The Heidelberg Catechism - The Foundations Of Our Faith

Five Things to Avoid in Your Preaching How to Stay Faithful, Clear, and Spirit-Led in the Pulpit Every preacher has a voice. Some have volume too. But what matters most isn't how loud you are or how smooth you sound—it's whether your message is anchored in Scripture, fueled by the Holy Spirit, and aimed at the hearts of real people in real pews. Over the years, I've heard sermons that sizzled but didn't stick. I've watched rookies fresh out of seminary swing for the theological fences and completely miss the congregation. I've sat through messages that felt more like lectures, and others that felt more like TED Talks with a verse taped on at the end. If God has called you to preach, then preach with all your might—but preach with wisdom, humility, and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. That means knowing what to pursue, and just as importantly, what to avoid. Here are five things to steer clear of if you want to preach faithfully, fruitfully, and po...

In chapters 11 and 12, Matthew begins to describe this rising opposition. What holds these chapters together? The best way to hold them together is by asking the critical question: "Is Jesus really God's king?" The kingdom of God has been Matthew's theme from the beginning: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" (Matt. 3:2; 4:17). He is presenting Jesus as the king of that kingdom. But is Jesus really God's king? In these chapters we find three varying assessments of him. John the Baptist had doubts (Matt. 11:1-19).  John had identified Jesus as the Messiah. He had received an identifying sign from heaven (Matt. 3:16-17). But now he sends disciples to ask Jesus, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?" (v. 3). The masses would not believe (Matt. 11:20-30).  The masses had been exposed to John, and now they were being exposed to Jesus. But they were critical of both teachers. Jesus compared th...

Is There Anyone Up There Who Cares For Me? Matthew 11:25-30   At that time Jesus declared, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children;26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." The greatest question of the universe-Is there anybody up there who cares about me?  Is there anybody up there who watches over me?  Is there anybody up there who knows my name?  And the answer comes back-Yes.  Yes. Yes. There...

1 When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities. 2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples3 and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?"4 And Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see:5 the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.6 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me." 7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?8 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.10 This is he o...