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God cares both what we do and the source from which our actions spring. In this passage, Jesus gives further oracles of condemnation for the religious leaders who looked good on the outside but did not love God on the inside. But this was not just a problem for the religious leaders back then, we do not follow God inside and outside like we should either. But Jesus gives us hope and a remedy.

Before leaving his disciples, Jesus gave them (us) a task to complete before he returns. That is to invest and put to work all he has given us in order to make a spiritual profit for the kingdom of God. Ultimately, we won’t be assessed on the returns we made on the investment or on our accomplishments, instead we will be assessed on our trustworthiness and faithfulness.

The testimony of a young servant girl led Naaman to submerge his pride, seek healing from God, and eventually put his faith in the God of Israel. Today, many gospel workers seek to bring people to Christ through similar testimonies and by working in healthcare and compassion ministries.

In what is perhaps the strongest language Jesus ever used in His earthly ministry, He denounces the religious leaders for their hypocrisy. But in doing so, He also clearly explains the difference between Godly and ungodly leadership.

The Jewish people were given 613 laws from God. The religious leaders seek to trick Jesus by asking him which of those laws was the greatest. But Jesus’ response is not what they expected and they are unable to argue with his response. He then turns the tables on them with his own question which is about the Messiah. What is the greatest commandment and who is the Messiah? Hear how Jesus answers these two vitally important questions for us.

The Jewish people were given 613 laws from God. The religious leaders seek to trick Jesus by asking him which of those laws was the greatest. But Jesus’ response is not what they expected and they are unable to argue with his response. He then turns the tables on them with his own question which is about the Messiah. What is the greatest commandment and who is the Messiah? Hear how Jesus answers these two vitally important questions for us. *** Due to a medical situation in the service, this sermon was not completed. ***

How does Jesus respond to an absurd question that has an important point? He does so by pointing out the flaw in the question, pointing back to God’s Word, and pointing ahead to show how God’s Word helps us now. In such an instructive encounter with the religious leaders of His day, Jesus has much to teach us in this section on life, death, afterlife and God’s Word.

What happens when the religious leaders flatter Jesus and ask him a trick question? The answer: with one question and one statement of his own, Jesus shows the entire debate, as well as the religious leaders, to be ridiculous. In so doing, Jesus also clearly shows that God’s Kingdom takes priority over earthly kingdoms. Although short, such a passage has much to teach us today.

The religious leaders continue to harass Jesus during the last week of his life before going to the cross. How does he respond? He tells them three parables to confront and expose the religious leaders. This third parable concerns a wedding banquet and those who are invited. Yet all is not as it appears as the parable makes clear. It quickly becomes apparent what God demands of the world He made.

What is our unity centred around? And what is our goal as a unified people? In the book of Ephesians, we see that Christ unites us as one new multiethnic family; and gives us gifts to build up the body so we can maintain and attain unity in the faith. In this sermon we explore what this looks like in Paul’s day and in our day as Christians in 2022.

Christianity claims to be based on a historical fact – the bodily resurrection of Jesus. But how does His resurrection practically help Christians today? The Apostle Paul answers that question for us. He explains what it means to be “risen with Christ” and the results of such an experience. In his explanation, we see why the resurrection is so vital and necessary and how it can help us today.

What often happens after several successes in our lives? The Jewish people experienced God’s unique protection, His provision to help them rebuild Jerusalem and His guidance as they re-established proper worship. Yet they quickly forgot to follow their commitments. We often struggle to keep our promises to God and to follow His ways. Because of this, God brings individuals, like Nehemiah for the Jewish people, to call us to “Come Back to God!”