Riverstone York: The Message

The darkness of Jesus' final days couldn't compete with the light He brought to the world. Though he faced unfair trials and a friend's denials, He willingly endured it so that our standing with God could be final. Be encouraged as we study Matthew 26:57-27:2.

When Jesus shared in the last supper with his disciples, He instituted a new covenant. Rather than look back to the Passover to remember God delivering Israel from Egyptian slavery, they now were to look back and remember Him. This has a profound impact on our understanding of God's plan for the world. The question then is What does God's Plan Mean to You?

Until we truly surrender all to Jesus, we'll only surrender some. The problem? That which isn't surrendered will feel threatened. In Matthew 26:1-16, we're invited to see Jesus for all He's worth rather than viewing him as a threat to a futile way of living.

Jesus was clear about how to live in light of His imminent return. To tribulation believers, he said he will come at any moment, so they should be ready, prepared, and faithful in every moment. It's applicable for you, too! In this message, we look at the second half of the Olivet Discourse in Matthew 25.

In the middle of Holy Week, between His triumphal entry and tragic crucifixion, Jesus had a candid conversation with His disciples about when He come again. Matthew 24 offers a sweeping overview of what's come to be known as the End Times. He provides a lot of information for us to consider—may it lead to transformation in how we live today and fulfill His mission.

In Matthew 23 Jesus rebuked, rejected, and warned Israel that judgement was coming. Their choice to reject Him sealed their fate. Studying what Jesus said reveals key failures on the part of the scribes, Pharisees and others. These failures serve as warnings for us so that we don't follow their lead.

The Pharisees were so focused on not accepting Jesus as God's son, the Messiah, that they missed so much of what God was doing in their midst! May we not miss out on God's supremacy, power, passion, or person. Matthew 22:15-46

The religious leaders were coming after Jesus hard during his final week on earth. He'd turned tables, taught, and healed in the temple—they wanted to how he had the authority to do such things. Turns out, by denying his authority, they actually disqualified themselves. (Matthew 21:23 - 22:14)

Palm Sunday is such an exciting day in the life of the church. Yet it's not without very serious considerations for our lives today. Learn how Jesus was officially presented to Israel, then see how his official rejection began to unfold in this message from Matthew 21

In Matthew 20, we see many different examples of the attitude required of a kingdom man or woman. Primarily, the Kingdom of Heaven doesn’t operate on merit—it operates on grace. Grace changes everything and makes a big difference in how you and I should live as kingdom people.

Normal is familiar and comfortable. It's what we want when things have been different for a while. But normal isn't always right. Jesus taught that some of the normal assumptions about the Kingdom of Heaven were actually wrong. He invited people to say, "no" to normal. He may be asking you to do the same thing today.

God has a plan. We can't stop God's plan, but we sure can get in the way! That applies to our relationships as well—we have a way of getting in the way of God's plan for marriage. Jesus was asked about and addressed it. Listen as we study what He said.

God has an incredible vision for the world! Not only that—He wants you to be part of it! You may feel unworthy, unable, or even be unwilling to help, but God invites, encourages, and enlists His people to be part of His vision. When you see life as being part of His vision, you'll realize that God is unfailing at accomplishing His vision.

Mark Gainer helps us consider Joseph and how God used him as an average person to accomplish his great purposes. You may feel average. You may not like that. But God uses average people everyday to serve and grow His kingdom.

Conflict is not enjoyable, but it is inevitable. Jesus provided specific instructions to help Christians win when conflict arises. From Matthew 18:15-35

One day Jesus' disciples started to argue about who was the greatest among them. Jesus quickly invited a child to Him and corrected their understanding. In the Kingdom of Heaven, the goal isn't to be great; it's to be small. Learn more in this message from Matthew 18:1-14.

There are some details in life that tend to distract us. Death and taxes are two such details. Jesus teaches us that details don't need to distract us from the whole story—which highlights his authority and resurrection. Learn more from Matthew 17:22-27

Mountaintop moments always end. It happens when you visit a scenic vista. It happened with Jesus, James, John, and Peter, too. They came down from the mount of transfiguration and were reminded of life in the valley. From glory to same old story of sin, sickness, and brokenness. This created the perfect opportunity for Jesus to teach the disciples the importance of a focused faith.

Since the moment of your conception, Jesus prepared for your coming to Heaven. Yet much of humanity is on a road that does not lead to Heaven. Wanting to be in Heaven doesn't get you there. Believing you're a good person doesn't get you there. Only those who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and believe in His resurrection live forever in Heaven.

Following Jesus is not always easy—it can be daunting, dangerous, and the days can be dark. Knowing what was ahead of them, Jesus invited Peter, James, and John up a mountain to see him transfigured. It was the confirmation they needed—and we need—that Jesus was the Man for God's Plan. Unpack that idea in this message from Matthew 17:1-13.

Candid conversations are sincerely honest and often mean a change is necessary. Does your discipleship journey with Jesus need a candid conversation? Jesus had one with his disciples in Matthew 16. This message invites you to consider what Jesus told them and how it applies to your life, too.

Do you know who Jesus is? It's the most important question you must answer. It's not a personal preference—His identity is definite. Confess with Peter, the apostles, and Christians through the centuries that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God! Matthew 16:13-20

Focusing on the wrong thing means you're not focused on the right thing. It can happen while we're driving; in a conversation; or even in living out your faith. Matthew 16:1-12 shows us the problem of wrong focus. We also see Jesus' solution to this all-too-common problem.

The Canaanite woman in Matthew 15 was fully disqualified from Jesus and His ministry, yet her faith was commended and Jesus healed her daughter. It's a reminder that Jesus is qualified to reach disqualified people. It may just be the hopeful message you need to hear, too.

For Jesus, confronting the Pharisees was a no-brainer. They were hypocritical, poor teachers, and didn't deal with sin correctly. For us, Jesus deals with those same things. But don't miss the impetus for the confrontation...It's all because Jesus Loves You.