SCRIPTURE: Matthew 13 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. [Matthew 13:19] The center of Jesus’ message and ministry is the Kingdom of God (Matthew uses ‘heaven’…
Author: Norm
what God wants (not religion)
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 12 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: But you would not have condemned my innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ [Matthew 12:7] How many innocent people have been condemned by the religious establishment because they did not fit their ‘criteria’? How many religious people have totally missed…
the messiah we’ve been expecting
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 11 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: ‘Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?’ [Matthew 11:3] Is Jesus the expected messiah, the one that the Jews were eagerly anticipating? Jesus answers John’s question with a reference to the signs and wonders that were expected to be performed when the messiah came –…
can comfort kill the soul?
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 10 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. [Matthew 10:28]. Don’t be afraid? Listen to what these disciples were heading into? In comparison, the things that I am afraid of are nothing! If…
amazing grace!
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 9 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know…
advent conspiracy
How to celebrate Christmas differently!
my life with God
I started reading John Ortberg’s God Is Closer Than You Think, and already the first chapter is resonating with my heart. He describes how God’s Great Desire is to be in relationship with us. He uses the painting of Michelangelo where God is reaching out to Adam (The Creation of Man, Sistine Chapel). He then…
is Jesus amazed by my faith?
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 8 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel! [Matthew 8:10] In this chapter we see faith in action. We also see grace where there is no faith is evident. And we…
“The Shack” sermon series
I am preparing for a series of messages based on the top-selling and controversial fictional novel, “The Shack” by William P. Young. These messages, beginning Sunday, Nov 30, will be a part of our anticipation of Christmas, or the celebration of the birth of Jesus. I will post links to the sermons here.
pearls and pigs?
What does Matthew 7:6 mean:“Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you”?