MATTHEW | THE KING THAT WENT TO THE CROSS (AUDIO ONLY)

Matthew 10:34-42 | The Divisive Gospel: Finding Life in Losing Everything for Christ

This sermon explores Jesus' radical call to discipleship in Matthew 10:34-42, where He declares that He came not to bring peace, but a sword. This difficult passage reveals that the gospel is inherently divisive because it demands supreme allegiance to Christ—even above our closest family relationships. Jesus isn't diminishing the importance of family; rather, He's using our strongest earthly bonds to illustrate that He must be our greatest treasure. The call to "take up your cross" means dying to self and all lesser loves, replacing our natural desires with wholehearted devotion to Jesus. While this path involves sacrifice and potential persecution, it leads to discovering that when Jesus is all we have, He truly is all we need.

Sermon No. 26

Pastor Michael Johnson

Preached on 11-2-2025

MATTHEW | THE KING THAT WENT TO THE CROSS (AUDIO ONLY)

Matthew 10:26-33 | Fearless Faith: Acknowledging Jesus in a Hostile World

This sermon concluded our study on the cost of discipleship by examining Jesus' counter-intuitive command: "Have no fear of them." In a world where following Christ guarantees opposition, slander, and even persecution, Jesus calls us to replace our fear of man with a proper fear of God. Pastor Michael explores how an eternal perspective transforms our understanding of suffering, how God's intimate knowledge of us should fuel our courage, and why publicly acknowledging Jesus is the only response worthy of disciples who truly understand His worth.

Sermon No. 25

Pastor Michael Johnson

Preached on 10-27-2025

MATTHEW | THE KING THAT WENT TO THE CROSS (AUDIO ONLY)

Matthew 10:16-25 | Sheep Among Wolves: The Reality of Christian Discipleship

In this sermon on Matthew 10:16-25, we explore Jesus' candid description of the Christian life. You will see how following Christ isn't always comfortable or easy, but rather involves being "sheep among wolves." Pastor Michael emphasized the reality of persecution, the importance of wisdom and innocence in our response, and the assurance of God's presence and ultimate victory despite challenges.

Sermon No. 24

Pastor Michael Johnson

Preached on 10-19-2025

MATTHEW | THE KING THAT WENT TO THE CROSS (AUDIO ONLY)

Matthew 9:18-34 | Jesus: The Trustworthy Messiah

In this sermon on Matthew 9:18-34, we're reminded of Jesus' unparalleled authority and His mission to save sinners. We witness a series of miracles - healing a woman, raising a girl from the dead, giving sight to the blind, and freeing a mute man from demonic possession. These aren't just displays of power; they're profound demonstrations of Jesus' compassion and His ability to address our deepest needs. The text challenges us to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. It invites us to place our faith not in abstract concepts, but in Jesus Himself.

As we reflect on these miracles, we're called to examine our own faith. Are we trusting in Jesus' authority over every aspect of our lives? Are we bringing others to Him, just as the faithful brought the demon-possessed man? This message encourages us to move beyond passive belief to active engagement with Jesus' mission, reminding us that in Him, there's always hope, even in our darkest moments.

Sermon No. 22

Pastor Michael Johnson

Preached on 10-5-2025

MATTHEW | THE KING THAT WENT TO THE CROSS (AUDIO ONLY)

Matthew 9:9-17 | The Authority to Forgive Sin

This sermon focuses on Jesus' calling of Matthew the tax collector and His mission to save sinners. You will see how Jesus purposefully pursues those society deems unworthy, demonstrating God's heart for the lost. Pastor Michael highlights that Jesus came not for the self-righteous, but for those who recognize their need for a Savior. This has profound implications for how we view ourselves, others, and our mission as a church.

Sermon No. 21

Pastor Michael Johnson

Preached on 9-28-2025

MATTHEW | THE KING THAT WENT TO THE CROSS (AUDIO ONLY)

Matthew 9:1-8 | The Authority to Forgive Sin

This sermon examines Matthew 9:1-8, focusing on Jesus' authority to forgive sins and its implications for our spiritual lives. You will see how Jesus prioritized addressing the paralytic's deeper need for forgiveness over his physical healing, challenging us to consider what we truly seek from Christ. Pastor Michael will emphasize that Jesus came not just to heal or reign, but primarily to forgive sin and transform sinners.

Sermon No. 20

Pastor Michael Johnson

Preached on 9-21-2025

MATTHEW | THE KING THAT WENT TO THE CROSS (AUDIO ONLY)

Matthew 8:18-34 | Encountering the Authentic Jesus

This sermon explores Matthew 8:18-34, focusing on "The Authentic Jesus." We see how Jesus consistently overturns our common expectations and challenges our preconceived notions. The passage shows us different responses to Jesus' authority - from would-be disciples, his current followers, and even demons. Pastor Michael showed that truly following Jesus requires you to relinquish everything, recognize His supreme authority, and prioritize spiritual realities above all else.

Sermon No. 19

Pastor Michael Johnson

Preached on 9-14-2025

MATTHEW | THE KING THAT WENT TO THE CROSS (AUDIO ONLY)

Matthew 8:1-17 | The Authority of Jesus

This sermon explores Matthew 8:1-17, focusing on the authority of Jesus as demonstrated through His healings and interactions. You will see how Jesus' authority extends over sickness, sin, and societal barriers. Pastor Michael emphasizes that Jesus' authority, while comforting to those with faith, can be terrifying to the merely religious. Importantly, you will learn that Jesus' authority is ultimately displayed and understood through His work on the cross.

Sermon No. 18

Pastor Michael Johnson

Preached on 9-7-2025