Answering the First Temptation – Matthew 4:1-4

 Let’s remember that we are studying our Lord’s temptations in order to better learn how to defend ourselves when temptation comes our way. Of course, our specific temptations will never be quite like the Lord’s, but there will be similarities. And...

When He had Fasted Forty Days and Forty Nights – Matthew 4:1-2

 Clearly, the Bible tells us that our Saviour spent a considerable period fasting, before He began His ministry and before this confrontation with Satan. But what exactly did He do, and what has that got to do with us. Although the Bible never really explains it for...

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...