May 1
The Call of Matthew
Matthew 9:9-13
Matthew 9:9-13
1) Matthew's call at work
2) Matthew's feast at home
3) Some observations
Matthew was also known as Levi. He was a tax collector, a publican. A Jewish man
Appointed by the Roman government to collect taxes from his fellow Jews.
Publicans were described as sinners- dishonest people.
In Matthew 4:18-22 Jesus tells the other to "Follow Me"
When He tells Matthew this, Matthew immediately arose and followed.
When He tells Matthew this, Matthew immediately arose and followed.
He then became an apostle in Matthew 10: 1-4
Matthew had a feast at his home with Christ and invited his sinner friends to join them.
The Pharisees challenged Jesus for being there.
Mark 7:3 the Pharisees were "set apart" in their own minds from the sinners
So they would have been standing outside of Matthew's house, not in with the sinners.
The Pharisees challenged Jesus for being there.
Mark 7:3 the Pharisees were "set apart" in their own minds from the sinners
So they would have been standing outside of Matthew's house, not in with the sinners.
Jesus says the sinners are the one's that need me
Hosea 6:6 Religion without mercy is not good
Don't pre-judge yourself or others.
Don't think you've done something so bad that you cannot be forgiven.
Jesus died to save the sinners not the righteous.
Churches grown out of weakness, not strength, meaning, by accepting people that need strength.
Matthew 21:31 Sinners will be forgiven
Don't think you've done something so bad that you cannot be forgiven.
Jesus died to save the sinners not the righteous.
Churches grown out of weakness, not strength, meaning, by accepting people that need strength.
Matthew 21:31 Sinners will be forgiven
Don't confuse seperation with isolation
1 Corinthians 5:9-12- separate from immoral believers, cannot isolate from the world.
1 Corinthians 5:9-12- separate from immoral believers, cannot isolate from the world.
Matthew 5:13-16 we are to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world-
In the midst of darkness.
In the midst of darkness.
Don't forget the importance of mercy and forgiveness.
Matthew 6:14-15- if you forgive, you will be forgiven, but if you do not, you will not.
A standard for judgement
James 2:12-13 mercy will be given to those that show mercy.
Matthew 6:14-15- if you forgive, you will be forgiven, but if you do not, you will not.
A standard for judgement
James 2:12-13 mercy will be given to those that show mercy.
Jesus said those who are sick need the Great Physician.
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May 8
Upon what is your faith in Jesus Christ based?
1) His Miracles?
2) His Teachings?
3) His Resurrection from the dead?
John 17:20
Believe through the word of the apostles
Matthew 10:1-4 and 5-7 the choosing of the 12 apostles
And their being sent on commission.
Mark 3:13-19
Luke 6: 13-16
Listed as they became apostles
Believe through the word of the apostles
Matthew 10:1-4 and 5-7 the choosing of the 12 apostles
And their being sent on commission.
Mark 3:13-19
Luke 6: 13-16
Listed as they became apostles
Our faith is based on the word of these 12 men.
The first four are
Peter- Matthew 4:18-20- doubted his faith and sank
Matthew 16 told Jesus the crucifixion would not happen
Galatians 2- hypocrisy
Then he became like his name "A Rock"
Acts 1 found the apostle to replace Judas Iscariot
Acts 2 preached the first sermon on the day of Pentecost
Acts 3-6 preaching and teaching unto all the world
The first four are
Peter- Matthew 4:18-20- doubted his faith and sank
Matthew 16 told Jesus the crucifixion would not happen
Galatians 2- hypocrisy
Then he became like his name "A Rock"
Acts 1 found the apostle to replace Judas Iscariot
Acts 2 preached the first sermon on the day of Pentecost
Acts 3-6 preaching and teaching unto all the world
Andrew- one of the first disciples, he brought Peter to Christ
John 12: Brought the Greeks to Christ
John 12: Brought the Greeks to Christ
James- fist to be killed, he was beheaded
Brother of John
Brother of John
John- the beloved disciple
The first to recognize Jesus after the resurrection
The first to recognize Jesus after the resurrection
Peter, James and John were Jesus' "inner circle".
They were with Jesus through all his tough times.
They were with Jesus through all his tough times.
The other disciples were:
Phillip-led Nathaniel to Christ
John 14:8-9 asked to see the Father
Phillip-led Nathaniel to Christ
John 14:8-9 asked to see the Father
Bartholomew (Nathaniel)- John 1 says he had no hypocrisy
Thomas- doubted the resurrection
Matthew- the tax collector
James- son of Mary that found the empty tomb - no other mention of him
Thaddeus (the other Judas-not Iscariot)- no other mention of him
Simon - a Zealot, political fighter sort of. Wanted to get rid of Roman rule
Matthias- replaced Judas Iscariot- Acts 1: was with Jesus from His baptism to His ascension.
These 12 men all had personal failings; they were from opposite ends of political and social standings, yet Jesus used these very different men to change the world.
Acts 1:8 they were witnesses that saw Jesus after the resurrection, so our faith can rest on a solid basis.
