Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Sermon OutlineJesus our messengerJesus our mediatorJesus our masterSermon QuestionsThe Priority of Delight over Discipline: Delight is not the consequence of doctrine and discipline, but rather their foundation. Think of a craft or hobby you enjoy—like knitting, blacksmithing, or birdwatching. How does your delight in that activity naturally lead you to practice its "disciplines"? How might shifting your focus from "doing chores for God" to "delighting in God" change your spiritual life?The "Inarticulate" vs. the "Articulate": Jesus contrasts the "articulate" religious leaders—who are crafty—with the "inarticulate" who receive the kingdom. Why is it that those who think they have it all sorted out often miss the message, while those who have a "hard time tying their shoes" are able to receive Jesus?Discipleship as Apprenticeship: Following Jesus is apprenticeship to a Master who gets down on our level to show us how to live. In your life, how have you tried to follow a formula rather than "weaving together perception and movement" through a relationship with Jesus?The Yoke and the Cross: We often think of a "yoke" only as a burden of service, but Matthew links is both a nuptial embrace (a spouse) and the cross. How does viewing the cross as the "plough that upturns the soil of the soul" help you understand Jesus' invitation to "come to me" when you are weary and heavy-burdened?Resources ConsultedJohn Chrysostom, Homilies on the Gospel of Saint Matthew (NPNF i.10, Homily 38)Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis, Fire of Mercy, Heart of the Word: Meditations on the Gospel according to St. Matthew, Volume One (Ignatius Press, 1996)W.D. Davies and D.C. Allison, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Gospel according to Saint Matthew, Volume Two: Commentary on Matthew VIII–XVIII (T&T Clark,1991)Tim Ingold, “Of String Bags and Birds’ Nests: Skill and the Construction of Artefacts,” in The Perception of the Environment: Essays on Livelihood, Dwelling and Skill (Routledge, 2022), 439–455Brendan McInerny, “Unless You Become Like This Child Deification as Trinitarian Adoption,” in The Trinitarian Theology of Hans Urs von Balthasar: An Introduction (Notre Dame, 2020), 85–124.Paul Tyson, Returning to Reality: Christian Platonism for Our Times (Wipf & Stock, 2013), chs. 1–2Rowan Williams, Looking East in Winter: Contemporary Thought and the Eastern Christian Tradition (Bloomsbury, 2021), ch.1.Questions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Sam Fornecker ([email protected]).

Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon:.Sermon NotesJesus Defines His Mission"I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance." (Luke 5:32)Jesus Did Not Come to Call the RighteousThe spiritually self-sufficient do not hear the Gospel call.Christianity is not for people who think they have it all together.The Pharisees believed they could be righteous apart from Jesus.Grace begins when we recognize our need.Jesus Came to Call SinnersJesus called Levi, a tax collector, to follow Him.No one is beyond the reach of God's grace.Those who know their need are ready to hear His call.Jesus welcomes broken people into relationship with Himself.Jesus Calls Sinners to RepentanceRepentance means a change of mind and direction.It is part of God's gracious gift.Repentance leads to life, freedom, and flourishing.Following Jesus means leaving behind the old way of life.Discussion Questions1. Does everyone need forgiveness of sins to be saved? Are there any truly righteous people?2. If someone is not convinced of their need for forgiveness of sins (perhaps they don't identify as a sinner), how might you help them understand the gospel?3. Define repentance.4. In what way is repentance still part of God's gift of grace?Questions?Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester ().

Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: .Sermon NotesFatherhood Revealed: The Biblical Story1. Old Testament FoundationsIsrael as God’s “son” (Exodus 4:22–23)Covenant identity: treasured possession (Deuteronomy 14:1–2)Metaphor of formation: God as potter, Father (Isaiah 64:8)Yet: limited use, reverence and distance remainRare usage suggests something still unfolding:  "there remains throughout the Old Testament a certain reserve about the father metaphor for God. There are nearly half a million words in the Hebrew Bible, yet God is only portrayed as a father some 15 times. It is almost as if these rare instances of the God of Israel being called (or calling Himself) 'father' are placeholders, awaiting some unforeseen future revelation that will cause them to take on a new resonance." Wesley Hill, The Lord’s Prayer: A Guide to Praying to Our Father (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2019), 11.Jewish hesitation to speak of God as “Father”2. Jesus brings greater revelationJesus in the Gospel of John: “my Father” → then extends to “your Father”In Matthew alone: “your Father” repeated constantlyFatherhood is not metaphorical projection—it is revealed truth made accessible in Christ.Three Blessings of Knowing God as Father1. It teaches us the GospelPost-resurrection clarity: John 20:17 — “My Father and your Father”Galatians 4:4–7We are not naturally children of God in relational sense, but enemiesWe are adopted through Christ’s redemption - God's grace makes former enemies into beloved children“No longer slaves, but sons” = full inheritance rightsIdentity is secured by grace, not performanceEven on bad days, we are not disownedSpirit enables “Abba, Father” prayer“Abba” = intimate, real relational address, even used by adult children for their dadsJesus himself uses this in GethsemaneEvery “Our Father” prayer is a gospel confession2. We come to him boldlyIllustration: child (son) bringing soldier to Abraham LincolnHebrews 10:19–22 — confidence to enter the holy placeLord’s Prayer assumes boldness (imperative-like petitions):Hallowed be Your nameYour kingdom comeYour will be doneWe are not interrupting God—we are invited children3. We come to him calmlyContrast: pagan prayer = anxious repetitionJesus: “Your Father knows what you need before you ask” (Matthew 6:8)Children of a good father are not frantic for provisionAnxiety often reveals relational distrustKnowing the Father produces calm dependenceDiscussion Questions1. When you pray, how do you typically address God? Dear God, Lord, Jesus? Do you think it matters? Is there any advantage of directing our prayers specifically to "our Father?"2. Recap how relating to God as Father shows us the gospel.3. If someone has experienced a difficult relationship with an earthly father, would it be better to relate to God in some other way besides "Father?"4. If the Father already knows our needs, why come to him in prayer?Questions?Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester ().

Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: .Sermon OutlineJesus prepares his disciples for missionWhat Jesus wants to give usWhat Jesus wants us to expectWhat Jesus wants to do through usSermon QuestionsNavigating Cultural Pressures. The sermon describes how cultural pressure points—for example, “hustle culture," the Digital Revolution, "intensive parenting”—have thinned our capacity to sit in silence and meaningfully connect with an ancient way of life like the way of Jesus. Which of these (or other) cultural shifts do you feel most "pummeled" by in your daily life, and how does it affect your ability to engage with your Jesus and your church family?Developing the Shepherd’s Perspective. Jesus looked at the "harassed and helpless" and saw “ripe fruit clamoring to be picked.” When you look at the people in your life, do you tend to see problems to be avoided, or an opportunity share the love of Christ? What is one practical way you can ask God to "clear your eyes" to see people as He does this week?More than "Good, Nice, and Happy.” To the extent the church has seen its job as making people "good, nice, and happy,” the church has failed to wrestle with darkness, suffering, and brokenness. How can we, as a small group, move beyond "niceness" to support one another through dark times? How might we use the psalms of lament (e.g., Psalms 13, 22, 44, 88, 130)?Expecting the Unexpected in Mission. Jesus suggests that while some who are religiously self-satisfied may reject his message, the "afflicted"—the used, abused, and reviled—often receive it with joy. Have you ever been surprised by who was open to hearing about your faith versus who was hostile? How does thinking of mission as "Jesus doing His thing through us" change how you feel about the possibility of being rejected?Resources ConsultedErasmo Leiva-Merikakis,Fire of Mercy, Heart of the Word: Meditations on the Gospel According to St. Matthew (Ignatius, 1996)Peter Leithart, "Jesus as Israel: The Typological Structure of Matthew's Gospel"Christian Smith, Why Religion Went Obsolete: The Demise of Traditional Faith in America (Oxford, 2026)R.J. Snell, "Life in the Ruins: Keeping Faith within the Immanent Frame" (a bit more on Charles Taylor and the immanent frame)Robert Mariani, "American Diner Gothic" and "Vibing in the Ruins," The New Atlantis (Winter 2025 / Spring 2026)Eugene Peterson, The Pastor: A Memoir (HarperOne, 2011)Steven D. Smith, "The Pagan City, the Christian City, and the Secular City" (note especially pp.10–13)Questions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Sam Fornecker ().

Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Romans 5:1-11, Matthew 9:9-13, Mark 2:14-22, Luke 5:27-35, I Corinthians 11:29-32, Hosea 5:15-6:6Sermon Outline Jesus, friend of sinners, calls Matthew to follow Him. Being a sinner was the only qualification Matthew had for joining the disciples The only thing that qualifies us to be followers of Jesus is that we are sinners who need grace. Why does Jesus eat with tax collectors and sinners? Jesus is the incarnation of God's mercy. Following Jesus is not heroic, it's surrender. Jesus still eats with sinners today. No one is worthy to come to the Communion Table Jesus has made us worthy by His sacrifice Consider the worth or real value of Jesus' sacrifice for us.Sermon Questions In the choice of Matthew, what is surprising or offensive to you? How does Jesus respond to the Pharisees' indirect criticism? What would have been different about your life if Jesus had come only to call "righteous" people instead of "sinners"? Are you willing to share openly about those things in your life that qualify you to follow Jesus? Does anything disqualify you from following Jesus? How would you respond if someone said you were unworthy to come to the Communion Table? When you receive communion what helps you to focus on the real worth and value of what Jesus did for you on the cross? Does anything distract you as you receive communion?Questions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email John Burley ([email protected]).Audio & VideoYou can listen to the sermon by using the player below or via the St Andrew's Sermon Podcast on iTunes and Spotify.

Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: .Sermon NotesA letter is written for the purpose of being seen.A letter written for the purpose of being read should be legible.A letter is written to be understood.The letter is not sealed or locked in a desk, but exposed all day to public view.Discussion Questions1. What kind of letter is your life writing to others everyday?2. If people read your life everyday, what message about Christ would they receive?3. Are there areas where your actions contradict your christian testimony?4. What part of your life would you least want others to read publicly?5. Who has been a "living letter of Christ" in your life, and why?6. What responsibility do christians carry as visible representatives of Christ?7. How can the church help its members to become "living letters of Christ" instead of performers?Questions?Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Anthony Kowbeidu ().

Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: .IntroductionContrast between the hand-cranked H. L. Hunley and modern nuclear submarinesChristians were never meant to follow Jesus in their own strengthJesus promises “another Paraclete” — another helper like himselfThe Holy Spirit continues the presence, power, comfort, and guidance of JesusMain idea: discipleship is empowered by the Holy SpiritI. Relationship — The Spirit Connects Us to JesusThe Spirit “dwells with you and will be in you” (John 14:17)The Holy Spirit is the breath of Christian discipleshipJesus says, “I will not leave you as orphans” (John 14:18)We experience the presence of Jesus through the Holy SpiritDiscipleship is a living relationship, not mere religionII. Revelation — The Spirit Teaches and RemindsThe Spirit is the “Spirit of Truth”The Holy Spirit:teachesremindsrevealsSpecial role for the apostles:inspiration of the New Testament ScripturesOngoing role for believers today:illumination of Scriptureconviction and guidancediscernment and prophetic encouragementAll revelation must be tested by ScriptureIII. Response — The Spirit Empowers Obedience“If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15)Obedience is difficult in human strengthFulfillment of Book of Ezekiel 36:new heartnew spiritempowered obedienceThe Spirit transforms disciples from the inside outChristian obedience flows from Spirit-filled heartsConclusionAre you following Jesus in your own strength?Burnout often reveals self-powered discipleshipChrist offers:nourishment at the Lord’s Tableempowerment through the Holy SpiritDiscussion QuestionsHow does the Holy Spirit cultivate a relationship between Jesus and his disciples? Give specific examples.Explain the difference between how the Holy Spirit provided revelation for the Apostles vs. how he does so for disciples today?Give an example of the Holy Spirit teaching, reminding, or revealing in your own life.Do human effort, intentionality, and discipline still have a role in Spirit-empowered discipleship? How do we keep from falling into man-made religion or doing it in our own power?Questions?Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester ().

Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: .Sermon Notes:Four Questions About Discipleship1. What Is Discipleship?A determined quest for Jesus HimselfBonhoeffer quote:“The determined quest for him who is the sole object of it all”Discipleship is relational, not transactionalCultural lie: “It’s all about you”Jesus calls us to lose our lives to find themDiscipleship is ongoing“Follow me” is present tenseDaily, dynamic pursuitJesus is alive and leading us somewhereDistinction from salvationSalvation = gift of graceDiscipleship = walking out the new lifeCollege acceptance illustration:Accepted freelyRespond with grateful participation2. How Is Discipleship Sustained?By love for JesusJesus asks Peter three times:“Do you love me?”Restoration after Peter’s three denialsJesus restores failing disciplesPeter failed, but Jesus did not abandon himChrist’s love heals and restoresLove becomes the motivationNot guiltNot successNot position or resultsWe follow Jesus because we love Him“We love because he first loved us”3. How Are Others Involved?Discipleship is communal“We will go with you”Christianity is not a solo pursuitImportance of community and Life GroupsBeware of comparisonPeter: “What about this man?”Jesus: “What is that to you? You follow me.”Different callings, gifts, struggles, outcomesComparison damages discipleshipBeware of collapsing faith into communityYou cannot live off someone else’s faithEach disciple must personally respond to JesusCommunity supports personal discipleship, not replaces it4. What Does Discipleship Require?EverythingJesus foretells Peter’s suffering and martyrdomContrast:Self-determined lifeSurrendered lifeDiscipleship requires surrenderSurrender of:PlansDreamsReputationComfortEven life itselfLearning surrender over timeSometimes through sufferingSometimes through aging and limitationThe Lord teaches each disciple differentlySurrender helps us trust God's goodnessDiscussion QuestionsWhat's your "Sea of Galilee story"? [the circumstances through which you heard Jesus say "follow me"]What's the difference between justification and discipleship?Can someone be a Christian but not a disciple?Explain the difference between a healthy concern for another Christian's discipleship vs. unhealthy comparison.What has surrender looked like in your life?Additional Resources:The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich BonhoefferThe Gospel of Mark course taught by RandyQuestions?Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester ().

Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Sermon OutlineBig IdeaHumanity was made for God, and every restless longing ultimately points to Christ. The Restless Human HeartIllustrationsAugustine of Hippo — “Our hearts are restless until they rest in You.”Blaise Pascal — “All men crave happiness.”Tom Brady — “There’s got to be more than this.”TruthEarthly success and pleasure cannot satisfy the soul. Paul’s Burden for AthensActs 17:16Paul was “provoked” by the city’s idols.Deeply distressedMoved with compassionBurdened for lost soulsApplicationChristians should respond to a lost culture with truth, compassion, and gospel engagement.III. Paul at the AreopagusActs 17:22–23“To the unknown god”Paul uses their spiritual longing as a bridge to the gospel.Key InsightHumanity senses God exists but cannot truly know Him apart from revelation. The Message of the Areopagus Sermon God Is CreatorActs 17:24Creator of all thingsLord over heaven and earthNot confined to temples God Is Self-SufficientActs 17:25Needs nothing from mankindGives life and breath to all God Is SovereignActs 17:26Rules over nations and historyHumanity shares one origin Humanity Was Made for GodActs 17:27Humanity longs for HimGod is not far away Idolatry Distorts TruthActs 17:29God cannot be reduced to idolsFalse worship blinds the heart The Gospel Demands RepentanceActs 17:30–31God commands repentanceJudgment is comingChrist’s resurrection proves His authority Paul’s Method: Contextualizing the GospelActs 17:28Paul quotes Greek poets to connect with his audience.DefinitionContextualizing the gospel means explaining unchanging truth in understandable ways without changing the message itself. ApplicationsFor Believers2 Corinthians 5:20“We are ambassadors for Christ.”Engage culture faithfullySpeak truth with compassionShare the gospel boldlyFor UnbelieversRepentance is:Turning from sinTurning toward God in faith and surrenderPromise of the GospelRest for the soulForgivenessJoy in ChristEternal lifeClosing TruthHumanity was made for GodIdols cannot satisfyChrist alone brings rest to the restless soulStudy QuestionsWhy do you think Augustine’s quote about the restless heart still resonates today?What are some modern idols people pursue in place of God?What does it mean that Paul was “provoked” by the idols in Athens?How did Paul balance truth and compassion in engaging a pagan culture?Why is the altar “to the unknown god” so significant?What does Paul teach about the nature of God in verses 24–27?What is the difference between contextualizing the gospel and compromising the gospel?Why is repentance essential to the Christian message?How does the resurrection validate Jesus’ authority?What practical ways can Christians serve as ambassadors for Christ in today’s culture?Questions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Tim Winkler ().