Tag: Matthew

Do Not Do As the Hypocrites

Scripture: Matthew 6: 1-4

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Scripture Commentary: Do not do as the hypocrites.

Hypocrite, as used here, describes people who do good acts for appearances only. They have neither compassion nor good motives. Their actions may be good but their motives are hollow.

Jesus says not to let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.

He is teaching that our motives for giving to God and to others must be pure. It’s easy to give with mixed motives. It’s easy to give when it benefits us in return. But if we are Christians, we should not give for the pleasure of ourselves. We are to give as a response to God’s love.

To be sure our motives are not selfish, we should do our good deeds quietly or in secret, with no thought of reward. Jesus says we should check our motives.

Why do you give?

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scripture Referenced:

Matthew Chapter 6

Read Other Commentary from the Book of Matthew:

Jesus Came to Save the Lost

God Can Hear Your Cry and Save You

Come Meet the Bridegroom

Scripture: Matthew 25: 1

Then the kingdom of heaven shall be like ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 

Scripture Commentary:

Jesus told parables to clarify further what it means to be ready for His return and how to live until He comes. In the story of the ten virgins and the bridegroom, we are taught that every person is responsible for his or her own spiritual condition. Further, the story of the talents shows the necessity of using what God has entrusted to each of us. The story of the sheep and goats stresses the importance of serving others in need.

Now to the parable about the wedding.

On the wedding day the bridegroom went to the bride’s house for the ceremony. The the bride and groom, along with a great procession, returned to the groom’s house where a feast took place. Often this feast can last as long as a week.

These ten virgins were waiting to join the procession and wedding banquet. But when the groom didn’t come at the expected time, five of them were out of lamp oil. By the time they purchased extra oil, it was too late to join the feast.

Are you prepared for the feast with Our Lord Jesus Christ?

Do you have enough oil for your lamp? Are you using your gifts according to your abilities? When Jesus returns to take His people to heaven, will you be one of His children?

Spiritual preparation cannot be bought at the last minute. Fill up with the Word and your oil jar will be full!

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scripture Referenced:

Matthew Chapter 25

Read Other Commentary from Matthew 25:

The Wise Take Time to Prepare

You Can Inherit the Kingdom of God

Jesus Calls Us to Follow Him

Scripture: Matthew 10: 38-40

And He who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39 He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it. 40 “He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.

Scripture Commentary: Have you taken up the cross of Jesus Christ?

Do you follow Him or are you on your own path? It can be hard in today’s world to hold onto Christ-like living but you need to trust in Jesus. He will give you all you need (not what you think you need).

Christ calls us to a higher mission than finding comfort and tranquility in this life.

When we take up the cross of Jesus, we are identifying with Him by living His way, by spreading the Word. The more we love this life’s rewards (leisure, power, popularity, financial security), the more we will discover how empty those things really are.

Therefore, the best way to enjoy life is to loosen our greedy grasp on earthly rewards so we can be free to follow Jesus. Take up His cross and feel the weight of the world be taken away.

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scripture Referenced:

Matthew Chapter 10

Read Other Commentary from the Book of Matthew:

Do You Deny Jesus By Your Actions?

Come Unto Me, All Ye That Labour

Jesus’s Blood Confirms the Covenant

Sermon: The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Part Two: The blood of the covenant is the blood of Jesus.

Matthew 26: 28 says, “for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant[d] between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.”

When The Bible speaks of the blood of Jesus, it refers to His death. No salvation would be accomplished merely by Jesus bleeding. His bleeding and death is what makes His blood shedding crucial.

What is the relationship between the shedding of Jesus’s blood and the resurrection?

The Bible says He was raised not just after the blood shedding, but by it. This means that what Jesus’s death accomplished was so full and so perfect that the resurrection was the reward and vindication of Jesus’s achievement in death.

The wrath of God was satisfied with the suffering and death of Christ. The holy curse against sin was fully absorbed. The obedience of Christ was completed to the fullest measure. The price of forgiveness was totally paid. The righteousness of God was completely vindicated.

All that was left to accomplish was the public declaration of God’s endorsement. He did this by raising Jesus from the dead. 1 Corinthians 15: 17 says, “And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins.” This means that the resurrection of Christ proves that the death of Jesus is an all-sufficient price.

If Jesus did not rise from the dead, then His death would have been a failure. If God did not vindicate His sin-bearing achievement, then we are still in our sins. But Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father. The success of His suffering and death was vindicated.

Romans 6:4 says, “For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.”

If we put our trust in Christ, we are not still in our sins.

By the blood of the eternal covenant the Great Shepherd has been raised and lives forever. That is what Christ came to do. He took the weapon of death our of Satan’s hand.

Christ took our sins on Himself.

He suffered for you and I and for all the human race. Satan has no hold on us! Only the death of the Son of God and the resurrection could destroy the one who had the power of death. When Christ died for our sins, He took from the devil his one lethal weapon: unforgiven sin.

