Sermons from 2016 (Page 5)
Courage, Dear Heart | Matthew 6:25-34
In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus tells us not to live in a state of worry or anxiety. It’s a challenge to all of us as we all fear the future at some level. Long before the movie Frozen came on the scene, Jesus told his followers to “let it go.” The anxieties he calls us to let go are personal, future, and relational (F.E.A.R. = False Expectations Appearing Real). But we don’t just want to let our anxieties go and fill that space with another…
Heavenly Banking | Matthew 6:19-24
In Matthew 6:19-24 Jesus raises an issue of the heart, our money. Just like prayer and fasting help us grow in relationship with God, so does how we use our finances. Jesus teaches that we should invest in eternity today, and that we should do so for several reasons: 1) Heaven offers an imperishable reward; 2) It helps us live the right way now; and 3) It frees us to fully love and serve God. We can invest in eternity…
That’s Not Normal | Matthew 5:38-48
We’re all mistreated, or tempted to mistreat others when they’ve mistreated us. Jesus, in Matthew 5:38-48 teaches us that when we respond the normal way, with vengeance, the problem continues. Christ gives us a solution that is better than non-violence. He taught us to turn the cheek, to give to those who hurt us, and to love our enemies. He calls us to do this because he did it on his way to the cross. Grace doesn’t stop just violence, it…
Covenant Breakers | Matthew 5:27-37
In Mathew 5:27-37, Jesus focuses on some of our most intimate and personal relational sins. On the outside, we may try to avoid adultery, divorce, and breaking oaths, but on the inside, we are plagued with lust, violating covenants, and habitual lying. Our tendency is to come up with excuses, explanations, and escape clauses to soften Jesus’ standard for his disciples. But does Jesus really expect us to live in holy perfection? What hope is there for followers of Jesus,…
Tongue Murderers | Matthew 5:21-26
When it comes to measuring ourselves against God’s Law, particularly the last six of the Ten Commandments (the ones relating to how we are to love our neighbor), while we might see some room for improvement in our lives, many of us would admit that we aren’t guilty of stealing (at least since that one time when we were kids in the candy shop!), committing adultery, and executing a murder, to name a few. But what if the Law isn’t…
Grace Mountain | Matthew 5:1-20
In the Sermon on the Mount, starting with the beatitudes, Jesus teaches his disciples how grace should change the way they view life. In Matthew 5:1-20 grace gives us a new viewpoint four ways: 1) followers of Jesus are surprised by grace; 2) followers of Jesus are seasoned with grace; 3) followers of Jesus shine out grace; and 4) followers of Jesus are successful because of grace. Grace should change who we are, to the very core, because of just how much Jesus…
Jesus is the Son of God | Matthew 3:13-17
The baptism of Jesus Christ in Matthew 3:13-17 teaches us three key truths: 1) God is a Trinity; 2) Jesus is God’s chosen one; and 3) God loves people. Most of all it teaches us one central truth. Jesus is the God who got into the water with us. Download Pastor Jonathan’s sermon outline above (click Save PDF) or the sermon slides below.