Rewriting the Law (Anger)
Pastor Jim Fikkert
The Scribes and Pharisees have abused the Law and twisted Scripture to their own ends. Having made a “god” out of their traditions, and their own narrow interpretations, the Scribes and Pharisees have emptied the law of all its meaning. While they appear “Holy” by their strict devotion to the Law, internally their hearts are […]
Kingdom of Law
Pastor Jim Fikkert
Despite distinctions there is great continuity and harmony between the teaching and work of Jesus and the Old Testament (The Law and Prophets). While there are temptations to cast aside much of the OT as antiquated and obsolete with the advent of the New Testament, it is significant to recognize the religion of the OT […]
Changed Mission
Pastor Jim Fikkert
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (V.16) There are two parts to the Kingdom on this earth: preserving and proclaiming. Jesus describes these two missions as salt and light. As salt, the people of Jesus must […]
Changed Character
Pastor Jim Fikkert
Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them. (V.1-2) Jesus has declared that a new Kingdom is coming, and now He goes about giving us the rules that govern this new domain. He begins by showing us the character […]
The Kingdom of God is at Hand
Pastor Marc Tesch
From that time Jesus began to preach saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (V.17) As Jesus goes out to establish His kingdom, He does not assemble a collection of the best and the brightest. He moves to the middle of nowhere, recruits a few fishermen, and tells people they need to change. What Jesus is […]
Worthiness | Temptation of Jesus
Pastor Jim Fikkert
Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve. ‘” (V.10) Why does God allow temptation? How much easier it would be not to sin if there were no temptation to do it! While God never gives us a clear answer to […]
Worthiness of the King (Temptation)
Pastor Jim Fikkert
Why does God allow temptation? How much easier it would be not to sin if there were no temptation to do it! While God never gives us a clear answer to that question, we can see how temptation is used for His glory in the temptation of Jesus. As Satan approaches, Jesus is hungry, tired, […]
Groundwork (John the Baptist)
Pastor Jim Fikkert
Old Testament closes with the prophet Malachi saying before the “great and awesome day of the Lord” he will send a messenger, in the spirit Elijah, who will prepare the way for arrival of the King. Through fulfilled prophecies and divine messages, including Jesus own words, John the Baptist is confirmed to be the man […]
The Arrival of the King (Peace)
Pastor Jim Fikkert
Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem … (V.16) Herod, the “Jewish” King has a very different response. The man who has spent years ruthlessly defending his throne is troubled by the news of a […]
The Worship of the King (Joy)
Pastor Jim Fikkert
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house…they fell down and worshiped him. (V.10-11) The one true King of the universe is born into a dark world ruled by men who think they are kings. And when men’s kingdoms are confronted with the one true King there […]
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