Matthew: Focus to Follow

The Death of Death

April 5, 2023 • Dr. Joe Martin • Matthew 27:45–54

The Gospel shows us that the death of death came with the death of Jesus Christ. Pastor Joe explains that not only is Jesus’ death defeats the two biggest problems facing humanity: sin and death. Listen in as Pastor proclaims the power of Jesus death during Holy Week.

Loving Jesus and Showing It

March 19, 2023 • Dr. Joe Martin • Matthew 26:1–13

The transformational story of the Gospel is accompanied by people's demonstrations of love. Pastor Joe shares the story of one unnamed woman whose love for Jesus shows us powerful ways to practically express our devotion to him as well.

Acknowledging Jesus

March 26, 2023 • Dr. Joe Martin • Matthew 27:27–32

Who is Jesus, and how do we rightly acknowledge his identity? Pastor Joe explores the mockery of Jesus to explain three ways to properly respond to Jesus by acknowledging his identity as the King, giving him thanks, and following in his suffering.

Prophetic Pastoring and Present Preparation

November 13, 2022 • Dr. Joe Martin • Matthew 24:1–14

The "Olivet Discourse" is the greatest prophetic sermon ever preached, and yet Jesus’ primary aim was pastoral. While prophecy is extremely interesting, we miss the point if we think Jesus is more concerned with prophecy than perseverance. Join Pastor Joe as he explores the theology and applications of Jesus' introduction to the Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24.

The Distinctive Marks of True Bible Teachers: Preaching, Persecution, and Lamentation

October 30, 2022 • Dr. Joe Martin • Matthew 23:29–39

In Matthew 23:29-39, Jesus further exposes the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and, in so doing, provides insight into another distinctive mark of true Bible teachers. Biblical preachers proclaim a message that might result in persecution and will result in lament over sin.

The Distinctive Marks of True Righteousness: Concern for Character, Not Conformity

October 23, 2022 • Dr. Joe Martin • Matthew 23:23–28

Christians need something more than rules and regulations to motivate us. We need a spiritual life based on internalized principles, not merely external conformity. Listen as Pastor Joe explains two key features of true Bible teachers: they do not “major on the minors” because they are “pure in heart.”

The Distinctive Marks of True Righteous: Hungering for Holiness

October 9, 2022 • Dr. Joe Martin • Matthew 23:16–22

Jesus lamented those who were greedy of gain when they could have been satisfied by hungering for holiness. Pastor Joe explains how true Bible-teachers hunger for real holiness by giving their heart to God.

The Distinctive Marks of True Righteousness: Helping Others Into the Kingdom

October 2, 2022 • Dr. Joe Martin • Matthew 23:13–15

Because of the significant dangers that come with following the wrong teachers, Jesus laments their blindness and warns us to avoid their calamity. In Part 1 of his 4-part mini-series, Pastor Joe contrasts the "woes" of Matthew 23 with the Beatitudes of Chapter 5 in order to help us recognize the distinctive marks of true righteousness.

Living Authentically in a Pretentious World

September 25, 2022 • Dr. Joe Martin • Matthew 23:5–12

People enjoy positive attention, and, like all people, we often hope that people notice any good thing that we do. In Matthew 23:5-12, we see Jesus coming to his disciples and the multitudes to inform them of the pandemic of pride and its serious symptoms. And, after he provides a diagnosis, he provides a prescription to cure it so we can live authentically in this pretentious world. Listen in as Pastor Joe explains Jesus' words of how to be the greatest in this life.

Living Authentically in an Artificial World

September 18, 2022 • Dr. Joe Martin • Matthew 23:1–4

The last thing that Christianity should ever become is religion for show. The problem presented within the text today is just that – the “dog and pony show” of the religious establishment of 1st Century Israel. In this message, Pastor Joe explains the first of two warnings by Jesus to help us avoid superficial and misdirected religion.

Answering to Jesus

August 28, 2022 • Dr. Joe Martin • Matthew 22:41–46

After being asked a barrage of questions by the Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians, and Scribes, Jesus had some questions of his own. His audience was so baffled by the question that they couldn't answer. Join Pastor Joe as he explains what a right response to Jesus would be like in answer to the questions Jesus asked in Matthew 22:41-46.

The Greatest Action You Can Take with Your Life

August 21, 2022 • Dr. Joe Martin • Matthew 22:34–40

Jesus explains the greatest action we can take with our lives: to love. We are to love God with our whole being and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Listen in as Pastor Joe examines the conversation that led to Jesus’ wise guidance.

Have You Lost the Wonder of It All?

August 7, 2022 • Dr. Joe Martin • Matthew 22:23–33

Jesus' conversation with the Sadducees left a distinct impression on both the religious elites and the crowd. They were astonished! Listen in as Pastor Joe explains that the confrontation with the Sadducees warns us about 3 mentalities to avoid if we want to revere Jesus with awe and wonder.

Giving Back to God

July 24, 2022 • Dr. Joe Martin • Matthew 22:15–22

In speaking with the religious leaders, Jesus explained what God wants from people and directs them to a proper response as his image bearers. Pastor Joe explains Matthew 22:15-22 by asking and answering two important questions: “What does God want?” and “What must I do?” Listen in to discover the answers!

You're Invited!

July 17, 2022 • Dr. Joe Martin • Matthew 22:1–14

Have you ever been invited to a wedding? It's important to RSVP to let the happy couple know that you're planning to attend. In Matthew 22, Jesus finalizes a trio of parables by telling a story about a wedding and the reception. In doing so, he both invites and warns: he invites people into the kingdom and warns them not to refuse the invitation. Join Pastor Joe as he explains how to personally accept God's invitation to salvation.

Liberty Baptist Church - NC