Matthew 8:26
“Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?”

Out on the Sea of Galilee, in the midst of a great tempest, we find the disciples fearing for their lives. When they cry out to Jesus for help, He responds with a question. “Why are you afraid?” Naturally, they had much reason to fear. The storm was great, many in the boat were unaccustomed to the sea and it’s ways, and fear has a way of spreading from one to another. To make matters worse, when they looked to Jesus, He seemed to not care about their plight. He was sleeping while they were suffering. It seems they had reason to fear. On the other hand, they had been traveling with Jesus. They lived through the chapter we just read. They saw Him cleanse the leper and heal the crowds. If they had only looked back at what Jesus had done, they would have had great comfort for what they were facing.

Perhaps this morning would be a good time to reflect on the works of God. Think through the pages of Scripture at His mighty deeds in the lives of others. Then think through your life and remember all the ways He has been faithful to you.

“Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?”

Pastor Jim

Questions for Chapter 8

1. Leprosy was an incurable, communicable disease. The law forbids anyone to touch a leper. What does Jesus do? What is the result?
2. A centurion is a Roman soldier, not a Jew. What does Jesus say about His faith?
3. How does Peter’s mother in law respond to what Jesus did for her? How can you serve Jesus?
4. Summarize in just a few words what Jesus says about following Him in 8:18-22.
5. What did the disciples do in 8:23?
6. Where was Jesus during the storm?
7. What was He doing?
8. How does the whole city react to the healing of the demon possessed men?

Old Testament:
Genesis 15- Agents Of Shield
Genesis 16- God Who Sees

Matthew 7:5
“Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

Often, when we know of a Christian friend who is stumbling in their walk with Jesus, we are not sure what to do. They may have gotten involved in an ungodly activity or into a bad relationship, or simply stopped investing into their relationship with Christ. We want to help, but at the same time we fear that saying something will be construed as “judging them.” Jesus gives us, in this passage, a keen insight into how to deal with one another in the body. When you see something amiss in my relationship with Christ, the first place you should look is inward. Is there anything out of place in your relationship with Christ? What you find must be removed. The Biblical way of dealing with personal sin is found in 1John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive . . . and to cleanse…” Once you have “removed the plank,” it is time to look outward to see how you can help me “remove the speck.”

Too often, we neglect helping one another out of fear of judging them. It is important to remember, the Bible exhorts us to do all we can to help one another make it to the end of the race, where we will be welcomed by the loving arms of Jesus.

Galatians 6:1
“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.”

Galatians 6:2
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

Hebrews 12:12
“Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, . . .”
Let’s go out today seeking to do all we can to help one another reach the end of our faith and the salvation of our souls.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Chapter 7

1. What does Jesus tell us to do with the plank in our eye?
2. How will that help us help others?
3. Is there anything in your life that needs to come out? Take some time right now to confess it to God and ask His help to remove it.
4. “Ask, seek knock” Jesus is teaching the need for persistence in prayer. Is there anyone who you have given up praying for? Start again today and be consistent, heaven is filled with people who made decisions for Christ in their final years, days even hours.
5. To understand the “Narrow Way,” look up John 14:6 and John 1:12.
6. Who does Jesus warn us against?
7. In the final verses of chapter 7, what does the rock represent?
8. How can you build your life on the rock?

Old Testament:
Genesis 13- Moving Forward
Genesis 14- Meeting Melchizedek

Matthew 6:21
” For Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

The longer I live, the more I have come to realize, so much in life is passing. Things I once coveted and had to have, are bundled up and given to the Salvation Army. That “new car smell” has been replaced with “what’s that smell?” Even relationships that were once so close, have grown distant. The words of Christ shout a deafening cry,

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

Matthew, Chapter 6, not only exhorts us to lay up heavenly treasures, it also sheds light on the spiritual activities that will help us do it. We are told to give, pray, fast and let go.

One of the great struggles we face is how to live for eternity, while living in time. We know, while God could cause manna to appear on our front lawn every morning, He has chosen to call us to “till the ground.” In other words, we all have to work for a living. We need the tangibles like cash, food, housing, etc. How do we balance living here with storing up treasures in heaven. I think one of the keys is found in Verse 33.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

When we decide to no longer worry, to no longer be consumed with the things of this life, and instead, put our full confidence in Jehovah, as our provider, we will be able to put Him first. When that happens, we will see  He is, in fact, able to meet our every need.

Today, whether you go to work, school, or stay at home, put Jesus in first place. Seek to please Him with every step, and watch as He uses the details of your day as opportunities to store up treasures in heaven.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Chapter 6
Chapter 6 deals with spiritual exercise or activities that each Christian should be involved in. We are taught the proper way to give, pray and fast. The word “charitable” means mercy that causes us to give.

