Living Kingdom
This is a look into the apostle Matthew's account of the life and times of Jesus.
The Two Prisoners
By: Mike Hauser On: 04/07/2024
Jesus and Barabbas stood next to each other one day. Their differences couldn't have been more stark and everyone still has a choice in who to follow.
Jesus and Barabbas stood next to each other one day. Their differences couldn't have been more stark and everyone still has a choice in who to follow.
By: Scott Hall On: 03/31/2024
We live in the life of resurrection every day, not just Easter.
We live in the life of resurrection every day, not just Easter.
Trial After Trial
By: Scott Hall On: 03/24/2024
The night began with a passover meal and ended with Jesus on trial. This is the encounter of those trials and the final responses to Christ's claims to be the Messiah.
The night began with a passover meal and ended with Jesus on trial. This is the encounter of those trials and the final responses to Christ's claims to be the Messiah.
Chaos and The Cup
By: Mike Hauser On: 03/17/2024
The disciples would leave in the chaos being night-fished and Jesus would be left vulnerable to drink the cup of suffering. What in the world does that mean!?
The disciples would leave in the chaos being night-fished and Jesus would be left vulnerable to drink the cup of suffering. What in the world does that mean!?
The Final Days
By: Scott Hall On: 03/10/2024
Jesus is looking ahead, telling his followers what will come in the next couple of days. And there are two very different responses.
Jesus is looking ahead, telling his followers what will come in the next couple of days. And there are two very different responses.
What Now?
By: Mike Hauser On: 11/19/2023
Without knowing when Jesus returns, how then should we live?
Without knowing when Jesus returns, how then should we live?
The End of the World?
By: Mike Hauser On: 11/12/2023
What in the "end of the world" was Jesus talking about?
What in the "end of the world" was Jesus talking about?
Communion Focus | Freedom
By: Mike Hauser On: 11/05/2023
Jesus said that by following him we will know the truth and the truth will set us free. So, are we living in freedom?
Jesus said that by following him we will know the truth and the truth will set us free. So, are we living in freedom?
Handling Prophecy
By: Scott Hall On: 10/29/2023
Looking at how we responsibly address prophetic writings.
Looking at how we responsibly address prophetic writings.
The Return
By: Mike Hauser On: 10/22/2023
This is an overview of chapters Matthew 24-25 in which Jesus gives his disciples a glimpse into the things to come and his return as king. But it may not look like what you think it should!
This is an overview of chapters Matthew 24-25 in which Jesus gives his disciples a glimpse into the things to come and his return as king. But it may not look like what you think it should!
Uncomfortable
By: Scott Hall On: 10/15/2023
Jesus shares warns the crowd of what is coming for the religious leaders and those who emulate them.
Jesus shares warns the crowd of what is coming for the religious leaders and those who emulate them.
Jesus Asks a Question
By: Mike Hauser On: 10/08/2023
Jesus asks a question which reveals how far off the religious leaders were from reality. He exposes their hypocrisy and shows himself to be the example of righteous living.
Jesus asks a question which reveals how far off the religious leaders were from reality. He exposes their hypocrisy and shows himself to be the example of righteous living.
Communion Focus
By: Scott Hall On: 10/03/2023
A look at Jesus in light of communion.
A look at Jesus in light of communion.
A New Home
By: Scott Hall On: 09/24/2023
Our location may have changed but the mission remains the same.
Our location may have changed but the mission remains the same.
It's A Trap
By: Mike Hauser On: 09/10/2023
The religious leaders thought they could trap Jesus by asking him a series of leading questions. His answers are so countercultural, so radically out of their minds, that it almost seems like he's advocating for an entirely new way of living.
The religious leaders thought they could trap Jesus by asking him a series of leading questions. His answers are so countercultural, so radically out of their minds, that it almost seems like he's advocating for an entirely new way of living.
Don't Miss The Point
By: Mike Hauser On: 08/30/2023
The story of Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey and clearing out the temple may be the greatest example of how completely different Jesus was from the rest of his culture. And Israel completely missed the point.
The story of Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey and clearing out the temple may be the greatest example of how completely different Jesus was from the rest of his culture. And Israel completely missed the point.
Don't Miss the Party
By: Mike Hauser On: 08/27/2023
Jesus invites everyone to a party but not everyone wants to go.
Jesus invites everyone to a party but not everyone wants to go.
The Question of Authority
By: Scott Hall On: 08/20/2023
Jesus' authority is questioned by the religious leaders. It doesn't go well for them.
Jesus' authority is questioned by the religious leaders. It doesn't go well for them.
Be A Good Tree
By: Mike Hauser On: 08/13/2023
Do we need "more faith" or do we need to see that dead religions turn us into dead trees?
Do we need "more faith" or do we need to see that dead religions turn us into dead trees?
