River’s Edge Church

Matthew Series - Two Lost Men and a Master

As tension rises between Jesus and the religious rulers, Jesus is arrested and brought before Pilate. In the process both Peter and Judas deny or betray Jesus. In church culture we usually demonize Judas and elevate Peter, but their paths are remarkable similar. In fact, only one thing separates them. 

Matthew Series - Anointed at Bethany

As Jesus nears the cross, he explains to his disciples what is to come, and a woman annoints him expensive perfume. But why does Jesus say that this woman's act is to be remembered throughout the world? 

Matthew Series - The End Times

As Jesus leaves the Temple, his disciples point out how impressive it's structures are, and Jesus responds by telling his disciples that the Temple will be destroyed. In response the disciples ask Jesus a two part question: when will the Temple be destroyed? And what will be the sign of your coming and the end of the age? Jesus' answer, given in the tradition of apocalyptic literature, has been a source of debate for millennia. But how did he expect his disciples to respond?

Matthew Series - Woe to You Pharisees

After successfully defending against the verbal traps set by the Pharisees, Jesus goes on the offensive and gives a scathing critique of the religious leadership. His critique should serve as a wake up call to a modern church apt to repeat the same mistakes. 

Matthew Series - Questioning the Kingship of Jesus

After entering Jerusalem as King, the crowds are most likely expecting him to begin the process of overthrowing Rome and liberating the Jewish people. But instead Jesus takes aim at the Jewish religious elite and the religious system which has become fruitless under their care. This sets Jesus on a collision course which will eventually result in his execution, as the Jewish religious leaders come to test Jesus' Kingship and authority with a series of difficult questions. 

Matthew Series - Jesus Enters Jerusalem

As Jesus heads into his final days, he starts by entering Jerusalem on a donkey - a provocative act loaded with meaning. He then heads to the Temple, not to cleanse it from Roman influence, but to cleanse it form the Jewish corruption which had taken hold. 

Matthew Series - Power and Authority in the Kingdom

As Jesus approaches Jerusalem, he once again warns his disciples of the cross which is to come. But the disciples seem to gloss right over it in anticipation of the glory which is to come, and James and John approach Jesus to ask for positions of power and authority in the coming Kingdom. Jesus' response once again points them to the cross, and challenges everything we think we know about power and authority. 

Matthew Series - Confronting Sin in the Church

As a community of flawed human beings, we will inevitably sin against one another. As sin enters the pictures and begins to fracture relationship, the impulse will be to part ways or allow for disunity, but Jesus gives us another way of dealing with sin in community, one that is necessary if we are to progress in our discipleship and enjoy unity in Him. 

Matthew Series - The Rich Young Ruler

As Jesus continues in his ministry, he's approached by a "rich young ruler" who comes to ask about eternal life. In the end the young man leaves sad because of his wealth, and as a nation full of "rich young rulers" we should pay careful attention to what this tells us about discipleship to Jesus, and the great idols of modern American culture. 

Matthew Series - Faith vs Fear

As Jesus' ministry continues we get three short accounts which seem unrelated. The disciples fail to cast out a demon, they grieve over the impending cross, and Jesus instructs Peter to pay their taxes from the mouth of a fish. While clearly highlighting the beauty and mystery of Jesus, these stories also have something to teach us about faith, fear, and the choices which color all of life's events.