1. Contrast the way the hypocrite gives with the way we should give.
2. How does God respond to proper giving?
3. In verse 6 Jesus is speaking regarding our private prayer life. How should we prayer? How does God promise to respond?
4. What warnings does Jesus give about prayer? “Do not…”
5. The “Lord’s Prayer” is designed to be an example. What does it teach about praying?
6. What is “Fasting?”
7. Choose something to fast from this week, i.e. lunches, dinners, T.V. or even Facebook and use that time for prayer and worship. Choose a friend to fast with and encourage one another.
8. What can you do this week to store up treasures in heaven?
9. Matthew 6:25-34 contains some of the most practical and valuable teaching in the whole Bible. What does Jesus teach that will serve as the antidote to anxiety?

Old Testament
Genesis 11- United
Genesis 12- Famine In The Land

Matthew 5:1-2
“And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: . . .”

Matthew 5-7 contain one continuous message that Jesus preached to His followers on a hillside overlooking the Sea of Galilee. Although it is called a sea, it is actually a lake. The Greek word for sea and lake are the same word.

Verse 1 gives us the setting in which this sermon was given. We read, “seeing the multitude, He went up…” This great message on Christian ethics and Christian living was motivated by seeing the multitude. The word “multitude” simply means a large group of people. It is used in the Gospels to speak of the great number of people who, while being drawn to Jesus, had not yet received Him. The multitude illustrates for us the unbelieving world. The Bible teaches us how Jesus feels about the unbeliever. He loves them so much He bled and died for them. So, here we find Jesus wanting to save the lost; wanting to reach the multitude, and as a result, He departs from them to spend time with His disciples. A disciple is one who has received Christ and is following Him.

You see, the method Jesus uses to reach a lost world, is through the lives of His followers. The more time we spend with Him, and the more we become the Christian of the sermon on the mount, the greater influence we will have upon the world, for Christ.

As you read Matthew 5-7 pray and apply the Scriptures to your daily living and let’s see God use you to reach the world for the kingdom of heaven.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Chapter 5
Chapters 5 – 7 record a message given by Jesus to His followers explaining how Christians should live, it is most commonly referred to as “The Sermon on the Mount”
The word, blessed, means happy.

1. According to Jesus, where will we find true happiness?
2. Why does Jesus compare His followers to salt?
3. Why light?
4. How can you apply verse 16 today?
5. In verse 18, what promise does Jesus give regarding His Word?
6. Is there anyone who you need to reconcile with today? How can you humbly seek to repair the broken relationship?
7. Is your eye causing you to sin? What things do you need to change to help you not look at what you shouldn’t? Find someone you can be accountable to, let them know what you are struggling with so they can pray with you.
8. Since marriage is so sacred to Jesus, how can you work on yours?
9. What does Jesus mean by “turn the other cheek”?
10. How does loving your enemies set a Christian apart from the unbeliever? Who are you having a hard time loving? How can you apply this verse to you situation.

Old Testament
Genesis 9- Cover It Up
Genesis 10- Babel

Matthew 4:1
“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”

People seem to be fascinated with fighting. I can remember being in Jr. High School and hearing the word “FIGHT” resonate across the playground. All activities stopped and the whole student body ran in an attempt to get a front row seat to view the scene. Things have not changed; people gather to watch boxing matches, UFC events and even hockey games, all for the thrill of the fight.

Here in Matthew 4 we have a fight for the ages. It is the greatest of fights because it is between the greatest of opponents; the devil and Jesus. It reflects the fight we all face. I notice in this epic battle a few key elements that will help us as we seek to overcome the temptations the devil throws our way.

First, notice how the devil works. Jesus is hungry and weary, and tempted with food. The devil will always attack where we are weakest. We simply need to understand that. When we do, we can build defenses like accountability, to help withstand those attacks.

Second, notice how Jesus responds to the temptation. He quotes the WORD. Daily Bible reading will give you fresh ammunition to counter-attack the devil’s temptations. I am still amazed how, what might seem like an obscure passage while I am reading it, has tremendous impact on my life throughout the day. Keep in the WORD and you will always be prepared for battle.

Third, Jesus understood we cannot put ourselves in a compromising position and expect to come out victorious. It seems to me, when we fail in our walk with the Lord, it is because we were in a place we should not have been. Get off the pinnacle of the Temple! Do not tempt the Lord by putting yourself in a place where all you can expect is failure.

Let’s keep ourselves in the WORD, and our eyes on Jesus, as we press toward the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Chapter 4

1. How did Jesus get into the wilderness?
2. What do you notice about the things Satan used to tempt Jesus?
3. What did Jesus use in His response to each of the temptations He faced?
4. How will knowing God’s Word help you overcome temptation?
5. What was promised to those who lived in darkness?
6. What was the message that Jesus began to preach?
7. What promise does Jesus give the fishermen if they will follow Him?
8. How did the fishermen respond to the invitation of Jesus?

