Season Lent 
Thy Will Be Done
Sunday April 10, 2022 Text: John 12:20-43 Speaker: Pastor Matthew Ude Festival: Lent Passages: John 12:20-43
The Father’s will is that Jesus die for our sins, that we join Jesus at the cross, and that through His death we are drawn up to heaven.
Read More
What Then Shall I Do With Jesus?
Wednesday April 6, 2022 Text: Matthew 27:21-23 Speaker: Pastor Matthew Ude Festival: Lent Passages: Matthew 27:21-23
Pilate tries so hard to put Jesus aside, to make no decision about him. He tires to let him go. He sends him to Herod. He gives them the choice of Barabbas or Jesus thinking they will surely pick Barabbas. He scourges him. He washes his hands pretending it is not his guilt. Yet no
Read More
Hallowed Be Thy Name
Sunday April 3, 2022 Text: Luke 20:9-20 Speaker: Pastor Matthew Ude Festival: Lent Passages: Luke 20:9-20
This parable is an excellent reminder to us of how we often misuse God’s name and therefore what we are praying for when we pray, “Hallowed Be Thy Name.” It also portrays to what great extent the Lord goes to forgive us and make us His children.
Read More
Are You A King
Wednesday March 30, 2022 Text: John 18:37 Speaker: Pastor Matthew Ude Festival: Lent Passages: John 18:37
Sometimes your following instructions and things happen as they should. For example, the instructions say hold down the button 15 sec until the light blinks twice. It is a relief to see that light blink, you know that you are doing it correctly. Or the recipe says bake 15 minutes until golden brown, after 15
Read More
Our Father, Who Art In Heaven
Sunday March 27, 2022 Text: Luke 15:11-32 Speaker: Pastor Matthew Ude Festival: Lent Passages: Luke 15:11-32
The address of the Lord's prayer is a simple statement. On the surface all that we have done is to state to whom we are offering the prayer. Yet it is the most important part of the prayer, since it is God's greatest desire and joy that we return to Him, as this son did, and receive from Him without attempting to earn or deserve it that unconditional love by which He calls us sons of God and becomes again our true Father.
Read More
Are You the Son of God?
Wednesday March 23, 2022 Text: Luke 22:70 Speaker: Pastor Matthew Ude Festival: Lent Passages: Luke 22:70
Is Jesus the Son of God? Jesus says yes, the Jews say no. What do you say? With Peter we confess, “Yes you are the Christ the Son of the living God.” Of course, it is easy to write yes in the bulletin and go home but Jesus wants more from us than a verbal
Read More
Jesus Seeks Repentance
Sunday March 20, 2022 Text: Luke 13:1-9 Speaker: Pastor Matthew Ude Festival: Lent Passages: Luke 13:1-9
Repentance is the fruit that Jesus is looking for. The Judeans try to make it about politics, religion and merit. All catastrophes remind us of our need to repent. Jesus waits for repentance and when He does not find it He cultivates the tree.
Read More
How Then Could the Scriptures Be Fulfilled
Wednesday March 16, 2022 Text: Matthew 26:51-56 Speaker: Pastor Matthew Ude Festival: Lent Passages: Matthew 26:51-56
Jesus disciples are confused, at least Peter is. In that confusion they react. They react quickly, decisively. They react to protect Jesus, at least Peter does. But that reaction is contrary to the Father’s will. That reaction is not in accordance with God’s kingdom. That reaction is sinful. Peter allows his fear to take control
Read More
Thy Kingdom Come
Sunday March 13, 2022 Text: Luke 13:31-35 Speaker: Pastor Matthew Ude Festival: Lent Passages: Luke 13:31-35
Jesus’ kingdom comes through the cross. We pray that Jesus would oppose all those who block His cross. We pray that Jesus would complete His work within us. We pray that Jesus would gather us to Himself.
Read MoreFriend, Why Have You Come?
Wednesday March 9, 2022 Text: Matthew 26:47-50 Speaker: Pastor Matthew Ude Festival: Lent Passages: Matthew 26:47-50
There is a rather important distinction here in the Greek which is completely lost in the English translation. When Jesus calls Judas “friend” He uses the word, “aetaire.” It doesn’t really mean “friend” its more like that person who sits next to me at work but whom I never speak to and is a little
Read More