Matthew
The Depth of Dark Skies
As summer fades and autumn approaches, we will begin to lose daylight. We can be impacted physically and emotionally by darkness and light. Darkness affects us – it covers our ability to see physically and it can also cover our ability to see spiritually. Sometimes it is both. This week as Pastor Vince continues his teaching in Matthew, he shares how in the dark skies of deepest pain, God’s truth can still be trusted, God’s presence can be entered, and…
Why Does It Hurt So Bad?
As Pastor Vince continues his study in Matthew 27, he states: “I believe that the crucifixion of Jesus is much more like a modern entertainment show in that there is activity all over the stage and it is dramatic. But, in the midst of it, I believe Matthew wants to zoom us in and say, “Just listen to one line of the lyrics to see Jesus saying, ‘It hurts so bad!’ and Matthew allows us to see why He is…
Are You Seeing This?
As technology increases, we are able to see more stunning live moments that are captured. For example, there is a video from Hurricane Dorian where a person is filming from inside their home as the water floods into his home and he yells in disbelief, “Are you seeing this?!” In today’s message from Matthew 27:11-26, we are taken into the moments where Jesus is mistreated and rejected. Some may wonder if the angelic response in heaven to what they see…
The Journey with Jesus Never Has to End this Way
This week, Pastor Vince continues his study in Matthew and offers a comparison between Peter and Judas and how their response to a crisis in their lives impacted their journey with Jesus. “No matter who you are, no matter what you’ve done, your journey with Jesus does not have to end in your failure and in your brokenness – Never! Jesus comes to you today with His life-changing power and says, “Follow Me.” Matthew 26:69-27:10 (We apologize in advance for…
Fact Check: Jesus is Still King
Recently, a few prominent Christians have publicly renounced their faith in Jesus. Some may ask those who are Christians, “Doesn’t that shake your faith?” Our answer should be a resounding NO! Jesus Christ remains the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Our faith is not in those who have previously proclaimed faith in Jesus, but in Jesus Himself. Our own feelings and struggles can also try to shape and control our story, yet we need to remind ourselves that…
This is not a Sinatra Soundtrack
In this week’s teaching of Matthew 26:30-45, Pastor Vince shares how Jesus displays the value of human companionship, the fellowship of His suffering, and the joy of complete surrender.
Poise in the Midst of Noise
When you hear the word “poise”, most of us think of posture which speaks to one’s physical behavior. Yet, there is more to the word poise than that. It speaks to self possessed assurance or a calm confidence. It is a poise of heart that is maintained no matter what is happening around someone. In this week’s message, Pastor Vince teaches from Matthew 26:1-29 and shares that with all that was going around Jesus during the last hours prior to…
Did I Do That?
Pastor Vince focuses on a popular passage in Matthew 25 that is used when speaking about social action and justice where it is taught that whatever we do to the least of these, we have done it unto God. Yet, many people will jump over the first few verses in this passage and jump right into the King’s judgment of social action and they do not focus on WHO is the King. “If you miss Who the King is, it…
One Small Step
50 years ago, over 600 million people were glued to their TV screens and watched Neil Armstrong take man’s first steps on the moon. In Matthew 24 and 25, Jesus is talking about taking steps while we await His return. They are not steps that a TV audience will be paying attention to. Perhaps they are steps that only one person will see and that one person is Jesus. “It’s the small step that Jesus sees and it’s the small…
Whose Name is on the Signs?
For the next several weeks, we are going to look at what Jesus says about the future. As we study Matthew 24, Pastor Vince wants us to keep in mind Psalm 24 which says, “The earth is the Lord’s and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it.” Only the God who owns the earth would be worthy enough and have the authority to rescue the sinners on it. May our study of what Jesus says of…
What You See in the Mirror Depends on Where You’re Standing
If you stand directly in front of a mirror, you can only see yourself. Yet, if you stand to the side of the mirror, you see more of what or who is around you. Pastor Vince uses this analogy to teach from Matthew 23 where Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees and scribes about their hypocrisy and pride. “Pride wants me to see sin in another and not to see sin in me. Looking at others more than looking at…
Get Real
This week’s passage from Matthew 23 reveals what is at the heart of Jesus – what aches His heart and why it does. It is through Jesus’ interaction with the scribes and Pharisees that we see how their character and their motivation would shut off the kingdom of heaven from people. They are supposed to be pointing others to Jesus but they are not. We can use their example to examine ourselves – “Is there a lack of real faith…
“When one plus one, minus One, equals zero”
“In Matthew 22, Jesus is saying to us that when your life is truly a love life, a real love life, it pours splendor all around.” Listen in as Pastor Vince continues his study through the book of Matthew. Matthew 22:34-46
Thy Kingdom Come, on Earth, in Heaven
Listen in as Pastor Vince continues his teaching in Matthew. “Jesus says if you prioritize your relationship with the living God, love Him above all other relationships on Earth, love Him above all other relationships in Heaven, you will see the beauty of the kingdom of God.” Matthew 22:15-33
I Never Knew Jesus Had Such a Temper
If someone reads Matthew 21:12-13 out of context, they would likely say, “Wow, I never knew Jesus had such a temper!” Yet, if they read it in context, they would see a compassionate, loving Savior whose heart is aching for those who have ignored and wasted opportunities to embrace fellowship with God. How many times do WE miss opportunities to embrace fellowship with God? Be encouraged by Pastor Vince’s message to better tune in to Jesus’ voice when He calls…
Both Sides Now
Pastor Vince’s sermon title comes from a 1960’s song by Judy Collins. It captures the two sided life we can experience. This week’s passage in Matthew describes Palm Sunday. Yet our perspective on the climax of this event is clouded by our knowledge of what happens just a few days later – when the crowd switches from “Hosanna!” to “Crucify Him!” Pastor Vince takes this perspective and shares five principles on how we as children of God can live in…
He Saw Me
Listen in as Pastor Vince continues his study through the book of Matthew. Matthew 20:29-34
When 87 is 24
Do you remember the childhood board game Chutes and Ladders? Listen for the creative way Pastor Vince uses it as an object lesson for his teaching on Matthew 20. “God wants to raise my sight level and renew my purpose – to live with a servant’s heart.” Matthew 20:20-28
Salvation’s Story – Palm Sunday Cantata Message
At the close of our Palm Sunday Cantata, Pastor Vince gives a brief encouragement from Matthew 20 where Jesus shares with his disciples regarding His upcoming death and resurrection. Pastor Vince poses the questions: “Who would bear our shames and burdens on His back? What King would bend so low as to make Himself a servant? – Jesus!” When you believe this, it transforms you. Even in the midst of suffering and strife, you can remember and stand upon the…
Am I Living Life as a Lane Looker?
Do you live your life as a lane looker? What do we mean by that? Listen to the first few minutes of this message to understand what Pastor Vince is describing. Once you understand what he means, ask yourself if you do this. In this passage in Matthew, Peter is doing some lane looking in life. Yet, Jesus reminds him, and us, that when you are lane looking, make sure you have your grace goggles on. Matthew 19:27-20:16