Maynardville Fellowship Podcast

Have you ever read the story where Jesus cursed a fig tree for not having any figs on it? Doesn't that story seem a bit weird? Did Jesus let His hunger and disappointment in not getting any figs cause Him to act rashly and out of character? Absolutely not! Everything Jesus did was under control and purposeful. Listen as Pastor Matt explains this unusual narrative, and the symbolic lesson it is teaching concerning the future of Jerusalem and the Temple.

In Jesus' famous Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem we see the bold audacity of Christ on full display. He rides into Jerusalem presenting Himself as the promised Messiah, but in this text we see Jesus take His audacious claims to a new level. Jesus is not only the Messiah; He is God in the flesh!

In Jesus' famous Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem we see the bold audacity of Christ on full display. His next move takes it to the next level. Listen as Pastor Matt explains the significance of the title conferred upon Jesus by the Galilean crowds, the prophesies surrounding Jesus' hometown, and the bold statement Jesus is making by cleansing the Temple. He is indeed the Prophet, the King, and the Priest who was to come into the world.

There’s more to glean from David’s final address than a call for a lasting legacy. There is a rich contrast that unfolds between Saul and David that points the reader to the constant refrain of the man after God’s own heart; that Christ is King!

Jesus has set up quite the spectacle by arranging to enter Jerusalem the way He did. He was making a clear statement concerning His identity as the promised Messiah, and the Galilean crowds fully bought into His message. Listen as Pastor Matt contrasts the positive response of the Galilean with the negative response of those in Jerusalem. And then challenges us to respond in faith and joy to a God who establishes His purpose regardless of man's resistance. The empty tomb is evidence of our victory!

Audacious isn't a typical word we think of when we think of Jesus, but that's because we've been programed by feather haired, limp-wristed, effeminate, pansy men pastors to ignore the obvious intentions of Jesus’ words & action. Audacious means- Bold, daring, fearless, & courageous. Jesus was both gentle & lowly AND bold, daring, fearless & courageous. Contrary to popular opinion, those adjectives are not mutually exclusive. Listen as Pastor Matt explains how that in the Triumphal Entry we see both on display at the same time.

Audacious isn't a typical word we think of when we think of Jesus, but that's because we've been programed by feather haired, limp-wristed, effeminate, pansy men pastors to ignore the obvious intentions of Jesus’ words & action. Audacious means- Bold, daring, fearless, & courageous. Jesus was both gentle & lowly AND bold, daring, fearless & courageous. Contrary to popular opinion, those adjectives are not mutually exclusive. Listen as Pastor Matt explains how that in the Triumphal Entry we see both on display at the same time.

In Matthew 20:29-34 Jesus heals two blind men..... almost exactly like He did in Matthew 9:27-31. There too, Jesus encounters two blind men. There too, the blind men show a remarkable urgency & persistence in their cry for help. There too, these blind men demonstrate an astounding understanding of Jesus’ identity; confessing Him as both Lord & as Son of David. There too, Jesus heals them of theirblindness. With just a surface reading, we see these same basic elements as in Matthew 20:29-34. So why does Matthew include two narratives that are so strikingly similar. Listen as Pastor Matt explains the significance of both the similarities and the differences between these two different healings. It is in the subtle difference found in this latter text that we find the main point; that’s which once needed to be kept secret now needed to be declared & demonstrated as publicly as possible. Jesus is the Lord, the Son of David!

When the other 10 disciples heard how James and John were conspiring to secure the top positions in the Kingdom for themselves they were indignant against them. What does Jesus do? He acts as a peacemaker. He calls everyone together for an unforgettable teaching moment, offering both a negative and a positive comparison. Matthew 20:25–28 The rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. 26 It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, 27 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”Listen as Pastor Matt fleshes out this familiar text.

When James, John, and their mother asked Jesus to grant them seats on His left and right hand in His Kingdom Jesus responded by telling them that they didn't know what they were asking. What does that mean? In what sense did the not understand what they were asking? Listen as Pastor Matt fleshes out this difficult question and explains its implications for the Kingdom if Heaven.

Christians cannot perpetually surrender ground to wickedness. Paul demonstrates in this text that there is ground that must be defended at all costs. To surrender this hill is to surrender the entire battle. What is this ground that must be defended at all costs? Listen as Brother Michael Carr explores this texts and encourages Christians to fight the good fight of faith.

Right after Jesus told the disciples of His coming suffering and death two of them, James and John, accompanied their mother to ask a favor of Jesus. What was the factor? That James and John would sit on the right and left hand of Christ in His Kingdom. Listen as Pastor Matt considers the problems with this question, and explores how we should understand the relationship between helpful and blessed influence and positions of power and authority.

Last week Pastor Matt explained the particular elements of the parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard. He did not explain what Matthew intended to convey. What is meant by the Kingdom of Heaven/The Vineyard? Who do these early morning laborers and late day laborers who receive just as much as the early morning laborers represent? And how are the early morning laborers provoked to jealousy? Listen as Pastor Matt 1) shows how this text is rooted in the O.T. tradition. 2) Considers what’s going on in the flow of Matthew 3) how Matthew uses the concept of the vineyard elsewhere.

Our sinful nature often clouds our judgment on issues of right and wrong. Such is certainly the case with the laborers in the parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard. Listen to part one of Pastor Matt's examination of this often misunderstood parable.

Culture has changed DRAMATICALLY in the past few generations. That which was unthinkable is now popular opinion, and that which was once popular opinion is now unthinkable. Unfortunately, laws and public policy have moved with these cultural norms. What happened? Listen as Pastor Matt explains a concept known as 'the Overton Window,' how it has moved, and what we have to do move it back.

The very concept of a gender binary, is under Satanic attack. Gender is said to be distinct from biological sex, and to exist only as a social construct. But what does the Bible teach us on this topic? You may be surprised to learn how much you've been impacted by the ‘spirit of the age.' It is very possible that you celebrate things the Bible teaches are reprehensible, and consider reprehensible things the Bible prescribes and celebrates. Listen as Pastor Matt explains how God designed men and women differently on purpose. And how that design is perfectly tailored to the duties He has prescribed to both genders. It is only as we embrace God's design that we can rule over and subdue the earth as God has called us to do.

Last week Pastor Matt biblically demonstrated how Jesus ascended to His throne in the resurrection. But the text goes on to say that when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne the disciples will also sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.... but that didn't happen..... or did it? Listen as Pastor Matt explain the dangers of strict literal interpretation and show how the disciples literally fulfilled Jesus prophesy that they would sit on twelve metaphorical thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Matthew 19:28 Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.But what does 'in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne' mean? Are these events that are still to come, or has it all already happened? Listen as Pastor Matt explains the title 'Son of Man', His Throne, and the implications those concepts carry concerning the timing of these promises.

A serpent has entered the garden and is mocking God and man. Who will drive it out of the garden and crush its head? One king won’t, another king will temporarily, and the True King does ultimately and completely.

Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King! Listen as Pastor Josh Woody explains from the book of Galatians how that 'in the fullness of time' the incarnate Son of God came into the world as King, and made us sons of God and heirs with Him.