Experiencing the Faithfulness of God
By: Scott Hall On: 08/06/2023
Mary and Elizabeth were the first to declare the faithfulness of God in the coming of the Savior.
Mary and Elizabeth were the first to declare the faithfulness of God in the coming of the Savior.
Seen and Heard
By: Scott Hall On: 07/23/2023
Jesus demonstrating that our cries for mercy are not lost.
Jesus demonstrating that our cries for mercy are not lost.
Ambition and Service
By: Scott Hall On: 07/16/2023
The greatest in the Kingdom of God are the ones who serve without pretense, ambition, or power. Simple, authentic service to others as an expression of love for God is greater than anything else.
The greatest in the Kingdom of God are the ones who serve without pretense, ambition, or power. Simple, authentic service to others as an expression of love for God is greater than anything else.
Getting Rid of Rank
By: Mike Hauser On: 07/09/2023
Your rank and status in this world has no bearing on your position in the Kingdom of God.
Your rank and status in this world has no bearing on your position in the Kingdom of God.
Free From Shame
By: Scott Hall On: 07/02/2023
We can live without shame and in the freedom that Christ brings.
We can live without shame and in the freedom that Christ brings.
The Impossible Demand
By: Scott Hall On: 06/25/2023
When a rich man tries to earn Heaven, Jesus makes an impossible demand.
When a rich man tries to earn Heaven, Jesus makes an impossible demand.
Live Humbly
By: Mike Hauser On: 06/18/2023
Jesus pointed to children as the example of humility his followers should pursue. If we were to live this way it would change that nature of all of our relationships.
Jesus pointed to children as the example of humility his followers should pursue. If we were to live this way it would change that nature of all of our relationships.
Divorce Separation Blues
By: Scott Hall On: 06/11/2023
As the Pharisees try to trap Jesus he shows them once again that he is above their petty squabbles.
As the Pharisees try to trap Jesus he shows them once again that he is above their petty squabbles.
Experiencing a Real Faith
By: Scott Hall On: 06/04/2023
We can be confident that our forgiveness is for our joy, not a threat that it could one day be taken away.
We can be confident that our forgiveness is for our joy, not a threat that it could one day be taken away.
Living Forgiveness
By: Mike Hauser On: 05/28/2023
Compassion, mercy, forgiveness, these describe and define the heart of God. He expects his followers to treat each other the same way.
Compassion, mercy, forgiveness, these describe and define the heart of God. He expects his followers to treat each other the same way.
Restoration and Reconciliation
By: Scott Hall On: 05/21/2023
When we live in community it's inevitable that there will be conflict. It was no different with Jesus' disciples. When one hurts another Jesus lays out a way of reconciliation.
When we live in community it's inevitable that there will be conflict. It was no different with Jesus' disciples. When one hurts another Jesus lays out a way of reconciliation.
Be Like Children
By: Scott Hall On: 05/14/2023
When the disciples are concerned about power and position Jesus tells them to be more like children.
When the disciples are concerned about power and position Jesus tells them to be more like children.
Communion - God Revealed
By: Mike Hauser On: 05/07/2023
Of all the symbols God could have chosen to show us His heart, He told us to remember see Him in the broken body of Christ.
Of all the symbols God could have chosen to show us His heart, He told us to remember see Him in the broken body of Christ.
Humility of the Divine
By: Scott Hall On: 04/30/2023
Jesus demonstrates both his power and humility in one simple act of paying a tax.
Jesus demonstrates both his power and humility in one simple act of paying a tax.
Quality of Faith
By: Scott Hall On: 04/23/2023
Our faith is not in our own ideas about religion or what we can do, but in the strength and power of God.
Our faith is not in our own ideas about religion or what we can do, but in the strength and power of God.
Don't Chase the Moment
By: Mike Hauser On: 04/16/2023
We have a tendency to try and hold on to moments rather than realize that all the moments of our lives are there to draw us to Jesus.
We have a tendency to try and hold on to moments rather than realize that all the moments of our lives are there to draw us to Jesus.
Worth Coming Home To
By: Scott Hall On: 04/09/2023
The story of the prodigal son was one of the most controversial stories Jesus told because it demonstrated the extravagant love of God that no one was expecting.
The story of the prodigal son was one of the most controversial stories Jesus told because it demonstrated the extravagant love of God that no one was expecting.
Following The Messiah
By: Mike Hauser On: 03/26/2023
When our expectations of faith and life are different than God's we are prone to grown frustrated, angry, and discouraged. And then we try to take control.
When our expectations of faith and life are different than God's we are prone to grown frustrated, angry, and discouraged. And then we try to take control.
Who Do You Say I Am?
By: Scott Hall On: 03/19/2023
It may be the most important question you'll ever answer: Who do you say Jesus is?
