Parables
Good Fish, Bad Fish, New & Old Treasure
June 16, 2024 • Andrew Adams • Matthew 13:47–52, Matthew 13, John 14:15, Matthew 25, Matthew 25:31–46
In Matthew 13, Pastor Andrew teaches us how Jesus, just like the prophets in the Old Testament, would use strange sayings and acts to judge the people and call them back to God. Through the Sermon on the Mount, the sabbath controversies, and now the parables, Jesus' ministry rhymes with that of the Old Testament prophets, warning the people of sin and coming judgment. He condemns the Pharisees and those with hard hearts who reject God. But unlike the prophets, Jesus is starting something new, or rather fulfilling something old, thereby crating something entirely new: The Kingdom of God and His people, the Church.
Valuing Jesus the Way He Values Us
June 9, 2024 • Jon DeYonker • Matthew 13:44–46
On Move-Up Sunday, Youth Lead Jon continues in our study of Jesus’ parables. In Matthew 13:44-46 we wrestle with two interpretations that offer one simple truth: Jesus' value system is different than our value system. Through this message, we discover how both interpretations highlight Jesus' different value system and call for a reorientation of the heart.
Bread, Seeds and The Kingdom
June 2, 2024 • Andrew Adams • Matthew 13:26–35, Psalm 78
In this sermon Pastor Andrew focuses on the parables of the mustard seed and the leaven. He draws us to consider these parables in the context of the Kingdom of Heaven. They discuss the tension between human expectations of the Kingdom and the different features Jesus presents.
The Wheat and the Weeds
May 26, 2024 • Sean Gasperetti • Matthew 13:24–30, Matthew 13:36–43
Pastor Sean discusses the parable of the wheat and the weeds from Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43. The parable highlights the coexistence of believers and unbelievers in the world and the church, emphasizing the role of Christians to live faithfully while trusting in God's plan for the final judgement and restoration at the end of the age.
Stories & Secrets
May 19, 2024 • Andrew Adams • Matthew 13:1–23, Isaiah 6
Pastor Andrew kick off Matthew 13, a passage filled with parables! In this passage Jesus encounters crowds full of followers, seekers and enemies. Jesus will teach them heavenly truths veiled through story and confront each group present and how they receive the word of God!