In this episode, Pastor Matthew Johnson continues our Follow series with a teaching from Matthew 22:15–22 and Acts 1:6–8. Jesus’ words, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God,” challenge us to consider how we live as citizens of both heaven and earth. Pastor Matthew unpacks the tension between faith and politics, reminding us that our hope and loyalty rest in God alone. With honesty, humor, and biblical insight, he explains how followers of Jesus can love others boldly, share truth wisely, and stay grounded in the only foundation that never shifts.
In this powerful exploration of Matthew 22, we dive deep into the parable of the wedding feast, uncovering profound truths about God's invitation to relationship. The story illustrates God's persistent love and desire for us, even when we reject Him. We're challenged to consider: have we truly accepted God's invitation, or are we indifferent? The parable reminds us that God's grace is available to all, but we must choose to accept it. A key insight is the exchange of our 'dirty garments' for God's righteousness - a beautiful metaphor for salvation. This message speaks to those feeling unworthy or struggling with imposter syndrome, assuring us that God's love isn't based on our performance, but on His grace. It's a call to embrace our new identity in Christ and to stay committed to our relationship with Him.
In this powerful message from Matthew 21, Pastor Matthew Johnson teaches how our cultural love of independence can quietly lead us to resist God’s authority. Through the parable of the wicked tenants, Jesus reveals that true discipleship begins with surrender—laying down our will to follow His. Pastor Matthew explores four key truths: God is the Creator, the Designer, the Redeemer, and the Judge. Each one calls us to trust Him completely. This teaching challenges believers to recognize areas of hidden rebellion, repent, and return to obedience. Discover how full submission leads to freedom and blessing in Christ.
This message from The Tree Church’s “Following Jesus” series explores Matthew 21: 18–22, where Jesus curses the barren fig tree. Pastor Mary Johnson challenges us to look at our own lives, are we producing the kind of spiritual fruit that reflects Jesus? Using the story as a picture of authentic faith, she reminds us that fruit isn’t about perfection but about inward change that shows outwardly through love, patience, and obedience. Discover how abiding in Christ transforms our actions, relationships, and hearts so that our lives reflect Him every day.
In this sermon, Pastor Matthew explores the tension of Jesus as both the Lion of Judah and the Lamb of God. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture points to a Messiah who embodies both power and sacrifice. In Matthew 21, the people expected Jesus to ride in as a conquering king who would overthrow Rome. Instead, He entered Jerusalem on a donkey in humility and cleansed the temple, confronting hypocrisy and defending His Father’s house. Pastor Matthew connects this moment to us today, reminding believers that we are now God’s temple. Jesus still flips tables in our hearts—not to shame us, but to free us—fighting for God’s glory, His reputation, and our transformation.
In this message from our Following Jesus series, Pastor Stacey Crawford teaches from Matthew 21: 28–32 and the parable of the two sons. With humor and honesty, she compares her own parenting experiences to the way we often respond to God—with excuses, empty promises, or delayed obedience. Jesus makes it clear that true repentance is not about lip service but about a genuine change of heart expressed in action. Pastor Stacey reminds us that God graciously receives every person who turns to Him in humility and obedience. Be encouraged that Jesus meets us with mercy, helps us change, and calls us to live in daily repentance.
Join Pastor Matthew as he teaches from Matthew 20 on the parable of the vineyard workers. This powerful message explores the depth of God’s grace, reminding us that His justice and generosity surpass human fairness. Whether you’ve followed Jesus for years or are just beginning, this sermon shows how salvation is received by faith and why surrendering everything to Him is worth it. Discover the hope, security, and joy that come when we trust God’s character and embrace His invitation to eternal life.
In Matthew 19, Jesus meets a rich young ruler who longs for eternal life but walks away sad because he could not let go of his possessions. In this powerful message, Pastor Matthew unpacks what this story means for us today. God never asks us to surrender something just to take from us—He always offers something better in return. Pastor Matthew teaches how wealth can quietly grip our hearts, how obedience releases us into freedom, and why trusting God with our resources is essential to experiencing true life. Discover the joy of surrender, the freedom of generosity, and the faithfulness of God in every season.
In this message from Matthew 18, Pastor Matt explains how Jesus calls us to live differently in our relationships. While culture teaches us to cancel, reject, and protect ourselves, Jesus teaches us to reconcile. Looking at Matthew 5 and Matthew 18, we see that reconciliation is not optional—it reflects the heart of God. Through personal stories and the parable of the unforgiving servant, we are reminded that forgiveness flows from the grace we ourselves have received. Discover how to release bitterness, pursue healing, and value relationships over arguments. Join us as we learn the freedom of reconciliation and how the Holy Spirit empowers us to love as Jesus loves.
What does it really mean to be great? In Matthew 18 and 20, Jesus challenges the world’s view of greatness by teaching that true greatness begins with humility, values the vulnerable, and is lived out in service to others. Pastor Matthew reminds us that while culture celebrates power, wealth, and status, Jesus redefines greatness as following His example: not to be served, but to serve and give His life for many. In this message, discover how to shift your focus from pride and self-promotion to Christlike humility and service.