It may be the most important question you'll ever answer: Who do you say Jesus is?
You Don't Need A Sign
By: Scott Hall On: 03/12/2023
If your mind is already made up no amount of miracles are going to change it.
If your mind is already made up no amount of miracles are going to change it.
From Passover to Communion
By: Mike Hauser On: 03/05/2023
Jesus celebrated the final Passover meal with his disciples on the night he was arrested. It was a meal that finds its origins more than 1500 years in the past, when the blood of a lamb saved people from death.
Jesus celebrated the final Passover meal with his disciples on the night he was arrested. It was a meal that finds its origins more than 1500 years in the past, when the blood of a lamb saved people from death.
Jesus Beyond Borders
By: Scott Hall On: 02/26/2023
Last week it was one Gentile woman, this week, it's over 4,000 Gentile people spending three days getting healed and being fed in miraculous ways. It seems Jesus was looking at race when it came to grace.
Last week it was one Gentile woman, this week, it's over 4,000 Gentile people spending three days getting healed and being fed in miraculous ways. It seems Jesus was looking at race when it came to grace.
Desperate Faith
By: Scott Hall On: 02/19/2023
Even though she was not a Jewish woman, she still showed faith in Christ greater than many in the Jewish community.
Even though she was not a Jewish woman, she still showed faith in Christ greater than many in the Jewish community.
Under The Surface
By: Scott Hall On: 02/12/2023
The religious leaders try again to trap Jesus. He turns their question back onto them showing that they were consumed with outer appearance while God was most concerned with about their hearts.
The religious leaders try again to trap Jesus. He turns their question back onto them showing that they were consumed with outer appearance while God was most concerned with about their hearts.
Calming the Storms
By: Scott Hall On: 01/29/2023
Fear takes our eyes off of Jesus.
Fear takes our eyes off of Jesus.
Comfort and Conviction
By: Scott Hall On: 01/22/2023
Jesus called upon his followers to do the impossible. When they had no idea how, he showed them.
Jesus called upon his followers to do the impossible. When they had no idea how, he showed them.
Living the Truth
By: Mike Hauser On: 01/15/2023
The story of Herod Antipas and John the Baptist is one of the best examples in scripture of how refusing to live what you claim to believe ends up being bad for everyone.
The story of Herod Antipas and John the Baptist is one of the best examples in scripture of how refusing to live what you claim to believe ends up being bad for everyone.
Centering on Christ
By: Mike Hauser On: 09/18/2022
Jesus has invited us into the Kingdom of God, making a way to be with him and to be part of His eternally unfolding story. But we can't bring anything with us, it's all got to go.
Jesus has invited us into the Kingdom of God, making a way to be with him and to be part of His eternally unfolding story. But we can't bring anything with us, it's all got to go.
Beneath the Surface of the Parables
By: Scott Hall On: 09/11/2022
We can ruin the good by trying to get rid of the bad.
We can ruin the good by trying to get rid of the bad.
Communion Intermission
By: Scott Hall On: 09/04/2022
We take a step away from Matthew today to focus on the ancient practice of Communion and why it is so important for us to do this on a regular basis.
We take a step away from Matthew today to focus on the ancient practice of Communion and why it is so important for us to do this on a regular basis.
Listen to Understand
By: Mike Hauser On: 08/28/2022
Not understanding spiritual things doesn't mean we're hopeless. Asking Jesus to explain IS the point!
Not understanding spiritual things doesn't mean we're hopeless. Asking Jesus to explain IS the point!
Demands of Devotion
By: Scott Hall On: 08/21/2022
The people just kept wanting more and more signs that Jesus was the Messiah. But Jesus wasn't doing miracles to put on a show or make anyone believe.
The people just kept wanting more and more signs that Jesus was the Messiah. But Jesus wasn't doing miracles to put on a show or make anyone believe.
Our Soul and Our Words
By: Scott Hall On: 08/14/2022
Am I for or against Jesus? How do I guard the condition of my heart?
Am I for or against Jesus? How do I guard the condition of my heart?
Choose Your Yoke
By: Mike Hauser On: 08/07/2022
We all follow something, even if we think we don't. So is your way of living refreshing for your soul or is it burdening you and everyone around you?
We all follow something, even if we think we don't. So is your way of living refreshing for your soul or is it burdening you and everyone around you?
Don't Let Excuses Get in the Way
By: Scott Hall On: 07/31/2022
The people always had an excuse for rejecting Jesus and his teachings of the Kingdom of God. Their excuses wouldn't matter in the end.
The people always had an excuse for rejecting Jesus and his teachings of the Kingdom of God. Their excuses wouldn't matter in the end.
Questions and Doubts
By: Mike Hauser On: 07/24/2022
We're often hit with struggles in life that we didn't plan for our count on. Where we go and what we do with those questions and doubts is critical for how we work out our faith in real life.
