Fulfilled

"Christ Uncensored"

November 10, 2024 • Rev. Dr. Bryan Eckelmann • Matthew 10:34—11:1

Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. Matthew 10:34 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me is not worthy of me, and who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Matthew 10:37 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Matthew 10:39

"Party Animal"

November 3, 2024 • Rev. Dr. Bryan Eckelmann • Matthew 9:9–12

"Run to the Battle"

October 27, 2024 • Rev. Dr. Bryan Eckelmann • Matthew 7:28—8:4

As Jesus comes down from the mountain (where he taught God's Law), he now applies that law by helping people. But not just "people"-- outsiders! No circumstance will keep you or me from worshiping, asking for, and receiving the grace of Jesus.

"Mind the Gap"

October 20, 2024 • Pastor Glyn Norman • Matthew 7:1–6

Why do we judge and condemn others?

"The Ripple Effect"

October 13, 2024 • Rev. Mike Kenyon • Matthew 6:1–4, Matthew 6:19–24

Jesus teaches that our acts of righteousness, such as giving to the needy, should be done with genuine humility rather than for public recognition. Verses 19-24 emphasize the importance of storing treasures in heaven instead of on earth, urging us to focus our hearts on what truly matters—our relationship with God & loving others well!

"Downside Up"

October 6, 2024 • Rev. Dr. Bryan Eckelmann • Matthew 5:1–12

"Unqualified to Unleashed"

September 29, 2024 • Rev. Timberly Eckelmann • Matthew 4:18–22

God calls and equips his followers for a purpose- to be living proof of a loving God. He qualifies the unqualified. It's as simple and difficult as following.

"Jumbo Shrimp"

September 22, 2024 • Rev. Dr. Bryan Eckelmann • Matthew 3:13–17

This first half of Matthew repeatedly asks a clear but crucial question - "Who is this person Jesus??" -- and in the baptism of Jesus, we hear the Father's answer. The Old Testament helps us here -- Jesus fulfills TWO great hopes -- he is the "beloved son" of Psalm 2 and the servant "with whom I am well pleased" of Isaiah 42. That Jesus would be BOTH Mighty King and Suffering Servant - this was unthinkable to his people then; and it still baffles us today.

"Battle Lines"

September 15, 2024 • Rev. Dr. Bryan Eckelmann • Matthew 2:19–23

To our surprise, Jesus' nature evokes both passionate love/acceptance AND violent rejection. And (also to our surprise) Jesus and those who follow him are not immune to the violence.

"Fulfilled"

September 8, 2024 • Rev. Dr. Bryan Eckelmann • Matthew 1:1–17

Welcome to a journey through the Gospel of Matthew! By both studying and journalling, we together will experience the full impact of this life of Jesus. But the life of Jesus begins long before his birth! God has been planning, working, and weaving together stories of triumph and tragedy in preparation for the fulfillment of humanity's hopes and dreams. In Jesus' arrival, God wants us to see that we are no mere accidents of random genetics -- we are (as he was) part of God's plan, fulfilled in Christ and by Christ.