They were teachers, the Holy Spirit works through them.
Matthew 28:20 Go, Preach
Matthew 28:20 Go, Preach
2 Peter 3:1-2 continue His teachings
Ephesians 2:19-22 they became the foundation for our faith
Their teaching is the basis of our practice
Revelations 21: their names are written on the foundation of the New Jerusalem
Ephesians 2:19-22 they became the foundation for our faith
Their teaching is the basis of our practice
Revelations 21: their names are written on the foundation of the New Jerusalem
The dedication of these men
Matthew 28:19
Acts
Peter
Going unto all of the world to teach and preach
Matthew 28:19
Acts
Peter
Going unto all of the world to teach and preach
Romans 10: 14-18 Message went unto all the world
Colossians 1:23 Preached to every creature under Heaven
John 15:18-20 they will suffer greatly
1 Corinthians 4:9-13 their suffering
Colossians 1:23 Preached to every creature under Heaven
John 15:18-20 they will suffer greatly
1 Corinthians 4:9-13 their suffering
They dedicated their lives to teach the gospel, and many gave their lives because of it.
John was thought to be the only disciple that did not suffer a violent death.
John was thought to be the only disciple that did not suffer a violent death.
Do we appreciate their willingness to die to spread the gospel?
They could not deny what they saw and heard.
They could not deny what they saw and heard.
Can we deny the changes in their lives from what they saw and heard?
Their examples should encourage us to lead stronger more faithful live.
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May 15
Greater Than John the Baptist
Matthew 11:11
Matthew 11:11
1) Greatness of John
2) Greatness of those in the Kingdom of God
A) Greater Knowledge of Christ
B) Greater station in this life
C) Enjoy greater privileges
How can any of us be greater than John?
He was great as a man- tough
Luke 1:8
Matthew 14:3-4
He was great as a man- tough
Luke 1:8
Matthew 14:3-4
Had humility
John 1:19-37
John 3: 22-30
John 1:19-37
John 3: 22-30
He was preparing the way for Jesus
He was great as a prophet
Matthew 3: 1-5
Matthew 6:6
Matthew 3:3
Matthew 11:9-10
Matthew 3: 1-5
Matthew 6:6
Matthew 3:3
Matthew 11:9-10
Pointed out the Lord in John 1:29-36
How is it then that we are greater than John the Baptist?
We have a greater knowledge of Jesus
John hadn't seen or heard what the disciples had in their 3 year journey.
John hadn't seen or heard what the disciples had in their 3 year journey.
John 16:12-13
The apostles had the Holy Spirit sent to them to teach about Heaven
We have a greater station in this life.
Matthew 3:1-2 the church is coming. Hasn't yet come
Matthew 10:18- Build my church
John wasn't a part of this church
We are a part of this church
Collossians 1:13
Revelations 1:9
1 Peter 2:9
Matthew 3:1-2 the church is coming. Hasn't yet come
Matthew 10:18- Build my church
John wasn't a part of this church
We are a part of this church
Collossians 1:13
Revelations 1:9
1 Peter 2:9
John was a part of the old covenant
We are a part of the new covenant
Which has a better sacrifice, better hope and better promises
Hebrew 7:9
Hebrew 8:6
We are a part of the new covenant
Which has a better sacrifice, better hope and better promises
Hebrew 7:9
Hebrew 8:6
We have greater privileges
Luke 1:15
Filled with the Holy Spirit
Luke 1:15
Filled with the Holy Spirit
Gift of the Holy Spirit
John 7: 37-39
Jesus not yet glorified
Acts 2:38
Titus 3:5-7
John 3:5
Romans 8:11-13
John 7: 37-39
Jesus not yet glorified
Acts 2:38
Titus 3:5-7
John 3:5
Romans 8:11-13
Mark 10:28-30 External rewards
We have brothers and sisters in Christ that we can go to if needed.
John did not have this "extended family"
John was never in Christ
We are.
We should have a desire to greater serve God.
Why would Jesus give us these wonderful blessings.
How dedicated are we to spread the good news?
We are.
We should have a desire to greater serve God.
Why would Jesus give us these wonderful blessings.
How dedicated are we to spread the good news?
Luke 12:48
We are given more than John was
How much more should we be doing than John was?
We are given more than John was
How much more should we be doing than John was?
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May 22
The Lord's Supper
An act of worship
1 Corinthians 10:16 communion
Acts 2:42 breaking of bread
1 Corinthians 10:16 communion
Acts 2:42 breaking of bread
Also known as the Eucaris - greek for giving of thanks
Matthew 26:26-27
Matthew 26:26-27
We need to understand why we do it or it is meaningless, displeasing to God
And even detrimental to us.
1 Corinthians 11:27
And even detrimental to us.
