Heart Conditions

Missio Dei Fellowship

Heart Conditions

June 13, 2021 • Matt Miller • Luke 8:4–10

Luke records the first major parable of Jesus. The Parable of the Sower is a parable about heart conditions. This sermon sets up the passage and seeks to show the true purpose of Jesus' parables. Implied in this parable is a call to be busy casting seed. Fruitfulness is commanded in the New Testament, but this parable reveals that true fruit is always a function of faithfulness. It is a freeing parable in many ways because there is zero focus on the sower or the seed. Rather, the central emphasis shows how true salvation and receptivity of the Gospel is an issue of the heart

Would-Be Followers

June 19, 2022 • Matt Miller • Luke 9:57–62

Jesus challenges three would-be followers who've not yet discovered the nature of true discipleship. Many are eager, but have not counted the cost. Others have counted the cost, but are working in their own power to hedge against the coming challenges. And, then, others are willing to follow Jesus, but with a divided heart. In these difficult words of Jesus, He shows forth the heart of a true follower. It is a challenging passage, but one worthy of much meditation.

A Preview of Glory

December 5, 2021 • Matt Miller • Luke 9:27–29

We come to the mysterious passage known as the transfiguration. It is a strange passage that many are not certain what to do with. However, it serves a very important purpose. Not only does it continue to reveal the divine identity of Jesus, but it serves to bolster the disciples faith. This sermon explores the relationship of God's holiness with His glory, revealing Jesus to be the intrinsic essence of God's holiness when it is made publicly known. He is the glory of God.

The Gospel of Self-Denial

November 21, 2021 • Matt Miller • Luke 9:23–26

We come to the heart of Jesus' message. The Gospel is not about self-fulfillment, but self-denial. The way up is the way down. The way to gain life is to lose your life. Jesus teaches on the costliness of following Him. He says it requires a complete abandonment of your former identity, and then reassociation with Him. The one who desires to follow Jesus must lay down all former ways of life, take up their cross every single day, and follow Him. This is a message that doesn't sell, but it's one the truly converted heart loves.