Podcast on The Way

Matthew 2:1-12

The birth of Jesus Christ demands a response from every person. Matthew chapter 2 reveals four distinct ways people responded to the arrival of the King. Herod responded with hostility, seeing Jesus as a threat to his power and control. The people of Jerusalem responded with fear, paralyzed by potential consequences. The religious scribes responded with apathy, having perfect knowledge but taking no action. Only the wise men responded with worship, traveling far and sacrificing much to honor the King. These same four responses exist today, and each person must examine which one reflects their own heart toward Jesus.

Matthew 1:18-25

The Christmas story centers on two divinely chosen names that reveal everything about Jesus' identity and mission. In the ancient world, names carried profound significance—they weren't just labels but declarations of purpose and destiny. When the angel announced that Mary's child would be called Jesus and Emmanuel, these weren't random selections but divine revelations about who this child would be and what He came to accomplish. The name Jesus, derived from the Hebrew Joshua, literally means 'Yahweh saves' or 'God is salvation.' Every time we speak His name, we're declaring that God saves. But Jesus came to save us from something unexpected. While first-century Jews hoped for deliverance from Roman oppression and external enemies, Jesus came to save His people from their sins—the real enemy within. This message remains powerfully relevant today, as our deepest problems stem not from external circumstances but from the sin in our own hearts that creates broken relationships, anxiety, conflict, and spiritual separation from God. The second name, Emmanuel, means 'God with us' and represents one of the most profound theological truths in human history. God didn't merely send a representative or prophet; He came Himself. The Creator of the universe became a baby, fully God and fully man, to bring us back to Himself. This presence isn't just a historical fact confined to the nativity—it's an ongoing reality. Jesus promised to be with His followers always, actively working to save us from sin's penalty, purify us from sin's power, and empower us for service. These names remind us that we're never alone in our struggles and that our greatest need has already been met through God's personal intervention in human history.

Matthew 1:1-17

We all live under various authorities, but Jesus Christ holds ultimate authority as the promised King. Matthew's genealogy reveals Jesus as both the son of David, Israel's rightful King, and the son of Abraham, bringing blessing to all nations. The genealogy traces three movements: Israel's rise under David, their fall into exile, and restoration through Christ. Jesus didn't come as an earthly warrior king but to establish a spiritual kingdom in our hearts. As Christians, we are citizens of heaven living under King Jesus' authority in every area of life. The King has arrived, the promises are fulfilled, and we must surrender completely to His reign.

Titus 3

Brian Gollery

Matthew Intro

Discover the masterful structure of Matthew's Gospel and how it reveals Jesus' true identity through five powerful movements. This comprehensive Bible study explores how Matthew crafted his Gospel to systematically present Jesus as the divine Son of God with ultimate authority. Learn about the Sermon on the Mount and how Jesus speaks with divine authority, unlike the scribes who quoted other rabbis. Understand the ten mighty works that prove Jesus' power over disease, demons, nature, and death. Explore why religious leaders opposed Jesus despite undeniable miracles and how their rejection fulfilled prophecy. Discover the meaning behind Jesus' parables and why they reveal truth to some while concealing it from others. Study Peter's great confession and what it means to truly recognize Jesus as the Christ. Learn about the cost of discipleship and why Jesus called followers to take up their cross and deny themselves. Understand Jesus' mission statement to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. Explore the themes of judgment, justice, and hope in Jesus' final teachings before His crucifixion. Discover the significance of Jesus' death and resurrection and how it proves His ultimate authority over sin and death. Learn about the Great Commission and Jesus' promise to be with His followers always. This Bible study is perfect for Christians seeking deeper understanding of Matthew's Gospel, new believers wanting to know more about Jesus, and anyone interested in biblical theology and Gospel studies. Whether you're preparing for Bible study, sermon preparation, or personal devotion, this exploration of Matthew's structure will transform how you read and understand this foundational Gospel.

Why You Feel What You Feel

Your emotions aren't random weather patterns that just happen to you - they're spiritual indicators revealing what your heart truly believes and treasures. The biblical heart has three functions: it thinks, feels, and chooses, working together in a chain reaction where beliefs shape desires, desires create emotions, and emotions motivate choices. Anxiety reveals you're believing lies about God's care and desiring control, while anger shows you're demanding something you want right now, and discouragement exposes misplaced hope. Sin has corrupted all three dimensions of our hearts, but Christ offers transformation by renewing our minds with truth, changing our desires to treasure Him, and freeing our will to choose obedience. When strong emotions hit, ask yourself three questions: What am I believing? What am I wanting? What am I choosing? Then bring those answers to Scripture and let gospel truth transform your heart from the inside out.

Joshua 24

Discover powerful lessons about God's faithfulness and commitment from Joshua's final challenge to Israel in this inspiring biblical message. Learn how to overcome spiritual forgetfulness and respond to God's grace with wholehearted devotion. This comprehensive study of Joshua 24 reveals five movements of God's grace that demonstrate His unwavering faithfulness throughout history. Explore how grace surprises us by choosing the undeserving, delivers us from bondage, shields us from enemies, satisfies us with abundant provision, and demands our worship and commitment. Perfect for Christians seeking to deepen their faith, understand biblical commitment, and learn practical ways to remember God's faithfulness in daily life. Whether you're struggling with spiritual commitment, dealing with doubt, or wanting to grow in your relationship with God, this message provides biblical insights and practical applications. Topics covered include overcoming spiritual amnesia, removing modern idols, responding to God's grace, biblical commitment, and choosing whom to serve. Ideal for personal devotion, small group study, or anyone interested in Old Testament lessons that apply to modern Christian living. Learn how to actively remember God's faithfulness, respond with deeper commitment, and remove anything that competes with God for first place in your life.

Joshua 23