1 Corinthians 11:27
Meaning of the Lord's supper
Biblical meaning
Biblical meaning
Memorial
1 Corinthians 11:23-25 memorial
Bread in memory of His body
Cup in memory of His blood
Matthew 26:28- commemorate His death
His death made the new covenant
Hebrews 9:16
Ephesians1:7
1 Corinthians 11:23-25 memorial
Bread in memory of His body
Cup in memory of His blood
Matthew 26:28- commemorate His death
His death made the new covenant
Hebrews 9:16
Ephesians1:7
Proclamation
1 Corinthians 11:26
proclamation of faith in the Lord's death
1 Corinthians 11:26
proclamation of faith in the Lord's death
Communion
1 Corinthians 10:16
fellowship/sharing of the blood of Christ
reinforcing in our minds of the blessing from His blood.
1 John 1:7-9
1 Corinthians 10:16-17
we have fellowship with the members of the body
1 Corinthians 10:16
fellowship/sharing of the blood of Christ
reinforcing in our minds of the blessing from His blood.
1 John 1:7-9
1 Corinthians 10:16-17
we have fellowship with the members of the body
Observance
Done with reverence
1 Corinthians 11:27 & 29
Not to be done in an unworthy manor
Unworthy as an adverb describing how we take it,
Not if we are worthy to take it.
Done with reverence
1 Corinthians 11:27 & 29
Not to be done in an unworthy manor
Unworthy as an adverb describing how we take it,
Not if we are worthy to take it.
None of us are "worthy"
Failure to observe brings condemnation
We are to do it with reverence and respect for what Jesus did for us.
We are to do it with reverence and respect for what Jesus did for us.
Self-Examination
1 Corinthians 11:28
reflecting upon your spiritual condition
1 Corinthians 11:28
reflecting upon your spiritual condition
ask yourself, Am I living in a manor that is appreciative of His sacrifice?
Hebrews 10:26-29
To sin willfully insults the Holy Spirit
Hebrews 6:4-6
To sin willfully insults the Holy Spirit
Hebrews 6:4-6
Reflect upon the past and resolve for the future
Done with other Christians
Acts 20:7
Come together
1 Corinthians 11:33
1 Corinthians 10:16
Acts 20:7
Come together
1 Corinthians 11:33
1 Corinthians 10:16
Done often - weekly
Acts 20:7
1 Corinthians 11:17-22
1 Corinthians 16:1-2
Acts 20:7
1 Corinthians 11:17-22
1 Corinthians 16:1-2
Instituted by Jesus to do in His memory.
Acts 2:42
Acts 20:7
Examples of the disciples continuing the communion after His death.
Acts 20:7
Examples of the disciples continuing the communion after His death.
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May 29
Every Idle Word
Matthew 12:36-37
1) Idle words for which we shall be judged
2) Some principles of acceptable speech
Psalms 19:14
Isaiah 55:8-9 God's way not always our way
Matthew 12: 34 abundance of the heart
Matthew 12: 35 good brings good things, evil brings evil
Matthew 12: 34 abundance of the heart
Matthew 12: 35 good brings good things, evil brings evil
Keep our speech to God's standards, not the worlds
Acceptable vs. Unacceptable speech
Idle- every idle word
A non working word
Inoperative
Morally useless
Unprofitable
Exodus 20:7 Lord's name in vain- without sincere reverence.
Cursing, vain repetitions
Idle- every idle word
A non working word
Inoperative
Morally useless
Unprofitable
Exodus 20:7 Lord's name in vain- without sincere reverence.
Cursing, vain repetitions
Phillipians 2:9-11
1 Peter 3:10- evil words
Proverbs 6:16-19- lying words
7 things God hates
Romans 16:18- deceitful words
Ephesians 5:4
James 1:26 overuse of words
James 1:19 hate
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 revilers-speaking evil of others
1 Peter 3:10- evil words
Proverbs 6:16-19- lying words
7 things God hates
Romans 16:18- deceitful words
Ephesians 5:4
James 1:26 overuse of words
James 1:19 hate
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 revilers-speaking evil of others
Ephesians 4:29 any unwholesome words
Euphemisms-inoffensive expressions ie. Darn, shoot, etc
They still reflect the attitude of the heart.
Euphemisms-inoffensive expressions ie. Darn, shoot, etc
They still reflect the attitude of the heart.
Speech is out of habit
Guidelines
Ephesians 4:29 lead to edification
Ephesians 5:3-4 characterized with thankfulness
Collosians 4:6 extends grace to others
Proverbs 15:1 cool hearted conversations.
Encouraging words
Collosians 1:12, 2:7, 3:15, 17, 4:2
Phillipians 2:14-15 without murmur
Proverbs 15:28
Think before you speak
The righteous will take heed what they say
Look to God for help in what you say
Ephesians 5:3-4 characterized with thankfulness
Collosians 4:6 extends grace to others
Proverbs 15:1 cool hearted conversations.
Encouraging words
Collosians 1:12, 2:7, 3:15, 17, 4:2
Phillipians 2:14-15 without murmur
Proverbs 15:28
Think before you speak
The righteous will take heed what they say
Look to God for help in what you say
Be greatful as well as graceful in what we say
Psalms 19:14
Remember, we'll have to give account for all that we have said.
