teaching

30 - 01/25 /16:17

When Jesus saw the crowds He went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to Him and He began to teach them.

— Matthew chapter 5

Jesus’ sermon on the mount scorns human wisdom. One example: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.” Jesus taught an upside-down reality.

message

23 - 01/25 /13:44

Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

— Matthew chapter 4

Jesus communicated that the kingdom of heaven was near by words, community, and deeds.

The New Testament records that Jesus began His earthly ministry wandering around the Jewish region of Galilee, announcing at religious gathering places: the kingdom of heaven has come near. 19th century preachers like D.L. Moody and Billy Sunday challenged people to get their lives in order because God’s kingdom is coming. They echoed Jesus’ message to prepare for the arrival of God’s kingdom.

temptation

17 - 01/25 /12:00

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

— Matthew chapter 4

This Bible verse raises so many questions.

Why did the Spirit lead Jesus into a place of temptation? Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Lead us not into temptation.” Yet, the Holy Spirit led Jesus into lonely places “to be tempted by the devil.”

attraction

10 - 01/25 /15:39

People from Jerusalem and Judea and the area of the Jordan River, went out into the wilderness to hear John preach.

— Matthew chapter 3

What attracts people? The New Testament book of Matthew records that crowds from Jerusalem, Judea and the Jordan River valley trekked into the wilderness just to hear a preacher. John the Baptist was nothing to look at. He wore camel skins. His diet consisted of honey and locust. Imagine his teeth, or his breath. Yet crowds from throughout the region went into barren lands to hear John preach.