The Proper Locus of Fear (Exposition of Matthew 10:26-33)

My favorite television program is Monk which is a weekly program on the USA network which explores the adventures of an obsessive-compulsive genius detective who has at least 38 documented phobias.  On the show’s website a dictionary of phobias is provided.  Among the phobias listed are:

Altophobia: Fear of heights.
Arachnophobia: Fear of spiders.
Arachibutyrophobia: Fear of peanut [...]

A Theology of Persecution (Exposition of Matthew 10:16-25)

The early church understood persecution, as did our early English Baptist forefathers. For example, 17th century British Baptist pastor Hercules Collins wrote from prison to his church: “For, as a tree is known by his fruit, so is a Christian by a patient wearing [of] Christ’s cross.”
Christians in Muslim and Communist countries today also [...]

“The First Christian Missionaries” (Exposition of Matthew 10:1-15)

The 18th century British Baptist William Carey is often referred to as the “Father of Modern Missions.”  He began the modern missions movement with a sermon which called upon British Baptists to forsake their view that if God was going to convert the heathen, He would do it without our help.  This sermon called upon [...]

Did Jesus Claim to be the Messiah? (Exposition of Matthew 9:18-34)

How can John Hagee not see what two blind man could? John Hagee has recently authored a book titled, In Defense of Israel. In an advertisement for the book on his television program, Hagee claims that his new book “will shake Christian theology.” “It scripturally proves,” says Hagee, “that the [...]

Fasting and the New Covenant (Exposition of Matthew 9:14-17)

I can think of no more appropriate topic for the Sunday after Thanksgiving message than fasting.  In God’s providence, this is where we are this morning.  God always knows exactly what we need, doesn’t He?
In this morning’s text, the disciples of John ask Jesus the question: “Why don’t your disciples fast?”  Jesus’ answer to this [...]

A Recipe for Thanksgiving (Exposition of Matthew 9:9-13)

This is the time of the year when ladies begin to exchange recipes for dishes for their Thanksgiving meal. Ladies’ magazines devote entire issues to the subject. In this morning’s text, there is an unfailing recipe for thanksgiving.
This week many will gather around dining room tables with their families to celebrate Thanksgiving. [...]

Follow Me (Exposition of Matthew 9:9)

In yesterday’s Morning Worship we observed A Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church sponsored by the Voice of the Martyrs ministry. This sermon refers to a video which we watched at the beginning of the service showing the testimony of a young woman persecuted for her faith. For more information and to [...]

The King’s Authority over Nature and Demons (Exposition of Matthew 8:23-34)

In this morning’s text Jesus confronts two great fears of the ancient Jews: the storms of the sea and the demonic.
Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him.  (24)  And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep.  (25)  [...]

The Authority of the King: Jesus and Discipleship (Exposition of Matthew 8:18-22)

The September 2005 issue of Rev magazine has an article from Tim Stevens and Tony Morgan of Granger Community Church in Granger, Ind. adapted from their book Simply Strategic Growth. The article includes a number of ideas for drawing crowds to your church, including:

Address specific needs. Like marriages, raising families, money, fulfillment, etc.
Entertain people.
Make children [...]

Why Jesus Healed the Sick and Cast Out Demons (Exposition of Matthew 8:14-17)

They’re making a new Indiana Jones movie.  Harrison Ford is appearing for the fourth time as the professor/archaeologist/adventurer in a release scheduled for May 22, 2008.  Archeology has long been an interest of mine, perhaps because of the popularization of the science by the Indiana Jones films.
Although when the science of archeology first emerged in [...]