In Chapter 9, Jesus taught privately in a house the teachings on defining greatness, who is on the Lord’s side, and admonishing stumbling and seasoning. He now moves outside the house, and is immediately accosted by some Pharisees who aim to trap Him in the hottest debate of the day. Jesus boldly stands on God’s side as He defines marriage and divorce. (November 22, 2020)
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After defining and defending God’s design for marriage, Jesus returns inside the house. As an instance of “in one ear, out the other” the Disciples rebuke people for bringing children to Jesus. In response to that, He chides them with a teaching on childlike faith and I warn about cultural Christianity. (November 29, 2020)
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As Jesus begins his journey on the road to Jerusalem, he is interrupted by a wealthy man who has a question on salvation. In one swift conversation, Jesus lays down the law of justification by faith alone. (December 6, 2020)
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Jesus continues his teaching on salvation by reflecting on the rich man’s dilemma. Christ shows us how sin—exemplified in the love of earthly riches—results in denying and forfeiting eternal rewards. (December 13, 2020)
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Upon elaborating on the rich man’s dilemma, Peter responds to Jesus’ teaching by seeking affirmation for the Disciples’ leaving everything to follow Him. Christ shows us how seeking eternal riches results in denying and forfeiting earthly rewards. (January 3, 2021)
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Jesus ended his teaching to Peter by asserting that in the heavenly kingdom, there is no partiality. Seemingly troubled by or ignoring this teaching, James and John ask Jesus to do them a favor. Christ’s response is far heavier than they currently imagine. In this sermon, I address the fears and concerns of Christians in the age of coronavirus and riots. (January 10, 2021)
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Jesus nears Jerusalem, but is stopped by Bartimaeus, a persistent, blind beggar. Our Lord puts his previous teaching into action by revealing this blind man’s unseen faith. He even chides us for letting our faith go unseen. (January 17, 2021)
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