We're often hit with struggles in life that we didn't plan for our count on. Where we go and what we do with those questions and doubts is critical for how we work out our faith in real life.
When Love Chases Away Fear
By: Scott Hall On: 07/17/2022
It's not easy to follow Jesus. People hated him enough to kill him and so his followers shouldn't be surprised when those who live like him aren't liked very much. But that's not the end of the story.
It's not easy to follow Jesus. People hated him enough to kill him and so his followers shouldn't be surprised when those who live like him aren't liked very much. But that's not the end of the story.
Following Jesus
By: Scott Hall On: 07/10/2022
Jesus modeled the life he called his disciples to live. They were two follow him in all things and emulate him.
Jesus modeled the life he called his disciples to live. They were two follow him in all things and emulate him.
INTERMISSION - Job 39-42
By: NA On: 07/03/2022
A brief intermission from Matthew as we had a guest speaker on this Sunday looking at the dialogue between God and Job.
A brief intermission from Matthew as we had a guest speaker on this Sunday looking at the dialogue between God and Job.
A New Reality
By: Scott Hall On: 06/26/2022
The relationship with Jesus that we see in Matthew is completely different than what everyone was expecting.
The relationship with Jesus that we see in Matthew is completely different than what everyone was expecting.
Mercy More Than Sacrifice
By: Mike Hauser On: 06/19/2022
Jesus called a hated man to be his disciple, then had dinner with a bunch of sinners. This was not normal...
Jesus called a hated man to be his disciple, then had dinner with a bunch of sinners. This was not normal...
Miracles Mean Something
By: Scott Hall On: 06/05/2022
Miracles weren't just neat tricks that Jesus did to prove a point. Every miracle tells us something more about Jesus.
Miracles weren't just neat tricks that Jesus did to prove a point. Every miracle tells us something more about Jesus.
Who Is This Jesus?
By: Scott Hall On: 06/05/2022
Jesus spent three chapters speaking about the Kingdom. Then he goes on to demonstrate the power of the Kingdom by miraculously demonstrating it with outsiders.
Jesus spent three chapters speaking about the Kingdom. Then he goes on to demonstrate the power of the Kingdom by miraculously demonstrating it with outsiders.
Living The Kingdom
By: Mike Hauser On: 05/29/2022
In chapters 5-7 of Matthew we see Jesus give a succinct, consistent ethic of the Kingdom of God. If we are to follow it, it would change our lives.
In chapters 5-7 of Matthew we see Jesus give a succinct, consistent ethic of the Kingdom of God. If we are to follow it, it would change our lives.
Lessons from Jesus' Early Ministry
By: Scott Hall On: 05/22/2022
Chapter four of Matthew summarizes Jesus' early ministry. His calling of disciples and interaction with those in need reveal a savior filled with compassion and a love for outsiders.
Chapter four of Matthew summarizes Jesus' early ministry. His calling of disciples and interaction with those in need reveal a savior filled with compassion and a love for outsiders.
That's Tempting
By: Scott Hall On: 05/15/2022
The temptations of Jesus were the same temptations that Israel had. They're the same ones that we have. They haven't changed. The only difference is that Jesus didn't give in.
The temptations of Jesus were the same temptations that Israel had. They're the same ones that we have. They haven't changed. The only difference is that Jesus didn't give in.
A New Beginning
By: Mike Hauser On: 05/08/2022
Jesus walked 65 miles to be baptized by John before beginning his earthly ministry. Why would he do that and what are the implications for us?
Jesus walked 65 miles to be baptized by John before beginning his earthly ministry. Why would he do that and what are the implications for us?
A Turning Around
By: Scott Hall On: 05/01/2022
The lessons we can learn from John the Baptist all come down to his primary message, "Repent, because the Kingdom of God is coming!"
The lessons we can learn from John the Baptist all come down to his primary message, "Repent, because the Kingdom of God is coming!"
Making a Case for the Messiah
By: Scott Hall On: 04/24/2022
We begin our look into the Gospel of Matthew by recognizing how clearly Matthew was building his argument that Jesus was who he claimed to be.
We begin our look into the Gospel of Matthew by recognizing how clearly Matthew was building his argument that Jesus was who he claimed to be.
By: NA On:
God's plan was for rest, knowing that we wouldn't take it naturally. We can find the Lord's rest in the act of communion.
God's plan was for rest, knowing that we wouldn't take it naturally. We can find the Lord's rest in the act of communion.
Eliminating Shadows
By: NA On:
The sacrificial system was a shadow of the sacrifice of Christ to come. He settled it all once and for eternity.
The sacrificial system was a shadow of the sacrifice of Christ to come. He settled it all once and for eternity.