Posts by Pastor Matt

As He felt His life slipping away, dying slowly and painfully, Jesus cried out in thirst (Jn. 19:28), and in doing so, brought deeper meaning to the ancient words of David he knew so well.  My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay. My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You have laid me in the dust and left me for dead. Psalm 22:15 So here’s Jesus dying on a Roman crucifixion rack, asking for a drink. And…

Two significant words for this week are “saint” and “holy.” Both the word “saint” and “holy” are translations of the same Greek word, ἅγιος. This means that the context is critical in determining the appropriate meaning and translation. In one context, ἅγιος should be translated “saint,” while in another context it should be translated “holy.” Individual contexts within the New Testament have determined that the authors use the word ἅγιος (“saint”) 60 times to refer to people who belong to…

We are experiencing a truly unique time in human history. We’re literally forbidden to work, forced to stay at home and “rest.” Although some people can make adjustments in order to do their work from home, many others cannot. And this is hard because work is good. We’re designed for it, and it leads to the flourishing of ourselves and others. It’s hard enough for us to practice the Sabbath rest mandate one day a week, let alone for more…

Our second set of key words for kids includes humility, service, and forgiveness. These are foundational traits of human behavior that exemplify the values of the Kingdom of God. Jesus perfectly practiced them, and He called His followers to do the same with the result that the will of God would be fulfilled on earth as in heaven. Humility Humility means that you think others are more important than yourself. It’s the way Jesus lived, and it’s the way He…

The coronavirus has led to social distancing, which has led us to be apart again this Sunday. Since we can’t be together, I’m developing a new video series called “Keywords for Kids.” Each Sunday morning, IBC will post a short video featuring keywords from the Bible. These videos are designed for kids, but adults are more than welcome to tune in (I’m certain adults will learn something too!). Three of the keywords are Christ, Kingdom, and Love. CHRIST First, Christ…

The value system of our world tells us that in order to be successful in gaining people’s respect, we must be impressive in every way possible. Education, wealth, skill, aggressiveness, creating vision, and having charismatic charm are absolute necessities for gaining a following and being a good leader. For many churches, our culture’s definition of leadership has also become the definition of leadership for the body of Christ. That’s why Paul’s words are so shocking. If I must boast, I…

As we read and study the book of 2 Thessalonians together at IBC, I’m encouraged and motivated by the coming of Jesus (παρουσία). It’s a reality that Paul has already put forth as motivating comfort in his first letter to the Thessalonians (2:19; 3:13; 4:15; 5:23), and now also in his second letter (2:1, 8). The παρουσία (coming) is a singular term the NT writers use to denote the 2nd coming of Jesus. It is mentioned a total of 24…

Many Christians are afraid of the term social gospel. But when we look carefully at what the New Testament writers believed, we discover that the gospel is in fact all about social issues. For example, in Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he writes, But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in…

In Exodus, we see that the stage is set, and the instruments are in place for a symphony of blessing to the world. God has rescued the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt (Ex. 6-13), delivered them safely through the waters of the sea (Ex. 14-15), and brought them to Mount Sinai where He called them to become a Kingdom of Priests (Ex. 19-23). If Israel would just listen to the voice of God from the Mountain, they would become…

After God rescued Israel from bondage in Egypt (Exodus 14:15-15:21), He leads them to Mt. Sinai and initiates a covenant with them that they might become a kingdom of priests (Exodus 19-24). He then gives detailed instructions to build a tabernacle (Exodus 25-31, 35-40). The purpose of the tabernacle was to provide a way for Yahweh Himself to live among His people (Exodus 25:8, 22). The function of the tabernacle was the beginning of God’s plan to renew what was…