Resurrection Reality: If Jesus had stayed in the tomb, or if his disciples had stolen his body, our faith would be futile. However, the resurrection account clearly indicates that neither of these things happened. Jesus did rise from the dead after dying for our sins. Matthew wrote this book to prove that Jesus is King Messiah. The events he shared from Jesus' life, and the power of his resurrection, demonstrate that Jesus is most certainly King of kings and Lord of lords.

Drinking the Cup, Part 2: While in Gethsemane, Jesus asked the Father if he could avoid drinking the cup which was being offered to him. The Father gave him no other way. In this two part series, we see exactly what drinking the cup meant to Jesus, and how important his obedience was for us. He willingly drank the cup, as this section of Matthew clearly demonstrates.

Drinking the Cup: While in Gethsemane, Jesus asked the Father if he could avoid drinking the cup which was being offered to him. The Father gave him no other way. In this two part series, we see exactly what drinking the cup meant to Jesus, and how important his obedience was for us. He willingly drank the cup, as this section of Matthew clearly demonstrates.

Liars, Cowards, and Fools: As Jesus steps closer to his sacrifice for the sins of the world, we note how those around him fall into all too human traps. We can learn about how to avoid such traps by learning from those around Jesus.

Walking the Path of His Passion: On Jesus' last night, we are invited to witness the struggles of his passion. Join with us as we witness the passion of our Lord.

Through the Eyes of Judas: As the Lamb prepares to offer his life for the sins of the world, we have an opportunity to see how Judas responded to these events, and how his evil choices were used by God to set the stage for our atonement.

When Christ Draws Near, Pt. 2 The disciples understood that when God draws near, things shake. They assumed that shaking was only confined to certain time frames. Jesus clearly lets them know that all Christians needed to be alert for presence moments. As he explains what they, and we, might expect when he draws near, we learn how to be prepared, and how to partake of his Kingdom as he reveals it.

When Christ Draws Near: The disciples understood that when God draws near, things shake. They assumed that shaking was only confined to certain time frames. Jesus clearly lets them know that all Christians needed to be alert for presence moments. As he explains what they, and we, might expect when he draws near, we learn how to be prepared, and how to partake of his Kingdom as he reveals it.

Preparing for Judgments, Part 3: The disciples has asked, "When will the temple be destroyed." Jesus has given them clear indications about what they will see as that time approaches. As he finishes explaining to his disciples, he uses images from the Old Testament apocalyptic books to speak in a clear way to Jewish people about what was coming. As we unpack these verses, we will understand how the Jewish people would easily understand what Jesus had said, and how we, too, can understand.

Preparing for Judgments, Part 2: Jesus has begun to share the fate of his beloved city, Jerusalem. As he explains its fate to his disciples, we hear the echoes of what happens to any society that rejects the Lord, and we will be reminded how to prepare our hearts for action when the Lord speaks.

Preparing for Judgment: After Jesus' strong denunciations of those who opposed him, he begins to share the fate of his beloved city. As he explains its fate to his disciples, we hear the echoes of what happens to any society that rejects the Lord. It will not last.

Filling the Cup: As Jesus continues his strong denunciation of his opponents, the Pharisees and the Scribal Scholars, he points to the fact that they are filling the cup of God's wrath, and he clearly lets them know how they are doing it. However, at the end of this strong denunciation, his heart of compassion for Israel is revealed, and well as a clear promise that the Cup of Hope will also be filled. No matter what our circumstance, we can always look towards the Cup of Hope.

The Poison of Pious Posturing: Those who do not truly know the Lord can still act like spiritual leaders, but what they teach is poison. This was the case in Jesus' day, and it is still the case in our day. Learn how Jesus exposed those who released such poison, and in that way continue to grow in discernment against such pious posturing today.

Exposing the Religious Spirit: When Jesus entered Jerusalem on what we now call Palm Sunday, the religious leaders began to attack him for their own purposes. Jesus was the lamb of God who was subjected to their examination, as unfair as it was. When Jesus had passed the test, which was clearly evident when none of the leaders dared to question him any longer, Jesus began to expose them as religious charlatans who controlled the people through man-made rules and regulations. The message is clear; manmade traditions mean nothing compared to the Word of God. This is a lesson we must never forget.

Being Tested by the Lamb: When Jesus passed all the tests of the religious leaders, he began to test them. That testing process continues in our lives even to this day.

Passing the Tests: Jesus was the Passover lamb. As with every Passover lamb, he had to be tested leading up to the days before his Passover sacrifice. As we see him pass crucial tests, we are reminded that we, too, must pass many tests as we release his Kingdom into this world.

Responding to the Kingdom Invitation: "For a great many are invited, but the elect are few in number." Jesus spoke these words to remind us that when the invitation to his Kingdom comes, we need to seize it with both hands. However, we may not recognize it for what it is, unless we understand his perspective on Kingdom. Are you ready to respond to his invitation? The parable of the wedding banquet has keys of understanding that will help us all respond correctly every time it comes.

Falling on the Stone: As the religious leaders continue to refuse the role God intended for them, Jesus paints ever more dire pictures of their destiny if they do not repent. He ends this message by reminding us all that we need to fall on Jesus, the stone the builders rejected, in faith. The alternative is too severe to contemplate.

Accepting God's Purpose for your Life: The religious leaders of Jesus' day had a purpose. It was to welcome Messiah and inaugurate the Kingdom. They stubbornly refused to step into their purpose, and it caused disaster. When Jesus confronts us with our purpose, and we resist, we too court disaster for the course set before us. We must do what we can to discern our purpose, and once we find it, step into it with all our heart.

Believing: We normally skip quickly over parts of the Bible we do not understand. However, it is important that when we are confronted about Jesus' demands for extravagant faith, it is very important that we do not skip quickly over those scriptures. This message is about believing for the impossible—and will confront many who no longer struggle over the potentials of faith.