First a testimony by Richard Millner and then... Dealing with Offenses Part 2- Since offense is such a huge struggle and issue for many of us as humans and Christians, Jesus’ instructions are life giving! We will review his course for conflict resolution once again as well as his teaching on forgiveness. Without forgiveness, truly understanding what that means and embodying His forgiveness, offense will continue to torture its victim.

As Peter is commended that his confession that Jesus is the Christ, and that His church will be built upon this revelation, he is given keys to the kingdom. What are these keys? He is told that whatever they bind or loose on earth will be bound or loosed in heaven. We hear so much in the spirit-filled charismatic churches of ‘binding’ Satan. Is this what Jesus is referring to in Matthew? Can we actually bind Satan as a Christian? Or was Jesus referring to something else? We also look at Peter’s loving rebuke of Jesus and why Jesus’ response had to be immediate and scorching.

When men consider our interpretations of God’s word as taking precedence over God’s word itself, we have produced a new gospel; that is not a “gospel” at all! What doctrines of men could we currently be blindly accepting as Scripture, because we don’t actually know the tenants of the Word of God?

This center section of Matthew (and chapter 14) could rightly start at the tail end of chapter 13, verse 53; and that is where we begin this new series. One of the most damning sentences in Scripture is as follows: “And He did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.” How does that apply to our own faith-level? This was Jesus’ hometown; where they had a certain expectation of who He was, or who He was NOT. What about our expectations? How much of that feeds into our little faith? Elsewhere He feeds five thousand with a kid’s lunch!

There is what is termed as the ‘visible’ church (those who call themselves Christians- that you and I can see) and the ‘invisible’ church (those that Christ alone knows are His among them). Here, Jesus gives an eschatological parable, stating that He will indeed sort out who is His and who is not, though the difference may not always be readily apparent.

Giving is so maligned and misunderstood outside of the church that it has crept into the thinking inside of the church as well. Giving, whether that's tithes, offerings, giving to the poor, or a special project is not a duty bound thing, it is a grace. A grace that we can excel in! It is ALWAYS an indicator of our heart. It is always a tool in the hand of our Lord. It is always a gift He manifests in the life of His Church and the believer!

A large part of Christ’s ministry was dealing with the demonic realm. The Bible is very clear that there are spiritual forces of evil in our world that are all around us even in our day. In this teaching, we will discuss these oppressive and destructive agents of Satan and how there is ultimate freedom in Jesus! He said, “If I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.”

The same man who first publicly declared that Jesus was the Lamb of God now questions, “Is that really you, Jesus?” Why? Because of his circumstances. Jesus’ reply is so helpful to John and to us!

Two blind men begged for mercy and healing. Jesus asked a very important question, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They replied, “Yes.” Jesus then said a statement that will warrant our attention for this teaching: “According to your faith will it be done to you.”

We’ve already seen earlier the Centurion, in requesting healing for his servant, understanding the concept of Jesus’ authority. Matthew makes this a central theme in not only His healing ministry, as is here with the paralytic, but also in casting out two demon-possessed men. What if we were able to fully grasp Christ’s authority?

As we enter the third section of Matthew’s Gospel, the power of the Messiah is revealed. His healing ministry is front and center of this. Jesus heals a man with leprosy that says, “Lord if you are willing.” He heals a centurion’s servant who uttered, “Just say the word.” Peter’s mother-in-law, once healed, begins to wait upon Jesus.

Our entrance into God’s glorious presence for eternity is based on—do we know Him? Truly know Him, not just of Him. It does not matter what works we accomplish, even in His name. It is not based on ‘how we live,’ instead ‘how well we love Him’ dictates how we live. Grace, as all-encompassing as it is, is truly a narrow gate!

Did you know that worrying is a sin? Being overly concerned and afraid of what might happen, tomorrow’s plan, or what someone may say or think can often consume our thoughts and affect our demeanor and outlook. It is a sin because we focus on the power of something else instead of God’s power. We lack trust in Jesus, plain and simple. Worry is the opposite of faith. Without faith, it is impossible to please God.