Jesus and the Devil – Matthew 4:1-11

 Years ago – one of the lessons that I brought when I first arrived was entitled: “Do you have a Baptist Devil?” As I was reviewing those notes, I realized that theme could have developed in a much broader way. Satan, here, is an illustration of a...

The Temptation of Christ – Matthew 4:1-11

 In our study of the Bible, many times it is difficult to look at one thing without thinking about half a dozen other things at the same time. The problem comes in trying to decide which is the most important and what to look at first. For example, we can’t...

Jesus Was Led of the Spirit – Matthew 4:1

 We must never forget that Christ Jesus is more than MERELY our Saviour. I’m not talking about His deity or His relationship to the Father and to the Holy Spirit. I’m thinking about ways in which Christ is more than a Saviour to each of saints –...

The War to End all Wars – Matthew 4:1-11

 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...

Why didn’t the Lord Jesus Baptize John? – Matthew 3:13-17

 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...

Why did John Baptize Christ Jesus? – Matthew 3:13-17

 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....

Water-Marks – Matthew 3:13-17

 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...

This is My Beloved Son – Matthew 3:13-17

 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...

He is Mightier than I – Matthew 3:11

 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...

He shall Baptize you with the Holy Ghost – Matthew 3:11-12

 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...