Tree Of Life

Can a Christian really be justified by works? Does not Paul say this is impossible and that we are justified by faith alone? In this challenging section of Scripture, we must keep in mind James' goal: to disciple Christian wholeness—a salvation stronger than straw.

James desires whole Christians who are completely committed to Christ. To this end, he urges the church to action, calling Christians to more than a series of doctrines, but to a way of life.

When Christ is raised from the tomb, He claims the nations as King—seizing them from the rule of Caesar and the oppression of demons—and calls His church to establish His reign over them.

Did God really sacrifice Himself to save us from Himself? The common and somewhat superficial formula cannot support a serious faith. A more serious look at the Gospels reveals that Jesus' sacrifice does not rescue us from God's wrath, but from sin's death.

An examination of how each character responds to the trial of Jesus. WARING: this message discusses suicide; ensure young ears are not around when listening.

If Jesus told you that you would fail Him, what would you do? This section of Matthew follows Peter in his quest for will-power in contrast to Jesus' prayer for God-power.

Matthew frames devotion to Christ with scenes of betrayal, casting a dire warning to disciples to be devoted to Christ.

Jesus tells three parables, urging our readiness for His return. This invitations conclude with a climatic scene of judgement where Christ separates the sheep from the goats.

In this difficult section, Jesus clarifies two separate ends: the end of the Jewish temple (to be replaced by the church) and the end of time (to be replaced by the Kingdom).

This midweek gathering seeks to alleviate fears and clarify confusion about liturgy. The presentation moves in three parts: 1) The Need for Liturgy, 2) A Definition of Liturgy, and 3) A Tour of CCTP's Liturgy. NOTE: Presentation slides are available at https://snbs.sermon.net/main/snbs/22311388, but please note they will not make sense without the audio teaching. NOTE: The question-and-answer segments are not included.

Matthew records Jesus' judgment on the Pharisees as a warning to disciples in the church.

When Jesus visits, judgment results. But not all judgment is bad. It all depends on how we receive Him.

In contrast to conventional values, God is generous to the point of foolishness. Given such grace, what do we want from Him?

Disciples live differently than conventional cultural means. Sometimes Jesus' expectations seem impossible. How are we faithfully formed?

In Matthew 18, Jesus gives his fourth sermon. This one focusses on inter-relationships within the church. Throughout, His sermon addresses what it means to be an inheritor of the Kingdom.

The transfiguration of Jesus is a preview of our own glorification. This message examines the theme of humans being clothed in glory throughout the Biblical story and what it means for us right now.

Matthew 16 sees the word "church" appear for the first time in the New Testament. What Jesus has to say about His church is crucial for our understanding of what a church should be and how we relate ourselves to it.

Tradition is the living faith of the dead; traditionalism is the dead faith of the living. In Matthew 15, Jesus criticizes dead traditionalism while demonstrating a living tradition.

In Matthew 14, Jesus turns His focus toward training His disciples to feed the world. In this chapter are the foundations for Christian worship.

In Matthew 13, Jesus gives His third of five sermons. This time, He speaks in parables, which serve as a kind of riddle. Are we listening to what He says and are we bearing fruit?