Matthew 23:1-12 - Audio
Continuing our study through Matthew's gospel, Jesus speaks plainly about the religious elite's problem with pride and hypocrisy in chapter 23.

Continuing our study through Matthew's gospel, Jesus speaks plainly about the religious elite's problem with pride and hypocrisy in chapter 23.
On this communion Sunday, we focus our attention to the hypothetical question the Sadducees tried to use to discredit or disprove the truth of resurrection. Again, Jesus' teaching causes all who hear to be in awe of his teaching with authority and power.
As we start chapter 22 in our continuing study through the gospel of Matthew, Jesus continues to teach in the temple, directly speaking to the religious leaders through parables. Chapter 22 opens with the parable of the wedding feast and the king's invitation to celebrate together with Him.
Finishing up chapter 21 this week in our study of Matthew--Jesus tells a "judicial parable" to the religious leaders that exposes their hatred for the Father (the landowner) by their treatment of the son. When they realize they have judged themselves by judging (rightly) the parable's meaning, they are ready to seize Jesus--and if it wasn't for the crowds they would have. He is the chief cornerstone that the builders rejected, but he is precious in God's eyes and those of us who have trusted in ...
Picking back up in our "Biography of the King" in Matthew, we return to Matthew 21 where Jesus interacts with the religious leaders in the temple the day after the triumphal entry.
Easter 2012: What the Resurrection CAN'T do; based on the story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16. If we won't listen to the Word of God, even if someone were to rise from the dead, we still would not believe.
We arrive at Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem just in time for our own calendar reaching Palm Sunday. He heals the two blind men who cry out, and then after entering the city, cleanses the temple of the moneychangers and those who were cheating the people.
As we continue our biography of the King through Matthew's gospel, Jesus, as he draws closer to Jerusalem, predicts his death for the 3rd time to his disciples. As they continue to argue and vie for greatness, Jesus takes them aside and teaches them the model for greatness in His Kingdom: whoever wants to be great must be the servant of all!
Pastor Steve finishes chapter 19, as Peter notices that unlike the rich young ruler, they have left all and given it up to follow Jesus. Jesus warns against those who think they might be first in the kingdom, and tells a parable in chapter 20 to illustrate God's grace to all, no matter at what time or how long we have followed Jesus.
Steve, along with Warren McIvor, cover the next section of Matthew chapter 19--Warren speaking about the importance of children and our work in Columbia, VA, followed by Steve covering the story of the "rich young ruler". The slideshow shared during the message is available on YouTube at this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8A91YWCxNQQ
This week we start chapter 19 in our continued study through Matthew: The Biography of the King. Jesus deals with the question of divorce from the Pharisees, who were hoping to trap him in their arguments about the law and divorce.
With Pastor Steve back from Israel, we return to our study through Matthew: "The Biography of the King". This week's message finishes up chapter 18 on the topic of forgiveness.
Walter Maeder, one of our elders, takes us through the feeding of the five-thousand, as told in John chapter 6.
Looking at the picture of a servant that Jesus details in Luke 17, we try and apply this to our lives as believers--knowing that we are called to take on the nature of a servant, just as Jesus did as He was among us.
How does Jesus tell his disciples to deal with conflict? What should we do when a family member "sins against us?" Matthew 18 provides clear instructions on how to deal with our brothers and sisters and hopefully find restoration from our conflicts.
Humble yourself as a little child--the direction of Jesus for those who want to be the "greatest in the Kingdom." Continuing our study through the gospel of Matthew.
Continuing our study in the biography of the King: The Gospel of Matthew. This week we look at coming down from the mountain-top as post-transfiguration they deal with a suffering demonic that the disciples are unable to heal
Peter, James, and John experience the transfiguration of Jesus on the mountaintop. Also, we go back and catch up with Matthew 16:28 as it relates to the mount of transfiguration.
Finishing up Matthew chapter 16, we are challenged by Jesus to take up our cross and follow Him. This is the true basis of Christian discipleship.
New Year's message, January 1, 2012.
Christmas Eve 2011
"Who do you say that I am?" -- Jesus asks a poignant question that everyone on earth will have to answer. Continuing our study in the gospel of Matthew.
Starting chapter 16 of Matthew this week in our continuing "Biography of the King"--the warning against the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees
Finishing chapter 15 of Matthew in our "Biography of the King" study--combined with communion Sunday at Calvary Fluvanna
Continuing our study of the life of Christ via the gospel of Matthew. Starting chapter 15 this week.
A message from one of our elders, Todd Giszack, on the true source of Thanksgiving from the story of Nehemiah, with application in Hebrews 12.
Continuing our study in Matthew: The Biography of the King. Jesus walks on water to the disciples in the storm.
Communion Sunday and continued study of the life of Christ through Matthew's "Biography of the King"
Starting chapter 14 this week in our continuing study through Matthew: "The Biography of the King". John the Baptist is beheaded and the feeding of the 5000 (and many more!)
Returning to finish Matthew chapter 13 this week with the final "Kingdom parable" and Jesus's return to his hometown of Nazareth.