Old Testament
Genesis 7- Obedience
Genesis 8- Dark Times

Matthew 3:15
“Jesus answered and said to John, ‘Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.’”

The baptism of Jesus was a critical event in His life and ministry. It becomes a great illustration for us, of Christian living and service. First off, note that Jesus was baptized to fulfill righteousness. Water baptism is a picture of a spiritual baptism, which happens the moment a person believes in Christ.

Paul wrote, “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body…”  1Corinthians 12:13

While water baptism is not a requirement for salvation, it is a requirement for obedience. We are commanded, upon receiving Christ, to make it public with baptism. Jesus, to illustrate the value of this public declaration, submitted Himself to the rite of baptism. Second, note what happened upon His baptism; the Holy Spirit descended upon Him. This is a picture of a second baptism that the Bible speaks of; not when we are submerged in water, but in the Holy Spirit. I find it of the highest importance, that before Jesus began public ministry, He was baptized with the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised, any who asked would receive the Holy Spirit, and along with the outpouring of the Spirit, would be power to walk with Christ. Take time right now to ask God to baptize you with the Holy Spirit, and empower you to live for Christ and serve Him. Finally, note that Jesus heard the voice of God. One thing abundantly clear in Scripture is that God honors obedience. I believe whenever we take steps of obedience in our lives, we will hear the voice of God clearer. Whatever He is asking of you, do it, and His voice will become louder and clearer to you.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Chapter 3

1. What message did John give to the people?
2. What was the purpose of John’s ministry?
3. In what way should our lives be like that of John the Baptist?
4. When the people were baptized what did they confess?
5. Are there any sins you need to confess this morning?
6. What baptism does John promise Jesus will bring?
7. Ask Jesus to baptize you this morning with the Holy Spirit.
8. Have you been baptized in water? If not, contact the church about the next baptism.

Old Testament:
Genesis 5- Likeness
Genesis 6- Finding Grace

Matthew 2:2
“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

Those ancient travelers who went in search of the Child Jesus, form a valuable illustration of true worship. Their worship included at least five ideas we would do well to imitate.

First, their worship was Spirit led; we read they followed “His star”. These men, who spent their time observing the heavens, were amazed that a star, which had not existed before, appeared in the sky and directed them to Jerusalem.

Second, their worship was Biblically founded. The leading of the Spirit brought them to Jerusalem. Once there, they searched the Scriptures to find the Child. Jesus said, those who worship Him must worship in “spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-240). If we want our worship to be well pleasing, we must search the Scriptures to find out who God really is, and what He desires from us.

Third, they worshipped with “exceedingly great joy.” In other words, their worship was a celebration. We all vary in personality: some are quiet, others quite loud. When we are not trying to mimick someone else in worship, there is an element where we are celebrating. What could be more amazing than God sending His Son into the world to save sinners?

Fourth, their worship included giving. They took of what they had and offered it to Jesus. When we see the value of Jesus, we are willing to give our valuables to Him. Perhaps it is time to give your time, talent and treasures to the Lord.

Finally, they were changed by their worship. We are told they departed another way. The way they came was not the way they left. These men who had been star gazers were now witnesses of Christ.

Let’s take some time today to worship Jesus in Spirit and in truth.

Pastor Jim

Matthew Chapter 2- Questions 

1. Why did the wise men come?
2. What was the source of authority for the chief priests and scribes when trying to determine the identity of the Messiah?
3. What did the wise men do when they met Jesus?
4. What lessons can we learn the reaction of the wise men to meeting Jesus?
5. Jesus was born in Bethlehem but grew up where?
6. Why does Matthew continue to quote from the Old Testament?

Old Testament:
Genesis 3- The Cunning Beast
Genesis 4- Offering

Matthew 1:1
“The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham”

I did not grow up going to church. At the age of 15 years old, I had never seen a Bible. A close friend of mine went on a family trip to visit his grandmother, who apparently was a believer, although I had no idea what that meant. Upon his return, he told me he thought we needed to be “better”. He told me he was going to begin reading the Bible. I decided I would join him in this venture, and when I arrived home that day, I asked my mom to get me a Bible. A few days later, I found a little green book on my dresser. On the front cover it read, “New Testament.” I took the book to my mom, and told her I wanted a Bible, not some modern book. She explained that the New Testament was the second half of the Bible. I returned to my room and began to read. Three times I started, and three times my mind wandered away from the pages, not understanding a single word. I tossed the book back on my dresser and said to myself, “I guess this Bible stuff is not for me.”

