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 MoreAre 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 MoreJesus 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 MoreHow 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 MoreThy 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 MoreLead Us Not Into Temptation
Sunday March 6, 2022 Text: Luke 4:1-13 Speaker: Pastor Matthew Ude Festival: Lent Passages: Luke 4:1-13
Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness teaches us what it truly means to pray the sixth petition. God chose to test Jesus in our place. Jesus resisted all temptation without any sin. Therefore when we are tempted it is merely a practice test. Salvation is already ours through Jesus Christ.
Read MoreCould you not watch with me one hour?
Wednesday March 2, 2022 Text: Matthew 26:37-46 Speaker: Pastor Matthew Ude Festival: Ash Wednesday Passages: Matthew 26:37-46
“Can you not watch and pray with me for one hour?” I think most of us would have to answer, “No. I can’t watch and pray for one hour.” We have trouble watching and praying for five minutes, much less an hour. When we were in Sem I remember hearing Martin Luther’s advice for preaching.
Read MoreExpect Miracles
Sunday February 27, 2022 Text: Luke 9:28-36 Speaker: Pastor Matthew Ude Festival: Transfiguration Passages: Luke 9:28-36
Have you ever climbed a mountain to find a miracle? We climb mountains for lots of reasons. We might climb a mountain for the view. These days we might climb a mountain so that we can sled down it. One famous mountain climb reportedly said that he climbed it because it was there. In India
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