word.

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Preaching To Satan (Matthew 4:1-11). Christ fights Satan with the Word of God, yet we try to do it on our own? Satan and the World questions Jesus, “If you are the Son of God . . . “  Do question Jesus’ identity or do you worship the Lord your God and serve only him?

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Baptizing Righteousness Incarnate (Matthew 3:13-17). Jesus comes to us and for us in baptism. Like John we say we are unworthy of Christ’s baptism. We are not! Yet in Baptism the barrier between us and God is removed. Christ establishes baptism as a work of God for you.

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Baptized Burned Chaff (Matthew 3:1-12). We don’t like to hear about God’s wrath. We can’t claim some religious status to prevent us from being cut to the core. John the Baptizer calls us to repent. God promises to burn you up with fire. Are you ready to be aflame with the Spirit?

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Messiah Destroying Search (Matthew 2:13-23). Unable to find the Christ to destroy, the evil rulers massacre others. Even for all the senseless cruelties of history God is working to bring his kingdom. What enemies continue to search for Christ seeking to destroy God’s work?

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Messiah Magnifying Magi (Matthew 2:1-12). Even the antagonists and haters reference scripture prophesy to understand who Jesus is. The magi are overjoyed at the sign of the savior. Do you see Christ as your king who enthroned in your life? Do you give tribute?

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Public Disgrace Faith (Matthew 1:18-25). The birth of God’s Messiah happens outside the law to the disgrace of Joseph. The promise of God might actually expose us to shame in the world. Will you believe the preaching of God’s messengers in spite of public disgrace?

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Fouled Faithful Family (Matthew 1:1-17). What are we to make that God's promises come through broken sinful people? Even though some of the characters in the family tree did much evil in the eyes of the LORD, God’s promise is greater than our flesh or faith.

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The Noble Imitative Secret (Philippians 4:8–23). We are called to imitate other disciples where their lives praise God. Christian leaders desire blossoming faith in others. We learn from them the secret to powering through all circumstances: being thankful and dependent upon God.

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