Pastor Joshua West explores three important themes in the Gospel of Matthew about the nature of Jesus: his baptism as the Son of God; his anointing by the Holy Spirit; and God the Father's affirmation and validation of Jesus. What does this mean for us? Christ's coming offers forgiveness, atonement, and salvation for those who repent and turn to him.
In Psalm 42, King David shares his deeply downcast heart and offers the solution for it. Preaching on this psalm, Pastor Gary Wilkerson looks at three kinds of reasons for being downcast, as well as various Bible passages, including when Jesus calms the storm. We need to fix our eyes on God and trust him to get us through the challenges we face, then we can have hope, joy and rest.
What does it mean for God to bless us? How does Jesus delight in us? Drawing from Psalm 41, Pastor Gary Wilkerson shares biblical wisdom on the power of blessing. We are valuable to God, who provides us with protection, deliverance and transformation. The benefits decreed to us are a present reality from the Lord that sustain us through difficulties. Through his strength we can also live our lives to bless others.
Rooting his message in Matthew 3:1-12, Pastor Joshua West preaches not only about how John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, but also shares insights on the true meaning of repentance. God wants us to have a repentant heart. When we do, we mourn the sin we see around us. Biblical repentance changes our mind, turns us from sin to holiness, and regenerates us because of what Christ did for us on the cross.
Preaching from Matthew 2:13-23 and other passages, Pastor Joshua West remind us of the cost of following Christ. We are either with him or against him. There are clear divisions in the world: enemies of the gospel who will try to silence God's Word and those who humbly and contritely serve the Lord.
Applying biblical insights from passages such as 2 Corinthians 3: 16-18, Pastor Gary Wilkerson encourages us to not only draw near to Jesus, but to others. When we are struggling with hidden pain, past or present, we need confession, prayer and healing. By cultivating a close group of trusted Christian friends, we no longer have to hide, but can begin the healing journey and experience God's love deeply.
Preaching from Matthew 2:1-12, Joshua West offers powerful insights on Jesus the king and our response to him. Herod responded with fear and agitation, but the wise men sought to worship Christ. We see the same types of responses to Jesus today. Some are rebellious and do not want to give up their crown, but others will surrender completely and bow in repentance before Jesus.
Why is the virgin birth of Jesus important to the foundations of Christian faith? Pastor Joshua West shows the power of God at work in the birth of Christ, rooted in the prophecies of the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Covenant. The question Jesus asked his disciples in Matthew 16:15, "Who do you say that I am?" remains critically relevant to everyone today. From his virgin birth and throughout the Gospels, Jesus draws a line in the sand and we must respond to him and only him for salvation.
Jesus came to preach the good news, open our hearts, set captives free, and help the brokenhearted. But childhood trauma, as well as negative experiences as adults, can stifle the love God wants us to experience. The enemy lies to us and wants to destroy us. Only by having an intimate, meaningful relationship with Jesus can we find the healing God wants us to have. We can't know everyone in our church or sphere, but having close Christian friends who love us is critical to knowing we are loved and valued by God.
Dive into the Gospel of Matthew as we uncover the profound significance of Jesus's genealogy. This sermon explores how a simple list of names connects the Old and New Testaments, revealing God's sovereign plan throughout history. Discover why Matthew begins his account with Jesus's family tree and how it establishes Christ's credentials as the promised Messiah. From Abraham to David to Jesus, see how every generation points to the ultimate fulfillment of prophecy in the person of Christ. Whether you're a longtime believer or new to the faith, this message will deepen your understanding of Jesus's identity and his pivotal role in God's redemptive plan for humanity.