This weekend, I will be preaching a special message as we head into the new year. In the book of Matthew, Jesus gives his sermon on the mount and talks about what people can expect in life. Contrary to some people’s opinion, the Christian life is not one free of troubles or worries. Rather, a life that is fully surrendered to Jesus puts worries in their proper place. The title of this weekend’s message is “TODAY.”
For the message this weekend, we will be returning to Jesus’ words in the Great Commission. Jesus ended by saying that He would be with His disciples until the end of the age. This promise comforted the disciples when they encountered obstacles in the process of discipleship. They were able to overcome because Christ was with them just as He is with us. The title of the message for this weekend is “DISCIPLESHIP: OVERCOMING OBSTACLES.”
Our message this weekend is titled “DISCIPLESHIP 1: WITNESSES.” We will begin looking at Matthew 28 and Jesus’ charge to His disciples to go into all the world and tell people the good news of salvation. They were to be the mouthpieces for the message of redemption.
In this message, we will be focusing on the location of Jesus’ birth. In his account of the birth of Jesus, Matthew quotes a prophecy written by Micah pertaining to Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Messiah. This had powerful implications for the people during Micah’s day, those that Matthew was writing to, and for us as well.
This is the third message in our series, focusing on the manner of Jesus’ birth. Many people today will claim to be Christians, but denounce the virginal conception. This is critical to our faith, though, as it not only proves Jesus is the Son of God but that He is the One promised from the Old Testament. It sets Him apart from any other religion or deity that promises salvation.
This first message centers on the promises fulfilled in the family tree of Jesus. It’s clear that God had His hand on the family of Abraham throughout the generations, ultimately leading up to the birth of Jesus. The providence of God is displayed through this family and serves as a reminder of His providence in our lives.
First, we will see how Matthew got his call to follow Jesus and how he immediately complied. We need to remember that God is constantly calling men and women, boys and girls to follow Him. Is He calling you? What is your answer?
Furthermore, Matthew got busy inviting his old buddies to come and meet Jesus. Do your friends know Jesus? Have you invited them to meet Him?