Introduction A. In 1741, Jonathan Edwards delivered a sermon in which he portrayed God as an angry sovereign eager to condemn the worthless mass of humanity to the flames of hell. B. The truth is that God isn’t out to get us; He wants to save us! Discussion I. Jesus came to save the lost. A. This was the primary mission of Jesus’ life (Matthew 18:11; John 10:10-18; 12:47; Luke 9:56). B. Jesus saved many men...
Beyond the Grave
Introduction A. Man has promoted a lot of ideas about what lies beyond the grave, but we want to know what Jesus says about it. B. Were it not for the Scriptures, we would be completely in the dark about what awaits us when we die. C. In Luke 16, Jesus offers us a rare glimpse at eternity. Discussion I. Jesus shows us what will really matter when we die. A. He shows us that our money won’t matter to anyone...
The King Victorious
Introduction A. In the first of the four gospels, Matthew paints the portrait of a King Whose kingdom was largely misunderstood. B. Although Jesus was not the king that the Jewish nation was expecting, He was the only King Who could lead them to victory. Discussion I. Jesus’ final hours on Earth looked like anything but victorious. A. He was denied and betrayed by His closest friends (Matthew...
How to Be a Better Fisherman
Introduction A. Usually it is the quality, not the quantity, which determines our effectiveness in any line of work. B. Being an effective evangelist has a lot less to do with our method than it does with our character. Discussion I. To be better evangelists, we need to be sound. A. We need to be good students of God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:14-4:5; Acts 8:35). B. We need to be plain with the truth (Matthew 8:20; 10:16-31)...
The Judgment Day
Introduction A. Have you ever tried to imagine what Judgment Day will be like? B. Whether you have or not, the day is coming when we will give an account before the only one from whom nothing can be hidden. Discussion I. Judgment Day will be a day of separation. A. Saints will be separated from sinners (Matthew 25:31-33). B. The disobedient will be separated from the Lord (2 Thessalonians 1:9). C. We will be...
God’s Righteous Judgment
Introduction A. During the week before His crucifixion, Jesus spent a lot of time in the temple, where He had numerous confrontations with Jewish leaders and taught the people constantly (Matthew 26:55). B. When the disciples pointed out the buildings of the temple, Jesus prophesied that there would not be one stone left there upon another (Matthew 24:2). What had Israel done to warrant this? Discussion I. What did Israel do? A. Israel...
What God Has Joined
Introduction A. In the world that Jesus lived in, signs of division were everywhere, even in the temple itself. B. As people who still live in a world full of division, we can testify that division is more often detrimental than beneficial. Discussion I. When God joins things together, man should not divide them. A. God joins body and spirit (Genesis 2:7; James 2:26). B. God has joined faith and works in His plan of salvation (James 2:14-26)...
That It Might Be Fulfilled
Introduction A. Compared to the other gospels, none places greater emphasis on the Old Testament Scriptures than does Matthew. B. When Jesus taught ideas that seemed radical to the Jews, some accused Him of trying to destroy what was sacred (Matthew 26:61). C. Matthew helps us to see that, far from trying to abolish God’s Word, Jesus fulfilled it in every aspect of His life. Discussion I. Jesus fulfilled Scripture in His...
Learning from the Master
Introduction A. Learning is a complex process, and sometimes we need to be taught the same lesson repeatedly before we really learn it. B. The most important lessons and skills that we will ever learn are those that we will learn from Jesus (Matthew 11:29). Discussion I. Jesus provides all the tools we need for these important lessons. A. He provides the authority that all true learning requires (Matthew 7:29; 28:18-20). B. He...
His Yoke Is Easy
Introduction A. When Jesus says that His yoke is easy, this means that it is manageable and pleasant to carry. B. Jesus also teaches that the Christian life is difficult at times (Matthew 7:13-14; 10:22-28). Discussion I. Looks can be deceiving. A. Satan’s way looks easy, but it isn’t really (Matthew 7:13; 8:32; 2 Peter 2:19; Romans 6:20-23). B. The Lord’s way might not look easy (Matthew 19:16-22), but the truth is that...