In this sermon from Matthew 17, 24–27, Pastor Anthony Lombardi explores how Jesus models both spiritual conviction and compassionate consideration. When confronted about the temple tax, Jesus, though exempt as the Son of God, chooses to pay it to avoid unnecessary offense. This message challenges us to reflect on how our words, actions, and attitudes impact others, and how our conduct can draw people toward or push them away from Christ. With insights from the Apostle Paul, we’re reminded to live humbly, sometimes surrendering personal rights for the sake of love, peace, and witness. Through practical examples, we see how God calls us to intentional living, using His blessings not just for ourselves but to serve and encourage those around us.
In this sermon, Pastor Matthew unpacks the tension between God’s high calling and His abundant grace through the powerful story found in Matthew 17 and Mark 9. We witness a father desperate for his son’s healing and disciples who falter in faith, both met by Jesus with compassion and truth. The message explores the difference between beginning faith, focused on what Jesus can do for us, and growing faith, focused on what He wants to do in and through us. With practical insights on spiritual disciplines, emotional honesty, and God’s unwavering faithfulness, this teaching challenges and encourages believers to renew their faith and trust God through every season. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or deepening your trust, this message is a timely reminder that Jesus meets us with grace, power, and purpose.
In this powerful message, Pastor Anthony Lombardi explores Matthew 14: 22–33, where Peter steps out of the boat and walks on water toward Jesus. With transparency, humor, and deep biblical insight, Pastor Anthony teaches that our faith journey is often marked by both courage and failure. He reminds us that Jesus meets us in our storms, sustains us through our struggles, and extends grace when we fall. Whether you're battling fear, facing uncertainty, or in need of reassurance, this sermon offers encouragement and clarity on how to trust Jesus more fully in every season of life.
In this powerful exploration of faith, we delve into the story of the Canaanite woman from Matthew 15. This narrative challenges us to reconsider our understanding of difficulty in our spiritual journey. The woman's persistence in seeking Jesus' help, despite facing silence and apparent rejection, serves as a model for unwavering faith. We're reminded that our struggles and moments of divine silence aren't signs of failure, but opportunities for spiritual growth. The message encourages us to push through barriers, both external and internal, in our pursuit of Christ.
It's a call to trust God's goodness even when His responses don't meet our expectations, understanding that He may be using our difficulties to deepen our faith and dependence on Him. This teaching invites us to reframe our perspective on life's challenges, seeing them not as obstacles to avoid, but as the very means through which our faith can be strengthened and refined.
In this sermon from our Following Jesus series, we explore one of the most foundational questions in all of Christianity: “Who do you say Jesus is?” Through Matthew 16, we unpack Peter’s bold confession and Jesus’ call to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. This message highlights the personal and transformational implications of recognizing Jesus as both Lord and Savior. With real-life stories of faith, struggle, and obedience, the sermon encourages listeners to reflect on their own surrender and trust in God’s greater purpose—even in seasons of confusion and difficulty.
In this powerful message, Pastor Matthew Johnson challenges us to reflect on how we truly view the authority of God’s Word in our lives. Are Scripture and God’s commands rules to obey or merely suggestions to consider?
Using the story of the Pharisees and scribes from Matthew 15, Pastor Matthew exposes the danger of letting man-made traditions and personal desires override the clear teachings of Scripture. He explains the vital purposes God’s Word serves — protection, direction, introspection, correction, and comfort, and how submitting to it fully leads to life and transformation.
In this powerful exploration of the Kingdom of God, we're challenged to consider the true value of our faith. Through Jesus' parables of the mustard seed and leaven in Matthew 13, we see how something small can grow into something magnificent when empowered by God.
The sermon explored Jesus' response to those demanding a sign, emphasizing the importance of having an open heart towards God. We delved into the contrast between the hardened hearts of the Pharisees and the receptive attitudes of unlikely believers like the Ninevites and the Queen of Sheba. Most importantly, we discussed Jesus' ultimate sign - His resurrection - and its profound implications for our faith and lives.
In this powerful exploration of Matthew 13, we delve into the Parable of the Sower and its profound implications for our spiritual lives. Jesus uses this story to illustrate how differently people receive and respond to God's truth. The four types of soil represent various states of our hearts: the hard path, rocky ground, thorny soil, and good soil. This parable challenges us to examine the condition of our own hearts and how receptive we are to God's word. Are we allowing the cares of this world to choke out spiritual growth? Or are we cultivating rich, fertile soil that produces abundant fruit? The message emphasizes our responsibility in preparing our hearts to receive and act upon God's truth. It's not just about hearing the word, but understanding and applying it to our lives. This parable reminds us that spiritual growth requires intentional effort and a willingness to prioritize our relationship with God above worldly concerns. As we reflect on this teaching, we're encouraged to take practical steps to deepen our spiritual soil, such as daily Bible study, prayer, and active participation in a faith community. By doing so, we position ourselves to not only hear God's truth but to let it transform our lives and bear fruit for His kingdom.