Jesus has set us free! We are not slaves to death any longer. The devil may kill our body, but he can no longer kill our soul. It is safe in Christ.

Do you believe Christ died for your sins? Do you believe Christ rose from the grave?

Then stand and give Him the praise! Give Him your love and your life! He deserves the honor, praise and glory.

Thank you, God!

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scriptures Referenced:

Matthew Chapter 26

1 Corinthians Chapter 15

Romans Chapter 6

Read Part One of the Sermon, The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Mighty God, My Everlasting Father

Sermon: The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

First we have the birth of Christ as foretold in Isaiah 9: 6 “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor,[d] Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.“

Then we heard about His death. Romans 5: 10 says, “For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.” 

And now we have the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 13: 20 says , “Now may the God of peace—who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep,  and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood—”

Before Jesus, only the rabbi had access to the Father.

Before Jesus came to save us from sin, we would have had to go to a rabbi, priest or holy man to intercede for us to God. But God sent His Only Begotten Son to not only pay for our sins but also to give us direct access to God, the Father.

God loves us so much that He sent His Son to die for us.

This was a painful death. Jesus was beaten with whips, stripped of His clothes, and spit upon. Thorns were driven in His head as a crown. Then He had to carry His cross (the instrument) that was to be His death seat. When He got to the place of His execution, they hammered large nails into His hands and feet to hold Him into place on the cross.

Would you have sent your child to a death such as this, or to any kind of death? I know your answer is no! But God sent His Son to us, knowing that He had to die for us. God loves us that much!

Jesus died on the cross, and His body was taken down and placed in a tomb. The people and His followers leave, likely saying to themselves, “That’s it! Jesus is dead!”

This is the new beginning. This is why He came.

Christ’s death did not merely precede His resurrection. It was the price that obtained it. That’s why the Bible says in Hebrews 13:20, “Now may the God of peace—who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep,  and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood—”

The blood of the covenant is the blood of Jesus.

As He said in Matthew 26: 28, “for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant[d] between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.”

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scriptures Referenced:

Isaiah Chapter 9

Romans Chapter 5

Hebrews Chapter 13

Matthew Chapter 26

Read the sermon, The Prophecy of Jesus Christ, from The Gospel Mailman:

His Name Shall Be Called Wonderful

Jesus Christ, The Prince of Peace

Do You Know the Way to Heaven?

Love Each Other As God Loves You

We invite you to return later this week for the conclusion of the sermon, The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

The Devil Came to Tempt Jesus

Scripture: Matthew 4: 3

The devil came to Jesus to tempt him. The devil said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these rocks to become bread.”

Scripture Commentary: The devil often comes to tempt us when are are vulnerable.

He exerts pressure when we are under physical and emotional stress. Also, he likes to tempt us through our strengths where we are most susceptible to pride.

Like Jesus, we must not give into the devil’s temptations. Jesus was able to resist all the devil’s temptations because He not only knew Scripture, but also He obeyed it.

God’s Word is a sword to use in spiritual combat.

Knowing Bible verses is an important step in resisting the devil’s attacks. Satan is real, not symbolic. He is constantly fighting against those who follow and obey God.

Satan’s temptations are real.

He is always trying to get us to live his way or our own way rather than God’s way. If Jesus had given in, His mission of salvation would have been lost. Because He was tempted, He knows firsthand what we experience. He is willing and able to help us in our struggles.

Remembering this will help us turn away from the devil’s temptations. Our convictions are only strong if they hold up under pressure. If God is your strength, you can hold up under anything. When you are tempted, turn to Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scripture Referenced:

Matthew Chapter 4

Read Other Commentary from the Book of Matthew:

They That Were Ready Went In With Him

Judas Let Himself Be Used by Satan

God’s Light Cannot Be Hidden

Scripture: Matthew 5: 13-14

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

Scripture Commentary: Christians are the salt of the earth.

You have prepared a meal but forgot to season it with salt. It’s tasteless. This is what your life is like without God in it. Jesus says you are the light of the world that cannot be hidden. If you do not acknowledge God and don’t share Him with others, you are hiding that light and leading a tasteless life.

If we, as Christians, make no effort to affect the world around us, we are of no value. We are to be a bright light, not something hidden in a dark place. We are God’s children. So let His light shine for others to see and be drawn to Him.

Live the Christ-like life that God has given you.

Be the nourishment that God intended you to be. Study the Word so you can help others. God has given you a large portion of seasoning and light, so go into the world and spread it around. God did not give it to you for you to put it under a rock.

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scripture Referenced:

Matthew Chapter 5

Read Other Commentary from the Book of Matthew:

Jesus, Remember Me

Jesus Spoke Plainly About His Purpose

You Can’t See in Darkness

Scripture: Matthew 6: 21-23

If your profits are in heaven, your heart will be there too.  “If your eye is pure, there will be sunshine in your soul.  But if your eye is clouded with evil thoughts and desires, you are in deep spiritual darkness. And oh, how deep that darkness can be!

