Jesus makes the rules, we don't - Matt. 16:1-4 (July 21, 2013) - Sermon Videos

Matt. 16:1-4

1. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees and Sadducees for demanding a miracle on their own time and terms.
2. We must not fall victim to the same sin, that of demanding that Jesus operate strictly on our terms and thereby ignoring his own.
Myth #1 – “I believe in Jesus, and that’s good enough for me.”
Mark 8:34-35
3. Reality - Our lives must be reoriented to follow the truths of the gospel of the coming kingdom as well as the true Jesus.

Myth #2 – “The church is the building I go to on Sundays to worship.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
4. Reality – “Church” refers to a body of believers, under new ownership, set apart to serve the one true God.

Myth #3 – “It doesn't matter where I go when I die, as long as I eventually end up with Jesus.”
2 Timothy 4:8
5. Reality – The return of Jesus must be embraced, cherished, and loved.

Applications:
1. A disciple never graduates from learning from Jesus. We must choose daily to learn from him.
2. The coming kingdom of God needs to demonstrably shift our priorities and ethics so that we are ready when Jesus returns.
3. If the church is distinct from the building, then our opportunities to glorify God cannot be limited to Sunday mornings.
4. If we love the coming of Jesus, we will share that passion with others through evangelism.