If this is your first time reading through the Bible, you may have encountered the same difficulty I did. You have found the first 17 verses of Matthew to be a list of names, belonging to people of whom you have never heard, and have a difficult time pronouncing. Allow me to encourage you, it is OK to skip the names. Pick up in verse 18, and begin the most fascinating story, about the most exceptional person, who has ever walked the face of the planet.

A few years later, after becoming a believer myself, I was given some instruction that got me past the first few verses, into an adventure of getting to know God personally, through His word. I want to invite you to join me on that adventure, as we read the Word of God together, and get to know the God of the Word.

Pastor Jim

Genesis 1- In The Beginning
Genesis 2- God Rested

Proverbs 31:1
“The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him . . .”

Proverbs 31 is a section of Scripture most often taught at women’s conferences or retreats, because it goes to great length describing a virtuous woman. A more careful look will reveal this passage was actually instructions to the King, by his mother. It was her attempt to teach him how to find a godly wife. We find not only the characteristics that a virtuous woman ought to pursue, but also the traits a godly man should be looking for in a wife.

Each year a variety of media outlets declare their list of most attractive woman on the planet. In each case, it is the physical characteristics that are focused upon, without mention of true character. The king’s mother reminds him of the need to look beyond the surface, at true beauty.

Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.”

I have always been struck by the fact that, in her 70′s, Sarah was still considered beautiful by the king of Egypt. Thinking she was the sister of Abraham, he pursued a relationship with her. Years later, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Peter declares Sarah’s true beauty. He describes her as being chaste, gentle and one who feared the Lord (1Peter 3:1-6). While physical beauty is the first thing we notice in another, character and godliness are the traits that will last.

Men need to be careful not to be drawn to a women’s passing beauty, while ignoring true godliness. Women need to be careful not to rate their beauty above things that really matter in the kingdom of God. All the lighting, camera angles, and airbrushing cannot replace godliness or true virtue. Let’s not look at the latest fashion magazine as a mirror, but to the Word of God, so we become people who fear the Lord.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Proverbs 30 
Agur is considered by many to be another name for Solomon. 
1. Take a moment to consider the question found in verse four, and then give the Biblical answer. 

2. What do we learn about the Word of God from verses 5-6? 

3. Examine the prayer found in verses 7-9, what do you notice. 

4. Choose a favorite verse from this chapter and write out your thoughts on how to apply it to your life. 

Old Testament:
Malachi 3- Solid Gold
Malachi 4- Sound Of Silence

Proverbs 30:24-28
“There are four things which are little on the earth,
But they are exceedingly wise:
The ants are a people not strong,
Yet they prepare their food in the summer;
The rock badgers are a feeble folk,
Yet they make their homes in the crags;
The locusts have no king,
Yet they all advance in ranks;
The spider skillfully grasps with its hands,
And it is in kings’ palaces.”

This Proverb takes us to the natural world, in order to illustrate spiritual truths. The behaviors of four creatures are used to help us understand how to walk with the Lord.

The ant is an example of being prepared for the future. We are exhorted to live prepared for eternity. We do that by receiving Jesus Christ and walking daily, with Him. Jesus reminded us of the need to store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20).

The rock badger is believed to be a small animal, much like a rabbit. Having no defenses of its own, it could not fight off a predator. The wisdom of this small creature is found in the fact that it dwelt in the rocks. For a predator to attack the rock badger, it must go through the rock. The believer must learn to hide away in Christ; He is our fortress, strong tower, shield and buckler, against the enemy’s assault.

The locust was known for always moving forward. Nothing could impede the advance of a locust swarm. Paul reminds the believer of the need to forget the past and move forward with the Lord (Philippians 3:13). For many of us, our past failures are keeping us from present experiences with the Lord, and from future victories for the kingdom. It is time to act like a locust and press forward.

Finally, we have all seen a spider run up the wall and across the ceiling. Their ability to hold on is amazing. We are reminded of the need to cling to the Lord. The heroes of the Christian faith were men and women who held tightly to the promises of God. When the storms of life hit, they clung to the promises, and like an anchor, those promises held firm.

As the new year approaches, keep in mind, no obstacle is so great that God cannot give you strength to confront it. Let’s be sure, above all else, we resolve to make our hiding place in the Lord.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Proverbs 30 
Agur is considered by many to be another name for Solomon. 
1. Take a moment to consider the question found in verse four, and then give the Biblical answer. 

2. What do we learn about the Word of God from verses 5-6? 

3. Examine the prayer found in verses 7-9, what do you notice. 

4. Choose a favorite verse from this chapter and write out your thoughts on how to apply it to your life. 

Old Testament:
Malachi 1- The Lord’s Cow
Malachi 2- Happy Marriage