Scripture Commentary: Can you truly see in darkness?

In darkness you may see an image but not its true features. Satan will let you think the images you see are real and good for you. But in the light you will see the real thing.

Jesus will always place you and keep you in the light. The kingdom of Our Lord Jesus Christ is held before you so you can see His Magnificence.

With Jesus your spiritual vision gives you the capacity to see what God wants you to see and what He wants you to do. With our weak, self-serving desires we will never see what God has for us.

Stop storing up earthly materials.

Don’t spend your life collecting and storing your earthly goods only to die and leave it behind.

Fix your eyes on God. Have only one master in your life: Jesus! Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. Fill your heart with His desires; take His character for your own. Serve and obey Him in everything.

Don’t let worries about tomorrow affect your relationship with God today. Today the light of Our Lord Jesus Christ shines on you!

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scripture Referenced:

Matthew Chapter 6

Read Other Commentary from the Book of Matthew:

Spread the Good Truth

Not Everyone Has a Relationship with God. What About You?

What Favor Do You Ask of Jesus?

Scripture: Matthew 20: 20-22

Then the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, brought them to Jesus and respectfully asked a favor. “What is your request?” he asked. She replied, “In your Kingdom, will you let my two sons sit on two thrones next to yours?” But Jesus told her, “You don’t know what you are asking!” Then he turned to James and John and asked them, “Are you able to drink from the terrible cup I am about to drink from?” “Yes,” they replied, “we are able!”

Scripture Commentary:

The mother of James and John asked Jesus for a favor. She wanted Him to give her sons special positions in His kingdom. Parents naturally want to see their children promoted and honored, but this desire is dangerous if it causes them to lose sight of God’s specific will for their children.

James, John, and their mother failed to grasp Jesus’ previous teachings on rewards and eternal life. They failed to understand the suffering they must face before living in the glory of God’s kingdom.

We play religious games, expecting God to give us something in return. When you pray, are you looking for gifts in return? Jesus teaches us that the greatest person in God’s kingdom is the servant.

What is your answer when Jesus asks, “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” The “cup” was the suffering and crucifixion that Christ faced. Jesus tells us He is under the authority of the Father, who alone makes the decisions about heaven. Authority is given not for self importance, ambition or respect, but for useful service to God and His creation.

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scripture Referenced:

Matthew Chapter 20

Read Other Commentary from the Book of Matthew:

Jesus, When Did I Deny You?

Jesus Fulfilled the Prophecy as King

Disobedience Is the Devil’s Playground

Sermon Part Four: The Other Destination for the Children of Disobedience

Ephesians 2: 1-2

And you [He made alive when you] were [spiritually] dead and separated from Him because of your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you once walked. You were following the ways of this world [influenced by this present age], in accordance with the prince of the power of the air (Satan), the spirit who is now at work in the disobedient [the unbelieving, who fight against the purposes of God].

You are fresh meat to Satan.

To be in Satan’s family you have to be living in disobedience to God. Satan will not correct you if you are wrong. If anything, he will encourage you to be worse. Satan tempted Jesus. (Read Matthew 4: 1-10.) So you are not off limits to him. If anything, you are fresh meat.

Satan is in his last days so he is intensifying his recruiting. You’ve heard the saying, “misery loves company.” No one wants to be alone and Satan is a lonely creature.

Jesus can do anything but you have to believe and have faith.

Satan’s followers are the ones who possessed the two men in the tombs who Jesus met in Gadarenes. The demons cried out to Jesus, “What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?” These demons are fallen angels who joined Satan in his rebellion against God. They are evil spirits under Satan’s control. But we see here, when they are confronted by Jesus, they lose their power. Jesus doesn’t destroy them, but He will remove them, but only if you have faith in Christ. Jesus can do anything but you have to believe and have faith.

James 2:19

Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well; the devils also believe, and tremble.

True faith involves your total commitment to God. The people of Gadarenes asked Jesus to leave. They were more upset because they lost a herd of pigs and feared His supernatural power than they feared the healing of the men in the tombs.

Even the demons know their ultimate fate.

The demons asked Jesus if He came to torment them before the appointed time. They showed that they knew their ultimate fate. The people of Gadarenes are like people today. They are more concerned about property than people.

Each of us is unique. No two are the same. How foolish of us to value possessions, investments and even animals above human life. True faith is nothing if we are contaminated with earthly values.

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scriptures Referenced:

Ephesians Chapter 6

Matthew Chapter 4

James Chapter 2

Read the Other Parts of the Sermon, Your Final Destination

Do You Know the Way to Heaven? (Part One)

Love Each Other As God Loves You (Part Two)

Don’t Be Ruled By Your Lusts (Part Three)

Return later this week for the conclusion of the sermon, The Final Destination.