Apr 1, 2012 | Matthew
As we move into chapter 4, we see the next step toward our Lord’s earthly ministry. It began with His baptism, reminding us that our first step of obedience following salvation should be baptism and church membership. After the Lord was baptized, it seems that...
Mar 23, 2012 | Matthew
The other day, I asked my internet connection this question: “What was the first Baptist Church in America?” I knew what the answer would be, and I also already knew the truth. You can’t believe everything that you read on the internet. The first...
Mar 22, 2012 | Matthew
As we read this account, we realize that you and I cannot be compared to either of the two primary characters. As John implies, he wasn’t worthy to unloose or carry the sandals of the Lord Jesus. And if John wasn’t worthy then we are even more unworthy....
Mar 21, 2012 | Matthew
Around here, at Calvary Baptist Church, we think that baptism is important. I would like to think that we believe that it is as important as Jesus did, but I’m not sure that we do. The Lord Jesus walked – He didn’t drive his Hyundai – He...
Mar 20, 2012 | Matthew
John the Baptist was a few months older than his cousin Jesus. This isn’t significant, but adds just a little to the question about the length of John’s ministry. How long had he been a “voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepared ye the way of...
Mar 19, 2012 | Matthew
I know that two weeks ago, we looked that this statement through the eyes of Asaph and Psalm 50. Tonight I’d like to consider it once again, but this time through the eyes of John the Baptist. This comment reveals things, perhaps conceals things, and also might...
Mar 18, 2012 | Matthew
I was surprised to find how complicated some Bible commentators want to make these verses. I don’t want to confuse you with all their jabbering, so I won’t go into their words very far. Considering the elements that we find here, for the most part this...
Mar 17, 2012 | Matthew
It is very likely that verses 5-12 are not one of John’s sermons but a summary of several sermons. When we compare this with the other gospels, the same information is sometimes set in different contexts, like diamonds in different settings. I think that...
Mar 16, 2012 | Matthew
We have been looking at this chapter for about a month now. As I was re-reading it for the umteenth time, it occurred to me that I have misquoted this verse many times. I’ve gotten it correct, but probably just as many times I’ve made a slight mistake...
Mar 15, 2012 | Matthew
Early in the week I knew that I wanted to preach on John’s statement about Christ – “He that cometh after me is mightier than I.” But I wasn’t exactly sure how to develop the idea – partly because it is so obvious and overpowering....
