Proverbs 31 is an oracle that King Lemuel was taught by his mother (v. 1). Before she describes the famous wife of noble character (often simply called the Proverbs 31 Woman), she gives her son more generic wisdom that begins like this: “Do not give your strength to women, your ways to those who destroy …
The two parables within our study communicate the same basic truth, yet they do so using different similes that present it from two angles. The big idea behind these deceptively simple parables is that the kingdom of heaven is exceedingly valuable. In fact, it is worth losing everything you have in order to obtain it. …
Continue reading The Parables of the Hidden Treasure & Pearl of Great Value | Matthew 13:44-46
This sermon was originally preached in 2015. Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. …
A number of sources have converged to lead me to this message. First, I preached two weeks ago on Paul’s ministry in Ephesus as described in Acts 19. I was, and continue to be, intrigued by the clash of kingdoms that the chapter describes. Paul and his fellow Christians preached the word of the Lord, …
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:1-2 ESV Having first observed Paul’s over two-year ministry in Ephesus and the spiritual conflict that …
The following sermon was originally preached in 2015. How lovely is your dwelling place,O LORD of hosts!My soul longs, yes, faintsfor the courts of the LORD;my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. Even the sparrow finds a home,and the swallow a nest for herself,where she may lay her young,at your altars, …
The parables of Jesus are easily recognized as some of His most well-known teachings. The Good Samaritan and Prodigal Son are at least understood by name in most of the Western world. Yet for all of their popularity, Jesus’ parables can be quite difficult to understand or, at least, understand properly, which as we will …
