The price of being a Christian can be very high in a hostile environment. That apparently was the case in Smyrna. Through persecution they had been purified and had come to a serious kind of Christianity. Through persecution they had been deprived, but in their poverty, they had become spiritually rich Revelation 2:1-11 “To the…
The measure of a church, isn’t to be found in its programs or its achievements, its reputation, or even in its doctrinal orthodoxy, but in its spiritual life. Not only is Christ looking down upon that which is a living community, but He is looking down on that which must be a loving community! Revelation…
Deep down in his heart, Matthew must have hoped for forgiveness. When Jesus fixed that look of love on him, searching the depths of his inmost soul, he didn’t need to think about it any longer! When he heard, “Follow Me,” he was up and gone! Matthew 9:1-17 And getting into a boat he crossed…
Because God is faithful to save, we are to draw near to Him confidently and sincerely and hold fast to the hope we profess. Christ is our anchor who keeps us through life’s storms, and we have assurance that He will complete His work in us. Hebrews 10:1-25 For since the law has but a shadow of…
Although the Christian faith has many values, virtues and applications, the most essential message is that, man a sinner, can know the fullness of forgiveness for that sin. That is the heart of the message of Christianity, and that is exactly the message of this miracle at the beginning of Matthew chapter nine. Matthew 9:1-13…
A Biblical church is built on the foundation of the Gospel and shaped by God’s grace. All Christians, no matter their role in Christ’s body, are given gifts to be used for the building up of one another and for proclaiming and rejoicing in God’s glory. Romans 12:1-21 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the…
Within every organisation, someone is in charge. As we think about the church, we soon discover in Colossians, that the answer is Christ Himself. A right understanding of this truth is crucial for us to comprehend, as we consider how our willingness to submit to His headship, affects His body. Matthew 8:18-34 Now when Jesus saw a…
Within every organisation, someone is in charge. As we think about the church, we soon discover in Colossians, that the answer is Christ Himself. A right understanding of this truth is crucial for us to comprehend, as we consider how our willingness to submit to His headship, affects His body. Colossians 1:1-23 Paul, an apostle of Christ…
In this section, Matthew records a series of miracles performed by Jesus Christ. There are countless of miracles that are done, nine of which he singles out as examples of the power of Jesus. They are really His credentials as the Messiah. These signs point convincingly to His deity; for only God can do the…
To neglect to join a church as a member, reflects a misunderstanding of the believer’s responsibility to the body of Christ. And, it also cuts one off from the many blessings and opportunities that flow from this commitment. It is essential for every Christian to understand what church membership is and why it matters 1…