November 26, 2017 • Pastor Lloyd Pulley • Matthew 1:1–17
As we read the Bible, do we understand how very unique it is and how far above any other book ever written? Do we know and appreciate its unmistakable affect on history? With this, Pastor Lloyd begins this series on the book of Matthew, and why it is the perfect bridge between the Old and New Testaments. This is a deep-dive into this Gospel record, beginning with Christ's genealogy and the prophetic fulfillments therein.
The Birth of Christ Jesus the King
December 3, 2017 • Pastor Lloyd Pulley • Matthew 1:18–25
Today Pastor Lloyd finishes up his study of Matthew chapter one, where we read of the most significant birth in human history - the birth of Jesus Christ. One of the remarkable aspects of Matthew’s account of Jesus' birth is how he carefully assembles the many prophecies from the Old Testament. He demonstrates that Jesus has the credentials as God and King as he reminds us that everything happened exactly as foretold.
The Wise Men Visit the Child King
December 10, 2017 • Pastor Lloyd Pulley • Matthew 2:1–12
In these beginning chapters, Matthew continues to present proof one would need to see and be convinced that Jesus was indeed the son of God, the promised Messiah. This message continues, similar to a legal case, with information presented to the Jews of Matthew's day, detailing the visit of the wise men and the star of Bethlehem, all examined in fascinating detail.
The King Protected and Purposefully Led
December 17, 2017 • Pastor Lloyd Pulley • Matthew 2:13–23
Following the Magi and their worship of baby Jesus in the previous lesson, we continue in Matthew, chapter two. This segment looks at Mary and Joseph's flight to Egypt, the background of Herod leading up to his edict to kill the baby boys, and Mary and Joseph's return to Nazareth in Galilee, in fulfillment of numerous prophecies.
King Jesus Announced, Baptized, and Confirmed
December 31, 2017 • Pastor Lloyd Pulley • Matthew 3
How can we know, other than by blind faith, that Jesus truly is the Messiah? The accounts from Matthew will help answer such questions. This segment is about the role of John the Baptist, his preaching and message of repentance, a repeated theme. The chapter ends with the baptism of Jesus.
Holy Spirit Baptism
January 7, 2018 • Pastor Lloyd Pulley • Matthew 3:11
We have been looking at Matthew's various proofs that Jesus is the long-anticipated Messiah. Then, in chapter three, he introduced John the Baptist who witnessed the voice from heaven at Jesus' baptism. Now, we look at a particular passage in which John foretells about another person (Jesus) who will bring a new baptism, "with the Holy Spirit and with fire." This study looks at this promise and the power that comes with it.
The Testing of the King!
January 14, 2018 • Pastor Lloyd Pulley • Matthew 4:1–11
Just as Jesus was tempted and tried, so are we. In this passage, Jesus models for us how to overcome trials and temptations. Pastor Lloyd breaks down the temptations Jesus faced into three main categories and then closes with some encouragement.
The Gospel of the Kingdom Proclaimed
January 28, 2018 • Pastor Lloyd Pulley • Matthew 4:12–25
Following the forty days of temptation, Jesus begins proclaiming the Kingdom as his ministry in Galilee begins. Jesus' message is one of repentance, the same as John the Baptist, but Jesus also offers pardon and forgiveness. As he taught and preached and healed, great multitudes followed and believed. Join Pastor Lloyd for this fascinating study in the gospel of Matthew.
Characteristics of the Kingdom Minded - Part 1
February 4, 2018 • Pastor Lloyd Pulley • Matthew 5:1–3
What does a true Kingdom mentality look like? Here in the opening verses of chapter five, we find Jesus presenting the Kingdom with a heavenly perspective on blessedness. He begins his sermon with, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven." When the one true King of heaven teaches about authentic blessedness, we can trust it is true. Arguably, this message is one of the most important ever preached.
Characteristics of the Kingdom Minded - Part 2
February 11, 2018 • Pastor Lloyd Pulley • Matthew 5:4–6
Turning to chapter five, and perhaps the best-known of Jesus' messages, we find the Beatitudes. There is perhaps no greater insight into the true nature of God's heart than this as Jesus turns our attention to the kingdom of heaven. Many people are looking for a joyful Christian life; in this message, Jesus teaches where genuine joy is found.
Characteristics of the Kingdom Minded - Part 3
February 18, 2018 • Pastor Lloyd Pulley • Matthew 5:7–12
Who does God bless? This continuation in Matthew chapter five on the Beatitudes answers that question and gives us a new understanding about blessedness and its distinction from happiness. This is an in-depth look at Jesus' teaching on the merciful, the pure in heart, and the peacemaker.
Salt and Light in an Evil World
March 11, 2018 • Pastor Lloyd Pulley • Matthew 5:13–16
Jesus said, "You are the light of the world." Christ-followers are kingdom-minded and as light, we have a way of relating to the world that is unique and different and also resented in the world. When Jesus said it another way, "You are the salt of the earth," implied is that there is decay or rottenness that requires a preserver. Join Pastor Lloyd for a look at this daily calling to be salt and light.
The Spirit of the Law - Part 1
March 18, 2018 • Pastor Lloyd Pulley • Matthew 5:17–26
Pastor Lloyd continues his teaching from the Sermon on the Mount. Here, Jesus gets into the nitty-gritty as he addresses the Law and the Prophets and the problem of outward righteousness. Jesus turns our attention to a higher law, the law of the spirit that destroys the law of sin and death. It's a a law that changes the heart and that is what Jesus is really after, then and now.
The Spirit of the Law - Part 2
March 25, 2018 • Pastor Lloyd Pulley • Matthew 5:27–32
Continuing in the teaching from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is addressing a heart problem, which has resulted in a faulty understanding of righteousness. As we listen to Jesus' shocking prescriptions for maladies such as anger, lust, covetousness, etc, we learn that our sins are far more serious and offensive than we realized. Get ready for this continuing examination of the heart.
The Spirit of the Law - Part 3
April 8, 2018 • Pastor Lloyd Pulley • Matthew 5:33–48
Continuing with the Sermon on the Mount, this passage in Matthew is a heart examination on whether we honor our commitments, doing as we say, whether we are trustworthy and godly. The Lord desires honesty and integrity that we might demonstrate good character. This message concludes with the admonition to love our enemies. But how is this possible? Pastor Lloyd delves into that question as well.
