Sermons

09/27/2026 The Parables of Jesus: The Hidden Treasure; Mathew 13

11/01/2026 The Gospel: Enrichment; Luke 4: 18

10/25/2026 The Gospel: Evangelism; Luke 4: 18

Three Tiers of Biblical Knowledge (2 Timothy 3:15): Essential Understanding for Justification: Knowing the foundational truth of the Gospel—that we are sinners and Jesus died, was buried, and rose again to save us. Expanding Knowledge for Sanctification: Moving beyond the basics (like only knowing John 3:16) to mature in the full counsel of God's Word. Exhaustive Understanding in Glorification: The future reality that when we reach heaven, all of our remaining questions will be answered in full. 5 Postures for Understanding the Word of God Be Spending Time with Jesus Biblical mysteries are truths hidden until God reveals them to those with "ears to hear". In Matthew 13 (verses 10 and 36), Jesus didn't explain the parables to the crowds—He explained them to the disciples who came to sit with Him privately. While devotional books and sermons are helpful tools, they shouldn't replace personal time directly in the Bible. Relying only on pastors or devotional writers is like "marrying the mailman" instead of building a relationship with the Author who wrote the love letter. Be Scribal A scribe is both a student and a steward of the Word of God who is actively instructed and discipled. Mature believers are called to invest in younger believers—meeting regularly to discuss and pass on what God is teaching them in Scripture (2 Timothy 2:2). Be Systematic Like a householder bringing out treasures both "new and old" (Matthew 13:52), believers must study the unity of both the Old and New Testaments ("What is concealed in the Old is revealed in the New"). Scripture interprets Scripture: Avoid isolating single verses out of context. Use cross-references and systematic study rather than rushing through a one-year reading checklist just to finish. Word Study—Syniemi vs. Ginosko: When Jesus asks, "Have ye understood all these things?" (v. 51), He uses the Greek word syniemi (to bring or collect pieces together to the point of comprehension through pondering) rather than ginosko (immediate/absolute knowledge). True Bible study means saying, "Lord, I got it, but I'm still getting it." Be Surrendered Bible study alone will not help you know God—obedience is required. As Jesus taught in John 14:21, He manifests Himself to those who have His commandments and keep them. Don't read the Bible merely for information; study it for transformation. God will not enlighten you with more truth if He cannot trust you to obey what He has already shown you. Be Sharing The householder pulls treasures out of his storeroom to share them with others. Deep Christian fellowship happens when believers share what has blessed, warned, confirmed, or corrected them in their daily walk with the Word. Scripture References Mentioned Matthew 13:1–52 (Focus text: vv. 51–52; also vv. 10, 36) 2 Peter 3:16 (Peter on the complexity of Paul's writings) 2 Timothy 3:15 (The Scriptures making us wise unto salvation) 1 Corinthians 2:14 (The natural man cannot receive the things of the Spirit) 2 Peter 1:20 (No prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation) John 14:21 (Loving Jesus through obedience and His manifestation to the believer) James 1:22–24 (Being doers of the Word, not hearers only who forget their reflection) Notable Quotes "Clarity does not mean simplicity. Just because something is clear doesn't mean it's simple and easy to understand... It just means it takes a little more work." "If [listening to sermons or reading devotionals] is your devotional life, I'm just the mailman. You need to foster a relationship with the One who wrote the letter." "Many Christians read the Bible for the sake of information, when we need to study the Bible for the sake of transformation." "Understanding Scripture has not one thing to do with your intellect, but it has everything to do with your relationship and fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ." Reflection & Application Challenge Examine Your Routine: Are you spending personal, unhurried time alone with Jesus and an open Bible, or relying solely on secondary devotionals? The Scribal Challenge: If you are a seasoned believer, pray this week: "Lord, bring somebody into my life that I can be a scribe to—someone I can disciple and teach as they pursue truth." If you are a newer believer, pray for a mentor to walk through the Scriptures with you.

Characteristics of the Current Age Proclamation: The era from Christ's first coming to His return is defined by the active, widespread proclamation of the gospel. Perversion: This age is marked by the prevalence of false doctrines, cults, and counterfeit gospels that exist both outside and within the church. Profession: There is a constant dichotomy of profession, where true believers coexist alongside those who make false claims of faith. Divine Patience: God demonstrates long-suffering during this time, delaying judgment to allow for repentance and the salvation of lost souls. The Parable of the Dragnet and Final Judgment The Separation: The parable of the dragnet illustrates the end of the age, where a final separation occurs between the wicked and the just. Discerning Judgment: God will sort individuals based on their spiritual state and the reality of their profession; humans should not attempt this sorting. Determined Outcome: An individual's eternal destiny is determined by their response to the gospel of Christ. Definitive End: The final judgment is absolute, with no opportunity for repentance once the age concludes. Common Grace and the Call to Salvation Common Grace: Blessings such as breath and sustenance are extended to all people, regardless of their spiritual standing. Not Salvation: Experiencing common grace does not equate to salvation, as many who received such blessings in Scripture did not follow Christ. Urgency: The sermon emphasizes the necessity of responding to the gospel today, as the opportunity for salvation is limited. The Reality of Eternal Consequences The Wicked: Those without Christ are described as being cast into a furnace of fire. Their response in hell is characterized by "wailing" (regret) and "gnashing of teeth" (bitterness and arrogance). The Just: True believers are "gathered" unto God, entering a state of eternal joy, dynamic growth, and perfection. Action Items & Next Steps Self-Examination: Evaluate whether your profession of faith is genuine and visibly impacts your life. Evangelism: Urgently, passionately, and prayerfully share the gospel daily with lost friends, family, and co-workers. Respond Today: If you are not saved, respond to the Holy Spirit’s conviction and trust in Jesus Christ immediately to escape the coming judgment. Vigilance: Remain on guard against false doctrines and teachings, both inside and outside the church. Next Week: Join the upcoming session for a sermon on how to understand the Bible, based on Jesus’s instructions to His disciples.

The Nature of the Kingdom and Parables Jesus explains the mysteries of the kingdom through seven parables, emphasizing that these truths are spiritually discerned and require an "ear to hear." The kingdom is defined as a king ruling, regardless of whether subjects submit to his authority, and these parables describe the state of the kingdom between Jesus' first and second coming. Jesus intentionally conceals the meaning of these parables from the multitudes while revealing them to his disciples, who actively seek truth and understanding. The Parable of the Mustard Seed The mustard seed represents the gospel, which is described as small and simple, yet powerful and life-giving. The growth of the mustard seed into a tree is presented as an abnormal occurrence, symbolizing the infiltration of false religion and doctrine into the church age. The "birds of the air" that lodge in the branches of the tree are interpreted as representations of false teachers and cults that bring corruption into the kingdom. Keys to Biblical Interpretation A primary key to understanding Scripture is having a humble, prayerful heart and a desire to pursue truth. The second key to interpretation is allowing the Bible to interpret itself, rather than relying on external sources or personal speculation. Believers are encouraged to act as "scribes" who balance new and old truths from the entirety of the Word of God. Identifying False Doctrine Believers are urged to be "bird watchers" who test teachings against four criteria: the Scripture test, the Savior test, the subject test, and the salvation test. The Scripture test evaluates how a teaching handles the Word of God, specifically whether it adds to or subtracts from the inspired text. The Savior test focuses on the identity of Jesus, specifically his co-equal and co-eternal nature with the Father and the Spirit. The salvation test examines whether salvation is presented as a gift of grace through faith, rather than through works, rituals, or human effort.