Get Behind Me Satan (Matthew 16:23)

MOTIVATE There is a popular motto among preachers that they attempt to follow the pattern of Jesus in comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable. We see that Jesus was both tender and tough. He comforted those who were burdened and broken from the emotional groans and grief that result from a Genesis 3 fallen…

Follow Me (Matthew 8:18-22; 10:38-39)

MOTIVATE If the Baltimore Ravens were giving away 2 season tickets to the biggest fan, how would you convince someone you should be the winner? What comes to your mind when someone says they are a serious and devoted fan of… ? (pictures?) What comes to your mind when someone says they are a Christian,…

I Never Knew You (Matthew 7:15-23)

MOTIVATE Illus: The Wind Blows Yet, we must never imagine Jesus licking his finger and placing it in the air to mold his message around popular opinion. Jesus didn’t read the daily Jerusalem scoop to find out the buzz of town. He didn’t follow opinion polls or track the latest trends. He didn’t even ask…

To Judge Or Not To Judge (Matthew 7:1-6)

MOTIVATE There are some things in life you either love or loathe. You see, many have misconceptions about Jesus’ life and teachings. They think he was just a sentimental prophet, a religious guru, and kind of a tranquil hippy who went around spreading peace, love, and groovy vibes. But the real Jesus was different. When…